Subject of email just received by waife:

The New York Times Easy soup recipes for busy weeknights

Is this soup for Mon-Fri, or for small Sir Galahads ?

On Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:00:38 +0000, BrritSki <rtilburyTAKEOUT@gmail.com>
scrawled in the dust...

>Subject of email just received by waife:
>
>The New York Times Easy soup recipes for busy weeknights
>
>Is this soup for Mon-Fri, or for small Sir Galahads ?

:)
My question would be, who needs a recipe for soup, what have you got in the
fridge/garden?

--
Penny
Annoyed by The Archers since 1959

On 10/11/2023 15:00, BrritSki wrote:
> Subject of email just received by waife:
>
> The New York Times    Easy soup recipes for busy weeknights
>
> Is this soup for Mon-Fri, or for small Sir Galahads ?

With all the Trump lawsuits in the news I read this as Easy coup recipes.

john

In message <p5toki1ql8aqa6ilgkke6raoh84jlfmhqo@4ax.com> at Thu, 9 Nov
2023 05:58:29, Penny <spam@labyrinth.freeuk.com> writes
>On Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:00:38 +0000, BrritSki <rtilburyTAKEOUT@gmail.com>
>scrawled in the dust...
>
>>Subject of email just received by waife:
>>
>>The New York Times Easy soup recipes for busy weeknights
>>
>>Is this soup for Mon-Fri, or for small Sir Galahads ?
>
>:)
>My question would be, who needs a recipe for soup, what have you got in the
>fridge/garden?
>
And for me, soup comes in a tin or packet - I don't think I've ever made
one any other way! I don't have any food-mangling machine, and by the
time I've used the necessary gas or electric, I doubt I'd save much
either.

(Yes, I know somerats have solar. Fair enough.)
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

"The wish of the lazy to allow unsupervised access [to the internet] to their
children should not reduce all adults browsing to the level of suitability for
a five-year-old." Yaman Akdeniz, quoted in Inter//face (The Times, 1999-2-10):
p12

On 10-Nov-23 18:59, J. P. Gilliver wrote:
> In message <p5toki1ql8aqa6ilgkke6raoh84jlfmhqo@4ax.com> at Thu, 9 Nov
> 2023 05:58:29, Penny <spam@labyrinth.freeuk.com> writes
>> On Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:00:38 +0000, BrritSki <rtilburyTAKEOUT@gmail.com>
>> scrawled in the dust...
>>
>>> Subject of email just received by waife:
>>>
>>> The New York Times    Easy soup recipes for busy weeknights
>>>
>>> Is this soup for Mon-Fri, or for small Sir Galahads ?
>>
>> :)
>> My question would be, who needs a recipe for soup, what have you got
>> in the
>> fridge/garden?
>>
> And for me, soup comes in a tin or packet - I don't think I've ever made
> one any other way! I don't have any food-mangling machine, and by the
> time I've used the necessary gas or electric, I doubt I'd save much either.

Teeth are the original food mangling machinery - and still the best!

--
Sam Plusnet

In message <uxv3N.10479$BbXa.437@fx16.iad> at Fri, 10 Nov 2023 19:30:34,
Sam Plusnet <not@home.com> writes
>On 10-Nov-23 18:59, J. P. Gilliver wrote:
>> In message <p5toki1ql8aqa6ilgkke6raoh84jlfmhqo@4ax.com> at Thu, 9 Nov
>>2023 05:58:29, Penny <spam@labyrinth.freeuk.com> writes
[]
>>> My question would be, who needs a recipe for soup, what have you got
>>>in the
>>> fridge/garden?
>>>
>> And for me, soup comes in a tin or packet - I don't think I've ever
>>made one any other way! I don't have any food-mangling machine, and
>>by the time I've used the necessary gas or electric, I doubt I'd save
>>much either.
>
>Teeth are the original food mangling machinery - and still the best!
>
Ah - somebody brought up the concept of "soup". To me, if it requires
chewing, it's a stew, albeit maybe a thin one. Not that I don't like a
good stew too - I just don't consider it a soup. (I don't make stew for
myself though.)
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

live your dash. ... On your tombstone, there's the date you're born and the
date you die - and in between there's a dash. - a friend quoted by Dustin
Hoffman in Radio Times, 5-11 January 2013

