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

kidcat

Afternoon toughies

The cake - I wouldnt be looking after her stuff again and I would also be clear before allowing anyone else to look after yours - maybe get it down on paper what is expected, if you are doing a reciprocal agreement, ask the person you are pet sitting for to write down what they would like doing and the times etc, then you can do the same when they look after yours.

I am exhausted today having had a late night run to the walk in centre with DS15, who started coughing at 7pm and by 9pm was crying with the pain in his chest. Thankfully we were seen really quickly, DS15 was diagnosed with a chest infection and given anti biotics while we were there. They also warned me that they thought his being upset and ill may make his anxiety worse and that I had to watch his breathing in case he started hyper ventilating. So I spent most of my night checking on him.

So no trip out today to avoid my parents - my dad had been texting for last few days and I was ignoring them, this morning I replied and implied we were out all day so I hope that is enough to keep them away today as I really couldnt cope with a visit.

I had good news this morning in that OH share scheme is due to pay out next month, as the share price was low when we took it out it will be a good sized payout. Which had been my intention when we first started paying into it, and I had intended we would finally have a holiday abroad with the proceeds, so its not already accounted for.
I am hoping I can still do that and I will be opening a separate account to use to store it and we can add to it when possible.

Have almost finished the school uniform shopping today as well, which is really good, have to pay for the logo jumpers on Monday but after that its just DS9 shoes and we are finished. Its been an expensive year as both kids needed everything, every polo shirt was ruined and every pair of trousers/skirt was too small.

I also am booking our trip to London today as well,:eek::eek: it really worries me but both boys are determined they want to go so I am booking train tickets to get there and back on same day. We can park at the station here, and then hopefully get off in LOndon itself so no issues with parking near London or congestion charges. I have been saving to do this for weeks but am struggling to spend it now

bunbun2

OH and I have been blackberry picking this morning and have picked a good load. We also found an apple tree. I will freeze the blackberries and raspberries from yesterday but wanted to ask if there is anything I need to do with them before I freeze them?

ArthriticOldThing

Help please!!! I've gone overboard making minestrone soup (probably thinking back to when had to feed four and not just me) and have made a BIG panful.:eek: Does anybody know if I can freeze it? Mainly vegetable with pasta. I could live on it all week but will still be some left unless have three meals a day of soup. :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Comes of not concentrating.

[Deleted User]

This will probably revolt many of us but I just freeze blackberries as is straight from the bush. This instantly kills any livestocks and when I get them out of the freezer I give them a very, very thorough wash in hot running water which not only cleans them but defrosts them as well. You can if you are worried about bugs soak the berries in salted water overnight before draining them drying them on paper and them freezing them, it doesn't materially change the flavour or texture of the berries and might give you less qualms about eating wild things, Cheers Lyn xxx.

AOT you certainly can freeze minestrone soup, it comes out of the freezer perfectly well, don't forget to leave a little expansion space in the dishes you freeze it in or you'll end up with a freezer full of packages covered in soup, go on, ask me how I know!!! Lyn xxx.

Knit_Witch

I shouldn't think that will be a problem AOT (why not freeze one portion overnight and try it tomorrow just to be on the safe side!)

bunbun2

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

This will probably revolt many of us but I just freeze blackberries as is straight from the bush. This instantly kills any livestocks and when I get them out of the freezer I give them a very, very thorough wash in hot running water which not only cleans them but defrosts them as well. You can if you are worried about bugs soak the berries in salted water overnight before draining them drying them on paper and them freezing them, it doesn't materially change the flavour or texture of the berries and might give you less qualms about eating wild things, Cheers Lyn xxx.

AOT you certainly can freeze minestrone soup, it comes out of the freezer perfectly well, don't forget to leave a little expansion space in the dishes you freeze it in or you'll end up with a freezer full of packages covered in soup, go on, ask me how I know!!! Lyn xxx.

MrsLW it doesn't revolt me and certainly makes my life alot easier. the less I have to do the better:rotfl:

Pinkdebster

I just wondered how long it was before you all felt the benefits of taking kelp tablets? For me, they are a last resort. As you know, I've been really ill and am now tube fed........I can cope with the sickness and not being able to eat but I am so upset about the tiredness and having to sleep so much. I sleep all night and most of the day - nothing seems to up my energy at all and my legs ache all the time. I know it's possibly a nutrition issue but I've bought some kelp today and started on them. I am hoping for a miracle cure.......as things stand, I am literally just sleeping my life away!

ArthriticOldThing

Thanks for the warning Lyn. Am really glad to know that someone else has the same 'difficulties' as I do.:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Will definitely try that idea Knit witch. Sounds so sensible - no wonder I didn't think of it.

the_cake

Thanks - I knew I could rely on you lot for wise words and comfort about the weird poopy situation with my neighbour. Much appreciated, and I feel better for having got it off my chest! She and I always write longish notes about what each animal needs doing, so it's very clear what is expected. I am still mystified, but will let it go and move on; it's the only thing I can do (once I've finished washing the rug for the third time!!). Next time she asks if we can look after her lot, I think I will definitely be "too busy". Shame, because it worked really well for both of us last year. Thanks again, xx

grandma247

Pinkdebster Sorry you are so ill (((hugs)))
I don't think kelp is a miracle cure but it may help in time. I found I noticed a difference after ten days or so and it has continued even though I reduced the dose slightly.
Are you able to talk to a physiotherapist? your legs may be suffering from a lack of exercise and they may be able to help.