I'll try ringing the Gov helpline tomorrow or Tuesday. There must be another way round the ID thing, not everyone has a driving licence or passport, or some other forms of ID which I haven't even heard of (I think they may possibly relate to people who weren't born here but have become citizens). I agree with some of you who queried why we can't all have identity cards - I'd have no problem with that and it would make life so much easier.
During the past week when it's been too hot to cook, we've mostly had salads with some form of protein - usually fish (frozen or canned) or eggs, with bacon or gammon for husband a couple of times. And new potatoes from the garden, which have done exceptionally well. Today we're having chicken thighs - quickly thrown in the Ninja before running out of the kitchen! New potatoes on the side, along with salad including lettuce, baby carrots and cucumber from the garden - the tomatoes are just starting to colour up so we'll be eating them soon. It's been lovely not cooking much actually, it's made me realise I don't really enjoy cooking and baking anymore, it's become just another chore (I might feel differently in the winter though!). I really like simple food now, with as little cooking as possible. Something like a tuna pasta salad, jacket potato with cheese & beans, or even just cheese on toast or a fish finger sarnie, all with a side salad. Lunches are generally cheese & crackers with some fruit, husband has something on toast or a sandwich. After 50 years of cooking, I've had enough!
Last night was unbearably hot, the hottest night so far I think. It's marginally cooler today, although still too hot to be outside, according to the weather forecast it'll be a bit cooler tonight and for the next few days, although they're talking about possibly another heatwave next weekend.
I agree, ID cards would really help when dealing with Government departments. I hope you manage to get some joy on the phone.
ReplyDeleteI've never been a keen cook, more a case of having to do it, but now we go for ease. Salads most of the time. Usually, on a Sunday, Chris makes a tomato (tinned)/ Quorn meatball/tinned butterbeans/ tinned sweetcorn thing. We have it with a packet of ready cooked rice, which serves the 2 of us easily. Only 1 pan to wash too! Mind you, in this heat, I think it's going to be salad again today. xx
Agree about ID cards. Would your birth certificate and marriage certificate be eligible as ID? Hopefully someone on the helpline will be able to tell you. It’s boiling hot here again and I am washing lots of heavy stuff to get it dry. Now having a cool drink of water and a small portion of crisps. Catriona
ReplyDeleteID cards would be lovely for you. Hope that you can get an answer soon on what ID you can use other than a drivers or passport.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Didn't they bring out ID cards for people needing to vote who didn't have driving licences or passports, I think my Mum had one when her driving licence ran out, this might help. It was issued by Gov.UK. There is also something called a UK Citizen Card, it would be worth looking into them.
ReplyDeleteWhen you mentioned '50 years of cooking', I suddenly realised that's exactly how long I have been cooking firstly for myself, then for a growing family, then back to couple and now for myself again. That's a LOT of meals ... no wonder we run out of enthusiasm and ideas.
I seem to remember you had a similar problem with ID when you applied for Carers Allowance and you had to prove who you were then.
ReplyDeleteIt's so frustrating that they don't have you on their books already!
Perhaps your NHS number, usually on prescriptions, a council tax bill, carers allowance paperwork would be proof of ID. Hope this helps xx
ReplyDeleteIf it's any help to compare, my pension forecast with 33yrs is £220 a week. If I make up the missing years it goes up to £221 a week. I have missing years due to having babies - I've heard that possibly these years can be made as NI credits but I can't get to speak to anyone!!
ReplyDeleteSorry, typo - £200 a week with 33yrs.
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