How long can we stay out of Tier 4? Auntie Beeb suggests it's under discussion.
Glasgow is sitting at 299.8 cases per 100k as of yesterday, and its 300+ to go into Tier 4....
To be honest I don't know what difference it would make: those who are meeting in groups when they shouldn't be are unlikely to change their behaviour, folk should already be working from home if that is possible, avoiding public transport where possible etc etc...
I discovered the joys of Aldi yesterday. I didn't need a huge lot of groceries as I'd been to Sainsbury's the day before, but as I had the chance of a lift, I thought I'd get a few heavier things in, and even including three bottles of wine, the bill only came to £25, which I thought was quite impressive.
I'd got used to grocery bills being rather hefty when I was staying at my sister's, as she has an unshakeable devotion to Marks & Sparks, so finding somewhere so much cheaper is a pleasant revelation! Their stock isn't quite as extensive as some of the other supermarkets, but for certain things I think they'll be a winner.
eta: I certainly hope we don't have to go into Tier 4; 3 is quite enough for me! As for working from home and avoiding public transport - sorry, but from the beginning of December that ain't happening for me. My new job is in reception, which can't be done remotely, and I haven't got a car, so public transport it is.
Aldi is great for certain things and for saving money on your bill. Apparently some of their wines are award-winning, but very reasonably priced.
I found I seldom went there because I couldn't get everything I wanted and I dislike grocery shopping so I want to be able to get everything in one go. The present conditions dictate that - I shop once a week, spend an eye-watering amount, and don't go again in between. When things are a bit more normal I may reconsider as I have more time now I'm not working.
Sorry to read of all the tier dilemmas. Here in England the current lockdown regulations make things less complicated, though very limited of course.
I'd got used to grocery bills being rather hefty when I was staying at my sister's, as she has an unshakeable devotion to Marks & Sparks.
Doubtless born of the time when they were better than they are now. There is been a subtle - but to me, marked - decline, especially in their prepped ingredients. If you want to spend money, go to Waitrose.
And if you don't, Aldi - or Lidl. I find Lidl very good for vegetables and meat, charcuterie and frozen stuff. Aldi scores higher on chocolate and (own brand) gin.
It's also worthwhile considering the occasional online order, especially when you are working during the day - deliveries run quite late into the evening. It can be worth it to have the heavy stuff - tins, bottles, rice, pasta, anything in packets: household stuff like detergent and bleach and dishwasher tablets: heavy produce, like potatoes, onions - brought to the door.
I've been wondering about that. The bus back from Sainsbury's stops right outside the flat, so I can manage most things, but if I wanted to get anything in really big quantities (we used to buy flour in 10kg bags from Costco) I'd be better getting it online.
It's a shame in a way that I can't find any Canadian-style all-purpose flour on the web (well not on Am*z*n anyway) - it worked for bread, cakes and sauces.
From what I have read online, Canadian all-purpose flour seems to be a blended flour which ends up being somewhere between UK strong or very strong flour and U.K. plain flour. There is some suggestion you can achieve this yourself by blending the two UK flours, but I’ve not pursued the question any further.
I'd be kind of doubtful that a mix of strong and plain flour would have the rising ability for cake making - wouldn't there need to be an element of "self-raising"?
Yes. You’d need a raising agent. Either baking powder or bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar - or buy self-raising flour.
You’ll know better than me, but I thought you needed a raising agent with all-purpose flour. If it included one already it’d have an odd effect in bread, I’d think.
I thought you needed a raising agent with all-purpose flour.
Yes, you do. Depending upon what you're making, baking powder, baking soda, or yeast would be required with all-purpose flour. There's even ammonium carbonate, but not often seen these days. Self-raising flour (i.e., a raising agent is already mixed in) is used only for cakes, never breads. In the UK you might be best off looking for "cake flour" - but you still need to add a raising agent.
Here in Canada I generally use our "all purpose" and to good effect. A friend of mine who is a semi professional baker uses different flours, but for my bread, cakes, cookies, I use all the same flour. I buy "self-raising" only for very specific recipes, as called for. Even then, the recipes can be adapted with all purpose flour and a leavening agent.
In the UK you might be best off looking for "cake flour" - but you still need to add a raising agent.
In the UK the basic wheat flours you are most likely to see are plain flour and self raising flour (both softer or lower protein than usual Canadian flour and fine for pastry and cakes), both are commonly available as white or wholemeal. Then there are strong (bread) flours. Bread flours come as white, brown (with re-added bran), wholemeal or granary.
