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dpack



Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 45374
Location: yes
PostPosted: Thu Oct 17, 19 11:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

from the which recomendations


Beko MOC20200C | Cream83%CompareOur verdict£55.00
Lowest price (in stock)Compare 7 retailers
+ Quick auto defrost, excellent at steaming, doesn’t lose power when used continuously
- Stiff door, can be noisy Launched Dec 2018 Reviewed May 2019
(available on Beko website direct)

Our verdict on Beko MOC20200CIt's easy to get a delicious meal out of this Beko, whether you're microwaving or steaming, cooking one dish or a few - so it easily soared into our Best Buy hall of fame. It does an impressive job of keeping moisture in the food when microwaving, is one of the best at steaming a whole meal (using a microwave steamer), and doesn't lose power when in continuous use.

Russell Hobbs RHMM703S | Silver82%CompareOur verdict£45.00Typical price
+Brilliant for steaming food, controls are simple to use, food stays moist
- No auto programs, not much room inside

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Thu Oct 17, 19 1:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Thank you, dpack, I will go for the Russell Hobbs; stiff door and noisy puts me off a bit. I don't use my micro continuously, just heat up today's choice ex super market.

The way my back is today, I think I may have to retire sooner rather than later. I had just done my shopping, and decided to get to the checkout, bent down to get the first item out of the bag and the base of my spine decided it didn't want to stand up after being half bent to put the food into the carrier, oooh. Got out of there and to motor and here I am, still as I don't want to be. We will see how it is in the morning as to when/if I go to work. I would do less now, MR, if I was in your position and get the income from the books asap, will the royalties pay for a trainee to work and you can do the supervising?

We could produce a lot of heating from one of our employees, he could easily provide enough hot air for the 40 odd units on our estate, including the council yard.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Fri Oct 18, 19 6:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I hope your back is feeling better today. If not, you will have to see the doctor, or if you use one, a chiropractor. Go careful with it.

I don't think unless I get unable to work physically that I will ever get round to the books. Something for my real old age perhaps, and no, I can't see them ever making enough royalties to support a trainee. I think we will have to get a subcontractor within the next few years though, as it is getting more difficult as both husband and I are getting more 'mature'.

We kept getting very heavy showers yesterday, so in the end, husband suggested I stayed home and did some paperwork, so spent most of the day trying to sort some out. Also strung most of the onions for storage.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Fri Oct 18, 19 2:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

The back was not bad enough to stay at home this morning chopping wood! And not bad enough not to go to work, but still had the odd twinges during the day, so I will be taking care, and a little uncomfortable now, sitting down. I will see how tricks are tomorrow.

How lucky you are to have a considerate husband, MR. I had the opposite, an inconsiderate wife. I would set out to do a job, mow lawns, whatever, but mainly the veg garden, get so far then she would want to go somewhere and me to take her. I used to offer the keys to the pickup, but it was impossible for her to drive it saying it was too big!; and so I would lose the rest of the day driving to collect, putting together whatever it was that we had bought and finishing with Match of the day. My only sin was to play hockey on Saturday afternoons, and we both played badminton on Monday night.

I do think you should get round to the writing, you could have a best seller, MR.- as a friend used to say to me "I'm only saying".

With my memory as it is, rather lacking at the moment, the boys at work tell me what day it is and when to go home! I think they are taking it a bit too far but it is fun. I even forgot to go to buy the microwave, but Monday will do, tomorrow is here, a bit of cleaning up, then firewood-plan A,1. I guess a few more appendages as the day goes on!

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Sat Oct 19, 19 9:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I had to fill the kindling boxes at the shop; on the way home last night, it was empty so I went home filled up with 12 nets and came back-Friday night is fish and chip night with a long standing friend of 35 years-who now lives opposite where I used to live a mile down the road before I bought the holding. This morning another 2 nets gone! My stock is going down quickly, faster than I can chop it. I like to start the winter with around 500 nets minimum, but it doesn't always work out that way as I also have to make "things" for people who seem to think I am a joiner, I explain the only joining I do is with nail or screw, I never do proper joints or glue!

I have just been told the heating is off here at the library, I hadn't noticed! It is surprising though "they" are repairing anything, as the council want to close the library here and we all go to Welshpool for our books and all the other services they provide here. The trouble is that the Welshpool library is much smaller than ours, and open less hours. They are trying to save money, but luckily the school uses this library; for some reason the school doesn't have one!

