HOUSEHOLD TIPS NOT FOUND IN WOMAN'S WEEKLY

[Tizer]

Here's a tip then...get rid of your lawn and plant flowering perennials and shrubs. They're much more attractive!

[Stanley]

Roy Strong would have thoroughly approved of that Tiz. See THIS Wiki article on him. I see he is still alive and there is a chance his latest diaries will be published posthumously. I hope so, I will be straight in there!
Today's tip. Thanks to Laura I have now discovered the benefits of bathing your feet in a hot solution of Epsom Salts. I can understand why to some it is regarded as a cure-all!

[Stanley]

Beware of use by dates on certain products. I am currently using Lea and Perrins with a manufacturing date of February 2013. Like good wine, it improves with age in the bottle. Not everything can be treated like this obviously, a dairy product would be totally different. So today's tip is use your head and make your own decisions. Most use by dates on longer lasting products are far too conservative and generate unnecessary waste.

[Tizer]

I was tempted to make up and post a joke news report that EU food companies exporting to the UK where putting a use-by date of 31st October 2019 on the products but I decided not to. The Leavers would probably pick it up and broadcast it over social media as a `true fact'.

[Stanley]

I like that!
From the way the present fire sale of British businesses is going at the present, the sell by date of UK PLC might be the same!

[Stanley]

Looking at the experiences of a friend of mine today's tip is... If your daily diet is chocolate biscuits and sweet confectionery don't be surprised if you find yourself spending a lot of time in hospital! (I wonder if anyone has advised him on diet?)

[Stanley]

If we get good weather, take the opportunity to wash the heavy loose covers off the sofa! Mine will go out on the line today.

[Stanley]

Housework may be boring and a pain in the bum but there is definitely an enhanced feeling of achievement when you have done something and sit back and enjoy the results. What a pity it is only temporary..... Bit like painting the Forth Bridge!

[Stanley]

If your body takes over and gives you an unexpected 8 hours sleep, no problem. It knows what is best for you. Just adapt the rest of your day.

[Stanley]

One of the unvoiced thoughts in the heads of my grand children and daughters when they visit me these days is "Is this the last time....." Perfectly natural, life is a terminal disease. My way of defusing this is to talk to them about it and assure them that even if I die and they are 10,000 miles way I shall still love them.
From what I can gather, so many families never talk about this and it's a big mistake. My lot even joke about it now, arguing about who gets what when I die. They all have their eyes on at least one item!

[Bodger]

As of similar age to yourself Stanley we have the 4 daughters + partners/husbands, 9 grandchildren & 2 g. grandchildren,all my belongings, books, records, tapes, tools, even the pot bellied stove have all been requisitioned, but have had no takers for the 2 dogs 1 tom cat & donkey plus in the case of either my wife or self dying there are no offers of sanctuary.

[Tizer]

I had to read that post twice Bodger. On the first read I thought you said there were no takers for your wife!

[Stanley]

I think I have seen a service that deals with this Bodge. A few enquiries could find them. Was it an RSPCA offer?
This may seem a macabre subject to some but it's important and can save a lot of trouble for those you leave behind. I have done as much as I can to prepare the ground for the family who will have to tidy up behind me. Reminds me of the Lord Mayor's Procession. A muck cart used to follow to pick up the horse muck.

[Stanley]

Don't simply eat! Try cooking natural ingredients.
Sounds like a statement of the bleeding obvious but so many people have forgotten this and are paying the price, both in cost and health.

[Tizer]

Make sure you've got the best tools for the job, whether it be scissors or an electric saw. Tools are constantly getting better and sharper and you can save yourself a lot of time and effort by using the latest versions.

[Stanley]

I'll agree with that and add the rider... Don't forget the old ones.

[Stanley]

Read the labels on your purchases from the Cathedral of Choice. Take note of the country of manufacture and use your head. Things like HP sauce and salad cream made in Belgium. What will be the effect of Brexit on these? Take account of the fact that these are long shelf life items and act accordingly. Yes, I'm recommending Brexit shopping!

[Tizer]

What will be the effect of Brexit on these?

I've just read Irish farmers' descriptions of how a hard border would ruin them in both north and south. Many meat and plant products are produced on one side of the border and processed on the other side; sometimes they also return to the original side for sale. Perishable foods will be most affected, of course, but animals and animal products in particular need more than paperwork being stamped, they need veterinary checks etc. Some farmers have land on both sides of the border and they are crossing back and forth many times during every day.

[Stanley]

The closer we get to leaving the more obvious the flaws are. I am convinced that it is going to be far more serious than our Gung Ho leaders are promising. £350million a week all over again. The effects on the Irish border will be one of the biggest flaws and it will result in unforeseen consequences. These of course will all be blamed on the EU. (At the same time as we are trying to negotiate a trade deal with them.....)

[Marilyn]

You have plenty of scope to talk politics elsewhere. This topic is for tips.

[Stanley]

You're quite right Maz but we all go off piste a bit at times!

[PanBiker]

I have a tip, chill out Maz, you're on holiday.

[Marilyn]

I am indeed on holiday. After 2,800 kms, we are sat in paradise, with palm trees, blue skies, sandy beaches. Daytime temp about 30C.
And all comforts of our own home (camper)....(big sigh as we stretch our toes beside the water, with a lovely drink).
You should be here...you should ALL be here...there is plenty of room for all.
Pretty damn good to have warm bones after our freezing winter

But...that is not what this topic is about. It's about tips. I have no tips to add, except, wear plenty of sunscreen and wear a sun hat! ( and don't spill your drink)

[Tizer]

Sorry, Maz, but we were `piste off'!

[Marilyn]

I hate politics interrupting my day, Tizzy.....
( while you are here, can you rub a bit of sunscreen on my back?...)