Back to Nature?

After reading about the dangers of having a high cholesterol level in one's blood, I switched over to polyunsaturated oil and margarine and skimmed milk for my husband and me.  This led me to itemise all the other 'dangers' of modern living about which we have been warned: sweets, sugar, too many eggs, white bread, smoking, alcohol, etc.  I have to the conclusion that an island somewhere, where there were only nuts and fruit to eat, might be the answer.  But then I should probably die of boredom!

Time-Saving Device

How many women, I wonder, long to pursue some interest more creative than housework?  So many tired, bored housewives complain of all the unappreciated work they do for their families, yet few stop to question whether all their work is really essential.  Some time ago, I 'found' several extra hours a week in which to read and paint, just by giving up ironing.  If clothes are folded into the spin dryer, spun briefly in cold water, shaken out before hanging up and not left in a damp muddle in the clothes basket, I find very few items really need ironing.  My family has not even noticed, let alone complained!

Seven-Year Itch

Before I was married, I often wondered just what was meant by 'The Seven-year Itch' and felt it couldn't only be something experienced by husbands who had tired of their wives.  Having just entered the seventh year of our marriage, my husband and I think we have discovered the real meaning of this phrase.  One by one, all the electrical and mechanical gadgets around the house have either ceased to function or need repairing.  The carpets are showing signs of wear, and sheets, towels, etc, are all having to be replaced.  Odd that all these things should happen in the 'seventh' year!

Secret Life

Today, I met a lady whose house overlooks mine, and I find that my 18-month-old daughter leads a secret life.  From seven until eight every morning, she peeps from behind the curtains and waves at various people. Even in the morning rush, they had time to wave back.  At eight, I usually find her playing happily in her cot, but tomorrow morning I shall be spying on her a little earlier.

Away From It All?

When we were driving through a picture-postcard village recently, we came to a thatched cottage that advertised teas.  So we stopped, but, to our consternation, we saw that the sign also said:  "Have TV with your meal.  We show all programmes."  So much for our rural retreat!  Can't get away from the box, can you?

From Rags to Riches

Before the 'leftovers' are sent for rags after our church jumble sales, we remove any good zips and buttons.  The buttons are threaded on to a thread in sets, which we then sell.  The zips are sold according to length.  As these items are expensive nowadays, they are bought eagerly by old age pensioners and young mums and it is surprising how the pennies mount up in our church fund.

Safety Fastener

In a household with small children or elderly people, the question of whether or not to have a lock on the bathroom door can pose quite a problem.  We have found a way of ensuring privacy for all without the use of a lock which cannot be opened from the outside in an emergency.  Instead of the conventional bolt or lock operated by a key, use a 'hook and eye' which can be bought from any hardware store.  Should it ever be necessary to enter the bathroom when it is fastened from the inside, access is easily gained by disengaging the latch, pushing the door gently to open it just a fraction, then flicking the hook from the eye by means of a long rigid instrument such as a ruler.

Cut Up!

Having recently started making a patchwork bedspread, I proudly showed my efforts to my children.  "You've cut up my favourite dress," sobbed my daughter.  "I was still wearing those jeans," stormed my son.  Forewarned is  forearmed  and I am now taking good care not to let my husband see my handiwork.  The sight of his old but much-loved shirt so mutilated might be too much for him too!