The Garden Fence - help and support in tough times

Softstuff

Mr Burtha should be sat at home with a nice cup of tea by now. Well done him.

*hugs* Nursemaggie. Rest up as much as you can and don't worry about how little gets done, the end is in sight. At least the hospital trips will be done for a while, even if the effects take a while to subside.

Monnagran, it's time you did what you want, you shouldn't be beholden to everyone else all the time, you've earned the right to make decisions best for you. A friend of mine is about your age, after she sold her property for money reasons she rented a flat. When the lease ran out her daughter suggested she move in with her. This would help with the daughters mortgage. This lasted 6 unpleasant months for my friend, she was unable to make decisions for herself, she was unable to live on her own terms. She's renting another unit now and is happy as Larry. The daughter isn't, but my friends sanity was worth it.

milasavesmoney

Hard_Up_Hester wrote: »

I want my husband back, he used to be amusing, affectionate and cheerful, now the poor bu&&er is stressed, overstretched and demoralised!

I really hear you!

Before my husband retired I was to the point of wondering if I could continue living with my him because he was bringing his job frustration home to the point it was affecting the entire home. He was so very angry with the school district not backing him (teachers) and always always siding with whining parents he was ready to explode. The final straw... He was physically attacked by a parent, on school property, regarding a kid he was coaching (kid was not getting enough to playing time according to parent) and he, of course, defended himself. Police were called...both in trouble for public affray. The district refused to supply an attorney saying it was a personal matter. It was not, it was a school matter that had happened on school property.

Since he retired he now has his wonderful outgoing personality back. It took two years.

Hard_Up_Hester

Monna, yes it is time you thought of yourself, you make the decisions, we'll all back you up.

Nursemaggie, one step at a time, you will feel better.

Mila, it's a joke isn't it. the way teachers are treated.

Please keep everything crossed for my hubby as he try's to find another job, not easy at 60, he hasn't even had a reply from the last 6 jobs he's applied for despite having 7 years experience.

There will now be 15 warmer homeless men in Reading as my L&M has whittled his coat collection down to 6. I'm being very selfish, I refuse to part with ANY of my coats, but then I only one coat and a cagoule.

Softstuff

I'm glad your L&M could be surgically detached from his coat collection Hester, the homeless folk of Reading will be worthy custodians. My fingers are crossed for him and for you.

We're having a "weather event " currently. 40mm of rain in the past hour. Discovering slight drainage discrepancies in the new garden to be remedied shortly. Once it dries out a bit and I no longer need a kayak to get to the garage

Check this out (if you're looking near my posting time), we're on the east coast.
http://www.bom.gov.au/products/national_radar_sat.loop.shtml

monnagran

Wow Softstuff. 'Slight discrepancies' is presumably the understatement of the year. Is there a new fashion for webbed feet in your area?

Mila and Hester, Commiserations to you both. Dealing with your own problems is one thing, but dealing with the fallout from other people's problems is a different ball game entirely. I hope that Hester's situation resolves itself as happily as Mila's.
Schools are difficult habitats these days. My DB was the head of a primary school and said that before he retired he used to walk around the school with his hands in his pockets in case he accidently touched a child. A friend of mine said that she decided it was time to retire when a five year old told her, "I can do what I like and you can't stop me," and she knew it was true.

Thanks for your support. The reason I feel so bad is that my DS and DIL were promised this house until 2022 when 'she who shall not be named' retired and we either moved in or sold and bought a bungalow. DS and DIL have been so sweet and understanding about everything, they are fully aware of how devastated I was and all they want is for me to be happy, whatever it takes. I, on the other hand, am fully aware that their lives have been thrown into turmoil also and am desperately trying to do the right thing for them. I am sure that we will sort this out eventually because this family is based on love and respect and we will find a way way through.

It's nice to be able to unload here and know that no one is going to judge.

x

elona

Monna

Is there any way you could extend to make a private space for you?

Loft? Garage conversion or even a garden shed that is insulated or caravan in garden?

Softstuff

I was exaggerating about the kayak. To be fair, further up the drive drains much better than previously (used to be ankle deep during heavy rain) and lover down the garden is way better because it won't be under water for a week. But there's a small pond in the middle. Soon to be resolved. And not the fault of the gardeners (though I might ask him for help remedying it).

moneyistooshorttomention

Hmmm....re "small pond in the middle" - don't suppose you fancy "making a virtue out of necessity" and having a pond (as in deliberately?).

On the other hand - I'll admit personally to a liking for the idea of wild swimming pools - so maybe a small "wild" style plunge pool? You'd get a lot more use from something like that in your climate than we would here in Britain....

Softstuff

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

Hmmm....re "small pond in the middle" - don't suppose you fancy "making a virtue out of necessity" and having a pond (as in deliberately?).

On the other hand - I'll admit personally to a liking for the idea of wild swimming pools - so maybe a small "wild" style plunge pool? You'd get a lot more use from something like that in your climate than we would here in Britain....

Gawd no. Cane toads and mosquitoes. Sorry to dispel any romantic tropical ideas, but standing water around here is best avoided. Google ross river fever if you're game.

moneyistooshorttomention

Oh well....just a thought....and memories of holiday in "hot/hot/hot" climate and any excuse to get into the nearest bit of water for a much-needed cool-down....

Off for said google....

EDIT; one very quick looksee later - and....errm...see what you mean. Thats a shame....

Back to the drawing board - and thoughts that the mediterranean climate is probably pretty much the optimum one we have available...