The Cybergarden - Late Summer Edition

[madmouse]

Sorry been unfaithful, lots going on. But making myself useful - here's your new thread x

How lovely to see you, kizzie! Have a !

Heaps of good luck to DH for the new work plans ? hope this means he now has something lined up? All best for that, or for continuing to look if not.

Greetings to kizzie, and glad to hear you're OK. Sending good vibes to your DH for successful future and to you for less stressful times at work.
Apologies to hob but too tired to post yesterday, and been dragged round shops as A Female Opinion by DB today.
Agree that the E/Tarts are rather expensive to buy, but happy to pass on recipe if required, and agree about difficulty of finding good, non-alcoholic versions for Christmas treats. Have given up on the pudding (apart from the hours of steaming), although a friend recommends a sweet white sauce flavoured with cinnamon instead of brandy butter or rum sauce, have decided that this year we'll have something in chocolate (both chocoholics, maybe Yule Log?) with plain cream. And next year, usual no-difference again.
Do you have a vegetarian feast, I wonder?

Hi kizzie !!! < waves and soppy hugs > We know you're still here in spirit , & have been thinking of you going through these massive adjustments with your & dh's work . Really hope you can breathe cautious sigh of relief soon . In the meantime , please do take vrey , very good care of yourself .

No shodatin , thank you for posting , & am very impressed you managed to help out DB when hope you been so tired . Agree Female Opinion necessary as most for males don't really notice the styles passing by , which women usually do , even if uninterested

I'm sorry for not having posted till now but am so slow of brain , though achieving things gradually [hsmile]

at Tianc's < clank - ow > Your full set of armour helped me make abig inroads in battle today . Have noticed SoD have almost vanished here so hope same round your way

Hope upward well and had some frivolity in her day - also that sleep is easier than of late.

Yes ,love Xmas mealshodatin but not well enough cooked to be a feast in strict sense of the word . We have rich mushroomy nut roasts , usually a bought one I'm afraid , even if it's only with frozen spuds & sprouts . I must try to find a nicer stuffing recipe this year .
.
Fellow chocoholic here ... so many things to choose from & will suggest , but can recommend supermarket Finest or similar toffee cake ( as in just over £2 , not the extortionate ones), extremely sickly , & would be nice with a few sultanas , like sticky toffee pud . The choc cake in these ranges are amazingly rich , as god as the birthday cakes 4 times the price .
Thank you so much for offering to procure Ecclefechan recipe , but I don't want you to do tirring typing unless I can't find versions of recipe

HF very pleased with warm weather ( round here at any rate - wish we all had baalminess ) & wishes you all a comfortable night

This is becoming a seriously foody thread!

Hope day with DB went well, shodatin, despite being tiring. And haha at being the token Female Opinion! If it was present shopping you have my profound sympathy. But oh dear, it's November: time to start in earnest, I fear... Upward, did you get any inspiration for your birthdays shopping?

hob, thank you for your link yesterday ? there's a lot of interesting stuff on that site, but I haven't looked for a while. You're so right about technology transforming the amount of support available. Btw, hope things are going well wrt to your various medical appointments and referrals.

And hope you've had a good day, with some decent rest squeezed in amid everything else!

Time to curl up. Hope everyone makes it safely to bed, and sleeps through till morn. Night all!

Morning all, and apologies for just dropping out last night.Lovely ideas for Christmas food hob, and thanks for tips, as I don't normally eat a sweet course, just a choccy biccy for convenience.
Not present shopping yesterday, probably as proof of recovery, DB finally decided he should have a door curtain and had taken some odd measurements...Eventually settled on spare thermal linings from my stash, but shopping not easy as stocks now low, plus having car problems and afraid I might need a new one, so stressed.
Hope everyone's at the right temperature, despite damp, and that everyone who needs a door curtain has found one.

Have finally got around to checking the website hob mentioned earlier, only to find that it is no longer available, according to BT. Will have to move a bit quicker in future, as am now consumed with curiosity.

Oh good lord about your car, shodatin. Do you have anywhere trustworthy to take a look at it? Fingers crossed it'll be something eminently fixable... Stress that you just don't need.

Definitely time for .

