'supporting each other through really tough times'

Aria`s_Tail

Kidcat, I used to tie up the tree when I had cats in the house.It is a good idea.
The dogs normally don't bother with it. I do put plastic decs on the bottom third just to protect against wagging tails. Will start looking for some special replacement decs next year, it's all put away now.

kidcat

Thanks Lyn

stiltwalker

We've got the tree tied to the curtain pole - but it's because of the kids, no furry friends here sadly, though I did get DH a spaniel duster dog as a joke pressie as he's desperate for a spaniel, just can't manage a dog on to of everything else although I too would dearly love one. Aria - so jealous - beautiful and elegant - if a little clumsy!

Well I gave DH a pass and he has gone to see the Hobbit with a couple of mates - think I might have to do it more often as I am having a lovely evening enjoying myself felting, singing along to Dinah Washington at the top of my voice and having a wee glass of pinot grigio.

Hugs all (I'm in that sort of jolly but laid back mood and on only one glass I promise!)

kidcat

stiltwalker - our tree tying started as a kid thing too, in fairness it still is, although we have had a few cats tree incidents over the years, one cat used to take up residence and not leave until we took the tree down but these three are not so bad, although there have been a few scuffles around the bottom this year:)

Byatt

Kidcat, I don't know how much my stove cost, around £300 ish now I think.

Mine is a multi burner, and I have started using phurnacite, it got so hot it actually boiled the water in the kettle I have on top of it, and I made a fab cup of tea! It's so cosy and warm in here now.

kidcat

I know I definitely want a stove it is just a case of price, we have been offered a sum of money but it may not be enough to cover the costs, in which case we will have to look at something else to do.

Seeing the gorgeous pics of your stove Byatt has spurred me on. We dont have a chimney though, although it would be placed on an outside wall it would need venting somehow.

As Lyn says I need to get a few quotes and see what the options are - its also a case or researching types so I have an idea what we would like.

monnagran

Ooh! all this talk of woodburners makes me so envious. Mrs LW I had a Clearview WB in the cottage and would never have another make - it was superb. We had no central heating (Grade 2 listed) but the WB heated the whole cottage. Sometimes in the winter I had to open the back door to let some of the heat out!

Nice to hear from you again PAH.

Really can't wait to get back to what passes for normal chez nous. I really want to get more organised this year so that I have more time to do what I want to do. I don't know where the time goes but I'm determined to find out.

My stepGS got himself engaged on Christmas day and we are going to see them on Monday. They are a lovely young couple and have been together for a long time so fingers crossed for them.

I am absolutely fed up with cooking at the moment and could do with everyone eating sandwiches for a few days - in my dreams! I'm even fed up with eating which is a bit worrying. With the fat on me I could probably survive a few weeks anyway. I'm trying to give away chocolates I was given for Christmas but meeting stiff resistance from the Rev, who could also easily survive a siege! The last thing either of us need is more chocolate.

Bed for me now I think.

x

meme30

Byatt:- Love the Elizabeth Kubler Ross quote.

Arias tail:- Lovely pics, Patience and intelligence shining out of their beautiful eyes.

I made two recipes yesterday using filo pastry. One had it scrunched on the top as a pie crust and one used it as a pastry base. The first one was great, the second was not so good.
It was a sort of quiche. The filling was a mixture of what I had in, so onion, red pepper, bacon and broccoli. Veg were all pre-cooked and drained, especially the broccoli (half an hour) The base came out far too wet and soggy. The eggs set ok so I'm thinking it was the broccoli.:(
Have any of you used filo pastry as a base in a similar recipe before? I don't know if it is too delicate for a base or if I used the wrong veg.

fuddle

Morning

Sheesh, the talk of boredom a few pages back is so relevant to me right now. Las night I was seriously grumpy because I was so bored. Nothing on freeview (used to sky with all my fav's recorded to watch in times of boredom) no Internet, no wool for fiddling with my crochet hooks (casualty of the move 'I chucked that bag of wool odds and sods fuddle' grrrrr! Although I have wool in order for a gift project I just hope the shade showed up ok on phone. I resorted to reading the bero book last night. I thought terrible at being so empty as a person, that I relied on technology to make me happy. Seriously need to get crafty and make things. I'd like a new hobby, a one that I can sit in living room with DH and natter over. Any ideas?

I've been bunged up (you know what I mean? ) for 5 days now and last night doubled up with stomach pain. I resorted to iTunes last night and couldn't sleep for grumbly tummy (oh for goodness sakes... Laxatives!!) I really am fed up if the sluggish feeling and kick starting our healthier eating too. We're having pate, rocket and toast for tea tonight and ploughmans tomorrow. I've also dug out my old running kit. I fear it may split under the strain that is me now but I ain't buying new! Also downloaded the couch to 3k app to help me relearn my body to run... Not a pretty sight at the moment. Thank goodness it's dark at 4pm

I'm with those of you who feel a bit guilty for not doing housework and I too am going to try to shake it. With everything being in its place, every thing new and tidy etc I don't really need to do vey much in the way of housework but feel so bad for not doin anything. I'm actually really worried about what the heck I'm going to do when the girls go back to school. A priority is a car so I can get a full time job. My depression will come back if I feel useless. The good news is that the girls new school offer wrap around care, at a cost, but still it's the before and after school child care worry taken away from me.

DH fishing and apart from walking the girls and Alfie dog over the nature reserve later on (very lucky for walks where I live now) I really don't know what to do. I think some carrot cookies from well eat again.

Have a good day everyone x

Possession

Byatt I'm so glad your stove is working properly now, and all cosy!
Fuddle I can get v bored too, and I don't have the excuse of not needing to do housework, I do need to do it but I hate it, and it gets put off. I really need to make myself do it. The thing is before Christmas it was so manic - you with your move, me with all the hamper stuff I was making - it's bound to be a bit of an anti-climax now. My aim is to get the house straight, then I shall aim for something else.