Free Food - Blackberries

I can remember picking blackberries as a child during the summer, trying not to scratch my hands to pieces or to drop too many brambles in the process.

As an extension to my thoughts about blackcurrants, I think that brambling should be revived as an annual tradition, saving us all a few pennies on the way.

Blackberries grow wild, and can be found beside pathways and by roadsides. In the interests of safety avoid busy highways, and instead wander off the beaten track in search of untouched bushes. Don’t trespass on private property or farmland which may be gated or fenced off.

The berries are fairly easy to pick, but the bushes are covered in sharp spines, so be prepared to be pricked. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing, such as jeans, but don’t wear heavy gardening gloves as this will hamper your picking abilities. It takes a gentle hand to pluck perfectly ripe blackberries.  

The best and ripest berries will be dark, almost black in colour, and may be plucked easily from the bush using your thumb and forefinger. The berry should come away easily in your fingers, leaving the white coloured hull behind. If a berry does not come away easily with a gentle tug, then it is likely not yet ripe and should be left for a few more days.

Make blackberry picking more fun for the family by turning it into a competition. Each person has their own container, and then everyone competes to see who can pick the most berries in an hour, or in ten minutes if time is limited.

I find that blackberries keep quite well in fridge refrigerator for up to three days, but they also freeze well for use at a later date. After washing (the berries, not myself), I lay the berries out in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop the tray in the freezer. Once the berries are frozen, they can be placed into bags for easier storage in the freezer. I like to use blackberries in with smoothies, or with other summer fruits on top of meringue.

Image by http://www.flickr.com/photos/didbygraham/

Learn How to Run

Most of us probably learned how to run when we were children. It probably came naturally. Somewhere along the line, most of us forgot. I did. I forgot how free running feels.

Now that I have learned how to run again, and have found that it actually makes me happy, I want to share my running journey.

I won't go over the usual pre-running advice, see your doctor-type stuff. You've probably read it somewhere else. The only piece of equipment I think you will need at this stage is a pair of comfortable trainers (and ladies - a proper sports bra).

If you find that you enjoy running, can stick with it and want to progress, at that point consider spending a few quid on some proper gear.

Week 1
Start with a warm up walk, about 5 mins, until the blood is flowing and the heart is pumping. Break into a very slow jog. By slow, I mean super-slow.

You're probably thinking "I can walk faster than this". Resist the urge to speed up. Trust me, your body isn't ready for it yet. Lots of people start out jogging too fast and then give up, feeling defeated, when they can't maintain it.

Continue your super-slow jog for about a minute. If you don't have a watch, try counting to 60.

After that minute, when your face is all red and your breathing is heavy, slow down to a walk. (Remember this feeling of sweaty breathlessness - it is the perfect bench-mark to see how far you have come in a few weeks time). Walk for two minutes, allowing your breathing to return to normal. These two minutes will speed by much faster than your first jogging minute, somehow defying the laws of time and space. Such is life.

Pick up the pace ever-so-slightly to jog mode, and jog for another minute - which may well feel like an hour. Return to walking for another two minutes.

Repeat the jog / walk cycle for nine or ten repeats, so around half an hour in total. Try to plan your route in a loop so that you're not an hour's walk away from home at the end of the session. When you get back home, reward yourself with a glass of water, not a bar of chocolate.

Try to make time for three sessions of the above during the first week.

Week 2
During the second week, after a warm up walk, follow the same jog / walk pattern, but reduce the walking sections from two minutes to one minute. Keep the jogging slow, since its about easing your body into something it's not used to. Speed comes later.

Repeat the cycle one one minute jogging, one minute walking for half an hour, with a cool down walk at the end. Again, repeat three sessions during the week.

Week 3
Now we start to pick things up. Jogging sections are two minutes each, and only one of walking. Repeat for half an hour, three sessions over the week.

Week 4
More improvement this week, with jogging sections of three minutes, and one minute walking. Repeat for half an hour, three sessions over the week.

Week 5
You're getting the idea now. Extend to jogging sections of four minutes, and one minute walking. Depending on how you're feeling, you may feel able to reduce the walking sections to 30 seconds. At this point I still needed to jog super-slow. For most, speed comes later (not so much me, I'm still a very slow jogger).

