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

meenlaragh

Possession wrote: »

I am trying to find somewhere local to donate toys and books, some new, and can't find anywhere to take them. Crazy!!!
Had a productive afternoon sorting out the garage, and going to be doing a bit of ebay listing tonight.

Hi Possession, in the past we have found that our local Women's Aid shelter has been very keen to accept toys, books and clothes.

stiltwalker

Glad you are so busy Pooky - not surprising given your talent though! Sorry to hear you've been messed about - Not been brave enough to try the tree yet will do next week though.


Had a busy weekend- night out on Friday with the girls at a charity ball (not as posh or expensive as it sounds - but was a fab night) - thankfully didn't look hung over the following day as DD and I ended up getting filmed at her riding lesson for a piece for our local news (Calendar) about a people's millions project that Haworth RDA are putting forward to provide free riding holidays for disabled people. It's a phone vote on the 24th November so fingers crossed we can get enough support to win.


Today has been another shopping day with DD - happily she is mostly happy with poundland but we are going to have enough Christmas decs to open our own shop at this rate! But we did have a lovely mummy daughter trip out.


Hugs to all who need one or would like one - H X

FairyPrincessk

Evening all, must be a flying post I'm afraid--

Mar--thanks for the mention of the programme I'll look forward to watching it on catch up on my lunch breaks.

Pooky--I would just let your DD know that you're there as and when she needs you and do what you've agreed to do. Tell her to let you know if you're hovering and she probably will. Haven't faced similar difficulties but without my family support system nearby, I suspect you aren't in any danger of over-doing it. Check her vitamins to see if they have D added--many multivitamins don't and there is some (contested) evidence to suggest it might affect moods.

Big hugs to any and all who need them!

mama67

Rosanna79 wrote: »

I wonder if anyone else has a slow cooker as old as mine? We were given ours as a wedding present 35 years ago and it still works perfectly. I didn't use it for some years preferring to batch cook for the freezer and use a combination of microwave and gas cooker for meals. In retirement I've dug the SC out again with it's original recipe book and have been amazed how effective it is.


It's a Tower brand as well- only has a high and low setting but every time I look at the modern ones I can't really see what the benefit would be of changing it when there are only 2 of us? I generally need to brown meat first but it will roast a small chicken 0f 1.25 kg (only available in Aldi these days I find) or a small beef joint to perfection. I made a chicken curry in it yesterday and it was really tasty.

I am still using my mum's old Tower Slowcooker which she bought in approx 1975, it has a big brown earthenware inner takes a normal sized chciken; and somehow she managed to get a spare inner. It has low, high & auto, still cooks everything lovely. and the convenience of it being earthenware is for dumplings or cobbler topping I can pop the whole thing into the oven. That along with her Kenwood Major Food Mixer, which was purchased in 1972; and was a catering machine back then, does 6lbs of pastry in one go.

Possession

meenlaragh wrote: »

Hi Possession, in the past we have found that our local Women's Aid shelter has been very keen to accept toys, books and clothes.

Unfortunately I have tried them, and they aren't very near and seemed extremely fussy about what they would accept, so I don't want to risk going all the way there and being rejected. Don't really have time to go there either as starting new job tomorrow.

scotmumof3

possession if there is a salvation army near you I'm sure they would be glad to take your donation. They make up gift packages for needy children at xmas. They also run childrens clubs which require toys

savingqueen

local schools possession? Mine love donations of books and toys (for the younger kids), board games, jigsaws, even some clothes for dressing up. Argos are doing something with Barnados, donate a toy/s in good re-saleable condition and they pass them onto Barnados for them to sell and you get a £5 off (can't remember figure £35?) spend at Argos. I am surprised the women's shelter were fussy - maybe they have had lots of donations lately and just accepting specific things they currently need?

great your business is doing so well Pooky but don't be afraid to turn work away if needs be (unless you are desperate for the money), keep your work life home balance .... in balance! You will know how much to help your DD Pooky don't worry. Your support will really help her whether its depression or a low patch.

Gosh I've been busy this weekend, hardly stopped, didn't even get to have my planned bath. Took the boys into town as they hadn't been anywhere and both had a little spend with saved money, well actually most of DS10's was vouchers from his birthday 6 months ago!
Made good progress with The List, shame life keeps constantly adding stuff eh? Doing well not to get overwhelmed - fine when I have energy like I have recently but much harder when I feel really tired. I hope I can keep going without overdoing it. I tend to do too much and then have to slow down again.
Only snag is I am neglecting friends and feel a bit bad but just have to press on - DS7's birthday, hardly anything done for Xmas, lots of winter preps to do, decluttering still a major project. I am due to host a couple of get-togethers at mine (we are all trying to cut right back on coffees out) so will arrange one for end of the week and the other friends will just have to hang on a bit longer!
enough rambling, off to bed for a little read and a blissful sleep with the thick duvet and clean sheets.

nursemaggie

Yesterday I went into town for the last few bits for my parcel going via wedding to DD in Saudi Arabia. Barnados had lots of new condition Children's books and toys nothing but cuddly toys for DGS. I bought a big bag of Christmas decorations that look brand new only £1. They only have a home made tree and home made decorations so I know she will be thrilled with them.

Not everyone can afford to buy their children new toys. Most charity shops will be grateful for toy donations this time of year. Don't go by if they have any in good toys get sold within the first 4 or 5 hours after they go on sale in the charity shop.

Possession

I wanted to bypass the charity shops because I'm not convinced the money is put to best use TBH. Someone has suggested contacting the police who may have contacts, worth a try I guess but I have no time today, and no time for the hour long mortgage phone call I need to have either!
There used to be a Sally Army here but it closed a few years ago sadly.

ivyleaf

Just a quick hello from me this morning - I went to bed at 11.30, woke up when DS came in at 1 o'clock, and couldn't get back to sleep for ages.

In the end I came downstairs and made a cup of Horlicks (cat was quite excited to see me, thought it must be breakfast time ) and that helped me get off to sleep sometime after 5 Then woke at 8.20 as DS was leaving for work.
So I don't feel very awake atm. Oh well.

Hugs to everyone in need of some. will pop back later if my brain gets into order!