Angelina

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)

Love all the recommendations and tips. Thank you all. With four birthdays before Christmas, one on Christmas Day, some in Jan and an 18th in Feb....along with work, normal life... Yep, just busy and not apologising for needing help

Thank you

just a basic cake with cream on the outside, no shapes, pictures, special icing, decorations etc. no special anything, not vegan, organic, zero plastic. GM free, gluten free or whatever. Usually we pay around ?50 for the same (in Peckham), we just missed the usually lead time as the party was brought forward. I am not trying to get something for nothing, or show off or brag or make people work for less than the minimum wage. I'm at work all day and literally don't have time before a dozen or so monsters descend on me for the entire weekend. I am fully aware of how much effort goes into cake baking and I know fully well that what I have asked for (being just basic) is not ?100 and this business are just charging too much, Glad to know there are still reasonable businesses out there (thank you for you pms).

shocking levels of hostility

yummy mummy pals? you have no idea

Thanks dbboy Next birthdays are Jan/ Feb (yep, busy this time of year!) so will hold that for the next one :-)

someone just contacted me and now have my commission. Four birthdays this month - they doing the cakes and catering two parties... and all for a not overpriced price.

you miss the point a custom made sponge cake (???? erm, just a basic cake) costs significantly less up the road - point being, ED is overpriced. I was going to go local but not now

Come on ED - you can do better than this. I was quoted this ridiculous price for a sponge / cream birthday cake for my little one.

So the lesson is, take photos...better, clearer, of dog and owner and mess and don't post on public forum, go straight to police. If poss, get cctv

I bet we see a reduction in fouling dog owners. We know the authorities do not have resources to keep our children safe, let alone our streets clean.

Well said.

I don't know why people do - I usually just ask through the door who it is and say "I'll get my husband....he's in the garden with his friends, hold on", or "I can't open the door, the dog's going mad"