Preparing for Winter V

Cherryfudge

PollyWollyDoodle said:

@Cherryfudge just delurking to say Nancy says put it in the fridge for a few hours. That should soften it enough to make the lumps easier to break up.  

Beautifully timed comment Polly - I actually have room in my fridge for once! Thanks  

MadamMim2013

PollyWollyDoodle said:

@Cherryfudge just delurking to say Nancy says put it in the fridge for a few hours. That should soften it enough to make the lumps easier to break up.  

Thanks.. that’s the step I missed 🤣

Sarahspangles

A few years ago I had some blood tests for tiredness, when I saw my GP he said I was low on Vitamin D. I said ‘But I take a multivitamin’, and he showed me that the amount that I was taking was less than a tenth of the “loading” dose that I needed. So I took that for a few weeks before a retest. 

I had to see the GP because it was unusual for someone my age to have such low Vitamin D, after talking about my lifestyle he decided I was simply down to working long hours indoors. 

MrsCD

This is why our family takes Vit D every day. We were told by a consultant that in our northern latitudes we needed to take some daily.
https://www.mssociety.org.uk/research/explore-our-research/emerging-research-and-treatments/vitamin-d

Floss

fionaandphil said:

I think you are right @Nelliegrace, I was tested a few years ago after returning from sunny climes abroad and it was still low. I was put on very high dose vitamin d for a few months and now take a regular weekly dose to top it up, and extra if I feel coming down with a cold. I also think I've read that when you are peri menopausal or menopausal you need extra to help further down the line.

And some cancer medication can impact bone density too - I'm on a combined Vit D & Calcium supplement twice daily after having had a 13w "loading dose" of Vit D to get me to an acceptable baseline.

Floss

otb666 said:

really enjoyed all the tips.  I have vinegar and bicarb for cleaning drains....

That's a waste of time & money as when combined they just create a natural salt, water & carbon dioxide bubbles with a lovely fizz but no cleaning properties.

Nelliegrace

On a cheerful note, I have brought some geraniums in from the garden in pots to brighten the bathroom. They will continue to flower. I am going to plant a few pots of hyacinth bulbs. 

cornishchick

on the subject of soups, I use instant mash to thicken any creamy soups, just a sprinkle makes them thicker and adds a delicious flavour,
at a push, I can make a 5-minute leak and potato soup with frozen leaks, instant mash and a stock cube. 

cuddlymarm

Good morning guys
Im back at work tomorrow so today is going to be a proactive day. I’ve loads of washing needs doing, after we came back off holiday. Its going to take a while to get it all dry so will wash the needed bits then gradually over the next week catch up and put away what won’t be needed till next year.
Scarves, hats, coats, jumpers etc all found and summer stuff will be put away today. It’s not cold here but autumn is definitely well on its way. 

The freezer is defrosting ready for the Xmas food and the half a lamb that’s arriving next week. 

I must look for a couple more thick jumpers for work. The shop door is really heavy and needs to be left open (unless it absolutely bitter out) as no one comes in so I need to dress appropriately. Layers and then my thick fleece, so if it’s fine this afternoon I might go into town and look at the charity shops.
Anyway I better get on 
Have a good day everyone 
Cuddles

Siebrie

MadamMim2013 said:

Cherryfudge said:

Is anyone else struggling to get useable washing soda? All the packs on the shelves here are still rock hard from the summer heat and I can never get all the lumps out. The neighbours probably think I'm attacking some heavy DIY from the banging noises but I'm only wanting to add it to the washing machine to soften the water! Is there a effective way to turn it back into powder?

I had seen somewhere (think it may be on Nancy Birtwhistle’s page) that she crushes it with a rolling pin then sieves it into crystals again.. ( cannot find the link now I want it 🫣) 
drypak says you can still use it just make it into a solution with hot water. 

Hope this helps ☺️

I decant mine from the bag into a plastic milk bottle (properly cleaned and thoroughly dried!) with a tight lid. It keeps the crystals dry very well.