What are you all up to
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Our Covid jabs are not due until early July and we just go to our local Pharmacie and they do it without booking and nearly all the staff can do injections.
A bit dull here just had a few spots of rain and more to come today and tomorrow so will find a few things to do inside and it is much cooler may even put some heat back on as tomorrow could as low as 7C during the day brr.
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When we had the kitchen refurbished in 2020 we decided to have an additional small under counter freezer in the utility room to provide extra capacity to the intergrated fridge/freezer we had in the actual kitchen. For years previous to that we had freestanding fridge/freezers which were of the frost free variety. At the time there did not seem to be a frost free intergrated option so we went for the conventional version. Have to say that its not been too bad, it's a Zannusi. The extra small freeer was a Bosch, my normal go to brand for electrical appliances. Trouble is that we seem to get a lot of frost build up and trying different temperatures didn't seem to make much difference. I started looking for frost free alternatives which in small freezers are a bit like hens teeth! However I did come across one by a brand called Beko which is made in Turkey. So I have purhased one from JL which was delivered yesterday and is currently plugged in to get it down to temperature awaiting one or both the boys to come and put it into place for us. Haven't decided what to do with the old one but might keep it just in case, the very reason my garage is so full😊One thing I did discover about Beko refrideration was that they seem to have a pretty wide ambient operating temperature range so if anyone is looking for a freezer for a garage/outbuilding they might be worth a look?
David
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I think Beko are considered a good brand @DavidKlyne We had never heard of them before, but stayed in a newly refurbished holiday cottage that was all Beko appliances. That was a long time ago, and having stayed in the same cottage many times, appliances still good and working, so hope this goes for yours.
Lovely day yesterday, out of that chill breeze. We had an afternoon log chopping and storing, and in between helping OH I did more gardening. Moved a Mahonia into a better place, and put in two more Clematis. Some pansies into containers on our drive/yard area as well. Popped up to see Mum, she was on good form yesterday, a bit brighter than usual. Left her fast asleep, looking comfy and settled.
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@DavidKlyne we have 2 large upright Beko freezers in our garage, bought because of just the reason you stated, that they are designed to work at lower ambient temperatures. One is about 10 years old and the second one is 4 years old. They have both been absolutely fine and would have no problem with buying again.
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@DavidKlyne - we have a large upright Beko freezer in the garage which must be getting on for 30 years old - it's a frost-free one as well. We bought it when we moved into the last house and we were there 15 years and we've been in this one for almost 14. Touch wood - never had a problem with it. When we rebuilt this house, we had a Howden's kitchen installed and all the appliances are their brand - Lamona - which are, in fact, Beko under a different badge. The small under-counter freezer is coming up to 14 years old and it's been fine other than it does seem to need de-frosting fairly regularly. We are now on our second dishwasher and the large larder fridge has just been replaced because the door seal had gone - which is not replaceable and a new door was almost as costly as a new fridge! Not a bad track record, overall.
The main trouble is that, with the exception of the larder fridge, most appliances are so cheap that it's often more economical in the long term to bin the old one if a fault develops and buy new, rather than pay call-out charges for someone to fix it.
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@heddlo and @richardandrosI wonder if they are designed to cope with such a wide range of temperatures because of where they come from, Turkey or should that now be Türkiye, as I imagine that country has a wide rang of ambient temperatures throughout the year? They could use a more heavy duty compressor? When I was in the Electrical Appliance trade back in the 80's they were not featured in our assortment . Ours is now down to temperature and in situ, just need to swap the food over and defrost the old one. It was certainly good value.
David
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Received a text mid morning to get the kettle on for 1:30 as daughter and SIL were coming up to see us.They duly arrived bearing assorted goodies that she has collected on her trips abroad. It was lovely to see them both, as it has been a while. They then treated us out to a "chippy tea" followed by a Mini Egg McFlurry!!😁😁 They headed back to Blackburn around 7:00 and ran into some horrible weather on the M6. The rain has arrived here this evening too after a mainly sunny but chilly day.
