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

savingqueen

Morning all,

Woke up to an abrupt start as DH slept in til 7.30, not good as he is covering for his boss. We both heard the 6.30 am alarm and both went back to sleep (I even had a nice dream.) He get ready quickly and made himself a coffee while made his lunch. Unusually for him, Stripey cat hasn't come in this morn and Posh cat is calling for him near the door, hope he is just having an adventure or curled up asleep with his catgirlfriend next door.

Jem - congrats on the car! Will make life easier with your boys, no relying on your mum now.

Actually got the washing caught up with at long last since our hols, laundry to be washed but not enough for a whole load of whites/darks/colours. Means I can wash the sofa throw/cover thing at long last.

Re winter/summer - I prefer milder weather so spring is favourite with all the new growth, baby animals, lighter days etc (though my hayfever doesn't appreciate spring!) and then autumn. Having said that I like the snugglyness of winter but not so keen on snow/ice because of having to drive in it.

I like summer, love it when it isn't too hot which is when I struggle. I have felt so much happier this summer, I'm sure it is the sunlight and being able to get out and about in green/coastal places and have picnics. My boys have loved being outdoors, even just at home getting out in the garden and playing on the trampoline.

Yesterday I struggled through again but made it out the house. Decided to do something easy, perfect for hiding away - we went to the cinema to see smurfs 2. We usually go with DH to the kids club cinema at the weekend (£1.50 tickets)to see films released a few months ago but Tues tickets are cheaper than rest of week for current releases and we haven't been for months. Kids were chuffed to see a current release for a change and came home very happy.

Well most of the housework I planned to do on Monday is still left to do but until my mood lifts and energy restored it will have to wait. I did make my first ever quiche last night, well recipe called it cheese and bacon tart, it was scrumptious and easy to make. I still feel proud of myself when I get something out of the oven that looks and smells good and show it off to the family! Unfortunately tart is made with double cream etc so can't make it often for us oldies. Need to find a lower fat alternative me thinks.

Today we have a family painting session at a local school, just a couple of pounds. I tried to get a place on the family cookery and some others but they were all booked up when I finally got through on the booking line. Looking forward to spending 2 hours of quality time with my two and it will make me get out of the house again. Hoping this low mood passes soon, haven't felt like this in a while.

hokey better get dressed and drag kids away from screens to do the same and eat breakfast.

have a good Wednesday everyone
sq:)

FairyPrincessk

Morning all!

SQ, it is so nice when you pull something delicious and home-made out of the oven, isn't it? I generally just use semi-skimmed milk in quiches, I don't know what your exact recipe is, but I wouldn't be surprised in the least if milk was absolutely fine.

I'm a summer person. I love the heat, the meals of summer, etc. OH jokes I'm like a tortoise because I move much faster when the sun is shining. I used to dread the autumn, particularly after I moved to the UK as I find it very dark here in winter time and often felt like I hadn't had a proper summer. It has gotten better though. I do take vitamin D through the winter months, I also sort out evening projects. I get in candles, and keep a tin of drinking chocolate on hand. We've got warm thermal pyjamas and I try to give myself regular little treats--a dinner next to the fire, baking on Sunday afternoons, bundling up for a Saturday walk and playing music. I find routine very comforting in the winter time and I try to make an effort to get out of the house as I'm all too apt to huddle inside, which seems to just make me miserable. Getting out, even for a half hour and then coming inside seems to really help.

Right, well I need to get some washing on. We've a bit of rain predicted, but not too much. It has been several days so it is piling up...and so it starts, the autumn/winter battle to get things like towels dry!

savingqueen

sorry VJs mum, forgot to say what I like about autumn...

the trees turning rich golden colours and walking through piles of leaves with the kids hearing their scrunchiness. looking through recipes using seasonal produce. having plenty of excuses for baking. making the most of being outdoors before it gets colder and appreciating the sunny days we still get. looking forward and planning for the coming months -halloween, bonfore night, Christmas, whatever you celebrate. getting winter supplies in and feeling content that you are prepared. Will post more if I think of them.