Week 6
Bit of a stretch this week - jogging sections of six minutes. Be confident that your body can do it, so long as you don't expect it to sprint. Remember when you struggled to complete one minute jogging? Think how far you've come in just a few weeks.

Week 7
Three repeats of eight minutes jogging and one minute walking.

Week 8
Three repeats of ten minutes jogging and one minute walking - that's half an hour of jogging in one session!

Week 9
Two repeats of 15 minutes jogging and one minute walking.

Week 10
String it all together and go for 30 minutes straight, keep it super-slow, and you've done it - you've learned how to run!

Image by http://www.flickr.com/photos/43877063@N05/with/5362163321/

How to Make Fantastic Blackcurrant Jam

I had a Delia moment today - I made jam. Not only did I make jam, but I used fruit which I grew in my own garden. OK, so the fruit growing part didn't require much effort on my part, the blackcurrant bush deserves most of the credit there.

Whilst harvesting the weeds which had grown overnight from shoots into a jungle, I glanced over to the sunny corner where the blackcurrant bush resides. Since I was down at ground level I was able to see that almost all the fruit had turned from green to black and was ready for picking. Good thing I actually had the time to deal with this culinary emergency today.

So I set about picking the fruit, showing little regard for the other plants which share the same corner - none of them were edible and could be turned into jam anyway. Then I had to spend a fair amount of time picking each berry (do I call it a berry or a currant? - not sure) off the stems and taking off the little bit of flower head which is left on the other end of the currants. This done, I took my haul back to the kitchen to see how much I had harvested. I only have a fairly small bush (oo-er), so I weighed out about a pound and a half of blackcurrants.

Time for the serious bit - the jam making. As I imagine is the case with most women in the kitchen, we like to rely on family recipes handed down from mother to daughter, generation after generation. So I sent my mum an email - "how do I make jam?" and this is my family recipe for blackcurrant jam ...

1 pound fruit
3/4 pint water
1 1/2 pound preserving sugar

• wash fruit, remove stems, put into pan with water and simmer gently until fruit is soft, stirring often to prevent burning
• stir in sugar over low hear until dissolved
• boil hard to setting point
• pour into hot jars and cover

Now to find secret family recipe for perfect scones.

Image by storebukkebruse

Seasonal Summer Fruits

Fruit is too expensive. But it’s good for us. We’re supposed to eat more fruit and less junk. During the great British summer (and I use the phrase loosely), there are lots of fantastic fruits which are in season, and are at their best (and cheapest).

 

 

Raspberries

Raspberries are one such example, and even better – they go really well with dark chocolate. It is possible to make fantastic puddings, without breaking the bank, and without overloading on calories.

For me, the easiest and quickest thing to do with raspberries is to put a meringue nest in a bowl, add a handful of berries, and then dollop a pot of low fat yogurt on top.

 

 

For a variation, and to include the chocolate hit, I would take a low fat muffin or chocolate slice (if it is possible to find such a thing), and break it up into pieces in a bowl. If it is a bit on the large side I may only use half. Then I would add a pot of yogurt and the raspberries.

 

 

Mini Summer Puddings

If I have more time on my hands, I might push the boat out and make summer puddings.

 

Ingredients:

500g mixed berries – raspberries, strawberries, blueberries
1 tablespoon sugar
6 slices white bread

Method:

• Using a pastry cutter, stamp out 12 small circles of bread to layer up four small pudding basins
• Gently heat the fruit with the sugar for a couple of minutes, in a saucepan, until the juice starts to run
• Put a bread circle in the bottom of each basin and spoon some fruit mixture into each basin
• Add another layer of bread and the remaining fruit to each basin, and top with the final piece of bread
• Drizzle the remaining fruit juice over the bread and then wrap each basin in cling film
• Put the puddings into the fridge for a few hours, or overnight if possible
• To serve, unwrap the puddings, run a knife around the basin and tip each one upside down onto a plate. Dollop a spoonful of natural yogurt on the side, and a sprig of mint leaves if you’re feeling fancy.

image by http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracyhunter/

Cats Eyes and Serious Problems

Further to my previous post, there are other, more serious problems which your cat may suffer from.

Progressive retinal atrophy or “PRA” is a condition where the retina deteriorates over time and eventually results in blindness. Unfortunately, PRA cannot be treated, and your cat will have to adapt as his sight begins to fail. Try to make his life a little easier by not moving furniture around the home, and keep his belongings, such as his bed and feeding bowl in the same place all the time.