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We have a chest freezer in our garage, bought to take the allotment produce when I had one. Then when my aunt passed away I had her fridge freezer and that is also out there as the kitchen fridge isn’t very big, especially when family stay. In winter if it gets too cold we have to do a quick shuffle moving frozen food from the fridge freezer to the chest freezer due to the ambient temperature drop, as it turns itself off. For this reason we only keep frozen veg in it never meat. So I know it can be a problem. Not too bad having the freezers out there as we have an internal door to our garage, it’s often treated as another room, in 40 years it’s never had a car in it.
All togged up in gardening clothes ready for staining the decking yesterday when granddaughters and their friend arrived, lovely to see them all. They stayed quite a while but left when OH turned the rugby on as they remembered they had things to do 😊. (Not rugby fans) I got a quarter of it done later in the afternoon, but not easy on my knees with a large paint brush. I do find that has the best result, getting into all the grooves. I didn’t realise it looked so bad until compared to the bit I’d done, so very pleased with the result. It may all take a while though as a large area. OH had to nip out to get two more tins as it soaked it up rather, good job we found it at half price. Raining now, hoping it will clear up this afternoon.
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I was really pleased to read all of the info about freezers etc, as the one that I have in the garage is 30 years old now and I think that it could do with replacing. I didn't know that Howdens electricals are all Beko either. At least on a site like this, we are not going to be reading a load of fake reviews so can believe what we read. There were around 8 motorhomes along the prom yesterday but the weather wasn't too good at all, a bit better today, sunny but a very cold wind!
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New freezer in place and food transfered. Youngest son put the old freezer in the conservatory whilst we make up our mind what to do with it. Not much room in the conservatory now as it also house some of my, now, unused mobilty aids! Whilst he was here he also installed a new wireless ketboard and mouse as the old ones were getting pretty grotty! Oldest son taking his 90 year old Mil to Luton Airport for her flight to Sicily to stay with her other daughter. Not sure if she is returning to Brasil after that or coming back here?
David
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@vbfg - Howden's Lomana brand are definitely Beko because, from time to time, I have found spares on eSpares (drawer fronts etc) that are Beko but fit Lamona products. I know they are at the cheaper end of the market, but, overall, I consider Beko to be quite good value.
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Not a bad day yesterday nice and sunny so got the caravan washed it badly needed it as it hadn’t been done since before our trip to Chester a few weeks ago. Done now though and looks great we are planning on heading off for a couple of nights next week not sure where yet. Weather today terrible it’s cold and rainy so a day for indoors so been tidying out came across an old edition of the club Magazine from 2005 had a read through it it’s amazing how things have changed over the years looking at the price of some of the cars in the new drive section was interesting how much cheaper they were I read a review of the then new Volvo V70 and the price was 30k I highly doubt you could get the equivalent Volvo now for anywhere near that. Also interesting to note how much content was in the mag then there was so much more articles and letters etc than we get now I suspect that’s mainly due to most things being available online now. Still nice to read and be nostalgic I think I preferred those times but can’t complain no doubt in 2005 we would have said we prefered things how there were 20 years before that lol
Hope everyone else is having a nice weekend
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Mixed weather here, sunshine and showers. Did a little tidying, and dishwashing of non-dishwasher stuff as OH was dissatisfied with the state of the kitchen. She obviously has higher standards than I do!
The robot vac is doing well, have used it in the kitchen, hallway, and lounge, lots of fluff and crumbs picked up. Surprised by how well it works even on the longer pile carpets.
Lithium battery for new caravan arrived quickly, but turned out to be slightly different to the description on the Sterling website, a little taller but should still fit, and weighs 9.6 rather than 8kg. Have charged it up ready to take over when we pick up the new van.
The holidaymakers are now back from London and Legoland……exhausted! I picked them up at the airport very late on Thursday, they are almost recovered now. We were down with them on Saturday so I could make the last concrete weight for their BBQ shelter, and hear all about their adventures. DD was commenting on how expensive eating out all the time was, will be glad to get back to caravan holidays apparently!