September for me is like the start of a new year as its a new academic year for kids and DH (who works in a Uni) so a time to make new Sept resolutions - a new project or hobby, planning social things/seeing friends etc, plans to do something healthier like eat better, walk more or whatever, anything you like really. I joined a new start in Sept thread last year but it didn't seem to last or maybe I just forgot where it was to post. Maybe we could have a version on here or the wider OS forum? You could start it off if you like on 1st September?

also would some rich, warm colours to wear and have around the house eg cushions/throws help (if you don't already have them of course). I love red to warm our living room. I have a big red I&ea heavy cotton rug that lives in the junk/spare room in the summer and comes down in the autumn.

candlit baths seem nicer in colder weather too

sq:)

sq:)

ArthriticOldThing

Thank you MrsLW for this post and for your painful honesty. I was luckier as I had one change of clothes at home - only got new clothes when cousins grew out of something and everything of mine was passed on to my younger sister. Our school uniform was grey and black, with blue striped dresses for summer. It was a new school and I was among the first batch of pupils to go there. The school had an arrangement with one of the gent's outfitters in a neighbouring town and the uniform could ONLY could only be obtained there - this was in the days before supermarkets sold anything other than food.

I found out later in life how much my parents went without to get that uniform for me and my brother. And I was once sent home because of shoes. The rule was flat, black shoes which mine were - but I had an ankle strap so was hauled out of assembly and sent home til I got a 'decent' pair. As my parents could not afford new I was away from school a while til some were donated by said cousin.

I have always preferred spring and autumn to summer and used to love winter but as I get older am definitely going off it. The cold and rain and snow and ice just make me want to hibernate now.

Its overcast and cool here this morning but forecast to brighten as day goes on so will risk putting washing out. My plans have all been ruined this morning by bad legs. Can hardly shuffle never mind walk so going out on expedition to find local Ald@ (and transport links) is out. Looks like it will be another paper sorting day.

Have a good one all of you.

jem132

Thankyou all for congratulating me on my new brumbrum.

The uniform idea is a good idea I am going to use this for a few things

A pot for my brumbrum ,kids needs,restocking my new freezer when it arrives. (iv ordered a new fridge freezer out of my friends catalogue ) I really could not afford one another way so it's £13 a week for 26 weeks.
How long is 26 weeks??

Pops hope your foot heals soon.

Fuddle Myne also includes breakdown.

Mrsl glad docky was pleased to see you

Better go hang out my washing to save more money.

Bigjenny

I have used Wilko's wool but found that it didn't quite knit up to tension size on recommended needles, that was after I made a cardigan with it, not a great difference but just enough to make it feel uncomfortable , gave it away in end.

carlymummy

All this talk of autumn has just had me singing a song from primary school link below, I love it and often find myself humming this when out walking in Autumn time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9mvrkQbzgc
jem132 - that's a good deal, in about 6 months you will be paid up, I think unless my maths is really terrible lol

Popperwell

Morning All,
Don't see it as nagging...My friend from here is going to give advice(sadly she gets it frequently)but a GP is a good idea. Thinks(and I know its self diagnosis)the same foot has had gout before and my water tablets were blamed, I reduced the doseage and it went away...

I have discovered you can get gout in the heel and my toe has started to hurt again so I will reduce the dose again and see if that improves it. I will be seeing my GP soon anyhow so I will mention this too.

Slept reasonably well so that's good. Also found resting the foot on a soft continental quilt helped with comfort.

Sunny with clear skies here but I'll stay home and hope I manage to get out at the weekend. I have two simple recipes for bread by a respected cook on tv and in books, often featured in the Guardian but he is based in Australia(he does the Aussie version of the Great British Bake Off)and responds to me on Twitter so I get advice and encouragement directly.

My windows have been washed by the w. cleaner already. Had a mug of coffee and my meds, not much planned.

May tidy up my images and videos of recent trips and get them burned to DVD.

I've found a site offering online storage if anyone wants a link for files/images upto 20gb for free. I'll take anything that's free.

PRINCESSX87

Morning all.

I’m more of a winter person. I love the sudden snap of frozen air first thing. Snow, When we’re lucky enough to have it makes everything look magical.
I’m also share with Lyn about Christmas. I’m a huge fan, But not of the presents. For me is a special time to just enjoy family.

OH finishes up today for three weeks. Although I’m glad of the company & extra hands, Its frightening to be unpaid & no income for this time.

I’m trying to decide if I should contact the companies that we have requesting money from us. I’m not sure if I should do the standard hand written letters & have proof of postage or whether emails will be best explaining our situation and asking what can be done about it for the time my OH had off. Even just reducing the payments for one month would be a great help.

VJsmum

Ok, here's what I don't mind about autumn

I like the beautiful colours
I like the odd bonus warm days of an Indian summer
I like cooking stews and casseroles and heartier food again, for the change really
I don't mind if I have to wear jeans, boots and a jumper
The TV gets better - Downton etc.

Here's what I don't mind about winter

Getting into my PJs when I come home from work
Going to bed early

Ermmmmm

Honestly I have sat here for about 5 minutes and I can't think of anything else.