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I can truly relate to this regarding my (thankfully) ex-wife. Once we got married, she absolutely hated anything to do with my hobbies and interests - but especially railways in any form. It really was like somebody had flicked a switch. However, the initial sign wasn't to do with railways at all, but my childhood collection of Lego that I had stored in the loft. One day, I went up there to find some bits and noticed that it was missing. When I asked her where it was, I found that she had decided that it was taking up space and had taken it down to a car boot sale and sold the lot for £5. There must have been coming close to 200 sets there (no boxes but all with instructions) and represented many happy childhood memories creating things. I also found that most of my remaining OO gauge stuff had also been taken and sold; although this time for £10 (five locomotives and around 25 items of rolling stock). I did however notice that her collection of Dolls had not been touched and were all still safely stored in the loft. I was working for RBS as a Commercial Manager during the early days of the financial crisis and ended up very ill due to the huge fall-out caused by a small percentage of those employed. I ended up off work for six months initially, and put on anti-depressants and counselling. It was during these sessions where it was suggested that I finally build my N-gauge layout as part of my rehabilitation. With the help of my father, a start was made and my mental state started to improve. During the counselling sessions, I was always told that I should involve my wife (who would never come) and I was always left feeling like the counselor thought I wasn't asking her. Anyway, eventually I attempted to go back to work. After one very long and stressful day at work, I came home to find the layout stripped of track and some of the boards in the process of being destroyed. Stock had been flung into draws and much was damaged as a result. When I asked what she was doing, she told me that, as I was better now, I had no need for "stupid toys". From that point onward, anything to do with my hobbies, of any, kind was bad - although I did manage to save most of the remains of my N-Gauge collection - despite her best efforts to try and get me to sell it, as we were "short of money". A few months later, I suffered a complete relapse and ended up having to leave the bank and eventually ended up as a self-employed ice skating coach for the next five years. We split in 2012 when I was in such a state that I just couldn't live in the same house anymore. She then decided to move north and emptied the house of pretty much everything she could -although I did manage, after some argument, to save the bed and most of the furniture that I had owned from before our marriage. She always complained that I spent far too much money on model railways - which in either case had stopped in 2009. Imagine my surprise when I found out that, rather than being on the verge of being destitute, she had been earning £10k per year more than I had - she'd managed to spend just over £16k on clothes and shoes in 18 months! Thankfully, that is seven years in the past but I still struggle to accept that there is nothing bad about modelling. Luckily, I am most fortunate in my new (if five years together can be considered new) girlfriend, Kate, who is so understanding and supportive of my hobbies and interests.

#2 daughter and SiL hired a tour bus and took their friends on a brewery crawl south of LA to celebrate their combined age of 90 years. The bus was full. (Daughter on right.)

' Morning all from red dragon land. A few pics from Friday below. Taking note that it was the longest day, and that it was a "nice day", I suggested we spent the afternoon at the National Slate Museum in Llanberis with ride on the Lake Railway behind a Hunslet. Idea duly taken up, with lunch in the famous mountaineer's cafe, Pete's Eats and ride behind Dolbadarn. Hunslet Elidir's boiler was receiving some attention outside the shed -another beautiful engine we road behind earlier in the year. In light of my current cakebox challenge attempt, my focus in the museum was on the slate wagons, a few from the Ffestiniog Railway and a couple sporting the letters GWR. We also inspected and inquired of the incline, the only one in preservation in Wales (UK?) that is in working order. Tea and bara brith also devoured. As last year, the weather, though somewhat chillier, was good enough to go out for a walk to catch the evening sunset. Again, as last year, there was a band of cloud on the horizon which permitted little in the way of a spectacular one. However...we did see across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man and the Lake District as we went round the mountain to the north - I did wave in case any of you were out there waving at us! Foxgloves and red campion taking on a deep hue in the evening sun, the cloud just enveloping the sun. As the camera saw it. It was a lot lighter than this to our eyes but there you go! Saturday at West Shore with several members bringing their locos, a 31/2" gauge steam tender loco, Torquay Manor, 4MT and a Ruston 4WD battery-electric shunter. A great down-on-the-beach-day so passengers were a bit sparse at times but we gave a good number of rides overall. No let up on Sunday as we helped out on the Conwy Valley Railway. Hot and humid when the sun came out and rained as we put the stock away. Time for some m*ddling, today.