This coming week we are going to contact a few of those “we buy any caravan” places to see if any are interested in our old van, but have just realised that I did not take any photographs inside the van to send to them. May need to ask son or DIL to go and take a few.
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On the subject of freezers I only really paid attention the operating temperature as there was the possibility that we might want to use it in the conservatory and that was how I discovered the Beko range had such a wide range as not only does it get very hot in the conservatory it can get quite cold, perhaps not as cold as a garage? The configeration of the shelves and drawers is slightly different in the new freezer so it will proably take a while to work out how best to use them?
David
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Good to read folks posts.
I'm keeping everything crossed as I think I'm beginning to come out the other side of feeling poorly, it's now 9 full weeks. All blood tests back satisfactory. Got lots to catch up on around the house and garden so continuing to pace myself.
Had a lovely couple of days, couldn't have done them without up turn in energy! Had the eldest grandson on Friday. Plenty of help 😉. We transplanted the apple tree he planted last autumn from the apple he ate. I did tell him it was unlikely to grow - good to be proved wrong 😃. Put it back in the greenhouse - it had to go high up, as we've had a cat defecating in some pots on the floor 🤐, ive had the door open on the better days. He was adamant he didn't want that to happen to his plant! Then we sowed sweetcorn a small barrel to go to live in his garden and one for mine. Last year, first year I'd grown it, it was quite successful. Daddy 'forgot' to take grandson's. I know grandson's will water it. I don't give plants/pots to DIL, she can only grow on a large scale 🤣🤣🤣
After a sleepover we baked yesterday morning before daddy and younger grandson came for lunch. Off to Coffee Ark at a nearby village hall, DIL on volunteering duties. Back here for ddinner for all and bath.
Mixed day of weather here, the sun is not out, but it was very grey and blowing hard this morning. I hate to say it but we are desperate for some rain
A local footpath.
Today day of rest to recuperate. There is no way I could have done half of that before.
Several appointments this week, generally on a day with the exception of Wednesday when there's 2. This is what happens when you've been out of action!
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Wow @Bakers2 the contrast from your area to ours is staggering. Last 2 days has seen squally, heavy showers, sunshine and a chill wind. Grass and paths around here have mud/water lying on them in places. Glad to hear you're feeling a lot better.
Been preparing the van (might give this one a name) and sorting the bikes out. Probably won't take them when we go away this week for a couple of days but want to start using them again soon.
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You certainly could do with some rain by the looks of the path @Bakers2 we have had it reasonably dry but the ground is still sort in places on our local green. Very pleased that you are feel much better and are able to get things done outside.
Enjoy your trip away in the M/H @Wherenext fingers crossed that you have no problems with the van.
OH has been baking cakes and cookies today for taking away on our next trip later in the week. We hope to get to see the Ospreys at Theaves and later stay up in your area near Ayr @Francis all being well.
Good to hear that your new battery has arrived @KjellNN hope that it fit in the new van.
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Eventually managed to vet out in the caravan for a few days!! We've not ventured too far - Stanmore Hall, Bridgnorth (Morris Leisure site - CAMC AS) - but far enough not to pop home every five minutes, and close enough for Carol to get to her mum's house (just one afternoon this week) to meet with her sister to continue making the funeral arrangements and finalizing clearing the house.
Very quiet here - the sun is shining (so far), the peacocks are out. Just deciding where to go today....
Hope all are well,
David
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I’ve finished half of the decking staining this morning but it does tire me so I’ve decided to leave the rest for a while. It’s looking very good though, very pleased with the clean look. Our daughter has 5 days straight days off on her work rota, so next week we are both going to the caravan for a ‘girlie’ few days, which I’m looking forward to. We haven’t been away together since she was a teenager and never on our own. Then I’m stopping on for a few more days on my own before OH joins me. Apart from hospital stays and the week I once spent with my elderly aunt 30 years ago we’ve not been apart in 53 years. I think he is looking forward to playing his music loudly and having control of the tv remote. Not sure about him cooking though.
