The to-do list

[shewhomust]

On Thursday morning we went to Boots, and were given our 'booster' vaccine shots. I apologise to the world for this: I do not think that it's a good strategy to triple vaccinate one country before the whole world has been offered at least one shot. But nor do I think that refusing this booster would change anything, and meanwhile the UK is taking no precautions other than vaccination against the virus - so yes, we went to Boots and were boosted. The system wasn't quite a smooth as that run by the GP. but it was fine, nonetheless. And while I was in Boots I replaced the facial scrub I like - or to be precise, bought something similar, the one I like having vanished.

While we were in town, I went to the bank and unlocked - I hope - the PIN of my debit card. Now I need an opportunity to use it to buy something, to make sure.

I bought a pair of slippers, but this was too soon for the card to be working, so I used a different card. I'm not crazy about the new slippers, but they fit me, and that's quite a big deal (I have broad feet); and the old ones were very broken.

durham_rambler bought me a chain for my glasses: they still fall off when I wear a mask, but they don't fall as far - and I don't end up patting random surfaces because I can't see where they have fallen to.

In the afternoon, durham_rambler's new printer arrived (in a huge box, which can't stay on the spare bed forever): now we can print things and not have them covered in blue smudges.

Encouraged by all these achievements, we went to the garage at the top of the road, which deals in second-hand electric cars, and looked at the one car they have in stock - but which they have just sold. But we have made contact, and it's all promising.

I am beginning to think about buying some new saucepans. I don't really know where to start. With the exception of the sauté pan which I bought at TK Maxx - and that must have been thirty years ago - the last pans I bought were the glass ones from Chester-le-Street market. They have done me very well (except for the little milk pan, which was the reason I bought the set of three, and got broken almost at ine) but I think I have destroyed their surface, and there's very little I can now use them for without it sticking and burning. So where do people buy sauncepans in this brave new world?

Comments

[cmcmck]

Slippers reminds me that I could really do with a new pair!

Glad you've had your jabs!

[shewhomust]

I suspect you'll have a better choice of shops than we have!

[sovay]

But nor do I think that refusing this booster would change anything, and meanwhile the UK is taking no precautions other than vaccination against the virus - so yes, we went to Boots and were boosted.

I am glad you did. Be as safe as you can.

[shewhomust]

Thank you!

[cellio]

Early in the pandemic, the US watched Italy and said "hold my beer; we can top that" -- and proceeded to make a real mess of things.

Lately it's been feeling like the UK told the US "hold my beer". I really hope y'all can stay safe despite your government.

[shewhomust]

Thanks - we are trying to be sensible. But I fear that safety is becoming a privilege of the rich (a category in which I include myself).

[anef]

My favourite saucepans are heavy-bottomed stainless steel. Yes, they get a bit carbonised every now and again, but a good scrub with steel wool deals with that. One is from John Lewis (own brand) and one is made by Silampos from Portugal. TK Maxx is often good for homewares.

For slippers I am addicted to Haflinger. I prefer the ones with the rubber soles as you can potter down the garden path in them.

I believe we can now book a booster shot even though not strictly 6 months after our second. I should investigate.

[shewhomust]

I'm nervous of using steel wool on pans with any sort of stick-resistant surface (that includes glass and enamel) - but maybe I should try it, ince there's nothing to lose...

My beloved sauté pan came from TK Maxx, long ago. They don't seem to be as much of a treasure hunt these days - but perhaps that's because I used to just drop in during my lunch break, and I don't do that any more!

I've just looked up those slippers - ooh, they are pretty! But I'm not comfortable in shoes with no back.

[anef]

I believe some non-stick coatings are toxic, so should be treated with care when they start to degrade.https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nonstick-cookware-safety#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4