'supporting each other through really tough times'

Possession · 22 February 2013 at 9:16AM

We need to have freezer surprise too for the next few weeks, although first I will have to find a place for all the stuff I've managed to put on top of the chest freezer in the garage.
I bit the bullet yesterday and bought new toilet seats to replace old broken ones. It's amazing how much better it's made me feel not to be dealing with a broken seat, so worth the money!
Has anyone here had a Green Deal assessment? Our boiler is 28(ish) years old and while it works OK it is very inefficient. My dad suggested Green Deal but now they've announced the interest rates I'm not sure it's that great an offer. Might wander over to the utilities board to see if they're discussing it there.
Another potential huge expense is our car which is showing possible signs of what a quick google shows is a very common and very expensive fault. We just can't afford a new (used) car, but we must have one. My lovely parents have offered to lend us the money so we'll see what happens.
Hope everyone is feeling happier/better today. And Jem I hope you manage to have a discussion with DH.

Mrs_Veg_Plot · 22 February 2013 at 9:24AM

Morning all and a great big hug to those who need it , which sounds like quite a few people at the moment.

Thanks softstuff and katieowl for the advice about the polenta. it as not for the pasta part of the recipe it was for the filling. I ended up substituting it for some couscous that I made up and it seemed to work well. I did try our H&B but they do not sell it and the little Deli inn town which used to stock no end of things now carried very little stock and focuses on its little tea room so there was no joy there either. The pasta was made by mixing 300g of strong white bread flour and half a teaspoon of salt with 200ml boiling water until a ball forms (add a little more water or flour if it seems too wet or dry). Leave to stand for 1 hour. Divide mixture into 3 and roll each piece out very thinly on a surface floured with more strong white bread flour. This can be used to make tortellini, ravioli or lasagna. It does say that you can nor re-roll this mixture but I an going to try reusing the left overs to make a pasta lunch today.

Had two phone calls from the building society yesterday checking the details on the PPI claim Oh has submitted. We should hear the outcome in the next 7-10 days. Please keep everything crossed for us.

fuddle · 22 February 2013 at 9:28AM

I guess when you work on the front line with the homeless, are caring and giving and not in the slightest bit judgemental then you're allowed to feel bitter about a system that is failing vulnerable people right in front of your eyes.

I know all about benefit assessing. My sister has been moved from the front offices to telephone helpline due to stress and anxiety. You would think I would be in full support of benefits assessors. Based on my sister doing the job, I cannot. She is an extremely rude and judgemental person. She looks down at everybody who crosses her path. The thought of her 'helping' vulnerable people with claiming fills me with dread. I believe it was her attitude in that tiny room that got her so many 'iffy' moments. Who knows... but I do know she never used to be so bad. I believe the job has taken its toll on her what with dealing with so many people who are not honest. There are lots apparently

This is why I get worked up about the welfare system. I know so many people try to skew the system while so many people obviously falling away from the criteria where it can help. It feels like we have a system that fails to help our vulnerable people but props up...

said it too many times.

mardatha · 22 February 2013 at 9:48AM

Just for interest, I found this.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21537988

jem132 · 22 February 2013 at 9:55AM

Hi all well thing don't look any better today he's gone to work without a word bloody men lol.

My sister is too far up her own backside to care about others and my girlfriends are too judgemental they. Don't like dh anyway as he don't like me to home to go out with them (they live about 10 miles away) all my other friends dont like him becose hes made them feel that uncomfortable when they used to come round when we lived in my hose no one comes hear I moved into his house 2 years ago big mistake no one comes hear :eek: any way off I go round the park with Bella and the boys no bikes and out of sight they will not be happy bunny's but safty is the key. Happy Friday all xxxxxxx

[Deleted User] · 22 February 2013 at 10:00AM

Really good article MAR an interesting read. I have to say the Swedes are generally a healthy nation, as are most nordic races and this article sums up thier 'Just get on with it' attitude to life. I think by and large they have a much healthier diet and lifestyle than most of the rest of the world but having been to both sides and top and bottom of Sweden recently they seem much more contented with thier lives and I didn't hear one whingy adult or child in the whole time we were there, just patience and good natured folks. Thanks for sharing the website, it's interesting, Cheers Lyn xxx.

[Deleted User] · 22 February 2013 at 10:07AM

JEM look after yourself and the kiddlers, I hope you can sort this so difficult situation out, remember we're here if you need to say it to someone, and we are all sending you hugs and caring to help you through it, be safe little one, Love Lyn xxx.

mardatha · 22 February 2013 at 10:16AM

Re council workers sorting HB claims, I think they're just people. Some good some bad most in between. But the system is garbage.
I'm seriously worried after reading an economist on the BBC site talking about how the govt has doctored the latest figures - he says in over 10 years he has never seen such a complicated obscure report. If they are doing this then it means they have stuff to hide. Only reason for it. So things are going to hit a wall at some point and I want to be as ready as poss.

nuttyp · 22 February 2013 at 10:16AM

Morning everyone, I remember when we were heading towards the reposession and facing being homeless with a 18month old and a 5year old. Basically we werent entitled to anything, but a nice lady advised me to ring every monday to ask our position on the council waiting list. Cue us chopping and changing our chosen areas to help move us up the list. Now im a bit secptical about this bit, but a gypsey lady knocked at our door, offered me a lucky horse shoe all painted up. I had justover a pound in my purse, to which i paid her for the horse shoe. She said make the most important wish you can on the full moon tonight. We did, a council house please. The following saturday we recieved an offer. It was the most dirty untidy place you have ever seen. Lots of friends donated paint etc, and after 3 weeks we moved in. So maybe it was coincidence or just luck who knows, but im a very happy tenant when im left alone.

Its true that there is a big shortage for affordable rental properties here. Our rent is £63 a week, privately your looking at more than double.

Well im offically desperate for payday. I have no idea why but things never seem to go right. Think im going to have to refrain from letting OH do the grocery shopping. We spend so much more when he goes. He thinks we should have treats..... every time we go.

Well today is a work day then i have 2 days off. If the weather is ok will find the leftover half tin of wood stain a splash a bit over the fence panel and the front of the shed to make it look a bit better.

I treated the front garden to some primuals and pansy's, they were 50p a tray of 12 from bq yesterday. Some are a bit yellow and withered but they got a drink so wont be long before they will liven up. Adds a bit of colour to the front under the hedge.

well must get showered and dressed, still lounging around !!!

Have a good day everyone x

VJsmum · 22 February 2013 at 10:37AM

Though the Sweden article is interesting it doesn't really give the full picture. how much does diet and other lifestyle factors come into it. Mrs LW - I don't think the Danes are very healthy as a nation due to the level of smokers. Lots of people in Sweden smoke too. The cafes in Stockholm and Copenhagen have fleeces and blankets at outside tables so that you can sit out there with your coffee (or beer :beer:) and still be warm. I think there is quite a high incidence of SAD and Suicide due to the lack of light in winter, too.