You can never have enough...

[kiwimade64]

morning ladies What an awesome start to the day. Frosty but fine and clear. A perfect winter day.

I agree, Jan. MrK and I have talked about what we would do if we lost our home like the flood victims and we agreed, we would walk away.

I've always found Spark very accommodating when I've had to deal with them. When I paid the bill twice (stupid, I know lol) the $$$ was refunded very quickly. But in saying that, navigating my way round their app to find their forms to fill in was a mission. The person I chatted to guided me through it and found my request straight away. She did the refund as we chatted. I must have found a good one.

Housework needs doing today. The carpet needs a good clean but that can wait until summer.

happy crafting

[popeye333]

Morning everyone

A chilly start here but the sun is out and beautiful.

Spoke to MrP last night. he sounded confused and said something about breaks and two bones. But there was nothing they could do. But I could barely understand what he was saying so Ill talk to the head nurse this morning when I go up.

It does hopefully mean there is a reason why he is so sore. He has two new pills.

Totally agree, re the damaged houses etc. We would walk away too.. Like in Tornado alley in USA. I will never understand why people rebuild there.

Have a fab day everyone

[Venetian1]

It sure is cold here. Am keeping an eye on Nephew and Niece - read that as “taxi driver”   As their parents are away looking at potential housing. They live in Esk and although their place was not damaged they are red stickered which is a real disappointment as they have been working extremely hard to get their place built after living in a little 2 room shed for a several years and although their house is not finished they have been able to move into the part that is, 
But with the climate change and the river bed now a lot higher their place would be at risk with just any normal winter flooding.
Niece has horses but their paddock has been flooded for months so they have had to find a place on the other side of Napier to keep them, so an early start to go and see to the horses before dropping them
 Kids at school. 
It’s a lovely crisp day and the snow is well down on the hills and looks beautiful but it’s so cold out. My feet are still blocks of ice from going to the horses, hope they defrost before having to go back to the horses this pm   Niece is training for the secondary school horsemanship competition. 

We certainly didn’t have such a range of sports when at school. Another family who live in Arrowtown have skiing for their winter sport at primary school and the 11yr old’s class went bungy jumping last week as it’s their last year at primary school. Not sure how many actually jumped mr 11 did but his dad reneged 

The valley should make good pasture or crops that could be replanted if flooded from time to time but definitely not more permanent things like housing and orchards.

[Mica]

Morning all
The sun is out

Resting after flurry of house work even vacuumed the heatpump filters. 

Got the binding on quilt and I have done half the hand stitching was cozy last night as the feline always burrows in a quilt I and stitching the binding on.

No firm plans for today need new PJ so might get those done as they will be a quick sew 

Never want to think about what to do if our house is involved in a disaster, we are on a hill over ,looking a valley

Got the oven racks soaking so I can give them a scrub later

Enjoy your day

[Mica]

Just finished cleaning my oven racks and need to pass on tip. I soaked the racks in nappisan worked like a charm I am ashamed to say the racks were pretty dirty . Another of my minimum effort for maximum effect

[popeye333]

Just finished cleaning my oven racks and need to pass on tip. I soaked the racks in nappisan worked like a charm I am ashamed to say the racks were pretty dirty . Another of my minimum effort for maximum effect

A handy tip tho Mica. Never thought about using that on oven racks. 

Im going to try getting the rack out of my oven that I jammed in when we moved in. I paid for it and who knows, It might be handy in the next one.

MrP was grumpy and didn't really want to talk. but I stayed for a while. Still waiting to hear from the head nurse, cos Quite frankly I dont believe anything he says. So I need to hear from her.

[Oh_hunnihunni]

I make a paste of baking soda and dishwashing liquid with a bit of water and it cleans my stainless steel stuff beautifully with a plastic scourer to avoid scratching. But oven racks are a pain, so I just might try that soaking trick - our laundry tubs are nice and big and can take them easily. I'll put Napisan on my shopping list! Now if I can just find a safe way to bend I could do the walls of the oven too!

