Rather an action packed day today. Shula had to go for her booster injection and as we were half way there I decided to take both dogs to Loch Fleet which is a really lovely place for a walk along the beach and dunes. Shula was swimming alongside as I walked down the shoreline when suddenly I noticed three large seals in the water. They seemed quite unafraid and popped up to watch us several times. One started to swim toward Shula and she noticed when it was about six feet away I think she thought it was a dog with fantastic swimming skills! I had to call her in because I'm not sure what would have happened if they had got any closer.
On the way back we went in to see Sian, Douglas and the children my youngest son Chris was also there helping them to do some building work. Tristan seems to have grown so much in such a short time. According to Jacob he only eats and sleeps a bit boring really! He is absolutely lovely, in fact they both are. I have finally bought a digital camera after trying to decide which one for what seems like months and shall take some pictures to post on the blog next week.
I thought you might be interested in some information I have been reading about hand cleaning alcohol gels which in these days of resistant bacteria have been enjoying increased sales. It was found that the best thing still for cleaning hands is soap and water. The gels are fine in their place when used on frequently washed hands for example nurses but in the household should be used in moderation only as a backup.They have very little effect on dirty hands. It also depends on what kind of germs they are up against. They
are not going to protect you in the kitchen because fatty and
proteinaceous materials -- the kind from meat, fish, eggs, milk, and
legumes are actually resistant to all alcohol-based hand gels.
It was also pointed out by a recent study that the active ingredient ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, must have a
concentration of 60 percent or higher to be effective. Otherwise it’s like
washing your hands without soap. Those products with 40 percent or less
alcohol were not effective in fighting any germs.
The downside to the higher dosage is the danger of alcoholic poisoning
to children. A couple of squirts are enough to overdose a child,
particularly very young children who are constantly putting their
fingers in their mouths. Soap and water, along with plenty, of nagging
is still the best way.
Linda
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