'supporting each other through really tough times'

Popperwell

jpscloud wrote: »

Love that tree Fuddle! I feed the birds too, I invested in a sack of Nyger seeds and have a colony of goldfinches that feed every day, winter and summer! I put bird cakes out too, I buy the big tub of 50 at poundstretcher, but really must look into making my own. Do you have a recipe (sorry if I missed it in earlier posts)?

When money was not a problem I ordered direct and had sacks of bird seed delivered and had my own bins in the outhouse...I also have made my own bird cakes, dead simple...just use a foil tray put a mixture of seeds/nuts in the tray and add melted fat, let it set and then cut to the appropriate size.

Sadly don't get the wildlife and birds now as some of my trees were removed due to new neighbours kicking up a fuss, never bothered others before them or the rest that live around here...and the new neighbours got rid of their trees and shrubs and went for lots of concrete and flagstones...installed a big patio/BBQ area and it has been used once in perhaps three years...

Popperwell

I'll be a regular shopper there craigywv. If Lidl's would come here and B&M's we would not be too bad. The nearest of those are approx 5 miles away so you have to factor taxi/bus fares into any savings...

Aria`s_Tail

We have a 'Green area' at the bottom of our garden. Basically a hundred meters of trees sheltering us from the dual carrigeway! We have Midland Hawthorns, a large Holly and Sycamore trees growing just over the back fence so have loads of trees to hang bird feeders from. Get most of the food cheep (:o) from H Bargins and B and M. I too love watching the robins, blue tits, spuggies et al from the windows (though not so keen on the pair of grey squirrels that have moved in recently).
Have swallowed some pain killers and taken the pooches for a gental stroll around the block. That is me in for the night though. I am gratefull at this time of year for having two dogs that don't bat an eyelid at fireworks. Sorry Lynne, hope Docky is OK. If I was closer I would come round with my 2 as role models. X

Mrs_Chip

I make fat balls for the birds - using our old solid oil, but lard or dripping would do.

I mix bird seed, nyger, peanuts chopped in the blender, oats and any manky flour (Some bags get damp here) together, them pour in the melted fat. Mix it up to a really stiff mix and shape handfuls into balls, giving them a good hard squeeze (:rotfl:). I add more flour to get the right consistency. They set quite hard and and are not too greasy to make a mess of the birds feathers (that's quite important).

[Deleted User]

Thanks ARIA - He's currently at the back of the gap under the desk trying to squeeze himself under the filing cabinet! He gets so distressed that there is no comforting him in any way, so we just have to be in here with him and weather the season. We've spent a considerable amount trying all the things suggested by the vet and every management strategy on the planet and nothing gives him any respite, so here we are again and I hope the fireworks don't go on for weeks like they normally do. He's currently sleeping in my place with DH and I'm in the spare room - Hey Ho thats life!!! Hope yours are OK too, Cheers Lyn x.

fuddle

Now meditation is something I think I should take up. I enjoy any time of peace and quiet in this house.

Alfie doesn't seem too bothered by the fireworks. He was out in the garden a short time ago with the door ajar. I heard a banger and thought he'd be in but I didn't see him again until he heard the sound of carrots chopping. (he is ever hopeful I miss cut and flick one in his direction)

Stress in the olden days? How did women cope back then. I guess they just got on with it. Makes me feel a bit feeble in comparison to the battleaxe's (that might be a derogatory term, I don't mean to be, just describing a strong determined woman) of yesteryear.

[Deleted User]

FUDDLE - I think women in years gone by saw the job of being wife and mother as the fulfilment of their lives, it was what they were trained to do and taught to believe was the epitome of success. They all had a thorough grounding in the practicalities of everyday life because they were expected to do their share of everything from an early age and taught to be content with their lot. Not I think to everyones taste these days, but I think it might have been a satisfying life if a hard one. I suspect they were always too tired out to be stressed and as Mar pointed out the other day, they had neighbours in the same situation to share it all with, there's comfort in knowing shared problems, we know that so well don't we on here? Cheers Lyn xxx. Glad Alfie is OK with the whiz bangs!!! L x.

missrlr

Oh Doglet drives me to distraction, barking non stop at anything remotely resembling fireworks fighting to get out and run around barking if he can. Clearly not happy but we have the pheromone things on weeks before hand, try and get the heads up from people about their plans, but most are a bunch of ignorant so and so's hence lot luck when we can let the boy out without risk of crescendo and hours of it inside when we can get him back in!

Popperwell

What do I know? I am a bloke but I think what you say is true Lynne. I see nothing wrong if that is what a female wants to do or can work so both can be done...I'd say the same if the shoe was on the other foot but today the media/politicians/pressure groups would say putting family and home first is wrong. Why? You do what is right for you...

I'm not sure any particular way is right/wrong but today many haven't the choice because everything costs so much and wages are so poor, usually you require two incomes. And though the Government say bringing up children is important to pass on skills, love, a stable person etc...and avoid the so called "Latch key" children or them being on the streets causing trouble...they want you back to work as soon as is possible...but many jobs are not flexible enough, so you can be there for when they return from school...so the burden(wrong word but you know what I mean)falls on the grandparents/friends or you have to try and pay for expensive childcare.

In some ways society has improved and in other ways perhaps not...

Really quiet around here fireworks wise...it has practically died out in recent years perhaps that is the way we are going...

danetastic

In process of catching up and read about thrifty nifty me having dog food that is no longer needed . When I lost my collie ( she was PTS due to liver failure) I got my mum and dad to take the newly opened dog food sack to my local rescue . I couldn't face going as I was too upset loosing Bess .
The rescue was over the moon and gave my parents a guided tour !!! This time of year there are often appeals for dog food so they can give yhw pooches a special dinner Christmas day ( just a thought) off to Cath up some more .......