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Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15592

Posted: Thu Apr 02, 20 7:33 am Post subject:

Niece is now back at work, but sadly she just doesn't have interests inside the home. She helped her daughter with her homework, which tested her rather rusty skills a bit, but otherwise, I found she didn't have any hobbies. I can't understand it either, but then I don't think her mother does a lot either, although she does know how to knit and sew, but whether she does now I have no idea.

Glad you have your money, even if you can't get the woodman at the moment Hope you can soon as you will need that for the winter.

We managed to do a days work in the woods making log sacks, getting in timber for firewood and loading the charcoal kiln. We have an order for log sacks from a farm shop, so made up most of those yesterday. We practised careful distancing from son, who didn't come into the house, but changed in the living trailer we have outside. Production of fuel is included in essential services, so we can work, but are being as careful as possible to avoid people.

cassandra

Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia

Posted: Fri Apr 03, 20 4:01 am Post subject:

I have to conclude they spend their lives dusting the finials of ornamental clocks and reading trashy magazines. It's like single friends of mine who retain the need to be useless, don't even own basic tools for household repairs etc. I despair at their view on life.

The raffle was drawn today. I had a last minute panic last night and assumed my nemesis had tickets which we had not received. So I sent her a polite email suggesting that if she did, would she mine making a list in order of the book as to who had what in the way of numbers so I could transcribe it into a new book of tickets. Her response was two-fold:
Mum knows everything I do not have anything to do with u anymore! Do not contact me ever again (sic)

Then a followup email - U r sooooooo rude! (sic)

I can only conclude she has mental health or mental development issues. Her mum has said nothing, but as I am Secretary it's going to be hard to keep her informed about committee business, haha.

Today is nice and sunny after yesterday's 30mm. but it all goes pear shaped tomorrow with 13 degrees, 10 degrees on Sunday and Monday not much better. Still, a good opportunity to come to grips with the new sewing machine. It looks pretty similar to every other Singer I have owned apart from the clip-on feet, and it's likely some of the feet off the Bernina will fit it too (I know some of those are clipon). Failing that there's a nice pack kit of multiple feet which is Universal and has an adaptor if your clip on is the wrong shape.

Hope you are all well and safe and well.

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15592

Posted: Fri Apr 03, 20 7:22 am Post subject:

Sounds as if you are going to have to deal just with Mum from now on, which will come as a relief to you no doubt.

Have fun with the new sewing machine. I haven't used mine for years, as I tend to regard sewing as a job I can do while watching TV, so it is easier, if somewhat slower, to do it all by hand. I really ought to give it a check though to make sure it still works and oil it a bit.

Managed to deliver a log load and some log sacks to a farm shop. We are doing a charcoal burn today, as several farm shops that are open have ordered charcoal. If we can deliver to them before Easter, people can have a family barbecue in their garden to keep them away from other places.

cassandra

Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia

Posted: Sat Apr 04, 20 7:20 am Post subject:

If our weather continues the way it is at present a barbecue would be fairly low on the list of ways to spend the Easter Break. It was hosing down all morning (though only 17.5 mm) and tomorrow will not get into double digits. Apparently it is snowing not that far away. So apart from organising the area where the wood is to be stacked, and making a half-hearted effort to do some stacking I have instead been using the wood to keep warm in other ways.

Did I mention 5 tonne of firewood was delivered yesterday? Thought not. The woodman turned up unexpectedly - he had apparently tried to text me but the ongoing problems with the phone signal had thwarted his attempt. Anyway it is here now. Not at all what i am accustomed too - he seems to have lost interest in cutting half way through several bits I can see, and there's a range of sizes from 9 inches to 24!! Still, better than nothing and I am not planning to complain. Once this lot is stacked I will order in another three tonne from another source for variety. At least it's well seasoned, though dry would be an overstatement haha.

There has been much in the way of almost starting but not going on here today. I played with the machine a little more, but it is still not plugged in. I looked at my fabrics and am wondering where the rest of them are, and the knitting is still in the bag. I did however manage to cook up some Chow Mein to use up the wilted half cabbage in the fridge. Could not find my preferred recipe so it tastes a bit odd to me, but I expect I will recover. Will continue to search out the proper one.

I think I will need to discipline myself to clear a path to the large sewing table, clear off its top and set myself up there, with cutting boards as well. Then I can feel I am actually ready to sew. It's a bit tricky as the tapestry frame takes up a lot of floor space, there's a fire guard which is to go in another room but neither fireplace is in a position to receive it, and then there's various bits and bobs that got displaced when I installed the Computer desk. And of course there's an entire desk in there that has no purpose whatsoever but is currently supporting more chaos. Sigh.

Maybe I should just pick up my screw driver and go fix the lock at the hall instead. So many choices, I am feeling a touch overwhelmed.

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15592

Posted: Sat Apr 04, 20 7:48 am Post subject:

I feel like that most of the time. We were able to work in the woods yesterday; I had a large pile of wood to sort and put in log sacks, husband was firing the charcoal kiln, and son cut the wood for me, helped husband get the kiln going (working at opposite ends), and then he split some of the oversized wood for me. We are keeping 2m apart all the time, but at least it means we can work. We finished about 7pm when the kiln cooled down enough to leave, and after watching a couple of TV programmes I had an early night rather than do another couple of jobs that should have been done.