Sunset on the solstice found me airborne and headed north to Portland. Naturally the sun took a very long time to set. The landscape was very hazy - which created interesting effects - like Mt Shasta looking like a giant sundial - projecting a monstrously large triangular shadow in the haze and a strange view of what I presume was the night separator appearing as a dark band in the haze on the horizon, despite a blue sky. Then a mostly lazy weekend for me. Saturday was really lovely, and I roused myself enough to run some errands in the afternoon. I slept in this morning, waking to watch Señor Lopez' double effort at Queens. I missed the other 37-year old's title match in Germany and a fellow south-east Queenslander's contest with her doubles partner in Brum, both of which occurred before i surfaced. Back to work tomorrow.

Snap - I had exactly the same experience of a switch being flicked with my ex-wife. We parted 13 years ago. She hated everything I did - the band, the railway, my friends....Luckily she didn't think to attack my models after the split up. But she did go through just about every railway book I had tearing several pages out from each. It's taken me all these years to replace them and there's still many I haven't. I've been with my partner Chris for 13 years but we knew each other at school and went out together then. She's lovely. She's interested in my hobbies (as I am in hers) and only too pleased to get me out of the way into the workshop so she can get one with her things. She loves the layout and likes my guitar playing - who could wish for more.....

Thanks for that, Steve, It must have taken some courage to compose that post. As you know, I can relate first-hand to the effects of depression. I empathise rather than sympathise. Railway modelling, in all forms, can be a fantastic antidote to feeling 'down'. In my darkest days, I found it hard to even pick up the iron (normally a natural extension of my right hand!), but by 'nibbling' away, a bit at a time and actually making something (however small) things improved, especially with the help of family and friends. You have in Kate, a treasure. As such treasure her. We railway modellers (especially in my case) are often helpless without an understanding wife/partner. What you're building (and showing us all here) is a testament to your recovery and resolve. Good on you my young friend! Kindest regards, Tony.

Good Afterlunch all It is somewhat warm and humid Upon the Hill of Strawberries but neither is at the levels reached around 07.30 this morning. Shirt-sleeves and (mandatory) hi-viz were too hot and the tie had to go. Tomorrow being forecast likewise I might be obliged to parade in uniform bathers with hi-viz flotation arm-bands It is also medickle week - the first of several - with SWMBO having seen the GP earlier today. She was found to have a blood pressure and given something to take to lower it a bit. She was also reassured that her anxiety level is normal in the days before surgery and was nothing to fret over. We shall see tonight whether that advice has taken root. Tomorrow it is my turn. A follow-up to the six-month cough which I am finally and hopefully permanently rid of. On Thursday SWMBO returns to the hospital for the result of her second sleep assessment. At her request I shall be with her in case the news drives her anxiety back off the scale as happened the last time. Currently I have no computer access as I am in the throes of decommissioning one and setting up another. The process is being delayed by a need for a pair of AAA batteries. Our village shop doesn’t sell them. It’s a decent walk to the next likely outlet and not one I wish to make for such a small item. These things can wait. I can access most of my life via the Telling Bone. Best wishes to one and all.

Morning All I paid a trip to my daughters yesterday to see Zeus he's cleaver one that's for sure and judging by those legs and paws going to be a big one he looks small in the body at the moment but he was one of 10

eye appointment attended. New eye drops to be used ..not sure I am entirely sure of the doctor who used a needle to assess my eye pressure levels. Was OK walking home but now it has stopped raining it is brightening up my eyes are telling me to go somewhere darker. Pah! Had a nice conversation with Mals' widow Gabe this morning. She has good days and bad days but hopefully today is a better day. TTFN Baz

Sunny Teignmouth was struggling to be sunny today with sea fog hanging around. Mother has been rushed into hospital for check on possible PE as she has been short of breath recently. So I am sat in the Ambulatory dept. My missus is waiting for a gp call back for possible anaemia drugs. What an interview on Radio 5 Live this morning from Liam Gallagher. In a 2 or 3 minute interview he managed to say "you know what I mean" about 18 times. At one stage he managed a double "know what I mean" within seconds. Almost as eloquent as that orange orator over the pond.