On Fri, 10 Nov 2023 18:59:04 +0000, "J. P. Gilliver"
<G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:

>In message <p5toki1ql8aqa6ilgkke6raoh84jlfmhqo@4ax.com> at Thu, 9 Nov
>2023 05:58:29, Penny <spam@labyrinth.freeuk.com> writes
>>On Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:00:38 +0000, BrritSki <rtilburyTAKEOUT@gmail.com>
>>scrawled in the dust...
>>
>>>Subject of email just received by waife:
>>>
>>>The New York Times Easy soup recipes for busy weeknights
>>>
>>>Is this soup for Mon-Fri, or for small Sir Galahads ?
>>
>>:)
>>My question would be, who needs a recipe for soup, what have you got in the
>>fridge/garden?
>>
>And for me, soup comes in a tin or packet - I don't think I've ever made
>one any other way! I don't have any food-mangling machine, and by the
>time I've used the necessary gas or electric, I doubt I'd save much
>either.
>
>(Yes, I know somerats have solar. Fair enough.)

A soup maker is very easy to use any many leftover veggies can be
used. It makes a big enough quantity for a few bowls full.

On 10/11/2023 20:52, J. P. Gilliver wrote:

<snip>

> Ah - somebody brought up the concept of "soup". To me, if it requires
> chewing, it's a stew, albeit maybe a thin one. Not that I don't like a
> good stew too - I just don't consider it a soup. (I don't make stew for
> myself though.)

Irish stew in the name of the law!

(c) Spike Milligan

--
Cheers
Clive

On Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:00:38 +0000, BrritSki
<rtilburyTAKEOUT@gmail.com> wrote:

>Subject of email just received by waife:
>
>The New York Times Easy soup recipes for busy weeknights
>
>Is this soup for Mon-Fri, or for small Sir Galahads ?

Small, Scottish Sir Galahads, surely?

Nick

On Fri, 10 Nov 2023 21:00:40 +0000, Vicky <vicky.ayech@gmail.com>
wrote:

>On Fri, 10 Nov 2023 18:59:04 +0000, "J. P. Gilliver"
><G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
>
>>In message <p5toki1ql8aqa6ilgkke6raoh84jlfmhqo@4ax.com> at Thu, 9 Nov
>>2023 05:58:29, Penny <spam@labyrinth.freeuk.com> writes
>>>On Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:00:38 +0000, BrritSki <rtilburyTAKEOUT@gmail.com>
>>>scrawled in the dust...
>>>
>>>>Subject of email just received by waife:
>>>>
>>>>The New York Times Easy soup recipes for busy weeknights
>>>>
>>>>Is this soup for Mon-Fri, or for small Sir Galahads ?
>>>
>>>:)
>>>My question would be, who needs a recipe for soup, what have you got in the
>>>fridge/garden?
>>>
>>And for me, soup comes in a tin or packet - I don't think I've ever made
>>one any other way! I don't have any food-mangling machine, and by the
>>time I've used the necessary gas or electric, I doubt I'd save much
>>either.
>>
>>(Yes, I know somerats have solar. Fair enough.)
>
>A soup maker is very easy to use any many leftover veggies can be
>used. It makes a big enough quantity for a few bowls full.

I was just going to say something similar about a slow cooker. I use
mine for lots of things including making soup and yogurt, proving
bread dough and - oh yes - cooking food slowly.

I don't know how others are coping with the cost of energy and
managing to keep warm but a lot of my efforts centre on cooking and
the kitchen. If the oven, hob or slow cooker are at work then they
each produce enough excess heat to keep me warm too. As long as I stay
in the kitchen while this is going on I can turn off the heating in
the rest of the house. Since the kitchen is where I like to hang out
during the day it's no hardship to me. So I eat good, hot food and
keep warm too.

