The OS Doorstep - a helpful and supportive thread in these tough times

Softstuff

mcculloch29 wrote: »

I have never heard of family cloths, seems a lot of effort for minimal gains.
Issues over storage of cloths prior to cleansing and the cleansing process of the cloths would concern me. However, having said all that, I always wash myself after a 'five minute visit' so I feel really clean. I wash not at the sink but in my portable bidet which sits on my loo.
I use a specially mild soapless wash for the important little places, but an antibacterial wash for my hands after I have emptied the portable bidet into the loo. I cannot sit in a bath, so the portable bidet is a really important aid for me. I love using it, to be honest.

I always took the family cloth thing as needing to be in conjunction with some washing. Not having a portable bidet, we used a jug of water (much like some households I'd been in whilst living in Turkey), then used the cloth to dry off. Cloths prior to use were in a small bag hung near the loo, cloths after use went into a lidded bucket with a mild bleach solution, then subsequently in a hot wash. Cloths themselves were old promotional T-shirts I'd gotten hold of for free, very soft white cotton.

Realistically, it's a on a par with reusable nappies.

Frankly, though I decided the cloth idea was a step too far, I'd really love one of those toilets that has a little bidet spigot in it, like they have in Turkey, but they're not legal for plumbing over here. Nor are the small handheld ones you can get to plumb in yourself in England.

ivyleaf

There's now a toilet on the market over here that washes and then dries you with warm air when you've finished!

FairyPrincessk

Morning all,

I've been popping in for a quick skim every now and then but its been mad here and haven't had a chance to post. Our overnight guest seemed to enjoy his stay, and I think OH is coming round to my way of thinking that things can be more enjoyable when they're simple.

In the mean time our washing machine died but was replaced with another refurbished on on the warranty for a £40 call out fee. Unfortunately there was a little mishap where the overflow on the kitchen sink wasn't capped off and this little gem wasn't mentioned. I also needed the machine to get some wash done but for various reasons it took several days to get it delivered. All is well that ends well but I overstretched the washing the first two days and ended up having to re-wash some things that didn't dry properly. Our Vac also died. This wasn't totally unexpected and we managed to use the MSE vax promotion. The new one should be much easier for me to manage as the old one was a beast for me to get up and down the stairs. Hopefully it will be more effective as well. I've also discovered some mold in the wardrobes. I've cleaned it out and put some damp traps in and will be even more militant with airing that bedroom. Its tough as that is where Maggie the Cat likes to take her day time naps and I'm loathe to either kick her out or leave her unattended with open windows. She'll just have to adjust I guess.

The cost benefit on family cloths has just never worked out for me. We don't use kitchen roll, I use reusable cotton wool pads on my face, and proper washing up cloths that last for years instead of sponges or those that have to be changed, but I can't stretch quite that far. OH does use floor wipes and wasn't for moving until his mum pointed out that some of that had ingredients that weren't safe for Maggie the Cat. Rather than read labels he decided it was easier to switch to vinegar and cleaning rags and I won't complain about that!

Chicken and pearl barley stew in the SC today and thinking of doing a loaf of bread later. The stew is a bit of a 'blank slate' flavour wise, so I've added some smoked paprika and cayenne to it today, hopefully it will be nice and warming. I made a syrup sponge a few days ago so the last of that will do for pudding. The next two weeks are set to be mad and my freezer stocks are getting fairly depleted so will have to get my brain in gear on some quick and easy dinners for the coming weeks.

Hugs to all who need them.x

Softstuff

ivyleaf wrote: »

There's now a toilet on the market over here that washes and then dries you with warm air when you've finished!

Ivyleaf, it's amazing that some people will pay for hot air to be blown up their hariss's!

[Deleted User]

You know you are totally stupid when you forget you have just topped up a jar of cayenne pepper from a new packet and then rub your eye, they one that is running from your cold!!!!! I won't even begin to try and describle the colour blue the air turned but it's taken me half an hour of rinsing and cold pads to stop it stinging like mad!!! All better now!!!

Docky is a little sleepier during the day and certainly much calmer using the valerian pour on but not a huge change in behaviour. He is 10 and 1/2 so he's slowing down anyhow and it may just be how he would be as he ages. Last night was amazing, he didn't want to go upstairs to bed, he sleeps on a blanket on the bedroom floor but after 3 attempts He Who Knows left him downstairs with the landing light on and went to bed. No fuss, no digging, no panting, pacing or stress I'd despaired of ever finding anything to help him but this is remarkably effective, my DD is a very clever girl indeed to have found it for him, thanks Nell!!!

Pooky

Morning all

Fresh here this morning with gorgeous blue skies. We didn't have any fireworks near here last night as it was persisting it down - the village school display is tomorrow night so the cats will no doubt sit on the bedroom window sill and watch like they did last year.