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 45487
Location: yes

Posted: Sat Apr 04, 20 8:00 am Post subject:
morning, evening i spose your time glad some wood arrived even if it isnt quite what you expected when i have to re-organise the "stuff that collects" on flat surfaces starting by clearing enough space to sort and collate things from all the other places that need clearing to be able to shuffle furniture etc helps. from where it is now to where it has to go in one move never seems to work.

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15592

Posted: Sun Apr 05, 20 7:58 am Post subject:

I agree Dpack, but unfortunately once it moves from one 'flat surface' to another in our house it tends to take up residence.

Had a rather bothersome morning yesterday. All organised for a quiet day doing a bit in the garden and washing etc. when we get a phone call to say that someone broke into the bottom gate at the other end of the woods and dumped and torched a van. Went up at once to check our end of the woods (luckily about 1/2 mile away) was all right and that all was well. Luckily it seems to have been joy riders, so the gate and gate post trashed by being rammed, now blocked by good sized tree trunks by the person who manages the wood, and the remains of a vehicle to be removed. E-mailed a couple of the owners who use that gate and checked that ours were secure at the other end.

Did get the washing and some gardening done, but not as much as I hoped.

cassandra

Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia

Posted: Sun Apr 05, 20 8:19 am Post subject:

I find the best way to avoid the hiatus is to use the only bare flat surface in the house - the bed (though the cats seem to object), that way I have to do something useful with it before I can get to bed.

Today, rather surprisingly, I set to in the kitchen and found the bench top. The floor is starting to emerge too! And things are being put into their proper places! They will, of course have to come out of them soon as I will be wanting to move the wall cabinets to a more rational order and that will require them to be empty. And then there is the desirability of removing the rest of the below-counter cabinets from the loungeroom and spare room. At present my priority is ensuring the kitchen is empty and that those items out of place are returned to their relevant room/shed/tip run. And so piles are accumulating elsewhere as this room emerges. It's been a fairly overwhelming prospect for so long that if it weren't for a hiatus like this it might not ever have happened.

I also had to clean the bank. We have been given new instructions regarding what surfaces to clean with which nasty chemical and I am finding the smell a little overwhelming - makes me cough as it is delivered by pump spray. Some 20 minutes after I usually finish, I then remembered I was also supposed to wash and disinfect the rubbish bin. The rubbish bin is a fairly large object with a 72 litre capacity. The prospect of trying to wash it in the handbasin in the kitchen was most unattractive (I say handbasin because that is what it is, not a kitchen sink). So the bin came home with me and was popped into the shower as it was far too cold outside to consider whipping out the hose (we maxed out at 8 degrees today). It was given a good scrub out, stood around till it dried then was returned to base and given a new bin-liner.

I am now sitting back coming to terms with the end of daylight saving, which may see me going to bed at 8 tonight as I am already tired and time is just a human construct and my body says it's bedtime.

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 45487
Location: yes

Posted: Sun Apr 05, 20 10:24 am Post subject:

"with which nasty chemical and I am finding the smell a little overwhelming - makes me cough as it is delivered by pump spray. "

among tt's many tasks at work involves contract and school cleaners, so i asked about your spray issue

it does not sound right to be coughing
has it got a proper coshh number/product name, if so the data sheets will be online with all the relevant safe usage procedures, ppe needs etc

is it the correct dilution?
is it the correct thing to use?
what ppe requirements?

from an old chemist/builder anything that makes me cough gets hardcore ppe.
most of such things need more than a simple harmless dust grade monkey mask and an adequate one requires the correct filters and or aerosol resistance

it seems unlikely that a cleaner would be expected to need top end ppe to wipe down some surfaces therefore be very cautious and find out more before next time as something is not right

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15592

Posted: Mon Apr 06, 20 6:09 am Post subject:

Would agree with Dpack on that. Have they given you any masks and gloves, because if not, they need to provide them. It was described to me by the works doctor at the time it came in as a blunt instrument, and the company I worked for at the time didn't get their heads round it for some time. In fact all the safety data was supposed to be stored with the Health and Safety Manager who was rarely there, and nowhere else. I kept a copy of all of them in the plating line I was working in at the time in the interests of self preservation, even though I wasn't supposed to.

We managed to get the next raised bed into position yesterday; finally. As it is at least a 2 man job, I had to wait for husband to get the urge to get the job done, but having got the urge, he carried on filling it while I went and baked biscuits. It isn't full yet as it is quite deep, but with any luck will be within the next few days. It has charcoal in it as well, so am hoping for a good crop of beans from it this year.

cassandra

Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia

Posted: Mon Apr 06, 20 9:42 am Post subject:

I'm prone to be set off coughing with anything perfumed, and I suspect it is the main problem. I usually have an unscented enzyme product. This one is called Tango and came with a sheet which I completely ignored. I do, however have the correct dilution as that is marked on the spray bottle. And yes, I have disposable gloves. So I promise I will read the instructions when I am in next haha.