Nick

In message <qbktkitddlpb6pg5etdfmb64r1mt1i91da@4ax.com> at Sat, 11 Nov
2023 01:18:09, Nick Odell <nickodell49@yahoo.ca> writes
>On Fri, 10 Nov 2023 21:00:40 +0000, Vicky <vicky.ayech@gmail.com>
>wrote:
>
>>On Fri, 10 Nov 2023 18:59:04 +0000, "J. P. Gilliver"
>><G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
>>
>>>In message <p5toki1ql8aqa6ilgkke6raoh84jlfmhqo@4ax.com> at Thu, 9 Nov
>>>2023 05:58:29, Penny <spam@labyrinth.freeuk.com> writes
[]
>>>>My question would be, who needs a recipe for soup, what have you got in the
>>>>fridge/garden?
>>>>
>>>And for me, soup comes in a tin or packet - I don't think I've ever made
>>>one any other way! I don't have any food-mangling machine, and by the
>>>time I've used the necessary gas or electric, I doubt I'd save much
>>>either.
>>>
>>>(Yes, I know somerats have solar. Fair enough.)
>>
>>A soup maker is very easy to use any many leftover veggies can be
>>used. It makes a big enough quantity for a few bowls full.

(I don't have one of those either.)
>
>I was just going to say something similar about a slow cooker. I use
>mine for lots of things including making soup and yogurt, proving
>bread dough and - oh yes - cooking food slowly.

I'd not have thought of using one for yoghurt! Interesting.
>
>I don't know how others are coping with the cost of energy and
>managing to keep warm but a lot of my efforts centre on cooking and
>the kitchen. If the oven, hob or slow cooker are at work then they
>each produce enough excess heat to keep me warm too. As long as I stay

Definitely, they would. As I've said before on UMRA, I'm definitely not
a cook (quoting someone else, buttering bread is bordering on cooking as
far as I'm concerned), but for those who do enjoy the activity,
certainly the surplus heat should be put to good use.

I continue to be irritated by the instructions on some foodstuffs that
refer to "a pre-heated oven" though: I think most ovens use several
kilowatts (or the gas equivalent), and pre-heating must use several
pence worth. Things like pies. On which: some years ago I saw some
microwaveable pies (by Pukka); they basically came with a metallised
cardboard shell rather than the foil one pies usually come with. I
couldn't see anything different about the actual pies - so I kept those
shells, and have been using them for ordinary (cheaper) pies ever since,
so heat them for a few minutes in the microwave, rather than 20 minutes
in an oven (plus pre-heating), which seems excessive for just me. If
there are any health safety implications, I've been doing this for a few
years now, and not suffered any consequences.

>in the kitchen while this is going on I can turn off the heating in
>the rest of the house. Since the kitchen is where I like to hang out
>during the day it's no hardship to me. So I eat good, hot food and
>keep warm too.

I presume you UMRA from the kitchen.
>
>Nick

I find I'm using my Snuggie - blanket with sleeves - a lot; I'm wearing
(?) it now. Definitely a way to sit at a temperature at which I'd be
uncomfortably cool otherwise.
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

I don't like activity holidays. I like /inactivity/ holidays.
- Miriam Margolyes, RT 2017/4/15-21

On 11/11/2023 08:34, J. P. Gilliver wrote:
> I continue to be irritated by the instructions on some foodstuffs that
> refer to "a pre-heated oven" though: I think most ovens use several
> kilowatts (or the gas equivalent), and pre-heating must use several
> pence worth. Things like pies. On which: some years ago I saw some
> microwaveable pies (by Pukka); they basically came with a metallised
> cardboard shell rather than the foil one pies usually come with. I
> couldn't see anything different about the actual pies - so I kept those
> shells, and have been using them for ordinary (cheaper) pies ever since,
> so heat them for a few minutes in the microwave, rather than 20 minutes
> in an oven (plus pre-heating), which seems excessive for just me. If
> there are any health safety implications, I've been doing this for a few
> years now, and not suffered any consequences.

Some things can go into a cold oven, and be heated alongside the
oven,perfectly well - and this group of things probably includes most of
the things you're likely to be cooking. For these, the only advantage
of recommending that they go into a pre-heated oven is that the time
required is more predictable. Obviously, if they initially go into a
cold oven, they'll need a few more minutes in there.

