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

monnagran

I know. It takes me longer to thread the blessed needle than it does to sew up a seam. It's got a see-through bobbin holder too, so you can see when it's getting near the end.


x

bluebag

kidcat wrote: »

Monnagran - a self threading needle?? Oh my I would actually enjoy sewing if I didnt have to thread needles

I have to use the glasses and the magnifying glass... the BIG one, my girls mock me, my OH mocks me. It is truly undignified.

When the mighty fall the only sound is laughter.

Popperwell

I haven't bothered with the sewing machine, the simple one but still like what I hear on here but I probably will carry on in my ham fisted way doing small repairs by hand(whilst I can)or that wunderwbeb stuff.

I am improving and there is one stitch if I can get away with it does most tears, shortening of clothes etc...I can at least sew on a button:p

I have finally got around to trying my bread. It and it tastes fine so I guess its a success:)and a good start. I totally agree about it needing butter and now probably a variety of spreads, jams etc...its quite small so probably unsuitable for sandwiches but I have baked a traditional loaf before so that will be my next experiment.

Having said that if I can continue to get some of what is baked in the supermarket and especially when they are reduced in price, I could not make them any cheaper but its good to know you have a skill and you'll never run out of bread as long as you have yeast, flour and water to hand.

Of course I have forgotten that I now have a bread machine so I could make life even easier for myself because I could let it make my loaves. Or mix the dough in it and take it out and use the oven. And the bread machine is said to be cheaper to run than the main oven so a few options are open to me.

Pooky

Morning

Monna- a new machine? How fab! Mine is about 15 years old and I treated it to its first "take it to bits and blow all the fluff out" last month....oiled all the bits that needed it and it's working like new. Happy sewing

Last nights planned dinner was stretched a bit further as DD2s BF was here, so rather than sausage and mash it was toad in the hole to add more bulk and 8 small sausages chopped up so they went a bit further, a chopped leek in the batter was tasty too.

I've heard the temperatures are supposed to be dropping off by the end of the week so today I shall be doing some more wood chopping, I've got 11 pallets sitting on my drive to decimate (my neighbours must love me, grotty pallets on the drive and the sound of my axe and saw)

Made a cheesy loaf in the BM for DDs lunches today, smells gorgeous.

paidinchickens

Popperwell wrote: »

Found this...suggesting that Tesco have relaunched their everyday value range and the Finest range which benefit us all whatever our income. Also we may find some more choice in the reduced section.
http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/companies/supermarkets/tesco/tesco-finest-relaunches-with-400-new-products-and-a-makeover/350227.article

Made me chuckle.

We downshifted to value, then yellow label and yes your right END OF RANGE is the new bargain .........baskets at the ready ladies 4p prices here we come :rotfl:

Down shift challenge

PiC x

PRINCESSX87

Morning all.

Been up and moving around since 5am this morning. Feeling slightly more positive today. Not by much, But it’s a start. I was in bed & sleep last night by 8. Shocking for me really as normally I’m still up gone 10 rushing around getting stuff ready for the next day.

OH is off on his way to the IOW again for the last day work. Thankfully its not a over night again - Currently I don’t think I could manage that.

We’re expecting cold weather coming in over the next few days. Its been crossing my mind whether I should order a gas bottle now or hold out. At present a candle or two is plenty to keep the chill off the house but I don’t want to leave it too late either.

For those who makes breads, Has anyone tried their SC at all? I have been reading up on it and it seems to be easier for us then buying a BM? I’m terrible at baking anyway therefore I always look for the easiest solution and it seems the trusty slow cooker is just that..

Today’s plan is to whiz around and just put lots of bits & bobs away as OH’s parents, grandfather & little sister is off on their holidays on Saturday therefore we have an extra house pet for a week. A hamster! Should be fun because we have cats & OH hates them.

Right off for a cuppa.

PS: Anyone heard from Kezlou? She seems rather quite recently? xx

FairyPrincessk

Morning all,

What tough times for some of you. Mind, I suspect Lyn's crumble and custard could sort out just about anything, at least for a few minutes! Gailey, I just wish I could bring you over to mine, give you a nice warm drink and let you think about nothing for half an hour. Princess I'm glad you're feeling a bit better today. Small steps, and be sure to take a few minutes for yourself today.

