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

fuddle

Thanks for the feedback re: dehumidifiers etc. I have spoken to DH about hiring a one (huge industrial thing but will be free) but they're out on hire at the moment. I am going to get some of those crystals Possession. Worth a try!

I am about to put the heating on very low, leave it on and let the thermostats do the work to try to stop the temp going from extremes. As I was up last night I know how cold it got. The state of the place re: mould when we moved in was horrendous so I know there's an issue. Best for everyone to keep on top of it.

I am going to hut out my electricity monitor though. I don't want any scary bills coming through!

Anyone tried leek mash before? I have some to use up and plan to make mash tonight. It tastes yummy in suet so I imagine it would be ok in mashed potato. What do you think?

stiltwalker

Re the link - it's gone! Must have made way for todays ones. Oh well, I was famous briefly lol!

juliettet

Fuddle, can your landlord help? Have your windows got vents you can keep open so the air circulates whilst keeping the window closed?

fuddle

1980's house juliettet. It has it's problems as not very well built but there is no evidence of the damp on the walls and ceiling returning. I have a very good LL who put a brand new heating system in for us earlier in the year. They are aware of the problems and we're monitoring them. We'll feed back.

Ultimately condensation of this kind is down to how we live in the space and it will be a trial and error/maintenance to keep it all at bay. I'm not worried I just want to be proactive about it that's all.

No vents in the windows, no. They are double glazed but original. Thanks though juliettet.

Pooky

I posted a few weeks ago about the window vac I purchased - made by kar-cher it's fab for condensation as it sucks it all up and leaves the windows sparkly clean - I've been told its going to be nearly half price in the @m@zon black friday sale so might be worth a look.

Just been reading the long term weather forecast and it looks like it's all changing next week for some much colder and wintery weather. Lots of frosty stuff forecast too so get the de-icer ready!

DH has had a bad few days and is currently snoozing on the sofa covered in kittens. They've settled in so well, they both come running over when you call them now and purr like little tractors....their tails vibrate where they're purring so much! Seriously cute moment this morning when they were both cuddled into my neck and one kept looking at my eyes and reached out a very soft paw to bat my eyelashes......she then bashed her sister in the head, licked my nose and did a huge stinky kitten fart!

I'm supposed to be doing some business paperwork but just can't get my head into it. Will go cook something nice for tea instead....chorizo pasta bake and garlicky, cheese topped bread.

Possession

Aaargh 2 surprise 9 yr old girl guests and they're doing my head in!!!!!!

kidcat

Ooh pooky that sounds interesting, will keep my eyes peeled,

Well we had a late night call that dd8 had been injured, they are informing us but said they would call again if she needed pain relief or further medical treatment, so I loadedcar ready and got myself prepped just in case. They won't give her pain relief as we didn't send any, I didn't send any because when she left here she didn't need it! They won't take phone authorisation so I will need to go on a 2 hour journey to take some of its required.
So far today so good no call, but I am finding the waiting very difficult. And having not slept last night I am dropping.

Went to try do some shopping in the big town centre but found nothing at all iI think I will stick to online

Fuddle we used those condensation catcher things in our last two houses and they caught a huge amount of water in no time at all, they are incrediblycheap to buy I seem to remember and well worth every penny. I know you have had this issue before so are well versed in managing it I am sure you will conquer it as you have in the past, good luck, and may your winter be short

monnagran

I only seem to get on here occasionally these days and there is always a small novel ahead of me when I try to catch up.

Lots of hugs Fuddle. As my Dad was wont to say to me if I'd been right royally shafted, "That's perfectly OK. It doesn't make YOU a bad person." Just remember that if things with your Mam go pear shaped. And we are always here to pick up the pieces, you know that.
I can't believe that you are making all your own cranberry sauce etc. I am all for cooking from scratch but draw the line at cranberry sauce!

Regards the K*rch*er window vac - it is perfect for keeping the shower room gleaming. I give the tiles and screen a quick once over after a shower and bingo! all traces of soap scum and water gone and everything sparkling. Magic!

I have all my Christmas card stuff out over the dining room table with the intention of getting them all written and ready for posting before the end of next week. It was going to be this week but the best laid plans of mice and men................
I also have a box full of assorted presents in my study which have to be sorted and wrapped - again, hopefully before the end of next week. I really fancy one year without the last minute panic that usually happens. Thursday and Friday are 'Holiday at Home' days at church. We do this several times a year for elderly people on their own or housebound. We give them two days when we provide activities, entertainment and nice food and company to give a them a break. The people who come absolutely love it. I am providing cake, help with the activities and doing 'Thought for the Day.'

Have had a long talk with DS1 who is in the process of divorcing his wife - since they separated she has given birth to someone else's baby. He has met another lady more his own age and seems very happy. He has moved in with her and her six year-old daughter and is the calmest and most settled that I have known him. Fingers crossed that this works out as he has had a rough time over the last ten years - he's not an easy person to live with but didn't deserve all he has had to put up with.

We had sausages, jacket potatoes and cauliflower and broccoli cheesy bake for lunch so it will be something on toast for tea.

SQ: Calming thoughts coming your way this afternoon. Children's birthday party. OUCH! Give that woman a medal.

x

whiteguineapig

if it helps i'v just bought 2 of the condensation box things from b and m

Knit_Witch

for the condensation traps, you can get refill "beads" for them as well (we got ours from JL but I suspect other places do them!)