The Garden Fence - help and support in tough times

GreyQueen

:j My spuds are coming through the soil. It's 33 days since they were planted deeply and had the soil heaped up over them. There was no sign last weekend so they've breached the surface at some point in the last few days. They'll be coming through in the next 2-3 weeks before they're all up, and I now have a tense time for a month until the last frost risk is past (3rd week in May here most years). Wish me luck!

Have cleared a new area 5 x 7.5 ft and readied it for planting. This was a bit of the dereliction at the top right-hand corner of the plot, and I will dismantle the compost Dalek and fork the rotted bits at the bottom into that area, plus may take a barrow to the common to collect some horse manure and fork that it. letting things season for a few weeks until planting courgettes in there. Going to be pretty self-sufficient this year, all things being equal.

Gorgeous hot and sunny day here, good to be alive.

mardatha

I meant to get my seed tatties today at the garden centre and forgot! Will need to be next week some time. Weather has broken down here, its grey and much cooler now, bet that was the summer of 2015 last week.

nursemaggie

I hope not Mar I am planning on exploring Lancashire by bus this summer. Someone today told me I can get as far as Southport on my bus pass. I hope so I have not been there for about 40 years.

Just got back from a meeting about my rare cancer in Manchester. Guess what I saw in Ald!. Well they looked like plastic hebes to me. It was wonder round the Arndale Centre or pay double the train fare to come back between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. It's not worth twice the fare to travel in the crush at that time.

Better get the dinner on. Just bought some Southern Fried Chicken to heat up and some salad and DS can pretend it is the colonels finest.

Popperwell

Weather has broken here too(County Durham)I don't often make plans because I break them or rather my body does...but debating whether to stay home or hop on a bus and travel all day tomorrow and see where I end up.


If I can be bothered I may have a jacket potato, wild rice and a lemon, salmon and spinach fish cake later for supper/late meal.


I gave in and purchased three more shirts*(well at 99p each why not!)they are BHS and M&S branded. At that price I can have a decent wardrobe. Go a while before needing to load the washer and drier or even if worst came to the worst throw something away and replace it but the latter suggestion isn't likely.


*Charity shop

[Deleted User]

POPS supper sounds delicious!

monnagran

Lovely to see you posting again Pops. My word, you do seem to live a pretty full life. I'm full of admiration at how you get out and about and organise your life.

Life here is fuller than I'd like. We have a big service here on Sunday, people coming from miles around. I know I said that I wasn't going to get involved here but somehow I find that I am making all these cakes and sandwiches, Cooking lunch for 50 at the end of June, doing cream teas at the Summer Fete (any good recipes for beyond wonderful scones would be welcome) and the Rev volunteered me to be the Church's Health and Safety officer. I may speak to her again one day, on the other hand...........

Much cooler tonight and I think it has been raining. Not planted anything yet as those who know warned that this area is known for the odd late frost. Anyway, we're off on holiday in a couple of weeks so I won't be here to wring my hands when it all goes wrong.

Love and hugs to all stressed and poorly.

x

Popperwell

Amazed what I do and long may I continue to do so(I suspect I have more years behind me than in front):pbut I can accept that if I am able to see things that I haven't and make up for lost time(and financially I can have some small treats)but if I can remain independent and stay warm that will do me.


I just come up with ideas for meals and hope that I shall cook even more from scratch but some ready meals or the adaption of some ingredients/combinations do work surprisingly well.


They'll say they are doing so out of help/concern but ironically when the H Association called for their visit they asked if I had money problems and do I know where to seek help. Yes to both questions. Like all landlords they don't freeze rents when times are tough. Bills continue to rise regardless.


I suspect many of their tenants do but you know what I spent best part of 2 - 3 weeks talking with CAB/DWP/Job Centre Plus/H Association/County Council and other advisory bodies and often no one could help me or I was given mis information and spent hours on hold or being passed from one organisation to another.


So if I struggle and I think I'm quite savvy on things what do those who are not do? I am quite fortunate. I was also asked if I needed to arrange help from a food bank. Its all a bit ironic in these austere times for so many.


I have my own food bank as you know(items purchased in better times for when times get tough)quite soon I expect my income to drop by half and I have to prove what I spend. The help that stops remains open only so I get contributions(stamps)towards my state pension.


But as you may've seen when I returned I have one last chance to improve my home and when done I suspect this will have to last me for the rest of the time I have remaining. Not luxuries but necessities(except for a couple of items)my laptop needs replacing and I'd like a tablet.


Everything else is replacing of ancient items like carpets, beds, curtains, garden equipment, lounge furniture and the place needs decorating and I am thinking of a mobility scooter and perhaps a stair lift. Things long neglected. I did check with those who make decisions on what is acceptable and do have to account for what is spent.


I am also fortunate that I have the support of friends/neighbours I have made(a small few)and good doctor.

Popperwell

I should add thanks for any support given, its not a political point and I agree money should be used before you are helped but the threshold is so low for 2015 and I am thinking of carers/ill/disabled/people who are suddenly thrown into an unexpected situation. And I'm not pleading that I am a special case. I promise that's the end of such talk but as my friends you know where I find myself.


But when its all done I may mention the mission has been accomplished. Life is difficult for too many.


And if not explained correctly it can annoy some.


Its all put in perspective by...did I mention a friend(with special needs)nearly passed away at the start of the year and spent almost two months in hospital he's home now but it was such an ordeal his memory has been affected and becomes very tired, needs to use a walker/zimmer frame and for now, we hope temporary(but we don't know)he is virtually house bound. But he's a fighter so we hope in time he will improve. He is still here though. I'm there for him and try to do what I am able to. He was in an enforced coma state for quite a time so we believe that is why memory and mobility was affected.

mardatha

Horrible dark morning here, it's gone back to November and one is not amused at all. But the garden will be soaking it up - as long as it doesn't get too cold and kill wee baby plants.

ivyleaf

Raining here too, but goodness knows the plants need it :eek: