muffins78

Oh my god, I just went on Zoopla, and googled my own postcode - a 1 bed flat is over 250K? Three years ago it wasn't like that! That's just way too much, no matter what the spec is!

As a result of this thread, I'm going to ring Thameswater, because now reading their site, even though I got the meter because of a condition - I'm not entitled to protected rates because I'm not on benefits! I'm really confused by it all now. Now on Sky News, they are saying they want to up rates by 20%.

That doesn't sound right at all! You should definitely ring them Jah Lush, and see what they say!

Hi, I had a water meter fitted and I am in a flat (second floor). They were really quick to fit it too when I moved in. The only thing about me, that may be different, is that if you have a disability (or certain health conditions), they will fit one for you - can't remember the background of that to be honest. But that may have affected it, because I rang up and said I have whatever condition and the ball was set in motion. There was also zero mention of any charges. I hope this helps!

I just spoke to them on live chat, and it is a fault they trying to fix. I can't receive calls or texts, can't send texts, but can make outgoing calls!

To be fair to Ryanair, they gave me a full refund on a flight. I can't remember the chain of events now, but I was due on a flight with them but didn't know if I would be able to take it. My gran wasn't well, so they told me to just book another flight for another day if needed, and they'd refund the original flight - which they did. There was no fuss at all and I wasn't really expecting anything from them.

hello and sorry to rejig this, before I even defrag my laptop - but do I need to copy everything on the laptop first to an external hard-drive before I defrag the laptop? Unfortunately the last time I heard of defragging was when IT support at work had to do my work laptop, no longer working in that company, so going it alone with the personal laptop :( Is there anyone who could be recommended to do all these checks? I think I'd prefer someone who knows what they are doing to do the checks, rather than I ponder before I press each button/command, worried that I'll mess it up. Thank you :)

My geography is appalling, but I posted recently about a B&B near Durham, and its on a nature reserve - as its en-route "north" - I've copied/pasted the details below. If it is any use to you? I?m not sure I can post this on here, so if not, please let me know and I will remove, if necessary (it may not be the right thread either). If any of you are heading up towards Durham, I know of a lovely little B&B right on the edge of the Castle Eden Nature Reserve (part of English Heritage). It?s called ?The Little Sanctuary?, and its a peaceful little spot, I was fascinated watching all the little animals coming into the garden (its huge). This is the website address [www.thelittlesanctuary.com], Helen the host is lovely, if you've any questions.

Just to be clear, when I said "above" - I did offset with the following: "There will be little or nothing which can ever be done about that, because people are entitled to their opinion, and obviously, what we "write" may not seem the same as if we said it verbally (pitch/tone/empathy is all missing when we just write). I think people should be more mindful of that kind of thing." And StraferJack, a lot of things are perception rather than reality, I agree with that - and I'd also add people are viewing things based on their own experiences/past, which is normal - but sometimes our experiences/past can influence our perception of things, it may not be the reality of the situation. Ladydeliah - I hate that too, when people make things personal and make personal remarks about an individual based on, like you say, grammar etc.. I never quite get why people are so rude about those things.

I post irregularly, or moreso, I go through peaks/troughs of either looking or posting on the forum. I use it to source things moreso now, and really I'd post more, if I didn't think I'd be set upon. Its not like I've anything controversial to say, but moreso, that some posters appear to be "above" others and it can be a bit intimidating. There will be little or nothing which can ever be done about that, because people are entitled to their opinion, and obviously, what we "write" may not seem the same as if we said it verbally (pitch/tone/empathy is all missing when we just write). I think people should be more mindful of that kind of thing. I hate the idea that the forum is used to vent an anger that is either unfounded, blown out of proportion, out of context or missing vital information (the latter I've seen on another forum I am on, where people posted half stories, allowing other readers to think the worst of a situation, which actually wasn't how the situation was). If you are going to post, good or bad, tell the whole truth, even accept that you may be blowing things out of proportion or that your grievance may be temporary - its not fair on the readers or if the post is about someone, its not fair on them... And we all have bad days, where one day something is "big" to us, and other days it won't affect us - so before we post, perhaps wait until we know we are calm about something - so it can be a measured post??

It comes in fresh on Fridays - and apple tarts too! But yes they have all types of flour too! But have to admit, I was never a soda bread eater growing up, but have grown quite fond of this now!

