HOUSEHOLD TIPS NOT FOUND IN WOMAN'S WEEKLY

[Tizer]

My parents smoked during the war years but gave up soon after, I think probably when I got whooping cough and the doctor pointed out that their smoking was making my coughing worse. They never regretted giving up and, yes, they saved a lot of money by doing so!

[Cathy]

I didn't want to be a smelly Nana (I'm still not a Nana). The money... I think my bank account missed that memo

[Stanley]

Just a thought for you all. I'm quite used to being under attack for my life choices but consider this. Most of the critics advocating against tobacco smoking drive cars which contribute to us having the poorest city air quality in Europe. The 'campaign of fear' pictures on every pack of tobacco should perhaps be duplicated on petrol and diesel pumps in garage forecourts......

[Cathy]

I have never told anyone to give up smoking as far as I can remember, because I used to smoke myself and know how demanding the addiction is. And people start smoking because of all sorts of reasons, a few words from me aren't going to change anyone's mind.
I've had school kids come up to me, handing me money and asking me to go into the shop for them to buy their cigarettes. I put my hands up and say 'No! Sorry '.
Sometimes I've helped very poor looking amputee patients in wheelchairs at the hospital by pushing them from the footpath back to the main entrance because they haven't got the energy after going outside to have a cigarette or two. ( And later being told that I did the wrong thing)
They other day I watched a woman, who in the past has asked me for money and cigarettes, go up to a man and offer him a store gift card in return for cash she said was still in credit on the card. She explained that the card said she couldn't buy cigarettes or alcohol with it. In the end he made her a rollie cigarette and she seemed quite happy.
The tobacco companies
should be stopped. But how? It won't happen of course.

[Stanley]

Largely true Cathy but you could make the same comments about booze which causes far more damage. We do not live in a perfect world.

[Stanley]

Make your own bed and lie on it. You might be wrong but you'll never be confused! The proof of the pudding is in the eating!

[Marilyn]

Have you been staring at the four walls for too long?.....

[Stanley]

No, just making a clear statement. You are entitled to your opinion but so am I.

[Marilyn]

Are we still talking about smoking a pipe?
Would you be happy to see your grandkids smoking a pipe? Or your great grandkids? What advice would you give them?

[Stanley]

Maz, please stop harassing me. I can do without it.....

[Marilyn]

Sure. My apologies.

[Stanley]

[Tizer]

Make your own bed and lie on it. You might be wrong but you'll never be confused! The proof of the pudding is in the eating!

Mixed metaphor alert!

[Stanley]

[Stanley]

Today's tip, thinking about Maz actually, is that if you are under attack in some way slow and steady with lots of thought is the way.... There is no benefit in pushing things, give yourself a chance! Whatever is hampering you will pass, be patient.

[Stanley]

If you are upgrading your OS don't be conned into going for the latest version of everything! If the old one worked, keep it!

[Stanley]

Looking after a poorly dog is mainly watchfulness and TLC. I am in nursing mode again with Jack after yesterday. I think the problem is he has stiffened up and it hurts to move......

[Stanley]

'A dog is not just for Xmas'. That must be one of the truest advertising slogans ever invented! If you have a dog, you have responsibilities. I think that's my tip for the day. Don't enter into ownership if you aren't prepared to take that responsibility.

[Stanley]

The best way to clean an infected wound is with warm water and salt directed into the wound from a large syringe with no needle.

[Stanley]

When things start to pile up and threaten to destabilise you, look for the silver lining in the cloud! It may not be obvious but there always is one if you look hard enough!
[Of course, there is always the possibility that you have totally mis-read the situation.....]

[Stanley]

If you know that the possibility of infectious agents being abroad in the house is high, pay particular attention to hygiene and washing bedding, both your own and the pets. I'm practising what I preach......

[Stanley]

" Patience is a virtue, possess it when you can. Seldom found in women, never in a man!"
See THIS for some views on the origin. I have always thought it was a particularly cynical observation and in many cases quite untrue. One thing is certain, I am going to need it over the next few weeks for various reasons....

[Stanley]

Doing a very small hot wash is not economical but when you have items that are possibly infected it's worth the energy to get them sterile or as near sterile as I can. The cleaner I keep the essentials, the better the chances are that I keep Jack's back free from infection.

[Stanley]

The best aids to convalescence in both humans and animals are normal routines and maintaining appetite. At the moment I'm doing better with Jack than myself!

[Stanley]

As you may have noticed I am a big fan of mutton, I like the taste and also the fact that it's the most natural meat (apart from wild game) as it is grass fed. However, I'm on Lamb neck end and veggies at the moment and I have to admit there's a lot to be said for it!