Thats one brewery on our to do list, done many in the LA metro area but still plenty of them to visit. This upcoming trip it will be back to Denver, Salt Lake City and the NW including meeting up with Andrew C's brother and other half, as we are staying in their town this trip. Good morning from another warm and sunny Surrey. The storms didnt happen over the weekend so apart form a day out on Saturday to visit numerous pubs and bars in Bristol ( I needed a beer to ease my back pain after spending time on an IET from reading to Temple Meads), we even visited a new brewery and tap room on the site of the old St Georges brewery. Back to shed news, the cladding is now complete on one side and well on its way to completion on the other elevations. Power is now on and yesterday I ran the ethernet cable though the wall of the house then in a hose pipe up the side of the garden and in through the shed walls with all penetrations filled with sealant. Still requires a couple more cables to be run through the trunking to allow for the CCTV and TV computer. All old computers that had been lying around but now have a use and if they got stolen then they are worthless to anyone but the shed is pretty secure and will be even more so by the time I am finished. Currently typing this from the shed. The old portable fridge was moved into the shed this morning and is cooling down. First bi of furniture arrived over the weekend and now assembled and as its very suitable I will be getting another table like it for the spray booth etc. Shelving to be sorted next. Off to mums to see brother as hes up form the West. Two more large bags of topsoil to move aswell. With the forecast high and humid weather in parts of the UK, try to keep cool this week all.

Mooring Awl Inner Temple Hare, 1 hour solid sleep followed 5.5 hours sleep by another 1.5 in the sofa...The unusual thing is because of the events ChrisF mentioned on TV , I went to bed at 19:30, to read a book or two. Falling asleep at around 20:30 the first time.. with the second book on my chest.. Ben was happy out on his patrol this morning until he heard gun fire, at 05:50 ... definately not bird scarers so I suspect poachers down toward the farm that keeps pheasants and near the trees where the deer are.. it's dry and slighly overcast at the moment quite humid again. I built my boat 20-25 years ago in Saudi, I didn't get to sail it much because they then posted us up into the mountains. Back then on shift work and living in a hotel I had plenty of spare time, I can assure the Hippo that it would take a lot longer to build another one than rebuild this one.. Other than the control console, keel, and a small dress panel , reconstruction work is almost complete. It's almost time for sand, paint sand, paint, sand, varnish , sand varnish, sand varnish. I'm hoping next week to do a trial mast fit and see what rigging I need,... Now where did that Ormiston splcer go, I last used it 20 years ago.. One major system to do this week.. Time to go see if I can prise it off of them..

Good morning one and all For once, let me begin with a couple of irritations. My broadband connection went down three times yesterday. I’m not sure that a wireless connection would be any more robust than the cable on which I rely at present but if there is to be an epidemic of the router flashing lights coloured other than blue I shall have to give it some serious thought. The other gripe concerns TV schedules. It is already an established fact that the Radio Times is a waste of money during Wimbledon fortnight because matches over-run, especially if Sir Andy Murray is playing, and get switched between channels at a moment’s notice for the same reason. Now we have women’s football, with listings such as “If a match is shown …”. Last night both BBC1 and BBC4 were running very late because of football coverage. There is no obvious solution except making up ones mind what is to be shown and when, which is clearly not as easy as it sounds. There is plenty in the diary this week. This afternoon I have my postponed appointment with Professor Oncologist. I hope that no nasty news is awaiting me. Logically, if it was not so good news my audience with the great man would not have been postponed. On Wednesday evening I am in London for an album launch, that of “The Way Is Clear” by the rising young singer-songwriter Elliott Morris. I’ve had my copy for a few months, possibly because I took part in the crowd funding process. On Thursday I’m in Stevenage with Poorly Pal and the toolkit, which I loaded into the car yesterday morning. The following day I have my 12-weekly appointment with Sister Syringe for the Zoladex injection that is keeping my cancer at bay. For Saturday, watch this space. I might need to borrow a Tardis. Don’t mind me. I’m growing anxious and excited about a forthcoming event. There are instructions in the pipeline and they will be with me all in good time. I hope … Best wishes to all Chris

