'supporting each other through really tough times'

Sweet_Pea_Cottage

I have been reading the OS threads on and off for several years but have never actually registered as a poster...until today.

I was recently made redundant and my life as changed quite a bit over the last few months. I got an allotment in April after being on the waiting list for 5 years (it's literally behind the fence at the bottom of my garden:j), and I also got a rescue dog so I am walking more. I am looking to lead a less stressful and more OS way of life.:)

I have suffered from anxiety and depression since I was a child and it is an on-going battle to keep it from rearing its ugly head so I can empathise with others on here who are struggling with this.

[Deleted User]

Morning SWEET PEA, what a lovely name, I've always wanted to call someone Sweet Pea!!! Welcome aboard the Toughies thread. It's always lovely to have new friends to chat with, we're not always serious, but it's always fun. Glad you've joined us, come on in, the water's fine!!! Cheers Lyn x.

The_Dragon

Welcome to the thread Sweet Pea Cottage , good luck with the allotment and your new dog :T

Sweet_Pea_Cottage

Thanks for the welcome. I'm loving the whole allotment thing even though I've been growing veg in my garden for years. It's nice to meet fellow allotment holders and be out in the fresh (very fresh today!) air.

My plan is to be almost 100% sufficient with regards to veg, so a big chunk of the plot is spuds.

Bigjenny

Welcome SWEET PEA to the thread.

I must have missed he post that has been commented on, has it been deleted?

I don't post on here very often but read it every day and love hearing about the things that everybody had been up to, good or sad.

If I have asked a question occasionally it has always been answered.

I read some of the other threads too, but this is the best one

Jenny

Mrs_Chip

Looking back, the two or three contentious posts seem to have gone - perhaps now would be a good time to draw a line under something that should not have been necessary and just look forward.

Welcome Sweet Pea ! I would love an allotment (none available here) but I know they are hard work at times, so well done. And lucky you to have a doggy companion - we will too, one day, but hearing about all the doggy antics on here keeps us amused for now!

Talking of doggy antics - anyone heard from SmileyT lately? I do miss her stories of doggy destruction and strange encounters in municipal parks!

nuttyp

Hi everyone, wow lots have happened over the last few hours. I was quite shocked by some of the posters. I always found this to be such a nice friendly place, and also helpful. Its true its not all about money saving but it is still a very helpful place.

I am so grateful for the advise I have received, and I hope that what I post to help others can be seen as too.

I finally went to the doctors today, and I have started back on the AD, I think mine is the same as fuddles. My sleep is so broken that I think last night I ended up in total I has about 4 hours.

Well im off to get ready for work, doctor wanted to sign me off but I really cant stay in and do nothing.

SDG31000

Hello Everyone and a special big Hello to all the newbies....Welcome :wave:

I know I have been MIA for a while, but I have been reading along and cheering/offering virtual sympathy and cake where required. My black dog is still growling at me occasionally, but has mostly backed off thank goodness. I've been existing rather than living if that makes sense and didn't feel like I had anything to say. I've also been really busy over the last week and baking up a storm with visitors to feed and 5 cakes to make for work. I'm baking for me today and have a caraway seed cake in the oven at the moment. I've wanted to make one for ages and today was the day.

VJsmum As an alternative to tins, have you considered the proper food that supermarkets have in foil packs now. They cost more, but weigh much less. These are the posh ones that Tesco has, but I think they are producing their own versions as well now. http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Search/Default.aspx?searchBox=Look+What+We+Found&newSort=true
They are with the tinned ready meals in my supermarket.

I am trying to find new things to cook and to reduce my shopping bills by using up the huge amount of food in the house, but I'm still having problems with that. I think fuddle mentioned feeling the emotional need to have stores in the past and I completely understand that. The problem is that I don't want to use them and lose that feeling of security. If anyone has some good recipes for using up tins of beans/lentils then they would be greatly appreciated. I also have a big bag of gram flour I don't know what to do with. Not to mention my huge stash of mincemeat (Sainsburys were selling it off at 27p a jar so I stocked up :whistle: )
I have tried meal planning, but stuff happens and I go off plan and can't seem to get back on track. Getting DH and the monsters to help with the planning process is impossible and when I'm down I find making decisions is just too difficult, even if the decision is only what to make for dinner.

Tomorrow we are off to visit Birmingham Uni with DS1. My friend is upset because her baby is starting full time school in September, I'm upset as mine is leaving home. Our birthdays are less than 2 months apart but we are at completely different life stages. At least a trip to Birmingham means Krispy Kremes

Take care everyone ((((((((((hugs)))))))))))

Bigjenny

How about an apple pie with a layer of mincemeat under the apple, tastes lovely.

Here are some recipes ideas from Delia http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/main-ingredient/mincemeat.

HTH

Cheapskate

Welcome, Sweet Pea, how handy to have an allotment at the bottom of your garden - I really envy you!

In a couple of weeks mum has a follow up at the memory clinic, where we're really hoping we get a diagnosis of sorts. Really hope it's not dementia, but family history/genes not looking good! If it is, at least we know where she's headed and can plan. I'd like to get some family tales written down before she forgets too much and some of her recipes! We're going to do a big clean and tidy at hers as well, so that when sister who lives abroad visits in a few weeks she's less to moan about. Very long/boring/slightly unpleasant history, but suffice to say we don't want her kicking off and slating us for not looking after mum 24/7, NHS for not dropping every other patient in her favour, etc.... see where I'm going? I think family woes are the toughest things EVER!!! :rotfl:

A xo