I've found another link to the brokenofbritain website, though possibly not the page hob had in mind: thebrokenofbritain.blogspot.com/ I used it largely for the political campaigning, though, rather than day to day helpful support, so I'm afraid I know little about the latter (MN is my drug of choice for support!)

I think the BBC's Ouch! site is also supposed to be very good, again for a mix of political stuff and more day to day news.

So hope things turn out with your car as Tianc said - it's so worrying .Wonder if you could have help on the Motability scheme .

Thanks for , Tianc , & adding new link . Agree about Mn support

The BoB blog is very inspiring , & I especially admire Sue Marsh 's posts . I read in a disability magazine in the library the other week that the BBC had decided to shut the public forum on Ouch , which outrages me ... I can't find the statement they put out - this a less offensive version www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ouch/2011/06/messageboard_closure.html Anyhow , please don't pay attention to my strop -

Pretty warm here , thank you shodatin - wish could send it your way , & upward's of course , Door curtain a very good idea , & must put up a velour curtain behind draughty door as suggested in the winter warmth thread .

Slept for ages earlier so scrambling about now ...

Hope we all have a good evening

Thanks for alternative websites, hob and tianc, and hope to have a look tomorrow (not enough brain working in evenings)
Car is really getting on, so not worth spending much on it, but apart from cost, I really dislike getting used to a new one and turning on indicators instead of windscreen washer, etc, and the insurance and paperwork kerfuffle, but can't continue ignoring it now I'm having to hunt for first gear. Motability want the whole DLA amount for a car, but am using some of mine to pay for help, which is not covered at present, and my car costs are very low.
Have to go now, back later

Sleepy day here, too, after a mildly productive morning. About to crash out again, I'm afraid, but hope everyone's day was at least "good in parts", despite annoyances.

Lovely idea to have hot chocolate tianc, but have never seen the point of marshmallows, which to me have all the flavour of an overgrown marrow and a strange cloth-like texture. First time I had them, I thought there'd been a mistake in the kitchen.

Am obviously missing something here, so would someone
please enlighten me?

grin] at " all the flavour of an overgrown marrow & strange cloth like texture " " "mistake in the kitchen" < sips comforting chocolate gratefully & enjoys shodatin's uneaten share of marshmallows > Very true shodatin , but have definitely tasted nice ones , perhaps from the US - highly flavoured & sickly [smile I think people like the way they take up other flavours < overanalyzing >

Thank you for explaining further about car & a not surprised your heart sinks at possible change . I know it's very hard for people to manage the finances of the Motability scheme , & it's only worthwhile in certain circumstances .

Sorry you were so exhausted for a fair part of yesterday Tianc & that the weekend is an oasis of leisure with DP . Forgot to say yesterday how glad I was to see you say you'd used sites we were discussing for political campaigning . < strenghthening vibes for work at home & care of self >

Hope you feel up to a small outing this weekend upward & won't be bothered by too many loud fireworks later .

Hope madmouse & kizzie & families have a nice autumnal weekend

< pokes bonfire gently for hibernating hedgehogs >
< shares out sparklers >
< HF looks rather cross and accepts soothing fuss >

Many thanks hob, for explaining something about marshmallows. I did first try them in U.S and was expecting something as good as other food items, so maybe it was just massive disappointment. So glad we're friendly enough for you to simply take over the marshmallows - am always pleased when friends help themselves to my between-meals snacks, knowing full well I won't eat them and don't like to make endless excuses. Had forgotten how useful it is to eat out with DB, still an impressive plate-clearer, who saves me making polite apologies.
So pleased someone's checking for hedgehogs in the bonfire hob, and I wonder if HF can remember the lead-up to Night of Noise. Feel so sorry for all the animals, even pets who have a special quiet place to hide. H ounds used to try to frighten fireworks away with barking, which was dreadful and lost them sympathy as night went on. I'm still pleased when it's over, and at least we've been spared the noise for the week before the 5th, being on a Saturday this year.
Am joining with hob in hoping the families in particular enjoy this weekend.

Many thanks to tianc and hob for giving me info about organisations for disabled, have made notes for future.

This is the quietest Bonfire Night I can remember, with a total of less than a dozen noises all night, and none nearby. It's sad because it demonstrates financial problems, but am sure lots of emergency services are happy and relieved.