G'Day Folks

Afternoon all. Our flight from Gatwick was delayed 15 minutes due to lack of crew (their previous flight was delayed) but we arrived in Milan 5 minutes early. 32C and sunny here. It may get warmer though the instructions for our trip on Wednesday are to wear sensible shoes and warm clothing. I shall definitely take my hat. Tony

Well it's more like winter here at the moment, radiator on, desk lamp on and it's dark and chuckinitdarn out there, not even ventured outside the door this morning, but need to collect some tablets from the chemists, so will have to don a sou'wester and be a brave soldier/sailor etc. Might make a dash for the diy shed for some brackets, see ya later

Morni g all from an overcast Charente. We are promised a 'Canicule" or something like that this week with temperatures in the high 30's. Apparently it's some form of heatwave. It was in the mid 30's yesterday and the pool was above 30. Time to fit the ladder and make use of it. The grass round the house vot mown in the heat yesterday. Then our friends arrived and a good meal was had with mych liquid refreshment taken. I managed half the washi g up last night and finished off this morning. The sparky arrived on time at 09.00 and is sorting out the 3 phase in the shed. I know my limitations. By tonight all the 3 phase wiring will be decommissioned but I will be able to use the wires as extra 240 volt feeds where I need them. Beth has set off to the doctors following a phone call after her blood test last week. I may even get some muddling done today. Regards to all. Jamie

Like Tony I have a wife who allows me to undertake my hobby. In fact when we were looking to leave Essex the "railway shed" was as important as the stables. One property she liked, well the stables, didn't have a "railway shed" so I told her that I would camp in garage until such time we got around to building one. She viewed the stables and bungalow on her own. I had a telephone call "The garage is no bigger than you already have, would you like the living room?" 20 feet by 15 feet room, near the kitchen, warm in the winter, and cool (north facing) in the summer, it would have been rude to say no. Don't worry we do have a living room which had been called the family room by the estate agent, it over looks the stables and horses. How lucky am I?

We go back in time to 11th August 1987 today to look at some trains at Penmanshiel on the ECML in Scotland. Penmanshiel 43154 down 11th Aug 87 C8945.jpg Penmanshiel 43105 up and ano down 11th Aug 87 C8946.jpg Penmanshiel 43158 up 11th Aug 87 C8947 Penmanshiel 37226 up van 11th Aug 87 C8948 Penmanshiel 47296 up freight 11th Aug 87 C8949 David

Good afternoon all. The sparky has left and the electrickey in the shed is now in a much better state. All the now redundant 3 phase outlets can now have 240v sockets fitted to them, using the previous wiring. This gives me much more flexibility than the previous set up and the various extension leads can be put away. the pool pump/filter is running a lot better on the full voltage. I will now be able to plug the layout in using it's proper lead that drops down from the ceiling. This whole saga came to light when I found myself having to use a 60W iron to solder small leads where I would have normally used a 15W one. The trains also ran very slowly so I eventually tested the supply and found that they were only getting 140 volts. The bill was very good as well. When I got the post there was more good news as my tax code has altered as my registration as a French taxpayer has finally been recognised by HMRC. Not only has this raised my monthly income but after talking to HMRC there is a substantial refund due shortly. I have to ask how many modelling tokens will that produce. Jamie

When we built our house, we put the railway room at one end and the sewing room at the other. We meet in the middle for meals, conversation, etc, etc. It works very well!