[popeye333]

Turns out he now has two disintegrated vertebrae and Osteoarthritis. Nothing they can do but keep up with pain meds.

His Neice has the same problems so possibly a family history. but he has chalky bones. So its likely to keep happening.

He just has to live with it

[Lilith7]

I'll have to get some napisan & try that. The other day I was cleaning the rings which sit around the top elements & put some baking soda/water paste on but ran out of time so quickly poured a bit of vinegar on them. It wasn't too bad but when I remember & have the time, I'll do it again & leave them longer & se how it goes.


Found a cheap pair of secataurs in one o0f the Chinses shops; only $10 so got them on the principle that sooner or later, my current ones will give up the ghost & I'll need another. Naturally, had to try them out & not bad at all really, & I ended up doing far ivy pruning than I'd intended to do.


Probably the best you can hope for is that Mr P adjusts to his osteoarthritis, Popeye. It must be just awful.

[Mica]

Morning all
Nippy start but sun is promised

Earlyish start for me as feeding DS cats over the weekend

No fixed plans for today will just see what evolves, do need to get sorted as off to Auckland for couple days leave tomorrow evening

Enjoy your day

[kiwimade64]

morning ladies Slightly overcast here this morning. The sunrise was so pretty this morning with the sun rising over the paddocks and the cows munching away on the grass.

I need to copy off some family history stuff for my sister and seeing as our printer died a long time ago, it means a trip into town today. She's dropping the Fluffy One off tomorrow and I can give it to her then.

That's not good for MrP, popeye, and I agree with Lilith. The best you can hope for is he adjusts to it. The oven tray you are keeping may be too big for your new oven. They seem to have shrunk in size thanks to the extra insulation fitted to them. And it may not come with baking trays or roasting dish either. Our baking trays were too big for the new oven, so our daughter took them.

Those secateurs sound pretty good for ten bucks, Lilith. I would never have thought to look in a $2 shop.

Thanks for the napisan tip, mica I'll also give it a go. Would never have thought of using napisan for oven cleaning. I have brushed it into the carpet and vacumed off to spot clean occasionally.

Time is marching on, better get moving.

Happy crafting

[popeye333]

Morning everyone

Overcast here too. I thought it was raining last night cos of the bad tv reception, but it doesn't seem to be wet out there.

The oven is a narrow one now Kiwimade. Its a wall one. So Ill keep the rack, just in case. Can always save it for the next inorganic.
And re the dishes, that's why I'm collecting the New World Stickers. The roasting dish will fit in the oven here with room so I figure no matter what they replace it with, it should fit.

Hunni have you tried your cooker yet? They do the absolute best crunchy pork crackle. I roast pork and chicken in there. Do quiches, well used to, toad in the hole and just about anything you can do in a normal oven. Although Ive never tried pav or sponge. And awesome if making bread cases too.

Ill do the lawn later if it stays fine.. Im also going to dig out some stuff that is taking up cupboard space that hasn't been used in forever. I dont need it so will try and sell some stuff on fb for a quicker removal.

Have a fab day all

[Oh_hunnihunni]

Turns out he now has two disintegrated vertebrae and Osteoarthritis. Nothing they can do but keep up with pain meds.

His Neice has the same problems so possibly a family history. but he has chalky bones. So its likely to keep happening.

He just has to live with it

I have similar issues popeye, and have learnt mild exercise (being sedentary is a killer) and localised heat really helps on top of the medications. I know nursing staff are wary of hot water bottles for elderly patients, but so long as safety precautions are observed they are very useful for the worst episodes.

