9 months here - our list of likes n dont-likes

[Dawn]

I was watching the BBC Breakfast News last Friday morning, well I say watching, I actually turned over to see the weather as I had a mountain of washing to get dry and I don't have a tumble dryer. Anyway that's neither here nor there but the BBC felt it necessary to dedicate a whole ten minutes to an article showing you how to hang out your washing correctly!!!!!!
Apparently there had been over 400 accidents in the UK last year involving clothes pegs and so they felt it necessary to take it upon themselves to graphically explain to us pathetically inept and incapable lot how to hang damp clothes on a length of plastic covered string!

If I weren't safe in the knowledge that my tickets to NZ were booked I would have committed suicide!!

[Bermy Girl]

Originally Posted by Dawn

If I weren't safe in the knowledge that my tickets to NZ were booked I would have committed suicide!!

it's not worth it Dawn...no clothes peg should bring you to this level... We're here for you if you want to talk about it...

[vondermot]

As a very recent member I am finding everything in the forum very interesting, getting nothing done in the house because I'm too busy reading everything and it just makes me want to make the move even more. Will have to get my hubby to get his finger out and make some enquiries, he's a joiner, but I'm working on him. It's great to see that the likes far out weigh the dislikes, not read anything that has put me off yet and living in Manchester the cold wouldnt really bother us.

Tracey

[Dawn]

Originally Posted by vondermot

he's a joiner, but I'm working on him.
Tracey

With what? A hammer, saw, 6 inch nails? A measuring tape?

[keeweegal]

Originally Posted by nick_and_jacky

Forgot to mention the sandflies on our list of dislikes. Nasty little ba$%!$?s. We have gotten used to using spray in the summer and long trousers and tops when the sun goes down, but the little sods catch you off guard quite alot. Apparently, dont know if its true, but according to Maori legend, the gods put sandflies in NZ just to let you know you havent arrived in heaven. I like this tale alot, and yes aprt from the sandflies it nearly is heaven.

I've heard a lot of people swear by Avon Skin-So-Soft. Apparently the litte blighters can't stand the stuff! I haven't tried it myself, but might be worth a try?

Sal

[MotherBear]

But make sure you get the right flavour. I've bought bottles of the stuff (and it's not cheap) and it's never had any effect on the mossies here. I think they enjoyed the change of diet.

It was only recently that I discovered it's the Woodland one you need, at least I think that's what it's called now because it was called something else before. Not being in the UK, I'm a bit out of touch with Avon products and have to rely on someone else getting things for me.

[Dawn]

Originally Posted by MotherBear

Not being in the UK, I'm a bit out of touch with Avon products and have to rely on someone else getting things for me.

Being in the UK, I'm completely out of touch with Avon products and have to rely on posts like this to remind me they still exist!

Ummm. Woodland was it?

[MotherBear]

Looks like they might have changed the name again, although some articles still refer to Woodland Fresh

Recommended by the Royal Marines .

But.... on the other hand .

This must be the one they’re talking about. .

[KiwiHopeful]

After spending several summers in my younger days working outside in the woods of New England, I know the Skin-so-Soft does not work on mosquitos. DEET is the only product recommended to prevent mosquito bites, which are serious in this area as we have had a handful of people die of mosquito-borne West Nile Virus in the past few years.

S-s-S does repel blackflies (a thing like a gnat, I guess) and tiny little bugs we call 'no-see-ums', so it may work on those pesky sandflies. Or maybe not. :shrug:

I think the S-s-S labeled as bug repellent has citronella or some other non-DEET product in it.

I've also heard that dryer sheets (like Bounce ... if you have that in the UK or NZ) repel bugs, but I've never been brave enough to walk around (knowingly, at least) with one sticking out my shirt pocket!

[nick_and_jacky]

I guess that the sand fly repellent solutions will soon dive down to old wives tales, like drinking half a pint of turpentine in a clockwise direction will keep them away...and all that mumbo jumbo.

BUT I have it on the most excellent authority that a concoction of 1 part dettol to 3 parts baby oil keeps the sandflies (and i guess anything else that can move awy from you quick enough) away from you. Personally I think I would only use it while tramping solo, as the thought of being mistaken for a toilet attendant sends shivers down my spine!

We tend to burn citronella oil lamps like they are going out of fashion in our garden in the summer and that keeps most at bay - with a light spray of "bug-off", which alas has DEET - but the kids use a citonella based one.

OH one for the list.........

LIKES
Being able to get All Black v Springbok tickets with absolute ease, as opposed to booking time off work 12 months in advance on the misguided hunch that I would be able to get England v Ireland tickets with ease back in the UK. Watched the game on telly........umph!

Cheers

Nick