There are some things though, where it is important that the oven is
already hot when the food is put in there. This tends to be things
where the outer skin of the food needs to cook quickly, to seal it
before the inner layers of the food start to melt and/or expand. I
think that raw pastry would be one thing that would benefit from going
into a hot oven but it won't be a health hazard to either cook it from
cold, or to microwave it, it just won't taste as good.

--
Best wishes, Serena
A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks
others have thrown at him (David Brinkley)

Serena Blanchflower <nospam@blanchflower.me.uk> wrote:
> On 11/11/2023 08:34, J. P. Gilliver wrote:
>> I continue to be irritated by the instructions on some foodstuffs that
>> refer to "a pre-heated oven" though: I think most ovens use several
>> kilowatts (or the gas equivalent), and pre-heating must use several
>> pence worth. Things like pies. On which: some years ago I saw some
>> microwaveable pies (by Pukka); they basically came with a metallised
>> cardboard shell rather than the foil one pies usually come with. I
>> couldn't see anything different about the actual pies - so I kept those
>> shells, and have been using them for ordinary (cheaper) pies ever since,
>> so heat them for a few minutes in the microwave, rather than 20 minutes
>> in an oven (plus pre-heating), which seems excessive for just me. If
>> there are any health safety implications, I've been doing this for a few
>> years now, and not suffered any consequences.
>
>
> Some things can go into a cold oven, and be heated alongside the
> oven,perfectly well - and this group of things probably includes most of
> the things you're likely to be cooking. For these, the only advantage
> of recommending that they go into a pre-heated oven is that the time
> required is more predictable. Obviously, if they initially go into a
> cold oven, they'll need a few more minutes in there.
>
> There are some things though, where it is important that the oven is
> already hot when the food is put in there. This tends to be things
> where the outer skin of the food needs to cook quickly, to seal it
> before the inner layers of the food start to melt and/or expand. I
> think that raw pastry would be one thing that would benefit from going
> into a hot oven but it won't be a health hazard to either cook it from
> cold, or to microwave it, it just won't taste as good.
>

‘Onestly GuvUmra, I don’t mean to be smug… so please leave me a little
slack here - I’m only answering a few questions and adding my observations.

We have a slow cooker and I also like using a casserole that can sit on the
induction hob or sit in the oven. Now, the oven of which I speak is a small
cavity as it is the Neff Microwave Combination Cooker; this heats up in a
few minutes and this probably consumes approx. 400-500 watts to reach 180
degrees - after heating up, the usage is a fraction of this.

Price of energy!!! I admit to ‘cheating’ here, in the sense that I
‘download’ our needs when the lowest rate prevails (sometimes below 6 pence
per kW) into our battery. I still hate the oil and gas companies though and
why should renewable / green electricity prices include a levy dictated by
gas prices???

Our heating, (air source heat pump) is currently running at approx. 500 -
600 Watts per hour to heat the whole house. And is ‘on’ 24/7; I feel sure
the depths of winter will see a sharp rise in consumption but I am
impressed with the economy so far anyway. The solar PV generation during
the summer will pay for the heating as, at this time of year we produce
less than half of the ASHP’s requirement over 24 hours.

--
Toodle Pip, Mike McMillan

On Sat, 11 Nov 2023 08:34:41 +0000, "J. P. Gilliver"
<G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:

>find I'm using my Snuggie - blanket with sleeves - a lot; I'm wearing
>(?) it now. Definitely a way to sit at a temperature at which I'd be
>uncomfortably cool otherwise.

I've just seen a gransnet post about heated socks and had not heard of
them and am checking them now

In message <2cquki5ffosv0l0f0k9uf6rs3e50ols141@4ax.com> at Sat, 11 Nov
2023 11:47:17, Vicky <vicky.ayech@gmail.com> writes
>On Sat, 11 Nov 2023 08:34:41 +0000, "J. P. Gilliver"
><G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
>
>>find I'm using my Snuggie - blanket with sleeves - a lot; I'm wearing
>>(?) it now. Definitely a way to sit at a temperature at which I'd be
>>uncomfortably cool otherwise.
>
>
>I've just seen a gransnet post about heated socks and had not heard of
>them and am checking them now