Morning awl, Long day at Lord's yesterday. I spent the day in a treatment centre as I couldn't lift. Mildly out of my comfort zone, but the manager let me take observations that are technically out of my remit and I was complemented by a doctor for the quality of my handovers. Wound cleaned and elastoplasted, off to a couple of meetings, training tonight, then another long day at Lord's tomorrow - this time in a foot patrol. Bill

Part 2 Her is round shortly we have the estate agent here to do the photo shoot I'm sure nothing will be right when IT turns up I have left it as she did last night I was still tidying the cave at 11pm last night I found space under the bed for 6 storage boxes so that's less to move around for this bod later. I was at the other surgery this morning they joined earlier this year with my regular one what a different staff all together pleasant, polite, helpful and friendly off to Specsavers Wednesday to have my hearing sorted out as Chrisf knows what a nightmare it's been for me we had to give up on a conversation at a show a while back. I need to write a shopping list for this weeks food, BBQ tomorrow with other daughter and SiL her seemed jealous when I mentioned it so it a few burgers & buns some sausages and there is several cuts of meat in the freezer to rustle up. Must get on enjoy your day L Aidbac

Good evening everyone Today’s weather wasn’t a nice as yesterday’s, lovely sunshine this morning, but quite dull after dinner. Anyway I managed to get all my gardening tasks done, I even found the time to reposition the box hedge in the back garden. I’d moved it last year when I relaid the patio and did intend to move it back, but never got round to it. Luckily the box aren’t very tall, I think they are all under 2ft tall and didn’t take much effort to move, but they are very well established now. They were only about 6in - 9in tall when we got them, probably around 15 years ago, but once they were all repositioned and firmly back in the ground, I clipped them. I must admit it does look a whole lot better know the hedge is closer to the patio, it also gives the plants behind it a bit more room to grow too! Just recently we’ve had a cat in the garden using the area between the box hedge and the patio as a toilet. Well it won’t be doing THAT anymore now. Once I’d finished for the afternoon, I packed up and came inside for a well earned muggertea. This was swiftly followed by another eyelid inspection and again just like yesterday there were no reports of pigs in the living room. This was followed by tea, which tonight was pork steak, roast potatoes and 2 veg, which went down very well indeed. Rain was forecast for some time around 6:00 this evening and it was almost right, we got the rain just after 6:30, so it was only out by 30 minutes. It was quite heavy and lasted for most of the evening, only stopping a few minutes ago. Goodnight all

The third day of 3 days golfing went well. In fact it went better than the two previous days. It was a combined 25th anniversary competition for my golf club and the previously mentioned British Inclusive Golf organisation. It was an absolute inspiration to watch these guys (and gals) playing. Their motto is a disability isn't an inability and some of them were very capable of hitting it further than most of our fully able-bodied members At the end of 18 holes, complete with a bit of sunburn, I emerged as the overall winner and was very proud to collect the BIG trophy and a nice decanter engraved with our 25th logo. There will be a handicap reduction as a consequence. Something I've been after for about 2 years! The evening party went even better and I was a bit late into work this morning.............. At least the phone at work was fairly quiet. Feeling kn@ckered now though. Have a good week folks. Cheers, Mick

Ah well, the best laid plans, and all that. Ten minutes after posting this morning's photos, the phone rang. Golf club stuff again, and an hour and thirty five minutes were lost. I did manage to do some running though, so we have more pictures in reserve. First up tonight though is yet another view of the goods. My intention is always to take several, post the best and bin the rest, but I always finish up showing the lot, as you often seem to like the ones I don't. We'll have a change now though. 60003 was followed on the Down goods by more coal empties, this time starting from New Southgate. Same old WD and minerals, but a new viewpoint, from the Midland lines below the bridge. I rather like this.

I am one of Tim's 75% who have been divorced but thankfully not because of model railways. She didn't know when she should keep her knickers on. All in the past, and the present Mrs M and I (not allowed to say me and Mrs M) have been together 33 years. Mrs M was also divorced when we met, we were both doing our nurse training and lived in hospital accommodation. Both being adults we sort of skipped some of the build up that happens in many relationships. At the end of one of our early dates she agreed to come back to my room. As she entered any intentions of what was to follow were soon diminished when she saw Southbridge. We just chatted about the train set and her like of horse riding. As for depression, I have been dipping in and out of it for most my adult life. I find when I am really ill I cannot model make, I lose all interest. It is at that point where hiding my craft knife is a good idea. An odd thing is when I am becoming ill and when I am recovering I am more creative than when I am well. Some people call depression their black dog, this is my black dog He is called Gus the Gundog. Walking Gus and the other dogs who have lived with him over the years has been as good as all the meds and counseling I have had.

