Theodora's Thoughts

A Little Tour of Melmerby in Cumbria

2017-07-18T08:50:00.001-04:00

The easy way to nutrition.

2017-02-19T08:58:00.002-05:00

K Meal Replacement With Glucomannan
Sku: 797790
£25.00
Clinically proven to contribute to weight loss when taken to replace two meals per day. Provides protein, fibre, calcium and 100% of your daily requirement of 14 essential vitamins and minerals, to help keep your nutrition in balance. Natural glucomannan fibre for double effect. This pack contains enough Meal Replacements for 7 days, simply add a balanced 600 calorie supper after 2 Glucomannan Capsules for the full benefit.
http://www.klife.co.uk/distributors/…/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE…

Nail cutting pliers that really tackle tough toe nails!

2017-02-14T12:42:00.003-05:00

To tell the truth I was overjoyed when I spotted these nail pliers in the catalogue because for years I had been using pliers designed to cut the teeth of piglets. I’d bought them when I first started breeding pigs but never bothered to use them . These pliers are much neater and less clumsy and I have sold quite a few and had very satisfied customers.

To cut those tough, stubborn nails, you need a sturdy cutting tool. Suitable for use on toes and fingernails. Made out of steel.

http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/shop/health-beauty/nailcare/nail-cutting-pliers/

Slugs - the Gardeners' Arch Enemy

2017-02-10T09:41:00.002-05:00

SLUGS - every garden has them and every gardener hates them!
Wel at last there seems a good weapon in our battle against the - the Slug Stop. Slugs don't like contact with copper because when in contact with their slime they get a mild electric shop. Slug Stop is an 8metre fence held in place held in pllce with pllastic pegs. The bottom picture shows it when it's in place.
At £10 I think it's a real bargain.
To make sure the enclosure is slug free after you've put it in place put plates, pieces of slate, upside down orange or grapefruit halves (after you've removed the segments) inside. Slugs will gather there and can be removed. Do this until no more slugs are caught.
I take my slug catch up to a patch of rough groound and let them go. Not because I can't bear to kill them. There are a lot of reptiles and birds regard them as a delicacy!

To order the Slug Stop price £10 click on the link below
http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/products/s/slug-stop/

Small White Vans With Bad Drivers

2017-02-08T11:51:00.001-05:00

I wish I had already got round to installing the car video camera.
Today when I was on the way home one of these Small White Van pests pulled out right in front of me from a side road. Had I had a car video camera a I would have uploaded the footage to my blog, my facebook page and my facebook Group (Shopping with TheodoraC). I would then have saved the footage to discs which would have been sent to the traffic police, my insurance company to be forward to his insurance and to the DVLC with the request that they record the number should the car ever be involved in a similarly caused accident with the same driver.
OK, so I'm nasty, but it was an idiot like that who killed my son.
Take my advice. Fit a camera in your car and get these bad drivers off the road.
Digital Car Video Camera

Sku: 907014 £35.00

When car video cameras were first introduced they were astronomically epensive. Now the price is in reach of every car owner.

They are a good thing in several ways apart from the obvious one of recording driving incidents. They also can provide an intersting look back at an enjoyable and interesting drive. This one is from my on-line shop. Click on the link below the picture to learn more.

HD in-vehicle video journey recorder provides quality video evidence in case of accident disputes. Fully adjustable suction mount. Easy to fit and remove. Simple USE 2.0 hi-speed PC connection for fast downloading. SD card not supplied. Screen size L3.8 x W5 cm.

http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/kproducts/d/digital-car-video-camera/

Interested in making some extra money? Go to http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/ and visit ‘Earn Money’ .

Deals of the Day

2017-02-07T12:24:00.002-05:00

Visit my shop at
http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/ and sign in to get a membership number (no purchase necessary - just makes ordering goods in future quick and simple) to keep up to date with the Daily Deals and Special Internet Offers.

Two more deals of the day. Get them now while they're on offer.

Stir it
Automatic stirrer. This clever weighted whisk stirs food for you in your pan, prevents anything from sticking and allows you to get on with the rest of your cooking. Simply switch on, and the weighted whisk will do the work on its own. The 3 prongs with silicone feet ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan, but protects the pan from scratches. Requires 4 x AA batteries (not included). 3 speed settings.