Had time with DSis on Skype earlier, and was relieved that facial swelling is less and eating is easier now stitches are out, although it's still a bad injury and not worth the consequent weight loss.

I plan an early night for a change, and hope we're all able to sleep through without disturbances. etc, with plate of chocolate biscuits.

What formidable hounds , shodatin at " lost them sympathy as the evening went on " - indeed , a beagle's bark could start an earthquake

Stopped off at DM 's ( we can only visit when her loathsome DP is asleep ) & watched fireworks - brilliant to catch up but were nodding off . She plies us with thoughtful gifts & it's a job to get her to keep anything for herself .

I knew you'd thinking of animals at fireworks time , & the only good thing about the state of finances has been far fewer firecrackers < is sounds a complete misery >

HF & next door's boy are more used to the noise now but of course there's plenty of scope for accidents outdoors ... HF has been extra perky and pouncy this week , enjoying the good weather round here

Hope Tianc has had a day with plenty of good parts , & that upward is sleeping better lately . How is your DSis feeling now , shodatin ?

Comforting mossy nestboxes for us all lemon balm

Ooops , didn't see your goodnight post , shodatin - aha , was far quieter where you are also , good ..
Very glad DSis is on the mend but what a horrible set of injuries .Hope early night brings delicious sleep

< leaves guilty trail of chocolatey crumbs >
< hopes Tianc& other cybergarden visitors find plenty left >

Much sympathy to your DSis, shodatin. Glad she's improving, but how wretched that it's been affecting her eating. Best wishes for a smooth recovery.

hob, that you can only visit your DM when her DP is asleep! Blimey, you do seem rather over-provided with Awkward People. Thank goodness she has you close enough to just pop in! I can only say you're showing considerably more grace and restraint about it than I would manage.

Hope MIL continuing to keep comfortable.

Thank you so much for strengthening vibes and mossy nestbox. I've been curled up in mine again today ? but 'twas grey and 'orrid outside, so best place to be! Hope you and DH are getting some good rest too ? and glad to hear HF & neighbour are coping with the bangs.

shodatin what a fabulous description of marshmallows! That's exactly how I first felt about them too - puzzled disappointment.

But I've since had them toasted or melted in or on things (eg slit a banana, stuff marshmallows & choc chips down the side, cook on dying barbecue coals), and they're strangely more-ish...

And of course cybersnacks are only ever for those who fancy them. I hope the garden is hospitable, not over-bearing!

Upward hope you're keeping OK. Any good fireworks displays where you are?

Definitely bed time again. Wishing you all a good, refreshing night's sleep, and relaxed day tomorrow.

Definitely had a relaxed day today, and hope everyone else did too. We've not heard from upward for a while, so am hoping life is not too difficult at present.
People keep telling me I look good (must have been a sad sight before) and can only think that the extra painkiller this week has made a visible difference. I used to take as few drugs as possible, now I'm grateful they're available, and hope everyone else is satisfied with present medication.

Oooh scrumptious marshmallow ideas , Tianc < pokes cybergarden barbecue in eager anticipation > Have never been to the US , shodatin ,& just meant goodies brought back by friends - you' ve tasted homecooked / regional US food , which in my limited experience combines the tastiest elements of international cuisines
< hands round gooey Tianc choc chip marshmallowy banans > We really must find time to discuss that topic you suggested , shodatin of differences found between UK & other countries lived in

So sorry you've been needing your nestbox more than is enjoyable , Tianc and hope there have been indulgent times too today.
Thank you so , so much for wishing dh & I proper rest - he's been snoozing all evening & I'm looking forward to an earliish night

The situation with DM's partner is very longstanding & I 'm happy to (re) assure you I'm not patient or graceful about it ... it's involved violence in the past ( not towards DM ) & I'm needing to look at formal steps for the protection of DM & self in situations which are likely to evolve , as DM has decided to stay after all . Am going to consult Wisdom of MN when I have more energy though I 'll be called a troll
Greatly hope worrying ongoing situations faced by fellow posters are less serious than previously , though they won't want to mention online , which is of course safest .