Don't worry, Steve, You will regain the motivation and the belief. I know! When I was just a year or two older than you are now, I was gazing out of the window of a psychiatric ward wishing I were terminally-ill! Regards, Tony.

Thank you Tony, it isn't the whole story regarding my ex, but it is the bit that relates to my modelling activities. I also suffered the misfortune of working for and on behalf of a company who's senior management displayed many of the same traits (I really though it was just me until I was put in touch with over 20 other people with similar experiences with them). I'd actually say that they did deeper and longer lasting damage. My own recovery (as Kate will tell you) is, even now, very much a work in progress. I have good days and bad days but have never quite recovered the positive and pro-active, "can do" attitude I had prior to 2009. Right now I have a shelf full of projects to complete but no will, motivation or belief to get on with them. You're sharing of your own experience and recovery has been a big inspiration to me and I use it to serve as a reminder that one day I will fully rediscover myself and be able to function consistently again.

Model the Western. Then she won't know how many locos you have cos they all look the same...

Good morning everyone Well the rain has stopped, it got quite heavy just as we were going to bed last night, but thankfully the days exertions meant that it didn’t wake me. In fact I didn’t even hear the radio come on this morning! Breakfast has now been consumed and I’ve vacated the kitchen so that Sheila has it to herself whilst she gets ready for her Zumba class. Once she’s gone a bit more pottering about in the cellar is the order of the day. Mainly organising stuff and packing away items that aren’t immediately required. I may even get an hour or so in the workshop if I’m lucky. Tonight the plan plan is to go swimming at Salford Quays, where I’m hoping that the water has warmed up a little from the last few weeks. Back later, enjoy the day.

Morning All, It is a nice bright morning in this part of the world. At the moment, the temperature is quite pleasant, but we are supposed to get 39°C by the middle of the week. Won't that be fun?!? Time for a coffee. Have a good day everyone...

Having checked with my wife (I should have done that sooner, shouldn't I?), I have to modify slightly what I wrote in my previous post. The house her relatives owned was not the house Jackie Stewart was born in, but the one he and his wife moved to soon after they were married, a couple of houses away from his childhood home. Both houses are in a short row of four, between the exit from Dumbuck quarry and the garage (now Lindsay's), on the main road, the A82. And yes, you'd have to be nuts not to be keeping up with the traffic on that stretch of road.

Thanks Tony, While I've never been admitted onto a psychiatric ward, I do wonder if that is because I stopped talking to my (at the time) doctor about things. This came about because the anti-depressants I was prescribed (ciltalopram) had the unfortunate side effect of making me physically very ill. When I told my doctor of this, I was told that that they didn't believe me, it was all I was going to get and I had a choice: either take the tables or do without. I chose the latter and never went back. Kate has recently convinced me to give things another go at my new surgery and seek another course of counselling. I do remember sitting at a friends funeral in 2012 feeling very envious. He had recently committed suicide and, at the time, I really wished that I had had the conviction to go through with my own attempt a few months earlier - I truly believed that he was the lucky one. That led to my conclusion (in a bizarre twisted logic that I cannot explain) that I'd failed completely and there was nothing I could do to keep my marriage going any longer. It wasn't until sometime after we split that I realised where (in hindsight, only some of) the problems really lay. It was then that my remaining friends came forward and told me that they had seen this long ago but didn't know how to broach the subject. Apologies to those who do not wish to read about such things, its really very long and complicated and I don't think I fully understand all of it myself. I'll draw a line under my own self pity here.

Moaning all. Weekend a flurry of activity of various sorts, however modeling managed to be avoided Saturday we spent much of the day "hanging out" with Trevor and Meagan, discussing their varous plans and them having requested the benefit of our input. Saturday evening a great choir party, enjoyed certainly by me and the Mrs, and hopefully "all". Sunday spent most of the day at the new house, my tasks included installing a couple of ceiling fans, the Mrs painting her "room" and the bathroom. We have his and hers "rooms" in the new place so she's anxious to get that to her liking. Other work there seems to be moving along, although the contractor had hoped to have the main area painted last week, but the new back door hasn't arrived yet, and that'll make a mess of the area around it which will need re-finishing, the paining is delayed - oh well. Weather here was variable all weekend, some rain showers and some nice periods. Today 13 first thing and cloudy, heading for 21 and rain off-and-on most of the day supposedly. Onward...