Order using code 717550 or click here to add to your order
WAS £4 / €5 NOW £3.50 / €4.35

_________________________________________________________________

12 Cup Muffin Pan
Muffin pan with non-stick ceramic coating. Made from carbon steel. Black base, white non-stick ceramic coated top. Oven safe to 230°C. Size L35 x W26 x H3cm.

Order using code 901792 OR click here to add to your next order

WAS £10 / €12.50 NOW £6 / €7.50

Miss Bennett's and the other little shops in the '30s, '40s and '50s

2017-02-06T10:48:00.000-05:00

In my blog about being an entrepreneur at the age of 6 I mentioned a Miss Bennett's shop. To me this was an Alladin's Cave of treasures. There were children's books, notebooks, pens, inks in every colour under the sun, businesslike rectangular erasers, not just for pencil but also for ink. Then there wer paper clips, wrapping paper, string, writing pads and envelopes, birthday, Christmas, Easter cards and postcards. Scrapbooks, stamp albums and packets of stamps to collect.You name or imagine any sort of novelty, toy, gift or small collectable and Miss Bennett would have it somewhere. She also had a library in the back room where you could borrow one book at a time for 1d (a penny) a week. Miss Bennett was slightly stooped, wore glasses and was very quietly spoken.
Next door was Miss Everett's haberdashers offering everything you needed for any sort of sewing, knitting, crochet and loads of dressmaking patterns. Miss Everett was jolly, dark haired and wore make up and would chatter away quite happily about everything under the sun.
These little shops on the outskirts of Liverpool were a pleasure to visit and were part of my childhood. They were called after the people who owned and served in them. Mr. and Mrs.Eaton had the sweet shop, Mrs. Jones was the greengrocer and Frost's was the newsagent. Mr.Fairburn had the chemist and Mr.Parry was the butcher. He gave us a chicken for the first Christmas dinner after my father was killed in the RAF in 1944. I can't remember the name of the fishmonger but he taught me to gut, fillet and skin fish when I was about 8 years old. An accomplishment of which I was inordinately proud. I would promote the consumption of herrings so I could show off.
Will today'schildren remember Tesco, Waitrose, Boots and all the other big multistores with the same affection that I have for all those men and women who weren't just shopkeepers. They were friends.

To find out more about my on line shop click on the link http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/ and if you would like to start your own business click on ‘Earn Money’ to give you an idea of the fantastic opportunities available from just making some pocket money to achieving a high earner income.

An Invitation

2017-02-06T10:18:00.000-05:00

An invitation to join my FacebookGroup ‘Shopping with TheodoraC’ and also keep up with my blog ‘Theodora’s Thoughts’
This Group isn’t just linked to my on line shops (which I hope you’ll visit often because there are loads of really good bargains and things which you probably won’t find anywhere else. It also is a sort of meeting place like the old style village shops were. It’s also a place where you can get suggestions for ways to make money from home. Of course the main suggestion is to sign up as a Kleeneze distributor. To find out more click on the link to my main shop at http://www.kleeneze.com/distributo…/…/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE… and visit ‘Earn Money’ to give you an idea of the fantastic opportunities available from just making some pocket money to achieving a high earner income.

Old Money

2017-02-05T13:05:00.001-05:00

Old Money

Yesterday I said I’d explain the old pounds, shillings and pence I grew up with in the late 1934 to the introduction of decimalisation. First of all in common currency there were £1 notes which were 20/- (twenty shillings), 2x10/- notes, 10 florins (2/- coins), 8xhalf crowns (2/6 or two shillings and six pence coins), 240 pennies, 480 ha’pennies or halfpennies and 960farthings or quarters of a penny. A shilling was worth 12 pence and you can work out how many halfpennies or farthings. There was also a crown worth 5/- but I never knew of them actually being used as currency. Likewise with guineas worth £1 and 1/-. There were also silver sixpenny pieces which were popular for putting in Christmas puddings, and two different threepenny pieces. Pre-decimal currency was a lot of fun and the subject of quite a few Maths lessons.