As cats age, or if a cat suffers from diabetes, he may develop cataracts, which is a condition where the eye becomes opaque and cloudy. If left untreated, cataracts effectively result in blindness. However, if treated early enough with surgery, your cat may still enjoy the benefit of his sight for years to come.

Glaucoma occurs when there is an excessive amount of fluid in the eye resulting in pressure upon the retina. A cat with glaucoma will suffer a certain amount of pain due to this pressure, and like cataracts, if left untreated may result in blindness. Your vet may recommend medication in the form of eye drops and/or pills, or in some cases, surgery.  

Cats Eyes and Common Problems

Cats’ eyes are incredible. Their perfect design and function allow cats to see well in the dark and enjoy nocturnal life to the full, be it hunting and chasing prey or defending their territory. 

Cats need far less light to function than we humans do – only about one sixth of what we require. They have a third eyelid which helps to protect the eye, and can also change their range of vision very quickly, to adapt to their changing circumstances.

Unfortunately, some cats suffer with eye problems, impairing their natural abilities and independence. Watch for signs of the following conditions, and if you see any such symptoms, then take your cat to see your vet (whether he wants to go to the vet or not).

A half closed eye; the third eyelid being visible or coming across the eye, or redness of the inner eyelid; tear staining or discharges; cloudiness of the eyeball. As is the nature of cats, they will get into fights, and may be on the receiving end of painful injuries. If your cat suffers a scratch across his eye he will probably keep it half closed, and it may discharge fluid. Take your cat to the vet immediately, as potentially, your cat may suffer the loss of his eye. Scratches may also cause less immediate problems such as ulcers on the eye surface.

If you notice signs of inflammation or irritation of the pink tissue around the eye, this may be a sign of conjunctivitis, perhaps as a result of an infection or an allergy. Conjunctivitis can be treated with eye drops and antibiotics from your vet.

More serious cat eye problems include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and glaucoma.

Super Foods

We are often bombarded with health and diet-related information about super-foods. We’ve heard the advice to eat an apple a day, and that we must have five portions of fruit and veg each day. Sometimes we might be a bit daunted by what constitutes a portion of veg, but it’s really only a spoonful of this or a dollop of that. Unless you live on take-aways and fast food, you may well be having your five a day without realizing it.

I have highlighted a couple of my favourite “super” foods below, and welcome other people’s thoughts about what foods are super.

Baked beans are a humble food, a staple in the cupboard of all students. However, it is also a super source of nutrition in the form of fibre, protein, calcium and iron. In addition, baked beans come in a tomato source, which is an anti-oxidant and helps to prevent some cancers and heart disease.

Yogurt is a super food. It is a great source of calcium and is easily digested. I am sure we have all seen adverts highlighting the benefits of the good bacteria contained in some yogurts which aid digestion in the gut. There are so many varieties of yogurt available, and in so many different flavours. One word of caution would be to check labels and avoid pots which contain high levels of sugar or added unnatural ingredients. A pot of yogurt on top of chopped up fruit will also help you reach your “five a day”, and makes a great snack.

Not a food – but a super drink is tea. Tea contains caffeine which helps to stimulate mood and alertness. It also has antioxidant properties, it may help to protect against the damage done to artery walls by heart disease, and prevents the formation of blood clots. Provided you don’t drink bucket-loads of tea with lots of milk and sugar every day, the morning cuppa can certainly be classed as a super start.

Effective Kettlebells

As a follow up to my recent post about working out with kettlebells, it prompted me to think about why it is that working out with kettlebells is so effective. I got out the leaflet and other information which came in the box when I bought my set of kettlebells and did a bit of research.

I mentioned before about how kettlebells help to strengthen core muscles to improve posture, and we all want to have a shapely mid-section. Something else I had not considered at the time was how extra effort is needed to grasp the molded hand grip, and so grip strength is also improved – possibly something which men might want to think about when improving their handshake!

Another major benefit of working out with kettlebells is the way that they require full range of motion. They require using lots of muscle groups, employing the body as a whole to work as an efficient fat-burning machine, and improving flexibility at the same time. As lean muscle is developed more calories are burned, and the body’s composition is altered. I like getting on the scales and seeing my body fat percentage going down, even if the actual weight stays the same.

