Weekly Flylady Thread 19th April 2021

Honey_Bear

Thank you for posting that Pigpen.  It could happen to anyone, and over the past year it has happened to a lot of people who've never had to visit a foodbank before, and that I know directly from my work there because that's really what I'm responsible for, processing the vouchers and compiling reports the Trussel Trust computer programme doesn't do that we need.  (We're the second busiest TT Foodbank in the country.)   The clothes were a one off - I think - someone had very clearly decluttered their kitchen cupboards that week and the clothes were probably meant for a charity shop but they were all closed so they just threw them in the same donation bags.  At least, I hope that's what happened.  As you say, any clean clothes, curtains, bedding, towels, you name it - if they can't sell them our local hospice CSs still wants all of them as they can raise money by selling them for rags. 

pigpen

Honey_Bear said:

Thank you for posting that Pigpen.  It could happen to anyone, and over the past year it has happened to a lot of people who've never had to visit a foodbank before, and that I know directly from my work there because that's really what I'm responsible for, processing the vouchers and compiling reports the Trussel Trust computer programme doesn't do that we need.  (We're the second busiest TT Foodbank in the country.)   The clothes were a one off - I think - someone had very clearly decluttered their kitchen cupboards that week and the clothes were probably meant for a charity shop but they were all closed so they just threw them in the same donation bags.  At least, I hope that's what happened.  As you say, any clean clothes, curtains, bedding, towels, you name it - if they can't sell them our local hospice CSs still wants all of them as they can raise money by selling them for rags. 

Those on WW can donate their accrued reward points to the Trussell Trust.. assuming anyone can afford to join WW any more!

I have about 10 bags of rice we have beeIn given but no one eats, so I just pop it back in the donation box.

I just would urge anyone struggling to seek the help they need. Our referral went through school but HV's, dr's, SW's can all do a referral. Citizens advice, some council you can self-refer through their websites too.. I know it is hard to make that step but honestly.. if this pig-headed mule can ask, you can too, you really can even if you need a bit of support to get there. There is no need to be ashamed or anxious, those who work there want to help, they want so share and always have time for a chat if you need it or a cuppa or you can pick up and run. a few of ours have a canteen too so you can have a hot meal if you do not have cooking facilities at home.

Here they are doing distributions in the community.. taking a van load so you don't even have to travel.

Honestly.. they don't judge or condescend, just support however they can. Some even have support workers to help sort additional benefits and suitable clothing, it's not just about food.

pigpen

urgh... don't you just love it when you finally get to 100 listings and 5 sell.. now I have to find another 5... Found a lovely buyer today though so happy bunny.. Now to get her parcel all bundled up £12 more in my account.. I am hoping to get the front bay window replaced before winter.. it is freezing and draughty and the wood is rotten and it is likely to leak if the rain is in the wrong direction. 30 year old wooden frames don't last forever!! I was quoted £7k.... hahahaha... no, bye!... then I was quoted £1800... hmmm... I still think I can do better.. It is more about home security than cosmetic.

dinner in.. and no packups to make.. woot!!

Washing out on the line
Hazels bed drying.

Did I mention the printer cable came? .. it did.. the printer can now go ... over there.. and reach my laptop with the drivers installed.. over here... yay!!! oooohhhh.. I wonder if the AV is the problem with the photo upload... I will try it..

Squeaks schools shirts came.. they're too big she says.. no, they fit fine.. they stay tucked in when you raise your arms and are not skin tight on your chest..

Dinner is in.. pasta (ty foodbank) with sauce (ty foodbank) and sausages (cheapest shops own brand) and beans or 'oops (TY foodbank) ...

OH actually updated some bits on his CV. Now to kick him to do a cover letter... this has taken 18 months.. let's see how long the cover letter takes.

I'm going to bobble to my mothers after dinner I think.. to check out her window and her dog..

roundtuit

Good evening ladies

My eye did not like being at work! I've chased my follow up appointment at the Eye Clinic and go back on Tuesday afternoon. I'm going to work Tuesday morning then ask the doctor if I need to take more time off or persevere. Weekend now woot woot.

Papa Round is not well. His blood pressure is too low. His kidneys aren't functioning properly and he is in considerable pain. Oh and his chest isn't good. They won't get him out of bed until they have sorted out his blood pressure. They are juggling the meds at the moment trying to get everything sorted. 

My bedroom floor is slowly emerging from the clutter. One item at a time is removed every time I open or close the bedroom curtains. 

Hugs to all 
Rxx

YORKSHIRELASS

Wow Pigpen and HB, amazing posts.  We have had times when money has been tight but I can't imagine how scary it must be to not be able to buy food for your family.  Thank goodness Foodbanks are becoming more widespread and there is less stigma about them.  

Love to your Dad Round x

Worked until lunchtime, helped Dad sort out his car insurance, went for a little bike ride and delivered my niece's birthday card while I was out, got some washing dry outside and sat in the sunshine for a bit.  Feet up now.

Valli

Thank you HB and Piggers...I am so proud of how 'ordinary' people have pulled together but I am beyond disgusted that, in the 21st century, foodbanks are needed.  Our local foodbank now runs more sessions than it ever did.   

Work all day but towels have been on the line - so, being bone dry, they're back in the cupboard.

Have stripped my bed so that the sheets can go in the WM.  

ionafan

Valli said:

Thank you HB and Piggers...I am so proud of how 'ordinary' people have pulled together but I am beyond disgusted that, in the 21st century, foodbanks are needed.  Our local foodbank now runs more sessions than it ever did.   