Mind you all those coins had a value then. You could get quite a few sweets for a penny and even lemon sherbets were two for a penny. Even as late as 1954 when I started in my first job as a teacher my monthly salary was £28 and my digs cost £1/10 (thirty shillings) per week for bed, breakfast, evening meal and my washing done.

I’ll explain about Miss Bennett’s where I got my book tomorrow.

Don’t forget to have a look at the catalogues in my shop at http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/

My First Business Venture – Age 6

2017-02-04T11:42:00.001-05:00

My first business venture was in 1940 when I was six years old. I learned to read when I was 4 and spent all my 6d per week pocket money on books from Miss Bennett’s. (Explanation of the pre-decimalisation money and Miss Bennett tomorrow.) All was well until when I was totally spent up and spotted one copy of a book I really wanted – price 1/11. It would take me 4 weeks to save up. So I devised a plan. I had seen my mother buying brushes, polish and things from men carrying big suitcases. I had an old Grandpa’s old Gladstone bag to play with. I filled it with old crayons, sticks of chalk, marbles and any other bits and pieces I could find. Looking as ingenuous as possible I explained that I wanted to show the bag to my teacher and took it to school with me. There I did a roaring trade selling my bits and pieces for farthings, ha’pennies (halfpennies) and pennies at break time. By the end of the day I had my 1/11 – and an invitation to the headmistress’s room.

She pointed out that she didn’t think it was a good idea to sell things to my friends and she was sure my Mummy and Daddy would agree with her. If I didn’t do it again we wouldn’t say any more about it. I didn’t and she kept her word. My parents never heard of my crime. But there were repercussions! More tomorrow.

Interested in making some extra money? Go to http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/ and visit ‘Earn Money’ .

Digital Car Video Camera

2017-02-03T08:53:00.001-05:00

Digital Car Video Camera

Sku: 907014 £35.00

When car video cameras were first introduced they were astronomically epensive. Now the price is in reach of every car owner.

http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/kproducts/d/digital-car-video-camera/

Interested in making some extra money? Go to http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/ and visit ‘Earn Money’ .

Internet Specials from Klife

2017-02-02T08:17:00.000-05:00

Click on the link to see this and other Internet Special Offers
Controlwear High Waist Briefs Black http://www.klife.co.uk/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/klifeshop/klife-internet-specials/controlwear-high-waist-briefs-black/

Sku: 720917

£4.00 £10.00 Save: £6.00

Creates smoother midriff; Reduces bulges. Available in 2 colours.. http://www.klife.co.uk/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/klifeshop/klife-internet-specials/controlwear-high-waist-briefs-black/

http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/

Get Rid of Your Mortgage

2017-02-01T08:49:00.000-05:00

The experience of one person who took the plunge and started her own business.

"Having a home in desperate need of renovation and a large mortgage gave Maidenhead woman, Debbie Gee, the motivation to earn some extra money. Five years on, she is mortgage free and is developing a second property.

Finding herself financially stretched, single mum Debbie set an ambitious 5 year goal to pay off her mortgage by the age of 40 without really knowing how to. With advice from friends, and as a way of earning extra money, she became a Kleeneze distributor, delivering catalogues to houses in the area and building a large team. Debbie achieved her goal and much more; she is currently developing a £300,000 house which she paid for with cash.

Debbie outlines the secrets to her success “Kleeneze has given me a stable income which has been increasing over the years to more than I could ever have earned in employment. It has been so exciting and so much fun that it has been easy to stick with it. I am in total control of how much I earn and have been growing a residual pot. I saw many of my friends in the business invest in property and I followed in their footsteps and invested wisely."

You can do the same. Go to http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/ and visit ‘Earn Money’ .

Now read on:-

“My drive and determination have come from meeting so many positive people who have been a major influence and have helped me along my success path. I left school with no qualifications and had very little self-esteem - I later realised I had a form of dyslexia. Through the excellent support network at Kleeneze, my self-confidence has grown so much and now there is no looking back.”

