Greying's Gaining Ground - with Gratitude & Grace

the_cross_rabbit

have have you tried the olio app? They have waste heroes who collect food from supermarkets ( stuff for charities ie food banks already taken out of donation, so don’t think you would be denying people less fortunate) they then advertise it on the app (the food is free) and you put in a request and you go collect it once your request is approved. Worth a look. 

CRx

Greying_Pilgrim

Hi

Thanks again for taking the time to read my post and for your replies.

Cheery - there is an organisation like that (sort of) here.  There was at least one outlet, that did something very similar (although more small scale), but it was in a building which I now suspect (but don't actually know - will check) is all but 'closed' due to the lockdown.  Certainly the cafe part, which was where you could wander in and pick up items - either free, or for a small donation if you were able - was struggling prior to lockdown I, so whether it still actually exists......  There is also the issue of getting to it.  It is a 10 minute car trip (with limited parking opportunities) or an hour (at least) round trip walk.  Factoring in LG tends to limit these sort of trips.  But you are right to talk about it, because it ISN'T the case that we don't have food waste in this area..........

Busy_mee - i know from figures posted and talked about elsewhere that our household income is low enough to qualify for help.  However, we do not qualify to apply because we currently exceed the persmissible savings limit.  We could blow the house proceeds on a flash sports car and a crate of milk stout (that'd be really pushing the boat out...... 😉), in order to qualify for UC, but would probably regret that in the longer term......  I don't mind renting, but would probably prefer to ultimately return to home-ownership at some point in the future.  We just don't have the earning power - nor years available to gamble that we could get a house deposit back before we shuffle orf  planet earth, if we start nibbling away at the principle - or indeed, blow it all in Vegas 😉.

We were managing OK - and are quite, erm 'self-sufficient'? 'self-contained'?  We were able to make a (modest) life, and pay our way.  Having (unexpected) 'double costs' due to not being able to sell Greying Towers in a reasonable time frame made things squeaky tight.  I thought with those double costs gone, we might begin to restore an equilibrium and get back on a firmer footing, but it hasn't proved the case.  And now it looks like council tax costs may rise (for all, not specifically for us), any gain is instantly erased. We are grateful that DH is in employment (I don't want anyone to think that we're not), it's just that the income seems to have decreased by so much.......

the_cross_rabbit - I'm a real supporter of not wasting food, and try ever so hard not to waste it myself.  But whilst I think (?) the olio system is more local that perhaps some schemes, our issue here is that we've a small budget to work with.  It is not (as yet - worriedfacesmilie) a case that we are without food.  At this moment in time (and I hope things get better, not that I end up regretting typing this), it is (in my humble opinion) probably best to concentrate targetted shopping trips on buying food that has been planned out/thought about, and trying to keep to a monthly budget (albeit a tight one), rather than spending time to see/collect food items that might be available.  I'm MORE than willing to be told that I've got the wrong end of the stick, and that I'm cutting off my own nose to spite mine and my families face, but that's my perception at this moment in time.  Do I like having such a small food budget?  No.  Do I worry we'll all get scurvy?  Frankly, yes I do. Everyday.  But my time is not my own at the moment, and I have to be mindful of what activities I drag LG into and what activities I drag them away from.

My responses seem more........ negative.... than I want them to be.  You have all been so kind making suggestions, and I really am grateful.  I'm not saying no just to be contrarian, there are unfortunately issues to be considered that mean these solutions might not work, for us, or the benefit would be diluted.  But I appreciate that they certainly work for others.  And I greatly appreciate that you have taken the time to openly discuss them on this thread.  

Greying X

Greying_Pilgrim

Good Evening

It does really worry me that I must appear to rebuff any idea put forward in good faith.  Please never assume that. If anything, it is more likely to demonstrate that I give suggestions and ideas a great deal of thought, to see if they would work for our circumstances.  If I ever come across as an 'Abbot' (reference MemoryGirl), then I apologise profusely, as that certainly is never my intention.

Tea this evening was lentil bolognese and pasta.  I cooked the lentils, and the bolognese sauce was out of the freezer.  I do like lentil bolognese, as it is a dish that we all eat and like - makes life sooooo much easier!  

The menu plan is sorted for next week.  And I took the opportunity to start ideas for the menu planner 'master' for February, to utilise ingredients that I have.  Definitely having a larger freezer has paid dividends this month, as has being able to do a bit of batch cooking/boxing up leftovers.  I know you ALL know the value of this stuff, but very often it does just come back to doing the basics well, doesn't it?  No magic, no smoke/mirrors, no special equipment needed, just follow the programme, and DO all the things.  At least February is a 28 day month, so a teensy bit of breathing space created! 

Today I am grateful for.......... input, caring and (socially-distanced) hugs.

Thank you.

Greying X

maddiemay

Greying, I only found your new blog a few days ago, so lovely to see you back again, but I am so sorry that life is so tough for you and your family presently.  I regret that I have no suggestions to offer, however, bucket loads of good thoughts and virtual hugs coming your way.
MM

Cheery_Daff

Greying lass, you are absolutely NOT coming across as negative and dismissing suggestions. Remember we are just randomly throwing out things we're heard of in case any of them are useful - you have already done MUCH more thinking about your own situation than we have (of course!) and so it stands to reason that you would be thought of a good reason why certain things wouldn't work for you.

I'm sure none of us are put out if you don't follow our suggestions. As you say, sometimes these things just spark a train of thought that might lead to something else. We all learn from each other in so many ways, and also you never know who is lurking and who might find one of the suggestions useful.

I hope you do feel a little bit like you have some choices, however a hard situation you're in (and it IS hard, don't you forget it). I'm sure if (heaven forbid) you got to the point where any of you had scurvy, then you would of course dip into the house fund to buy a few limes. And I am also sure that you are doing the right thing NOT dipping into it if you can avoid it. You are thinking long term, and that is a great thing. 