Which brings me to an interesting bit of new stuff I learned recently. My GP tried to put me on a ppi - Losec - to 'protect' my gut because I take high dose NSAIDS to reduce inflammation around my joints and spine. I spoke to my pharmacist about them, and she told me that if I wasn't experiencing gut problems, then don't take them.  So I didn't. My doc found out when a script renewal came up and she was not impressed with my choice, but I still don't take them. However, I have just recently seen research on this family of really commonly prescribed meds, and it is scary. Most of the studies indicate a substantial effect on dementia outcomes for people taking ppi's for longer than four years. Both my Mum and my Grandmother were given these for many years, both ended up in dementia units. I know that is leaping to conclusions, but it makes me wonder all the same.

If you are taking Losec, or one of the other proton pump inhibitor or acid reducing drugs on a regular basis, maybe do your own research or ask your doc for more information. There are other ways to manage gut health, and it is important, because we are now learning so much more about how our gut microbiome affects every system in our bodies.

And dementia is universally one of our greatest fears in our aging...

[popeye333]

Turns out he now has two disintegrated vertebrae and Osteoarthritis. Nothing they can do but keep up with pain meds.

His Neice has the same problems so possibly a family history. but he has chalky bones. So its likely to keep happening.

He just has to live with it

I have similar issues popeye, and have learnt mild exercise (being sedentary is a killer) and localised heat really helps on top of the medications. I know nursing staff are wary of hot water bottles for elderly patients, but so long as safety precautions are observed they are very useful for the worst episodes.

Which brings me to an interesting bit of new stuff I learned recently. My GP tried to put me on a ppi - Losec - to 'protect' my gut because I take high dose NSAIDS to reduce inflammation around my joints and spine. I spoke to my pharmacist about them, and she told me that if I wasn't experiencing gut problems, then don't take them.  So I didn't. My doc found out when a script renewal came up and she was not impressed with my choice, but I still don't take them. However, I have just recently seen research on this family of really commonly prescribed meds, and it is scary. Most of the studies indicate a substantial effect on dementia outcomes for people taking ppi's for longer than four years. Both my Mum and my Grandmother were given these for many years, both ended up in dementia units. I know that is leaping to conclusions, but it makes me wonder all the same.

If you are taking Losec, or one of the other proton pump inhibitor or acid reducing drugs on a regular basis, maybe do your own research or ask your doc for more information. There are other ways to manage gut health, and it is important, because we are now learning so much more about how our gut microbiome affects every system in our bodies.

And dementia is universally one of our greatest fears in our aging...

Yep Hunni, We are all trying to make him do some moving. He sat in his chair while I was there for nearly two hours yesterday. Which was the longest he has for a while. Had a decent talk with him last night. He knows that if he doesn't move he will seize up and there will be 3 of them in the room not walking and having to be lifted by the lifter all the time. Its not what he wants.
But I do fear that he has already left things a little too late. But he know the consequences. A Dr we had in Mangakino was very good and forward thinking. Issuing warnings all the time. 

MrP say its all cos he hasn't been home, but he basically hasn't done anything other than minimal walking to and from the bathroom or bedroom since 2018. I dont recall why he just seemed to stop. He just did. 

I've been on Losec for years. I dont want to go back to having a very acidic stomach. While I would like to lose a lot of my meds, there's some things I still want to avoid. Makes it a hard juggling act for sure.

[Venetian1]

Turns out he now has two disintegrated vertebrae and Osteoarthritis. Nothing they can do but keep up with pain meds.

His Neice has the same problems so possibly a family history. but he has chalky bones. So its likely to keep happening.

He just has to live with it

I have similar issues popeye, and have learnt mild exercise (being sedentary is a killer) and localised heat really helps on top of the medications. I know nursing staff are wary of hot water bottles for elderly patients, but so long as safety precautions are observed they are very useful for the worst episodes.

Which brings me to an interesting bit of new stuff I learned recently. My GP tried to put me on a ppi - Losec - to 'protect' my gut because I take high dose NSAIDS to reduce inflammation around my joints and spine. I spoke to my pharmacist about them, and she told me that if I wasn't experiencing gut problems, then don't take them.  So I didn't. My doc found out when a script renewal came up and she was not impressed with my choice, but I still don't take them. However, I have just recently seen research on this family of really commonly prescribed meds, and it is scary. Most of the studies indicate a substantial effect on dementia outcomes for people taking ppi's for longer than four years. Both my Mum and my Grandmother were given these for many years, both ended up in dementia units. I know that is leaping to conclusions, but it makes me wonder all the same.