Debbie is a Natural Therapist by profession, qualified in reflexology, massage, hypnotherapy and beauty therapy. She worked with children with special needs where she discovered she had great communication skills which have really helped Debbie in her business venture. She is now financially stable and enjoys a great life with her daughter. She has also been on luxury trips to Sydney and Rio with Kleeneze as a reward for her sales success. Having had a taste of luxury, I don’t think she will be giving up on it in too much of a hurry!"

You can do the same. Go to http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/ and visit ‘Earn Money’ .

An invitation to visit my blog

2017-01-31T10:21:00.001-05:00

An invitation to visit my blog, https://theodorasthoughts.blogspot.com

This blog isn’t just linked to my on line shops (which I hope you’ll visit often because there are loads of really good bargains and things which you probably won’t find anywhere else. It is a sort of meeting place like the old style village shops were where you can pick up bits of information. It’s also a place where you can get suggestions for ways to make money from home. Of course the main suggestion is to sign up as a Kleeneze distributor. To find out more click on the link to my main shop at http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/ and visit ‘Earn Money’ to give you an idea of the fantastic opportunities available from just making some pocket money to achieving a high earner income with Kleeneze.

There will also be other suggestions that you consider with tips for developing business ideas.

My Thoughts Right Now

2017-01-30T08:03:00.000-05:00

My Thoughts right now are that I need to make some money fast to develop my smallholding. With the risk of ash dieback killing off my trees I need to plant an alternative crop. I think Black Poplar would be a good option long term because the wood from these trees is highly prized – or so I’m told. I have plenty of clear space to plant saplings or whips even if I stay clear of ash dieback.

So here we go.

This blog is linked to my on line shops which I hope you’ll visit often because there are loads of really good bargains and things which you probably won’t find anywhere else.

The web address of the main shop is http://www.kleeneze.com/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/

The web address of other shop is http://www.klife.co.uk/distributors/2449/MRS-THEODORA-COCHRANE?returnUrl=/

Why not visit them now to see the sort of things that are on offer?

Incidentally, if you’re looking for a way of making money there is an ideal opportunity.

Click on the first link, the Kleeneze one, and visit ‘Earn Money’ to give you an idea of the fantastic opportunities available from just making some pocket money to achieving a high earner income.

Stress Is A Killer

2012-05-21T02:46:00.000-04:00

It really looks as if I've been in mental limbo for a long time - just very busy which made me think about stress.

Some authorities claim that it is the number one killer. If we want long healthy lives we must avoid stress at all costs.

But with what are we constantly bombarded? Apart from avoiding stress we must be constantly on the lookout for signs of skin cancer. Or breast cancer. Or cervical/testicular cancer. What about menopausal traumas or prostate problems? Headaches, chest pains or pins and needles might not be hangover, indigestion or lying in an awkward position. They could be strokes, heart attacks or hardened arteries.

Then there is diet. No red meat or dairy products. Beware of BSE, CJD, or allergic reactions to nuts and additives. Should our food be organic or not organic? Does it matter if they are genetically modified? Has what we eat been subjected to pesticides, herbicides, air pollution or superbugs? Are the producers poverty stricken Third-worlders working for a pittance?

Don’t think about comfort eating. No more putting your feet up and settling down with a video and a large box of chocolates, you’ll get fat. And we all know the dangers of that. Weight is something we all have to watch. A large proportion of the western world is now classed as obese – except for people who have developed anorexia nervosa or bulimia and are so painfully underweight that there lives are at risk. Could that be because from infancy onwards we are bombarded with health warnings from authorities persuading us that munching on a carrot is far more fun than snacking on a packet of crisps or a bar of chocolate. The rest of the world, which really does have something to be stressed, about verges on starvation, so feel very, very guilty whenever you look in the mirror.

Don’t sit around indoors watching TV (too depressing). Go out for a nice healthy walk – in the evening to avoid cancer-causing UV, preferably after the rain has cleared asthma-inducing pollen from the air, and keep away from the polluting emanations from traffic. But be careful you don’t get and mugged or worse. And make sure you are wearing something bright and preferably fluorescent so that speeding motorists won’t accidentally run over you. Jogging is supposed to be good for you (although if you’ve seen as many puce, sweating, overweight creatures as I have you might dispute that). And of course all the rules applying to walking operate here too.

