The OS Doorstep - a helpful and supportive thread in these tough times

FairyPrincessk

Possession,
What about some cozy socks or a cuddly blanket, some hand cream and perhaps a promise of a short trip out (I think I remember you saying her inlaws will be coming to help out--which I'm sure is a lovely offer but we all need breaks from house guests sometimes!) Perhaps you could offer to pick her up and drive her to the library or some such to refresh her reading supply when she is feeling ready. Alternatively, a gift card for watching films online might be nice.

Possession

She isn't an oil burner kind of person Mrs L, and I think her neck is going to be sore for quite a while, and may even need further surgery (although let's hope not). So a facial might be out too. Of course I don't need to give anything, and it can't be expensive, but I just feel I'd like to. The whole experience has been much worse than she was expecting I think.
A cuddly blanket is an idea FairyP, they did lovely ones in Poundstretcher of all places last year.

[Deleted User]

POSESSION what about one of those triangular neck support cushions? She'll still be stitched I assume but it might give her some pain relief as she heals by supporting the sore muscles?

savingqueen

Some good ideas already Possession. A cuddly hot water bottle? You know what though, your time, visiting her, phoning, texting will mean the world to her in so many ways, even an appropriate card in the post, so nice to get some personal post from a friend.


edit: or a local beautician might come to her house to give a gentle, relaxing hand or foot massage (might need to check that's ok after op as circulatory) and/or mini manicure/pedicure. Usually cheaper than a salon and more personal in her own home.

Possession

Ooh lots more good ideas, thankyou both!

savingqueen

I am spending the day trying to remember to keep my mobile close by, can't have in a pocket too annoying. Waiting for the plumber to call. My hair needs a wash and I could go to my gym for one but won't... in case the plumber calls! Think it will a kettle and flasks job tonight and a strip wash. DS10 needed a bath yesterday so I made him have a wash at the sink... he called it "medieval torture".... it wasn't with cold water or anything!

A day off school tours and open eves, just been catching up with bits at home. We didn't like the school we saw last night very much, a member of staff ignored DS completely after offering to show him a (children's)activity when a tall, fairly aggressive man without a child pushed in front of us both. The teacher turned around and starting showing the man the activity instead with us just standing there. DS came away visibly annoyed and a bit baffled. There were other things too and I thought if they can't get it right on an open eve when they usually show off a bit, when will they?

Lots of lovely news Mrs LW, thanks for sharing.

You seem in the swing of the house viewings Possession. The idea of doing things is often worse than the actual event and sometimes they turn out to be fun or interesting.

Been very productive this morning and starting to flag now. If I relax for any longer than a few mins, I won't get going again.

jem132

Afternoon all .
After taking our dog for a walk last night and meeting some homeless people . The boys and I have decided to make up little bags to give out yo the less fortunate people in our city .
Can any one think of anything we have forgot so far on our list we have

Tooth brush and tooth paste
Comb
Soap and razer
Flannel
Bottle of water
Blanket
Foil blanket
Brake fast bar
Socks
Gloves
Hat

[Deleted User]

JEM how about including some safety pins, a travel sewing kit and some detergent leaves (for washing clothes), or even a basic first aid kit with a few plasters and a packet of paracetamol and maybe a small bar of chocolate to cheer them up?

Doveling

Jem Hi, just started posting so can't do links.
Have you heard of the Rucksack Project?
It's worth googling for ideas.:)x

FairyPrincessk

Afternoon,

Just stopping for a cuppa and a quick raid of the baking chocolate :eek:

SQ, that waiting by the phone feeling is so stressful! I'm with your DS--a sink wash is akin to torture:D Hope you get it sorted soon.

Jem, I've also seen sanitizer/wipes in similar bags, feminine hygiene products (not sure how old your boys are, might require an interesting conversation!), dried fruit, plastic cutlery, and lists of local resources/maps. I'd also consider lip balm/lotion, particularly going into the colder months.

I think Mrs. LW's suggestion of soap leaves is a great one, as I know some people who had spent time sleeping rough have said that washing clothes and making oneself presentable can be a real challenge and make it difficult to change one's circumstances.

I've also seen people include vouchers for things like hair cuts, meals, laundries and public transit passes that they couldn't use themselves, although i think vouches that would work for this are probably more common in the states than the UK.

Thanks Ivy. I haven't found it yet, although it was one that I made for her so if all else fails I'll just make a new one. I'm sure it won't pass muster!:rotfl: