u/kotoneraew

I've taken on an allotment plot back in May and I am starting to worry I've been set up a bit.

My plot was very overgrown when I accepted it and is sandwiched between two overgrown plots. On one side the plot holder has been unwell but plans to return, however, the other side is completely vacant. A little while after accepting my plot, I was informed that this vacant end plot will not be let out again and is essentially being left to get overgrown (It is the last plot on our row and is very close to the apiary. Apparently they got more complaints than it was worth)

My problem is that couch grass and bindweed are an issue on this site and both my neighbouring plots are rife with it. The vacant one is also full of brambles which have grown through the fence that separates us.

I've spent several weeks digging out rhizomes, but if the plot next to mine remains vacant then I will never stop getting runners on mine. Also the brambles are HUGE and currently pulling the fence down due to how extensive it is.

Is this a losing battle? Can I win this with persistence or just give up and go back on the list for another plot? I feel like all the work I am doing now to prepare the ground is a waste of time because ultimately those runners will just keep coming.... ?

So my SO has a hiatal hernia. Unfortunately don't know much about it as our health service is pretty bad.

I would guess it is pretty severe due to how insane his symptoms are, but no idea on grade etc. Currently on a waitlist to see a specialist but it's not coming any time soon.

I am curious if anyone else notices gluten causes flares/symptoms? We seem to notice things like bread and pastry cause him to have a lot of stomach pain shortly after. He's been tested for celiac and told he is not. It just seems odd that something like bread would cause issues. Pastry is quite fatty admittedly, but bread / pasta etc not so much....

My sister was always the favourite growing up. She nearly died as a newborn so my mum was overly protective of her. My mum was also an alcoholic and had not handled parenthood well with my brother and I, so she had seen my sister as the child she could get it right with.

As adults, my sister is now WILDLY self centered. She has no empathy, physically incapable of seeing other people's perspective, she has a very cruel and demeaning sense of humour, expects everything to be convenient for her despite how much inconvenience it causes others. All round she is just an INCREDIBLY selfish person.

I can't help but feel this is a direct result of being "the favourite" and I am curious how you all experience your "the favourite" sibling? How have they turned out?

My sister was always the favourite growing up. She nearly died as a newborn so my mum was overly protective of her. My mum was also an alcoholic and had not handled parenthood well with my brother and I, so she had seen my sister as the child she could get it right with.

As adults, my sister is now WILDLY self centered. She has no empathy, physically incapable of seeing other people's perspective, she has a very cruel and demeaning sense of humour, expects everything to be convenient for her despite how much inconvenience it causes others. All round she is just an INCREDIBLY selfish person.

I can't help but feel this is a direct result of being "the favourite" and I am curious how you all experience your "the favourite" sibling? How have they turned out?