Its all go here, only Tuesday and we're both knackered. Last week was my first full week of teaching and I also had some big issues with my student loans. The University had told me they would inform the company that I was still in school and not repaying, but they didn't. Since they're US student loans its a bit more cut throat than here. One of them went past due which had me all upset as I'd been working on getting this sorted for two months and no one was doing their job. The SL company wouldn't answer any e-mails to confirm anything, the school had the wrong information, and all of this was a problem in the first place because my department waited until the last minute to grant me an extension for some health problems I had several years ago. It was a trying week and it isn't over yet as I still need to get the past due issue sorted out.


OH got home around 8 last night. He nipped up for an olbas oil shower and I sorted a honey and lemon for him and we watched a bit of comedy and headed to bed. When I got home I was so glad I'd made that quiche on Sunday. I was tired, all I had to do was make a salad, pack up lunch for OH today, bring in washing and tidy kitchen.

Today I'm working from home. Still don't feel sniffly, and hoping I can manage to stay that way. OH's been washing his hands and we're keeping our distance. If I get it and my asthma kicks off I'll be done for, I'll just be worn out for the rest of term.

We have someone coming to do a quote for the LL about a window that is faulty. Its taken about 3 weeks to get him out here, but sounds like it will be repaired just in time. With the cold coming. I'll get the bath mat washed and dried today--its always the worst to get dried, might be the last time until summer:rotfl:

Tonight's dinner is either a leek crumble or a roasted red pepper soup, will see what I feel like doing. OH has offered to cook, but I think I'll do it as I can start it earlier and means we get to bed earlier.

Hugs to any and all who need them.x

alfsmum

FPK, hope you stay well. I think lots of handwashing is key. DD18 has just told me that her BF is off work today with diarrhoea so am tempted to rush round wiping anything he may have touched when he was here yesterday evening. He had tea with us and we are fine so obviously something he picked up elsewhere.

PRINCESS, I agree, small steps are the way to go. If you think about /worry about the mountain of things you have to do or places you have to go it can be overwhelming. when you do a litle at a time its amazing how much you can achieve.

MONNAGRAN, the Rev is ace! The IOW will be covered in bunting now. Enjoy your new machine. Self threading - wow! I'm another one who has to take my glasses off and squint to thread needles now.....

POPS, glad the bread tastes good. you can experiment now and homemade usually tastes better even if is sometimes cheaper to buy.

GAILEY, chin up, things have to get better at some point. is there a local befriending service who could pop in and see your MIL occasionally to take the pressure off your OH. I'm sure OH's visits are a highlight for MIL if she is lonely but maybe there are other things she could do for company is she is feeling better, and if OH tells her he will definitely come on certain days but cant manage every day, she will have something to look forward to. Your struggle with the benefits system is awful. We are always reading about people defrauding the system and living the high life on benefits, claiming under different names and so on, but people who are genuinely in need of help have a mountain to climb just when they dont need it.

NUTTY, will be thinking of you later. Don't let them bamboozle you, just think of Monna giving themo ne of her looks.

We have an appt at 5 too. Puss's blood test results are back and vet wants him in to discuss 'options'. Thyroid reading was so high it was off the scale and white blood cell count also very high. suspect this may be kidney related as thyroid and kidney problems seem to go hand in hand. dd16 very upset and worried, have reassured her that it may mean thyroid medication and possibly a special diet to help the kidney function, and we will find the money for that. dont know what we will do if its anything else. Must buy one of these new lottery tickets.

It's a gentle morning here, warm and fairly clear. one lot of washing out and another on. have to take dd18 to city hospital later for Mantoux test (TB) before she can start her nursing placements, so will visit Mum at same time as her ward is a couple of buildings away. Then rushing home for vet's appointment. what a day.

Have a good one everyone:)

FairyPrincessk

Thanks Alfsmum!

I also popped back in as I realized I'd intended to say something to Nutty! I'll be with you in spirit as well. There are a lot of teachers in my family, so I think Monnagran's look is probably an excellent defence! Either way, I'll be hoping for the best for you. Please let us know how it goes. Big hugs!

savingqueen

Morning all,

just a quick post if nutty is reading to wish her luck. Nutty - I will be thinking of you and I will be alongside you all the way. Stay calm and firm, hold your head up high and give YOUR side of the story, you are working under very difficult circumstances and the big cheeses should understand and appreciate that.

GO NUTTY!

back later to read rest of posts ...

take care everyone, onwards and upwards
sq:)