I've seen the Future and its Clean, Clean, Clean!

I know it happens in the best regulated household. Once one piece of equipment goes wonky in the house then all the others want to join in.

First it was the washing machine which starting leaking, resulting in discussions as to whether it should be repaired or whether to spend money on a new one. It was decided that as it had been in the house when we moved in and we had no idea how old it was (had to be at least 10 years old – I’d say a bit more), that we would bite the bullet and buy a new one.

After a visit to a QDA store, we returned home a little lighter money wise with the washing machine arriving the following day, together with a tumble dryer – for those times in the winter when you can’t dry the clothes outside. I'll admit it. I had been seduced by the drying of my clothes in a tumble dryer when we went camping a few weeks ago (of which more in a future post).

 

Then the television started to play up. This was really a no-brainer. It had to be at least 14 years old and bought before flat screen televisions became popular (and more affordable). After a bit of research involving copious hours on the computer, we eventually made a choice and ordered, this time on-line.

Much to our surprise, it arrived the following day, and as we thought to also update our Sky package to HD, it was 5 days before we could switch it on and view the difference.

I had now got into buying mode. So when my dear husband suggested that instead of buying new dust bags for our upright vacuum, I purchase a new one, I didn't hesitate.

It wasn't that it was old – we had only purchased it just over 2 years ago. But it didn't seem to be doing the job and on one carpet in the house, didn't seem to pick up dirt there at all. I had previously been told by a vacuum shop manager that all vacuums have an 18 month life, so I thought now (again) was the time.

Much on-line research later, looking in detail at the performance rates and reviews, I chose a Vax Air Series upright vacuum cleaner; one of the lightest available. Again, doing nothing by halves, I also bought a small hand held cleaner for the car.

Both arrived the next day. I don’t know who was more excited, Alan or I. We put the machine together and tried it on the carpet that had exercised my thoughts and, after it bit of trial and error, not being one to fully read the instructions before trying things out, achieved great success. To say it was a revelation would be an understatement. The carpet actually changed colour and the pile lifted and yes, the vacuum picked up all the bits.

What was more amazing was the amount of dust that was picked up (and I had very recently used the old vacuum cleaner!). I have now fallen in love with a vacuum!

The most interesting part for me was that with all our new kit, I was very struck by how technology had really moved on. The washing machine spin speeds were much increased; the tumble dryer is a condenser one so there was no need to vent it externally; the television had a better quality picture and we could now download series on the television that we hadn't seen till now; and the vacuum appeared more efficient that what I had experienced in the past. It’s a whole new world. I have seen the future and it's clean (or cleaner!). 

Result of Consultant’s Appointment – Astonishingly Good!

We all like to be remembered by people but mainly for good things -for the things that we accomplish or the kind of person we are. I have the dubious distinction of being remembered by my Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) consultant for having really bad nasal passages filled with polyps and other gunk, prior to an operation eleven years ago. After the op, the anaesthetist described the consultant as ‘acting as if he was playing space invaders’ such was his enthusiasm in zapping said polyps.

Since that time and following a further operation a couple of years ago, I seem to have had no further problems on the polyp front. After the second operation, it was recommended that I ‘douche’ my nasal passages every day and use a nasal spray twice a day. I have added to that the discipline of breathing exercises twice a day. All these actions do appear to have helped, even though they may seem excessive to one who hasn't suffered with this seemingly 'minor' problem.

Yesterday marked my regular visit to the consultant to check on the current situation. After a good look up at my nasal passages, which included the use of an endoscope, he pronounced that the state of them was ‘astonishingly good’ and wished he could take photos of said area.

We talked about the past few years and how persevering with my ‘nasal hygiene’ actions really did help. Apparently, persons with my polyp problems usually end up having operations every couple of years to remove them. Either my polyps have burnt themselves out, or, together with the opening up of the sinuses (during the first operation) my good habits are working.

Whatever the reason, I'm thrilled to be in a better state of health. No more nasal infections and face aches, a lack of sense of smell and fatigue. Maybe I will now be remembered as an ‘astonishingly good’ success story.

‘Some have fame thrust upon them’ – Attending the Opening of the Co-op Store in Princess Drive, Seaford.

Apologies for no recent posts. I've been away and have been busy with other matters since my return. But I'm back now with a recent 'happening', which I hope you'll enjoy.

It’s not that I lead a boring life, but this must rate as one of the more interesting events that has happened recently, mainly because it was so unexpected.

“You’re joking,” was my first comment when my husband came back from his morning walk with our dog and announced that we has been asked to ‘open the new Co-op in Princess Drive’ on Thursday 6^th August. His face showed that it clearly wasn't a joke, but he was clearly enjoying the drama of the situation.

“No, really,” he said. “I'm to go back tomorrow to say if we agree.”

“Well, OK,” I responded, “But why us? We’re not important in any shape or form.”

“Oh, it’s because we have talked to the manager before it opened and showed an interest,” he said. “You alright with it?”

I nodded, not really thinking of any excuses why not and went back to surfing the Internet.

Thursday came. Much debate had been had about whether to dress up or dress down. Finally, because of the cloudy, drizzly weather that day, I dressed more for comfort in casual trousers and a top coupled with a grey jacket. We arrived to find that Cllr Mark Brown, who had been the mayor of Seaford last year, was also in attendance. I was relieved – ‘that’s fine’ I thought, ‘he’ll be doing the honours’.

Opening the door

When the time came, after a photo-call, he did indeed cut the ribbon. But then the manager, Conor Gallen, made it clear that I was to turn the key that would open the door - a symbolic opening. This I duly did, thinking that that would be it. But, no – with Conor beside me holding a trolley, I was taken around the new generation Co-operative Store in what must have been the slowest ‘supermarket dash’ in history as we filled the trolley with groceries for myself. This was a first for me and very unexpected – no one had warned me. And it was made worse because Alan walked away – a proud man where unexpected gifts embarrass.

As time went on, it actually became great fun and was for me a much appreciated gesture of the Co-op – one of the many for their opening freebies (for others as well as myself).

The store has been much renovated since its last incarnation as ‘Costcutters’. Structural work had been carried out, enlarging the shopping area, with the design of the shop maximising the space for large amount of products. Having seen a new generation Co-op store just a few weeks ago in Moreton, Dorset, I had some idea as to what to expect. Even so, the idea of having a local store so well stocked and close to home was a little overwhelming.

Later on that day, my husband sent me on a mission to see if they had ingredients for a recipe he was cooking, namely fresh herbs. Even he was surprised when I returned with said items. And while there, it was really good to hear the positive comments of those who were visiting the store that day, who were pleased with the variety and style of the shop. Long may it stay!

Official Opening of Co-op - 6th August 2015