If you are taking Losec, or one of the other proton pump inhibitor or acid reducing drugs on a regular basis, maybe do your own research or ask your doc for more information. There are other ways to manage gut health, and it is important, because we are now learning so much more about how our gut microbiome affects every system in our bodies.

And dementia is universally one of our greatest fears in our aging...

100% agree with you OHH keeping mobile is so important I really know it if I miss my daily walk. As I have back and hip I find standing, and keeping as straight as I can helpful, rather than sitting for any length of time as when we sit it is so easy to slump down which increases pressure on damaged vertebrae.
People must wonder at times seeing me standing and want to offer me a chair which I decline politely. 

And also totally agree about taking meds “just in case”. The trouble is people remain on meds for years with no evidence that they still need them or if there is another option which may not even have been thought of when they started.  
Dementia is something I would do anything to avoid 

[Oh_hunnihunni]

Me too Venetia, and I have seen routine prescribing so often just because someone is female or elderly or whatever, so I have become a bit suspicious, and inclined to double check what I am told to put in my mouth. At least that way when things go wrong I know who is responsible, lol, and who to get grumpy with!

[popeye333]

Totally agree with keeping moving.

Hence making myself mow the lawn. Yep it hurts afterwards, but I also know it helps in its own way too.

Had to have a break from my listing etc this afternoon cos I needed to walk around.

The Use it or Lose it really makes sense to me now

[Olive]

Totally agree with keeping moving.

Hence making myself mow the lawn. Yep it hurts afterwards, but I also know it helps in its own way too.

Had to have a break from my listing etc this afternoon cos I needed to walk around.

The Use it or Lose it really makes sense to me now

Several months ago I had minor ankle surgery, one of the results of which was me becoming badly unfit because I was immobilised.  In an effort to improve my fitness I've recently started attending some very gentle exercise classes called Strong and Stable, promoted by ACC; if there are classes in your area I strongly recommend them.   The cost is only $4 per class (compare that with yoga or pilates at $20!), and the exercise is very gentle but effective.  

 https://www.livestronger.org.nz/home/fin...-near-you/

[Mica]

Totally agree with keeping moving.

Hence making myself mow the lawn. Yep it hurts afterwards, but I also know it helps in its own way too.

Had to have a break from my listing etc this afternoon cos I needed to walk around.

The Use it or Lose it really makes sense to me now

Several months ago I had minor ankle surgery, one of the results of which was me becoming badly unfit because I was immobilised.  In an effort to improve my fitness I've recently started attending some very gentle exercise classes called Strong and Stable, promoted by ACC; if there are classes in your area I strongly recommend them.   The cost is only $4 per class (compare that with yoga or pilates at $20!), and the exercise is very gentle but effective.  

 https://www.livestronger.org.nz/home/fin...-near-you/

Thanks for info on classes I have looked up local classes and good news is they are free with goldcard

Quiet day here have cast on knitting a vest knitted sideways. Charity knit for The Nest Collective

[popeye333]

Several months ago I had minor ankle surgery, one of the results of which was me becoming badly unfit because I was immobilised.  In an effort to improve my fitness I've recently started attending some very gentle exercise classes called Strong and Stable, promoted by ACC; if there are classes in your area I strongly recommend them.   The cost is only $4 per class (compare that with yoga or pilates at $20!), and the exercise is very gentle but effective.  

 https://www.livestronger.org.nz/home/fin...-near-you/

Thanks for info on classes I have looked up local classes and good news is they are free with goldcard

Quiet day here have cast on knitting a vest knitted sideways. Charity knit for The Nest Collective

There's one at our Library but it says its full. But I will ring during the week and double Check. Thanks Olive.