We were worried about our son being the wrong way, but he turned by himself at the last minute (ie a few days before).

hm I went through my mobile phone contacts and clearing out unneeded, still had number of my sisters friend from 3 years ago I kinda dated but I mucked it all up and not spoken to her since. out of randomness I text her asking how she is doing, no idea why but I do still miss her. I got a very prompt reply, which was unexpected so no idea what I should do...

I guess that depends on the nature of the reply.

The brand new copy of "The Carpet People" that just showed up today

Sleep and food

Bullitt.

I enjoy it more every time I watch it. I still prefer the chase scene in Ronin, but the one in Bullitt is still great.

Whether The Whisky Exchange actually has any Glen Ord in stock.
They'd better have. It's getting harder and harder to find now they've stopped making it.
If they don't, I'll be very annoyed. It hate it when people take orders without stock.

My dishwasher has a sticker suggesting calgon. This despite the fact that it consumes vast quantities of salt in order to soften the water! It's not like it's a washing machine where people don't realise that washing powder is formulated to soften water. Jesus, it shouldn't be legal. Maybe this should have been in the ranting thread.

Pack up
Don't stray
Oh, say say say
Oh, say say say

Don't forget the rinse aid.

I've run dishwashers for many months without adding salt, and using just a couple of drops of fairy liquid. Works like a charm.

Same for washing machines. They say to use one and a half to two cups of powder for a large and dirty load, and I've never had a problem getting stuff clean with half a cup. And on the odd occasion when I've run out of powder I'll run a couple of loads and rely on the detergent which is almost permanently lining the machine.

True enough, though I do live in a very hard water area, so I wouldn't dare being that cavalier. In my last flat, I went through two heat exchangers in the boiler in six years. Washing machine and dishwasher are still going though! (because of the salt in the dishwasher and the water softener in the washing powder and of course the rinse aid).

According to this map I was living in a very hard water areas in Bucks and Hamps. I've never lost anything through CaCO3 buildup.

Interesting map, I didn't realise how much of England was considered hard water as anywhere else I've ever been has always appeared soft. Certainly explains why on holiday in Cornwall and Devon as a child I used to find it weird how the soap wouldn't wash off my hands. I live in the midst of the chalk Dorset downs and get my water from a borehole, so kind of explains the hardness!

Lemon Drizzle or Madeira?

Drizzle.

Had slice of blackforest gateaux at work because it's somebody's birthday.