I've seen heated slippers - even USB! (Which is going to be a maximum of
2.5 watts for USB2 or 1, but can still be effective as it's close.) I've
also seen mittens/gloves (and I think boots) that use batteries of cells
- with modern high-capacity cells, they're probably viable, though for
continuous use, you'd need a charger keeping a bank of them charged, as
you'd empty them faster than most chargers can fill them. Ones powered
by a cord (USB or otherwise) are probably OK for a fairly immobile
person. If they can be easily unplugged but remain on the person, so the
person can go to the loo or whatever, could be very useful, especially
if the "plugging" can use something quick, like a heel rest say.
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

Whoever decided to limit tagline length to 68 characters can kiss my

On 11-Nov-23 9:35, Serena Blanchflower wrote:
> On 11/11/2023 08:34, J. P. Gilliver wrote:
>> I continue to be irritated by the instructions on some foodstuffs that
>> refer to "a pre-heated oven" though: I think most ovens use several
>> kilowatts (or the gas equivalent), and pre-heating must use several
>> pence worth. Things like pies. On which: some years ago I saw some
>> microwaveable pies (by Pukka); they basically came with a metallised
>> cardboard shell rather than the foil one pies usually come with. I
>> couldn't see anything different about the actual pies - so I kept
>> those shells, and have been using them for ordinary (cheaper) pies
>> ever since, so heat them for a few minutes in the microwave, rather
>> than 20 minutes in an oven (plus pre-heating), which seems excessive
>> for just me. If there are any health safety implications, I've been
>> doing this for a few years now, and not suffered any consequences.
>
>
> Some things can go into a cold oven, and be heated alongside the
> oven,perfectly well - and this group of things probably includes most of
> the things you're likely to be cooking.  For these, the only advantage
> of recommending that they go into a pre-heated oven is that the time
> required is more predictable.  Obviously, if they initially go into a
> cold oven, they'll need a few more minutes in there.
>
> There are some things though, where it is important that the oven is
> already hot when the food is put in there.  This tends to be things
> where the outer skin of the food needs to cook quickly, to seal it
> before the inner layers of the food start to melt and/or expand.  I
> think that raw pastry would be one thing that would benefit from going
> into a hot oven but it won't be a health hazard to either cook it from
> cold, or to microwave it, it just won't taste as good.
>

Some people view the pastry on pies (etc.) as edible packaging[1]. For
them, taste and texture are less of a factor.

[1] No names, no pack drill.[2]

[2] When did you last encounter that phrase?

--
Sam Plusnet

Sam Plusnet <not@home.com> wrote:
> On 11-Nov-23 9:35, Serena Blanchflower wrote:
>> On 11/11/2023 08:34, J. P. Gilliver wrote:
>>> I continue to be irritated by the instructions on some foodstuffs that
>>> refer to "a pre-heated oven" though: I think most ovens use several
>>> kilowatts (or the gas equivalent), and pre-heating must use several
>>> pence worth. Things like pies. On which: some years ago I saw some
>>> microwaveable pies (by Pukka); they basically came with a metallised
>>> cardboard shell rather than the foil one pies usually come with. I
>>> couldn't see anything different about the actual pies - so I kept
>>> those shells, and have been using them for ordinary (cheaper) pies
>>> ever since, so heat them for a few minutes in the microwave, rather
>>> than 20 minutes in an oven (plus pre-heating), which seems excessive
>>> for just me. If there are any health safety implications, I've been
>>> doing this for a few years now, and not suffered any consequences.
>>
>>
>> Some things can go into a cold oven, and be heated alongside the
>> oven,perfectly well - and this group of things probably includes most of
>> the things you're likely to be cooking.  For these, the only advantage
>> of recommending that they go into a pre-heated oven is that the time
>> required is more predictable.  Obviously, if they initially go into a
>> cold oven, they'll need a few more minutes in there.
>>
>> There are some things though, where it is important that the oven is
>> already hot when the food is put in there.  This tends to be things
>> where the outer skin of the food needs to cook quickly, to seal it
>> before the inner layers of the food start to melt and/or expand.  I
>> think that raw pastry would be one thing that would benefit from going
>> into a hot oven but it won't be a health hazard to either cook it from
>> cold, or to microwave it, it just won't taste as good.
>>
>
> Some people view the pastry on pies (etc.) as edible packaging[1]. For
> them, taste and texture are less of a factor.
>
> [1] No names, no pack drill.[2]
>
> [2] When did you last encounter that phrase?
>

Not since they went cordless!

