make do and mend for tougher times

kidcat

PAH - my theory is that if I get everything done and organised by 2pm I will grab a couple of hours sleep while DD keeps an eye, it the quietest time as littlies will be occupied and my guess is the boys will sit on PS3 so DD can just watch over whilst I nap thanks:)

westcoastscot

pah that's just lovely! and you totally deserve it.

Fuddle your oh sounds lovely! Wouldn't worry about using up your store-cupboard, mine is designed for such a time as this when life slaps you! Just congratulate yourself that you had the foresight to build up a store-cupboard, and you can do so again when you move.

Popperwell

Good Luck Fuddle, probably a good idea working with the HA for our area even if the plan is to really go more in the Yorkshire direction. It is just possible something is suitable here that is not exactly located "In Town"

Pah what a lovely gesture. Strange what we dream and sometimes they seem so real. Try to ignore such fears but we all doubt our worth at some point.

Hugs to all that need them and I think that is just about everyone I think.

ginnyknit

Good afternoon all, been up since 5.30 am due to Oh's nightmares and my bl**dy sciatic. Luckily DGs didnt stay last night,we had him from 10 am and took him back bathed and well ready for bed. He is such a little cheeky man, he actually teases us and understands every word we say.

So sorry to hear about your OH's job kidcat, but knowing you, you will get through. We are all here for you.

Fuddle, no wonder you had a flipping panic attack, but now you are through it and seem to have got a grip on things (understandable to have a wobble) I think you will come out of it all with a lovely new house. I agree with D&DD use up that stockpile and save your cash, every bit helps.

Dd and co have gone to a big park today with their picnic and her Oh has orders to bring me back an alpaca, which was a rash idea because knowing him he could actually fit one in the boot. They have our car as we are both on automatic pilot. I am making bacon butties but just found you have to put the grill on to cook it don't you? was wondering why I couldnt hear a sizzle :rotfl: Think I had better stick to simple tasks today

Popperwell

The Food programme on Radio 4 "NOW!" Is hosted by someone to do with the Great British Bakeoff and the topic is about how ovens are going to change in the next few years(bet they cost a bit more)and also how to make better use of your oven. Available soon as a download/stream if you missed it and repeated tomorrow I think around 3.30pm...

mardatha

You know how they say in the old days all the mums gathered at their gates and doorsteps for a natter with neighbours and helped each other with problems and hard times ? well we're the virtual version in here!

kidcat

Mar what a lovely thought:)

savingqueen

Hello everyone,

Just grabbing a chance to post as DH is hiding from kids in our bedroom trying to study. (new laptop battery not working grrrr). He is spending most of his spare time studying the last few weeks (accounting course started in Sept.) He is really struggling with his course - paid for by work and feeling under huge pressure to pass it. He works for a Uni and most colleagues are highly qualified and/or overqualified and he is already aware of his lack of qualifications (more than made up by commonsense, a bright mind, lots of experience etc etc.) One of his tutors took him aside last week as she can tell he is finding it so tough. I did a similarish course a couple of years ago and am going to try and look at his books and refresh/re-learn and try and help him. It will mean so much to him to pass - both for work reasons and his self esteem/confidence. I already have lots to do and am always tired in the eves so will be a challenge but if I can help him, I must.

Sorry to go on about non OS stuff particularly when everyone else is struggling with problems.

Fuddle - won't add much as other posts offer so much good advice but just to say I am thinking of you and I know you will get through this and emerge stronger still. Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better and I really do believe your housing situation will get better for you. You are a fighter, a strong woman and we believe in you!

PAH - you are certainly not a moaner, though have every right to be. Nowt wrong with a bit of moaning as long as we balance it with some positiveness and humour sometimes. We definitely do that on here! Glad you are making plans to make your rooms cosy and attractive - keep us posted.

Katie, GQ and anyone else sleep deprived - having a rotten night's sleep is awful, I feel for you. Hope you can catch up on your sleep soon.

Kidcat - sorry to hear the job news, sending you a hug.

Vjsmum – sorry to hear you’re feeling down, sending you a hug too. I feel similarly - always feel a bit down in the build up to Christmas and then usually better after - don't know why?

Siltwalker - glad you had a wonderful day.

Smiley and Mrs Chip - hope you both had happy birthdays. :bdaycake:

Mrs LW - happy pet-sitting!

Hugs to anyone else I've missed who needs one.

I really must get off my btm and get some stuff done. I have zero energy and lurch from pushing myself to do things and thinking I must rest else I'll never get through the week. Yawning as I type! Only 1 more week til kids off school so maybe the relaxed starts and lack of routine and hopefully so fun might help. I always go to my parents for Oct half-term and see my sister there as well and for the first time ever I think I won't be going (due to family fall-out) so maybe that partly explains why I'm feeling low.

ok no more excuses...off I go. will read even if I can't post later. Downton tonight :j

onward and upwards fellow toughies....don't give up...we can do it

sq:)

Possession

For those following gluten-free diets there are some great recipes here:
http://pinterest.com/jnystul/gluten-free-goodness/

2tonsils

Thanks for that Link Possession...I love pinterest but never get beyond posting the fashions from Polyvore.com ...I love that site.... some fantastic ideas for gluten free on there that I am going to try. I do like it when they do photos of the food to tempt you into making them. I have many friends who don't need to eat gluten free but find they prefer it when they try it.

Have been sat on the balcony at the front of the house sewing all afternoon. I had been looking at autumn/winter outfits on the Polyvore and I had sudden inspiration! I had five or six cardigans from two years ago that still fit me well, but the front of them where they button had gone all out of shape and the buttons would pull undone, driving me crazy.

I sewed the edge of the piece of cardi that holds the buttons fastened with tiny matching stitches so that they were closed like jumpers. I washed them all in softener and they came out looking like brand new.So I can get another winter out of them at least. Then my OH asked me if they were new...

He helped me fix the washer this morning and the group effort worked. Last night it would not spin or empty and it was the same this morning. So I squeezed out the clothes by hand then hung them out to dry while he dismantled the pipe that takes out the water. It had started to decay (rubber) and had closed in on itself. So we put in calgon and put it on a hot wash and now its working perfectly again. What a relief, can't afford a new washer at the moment and it was an expensive one. I have had it for six years with no problems so I guess I can't complain about it.

Off to do some lamb chops with mash and veg and of course, some mint sauce for dinner. Had an easy day at home relaxing today and it was lovely. Have to get my blood tests done sometime this week then go to have my thyroid scan and check up by the endocrinologist. I pay privately to see him but do get the scan and two hours consultation for 40 euros, which is a bargain. He is the best on the island...absolutely off his trolley , but still good at his job!