Angelina

Cuffing children? That's extreme.

Italy's health system is a shambles anyway. Maybe this will remind people here of why the NHS is important.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAbf0zRLbqzglX883DnBZ_lJFGVwawrEsHCNrfwjuk1WEw_A/formResponse

You are right Tara, there is a huge amount of social conditioning around drinking. It's a real money spinner and addictive - why wouldn't it be pushed on us all? And who doesn't like to forget everything and have a good time? So, it sounds like a win - win. Unfortunately, I've seen the otherside, as have many people. I used to enjoy the social side, then I met a whole set of people who didn't drink at all - and for years I didn't. And then I did, but for darker reasons - and of course this was never going to be good. I asked myself why I was doing it and had no good answer, so I just stopped. A few one offs (leading to the same conclusion) and just don't. My other half doesn't and never has, my teen did and now doesn't (having realised you bring nothing to the party if you're drunk and you need looking after - that you're better to be the one that brings the music). I'm not going to criticise people who do drink but you can find other things in common and do things that are a different type of fun. There is little overlap though.

That's exactly it, Natty.

you're not allowed to pick it in the woods as they were stripped bear. If you're interested in foraging, you have probably read this https://britishlocalfood.com/foraging-british-law/

It's about taking something that is not yours to take. Regardless of the monetary value. Stealing plants from someone's garden is the same - they may have low value but they are not yours to take.

We spend about ?40 on food for the family a week and eat really well. I do cook/ bake a lot, but at least it's all healthy. That includes loo rolls and hand soap.

possibly a different type of shopper (more chilled out?)

Scare mongering. People are just responding. It's actually pathetic. People are stealing face masks from hospitals. Too many people watch Zombie Apocalypse and absorbing everything that comes their way. As for toilet rolls - I guess mankind didn't exist before convenient rolls of paper?

just as well people don't take climate change seriously or there would be nothing left anywhere.

hi Mark I would love to. I'm sure other people would too - perhaps we could form a group?

sweep the bugs and spiders away first though. wash it down, sweep it, leave bleach solution on for half hour and scrub. The put the anti slip on

and the Footshake in new https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/05/the-coronavirus-is-seeing-the-footshake-replace-the-handshake.html

Bumping elbows is back https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elbow_bump

I've noticed fewer people coughing / sneezing than usual on public transport. Maybe this has actually made them aware of just how disgusting it is to do that. Quite a pleasant change. I also quite like the idea of people washing their hands.

have you contacted practitioners directly? you could offer to pay them.

I don't drink but it sounds like you need to explore a whole new way of life - things like mindfulness, yoga, meditation - all things that help you manage your emotions and wellbeing - everything that alcohol helps you hide/ ignore 9in the short term anyway).

That's a thought too far, dbboy. Spare us!

He's still married - and his wife was undergoing treatment for cancer at the time. What a low life.

what about Ipswich? I have a friend who lives there in a massive house (same price as a flat here). Anyone any views?

why answer the door? You can ask who it is before you open it - thus not exposing yourself to having to deal with anyone you don't want to: talk to buy anything from sponsor (well, maybe, depending but chances are slim) listen to talk about their religious beliefs argue with about your gutters and if they need cleaning help with cashing in a winning lottery ticket give money to get to them hospital (their wife'e having a baby and their car's broken down) I'm sure that's covered the major frequent local scams (sorry, the religious one isn't a scam, as such)