Another way that kettlebell workouts are different from standard routines is that they often imitate real-life movement. For example, none of us actually performs a sit-up in their everyday activity. However, we may well find ourselves lifting a heavy box with two hands, from squat position, to standing position.

Incorporating kettlebells into other exercises can boost their effectiveness too. I tried this by walking on my treadmill – something which on its own is not too difficult. However, when I picked up my kettlebell, the simple act of walking became much more tiring, but I’m hoping that more calories were burned and more muscle was strengthened in a shorter period of time.

Older Cats

Just as improvements in human healthcare have contributed to people living longer, advancements in veterinary care have done the same for cats. Cats can live up to about 20 years of age. 7 years is certainly adulthood, whilst 11-12 years is nearer pensionable age in feline terms. Taking good care of your cat and taking him to the vet for regular check-ups, will give him the best possible chance of enjoying a long and lazy life (which is every cat’s right).

As your cat ages, watch for signs of him gaining or losing weight, a change in his drinking habits (water – not alcohol!), or for signs of him losing control of his bodily functions. Such symptoms may be an indication that his internal organs, such as his kidneys, are starting to wear out and may eventually fail. Contact your vet for advice and assistance for treating your cat’s incontinence.

Taking care of your cat’s diet is important as he grows. Cat food is available in wet and dry form, and various types cater specifically for the nutritional needs of the older cat. Ask your vet to check your cat’s teeth for signs of oral health problems such as tartar or gingivitis, which could eventually lead to tooth loss, infection or gum disease.

Unfortunately, cats can’t visit opticians and be prescribed glasses to correct their failing vision (probably because the glasses won’t balance on their ears). Some older cats experience blurred vision or even loss of sight. Your vet should be able to check for indications of cataracts or glaucoma, and if so, be able to prescribe medication to treat such conditions.

One of the more obvious signs that your cat is aging is when he starts to experience pain in his limbs and begins to slow down. Your cat may also develop a limp. In some cases, medication may be prescribed by your vet to relieve the pain associated with arthritis. But it may also be good to make your cat’s life a little easier, if possible, by not expecting him to jump, or to walk upstairs, when it comes to feeding time.

Kettlebells

I had planned to go running this evening. However, the weather had different plans and it was raining (again). Not just the fine rain which can be quite refreshing, it was the bouncing off the pavement, will get soaked by waves if a bus goes past kind of rain.
So, instead of running, I got my kettlebells out. Correction - I got one of them out, I wasn't feeling that strong.

Weight training, even in small amounts, can really contribute to great overall health and goes hand in hand with cardio workouts. Kettlebells are excellent for developing a strong core, which is very useful for runners who want to have good posture. I suspect all runners actually want good posture, and none of them would wish to have a sloppy running style. Personally, I'm not overly fussed, I am happy just to complete a run and get home still standing vertical.

I digress.

I understand that there are different theories about where kettlebells originated. Some say Russia, others Scotland, and others say way back in ancient Greece. In any event, they've been around for a long time and are still great for weight training. However, now they are made with easy grip handles, and come in pretty colours.

Kettlebell exercises are designed to make the body maintain its balance. Groups of muscles work together, often making it a time-saving, full body workout.

My favourite exercise is the basic swing. Holding the kettlebell with both hands, by the horns, I start in a squat position with my feet slightly apart and the kettlebell just off the floor. Swinging the kettlebell out in front of me and lifting my arms to 90 degrees, or shoulder height, I stand up in a smooth fluid movement (or at least that's the plan). I swing the kettlebell back down between my feet and return to the starting squat position, and repeat for 10, 20, 30 swings (or until my arms get tired).

Another way of using the kettlebell is to simply incorporate it into other traditional exercises like squats, lunges and sit-ups. Doing 20 lunges whilst holding a kettlebell, and my legs certainly know about it!

Lots of gyms now have kettlebells and some places even run kettlebell classes. I recommend shaking up your exercise routine with something different like kettlebells.

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Happy Cats are Healthy Cats

Image by http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicsuzor/

Something else which makes me happy is animals, in particular, cats. In the main, cats are tactile creatures and most enjoy being stroked and caressed. In turn, cat owners enjoy contentment from spending time with their cats.

