Personal Observations & Findings

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GENERAL DISCLAIMER:
The observations on these page(s) are our personal observations
not official recommendations or findings.

Home Appliances
- Vacuum Cleaners
  - We have found the old 720 Elctrolux to be an EXCELLENT workhorse, well worth reparing
    Do not sell it in a hurry !
    It's main drawback is it's weight
  - We have found our Volta to be nice and light with excellent suction, but with a few shortcomings, Namely:
    The Full-power/Variable-speed swtitch;
    - it keeps getting knocked by the hose.
    The attachments;
    - the upholstery nozzle keeps coming off
    - the carpet/lino head keeps getting knocked to the wrong setting
    - the cable for the power-head keeps pulling free of the connector on the cleaner body
- Toasters
  - We found a Kambrook toaster we had to be reliable apart from the plastic handle which split just after warranty expired and it never reliably toasted both sides of the bread evenly (but then not many do !).
  - We now have a Breville Thick n Thin 800 which is extremely satisfactory
- Sandwich Makers
  - We have found our Breville `The Jumbo' toasted sandwich maker to be very satisfactory.
- Video
  - We have been very pleased with our Panasonic VCR over the past 10 years !
- TV
  - We have recently upgraded to a TEAC set which apart from not having a headphone jack, is proving very satisfactory.
- Washing Machine
  - We cannot speak highly enough of our Fisher & Paykel "Gentle Annie" Electronic clothes washer.
    We also know of several others who own these machines and have done almost since they were released many years ago.
    They are an excellent machine !
- Microwave
  - Our Panasonic is proving reliable and totally adequate after several years service.
  - The Sanyo we owned for many years prior to that served well also, and was passed on to other owners who are still using it.
- Air Conditioning
  - The Panasonic reverse-cycle split-system air-conditioner we installed several years ago is fabulous !
    If you want a cost effective way of heating your house ... install one !
    The only improvements I would like in a system are:
  1. The auto-on function to include a temperature threshold trigger in addition to a pre-set time.
  2. The automated air direction system to include Horizontal swing as well as Vertical swing.

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DISCLAIMER:
Observations relating to medicines we have found effective in various situations are provided
for your own thoughts and investigation.
We DO NOT recommend their use without appropriate medical consultation !

Medicines
- Children
  - We have found baby Panadol to be wonderful for teething pain and for controlling temperatures.
    We have (under instruction) safely given 20mg Paracetamol per 1kg body weight doses, to our 18mnth old during fevers.
    DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST !
  - Welleda herbal Nappy Rash ointment from Welleda in NZ is the best we can find having tried many of the other commonly available products.
  - Welleda herbal Baby Teething Powder from Welleda in NZ has proved comforting during teething when we'd tried everything else !
  - Gaviscon liquid was an absolute saviour to us with both our kids who suffered Reflux.
    DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST !
  - Mylanta liquid was equally as beneficial when used for wind/colic in the kids.
    DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST !
- Digestion
- Allergies
  - Both my wife and I have found the antihistimine Zadine tablets to be most beneficial in controlling a range of allergic reactions.
    Zadine has not caused us the drowsiness or other side-effects of other antihistimines.
    For myself, it has meant freedom from perpetually itchy eyes and a reduction in my Asthma !
    DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST !

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Food/Drinks
- Drinks
  - Lemon Lime & Bitters
    Chilled 300ml glass, 3-10ml bitters (depending on taste), 15-40ml Lime Juice cordial (depending on taste), ice cubes, fill with lemonade.
- Microwave Cooking
  - Potatoes
    To get a nicely steam cooked potatoe, scrub the potatoe, pierce with a fork a couple of times, wrap tightly in cling-wrap,place on microwave turntable and cook on high (900W microwave) for 3-4 minutes depending on potatoe size.

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Toys
- TOMY Trains
  The Australian importer for TOMY trains is JNH Toys in Melbourne.
  - Phone:
  - Fax:
- Parts must be ordered / purchased through local suppliers such as ToyWorld, World-4-Kids etc.
  Part numbers for the bits we we know of, are;
  - 1/2-track Reverse Switch
  - Y-points (2 per pack)
  - Siding points (2 per pack)
  - 1/2-track sections - no longer available
  - Adaptor pieces (6 per pack)
  - 3-way points
  - Bridge set
  - Ramps (2 per set)

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