--
Toodle Pip, Mike McMillan

J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
> In message <qbktkitddlpb6pg5etdfmb64r1mt1i91da@4ax.com> at Sat, 11 Nov
> 2023 01:18:09, Nick Odell <nickodell49@yahoo.ca> writes
>> On Fri, 10 Nov 2023 21:00:40 +0000, Vicky <vicky.ayech@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On Fri, 10 Nov 2023 18:59:04 +0000, "J. P. Gilliver"
>>> <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
>>>
>>>> In message <p5toki1ql8aqa6ilgkke6raoh84jlfmhqo@4ax.com> at Thu, 9 Nov
>>>> 2023 05:58:29, Penny <spam@labyrinth.freeuk.com> writes
> []
>>>>> My question would be, who needs a recipe for soup, what have you got in the
>>>>> fridge/garden?
>>>>>
>>>> And for me, soup comes in a tin or packet - I don't think I've ever made
>>>> one any other way! I don't have any food-mangling machine, and by the
>>>> time I've used the necessary gas or electric, I doubt I'd save much
>>>> either.
>>>>
>>>> (Yes, I know somerats have solar. Fair enough.)
>>>
>>> A soup maker is very easy to use any many leftover veggies can be
>>> used. It makes a big enough quantity for a few bowls full.
>
> (I don't have one of those either.)
>>
>> I was just going to say something similar about a slow cooker. I use
>> mine for lots of things including making soup and yogurt, proving
>> bread dough and - oh yes - cooking food slowly.
>
> I'd not have thought of using one for yoghurt! Interesting.
>>
>> I don't know how others are coping with the cost of energy and
>> managing to keep warm but a lot of my efforts centre on cooking and
>> the kitchen. If the oven, hob or slow cooker are at work then they
>> each produce enough excess heat to keep me warm too. As long as I stay
>
> Definitely, they would. As I've said before on UMRA, I'm definitely not
> a cook (quoting someone else, buttering bread is bordering on cooking as
> far as I'm concerned), but for those who do enjoy the activity,
> certainly the surplus heat should be put to good use.
>
> I continue to be irritated by the instructions on some foodstuffs that
> refer to "a pre-heated oven" though: I think most ovens use several
> kilowatts (or the gas equivalent), and pre-heating must use several
> pence worth. Things like pies. On which: some years ago I saw some
> microwaveable pies (by Pukka); they basically came with a metallised
> cardboard shell rather than the foil one pies usually come with. I
> couldn't see anything different about the actual pies - so I kept those
> shells, and have been using them for ordinary (cheaper) pies ever since,
> so heat them for a few minutes in the microwave, rather than 20 minutes
> in an oven (plus pre-heating), which seems excessive for just me. If
> there are any health safety implications, I've been doing this for a few
> years now, and not suffered any consequences.
>
>> in the kitchen while this is going on I can turn off the heating in
>> the rest of the house. Since the kitchen is where I like to hang out
>> during the day it's no hardship to me. So I eat good, hot food and
>> keep warm too.
>
> I presume you UMRA from the kitchen.
>>
>> Nick
>
> I find I'm using my Snuggie - blanket with sleeves - a lot; I'm wearing
> (?) it now. Definitely a way to sit at a temperature at which I'd be
> uncomfortably cool otherwise.

I’ve got one of those, it’s so flipping big, I had to gather it up in my
arms whenever I wanted to stand up. Certainly couldn’t do anything sensible
in it. Three jumpers were as much weight as I could cope with last Feb
when we only had the gas fire when the air source heat pump’s installers
took weeks, not days, to be installed.

Mrs McT

On 11/11/2023 21:25, Chris wrote:
> I’ve got one of those, it’s so flipping big, I had to gather it up in my
> arms whenever I wanted to stand up. Certainly couldn’t do anything sensible
> in it.

