'supporting each other through really tough times'

savingqueen

nargleblast - thanks for posting the rights charter, very useful for everyone.

In a thoughtful mood amongst the general mess and chaos today - kids on half term and we've been baking, playing games, toys, crumbs and cobwebs everywhere but letting it all "just be" today.

Decided to share this with you all, a personal favourite of mine:

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrmann 1927


sq:)

[Deleted User]

SAVING QUEEN that is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read, it IS a beautiful world, I think some days it's hard to keep that in mind but it's the truth of the matter. Thank you so very much for giving us such a gift, Cheers Lyn xxx.

mardatha

Has anybody ever worked out which is more economical - to batch cook and freeze, then use a microwave to reheat .. or to do it the usual way, just cooking on the stove every day?

[Deleted User]

Have just asked He Who Knows cos hes a clever chappie when it comes to being frugal with cash. He reckons that reheating in the microwave would be much cheaper than cooking from scratch every day. He says a gas hob is much cheaper to run than an electric hob as well. If you defrosted the batch cooked food before you microwaved it that would be even more frugal. If you have the oven on to batch cook that would be very moneysaving as well. Clever wotname isn't he? Cheers Lyn xxx.

mardatha

Ok ty. I think I'm trying to do the impossible here - but we cook with Calor gas. If as they say, prices will go higher and higher, then I need to cut down on use. But in the meantime the RV is on a mission to cut down the elect units... but you can't live on raw food forever and I need to cook!! :mad:

katieowl_2

I have this pinned up in my kitchen:

God,
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to accept the things I can and the Wisdom to know the difference.

I try my best

DD's got her first scan tomorrow so I'm taking her to the hospital in the morning, which will be followed up by some very essential shopping (we've run out of dog chews :eek:)

Really all been a bit of a struggle last few days which is why I've been MIA. Saturday went well, but was a very late night, which left me feeling knackered Sunday, which meant shopping for the market cook was delayed until Monday, which meant Monday was a huge struggle to get everything done, and I'd been asked to make a cake for a raffle, so the only way I could get it done in time, was to get up at 5am Tuesday to decorate it before I left!!!

Although the market went well again yesterday, by the time I got in I was frozen to the bone (it was -2 when I was setting up!) and so cold and tired I wasn't functioning at all. Early night for me last night! Still tired today, and trying desperately to catch up with some housework! On reflection I think I've done better than I thought, as I have washed the kitchen floor and got some hand-washing done! If I can motivate myself for a last push to give hetty hoover an outing from the cupboard under the stairs...that would be pretty good considering.

Hugs to all who need one!

Kate

katieowl_2

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

Have just asked He Who Knows cos hes a clever chappie when it comes to being frugal with cash. He reckons that reheating in the microwave would be much cheaper than cooking from scratch every day. He says a gas hob is much cheaper to run than an electric hob as well. If you defrosted the batch cooked food before you microwaved it that would be even more frugal. If you have the oven on to batch cook that would be very moneysaving as well. Clever wotname isn't he? Cheers Lyn xxx.

I figure it's cheaper to cook our jacket spuds in the microwave...they take 20 mins, over an hour plus in the electric oven... it's all about thinking it through. The things we have to do!!!


Kate

[Deleted User]

Love that one as well KATE, thanks to you too. How exciting to go with her for the first scan, it will make the new baby real if that makes any sense at all, a real little person and not just a word, I hope you both enjoy it immensely and that it gives the lift in spirits you need so much! Let us know how it goes, so lovely of you to share such a special moment in your lives, Cheers Lyn xxx.

I cook the whole pack of Jacketing Spuds in the oven at one time, I find they keep very well in a poly bag in the fridge for up to a week and then the reheat in the microwave can be done in 5 minutes, Cheers Lyn xxx.

mardatha

I think I'll get a microwave then - when I get some money (the war cry!) Both my sons are having money worries just now and all my spare is going to them for the time being. TY girls

[Deleted User]

MAR have you ever thought of trying to make a haybox? I know we've talked about them before on the thread and I know there is some concern about food safety but, the initial cook brings the pot to the boil and the haybox cooks from there on with no outside heat from any source. The reccommendation is to bring it back to the boil on the hob before serving it just to make sure. I know they were used extensively during WW2 when fuel was rationed and power cuts were regular. If it is something you might consider doing, it might just save you a whole heap of expenditure. Worth considering maybe? Cheers Lyn xxx.