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Sun Oct 20, 19 11:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I can't see me ever writing a best seller, but nice to point it out.

I don't know about your pick up then, but our pick up is only slightly wider than a car and drives in a similar way in 2 wheel drive; the only difference is it has a larger turning circle, but don't have too much trouble driving it. I am a reasonable height though, so a small woman may have a problem.

Have just got back from a Coppice Group meeting and couple of days away. It was about reminiscences of a couple of our older members, and I had to sit with one of them to give moral support as he isn't used to public speaking, but he did pretty well. An interesting evening and met a few friends as usual.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Tue Oct 22, 19 1:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Don't be defeatist regarding the book writing, MR. you never know.

The kindling is flying, 8 nets last night and I have another 8 nets in the van, in anticipation today, all good stuff! I do get compliments regarding my kindling, even though it is old pallets and often dirty, it is always dry and as one lady said to me-"Let me know if you move to another shop with firewood, or if you are not doing it via a shop I will come to collect", compliment indeed. Basically I keep my wood under cover, but the wind blows through all the time so any that is wet dries pdq! It is an accidental wood drying shed, the snow demolished one half of the roof and opposite end, blew out a matter of 2 minutes after I walked past it. So a drying shed by default, but it works well.

My vehicle, MR, is an swb van. I want a pickup, but have not yet found what I want, I thought I had but too many miles on the clock for an ex council Ford Ranger pickup.

I like meetings where you are all of a mind. I hate it when things go a bit upside down and then there are 'battles'. I have got to go to see an old bed frame a lady wants moving away and deliver some wood for her fire, when I need to go home and saw logs for an ex neighbour and chop wood.

The next decision I have made is to retire soon. I will miss the money but not the company!

gz



Joined: 23 Jan 2009
Posts: 8571
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
PostPosted: Tue Oct 22, 19 8:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

MR I know Cassandra is busy...and possibly has internet problems....but pass on good wishes etc.
I miss her input and news...I'm sure others do too

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Wed Oct 23, 19 6:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Yes, I do too. Unfortunately, I think she has moved on to other interests and last time I contacted her she said she wasn't doing anything very Downsizery, but I will try again.

Our log sacks are going well too Gregotyn. I have an order for 20 that have to go out this week, 40 for next, and I am sure that there will be others very soon. Currently I have 38 done, so another 22 to do for current orders. At the moment it is just carry on carrying on. I also have another order for a besom, but luckily have that in stock. If I get a chance between log sacks, I need to do a few more heads and handles for assembly as and when.

This morning I have to go and see the people about the last dormouse survey of the year, then help them remove the boxes. I have a feeling we could also be sending more on as I am sure we won't be able to find them all.

dpack



Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 45374
Location: yes
PostPosted: Wed Oct 23, 19 5:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

do the dormouse folk relocate a new colony to a suitable site from a capacity area if they find one?

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Thu Oct 24, 19 6:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

The people I went out with leave them where they are. There is more about it in the Morning all thread.

Edit; I have put it in the Wildlife thread instead.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Thu Oct 24, 19 1:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Yes, gz, I wish Cassandra would come back to us occasionally and tell us how it is going. She definitively added another dimension to our lives here. The friends who visited me from Australia a few weeks ago have a son who lives on Tasmania; my plans are to email him and ask him to call on her and ask her to at least let us know how she is and what she is up to every now and then. It does not matter to me if she is downsizing or not-Politicians!

I am glad the logs are keep going for you MR., it is all money, and compensates for when the income gets a bit sparse.

I keep on selling the kindling faster than I can produce it; another 8 nets yesterday. I am beginning to worry that, although they should all have put the central heating on, they are carrying on with the coal/log fires just to tire me out! I hit work this morning around 5.30am and could have carried on all day-I have so much to do for others there, besides my own work of open up, unpack deliveries, book them in and put them/it away. I get the call 'can you give "whoever" a hand with this or that please? It is all money coming in-I am lucky at my age to be working anyway, another birthday soon! Mot for the motor before that-next Monday; I'm not too hopeful about the outcome as it is rattling a bit. I have been looking for the next step up, a pickup with 2 seats only, a small space behind them to put the essential tools in, a big back to carry wood and full nets of kindling, and long enough to sleep in when I go to a show.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Fri Oct 25, 19 7:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I am afraid I haven't messaged Cassandra, so will do that today. Sorry, been a bit lazy this week.