Then there are lots of speciality flowers of various kinds.
Going back to the various tiers we are in, I heard today that one of the local hotels is closing its doors for now, because they are getting too many people from tier 3 areas trying to book. Good for them, but I wonder if they will get any financial help for the staff for this voluntary and principled decision?
Good point - I can't really imagine what their legal position would be.
My sister was telling me that a couple of places near her - a really good bar/restaurant and a beauty salon, both of which I patronised when I was staying there - are closing for the foreseeable future, and possibly permanently, which is awfully sad.
There are three different kinds of flour I buy, depending on the purpose--bread flour. all-purpose flour, and White Lily flour, (available in the US South) which is excellent for pastry, cakes, and (American) biscuits.
I usually keep plain, self-raising and strong flour, in both white and wholemeal. If I spot a good deal or am planning something specific I might have spelt, rice, corn, 00 or gram flour.
For shelf-stable food and household stuff I tend to order online - superfoodmarket is generally good value, buywholefoodonline has some good deals, thomas ridley had flour when no-one else did back in March.
Thanks for that, Arethosemyfeet - I might investigate them. I haven't really got space to keep large stocks of different types, but I've ordered a storage box thingy for keeping my bread flour in, and I'll see what I can get delivered once it arrives.
How long can we stay out of Tier 4? Auntie Beeb suggests it's under discussion.
Glasgow is sitting at 299.8 cases per 100k as of yesterday, and its 300+ to go into Tier 4....
Aaaaand, it's Tier 4 for us - most of Greater Glasgow & Clyde. Not a great surprise to be honest.
Sorry Piglet, but looks like West Lothian is also going to hit Tier 4.
......I'll still have to commute. I'm sure I'm far from being the only one.
Well indeed. I heard something on Radio4 (PM) about the travel restrictions being made law as opposed to advisory. They currently advise that you should not travel out of your local council area (usual caveats about essential work, care etc etc)
I work in a hospital department making short-lived radiotracers for use scanning cancer patients. We need a minimum of 5 people to prepare, test & release a batch. We don't have 5 people in the department who live in the Glasgow city council area...
(Though as we're classified as essential key workers, that particular restriction won't apply to our commuting).
The change personally doesn't affect me much, the only big change being that we'll stop church services again (we'll be allowed to meet legally, as we won't have a congregation over 20 people, but we decided that given the age of our members it was appropriate to stop again). We're waiting to see whether this means we need to close work down to just care and maintenance or whether we can keep running samples etc. The big one will be the number of people who commute from other councils - over half from Glasgow alone.
I've still got to do Christmas shopping, but I don't normally start until mid December anyway, and so a return to tier 3 reopening the shops on the 11th will be OK for that providing the shops aren't too busy. Whether tier 3 or 4 won't make any difference to what we do for Christmas - which will be me and the kids here on our own, without going to visit family anywhere, maybe it'll be OK for my brother to come over as he's only a few miles away.
In case I don’t remember in the morning, very best wishes for a good start on your first day. 🤞 🕯
Thanks, Bro James! I don't actually start until 1st December - tomorrow is just a "meeting the boss" and sorting paperwork thing. I assume that because it's a role that can't be done from home (it involves reception, filing and data entry), I'll be allowed to travel to work when the time comes.
Exciting times - rather more exciting than I might have wanted ...
What a great project! I can see teachers and teacher-librarians really making use of these. Just the right length for kids attention span and an attractive format. Well done The Loon and his colleagues!
The meeting with my boss went very well - everyone seems really nice, and I think I'm going to like it. It's a bit daunting, as there will be new systems to learn, but I think I'll get there. Now that I know what the commute is like, I feel better about that side of it too.
Good to hear about your "trial run" day, piglet. Education is "essential" so my wife is still being expected in the office at Edinburgh Uni for her 2 days a week despite the difference in "tier" between here and there
She drives in, to minimise contact from using the train.
I cannot confirm or deny whether she might "interrupt" her commute to visit shops in Edinburgh that we otherwise wouldn't be able to just "pop out" to.
Thanks to a Polish plumber (and absolutely none to Scottish Gas) our CH is functioning again. I am seriously having to think of putting on a lighter cardigan.
Have you considered turning the CH down half a notch?
