Well, life is a funny old thing isn't it. I have got to the ripe old age of almost 50 years old without EVER setting foot in a Court Room as someone that was guilty of something.

Today that changed. Due to the horrible financial situation that thousands of us find ourselves in, the second charge on the mortgage slapped a repossesion order on us. I have been dreading this day for the past month.

Hubbs rang them yesterday because he wants them to know what's going on. House on the market etc. They said "Oh, so you are intending to go to Court then?" with some surprise. "Oh course we are, said Hubs, why wouldn't ya"

Well,I woke up this morning to a feeling of dread (surprised I slept, but Cider will do that to ya) and remembered that I had to go to court today.

Fortunately there is lots of snow on the ground, so we took the front wheel off the wheelbarrow and hitched Dawg to the front (the car went back yesterday).

We got there 10 minutes early and Hubs approached the receptionist in the waiting area. "Mr and Mrs Skint, here for reposession hearing" Oh yes! she said, Mrs Gutsforgarters, (Claimants Lawyer) wants a quick word.

I stood back in amazement? Why on EARTH would we want to talk to the enemy. She bounced over, (I didn't think a space hopper was appropriate either, but it takes all sorts). So, she said brightly. Are you here to make an offer. Er, no, we said. We are SKINT. Well, she continued, I am surprised to see you really. I had 30 cases yesterday (she named a neighbouring town and only 3 defendants turned up.

What? I said. Well she explained, people are frightened of all this legal stuff (yeah? so am I!) but we can't help you if you don't turn up.

OK then. Well, here's an idea, stop bombarding us with threatening letters and phone calls and frightening the living sh*t our of us and maybe more people would come.

But that is all by the by. We explained that we had house on the market, and that it was at a reduced price. She countered with the fact that she was instructed to repossess in 28 days, but because we were there, and taking steps to help ourselves, she thought the judge would go for 56 days. Then, she said, Eviction can take another month or so, but if you have an offer in the meantime you can stay until it is sorted.

Well? I nearly fell on the floor in relief!!

RESULT. I was expecting to be chucked out on our asses by Friday. And here was a brilliant opportunity to get our sh*t together and sort everything out.

Then we went in to see the Judge. Not at all scary, just us, him and the Gutsforgarters lady.

He ruled on the 56 days, but told us that, that could be extended.

So what I really want to say is. If YOU or anyone you know are in a similar situation. Don't ignore it. Turn up. They are human, and will listen. Hubs and I fairly skipped out of there and then sang to Dawg as he towed us home.

Don't despair. there is always a way..............................