OneGuyFromBarlick

For obvious reasons, the tops of high cupboards in the kitchen are dust and dirt traps. Every now and then it's a good thing to give them a bit of attention....

I put sheets of newspaper on the tops of my cupboards.

What a good idea! Never thought of that Wendy and I shall start doing it!

I have the advantage that the tops of mine are boxed in as they are on the boiler flue run.

Yes, but they are so useful as shelves!
Time spent quietly thinking before action is never wasted. You might even read the instructions!

Possibly a cheat for this thread, but I thought I would post it anyway. If you have lightly or heavily tea stained cups or mugs, bicarb of soda and a little water mixed to a paste inside the cup will bring them up sparkling. Oh I wish I'd known this before.

Julie, I do the same thing every morning with a drop of bleach and boiling water. Does exactly the same thing.....

My mum used to use a Steradent tablet for that job. I'm blessed with a dishwasher which brings them up sparkling all the time!

I use bleach as well on my favourite pot but also have the dishwasher which it goes through on occasion.

Over time bleach will remove the glass coating making them stain quicker and eventually becoming porous. Be careful with the strength that you use.

I reckon this tip says a lot

A Steradent tablet in a bucket of warm water will clean your net curtains beautifully.
I don't have false teeth....but my Mum swore by this. ( she was a heavy smoker and had to wash her nets regularly).
and her husband had to paint the yellow walls and ceiling...regularly...

Maz, I have that problem now.....
That applies to my airing rack in the kitchen Kev, doesn't need any leccy and never catches fire....
Today's tip is... Once you have made the decision to spend money on something new, stop thinking about the money.

My husband swears he gets a rash every time we spend money...

Tell Dave I believe him! I have to circle round these decisions but once I have decided I dismiss the well-founded caution based on years of living on a tight budget. It's hard to diminish the cushion once you have built it up!

If you have some project or task in hand, always a good thing to get all your ducks in a row. This includes reading the instructions for a new appliance!

If you find yourself under attack batten down the hatches and don't do anything strenuous!

And that includes eating too much..... A doctor once told me that the hardest work our bodies normally do is digest a big meal.... Add to that fighting off a sudden infection. The conclusion is obvious, eat less but enough to keep you going.

We all have good days and bad ones. Don't let the less acceptable ones sap your optimism! On the whole what we have to report is progress and good for us!

It's important to always being looking ahead to the next good thing and not just brooding on problems in the short-term. Mrs Tiz remembers Roald Dahl giving a talk to the kids at the school where she taught. He described how he suffered depression until he re-discovered what he called his `look foward'.

Interesting, I have always done that automatically. It's a good strategy! There are times when it is the only defence.

I got news yesterday from John Youngman that a very good friend from the Ellenroad days has been struck down by dementia. A most intelligent man and at one time he had the chance to join the team that eventually produced 'Monty Python' but went in another direction. Dementia takes some weighing up and is most unfair. If you are OK thank your lucky stars.

I'm not a spender but it strikes me that occasionally it is necessary to maintain standards. I am very comfortable with my new oven and the colander and sieves! I recommend a bit of retail therapy to you all when you reach the stage where you can justify it. The sky does not fall!

I have an early appointment at Airedale today and this involves managing both my life and Jack's. One of the many occasions when a good routine and early rising makes for a relaxed day. I recommend the principle to you all, there's enough stress in life today without increasing it by being in a rush or late! {Smug......}

When you are under attack there is a lot to be said for sleep.....