You are a good person, and an excellent parent, I'm sure. You are doing your absolute utmost to give LG a good life, and they WILL know and appreciate that, regardless of how difficult it feels right now. 

Xxxx

Busy_Mee

Gosh Greying you are not negative at all. We are indeed just throwing ideas out there....just in case they might be helpful. It sounds like you have a plan and tbh I always think having a plan makes you feel better. 

I am glad (hope) you are sticking with us. I really enjoy your diary and your generosity in sharing your tales of LG. It takes me back to when mine were little. I am definitely hankering after some DGC ...sigh

Greying_Pilgrim

maddiemay - great to see you!  I hope you are all managing to keep safe and well x

Busy_Mee - Thank you.  I'm not sure I have a plan as such.  But I think i do need to just keep on 'doing the do'.  It does work, it doesn't radically alter things, but it does enable us to bobble along.  I guess I just reached saturation point of 'fed-upped-ness' yesterday, and could see no practical way we could even think of spending money to buy a house, when there weren't pennies for a bun....Thank you for popping by x

Cheery - that is SUCH a lovely post.  Thank you. XX     And yes, I promise I would break into the piggy bank at the first sign of scurvy.  **Greying wanders off in search of ; 'Sid Trust's salves and solutions fer Salty Seadawgs, Seafarers and Scurvy types'...........**

I'm away to count my many blessings for the umpteenth time in this life of mine......... 😘

Greying X

badmemory

Greying_Pilgrim said:

However, we do not qualify to apply because we currently exceed the persmissible savings limit.

Are you sure about this?  I am sure that it is possible to set aside a house sale whilst waiting for a house purchase.  I am sure there is a time limit though.  Always worth looking into, it may take the pressure off for a short time, no matter how short!

Moneywhizz

Used to always read and enjoy your diary on DFW board. Lovely to find you on this board now and continuing to share the ups and downs of your life. The overwhelming spirit of your diary is one of positivity and thankfulness and you are certainly not negative. It is clear from the way that you talk about LG that you are indeed both great parents and I am sure provide everything within your power to make their life as happy and safe as possible. You may be facing a difficult time right now but you are in a place where that could change in an instant. Buying your own house with the money that you have from the sale of your old house, would immediately free up the rent money that you are currently paying. If you decide that you are willing to take on a mortgage can you make sure that it will at least cost you a bit less than you are paying in rent. It also may be that once your money is all used up by buying a property, you would then be eligible to apply for UC to top up your income. Obviously you don't want to rush into buying something that you don't feel is right for you, but buying sooner rather than later, does seem to be the best way out of your current 'skintness'. Of course there are probably other things that I haven't thought of that make this not as straightforward,  but just offering my thoughts on a possible way out. I am glad you decided to come back and continue your diary so please know that many people are reading and wishing you the best. 

Greying_Pilgrim

Good Morning!

Well, I've woken up and 'done' this morning.  Stripped the bed linen and wash is on.  Remembered to get the prepped mushrooms and pizza sauce out of the freezer for tonight's pizza, and even eaten breakfast!  Go me! (sending self up - again 😉)

badmemory - you are right - I didn't know that.  6 months grace it appears.  Thanks!

Moneywhizz - yes, I totally get your point about the benefits of buying sooner rather than later, particularly if the purchase price is closer to the principle we have making a mortgage small/unnecessary.  Part of the issue at the moment is that within our budget, there isn't a huge choice available, and within the available properties, there are even fewer that are in the right area, provide the 'basics' of what we are looking for, aren't built on a flood plain/next to a bunged up brook etc etc.  There is also the issue of viewing any potential property.  Not too sure I would buy a house 'sight unseen', even under current circumstances.  But I remain open to all options and look everyday at the property pages.  Our next home is out there, we've just not found it yet.

So tea tonight will be pizza and wedges.  The tatties are out of a big sack, which means they are pennies, and the pizza is HM - so it is as cheap as I can get.  My pizza tray is something like 14" x 12", and makes 8 (biggish) pizza portions.  I suppose the mushroom pizza is quite expensive as the mushrooms cost £1.40, before any other ingredients are counted in.  But then I guess perhaps the toppings etc are more generous than a bought pizza.  I know that I have often thought the L1dl rectangular pizzas are reasonably low-cost.  But haven't actually bought one, so don't know how generous the topping is?  What value-for money it gives?  I think they are about £3.50 aren't they?

LG is currently amusing themselves drawing.  Anyone else casually glance at their child's activities occasionally, and wonder, 'where did they learn that?' or 'when did they get so accomplished?'.  Doesn't matter what it is - dancing, singing, drawing, swimming, story-writing, video editing, kicking a ball, riding a bike - the list is endless.  But soooooooooo very rewarding.  Unless they get good at sailing or something and you're slated to buy a racing dinghy to encourage their passion 🤣  Don't worry, LG isn't going to be the next Barbara Hepworth, Pablo Picasso, Tracey Emin or Damien Hirst, but I'm just stunned at the improvement they've achieved in drawing.  Mind, perhaps I ought to shove an aerosol can in their hand and actively encourage them to become the next Banksy?? I could be their agent - this time next year, we could be rich...........    [again - very much sending selves UP there!]

Oh, I forgot to say, I did get a load of washing 3/4 dry on the line yesterday.  It didn't have long out, but the breeze was stiff, and it came in considerably drier than it went out - which is always a bonus.  Not too sure if I'll be as lucky today, as the sheets are brushed cotton.....

Right, can't think of owt else MSE/MFW, so best shuffle orf and greet the day. 

Thanks for popping in.  Appreciated.

Greying X