The building containing the new Château Piglet had gas pipes installed shortly before I moved in, but I don't yet have a meter, and am unsure how to go about getting one. I want to replace the clunky old storage heaters with gas CH, but when I phoned a Boiler Person, he said there was no point in him coming to look at it until I had a meter installed, and I should contact the Scottish Gas Network. I duly phoned them, and was told that they didn't actually own people's gas meters, and I should contact the supplier (they didn't specify any particular one). At that point I kind of gave up: I was beginning to get the feeling that someone didn't want me to have it installed.
I have a Meter Point Reference number, so presumably if I give that to the right person, they might send a Chap (or Chapess) round to set things in motion.
I think what they mean is that you need to choose a gas supplier (Swinergy, or GasPorc or whoever) and whoever is going to supply you with gas will deal with the meter.
Depending on the property, a heat pump could be an alternative to a gas-combi boiler (more expensive to install, but much lower running costs and carbon footprint). Properties with a garden can fit a ground source heat pump, without a garden an airsource heat pump. It won't heat water as hot as gas, so radiators won't be as hot and may need to be left on permanently to maintain heat (or, works very efficiently for underfloor heating or larger radiators ... if you're needing to install a new heating system anyway that's less of a problem compared to plumbing into an existing radiator system designed for hotter water from a gas boiler).
My combi-boiler is at least 10 years old (was installed when I moved in, and 2010 is the first date on the service record) and I'm thinking of replacing it with an air-source system if I can find a local fitter ... but not until after the winter and the current restrictions on people in the flat.
It seems to me that the energy suppliers (gas or electricity) are all trying to push their "green" credentials; it's all a bit confusing to someone who's never really had to think about it before!
At the weekend Mr Cats and I were house-hunting and I think we may have found what we want. This means I can retire/demit (since I am not old enough to retire officially). I am so excited and realise just how long it is since I have felt this way about my current role in life, even though I know I fulfil it very well and I love the place we currently live. It is time to move to the next chapter - or soon will be. And I can't wait! This is strictly confidential for any who have worked out my real life persona. Not that I am famous!
I think that next years holidays will all be staycations. I have been doing the NE Man's family history and now he is keen to holiday in exotic locations such as Neilston and see where his ancestors lived. We had a long weekend ancestor-hunting in Mellon Udrigle in Ross shire three years ago - I suspect Neilston may not have quite the same ambience. (Although Neilston has much better records - we are back to the early C18th.)
Comments
Glasgow is sitting at 299.8 cases per 100k as of yesterday, and its 300+ to go into Tier 4....
To be honest I don't know what difference it would make: those who are meeting in groups when they shouldn't be are unlikely to change their behaviour, folk should already be working from home if that is possible, avoiding public transport where possible etc etc...
I'd got used to grocery bills being rather hefty when I was staying at my sister's, as she has an unshakeable devotion to Marks & Sparks, so finding somewhere so much cheaper is a pleasant revelation! Their stock isn't quite as extensive as some of the other supermarkets, but for certain things I think they'll be a winner.
eta: I certainly hope we don't have to go into Tier 4; 3 is quite enough for me! As for working from home and avoiding public transport - sorry, but from the beginning of December that ain't happening for me. My new job is in reception, which can't be done remotely, and I haven't got a car, so public transport it is.
I found I seldom went there because I couldn't get everything I wanted and I dislike grocery shopping so I want to be able to get everything in one go. The present conditions dictate that - I shop once a week, spend an eye-watering amount, and don't go again in between. When things are a bit more normal I may reconsider as I have more time now I'm not working.
Sorry to read of all the tier dilemmas. Here in England the current lockdown regulations make things less complicated, though very limited of course.
Doubtless born of the time when they were better than they are now. There is been a subtle - but to me, marked - decline, especially in their prepped ingredients. If you want to spend money, go to Waitrose.
And if you don't, Aldi - or Lidl. I find Lidl very good for vegetables and meat, charcuterie and frozen stuff. Aldi scores higher on chocolate and (own brand) gin.
It's also worthwhile considering the occasional online order, especially when you are working during the day - deliveries run quite late into the evening. It can be worth it to have the heavy stuff - tins, bottles, rice, pasta, anything in packets: household stuff like detergent and bleach and dishwasher tablets: heavy produce, like potatoes, onions - brought to the door.
It's a shame in a way that I can't find any Canadian-style all-purpose flour on the web (well not on Am*z*n anyway) - it worked for bread, cakes and sauces.
You’ll know better than me, but I thought you needed a raising agent with all-purpose flour. If it included one already it’d have an odd effect in bread, I’d think.