Hope madmouse & kizzie's families enjoyed Bonfire Night & that those of us who didn't creep out of hibernation for Halloweeny silliness , have found it comforting to be tucked up at home comforting
lemon balm

Sorry for laborious cross post , shodatin . Glad friends sense a small improvement in your comfort , even if you don't feel much difference , & am in great awe of your positive attitude . You have helped me understand much more about living with physical adversity ,which has led to me making improvements in own much easier day - to - day life (sorry to be soppy ) . I'll join you in hoping everyone has found medication which is acceptable for the time being .

So pleased to hear you had a leisurely Sunday , & hope we all have a relatively calm week < plenty of Tianc's gooey bananas left wrapped up in cinders >

shodatin sounds like the additional painkiller has really made a difference, after lots of "putting up with it". So sorry you've been in pain all this time. Glad your day was relaxed.

Glad your DH is getting some shut-eye, Hob*. But how grim about your DM's situation. I'm truly shocked that you and your DM are living with the threat of violence ? and I think you mentioned the same from another Awkward Person.

I do hope if you start a thread you can get useful advice ? I know what you mean about being worried about troll accusations tho. And there are always people trying hard to grab the wrong end of the stick.

Another rest day here ? but can't feel sorry for myself as still so very very much better than a few years ago. Must be disciplined and enforce rest for a few days, and I'll be right as rain.

Greetings to all, hope we all sleep like logs.

Thanks for posts hob, but I feel I've benefitted from your experience (and tianc's of course), and am grateful I found the thread.
Must leave for bed, get less warning these days! Night all.

Morning all, hope we're all feeling refreshed and have something to look forward to this coming week.
Such a shame about your DM hob, and these things are often too complicated to discuss with strangers without a lot of spare time available, but at least you know there will always be support available here.

So sorry shodatin and cyberfriends for being extra patchy with posting in recent weeks , which I absolutely hate being - still sleepy & disorganised .. Hope you got to bed before loss of consciousness , shodatin< fret fret >
< Hot chocolate or warm apple juice "punch" > ...
It was balmy summer round here till Bonfire Night , when ight it overnbecame properly wintry & foggy , brrrrr . Do hope it's not too cold at home , upward .
Many sympathies Tianc on your enforced rest , & determinedly positive attitude
< proposes a toast to Tianc's continued overall improvement >

Thank you wholeheartedly , Tianc & shodatin , & sorry for worrying you - one security threat on margins of my life , not two ( others just spiteful types )

Absolutely right shodatin about DM situation being too complex to outline , even if this was the right place ... it's a case of vulnerable persons being targeted , but denying it to the authorities . I feel much stronger discussing it with relevant agencies because of this thread you all more than ever .

shodatin , I agree with Tianc* it's so miserable to think you 've been experiencing more pain than the tablets could cover - & probably still are - & I hope you have enough periods of emotional & spiritual refreshment to feel a little less ground down by it . Winter's not easy , especially with one of your favourite friends away - though I'm sure you're looking forward to craft projects & your regular outings . Have you had proper frost yet , bythe way?

< adopts new favourite phrase "there are always people trying hard to grab the wrong end of the stick"
Definitely a couple o nice things to look forward to , thank you shodatin - history talks , which I wish I ould beam you all up to . Have been lazy & built up a backlog of appts this month ,gulp, & strange & impossible tasks to complete at home

Hope I'm not sounding gloomy ... feeling very aware of my good fortune today

Thanks for posting hob, you do amazingly well despite not being in best of health, and always manage to find something positive (although am now wondering about the "strange and impossible tasks" on your list...)

Have recently been spiritually refreshed by people in my life being even nicer and more helpful than usual, and it seems that even a couple of car problems can probably be fixed economically, thus avoiding new purchase. DSis also had car problem at weekend, seems she drove car to a noisy halt before noticing oil leak, a week after warranty expired, so can also feel grateful that my car problems seem minor.

Pain is indeed increasing, but head of clinic did warn me and prescribed something rare and helpful, so it could be worse.

Still no frost here, and a few rose buds about to open so am hoping it stays warmish, with day and night temperatures similar. Am hoping we all have a reasonable winter, with fewer losses than last year, wherever we are.