A mandolin is a useful bit of kitchen kit, however it must be used with care. Especially now that the top of my index finger has become a vital appendage.
Considering I could go on any weekday it was perverse to go to Westfield on Saturday afternoon. The Apple shop was crowded but it didn’t take long to be served. I bought a new iPad and Robert and I both bought new ‘phones. The batteries were completely shot on our old ones to the extent that my iPad would run for less than an hour, usually closing down midway through a game of backgammon with adverse consequences for my rating. My ‘phone only rang when it felt like it and the batteries would die just when I wanted to take a picture on a walk. In cold weather it hibernated.
Setting up the new iPad was surprisingly quick and easy; the iPhone more challenging. For me the most extraordinary feature is its ability to recognise my fingerprint. It makes logging in to websites quicker and, I think, more secure.
I wrote facetiously some time back about my contribution to climate change: Carbon Admissions. Now I have found a way to save water. I have stopped washing my hands in soap and water and instead use anti-bacterial hand gel. It saves washing hand towels too. I first came across it on a car ferry in Norway four years ago. Passengers were encouraged to use it on the way into the dining room. If I may digress, the reason why cruise ships have bouts of food poisoning is poor passenger hygiene at the buffet; the galley is usually blameless.
I would seriously caution against the use of these antibacterial gel agents, they can be seriously damaging to skin.
The Hibernophile household used to avail of antibacterial soaps, gels etc, but we noticed the skin on our hands becoming broken and damaged. After discussion with friends we returned to using old-time soap and water for our ablutions, and our skin has returned to normal. Our hands are hard wrought by gardening and outdoor labour and the damage caused by these chemicals was significant. I dread to think of what will become of CJB’s delicate palms if he continues to use abrasive chemicals?
On the subject of environmental concerns, we have tried to eliminate as much disposable plastic as possible from our lives. Bars of soap can be purchased locally without packaging. Alternatively liquid soaps & gels are packaged in (often unrecyclable) plastic containers. For me the benefit of reducing plastic waste is preferable to saving (a little) water.
Re-reading ‘Carbon admissions’ I now realise that ‘Hoof Hearted’ comments were unpublished due to environmental concerns. I trust my new assumed nom de guerre will be much less toxic.
A relief to read that Hoof Hearted is alive and well – albeit in a new guise. I was getting worried.
“Hibernophile” is on probation.
In my experience of cruising, ships have a standard of cleanliness far above even the best hotels. I think that people who fly out to join the ship in very unhygienic planes, bring the bacteria with them when they board.