A new 'tougher' thread... and so it continues

silvasava

Gardenia Can you run a log burner on these paper logs alone? I'd love a burner but don't have a wood supply.

Just seen your post - I don't think you can use these as the only means but to be honest this is the first year we've had the burner (its on now & I'm lurving it) There are threads on here about woodburners & logs etc that I found really useful so maybe someone there who has more experience would be able to tell you

Mrs_Chip

Re woodburners and logs - I agree that the paper logs would cause a problem log-term, and not give out a lot of heat, sorry .

I have become a bit obsessed with trying to keep the fire in whilst burning the minimum amount of wood, and spend all night tweaking and faffing with it! I think I have got the hang of keeping the fire small and hot, which is supposed to be the most efficient way to burn wood. And wheras once upon a time a tree was a thing of natural beauty, I now find myself eyeing them up as a source of fuel :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:!

I love pigs and have collected them for years. The number of ghastly pig things I have had to get rid of is astonishing! I am not a whimsical sort of a gal and loathe with a passion anything twee and piggish - unfortunately, there is a lot of it about! Our local animal charity shop does very well out of it though!

Rosanna79

Byatt
Hi Hope you enjoy the walks- are they with a group or routes to do alone?

I started walking the way to health as our local council scheme is called between 18 months & 2 years ago but also walk most other days on my own.

What to take with you? Obviously sturdy footwear- I wear walking boots, a map and a drink, even a 300 ml washed out orange bottle is useful if you're in the middle of nowhere and get a bit thirsty . Also maybe a piece of fruit if you're likely to need a blood sugar boost..- a small rucksack or even a hip pack to carry your bits is useful and walking poles

These are not an affectation as some think but are very useful even for the very fit, particularly in getting up and down steep inclines, as well as holding back overgrown brambles & suchlike to get through.

If you're out alone walking poles and walking as though you know where you're going do seem to keep unsavoury characters at bay!! Have found this useful at times as well.....

Most of all enjoy it!- walking's free, brilliant exercise and combined with portion control one of the most cost effective methods of weight control. Lost 4 stones in a couple of years and feel fantastic most of the time!

Smileyt
So glad to hear Bruno dog is doing well and hope he enjoys his treat today.

Scrabbles
We had to take our little Jennicat home for as long as we could. She had lymphoma and sadly didn't get as long as Mittens seems to be . Really hope he continues to do well for a very long time. It's true that you will know when it's time. Living in the moment at a time like this is so important isn't it?

Henry Hoover, our recent squatter, is in disgrace with OH. We bought him a collar and tag with our contact details so any possible owners could contact us - we want to do the tight thing. Trouble is Henry's a very big boy and strong. Seems he's come back from his morning's wanderings minus his collar after only 1/2 a week! OH insists that any cat we have must wear a collar. Although normal cat collars just fit him OH's having second thoughts about taking him on if he won't wear a collar....

I've had a word with Henry and have told him I'll get another collar etc tomorrow as we MUST find out if he's got a mum & dad...!
If we take him on we'd have him chipped anyway but have also always had collars with ID tags for our previous cats.

Henry's been sending pictures of himself with text messages to various family and friends telling everyone he's training us to be his staff & adopting us!!! He's hilarious with his antics and I've really taken to him. It must, however, be a joint decision as pets are not cheap especially as they get older plus the potential heartache as they age etc. Do I really want to set myself up for that again I wonder.

Nipped into the town meat market today and got a few bargains. The new freezer will be waiting a while for gluts of veg so thought it could look after a few bags of meat in the meantime.

Does anyone else make odd meals out of the veg left the day before the weekly shop? OH is completely baffled when presented with the veg and would probably chuck it out. He thinks I'm amazing because I see a meal not leftover veg!

Well tonight I've turned a solitary pepper, a small cauliflower and some leftover cheese into a sort of cheese topped bubble and squeak with the addition of our own frozen cabbage and onions with a side order of baked beans.. lots of seasoning seems to work very well. OH doesn't like banana bread but I can make a banana split for a dessert for him. I, on the other hand, have to resort to the fat free greek yoghurt and the virtuous feeling that I've saved a lot of calories not having the ice cream!! - not the same I know but one does get used to it...

