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

FairyPrincessk

jem, when I want a thick and chunky soup, I usually saute the onions/garlic etc. then pop in a spoon or so of flour-any will do. Let it get hot as if you're making a white sauce while you cook off any other veg in the same pan. It looks a little strange and as if it will be lumpy, but when you add the stock it will make it nice and thick. You can also add a little milk, just before the stock, if you like which gives it a thick and creamy base rather than a thick stock-ish base. That is probably the worse description ever, but hopefully you know what I mean. I haven't tried Mrs. LW's trick, I'll have to keep it in mind.

Loved seeing the photos of Al.

I've finished most of the dreaded task this morning. There were a few things I couldn't do online, but I've printed the forms I could get and contacted all relevant departments about the things I couldn't do. I've also made a note down of what I've done with the date in my little notebook. Feel a bit lighter now that I've tackled it. Onwards to the real work today!

Visiting cat is curled up asleep downstairs in "her" chair which we've even added a fleece blanket to as it is a bit chilly today. Neither of us wants to go downstairs for a cup of tea as she'll be up and at the back door like a shot, wanting to go out in the garden for the third time this morning. She is only allowed out with direct supervision, so she'll have to wait.

lillibet_dripping

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

LILLIBET if you'd like it, we can scan you a copy of the original Cider Making article from the magazine and send it to you, then you have it for good. If you want a written copy PM me where to send it and I'll get it in the post to you this afternoon, would be a pleasure to help, good luck with it all, Cheers Lyn xxx.

MRS LURCHERWALKER

Have PM'd you - you are a star!

PRINCESSX87

Afternoon everyone. Hope everyone is well?

We’ve got our appointments today & tbh I’m a little worried and anxious.
Brother has offered us a lift to the various appointments because we had baby ruby last night so that her parents could get some rest.
Shocking! We’ve completely forgotten how much hard work babies are. Very tired today and could do with sleeping for the next 24 hours. Baby was awake most of the night. She suddenly became very hungry. After all this worry of her being small, Not eating enough ect, She guzzled at least 12oz over 8 hours last night. Which is great for buba. Much improvement.

We’ve decided to take baby to Weston-Super-Mare on Thursday. Some sea air and a change of area is going to do all three of us great.
Anyways, Off to get the paperwork ready for today. Have a great one all. Stay safe. x

carlymummy

Just popping on quickly to say good morning, just trying to catch up with all the posts. I LOVE little Al he is adorable, well done you for taking him in and taking care of him.
Got a very busy week this week baking cakes for people that have requested them, it is also our wedding anniversary and my birthday this week but I won't get time to bake anything for us I don't think. Looking like rain so better fly and get the washing in, hopefully it will be almost dry
x

fuddle

Little Al certainly is a little adorable bundle of cuteness. I hope he's not making too much mess mrsC

Makes sense Lyn. The last thing I want to do is burst her bubble, she's over the moon with it.

Pooky yeah, I guess the lenders are a lot more strict now than when we got our mortgage. Alarm bells rang when she told me that it wouldn't be any different from the mortgage she has now because they have extended the term. 5% extra on 100k is a lot different than on £200k. I'm just scared they don't know about it.

[Deleted User]

I've just been up t'garden and picked a whole colanderfull of ripe blackberries from our thornless bushes. I've bunged them in the freezer and the raspberries on the lottie are starting to produce well too so I've started a bag for them as well, I hate to say it but it really is starting to feel like autumn out there, not the weather but the produce. A lovely lady who lives across the road from us turned up with a couple of bucketsfull of windfall bramleys from her tree for us yesterday evening so although most have been processed for cider I've kept half a dozen of the undamaged bigger ones to use in the kitchen for crumble this evening for supper. The french beans in the polytunnel are still producing masses, I'm picking twice a day at the moment and the outdoor tomatoes in the garden are starting to colour up so it's nearly chutney making season. Lots to keep us busy and lots of nice things in store for the cooler weather makes for a contented us, Cheers Lyn xxx.

lillibet_dripping

Mrs_Chip wrote: »

Meet Little Al

Oh Mrs. Chip!
I am sitting here trying to catch up on all these pages and, reading the stories about this delightful little chap, thought to myself 'when I get to the last page, I must ask Mrs. C. to put up some pictures of him'. Lo and behold, here he is.
I think it's just wonderful how he has 'chosen' you and how you tenderly look after him.
Looking forward to hearing more stories about him.
Lilli

floss2

fuddle wrote: »

Can I ask about mortgage rates? My sister has had an offer accepted on her £100k house and got an offer on a £200k house accepted. She's said they have just extended the mortgage over 30 odd years to keep the payments the same but aren't the mortgage rates incredibly low at the moment? If and when they rise won't her mortgage increase too. Will the increase be staggering on £200k compared to what it would have been on £100k?....

They could have got a lifetime fixed rate - we're in the middle of a house purchase and DH has just got us the lifetime fixed rate from Barclays.

ArthriticOldThing wrote: »

...My goddaughter is improving now. The hospital has said they don't think was a stroke after all but can't say what caused it. She is still paralysed down one side but is making progress with the help of physio....

AOT, i had something very similar about 20 years ago in my late 20's, it was finally decided that I'd had a TIA. I can remember being on a trolley in A&E talking to my mum whilst the Dr was sticking needles into my right arm to see where the nerve sensation began again and I couldnt feel a thing. I had another similar episode whilst I was in hospital that affected my right leg. I couldn't write properly or drive for over 2 months, but was fine again after 4months off work.

elona

:jFuddle

You are right about her seeing it as "raining on her parade" and that if she does listen she will see it as you being jealous or something.

I'd be tempted to say how much of a relief it is they are buying a nicer house and able to be there for your mother. Renting may not be secure but it lets you and your family explore new options which is what you are taking the chance to do.

Little Al looks so cute!

Dough for bread rolls is in the breadmaker and have par boiled sweet potatoes ready to make sweet potato cakes for tonight.
Local butcher had a huge turkey breast for sale and as it was the last one I got it half price! Going to roast it while I am out at library this afternoon and serve it with sweet potato cakes and salad. Have some stew left over if DH's face is too swollen to chew the chicken. Should have loads left for pack up for dd, and to make chicken and mushroom pies or pasta dish or curry.

Also got bacon pieces for omelette or quiche and some mince for either burgers or mince and tatties for poor DH.

Need to dash to get to library and back for preps for tea,

Hugs to all

fuddle

Truth is elona I am a bit jealous too - 5 bedrooms, conservatory and country kitchen with a woodburner. I'm tired of hearing about it to be honest. I feel like I'm having my nose rubbed in it a bit but I always think like that with her.

I'll get on with my own life and keep my green eyes to myself - and yes, mam will have two bedrooms to choose from.

You are right and I have to be thankful that we are in a position to try a different kind of life.