Family cloths - I'm not opposed to them at all, its no worse than dealing with cloth nappies. It's something DH and I will probably move towards when DD's leave home (I know they'd not be impressed). Having a bucket of soaking cloths to deal with every few days wont bother me in the slightest.

Off for a hair cut in a bit, can't wait, I'm feeling very "mop headed", I'm used to a very short hair style and haven't had it done for around 10 weeks so it feels unruly. I may even go the whole hog and bung a colour on when I get back....far to many sparkly bits showing at the moment.

Had to get a chicken out of the freezer in order to get lots of YS stuff in, will be roasting that later and might do a batch of banana muffins whilst the oven's on.

nuttyp

Hi all, what a bitterly cold and frosty day so far. I made it to @ldi by 830am and then visited the farm shop. I only got the essentials today, need to sort out what we have and use up whats needed.


Tomorrow I have a full day off, and I will be busy sorting out and cleaning. Maybe cutting some shapes in felt if I have 5 mins to spare.


I received a letter int he post today saying that my rent is nearly £150 in arrears, I called them and it seams I or they forgot to tell me about the rent increase. So I have that to find. It never rains but it pours sometimes.


take care x

savingqueen

Hello everyone,

I have been an agony aunt this morning for 2 people, a good friend and an old friend, well more acquaintance. The latter used to be a bit of a boaster but his life has taken a turn for the worst in several big ways and I really felt for him. I only wanted 4 items in the supermarket and it took me forever!

Spent another big chunk of the day proofreading an important work document for DH and what with my cold have got little else done other than 2 loads of washing outside. Just accepting that it is another one of "those days"! My to do list gets longer each day but less is being crossed off. Oh well as long as I am plodding on that's ok. Kids both meant to have flu vaccines at school today but have colds so not sure they can have them - they both have a note to hand in to that effect.

get well wishes to the poorlies including the kiddiewinks. Sorry to hear about your rent arrears nutty - you're right there is always something to find money for - sigh.

better star getting ready for school run I guess
X

the_cake

Greetings, and hugs to all feeling poorly, sad or generally put upon by life. The change to colder weather has sent Jeeves (cat, not manservant!) into Manic Mode - he is running about in a skittery, kittenish way (he is 2 and a half) and decimating the local wildlife: he gifted me a mouse head this morning (cunningly concealed on a patterned bit of the sitting room rug ...) then released a teeny shrew under the sofa. He is driving me mad - though he is thoroughly beguiling and I love him to bits. He will doubtless crash out this evening thoroughly exhausted, lying on his back on the sofa and showing off his beautifully patterned black and white tummy, the picture of innocence.
I have managed to 'recycle' some vintage childhood bits and bobs via the bay of E and turn them into cosy waterproof winter rugs for the horses - the one that arrived this morning is wonderful, just like new, spotlessly clean: £30 instead of the £200 it would have been truly new, so very chuffed indeed. Horse chuffed too, and rolled thoroughly in it to establish new ownership. (Mud is the new black round here.)
I am using my slow cooker to make some apple 'sludge' - the neighbours' cooking apples, cored and peeled, with a tiny bit of water, tiny bit of sugar, squeeze of lemon juice and a good grating of orange zest. We will have it with plain Greek yoghurt as puds for the next few evenings.

chickens11

Thank god bonfire night is in the past now as last night my poor dog bo got in such a state over the fireworks , he was barking , howling, running all around the house standing at each door as he went a round , he didnt know what to do with himself, I couldnt console the poor little chap...15 minuets of fireworks and £3,000 later ,:eek: he calmed....He was very glad when I went to bed and he soon followed me there......
Ive had a heavy cold this week and its now gone on my chest ......Ive lit the fire and its so cosy with couple of candles buring and the lamps on , just watching the flames is enough to satisfy me......Bo in his basket in front of fire.....
"toilet cloths" , never heard of them and definitely wont use them , it reminds of years ago when we all had terry nappies and how just just a couple in a nappy pale stunk rotten.....Bad memories.......
Nuttyp....Such a shame youve found out that you were not paying enough to cover the rent rise, perhaps they will accept you paying it back little extra per month until your up to date.....
Pooky....My hair was always quite dark but getting lighter as I age , so I now put a auburn in to my brown hair and I love how it shines , theres no way I can have long black hair at 56 yrs old, my hair is very long and I always have the hairdresser put it in a plait and it keeps neat and tidy for 5 days......
Lyn...I bet your eyes watered alot.....
Nursemaggie.....Ive also got a CPAP machine I get along lovely with it , at least I feel refreshed after a nights sleep now with it....
Kidcat....Little tom received his glow tent yesterday , havent heard how its going yet , very quick deliuvery I must say.....
On tv tonight at 7.30 ITV theres a programme on about fuel poverty , I will watch it.......Theres loads of people in fuel poverty but nothing gets done to help the people , its not always old people cant afford heat its more younger people with families on low incomes , who dont get benefits.........Sheila