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

elona

fuddle

I don't have to be as careful now as when our four dds were small but frugal OS dishes like ham shank and pea and ham soup, home made potato cakes etc have DH delighted and means I can treat us to fancier stuff at other times.

Its also useful to dds as one of them was stunned I could fillet ( or whatever the word is) a chicken from the butchers so she had two big legs, chicken breasts and a carcass with loads of meat on for soup. It was part of a family pack of meat she took back down south with her and lasted ages. They only have a local butcher near them who is "delicatessen" or a "purveyor of fine meats" and costs a fortune.;)

Another dd was amazed when I hand stitched the lining of her favourite handbag for her. Another when she bought a fancy dress two sizes two small and I hand stitched to fit better.

My FIL was shocked years ago when he visited and saw my copy of "the paupers cookbook". He worriedly asked if we were really hard up but I explained it just meant making the most of ingredients and not fancy recipes using a dozen eggs, cream, lobster etc.;)

I work on the principle that if we are sensible in everyday things then there more scope to treat ourselves and to cover the unexpected.

I did a shop at TK maximus and got good quality presents for supermarket prices so very pleased. I found a toddler pair of stella Mc C******y trousers for under a fiver so bought a designer baby top as well as a present so I saved money or spent the same as I would elsewhere and the recipient got better
quality stuff.

Possession

That's great news about Mr Ginny, fab present!
DD's christmas play tonight, and it was very sweet but she was just fixated on various mistakes people made and couldn't enjoy it at all. Oh well. On the plus side she appears to have gone to sleep! The in-laws are watching it tomorrow night, and since that will be her 4th night in a row of evening activity this week I expect she will be zonked then too.
You know I have lovely rescue cocker Lottie? I have fallen in love with another rescue cocker, probably an ex-breeder, who has had a tough life and is getting to trust humans again. I might take Lottie to meet her. Am I mad? I am, since DH isn't in work at the moment. I tell myself 2 dogs aren't much more expensive than one but it probably isn't true. My heart is leading my head at the moment I think. I just look at her sad eyes and can't bear that she's been mistreated. : (

wondercollie

nuttyp wrote: »

hmmmmm what is tablet?? I am most confused, sorry

Food of the gods.


It's so sweet your teeth hurt when eating it.

kidcat

Wonderful news ginny

mardatha

It's so good that your eyes water when you read about it on here and haven't got any!!!

elona

Mardatha

Have you any condensed milk to make a "piece"?

cornishchick

mardatha wrote: »

It's so good that your eyes water when you read about it on here and haven't got any!!!

*wishes there was a way to pass some through the cyber network........

Rosy_Bottom

fuddle wrote: »

When I start working our life won't be finacially tough so I'm worried that I won't fit in here any more. I'd still like to stay to learn tips and tricks if that's ok because OS isn't just the coping strategy I stumbled upon but it's my way of life now.

Course you are welcome here my love. What would this thread be like without you.

Pooky

Possession wrote: »

That's great news about Mr Ginny, fab present!
DD's christmas play tonight, and it was very sweet but she was just fixated on various mistakes people made and couldn't enjoy it at all. Oh well. On the plus side she appears to have gone to sleep! The in-laws are watching it tomorrow night, and since that will be her 4th night in a row of evening activity this week I expect she will be zonked then too.
You know I have lovely rescue cocker Lottie? I have fallen in love with another rescue cocker, probably an ex-breeder, who has had a tough life and is getting to trust humans again. I might take Lottie to meet her. Am I mad? I am, since DH isn't in work at the moment. I tell myself 2 dogs aren't much more expensive than one but it probably isn't true. My heart is leading my head at the moment I think. I just look at her sad eyes and can't bear that she's been mistreated. : (

You're as soft as I am. If she'll get on ok with Lottie and the rabbits (DH and the kids can move out if needs be ) then go for it.

FairyPrincessk

Morning all,

Ginny I had been wondering, but didn't like to ask as I wasn't sure when you would hear and its never nice to be reminded of waiting! Wonderful news, I hope this means you can enjoy your advent season (seems more appropriate since you're spreading your celebrations out...which by the way I think is a wonderfully sensible approach).

Very bleary eyed this morning and still have a headache from yesterday. Neighbours kicking off yet again, and we've seen more mice. It seems the neighbours have a cat and so the mice have decided to scout for more welcoming premises. This is the last week of classes, today I'm watching presentations from my seminar group. I'm excited to see them, but I think I'm going to have to tell them I've a terrible headache and am tired. After teaching for several years I know how off-putting it is when someone in the audience looks less than thrilled and I wouldn't want them to catch me out grimacing and think it was down to them.

Tomorrow night is our party. I'm putting hot chocolate in the slow cooker, mugs to the side and lots of toppings. I'll do a few baked goodies when I get home from teaching but its all simple fare. Still several people have said they're excited about it. I'm just hoping I'm feeling more on top of it by then.

As far as tough times..financially this year has been far easier for us that the past two. However, we are both looking for jobs again for next year and the uncertainty means we need to be as careful and frugal as ever. That said, my tough times are not about my financial situation. I don't really share the things that make this a tough time for me on the internet, but I draw lovely support from this thread and I think everyone should feel welcome to draw support no matter their income. As for re-assurance, we all need it from time to time and I applaud those who are able to ask for it when they need it.