As with many pet owners, we are concerned about the health and well being of our animals. I have set out below a list of common ailments and conditions to be aware of in your feline friend, so that you can give him the best care.

Sickness and Diarrhea

Whilst not diseases in their own right, these are two symptoms which often occur together and which may be indications of something more serious. Your cat may have some sort of digestive disorder, or may simply have eaten something which disagreed with him. If symptoms persist and certainly if there is any blood in your cat’s “productions”, then take him to see the vet straight away for a professional diagnosis.

Worms

At some point, most cats get worms. These may be hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms or heartworms. Symptoms to be aware of include significant weight loss, a swollen abdomen, loss of fur or vomiting. Contact your vet for a course of worming tablets, and attempt to get your cat to swallow said tablets. If you can manage to get the medication into your cat, usually by breaking it up into his food, then his symptoms should clear up within a short period of time.

Fleas

Just as many cats come into contact with worms, likewise fleas can be a common problem. Whilst not usually life-threatening, if your pet has fleas he will probably be quite uncomfortable and will spend time scratching himself in an effort to relieve the discomfort of fleas feeding on his blood. Some cats may also suffer an allergic reaction to flea saliva, and will quite likely scratch to the point of self-harm.

Kidney Disease

As cats age, they can become more susceptible to kidney disease. It is thought that feeding your cat predominantly dry cat food may contribute to kidney disease. As such, it may be worth examining the quality and kind of food you are feeding your feline. If your cat seems to drink more water than usual, this may also be an indication of kidney disease, and should prompt a visit to the vet.

Stress

Unfortunately, stress is also common in the animal kingdom, with some cats being more prone to the condition than others. Watch your cat for signs of unusual behaviour, such as hiding under the bed, pulling out his fur or trembling, loss of appetite, and some cats which are usually quiet may begin to meow. If your usually docile pet begins to exhibit this behaviour, he may be suffering from stress and you ought to seek professional assistance from your vet in order to treat him successfully, and restore him to the calm, adoring cat you know and love.

Plastic and plants

I'm looking for ways to re-use household items, both to save money and to recycle more.

Occasionally I buy soft drinks such as cola and lemonade in large plastic bottles. I admit to feeling a little guilty when I throw the empties away since these synthetic objects take decades, if not centuries, to break down and sit in landfills around the world.

Instead of throwing them out straight away, I'm going to recycle them by removing the labels, taking the tops off, cutting the bottles in half and using them as cloches to protect my little plants from birds and pests, and when the weather turns to protect them from frost.

I believe I also have some plastic cutlery left over from a barbecue last summer. I'm going to write on the plastic knives with a permanent marker and use them as plant labels.

Cinder Toffee Ice Cream

Ok, so not entirely in keeping with my idea of thinking thinner, but definitely something which makes me happy is ice cream.

Below is my easy-peasy ice cream recipe which is an absolute favourite in our house, and ought to win awards.

Ingredients - 5 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons golden syrup, 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, 1 pint of double cream, 3/4 large tin condensed milk.

In a large pan, over a low heat, melt the sugar and the syrup. Let it bubble until it goes brown (about 5 mins), but not black. Shake occasionally, but do not stir.

Add bicarbonate of soda. The contens of the pan will fizz up (hence the large pan). Pour onto greased baking parchment (not just regular greaseproof paper), and allow to cool. I leave mine overnight.

Slightly whip the double cream, add the condensed milk. Break up the cinder toffee (I use a rolling pin) and add to the cream mixture.

Mix it all together and then spoon it into a plastic container and pop it in the freezer overnight. Remove from the freezer about an hour before serving to allow it to soften enough to serve.

Yummy (let's think about calories another day)

Green Gardening

I have recently been bitten by the gardening bug (not literally I might add), and I thought it would be a great way to save a bit of money by growing some of my own veg, but also reduce my carbon footprint. Now that I have a few plants growing merrily (weather permitting), I also find it immensely satisfying and am looking forward to literally harvesting the fruits of my own labour.

I thought I would start fairly small as I don’t have a lot of space, or very much time. I have a window box which now houses a few potted herbs, which I bought cheaply at a local supermarket.

I have found that strawberries are a nice easy plant to start with, since they can be bought quite reasonably, and then when established, they self-propagate. That means I will have more plants next year, without having to buy new ones. I also think that strawberries can sometimes be a bit on the pricey side in supermarkets, so it’s great to be able to pick them for free from my own garden.