I totally agree with what Valli said

And all our bedding is dry and back on the beds.

pigpen

Round.. I hope he rallies.. these older family members are such a worry. He is probably just too relaxed and calm and loving the attention! If there is anything we can do please shout.. xxx Even if you just need a cuppa and a hug.. I have custard creams I can share xx

Valli.. I totally agree.. foodbanks in a developed country is vulgar.. It is a total failure of the system. So long as charities and other people are taking care of the deficit the government will do nothing to change it.. but obviously we can't allow the less well off people to go hungry while they sit in their ivory towers and ignore it until the smell of death puts them off their dinner. I'm totally up for a protest.. haha.. I am definitely becoming more militant in my old age, I just need my body to become more willing. I am seriously considering becoming a councillor, in discussion with a local one.. to at least try to implement change where it is needed.. The council services are making a drama over what wording to use in a leaflet while people go without the support they need and struggle and go hungry and sit in cold, damp houses.. I am having a great week, I have already upset 3 council departments and working on a 4th!! lol

DD1 listed 4 items on Vinted a couple of days ago.. I did 4 today.. payment incoming! lol... DD1 is not impressed!

I have filled a wicker hamper with items to list tomorrow.

I filled a binbag for charity shop

I found a box of Twinkles newborn stuff.. there are a few bits I would like to keep but most can be gifted to someone in need. I have a couple of bits I will sell too.

I found 2 lightshades.. Frozen ones.. Why in the name of chickens do I have 2 of those??!! *fling*

I also have 2 binbags to sort through to see what can go and what can list.

While tidying away the selling stuff I have cleared the landing, it took about half an hour and desperatey needs a vacuum but is infinitely better.. and I now have a basket full of laundry which I don't know if it is dirty or clean so will wash it all. I put away a drawer full of blankets and realised Squeak is desperate for trousers.. she has a pile of tshirts and jumpers and about 3 pairs of leggings and a few pairs of shorts.. they are not going to see her through summer and definitely not much use if we end up home educating.. Guess what we are adding to her birthday list..

OH is in a sulk again because I got the printer cable and the cat wee mats on his card.. I asked him first so he can't complain, he said yes.. He doesn't get paid for 2 more weeks and has £95 left.. bear in mind he does not contribute to the bills.. he pays for the car and everything associated with that and he pays for most of the food.. and I cover everything else..it works out a fairly well normally but I'm currently doing food and not clothing.. hence a naked Squeak! I have dealt with a naked Pixie.. Dot has lots, being the smallest of the 3.

Cats fed.

So.. I had a bit of a meltdown tonight.. I wasn't going to bore you with it but I need to release it. .. feel free to stroll by...

I had a strop, said I am overwhelmed with the state of the house and no one helps do anything, no one uses any initiative and I am expected to do everything myself and it if neither fair nor helpful. I can not sleep properly because my room is such a mess, I can not breathe because it is super dusty and I need some help. I need others to use their own brains and eyes and not expect me to tell them what to do. It is damaging my mental and physical health them not helping. I have run myself ragged this week and have achieved nothing.. the kitchen is still horrible, the back room is still full, the bed room is disgusting and unsafe and the girls room is also disgusting and unsafe but not to the same point as mine.. I don't think expecting them to pull their weight is expecting a lot.. and what was the reply??? NOTHING!!!!.. NOT A WORD... I am so angry and disappointed and unappreciated.. I see another strop on the horizon!

Tomorrow I will see progress.

The girls can tidy their room.
Boog can tidy the middle room a bit, it doesn't need to be perfect, just safe.
DS2 can get his pit ready for decorating and sort his CV.
OH can go shopping.. I need pack up stuff for next week. He can post the parcels too. And a tip run, and the garden, and the DW.
I need to take Twinkle to pick up her new shoes.. a whole size bigger! Vacuum the landing and make it pretty. Collect prescription from B00ts. List more gubbins.

Cuppa and bed right now though I think.

Love and hugs and sleep well vibes for all flybodies. I hope tomorrow bring renewed vigour and everyone feel s a bit better xxx 

[Deleted User]

Morning all

Lots if interesting posts ladies, thank you. We have a big focus round here on food waste groups; we have two groups per week in late afternoon and if I can manage to get to both of them that covers 80% of our food for the week. The remaining food needed is covered by the sale of our eggs. Whilst it’s horrific that there is so much surplus food waste it warrants two sharing sessions a week, it helps us hugely. My children eat so much fresh fruit and veg that could be over £30 a week alone. I’m with you Piggers, biscuits etc we’re not bothered about. 

Working P/T and having two children reliant on me is a constant worry - what if I can’t work? What if one of them needs something that I simply can’t afford? My big push on frugal living helps with managing the anxieties that come with it. 

This morning I have set the DW going, and we’re going to walk to the co-0p for washing powder as I’m totally out. Thankfully I have enough membership points to cover that. My goal is that one day I can buy Ecover stuff again! I’ll then set the WM going again, and we are having freezer surprise for tea. Eggs for lunch 😜

Love to all xx

Jazee

Morning all.  Very interesting posts.  Hope you're all ok.
 I too use our community fridge as I can't bear the thought of all the waste and we need to be extra careful now that DH doesn't have a permanent job.  For washing, I use one of those egg thingys for most stuff and it's fine.

Today, on do nothing Saturday I plan to walk the dogs, clean the outside of the cars and do some gardening.

Have a great day everyone.