Today (Wednesday) Amy rang to say she was ill last night with a bad stomach and was I OK? Well I don't think it was the food as 9 of us ate there and we are all fine except her. Her home is - how can I put this tactfully - rather grubby (and that is an understatement lol) so she probably caught it at home lol. I did pop round to see her this afternoon and she is fine and feeling much better so all OK. My niece and her 2 kids are staying there atm as they are homeless (couldn't afford the rent on the private rented house) and waiting for a council / housing association place. Feel so sorry for the kids as they are sleeping 4 in one bedroom (2 nieces and a 2 yr old and a 4 yr old) altogether 6 people in a 2 bed house. Well today the council offered her a temporary 2 bedroom ground floor flat but she was not sure she would take it as it was not furnished! Sister had told her that they provided furnished temporary accommodation which I know they don't. I did mention it but got told I was thinking of 20 yrs ago!!! I left soon afterwards lol. In her position I would have said Yes straight away as she is heading for trouble living with my sister. The health visitor has already said the home is dangerous for children (piles of junk everywhere and oxygen bottles around for her partner) so it will only be a matter of time until the dreaded SS get involved and remove the kids. Can see it coming but can't say anything as it really is not my business.
Thinking about this with my niece has made me realise that the way I was brought up is so far removed from today's world. We didn't have a fridge, washing machine, hoover, freezer, dishwasher, microwave, or tumble dryer. No central heating either or hot water - just a gas cooker, coal fire and an electric kettle! Now my niece would not dream of moving without white goods etc! Today's generation want everything now and pay for it later. Credit card debts are rife thoughout our society as each person strives to better their friends and neighbours, even at the expense of their mental well being. How many friends have I known over the years who cannot rest easy because of debt? One of the wealthiest people I met on a cruise liner was wearing a faded pair of cords, non-branded trainers and a faded check shirt. He was smoking a roll up out on deck and told me his companies in the States were doing so well he had retired and was in his second year cruising around the world on back to back cruises! I have also found, when doing home visiting with teenagers in care, that the poorest families have the newest furniture and decor, which showed me that so many are living beyond their means. 50 inch TVs were the norm in single parent flats! If they lost their job, divorced/separated, or became ill, they would also loose their home as they couldn't keep up the payments on all the credit cards, loans, etc. which is a sad state to be in. Perhaps if you don't have much you really need to pretend you do - and if you are very wealthy then you do not need to put on a 'show.'
Bye for now All the best x
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