You could take up squash or aerobics (safely indoors). One thing you have to allow for is the length of time you will have to spend in A & E if you happen to sprain one of your joints, trip up and break a limb, or have a heart attack!

If you’re a working Oldie cycling to work will do wonders for your heart although the exhaust fumes from cars queuing in traffic jams will turn your lungs to leather. And you mustn’t spend the day at work worrying in case your bike is stolen or vandalised. Worry is bad for you. Anyhow if the worst happens and you have your credit card you can get hold of enough cash to settle the national debt which should just about pay for the train fare back home. (That is if the train actually goes anywhere near your neck of the woods, stops at the nearest station and doesn’t just go whistling through.) It will be probably be delayed by the wrong sort of snow, leaves on the track or cracks in the rails. Of course, they may not even be running at all due to Unforeseen Circumstances which none of the railway staff can elucidate.

The weather is also worrying. Global warming, droughts, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes – wettest, driest, hottest, coldest, most unseasonable - and that’s just in this country. Pictures of hundreds of acres of parched farmland or endless expanses of water with the odd tree or house roof sticking out of the flood are almost daily news. Earthquakes are pretty common, too. And did you know that we have more typhoons here than anywhere else. So far most of them are so insignificant that we don’t even notice. But they could get bigger, couldn’t they?

You could go on holiday if you can find somewhere free from incipient civil war, revolution, terrorist attacks, thugs, hi-jackers, muggers, earthquakes ——. And anyhow, actually going on holiday has a pretty high stress rating.

There’s probably a lot more if I stopped to think about it, but what does that old song say? ‘Relax, relax, relax, relaxez vous’. I’m off to take a dose of St. John’s Wort - after I’ve checked that the medication I’m on won’t make that dangerous. I might listen to the radio or watch TV – which will probably feature news about the latest terrorist threat, imminent war, foot and mouth, swine fever, legionnaires disease, asteroids on a collision course with earth, —.

And they tell us to avoid stress because it’s a killer.

　

Go Green With Solar Energy

2007-09-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I feel like a voice crying in the wilderness!

All the arguments about nuclear power, wind power, barages, etc. when we have available millions of acres of roof tops that could be used to provide most of the electric power and water heating needed for domestic purposes virtually for free.

Much of the time there would be a surplus of electricity that could be sold back to the national grid.

The initial outlay per household is quite high at the moment but would be considerably cheaper if such roofing was required by law to be provided in all new housing. Eventually manufacturing would be cheaper and more efficient.

Like any other new idea there would be doubters at the start, but people always catch up with new technology in the end. (Look at how many silver surfers there are amongst the age group who most moaned about the internet.)

If you are seriously interested in saving the planet and your pocket at the same time check out the following:-

Understanding Solar Power Click Here!

Visit www.go-green.uk.com for more Green Issues.

Wind farms and photovoltaic cells

2007-03-28T03:33:00.000-04:00

Wind farms are very controversial. They are large. Some consider them as eyesores - which they are if they are built on a commercially viable scale. But something has to be done to produce electricity in an environmentally acceptable way.

The answer is with photovoltaic cells. These are units which can be fitted on the roof - possibly even replacing tiles in new houses - which generate electricity silently and with no moving parts during the hours of daylight. This electricity is stored in special batteries. Surplus electricity can be sold back to the electricity companies.

There are many people who are keen to take advantage of this option. The Government supports it. The fly in the ointment is the planners!

When will the planners catch up with the fact that we must start creating our own electricity? It isn't an option any more. It's a necessity.

Photovoltaic cells could be placed on the millions of acres of rooftops. What isn't used by the occupier could automatically be sold back to the network.

The advantages of the photovoltaic method of producing electricity are massive.

Firstly there is the reduction in the need for large power stations. Once the technology is established and developed to its full potential it would solve the problem of the climate endangering coal-fired power stations in developing countries. And increased production of the cells would reduce the cost.

Secondly it would provide a nice little extra income and also keep you safe from power outages in bad weather.