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Lovely day for me yesterday, Yarn event at Leeds, some nice stuff and lovely company. Back home and we watched all of Paris-Roubaix race, (no spoilers). Up at Mums at moment, but heading home shortly. Out up to Boro this coming weekend, for the football, but they have imploded yet again, will be lucky to make play offs now. Hoping to do Mount Grace Priory coming home.
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We've just lost our local Yarn shop @Takethedogalong. Shame as several other family run businesses and banks have closed or pulled out of town recently.
Trying out where to put things in the van, then moving them sort of day today. OH took her mother to the GP surgery to discuss the results of her delayed Bone Density scan that she had in November and the results of which hadn't been communicated to her, as required, by the Hospital. The surgery was completely empty so she was seen instantly. She was on a 5 year medication plan for Osteoporosis which helped stabilise her 15 years ago. This obviously stopped 10 years ago. Apparently her hips are beginning to crumble so a new course of treatment required. Obviously would have been more helpful if she had been called back even 5 years ago but I think COVID got in the way. The Doctor dd say they had a COVID surgery this morning which was poorly attended. MiL back there tomorrow for her booster.
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I always like to think of myself as a pretty ptactical person. Not long after I left school I built a canoe with a friend, which we sold so that we could go to the Norfolk Broads on holiday. Later when I met Margaret I built a small canal cruiser. I was always doing things in house like installing kitchens, bathrooms and fitted bedroom furniture not to mention laying patios etc. Obviously as I got older, and probably better off, the bigger jobs were contracted out to the professional but I still kept my hand in. All that changed last May when I had my stroke where anything that needs dexterity is generally a no no or at the very best too slow. So imagine the situation when one of the brackets supporting a curtain rail got pulled out the wall. One of my sons tried to fix it but we did not have a powerful enough drill to get into what was probably the lintal. A bit late but the point of this post is that I discovered Age UK offer a handyman service at reasonable cost which includes small jobs. So Mark came out today and fixed the problem in about 10 minuts. He also does gardening so I have made a note of that for the future. So if any of you need any smaller jobs done it might be worth contacting your local Age UK branch, they may be able to help? The only thing I had to provide was my date of berth, I now await the invoice!
David
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Pleased to read that you have been able to get away for a few days @DSB and your stay there.
Hope your OH managed without you while you are away with your daughter @DEBSC and that you have a lovely time together at the caravan.d
Fingers crossed that the new course of treatment helps to stabilise your MIL's condition @Wherenext opens
Have a good day out on Saturday @Takethedogalong and that The Boro win with you both being there.
We had our Covid injections this afternoon, in and out of the pharmacy within 10 mins. This was the first day of appointments and the pharmacist said he was going to be doing the injections for 6 hrs, one every 5 mins!!
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Funny you should mention that. Our regional council (South Glos) provide a service, ‘Handyvan’. Maybe other councils provide such a service? They will undertake a good number of general household jobs, though nothing major. A couple of years ago we had 4 doors fitted (trimmed and hardware). As pensioners we paid £19 an hour for the service, which totalled around £150, which I thought was very acceptable, made a real good job of it too.
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HI Richard
Which Magazine have previously recommended Beko, but the problem with many of the products that Which recommends, is that they don't tend to differentiate between, very expensive and far cheaper products, also, they don't know what their life expectancy of products is, so I prefer to read, real reviews and recommendations like yours.
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Thanks @nelliethehooker. Managed a ride out down to Ludlow yesterday.... ended up at the Ludlow Farm Shop..... it's quite a complex, with a good cafe, gift shop, farm shop, gin/whisky/Liqueur distillery.... worth a visit if anyone is that way...
David
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That's worth knowing about Age UK @DavidKlyne...
David
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It’s not nationwide, though.
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