I've got what is known in my family as my Grannie Bag. It is basically
just a (good quality) blanket which, when draped over the shoulders and
wrapped round can be zipped from ankles to waist, secured round each
ankle with press-studs and the top section fastened with 2 press-studs
each side of centre waist.

I don't know if that's what you call a Snuggie - I've had it for years
and don't remember it having a name. I mention the quality because I've
seen one very similar but not nearly so good.

Because it can be fastened round the legs it is very easy and safe to
walk about in and much less hassle when going to the loo than the Onesie
I also have. The big advantage of the Onesie is the hood: I find that
I am rarely cold if I keep my head covered.

--
Jenny M Benson
Wrexham, UK

On Sat, 11 Nov 2023 18:26:08 +0000, Sam Plusnet <not@home.com> wrote:

>On 11-Nov-23 9:35, Serena Blanchflower wrote:
>> On 11/11/2023 08:34, J. P. Gilliver wrote:
>>> I continue to be irritated by the instructions on some foodstuffs that
>>> refer to "a pre-heated oven" though: I think most ovens use several
>>> kilowatts (or the gas equivalent), and pre-heating must use several
>>> pence worth. Things like pies. On which: some years ago I saw some
>>> microwaveable pies (by Pukka); they basically came with a metallised
>>> cardboard shell rather than the foil one pies usually come with. I
>>> couldn't see anything different about the actual pies - so I kept
>>> those shells, and have been using them for ordinary (cheaper) pies
>>> ever since, so heat them for a few minutes in the microwave, rather
>>> than 20 minutes in an oven (plus pre-heating), which seems excessive
>>> for just me. If there are any health safety implications, I've been
>>> doing this for a few years now, and not suffered any consequences.
>>
>>
>> Some things can go into a cold oven, and be heated alongside the
>> oven,perfectly well - and this group of things probably includes most of
>> the things you're likely to be cooking.  For these, the only advantage
>> of recommending that they go into a pre-heated oven is that the time
>> required is more predictable.  Obviously, if they initially go into a
>> cold oven, they'll need a few more minutes in there.
>>
>> There are some things though, where it is important that the oven is
>> already hot when the food is put in there.  This tends to be things
>> where the outer skin of the food needs to cook quickly, to seal it
>> before the inner layers of the food start to melt and/or expand.  I
>> think that raw pastry would be one thing that would benefit from going
>> into a hot oven but it won't be a health hazard to either cook it from
>> cold, or to microwave it, it just won't taste as good.
>>
>
>Some people view the pastry on pies (etc.) as edible packaging[1]. For
>them, taste and texture are less of a factor.
>
>[1] No names, no pack drill.[2]
>
>[2] When did you last encounter that phrase?

Oooh. Let me see. When did I last encounter that phrase?

I'd say around 11.57am on September 18th this year in an umra thread
entitled UMRA birthday info for 17 September 2023.

Just a wild guess, you understand.

Nick

On Sat, 11 Nov 2023 13:20:21 +0000, "J. P. Gilliver"
<G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:

>In message <2cquki5ffosv0l0f0k9uf6rs3e50ols141@4ax.com> at Sat, 11 Nov
>2023 11:47:17, Vicky <vicky.ayech@gmail.com> writes
>>On Sat, 11 Nov 2023 08:34:41 +0000, "J. P. Gilliver"
>><G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
>>
>>>find I'm using my Snuggie - blanket with sleeves - a lot; I'm wearing
>>>(?) it now. Definitely a way to sit at a temperature at which I'd be
>>>uncomfortably cool otherwise.
>>
>>
>>I've just seen a gransnet post about heated socks and had not heard of
>>them and am checking them now
>
>I've seen heated slippers - even USB! (Which is going to be a maximum of
>2.5 watts for USB2 or 1, but can still be effective as it's close.) I've
>also seen mittens/gloves (and I think boots) that use batteries of cells
>- with modern high-capacity cells, they're probably viable, though for
>continuous use, you'd need a charger keeping a bank of them charged, as
>you'd empty them faster than most chargers can fill them. Ones powered
>by a cord (USB or otherwise) are probably OK for a fairly immobile
>person. If they can be easily unplugged but remain on the person, so the
>person can go to the loo or whatever, could be very useful, especially
>if the "plugging" can use something quick, like a heel rest say.

