u/LouisePoet

I grew up eating potatoes we harvested in the fall and ate til spring planting time, when we cut the old ones into pieces to plant for the next crop. I realize that many people aren't used to seeing them sprouting

But they are still edible! Unless they are rotten (your fingers go through the peel), potatoes are still good!

I just found one last lonely potato with eyes growing out of it everywhere. I broke them off, put it in the microwave for a bit, then poured some oil on it, salted it and stuck it in the air fryer to crisp it up while frozen broccoli steamed itself in the microwave.

Those, along with a bit of butter and some grated cheese made a MOST EXCELLENT dinner!

(Alternatively, boil and mash up old soft potatoes. Eyes can be removed! Potatoes are still good and very edible unless they are rotten, easily noted if your finger goes through the skin. Otherwise, still good to eat!)

EE has been utterly shite for me. I was previously with vodafone which was iffy.

I need a fairly reliable network that works in most areas (I do realize terrain affects us) due to a medical condition. When I need an ambulance, I need to be able to call one!

I like to camp off grid, as well. I'm not looking for perfect, but want something that works most places, as good as I can find!

Cost isn't as much an issue as reliability at this point. I'd prefer to have a decent amount of data, but it's not as essential as just being able to make calls when needed.

Bonus: any luck with Three?

My question is mainly aimed at those who live here, especially those on the coast in areas surrounded by high hills that block reception.

Vodafone: no reception for me outside of large towns and flat areas.

EE: Spotty on and off service everywhere.

Thanks!

When I drink milk or cream, or eat ice cream, I am practically screaming in pain within approx 20 minutes, and near a toilet for hours.

I convinced myself I can eat small amounts of cheese (ha, it's never just a tiny amount-- I definitely overdo it at times) because it doesn't affect me for hours, and then not nearly as badly.

Is it common for different types of dairy to have such different times for onset of symptoms?

I'm not allergic to dairy, I've been tested extensively. Ive eliminated the things that are worst for me, they are just not worth it.

I'm not looking to take enzymes or change my diet more than I gave to, just wondering if others have found that some forms of dairy bring on symptoms much more slowly than others?

I have been off MJ for 2 months, my weight consistently fluctuates around 5 lbs up and down from my stable weight. I am so happy! I've lost 75+ pounds but am still obese. I'd like to lose about 20-30 more pounds (which is still overweight for me, on the lower end, but feels manageable to maintain).

I stopped MJ after my weight loss stalled for a long time at the highest dose and then gradually weaned off it.

I lost around 22% of my original weight while on injections, the rest on my own before that.

I'm debating trying wegovy due to cost. I prefer a slow rate of loss, I don't expect or need my weight to transform overnight.

My questions are: is there a time frame for starting a new med? Will wegovy work after already losing 28% of my starting weight?

I've been at my current weight for at least 9 months. I weigh 210 (15 stone), my ideal weight is 135-160 and I'm aiming for around 180 (anything below 160, way in the past, was unmanageable for me to maintain, and I became extremely obsessed with scales and calories. I am far beyond that now, 35 years since that time, and just want a realistically maintainable weight).

I am thrilled to be where I am now, my BP is normal, I'm no longer pre diabetic and I can walk so much more easily but I'm still obese and it does affect my energy levels and activities.

I know that everyone responds differently, just looking for any input from anyone who has maintained a while, then switched drugs (from and to any!).

Thanks!

The most beautiful room in my home is directly above my neighbour (who I get on with really well). Flying freehold set up. My place is really large, hers is small, so her bedroom is directly below the room I'm referring to. I have enough space to avoid the room at night, though I'd love to make that into my bedroom.

She has redone her room with soundproofing the celiling, etc and my room is carpeted. She can still hear my cats when they have a midnight dance in there!

We both own our places and there's no chance either will move, plus I like her and yes, it's my home but I have 4 other rooms to use.

Is soundproof flooring really helpful? The building dates to 1800 if that makes a difference.

Pat and Patty

Reed

Carol

Merry/Mary/Marry

Bob

Rob

Chance

(all of the Puritan names!)

Willow, Rowan, Daisy--tons of plant names

Quite a long time ago now, my now ex husband and I decided we wanted an outdoor firepit. We looked into the city laws, got out the measuring tape to make sure it was far enough from every structure around (and then some), close to the outdoor water supply, and dug a hole and lined and surrounded it with rocks.