Yes, you do. Depending upon what you're making, baking powder, baking soda, or yeast would be required with all-purpose flour. There's even ammonium carbonate, but not often seen these days. Self-raising flour (i.e., a raising agent is already mixed in) is used only for cakes, never breads. In the UK you might be best off looking for "cake flour" - but you still need to add a raising agent.
Then there are lots of speciality flowers of various kinds.
My sister was telling me that a couple of places near her - a really good bar/restaurant and a beauty salon, both of which I patronised when I was staying there - are closing for the foreseeable future, and possibly permanently, which is awfully sad.
For shelf-stable food and household stuff I tend to order online - superfoodmarket is generally good value, buywholefoodonline has some good deals, thomas ridley had flour when no-one else did back in March.
Aaaaand, it's Tier 4 for us - most of Greater Glasgow & Clyde. Not a great surprise to be honest.
Sorry Piglet, but looks like West Lothian is also going to hit Tier 4.
How will that affect your new employment, @Piglet? Presumably you will still need to travel to and from work, given the nature of the job.
As it's a reception job, it's not doable from home, so I expect I'll still have to commute. I'm sure I'm far from being the only one.
I work in a hospital department making short-lived radiotracers for use scanning cancer patients. We need a minimum of 5 people to prepare, test & release a batch. We don't have 5 people in the department who live in the Glasgow city council area...
(Though as we're classified as essential key workers, that particular restriction won't apply to our commuting).
The Loon has been producing online content with Aberdeen University for Scottish Book Week:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMn30ipcbsc
I've still got to do Christmas shopping, but I don't normally start until mid December anyway, and so a return to tier 3 reopening the shops on the 11th will be OK for that providing the shops aren't too busy. Whether tier 3 or 4 won't make any difference to what we do for Christmas - which will be me and the kids here on our own, without going to visit family anywhere, maybe it'll be OK for my brother to come over as he's only a few miles away.
Thanks, Bro James! I don't actually start until 1st December - tomorrow is just a "meeting the boss" and sorting paperwork thing. I assume that because it's a role that can't be done from home (it involves reception, filing and data entry), I'll be allowed to travel to work when the time comes.
Exciting times - rather more exciting than I might have wanted ...
In other news, well done North East Loon!
Congratulations to the instantly recognizable Famous Author!
What a great project! I can see teachers and teacher-librarians really making use of these. Just the right length for kids attention span and an attractive format. Well done The Loon and his colleagues!
She drives in, to minimise contact from using the train.
I cannot confirm or deny whether she might "interrupt" her commute to visit shops in Edinburgh that we otherwise wouldn't be able to just "pop out" to.
Has suddenly become perishing......
The building containing the new Château Piglet had gas pipes installed shortly before I moved in, but I don't yet have a meter, and am unsure how to go about getting one. I want to replace the clunky old storage heaters with gas CH, but when I phoned a Boiler Person, he said there was no point in him coming to look at it until I had a meter installed, and I should contact the Scottish Gas Network. I duly phoned them, and was told that they didn't actually own people's gas meters, and I should contact the supplier (they didn't specify any particular one). At that point I kind of gave up: I was beginning to get the feeling that someone didn't want me to have it installed.
I have a Meter Point Reference number, so presumably if I give that to the right person, they might send a Chap (or Chapess) round to set things in motion.
To get a meter you need to contact your distribution network operator (DNO) and you can find out who they are, using your postcode, here
There is also some handy guidance available about getting a meter, provided by Ofgem
I hope it works out for you - I agree that CH is so much better than storage heating!
I think gas is the most sensible option, as if I get a combi boiler, I can free up some useful space where the present water tanks are.
My combi-boiler is at least 10 years old (was installed when I moved in, and 2010 is the first date on the service record) and I'm thinking of replacing it with an air-source system if I can find a local fitter ... but not until after the winter and the current restrictions on people in the flat.
It seems to me that the energy suppliers (gas or electricity) are all trying to push their "green" credentials; it's all a bit confusing to someone who's never really had to think about it before!
I haven't come across the word demit before - is it Kirk-speak for something like *part-time* IYSWIM?
I think that next years holidays will all be staycations. I have been doing the NE Man's family history and now he is keen to holiday in exotic locations such as Neilston and see where his ancestors lived. We had a long weekend ancestor-hunting in Mellon Udrigle in Ross shire three years ago - I suspect Neilston may not have quite the same ambience. (Although Neilston has much better records - we are back to the early C18th.)