I think people are stocking up on kindling/logs at the moment. Our log sacks are going out pretty well too, and we are slowly catching up on our log loads. The weather isn't helping a lot. Yesterday was supposed to be pretty well dry, but ended up being drizzle or rain most of the day. Husband and son managed to split some more large logs, but it was more difficult because of the wet. It has put us back quite a bit again.

Shan



Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 9075
Location: South Wales
PostPosted: Fri Oct 25, 19 7:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

It would be nice to read something from Cassandra again. It doesn't matter if she's doing downsized things or not.

cassandra



Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia
PostPosted: Fri Oct 25, 19 8:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Crikey you lot - no rest for the wicked I see. I have been meaning to get on line for some time, but I have not worked out how to convince the new phone to download photographs that are on it. I have installed the driver software but it insists there are no images on the phone (or files!).

I have actually been ridiculously busy for the last few months. First of all, two of the three volunteer drivers went awol (one lost her husband, the other had a series of medical treatments of her own) so I was driving pretty well every day of the week, which in addition to dogwalking and bank-cleaning was keeping me exhausted.

Then there was the Bullock Festival that required a Victorian gown so I finished off the one I started to make from the curtain I found at the tip, and received many compliments for all it was clearly not accurately detailed (the zip down the back was the giveaway). I also designed a knitted a simple shawl which has tails on it so you can tie it around your waist. Between that a multiple layers we survived the bitter chill of the snowy day that the weather gods turned on for the Festival.

We also had a mini Back-to-back which involves shearing a sheep, spinning the yarn and knitting it into a jumper but as ours only lasted two hours it was actually a lacey square. Unfortunately the organiser forgot to check what sort of sheep it would be so we have a merino lamb with about a centimeter of fluff on it (easy to handle and clip with the hand clippers, but not so good for spinning). My wheel, which had been given a new drive band the night before, threw the thing as it stretched so I came very close to tears with the trauma of it all.

I have also been talked into going back on the Hall Committee. I was elected Secretary but the Treasurer resigned the next day so I am now Secretary Treasurer. This has proven extremely interesting as I now have a very clear understanding of the cash flow at the Hall (mostly outwards) and the failure of the Market to generate any income at all. The President decided it was a good idea to waive stall fees in the hope more vendors would sign up, but instead we still have the same grey stalls, but no income. In fact it's costing money to run radiators, lights etc, so I have drafted a discussion paper for the next meeting. Unfortunately our Public Officer (a farmer and the only one with an ounce of business sense) will not be at the meeting so I may well lose the debate.

On the up side, at the last market two of our eight clients were a gay couple who have just moved here from Sydney (well, actually not till after Christmas, but they are here at present sorting out the house), who desperately want to be on the committee, and bring culinary and marketing skills.

Meanwhile, Soup and Cinema, an informal gathering of locals who watch foreign language movies while eating a picnic, has discovered the Hall and we had our first movie event there the other week.

Our fundraiser next month is to be a 'Rocking Retro Rave" according to my advertising flier and will finish up with a screening of Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii, so things are looking up. I am trying to persuade the committee to can the Market for good, replace it with four 'events' per year, and generate revenue from hall hire. Sounds like a good idea to me, but they can be a little fixed in their ways.

I have also applied for a $20,000 grant to get a new kitchen and air conditioning installed, so we can get rid of the very expensive and utterly inefficient radiators.

What else? I turned 65 last week. Normally this would be grounds for celebration as I would have been eligible for a pension, sadly I have another year to wait as they are incrementally raising the age. Still, I survive on what I have and am still able to indulge a little. Which is a good thing as the Pancake and Crepe Shop has been taken over by new owners, so I no longer have to move to the city to be able to get good coffee, variable menu, luscious cakes and good service. In fact I have become so much a part of their furniture that they turned on a cake for my birthday!

Next month I will house-sitting for a friend in Oatlands, and running her shop. She is the person who was so successful selling my hats, but has been unable to open as the shop does not generate much trade in winter and they needed the income to cover the two mortgages they are paying (they had expected to move into a fully functional B&B business, but the previous owner was a bit of a charlatan).

So Seb and I will go into town where we will have an enclosed yard where I can hopefully finish off his 'come when called' training, I will be two doors from the crepe shop though so may run into trouble.

Meanwhile I am making large crepe paper flowers to decorate the hall with as I know from past experience that the current committee's idea of decorating is throwing some streamers around with some balloons and leaving it at that.

Busy Busy.

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