HOUSEHOLD TIPS NOT FOUND IN WOMAN'S WEEKLY

[chinatyke]

I have found the perfect solution to the washer problem. My kids have persuaded me that it is time to upgrade all my dodgy old electric items that have been giving notice and they are paying for them. So today's tip is look after your kids and be nice to them, eventually they will return the favour! What lovely daughters I do have!!

How lovely.
Does that include reinstating the hot water tap handle?

[Stanley]

There is a possibility that might happen China as there is a chance I shall get some easing of my utility bills. Janet's plan is coming together!

[Stanley]

Look after your old snaps and share them with the family. Some pics of Janet turned up yesterday I have never seen before. Lovely reminder of her even though she looks like Maureen Lippman!


Twenty odd years ago......

[Stanley]

This mornings tip is perhaps in the 'bleeding obvious' catagory but it's worth saying I think. I've always said that poor folk have to be honest with each other and share and what is often called gossiping is often the ideal conduit for this. We can learn so much and get fresh insights. It happened to me this morning on my early walk but I'll come clean in family matters......

[Stanley]

Every now and again, fill your sink with cold water and then pull the plug. The flushing action can be good and if at the end of the emptying your plughole give a good healthy gurgle as air is drawn through the trap you can be sure it's in good order. Yes, I know, I'm slightly obsessive about drains!!

[Cathy]

Thanks Uncle Stanley, you told us of the above sink-tip years ago and I have used it successfully many times.

[Marilyn]

Whiskers and toothpaste are not a good mix in the bathroom (sink) drain!

[Stanley]

You're right Cathy and Maz. I have an electric razor and clean my teeth with cold water and EBG.
Today's tip, if you get the chance to arrange your own funeral go for the Direct Funeral. It's about a third of the cost of the conventional one.....

[Stanley]

If you see something happening which is quite obviously stupid and wrong, start shouting! I am at the point where I am going to shove my oar in on behalf of Bancroft after consulting with the Trust. It's no good moaning about events if you have done nothing to help!

[Stanley]

Never underestimate the power of persuasion of publicity and rational debate. You can make a difference if you use your head and have a good case!

[Stanley]

We are all creatures of habit, once we settle on a way of doing a specific task we tend to stick to it. It's a good idea to question this at times. I have always made my important pot of coffee in the morning in the same way, the final stage was always pouring the brewed coffee into a pre-heated mug. I changed it after varying this by using more milk and pre-heating the milk first before pouring in slightly less but stronger coffee. It makes a better brew and I like it so every now and then review your methods..... A small matter but an improvement!

[Stanley]

We are what we eat and one of the main problems with singletons, especially men, is that they won't or can't cook and rely on expensive ready-made meals and take-aways. I've always said that everyone should be taught the basics of cooking at school, at one time this is what happened. I can still remember when I was 4 years old in Mrs Ackroyd's class at Hope Memorial reciting "Peas beans and lentils are flesh forming foods". As regulars know, I am a big fan of the slow cooker and meat and veggie stews. If you have never tried it do it today! You will live much cheaper and enjoy your food more.

[Marilyn]

I have TRIED Stanley, until I am blue in the face, to get my hubby to master a few simple recipes that offer good nutrition.
He can retain instructions for about a week, and then claims he has forgotten what to do, despite me insisting he keeps up the skills. I taught my son how to cook/clean/wash/iron/shop/fill in forms and budget, but I am sinking to my knees with head in hands when it comes to getting hubby to cook anything.
When I met him, his meals consisted of throwing something frozen on an oven tray, with frozen chips ( no veg) and shoving it in the oven at 200C whilst he went for a shower.
He hasn't eaten that rubbish for 25 years now, but all he can cook is poached eggs, and Baked Beans. (Oh...and packet Pasta and Sauce...cooked his way...with a WHISK (!) so it ends up like slime...)

[Wendyf]

Oh dear Maz, he has you....why should he need to cook?

[Marilyn]

I just worry that I may have to rely on HIM one day, however briefly, and be forced to eat what he can cook!
What a horrible thought....

[chinatyke]

I have TRIED Stanley, until I am blue in the face, to get my hubby to master a few simple recipes that offer good nutrition.
He can retain instructions for about a week, and then claims he has forgotten what to do, despite me insisting he keeps up the skills. I taught my son how to cook/clean/wash/iron/shop/fill in forms and budget, but I am sinking to my knees with head in hands when it comes to getting hubby to cook anything.
When I met him, his meals consisted of throwing something frozen on an oven tray, with frozen chips ( no veg) and shoving it in the oven at 200C whilst he went for a shower.
He hasn't eaten that rubbish for 25 years now, but all he can cook is poached eggs, and Baked Beans. (Oh...and packet Pasta and Sauce...cooked his way...with a WHISK (!) so it ends up like slime...)

Of course he can cook, he is just reverting to his lazy bachelor days!
My wife is going to visit her daughter in USA for 6 months next year and I'll be going back to my oven tray cooking, why dirty more than one plate? Unless I get a woman in to do for me!

[Stanley]

I don't believe you China..... I think you'll be experimenting with new recipes......
Maz, commiserations. I simply don't understand it.

[Tripps]

Obvious answer is to phone up for a Chinese takeaway. Which makes me think - can you actually do that in China?

[Christian]

We have just spent our wedding gifts and one of those was a new fridge/freezer. Going from a freezer the size of a toaster seems such a luxury! All the "Serves 6" recipes can now be frozen down and kept instead of eaten for a 3 days on the trot

[Marilyn]

The thing that really amuses me is that hubby likes to watch cooking shows! He often says "we should try that recipe".
( WE? How about YOU dear?)

[Stanley]

Well done Christian! At least we know you aren't living off take-aways..... A slow cooker is brilliant if you're both working......
Maz, my mother must have done a good job on me. She made sure I knew how to cook as soon as I could 'help' in the kitchen. At primary school the first thing they did with us when I was 4 years old was give us all a miniature sweeping brush and teach us how to use it. We swept the classroom every morning! I'll bet that would be seen as a waste of time these days......

[Marilyn]

Then came the age of parents not wanting to turn their sons "queer". With teaching them to cook and clean there was the dreaded risk of "turning",them. It was also believed that boys with a dominant mother (who was more likely to force the cleaning and cooking thing) and either an absent or submissive father, were most at risk.
Hogwash of course....but them...my son's paternal grandmother truly believed that little boys mustn't come in contact with Dandelions or they would wet their pants! Dandelions (apparently) not effective on girls...

[Stanley]

I agree Maz but one comment about Dandelions, a common by-name for them is 'Wet the Bed' because the white sap from the stem is a powerful diuretic.

[chinatyke]

Obvious answer is to phone up for a Chinese takeaway. Which makes me think - can you actually do that in China?

Yes. Almost all restaurants and noodle shops have a delivery service. Our (rich) neighbours don't bother with cooking and have their lunch delivered daily.

[Stanley]

China, have a bowl of Szechuan (Or is it Sichuan?) noodles for me. I love 'em!