Photovoltaic cells work when exposed to light. Even in winter we have daytime!

Storage of electricity produced this way is improving all the time. The more take-up there is of this technology the better it will get. It will also get less expensive.

If you would seriously like to consider using photovoltaic cells you should read this book.

Watching Wildlife - Where has the snow gone?

2007-03-27T03:21:00.000-04:00

In 1963 we moved up to Cumberland - which has now been demoted to boring 'Cumbria'.

We had already had the most impressive winter snowfall - we rarely saw snow in my home town of Liverpool so it was quite a novelty. Every winter Cumberland was a glistening, picture-book, snowy wonderland.

That lasted for several years. Roads were often closed for days at a time. Schools were regularly closed because most of the pupils lived in the country and couldn't get in.

By early October the fells would be capped with snow. As a freelance press photographer I was in my element.

I now live in the south of England where panic sets in at what we northeners consider only a mild snowfall so I've got used to no winter wonderlands. My friends in the north say that there hasn't been such regular blizzards and whiteouts as there used to be.

Apparently even Scotland has not fared so well either.

Even when there are falls of snow they don't last so long and the thaw soon sets in.

Global warming seems to be the answer. But why didn't we see what was happening sooner than we did?

Incidentally, in the absence of snow, how about learning to ski in pictures? To see what I mean Click Here!

Saving The Planet

2007-01-20T08:50:00.000-05:00

Saving The Planet

If we really want to save our planet we have to be serious about it.

No more aggressive behaviour either individually or by nationsor political groups. At present humanity is behaving like teenagers scrapping together on a railway track with an express train minutes away from crushing them.

We have no time for wars. all our financial and intellectual assets should be put to use ensuring that in as little as ten years time the planet should be habitable for the human race. Already millions are dying every year from starvation, diseases, wars and massacres, natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and droughts. In spite of these facts the developed nations are wasting money on armaments.

The only thing we individuals can do is ensure that we do our little bit of cutting down on our use of fuels, rely on sustainable sources for our food and as many other products as we can.

Recycling can be fun finding ways to reuse things instead of throwing them away.

Try growing your own soft fruits and vegetables. Even if you haven't got a garden you can grow a surprising number of things in containers (re-used ice cream tubs, biscuit tins with holes punched in the bottom for drainage, etc.).

If you've got children offer them a prize for the one who comes up with the best ideas for recycling or thinking up good ideas for reducing your carbon footprint.

Here's to the future!

2006-09-13T04:07:00.000-04:00

Climate change seems to be the buzz word now.
Windmills are not a popular source of electricity. For the amount of space they take up they are not all that effeicient.
Wave power supplied by barrages I'm not too sure about. The seas are extremely powerful elements. A lot can go wrong with storms, tsunamis, rising sea levels, freak waves and storms to
name just a few potential problems.
Coal, gas and oil fired power stations are very polluting even in their most efficient forms.
Atomic energy seems to me to be a solution of desperation and lack of foresight. We still haven't worked out a really successful way of dealing with the radioactive waste we have already. There is only a limited amount we can safely bury no matter what sort of protective casing we use.
All the time we are ignoring the one unlimited source of power that has been here since the solar system came into being. Every day enough power comes in the form of solar power to solve all our problems for ever.
Even with our present knowledge we could re-roof every building with photovoltaic cells providing power for homes and for a large part of the commercial needs of the world.
Back up power could be used if necessary using two-way meters, but it is more than likely that this would not be needed.
Contrary to what most people understand, you do not need bright sunlight to operate solar panels. all they need is light.
The electricity is collected in batteries. In the early days these were large and cumbersome but they are getting smaller and more efficient as new systems are developed.
If we are sincere in our desire to save the planet as a place where human life can continue we have to be willing to learn new things and get into new habits. If that involves installing roof systems and learning how to use batteries and a new metering system - so be it.
Would it be possible for the power to flow directly to a collecting point?
If we put our minds and finances to working on this I see no reason why fossils fuels for any sort of power should be things of the past.