Byatt

Gardenia & Rosanna, thanks for all the tips. I will be walking alone; I'm not a "group" person and I like to do things at my own pace. The pole sounds a good idea and I will probably invest in one once I've built up my stamina.

Rosanna, do you think someone could have taken Henry Hoover's collar off? Either someone who knows him or someone who doesn't want to contact you. I never put collars on my cats after a horrendous incident with one.

Yes I make odd meals out of veg etc. Sometimes I sit down to a meal and wonder who else would eat what I put on a plate!!

Mrs_Chip

Byatt - can I suggest you think about getting a pole/poles before you build your stamina up? I use one/two and would not be without them on a walk for the reasons given before, it is very helpful to have something to support yourself on if going up/down hill, and if like me you are not terribly fit it does help a great deal. And if you don't mind looking a bit daft, if you get two poles you can indulge in a bit of Nordic Walking - essentially using the poles in a way that makes you swing your arms, which is great for building up stamina and fitness and allows you to use your lungs properly.

I got my poles in a pound shop for a few quid - not quite as good as the expensive ones, but certainly mine have lasted well, and if you don't get on with them not a lot lost.

katieowl_2

I'm LOLLING at the unwanted collectables. I have a mate who doesn't 'get' kitch...she's given me some corkers.

I have a collection of owls (you'd never have guessed would you?) but fortunately most of them are gorgeous, even the ones I've been given. I also have a soft spot for mice and rats (I know ) and I've got a few dogs here and there. Sufficice to say I'm not a minimalist, don't aspire to be, it would kill me to part with my cute twt.

DS had a narrow escape this morning, I was about to send him off to college with some coated chicken fillets I bought especially (as it was half price) I don't normally buy that kind of thing, and for some reason I just looked at the back of the box, and realised it need to be cooked! :eek: I'd have never heard the last of it, if dobby had sent the young master off to college with raw chicken!

Hey Mrs Chips we are coming over tomorrow morning to look in the craft shop.... I plan to leave me about half nine, but need to collect the other DD en-route so we'll be there about ten-thirty, and there for some time I imagine if you want to round up Mrs OG and have a cuppa in the coffee shop?

Kate

Byatt

Mrs_Chip wrote: »

Byatt - can I suggest you think about getting a pole/poles before you build your stamina up? I use one/two and would not be without them on a walk for the reasons given before, it is very helpful to have something to support yourself on if going up/down hill, and if like me you are not terribly fit it does help a great deal. And if you don't mind looking a bit daft, if you get two poles you can indulge in a bit of Nordic Walking - essentially using the poles in a way that makes you swing your arms, which is great for building up stamina and fitness and allows you to use your lungs properly.

I got my poles in a pound shop for a few quid - not quite as good as the expensive ones, but certainly mine have lasted well, and if you don't get on with them not a lot lost.

Thanks MrsC, do they still sell them in pound shops? I have seen "professional" walkers use them and wondered what the purpose was. Thought I would feel a bit daft but they seem to be very practical.

katieowl_2

Byatt wrote: »

Thanks MrsC, do they still sell them in pound shops? I have seen "professional" walkers use them and wondered what the purpose was. Thought I would feel a bit daft but they seem to be very practical.

I want to try some of those too...I'm very nervous of falling over going down hill!

Kate

Mrs_Chip

They tend to be a bit seasonal I think. I dont get a chance to look round a 'proper' pound shop these days, perhaps someone else will know? There are some on Ebay too.

I have dodgy knees, and walking with a pole gives me a lot more confidence that they are not going to give way and send me A over T !

Mrs_Chip

Love too Kate. Mrs OG has got to report to the Big House at 10.15 for her orders (housesitting for a few days) so need to see what time she can get away, but I should be ok for 11 ish?