We lit the fire. We are experienced campers, and know how to start a fire, but it was a bit smoky at first. Still, it was great! We sat there enjoying it for around 20 minutes, when we heard the sounds of sirens. Firefighters came rushing around the side of the house in full gear, ready to put out our tiny, very manageable fire. "Is this is??" one asked. He asked us some questions about whether we left it unattended (no), how far it was from the house or next door neighbor's garage (well beyond the regulations) and where the water supply was (again, close enough). They said someone (unknown) had reported a house on fire, so they had to check it out, but all was fine, keep enjoying!

Of course the arrival of the fire department in force brought our neighbours out to see what was going on, and our next door neighbours, Marc and Kathy, loved the idea of an outdoor fire. We got along really well with them.

A few days later, we lit another fire, and sure enough, within a short time we heard sirens again. They didn't rush back this time, but explained that they were legally obligated to check out every call.

Our neighbours put in their own fire pit within a week. None of us had any idea who had called the fire department, but for weeks, every time we (or they) had a fire, they would appear. It got to the point where they would send out one person in a fire dept car, no trucks, no sirens. They'd shake their heads, roll their eyes and explain they had to come out because the call had come in, and they were as frustrated about it as we were.

Turns out it was the couple who lived behind our neighbour. They were rarely, if ever, outside, kept their windows closed and didn't interact with anyone other than to moan about something or other. The fire department finally told them that if they called again for a legal fire, they would be fined, heavily, unless it was truly out of control.

Well--the best part. From then on, every time the wind was blowing in their direction, Kathy would run to start a fire in her yard. She saved damp paper and cardboard to throw on top once it got going, just to be more annoying (we both continued to have fires even when conditions weren't ideal for pissing them off).

Passive aggressive? oh yes. But they were anything but NFH (to people who weren't assholes).

I made vegetarian burritos for a group while camping last week, they were amazing and I was voted "best meal of the week" by all the kids and most adults, lol.

We had no refrigeration or electricity other than the small fridge in my van so it was a challenge, and thanks to all the suggestions people gave me!

This was my menu:

Tortillas

Seitán (made at home ahead of time) seasoned with garlic and cumin. I chopped it and added to canned beans, along with more cumin, chili powder, and cocoa.

TVP rehydrated in tomato juice and sauce with fajita seasoning.

Fried onions.

Lettuce

Rice

Chopped jalapeños, chopped cilantro

Cheese

Tomato salsa made from canned chopped tomatoes, drained, fresh garlic, cilantro and onion.

Mayo mixed with chipotle adobo paste and garlic puree.

Each morning of the week long trip only 1 or 2 people generally ate leftovers. Everyone finished it all off the next morning, and the kids asked if I had ingredients to make more, lol.

Thanks to everyone for your help with quantities, ingredients, and suggestions!

So, I'm not a beginner cook, but I've never made food for a group without enough leftovers to last a week. As we will be camping and the only refrigeration is a very small fridge in my van, I want to make enough but not toooo much!!

Approx 25 people, including around 10 kids aged 5-16.

Meal: Burritos

Tortillas (I bought two packs of 18 each, extra large. I might be able to finish one, I assume some but not all could eat a second)

Black beans with homemade seitan

TVP (dry soy pieces) in a thick, seasoned tomato sauce

Rice with coriander/cilantro

Roasted onions, peppers

Fresh salsa, hot sauces, cheese, lettuce, chili mayo, jalapeños.

I'm skipping guacamole and sour cream due to space and cost.

Seasonings I plan to use: garlic, salt, chili flakes, cumin.

I am debating tinned beans rather than dry, to use less fuel cooking on a stove.

HOW MANY CANS FOR 25 PEOPLE?

TVP-- portion size is generally around 1/4 c (dry) per person. HOW MUCH EXTRA is reasonable without going overboard?

HOW MUCH RICE?

Most people in the group are vegetarian or vegan or live with someone who is, so most won't be avoiding any of the foods because they don't know what it is.

ALSO:

I'm in UK. Seasoning packets are available but I am not familiar with any of them. Which spices to add individually? And approx how much? I intend to season the seitan when I make it up, and would like complementary flavours, not everything tasting the same. Any suggestions?

I'd love to add cocoa to something, since it's very different for everyone here, but ... How, where, how much?? In the beans?

I have til Saturday to pick up more ingredients, just not enough time to order online.

Thanks!