I made further progress in the kitchen today and actually set aside some time to play with the new machine. Did quarter inch seams on some strips of cotton and it works a heck of a lot better than my most expensive Bernina - So I won't be spending money getting that repaired, that's for sure. The only thing I would like it to do which it doesn't do is adjust stitch lengths. But as the treadly does that I expect I have backup if necessary

Tomorrow I am heading to town to do a bit of 'supporting local business' and add to my supplies of coffee and other such items that are outrageously expensive in these parts. It will be odd to be driving my own car, as I usually do this sort of thing in the office car. But this fortnight I have only two drives, and the one this week coincides with getting the vehicle serviced so I will be grounded during my usual waiting/shopping time. Then on Wednesday I will be making a mask or two. I need to go tomorrow as the man who sells my kindling is not open on Wednesdays, and now I have firewood I need to be able to get it lit!

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15592

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 20 6:08 am Post subject:

Always best to read the safety sheet. I always do if one is available; just don't scare yourself to death with it, as some can be quite frightening. I also like to know with cleaning products what they contain, as that gives me an idea of how effective they are going to be. Having read the label on some of the branded ones and compared them with the shops own brand ones, I have concluded that more expensive may just pay for the advertising.

Had a constructive day yesterday making up more log sacks, as I suspect we will get more orders soon. Husband and son emptied the kiln, and husband and I refilled it while son cut more wood for it. Today we fire again, and then may have to try to get another one in before the weekend. Its all go!

cassandra

Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 20 7:37 am Post subject:

I am told I need to spend at least 30 minutes at the bank (last night was 26 minutes) as the bank is checking on our performance, so I will have ample time to read the safety sheet - all six pages of it.

Today I headed into town in the happy expectation of receiving an additional $550 in my pay, but sadly that is not to be until 20 April, so I had the usual meagre amount to spend. I went to Shiploads (the local Pound Store) and bought some paper masks, which I will strip for the quilting, and the bendy metal bit to make denser masks for myself which conform to my nose. Also picked up some pipe cleaners so I can make many more if the call goes out. But ten washable masks will keep me happy at least.

Having stocked up on vital luxuries like coffee and meat I decided to take advantage of the Premier's assurance the Easter Bunny had permission to make deliveries and dropped off an egg at a friend's place. She has a back deck, so we sat out there at appropriate distances, drinking tea and caught up with each other's gossip and assured each other we are doing well while facing the back fence. Then I headed home to unpack the food purchases.

On the way I called into the man I buy kindling off, and obtained his phone number in case the lock down gets more severe and his roadside stall is closed. He is happy for me to phone ahead and pick up my kindling needs as necessary.

The other task for the day was to sort out the barrow load of firewood my usual woodman had given me, so I selected some nice (but overly large) solid timber for him on the principle he has open fires and so awkward dimensions are not such a pest for him, dropped it over after a cup of tea, and am now completely knackered. Early bed time I think.

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15592

Posted: Wed Apr 08, 20 6:54 am Post subject:

We fired the charcoal kiln again yesterday, after husband and son had emptied it, and then we bagged the product of the previous firing. Some of that went off to one customer, and if the kiln is cool enough, we will empty and bag this lot today, and it will start to wing its way to other customers.

As we had to deliver some log sacks yesterday morning we also did the shopping at farm shops while we were there. I have to go to a supermarket either this week or next as some things are becoming necessary, but not at crisis point yet. One of our farm shops is looking out for bread flour for me, so hopefully that will be forthcoming one way or another.

cassandra

Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 20 9:10 am Post subject:

Well I read the Safety Sheet and apparently I am supposed to use it in a well ventilated space which is tricky in a small two-staff bank, but other than that it does not appear to be terribly toxic, unless you are a bacterium or virus.

I have continued with the various changes to the kitchen and the freezer is finally in its intended place with the result the sewing machine is now in the middle of the floor, and the fridge is looking a touch marooned. I will see about moving a tall cabinet into the kitchen tomorrow so that the fridge can also go to its intended location. But my major achievement has been finding the bottom of the Le Creuset in time to use it for Easter lunch. It has taken a week of freezing it, pouring boiling water over its base, scrubbing and adding bicarb and vinegar. There are some suspiciously light areas of enamel which I suspect have been damaged to the point they will fail soon, but apart from that it looks fine. I will slow cook my rolled pork roast with the bramley apples, sage and cider and some baked potatoes and peas and that should do me nicely as well as having the necessary acidity to see how the enamel copes.

My patient this week had to go to Hobart and while they were there I had to put the car in to be serviced. This left me to choose if I wanted to sit in the waiting room or go for a walk and risk arrest for breaking isolation. I went for a walk. Lovely day, and I managed to buy the latest book by my author of the moment - Ben Aaronovitch. Enjoying reading it between various other activities. Hope you are all holding up in the face of what sounds quite devastating circumstances over there.

Keep well, stay safe and be resilient.

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