Ideally, strawberries thrive in shelter and sunshine, but also need to have plenty of water. Aside from these basic needs, strawberries do not need to have special attention. However, just as strawberries are delicious for us, the garden pests enjoy them too. To counteract this issue I have raised up my large strawberry planter pots on a small section of decking. I don’t have a lot of birds visiting my garden (at the moment), but if and when I do, I may need to cover my plants with mesh so that the birds don’t get at my strawberries before I do. 

I am also contemplating potatoes, since I understand that can be grown almost anywhere. There have been occasions when I have found one or two potatoes left in the bottom of the bag and they have started to sprout on their own. If I find any such “plants” any time soon, then I plan to pop them in a large bucket. Potato tubers grow downwards into the soil, so I’ll plant them fairly near the surface. They also need plenty of water – no problems there.

In the interests of watching my weight (don’t we all!), I also plan to eat more salads during the summer months. I find that lettuce bought from shops can often go soggy quite quickly, and can also be fairly expensive. In the interests of saving money, I have bought some small lettuce plants and potted them up in a trough in my garden. I imagine they would work quite nicely on a window sill if space was limited. I suspect I am more likely to eat lettuce and enjoy it if I have actually grown it myself and it is super-fresh. I’m watering my plants regularly, and looking forward to harvest time. 

To compliment my lettuce leaves I have two tomato plants in pots, likewise bought as very small plants. I have chosen small cherry tomatoes this year, and have treated them to special tomato food and plenty of water so that they flourish. I have grown tomatoes in previous years, and so I know they will grow in my garden. Last year I put one of them in a hanging basket, and it produced masses of tomatoes.

If I had been more organised, I suppose I could have grown them from seed, and that would also have been more economical. Perhaps I will try that next year.

Cheaper Eco-friendly Cleaning

In the interests of making me happier, I think I'm going to start with making the environment a little happier. I've had some thoughts on cleaning, and how much money is wasted on cleaning products.

I find that I spend too much on cleaning products. They can be expensive and I always feel a little bit guilty when the excess bleach, cream cleaner or other such chemical is washed away down my drain. Surely when all of us are using chemicals in cleaning, it must be (just a little bit) harmful to the environment.

I’m planning to cut the cost of my shopping by trying to use vinegar in my cleaning routine. Vinegar is really versatile and can be used on many surfaces to get rid of grime, grease or mildew.

Starting with my drain, I have tipped a few spoonfuls of baking soda into the drain and then splashed down some vinegar. The mixture foamed up, and I allowed it to settle. I repeated the process a couple of time and then left the vinegar / baking soda cocktail for a few hours to do its work. Well pleased with myself, I now have a lovely fresh, clean drain, and have a few more pennies in my pocket.

Another area where I now like to use vinegar as a cleaner is on my kitchen work tops and the top of my cooker. I use a non-abrasive sponge and pour out a measure of neat vinegar. I simply wipe surfaces down and the vinegar cuts through the grease or grim. (Not that I have a greasy kitchen though!) There is no need to wait for a chemical product to work, the vinegar does the trick straight away.

I put my head in the microwave the other day, and instantly wished I hadn’t. I found caked on food residue, stuck firmly to the sides. Armed with my bottle of vinegar, my new weapon against grease, I set about cleaning up the microwave. I took a microwave-proof bowl and filled it halfway with water and vinegar, around 50/50. I put it in the microwave, turned on the power for about two minutes, and let the magic work. The acid in the vinegar sanitizes and eliminates odours while the steam from the water gets to work on the stubborn food residue. After the two minutes, and using gloves, I removed the bowl of hot water. I took a clean sponge, dipped it in the water/vinegar mix and simply wiped around the inside of the microwave. No scrubbing needed, and the surfaces came up gleaming.

I did read that vinegar should not be used on marble, and if using on wood or tiles it should first be tested in case of damage or staining. Common sense is also important, so use gloves when cleaning with vinegar and don’t get it in your eyes, as it will sting.

 
I hope that someone finds this suggestion useful, and starts saving pennies by cleaning with vinegar. I'd welcome thoughts from anyone else for other uses for vinegar (aside from splashing on a portion of chips!)