'supporting each other through really tough times'

mcculloch29

Pops, don't worry. You are making such good progress, don't knock yourself back.
Do any of your neighbours have half-empty bins that you can use before Friday? I quite regularly see the residential home next door look in my bin when I've put it out to see if they can wedge any rubbish in. Usually mine is only half full.

Re the house, of course it's not to threaten you with eviction, but they do have a right to see that the house is safe to live in.
From what you say and what you've told me, you are doing really well, so just smile, grin and bear it and keep going.

You can see why HAs do worry. I have a friend whose house was utterly appalling, she was never evicted, but the council - as it then was - was not a happy bunny. Eviction really is a last resort.

Really cluttered houses are health and safety hazards .They can be deadly firetraps. There was a hoarder in Barney about 4 years ago whose terrace house at the top of Galgate caught fire; it really made it a very dangerous job for the firefighters. She got out, but the house was gutted, they just had to let it burn to a degree and the contents - lots of papers included - provided fuel for the fire.

lovefullshelves

Hi Popperwell, just a little voice of support, I used to hate it when the landlord visited, I felt just awful as he wandered round taking notes even though the house was dreadful before I moved in and they only let me rent it as I had to get away from evil ex!
I have clutter, good job no one comes to check on me now!! They'd have to fight the cats to get in, trip over my wellies, face first into the catfood plates(er...15 cats..alot of plates!) then prob get the amorous tom cat saying hello:D Keep finding a reason to smile

mcculloch29

Kidcat, the HA took over a lot of the council staff so as not to make them redundant; the borough council actually had a very good record with looking after tenants, so a good service has always been in place.

Some good news here. My DSis down in South Wales was told the other week that something had shown up on a mammogram. She had breast cancer in 2011 and convinced herself it was back -she would not countenance that it wasn't. She is 9 years older than me and has a bit too much time on her hands to think about worst case scenarios, I guess.

When a scan this week showed it wasn't back after all, she was actually shocked and tearful, she was so convinced it was back- God, I am relieved and happy.
Not just for her, though I am, obviously, but for all the rest of the family and those she deals with.

My poor niece had a dreadful time constantly thinking that her Mum wasn't going through with treatment last time and rang me in despair a few times.

kidcat

oh McCulloch thats such good news

As for the HA - I am just wondering if they are looking for something to do and make themselves look useful whilst mithering the life out of poor tenants like Pops, he has had so many visits in recent weeks.

My OH went from monthly pay to weekly ages ago as did most of the staff - I said at the time I thought it was a way of making work - seems I was right as one of the new measures being considered is monthly pay across the board and cutting wages dept in half

Byatt

As a private tenant I had visits from the LL's agent every 6-8 weeks. Usually with the minimum notice. After one visit in which the house was somewhat untidy and a stain on the carpet I was told if it wasn't removed (the stain) when they visited again in a weeks time, and the place was generally tidy I would not have my contract renewed.

Now, my LL lives next door, is fairly easy going thankfully, but most places down here have regular visits from the LL.

Popperwell

Its already different now...but seven rooms out of nine were ok when they were here...and were vacuumed too. Sink was untidy because I was doing everything else and I was steeping some dishes to get the bread that had stuck to them when I tried making some over the weekend. That is tidy too.

I found one of them reading a letter of mine but was so occupied with everything else never thought to make something of it, I quite liked the council, not many seem keen on the HA. I like as little to do with them...

Thanks all...

Good news about your Sister mcculloch29 too.

savingqueen

Evening everyone,

Had another positive couple of days. Really enjoying my courses and meeting some great new people. DS8 enjoying his new swim class and making friends there and I got chatting with a lovely woman. I tend to chat with everyone but not many people I really click with. Got DS6's one to one swim classes booked to start next week and with the exact teacher we both wanted. Think DS6 is turning a corner with his behavioural issues.

What else? Had an hour to spare before counselling skills course and just time to visit one charity shop and came away with a big bag of lovely clothes. I think someone with similar tastes and size (or was once my size) was having a clear out. I have no jackets, never buy them and was planning a trawl round shops to buy a new one and dreading the cost - luck was one my side, found 2 spring jackets (both short semi-fitted mac types with belts) which will go with jeans and smarter stuff. Very happy!

Not getting much housework done but getting odds and ends done to keep things ticking over. What I really want to do is a baking session, haven't made any cakes/biscuits for ages, only bread. Might try and do a quick batch of something tomorrow.

Then I log onto emails this eve and there is a venomous email from my sister about us not coming to the wedding.I did say originally we were thinking about it, trying to open up a conversation but all I got was a curt email saying "shall we take it you're not coming then?" nothing else in email. I replied saying that we were still thinking about it and not sure what to do with the situation as it is (not even talking) and the last email I received tonight was horrible, telling me how selfish I am and how disgracefully I have treated our mum etc. Honestly there is nothing I can do with that email so will just leave it unanswered and let them have their wedding in peace. All I ever said was I was feeling hurt and why and for daring to do that I am being vilified. I am actually ok about it even though upset but feel so sad that our relationship seems to have little if any hope of being repaired.

I hope you all don't mind me posting above, I need to get it out before I go to bed. I have so many positive people and things in my life, I will not let that positivity be wasted. Tomorrow is a new day, I am meeting my lovely friend for a thank you coffee (me to her ), will finish my coursework for Friday and do a few chores like change beds. Life is good.

sq:)

kidcat

((hugs)) SQ sometimes ignoring it is the only way to go and it means you are not feeding the beast

boultdj

[Hugs] SQ, as the saying goes you can't pick your family.

nuttyp

Hi everyone, lots happening over the last few days. Only just had time to catch up. Yesterday I was back at work for 14 hours, totally worn out today. Tuesday was OH uncle funeral. It was a nice service, lots of allotment friends there too. OH dad and brothers totally ignored us, hey who cares. We were a bit overdressed, I made OH wear his suit and waistcoat and I worn a dress and fitted jacket. His brothers turned up in jeans and a shirt. They just said we looked out of place, no we have respect. All very petty.

Monday we spent the day at home tidying up the garden and house.

Today I am having a big treat - my haircut. Only cancelled twice already due to lack of money and then being offered an extra shift at work.

RE HEADLICE, definatley agree with the conditioner and comb. We used the cheapest conditioner from the supermarket and added a good dollop of tea tree oil to it. Lather lots on, and comb through. Youngest DD has very curly hair, so it was a big help to get rid of them.

Kidcat, hope everything goes ok today for OH.

Pops, our council does visits too. Mainly to stop people from getting themselves into bad ways, don't worry too much just keep sorting and when they return you can wow them.

Must go and get ready, take care everyone x