If the usb socks aren't warm enough, here's a great hack worthy of
Instagram or TikTok: just cut off the USB plug and replace it with a
13A one. Plug it into the mains and you'll never be cold again!

Nick

In message <uiorgv$3kten$1@dont-email.me> at Sat, 11 Nov 2023 21:25:51,
Chris <chris.mcmillan@ntlworld.com> writes
>J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
[]
>> I find I'm using my Snuggie - blanket with sleeves - a lot; I'm wearing
>> (?) it now. Definitely a way to sit at a temperature at which I'd be
>> uncomfortably cool otherwise.
>
>I’ve got one of those, it’s so flipping big, I had to gather it up in my
>arms whenever I wanted to stand up. Certainly couldn’t do anything sensible

Yes, it does inhibit mobility somewhat. I sometimes prop it over a
shoulder when I want to get up.

>in it. Three jumpers were as much weight as I could cope with last Feb
>when we only had the gas fire when the air source heat pump’s installers
>took weeks, not days, to be installed.
>
>Mrs McT
>
You have some installers installed?
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

Beatrix Potter was a bunny boiler.
- Patricia Routledge, on "Today" 2016-1-26

Jenny M Benson <NemoNews@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:
> On 11/11/2023 21:25, Chris wrote:
>> I’ve got one of those, it’s so flipping big, I had to gather it up in my
>> arms whenever I wanted to stand up. Certainly couldn’t do anything sensible
>> in it.
>
> I've got what is known in my family as my Grannie Bag. It is basically
> just a (good quality) blanket which, when draped over the shoulders and
> wrapped round can be zipped from ankles to waist, secured round each
> ankle with press-studs and the top section fastened with 2 press-studs
> each side of centre waist.
>
> I don't know if that's what you call a Snuggie - I've had it for years
> and don't remember it having a name. I mention the quality because I've
> seen one very similar but not nearly so good.
>
> Because it can be fastened round the legs it is very easy and safe to
> walk about in and much less hassle when going to the loo than the Onesie
> I also have. The big advantage of the Onesie is the hood: I find that
> I am rarely cold if I keep my head covered.
>

Monks had no heating and have hoods.

--
Toodle Pip, Mike McMillan

J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
> In message <uiorgv$3kten$1@dont-email.me> at Sat, 11 Nov 2023 21:25:51,
> Chris <chris.mcmillan@ntlworld.com> writes
>> J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
> []
>>> I find I'm using my Snuggie - blanket with sleeves - a lot; I'm wearing
>>> (?) it now. Definitely a way to sit at a temperature at which I'd be
>>> uncomfortably cool otherwise.
>>
>> I’ve got one of those, it’s so flipping big, I had to gather it up in my
>> arms whenever I wanted to stand up. Certainly couldn’t do anything sensible
>
> Yes, it does inhibit mobility somewhat. I sometimes prop it over a
> shoulder when I want to get up.
>
>> in it. Three jumpers were as much weight as I could cope with last Feb
>> when we only had the gas fire when the air source heat pump’s installers
>> took weeks, not days, to be installed.
>>
>> Mrs McT
>>
> You have some installers installed?

Long story. Air source heat pump being installed, everything that could go
wrong, did, we used some leccie fires acquired over the years from BG.
I’ve always known that anything purported to keep one warm would be too big
for me. I’m not sure if I’ve ever had anything that looks made to measure
bought off the peg. The snuggies work best on me as a blanket on the bed
which I use in the spring/ early summer.

Mrs McT

On Friday, November 10, 2023 at 8:18:14 PM UTC-5, Nick Odell wrote:

> I don't know how others are coping with the cost of energy and
> managing to keep warm but a lot of my efforts centre on cooking and
> the kitchen.

A guest on Desert Island Discs recently was the fellow who runs Octopus Energy. Impressive and interesting. One thing he said that stood out for me was that it only takes 40 watts to heat a human body, so an electric blanket is a very efficient method. I suppose it's the idea that you heat the person, not the space. Good logic.

Thought I'd pass that on, in case anyone didn't hear and they are cold.