2006-09-06T03:43:00.000-04:00

Have you ever considered what is involved in living to a ripe old age?
To enjoy long healthy lives we must avoid stress.
But we must watch for skin cancer. Or breast cancer. Or cervical/testicular cancer, menopausal traumas or prostate problems? Headaches, chest pains or pins and needles might not be hangover, indigestion or lying in an awkward position. They could be strokes, heart attacks or hardened arteries.
Then there is diet. No red meat or dairy products. Beware of BSE, CJD, or allergic reactions to nuts and additives. Organic or not organic? Does genetically modified matter? Are the producers exploiting poverty stricken Third-worlders? Beware pesticides, herbicides, air pollution and superbugs.
No comfort eating. Most of the western world is now obese – except for people with anorexia nervosa or bulimia and are so underweight that there lives are at risk. Possibly caused by being bombarded with health warnings trying to persuade us that munching a carrot is far more fun than a packet of crisps or a bar of chocolate. The rest of the world is starving. Now that really is something to be stressed about.
Watching TV is depressing. Go for a nice healthy walk – in the evening to avoid cancer-causing UV, after the rain has dispersed asthma-inducing pollen, and avoid traffic pollution. Don’t get mugged or worse. Wear something bright so motorists won’t accidentally run over you. Jogging is good for you. (Viewing your puce, sweating, overweight partner might make you dispute that.)
Try squash or aerobics. Only allow for time spent in A & E when you sprain your ankle, break a limb, or have a heart attack!
Cycling to work will do wonders for your heart although the exhaust fumes from cars queuing in traffic jams will turn your lungs to leather. Don’t worry in case your bike is stolen or vandalised. Worry is bad for you. If the worst happens you can use your credit card to get enough cash to settle the national debt to pay for the train fare back home. (That is if the train goes anywhere near your neck of the woods, stops at the nearest station and doesn’t just go whistling through.) It will be probably be delayed by the wrong sort of snow, leaves on the track or cracks in the rails, or not be running at all due to Unforeseen Circumstances.
The weather is worrying. Global warming, droughts, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes – wettest, driest, hottest, coldest, most unseasonable - and that’s just in this country. Acres of parched farmland or endless expanses of flood water are daily news. Earthquakes are common. We have more typhoons here than anywhere else. Most are insignificant. But they could get bigger, couldn’t they?
You could go on holiday; civil war, revolution, thugs, hi-jackers, muggers, earthquakes permitting. Although holidays have high stress ratings.
I’ll try some St. John’s Wort - after I’ve checked the medication I’m on won’t make that dangerous. I might listen to the radio or watch TV news about terrorists, war, foot and mouth, swine fever, legionnaires disease, asteroids on a collision course with earth, ---.
And they tell me to avoid stress because it’s a killer.

2006-09-01T04:48:00.000-04:00

There's been a lot in the news lately about the Baby Boomers and their lives as the sixties people.
I was being a sixties person in the 1950s. So were a lot of my friends. We were being seventies people inthe 1960s and so on. We were about ten years ahead of the crowd.
I think that all these 'youngsters' should remember that we were the ones who lead the way.
Now I'm in my seventies and leading a busy and active life I'm waiting for the next generation to catch up with me.
I'll be interested to see if the pattern persists!
It used to make me cross in my twenties when the 'teens were under the impression that they had invented sex, drugs and rock and roll!
I was one of the first members of the Cavern Club. We migrated there from the Jazz Club which met, as far as I remember, in the Temple Bar. They didn't approve of the modern stuff (anything that wasn't trad jazz!)
Anybody else remember that time?

2006-08-30T05:07:00.000-04:00

Here we go again. I'm going to really get into this I think.
I'm hoping to start a new blog about my business as a writer of 'Prospecting for Gold' which is on a page www.percydale.com which my son organises. He's the techie in all this.
As ancient 72 year old rather stroppy woman I rely on his expertise.
Actually, I say stroppy but I really think I'm a bundle of sweetness and light but others beg to differ!

2006-08-30T04:59:00.000-04:00

Theodora's Thoughts
I am struggling with all this but press on regardless!
I suppose when you've got into the swing of things you can't see how you didn't figure it out earlier.