You said it

STAR LETTER

Farming life

I loved reading the interview with Mary McEvoy in Woman's Way. Mary has her finger on the pulse when it comes to farmers and the solitary life some farmers lead. Much as they care for their animals, they cannot take the place of human company. The days of three or four of a family staying at home on the family farm has long gone. That number of people just cannot make a living on a farm anymore. The more modern methods of farming require less manpower. As Mary says it is also difficult to find people to come in to work on farms. So, the farmer struggles on alone. Since Covid, the weekly visit to the mart has gone. Older farmers are rarely on social media. But for those who are, it is a great outlet. During these difficult times, it is important that farmers look after their mental health. It is also important that we look out for each other now, more than ever before.

Marian Dalton, Carlow

Love your Garden

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Grow Your Own feature in the 22 February issue of Woman’s Way. It’s something I’ve been doing for a couple of years now and can certainly vouch for growing vegetables as a great (and somewhat addictive!) hobby. As well as the benefits outlined in the article, I’d like to mention the boost to mental health that it can give. It’s a good way to get some exercise, spend time outdoors and participate in an activity that quietens the mind, all of which are beneficial to mental health. Most of all for me, it’s been the acquisition of new skills in growing vegetables and the sense of achievement when I’m tucking into what I’ve grown which have helped boost my self-esteem when I’ve been at a low ebb. I’d certainly encourage others to give it a go.

Sarah Warburton, Dublin

Cover Star Fave

I am writing to you after reading of your interview with Bláithnaid Ní Chofaigh. I had a great laugh reading this particular part of Woman’s Way. I found it extremely relatable and interesting to hear from another mother with grown up kids in the house during COVID. It is a subject that I do not feel is touched on enough and so I thoroughly enjoyed reading this piece. Keep up the good work.

Mary, Dublin

Gentleman Reader 

If you would permit the husband of one of your regular readers to grace your letters page, I would very much like to thank you for your piece on Viagra Connect. I had noticed this medication was now available at my local chemist. Like your intrepid correspondent, Daithí, I have no issues that would require purchasing said medication. Still, I was curious. What exactly happens during the ‘pharmacist consultation’? What questions are asked? Why is it necessary? Then I happened upon my wife’s copy of Woman’s Way, opened to the very page describing Daithí’s experience. Needless to say, I was impelled to read the piece and very pleased afterwards that I did. Again, I’d like to reiterate I have absolutely no problems in that department. But it’s good to know what the process involves. It was a most informative piece. Go raibh maith agaibh, Daithí and the Woman’s Way team. 

It's a Man’s World

I recently came across the term ‘mansplaining’. It describes that habit of certain men to explain the blatantly obvious to women, often on subjects the woman concerned knows far more about. Then, by coincidence I came upon a most excellent example of the term.  

I recently purchased one of those upright, cordless vacuum cleaners and I keep it on charge in a corner of the kitchen. My husband, who has never vacuumed in our entire 26-year marriage, has taken to using this particular model on the kitchen floor. It’s as easy as using a sweeping brush after all. So, last weekend I asked him to help out with some housework and vacuum the carpets upstairs, which he duly did. After that one experience of vacuuming carpets, he offered me several useful ‘tips’ on how to do it properly. I could have told him to get lost. I could have told him that after 26 years of being the only person who vacuums the carpets in our home, he could take his ‘tips’ and shove them. Instead, I listened respectfully and praised him fulsomely for his insights. He’ll be vacuuming the upstairs carpets for the rest of our married life now – a good result from my point of view.    

I’d be interested to hear if other readers have examples of mansplaining they’d like

to share. 

Grace, Meath   

Fashion Revolution

I was blown away by your special report on the fast fashion industry. I’m almost ashamed of how ignorant I was about where our clothes came from. My heart goes out to garment worker Labonie, her sister and all the other people who work endless hours for such little pay or basic living conditions. I am going to make a conscious effort to look after the clothes I have, as stylist Eoin recommends. I recently purchased from Loopster, which was really easy to use and had such fast delivery. Many thanks to the team at Woman’s Way for highlighting such an important issue.

Geraldine, Donegal

Warrior Women

What a remarkable feature in your last issue, commending some of the hard working and empowering women here in Ireland. I am a big fan of Vicky Phelan and loved her in your previous cover star interviews as well as her appearance on the Late Late Show. My daughter purchased Vicky’s book, Overcoming and I was in complete awe of how inspiring and strong she is despite all the upset she had throughout her time. I am wishing her all the best over in America and hoping to have her here in Ireland again soon. A remarkable woman and great role model.

Sharon, Mayo

Lockdown Blues

I really resonated with your article on the hardship of lockdown. I am a single mother who raised all her children, but I live alone and far away from my children. I saw them in December for Christmas. We had such a fun Christmas with laughter and love, one I will never forget. When times get lonely, I try to go out for a walk, no matter what the weather is, just to get out and clear my head. I also think back on the Christmas I had with my family and remember that we will get together very soon. For now, we just need to be patient. It can be hard but we all get through this. 

Many thanks to Woman’s Way for providing such an uplifting, relatable and honest magazine.

Maggie, Limerick

Household Tips

We’re always on the look-out for household tips to share with our readers. Please send us you own nuggets of advice so we can spread the word!

Re-season cast iron

Over-scrubbing a cast iron cooking pan with metal scouring pads can remove its seasoning. To restore the finish, clean with a bit of mild dish soap, then rinse and dry well. Coat the inside and outside with vegetable oil and bake upside down in the oven at 230 degrees for one hour. Let cool and remove excess grease with a paper towel.

Freshen the shower curtain

To banish moldy spots, throw plastic or vinyl curtains in the washing machine with a little detergent. Add two to three bath towels for extra cleaning agitation. Hang it up wet. To keep it fresher longer, stretch the curtain out after each shower to help moisture dissipate.

From our readers:

Where’s the remote?

We used to spend so much time searching for the TV and cable remotes. It used to drive me nuts. Then I decided to get a small wicker basket for them and placed it on the coffee table. It took a bit of time for my husband and teenage kids to get into the habit of putting the remotes in to them but, after a while, they realised how much it easier it made life. There are lots of lovely baskets available these days so it should be easy to find one that matches your décor.

Eleanor, Laois

Flower season is coming

I love this time of year when you can pick up small bunches of unopened daffodils in the supermarket for less than €2, Just place them in water on a sunny windowsill and they’ll be open in a day or two. Then you’ll have that beautiful burst of spring sunshine in your home, no matter what the weather is like outside.

Janice, Dublin

Cleaning Vases

The insides of glass flower vases often get dusty and stained. If the vase is too big and awkward to fit in the dishwasher, try this tip. Pour some diluted household vinegar to about a third of the way up. Either swoosh the solution around or don a pair of rubber gloves and use a cloth. Rinse clean and the flower vase should be sparkling.

Linda, Wicklow