Gran always went to St Anthony too - and gee, he made a fortune whilst all those prayers were said :) It makes me smile! The emersion was another big thing at home too, and why have it on, if the fire was lighting, because that heated up the house anyway! Leading from that, I was like a yo-yo getting up/down from the couch, to put the damper in/out! Still don't understand the merits of that! Its like a reflex now when I visit home :) The frying pan is about to go now, as I get the breakfast ready with sausages, rashers, pudding and brown bread from yesterdays purchases at the shop! Actually I also bought flour for the first time, usually when I bake, my cakes look a bit limp - and I wondered if I bought the Odlums would it make a difference, and it has! The cakes look much better! I've no idea why, unless its the recipe! Cooking time!!! :)

CMCK83 that's hilarious! I've a big grin on my face - the Glenroe bit with the homework rings true :) And of course the byes x 100, I can't seem to get passed that myself :) I've got to watch the others now! There is definitely white pudding in the Irish shop, I got it the other day, it was yummy!! I may have ate too much of it!

No, but thanks for the warning! You must have a bit of shock to find out - thankfully you rang the Met, I'd probably not have done that (stupidly)!

Oh god, yes, Kings! Why can't you get them over here? But I also like Ranchero's, and I've remembered Meanies just now too! They had macaroon bars today, can you get Klipso's in the UK - if there was ever a way to ensure a near encounter with a dentist, it was with a Klipso :) Is there anywhere around here that you can just go to the pub and order a toasted sandwich, rather than a bigger meal! I miss those types of comfort foods when out!!

I've got my own Mr Tayto here now! Just been and got fab white pudding, and far too many Taytos and Snax. The Mikado's etc need to wait until Friday, when the brown bread and apple tarts are due in! Oh I love this shop :)

They won't contact you via email, they will issue you with a cheque and/or amend your tax code, depending on the amounts involved. Just as assurance about the email route - when you ring them for work reasons, trying to correspond with them via email is a nightmare, unless you are involved with whoever is in charge of your account. So far dealing with individual taxes, I've never had email correspondence, only had it for corporate/vat!

My dad was from Malahide Road :) Seriously small world!! Don't forget the Tayto factory, when I was little I thought that the tayto's in Dublin were better than anywhere else, because I thought they'd be "fresher" :)

I know the Cadburys factory, it was not far from my Grans :) Small world!! It is creamier/milkier than the UK one, I do prefer it - but that could be because we're used to it! You must have loads of treats growing up - lucky you!!!!

Oh Clonakilty White Pudding is yum yum... I'm there tomorrow for club orange, pudding, rashers, Snax/Tayto's/Chipsticks/Cadburys, and hopefully brown bread and the Limerick Leader :) This is all making me quite hungry now! Isn't the Irish Cadburys different to the UK one...

Pugwash, that's awful and I totally empathise! Your aunt must have got an awful fright and its almost the problem I have! I've ear problems and now that it is Summer, I don't have the luxury of been able to wear earmuffs to protect them - instead I have headphones in, a case of something is better than nothing. My hearing will be excellent today, but tomorrow very poor - and like Ruffers said, I'd be blamed for any incident, because I suppose the cyclist could say he called out and I was listening to music or something. Ruffers, what happened to you? Its a shame that the culprit had no decency, to simply stop, help and apologise to your aunt.

I am not bothered if parents ride along with their kids on the pavement, I think if the child is learning/young, the mum/dad would have to stay with them, and chances are, they will be going slow anyway. I do get upset when I see an adult on their own, on the pavement. Its dangerous. A few times, including recently, I've had a cyclist come from behind and go past me, without me hearing them coming. What if I moved to the side, into their path, last minute? Its really dangerous.

A worthy cause, and I wish you luck and enjoyment in your challenges :) I think what you are doing is great!

Donations are - I know that - but whatever way that lady was talking, it was the two year thing that stuck in my mind - so she must have been a third party!! But all else you are saying, I'd be thinking that way in terms of making any donation! Apologies, I wasn't trying to stop donations to charities, just be careful of the people on the street, kind of thing!

Fair play First Mate, I'm just reading this thread now! That's really cruel and you did absolutely all you could today for the little dog. Susiq's idea for multiple calls to the RSPCA is a really good one I think. and Pommie, I forget the facts, but some lady called to my friend once (I don't even think it was the RSPCA), but she said something to the effect, that its two years before your monthly donations go towards the actual "cause", initially its costs/admin - whatever the right phrase is. My facts may not be 100%, it was a while ago when she told me - but my lasting impression was never sign up to the monthly donations. Hope the little dog is good now, and getting a safe little nap after food and water