Sorry for all of the separate posts but the pictures are too large to upload together. photos start on page 6

Morning all from Estuary-Land. I'm with Chris on the way the BBC throws the schedule out of the window whenever there is a major sports event on. What made it worse last night was when I switched the TV on for the news at 6:35 the final whistle had been blown on the match but we still had to endure another fifteen minutes of talking heads discussing every minute detail of the match several times over when most of those with any interest were on their way to the pub. On to other things, my friends daughter is going to Orsett for a brain scan so I will have to drop her off before the appointed time and she can give me a call when shes finished. The reason I will not wait is the parking charges most of which goes into the pockets of the private company running the car parks on behalf of the local health authority. Thats it for now, be back later.

A bit of a grey start to the week in North Swampshire but like most parts it's forecast to get hot and humid later. Off to take The Toe to see the practice nurse in a few minutes; had a letter from the podiatrists saying that they are very busy and it will be about four weeks before they contact me again to make an appointment! I suppose that they are hoping the problem will have gone away by the time I actually get to see them. Not much else on note planned until Thursday when I'm off to Leatherhead to see No. 2 son and family with a day in London on Friday for a reunion pissup lunch and home on Saturday. In the meantime maybe if I'm very good some quality workshop time may be possible? Here's hoping everyone out there has a good week whilst my thoughts and prayers are for those who can't. Chris - good luck with the medical appointment. Dave

Golf at Rothley today, right next to the GCR. Sadly, the trees have grown so much now that fleeting glimpses are all that is on offer. We still have one more close up of 60003. Andrew K is getting high on the list for Timming, after which he may get to feature on some of the top expresses. Swing the camera round from that view, and the carriage sidings come into view, which is good, as another lovely D16 is waiting there with the stock for the 5.13 March local.

And there goes another few hours that I'll never get back, which at my age is an ever increasing percentage of the remainder. I was trying make the wireless connection between MrsID's Nikon and her Chromebook work. Nikon makes good cameras but their software applications are a festering pile of dog....

Ey up! Bit wet here but it should be ok for various cricket matches to be umpired this week. Crust earning then eye appointment with Doctor Clumsy (he always has a problem using the machine which presses a steel needle against your eye to get accurate eye pressure readings.) This afternoon, following the appointment, may involve more eyelid inspection. Enjoy your day everyone! Baz

G'Day Folks

A quiet corner of Bleat Wharf snapped by Norman Lockhart...

I've been fortunate in my choice of life partner who I met in 1971 and married two years later. We have a number of shared and individual hobbies and give each other space when needed. Background may be part of it as when our respective mothers met we found that they were bought up in adjacent courtyards in the old back-to-backs in inner city Birmingham in the 1930s. My mother played with Anne's aunt as a child. We don't have money secrets and discuss big purchases like mountain bikes and so on. I maintain the bikes, string her tennis racquets and do the messy jobs whilst she is queen of the kitchen and sewing room. She prefers going by train where possible, enjoys visiting preserved lines and can tell the difference between a 37 and 47. Of course we've hit rough patches but worked through them, supporting each other through our personal bad times.

For me it was a combination of desperately trying to make things work despite always being told you're not good enough, etc. You love somebody and you'll try and do anything to make life better - I took the vows and did everything I could think of to honour them. Eventually you loose track of what's really going on and who you really are. Before you know it, you're accepting that you are the person always in the wrong and that your opinion/needs are somehow lesser than your partner's. That creates a situation where you can be taken advantage of and you'll accept it; for a time at least.

Aren't estate agents #uckwits I offered him the door twice he wanted 24 weeks to sell this house I said if you need all that time you can't be any good and I don't want to lose out on a flat because of your ineptitude I got it to 12 weeks, only Her could have found this #ick #ead the photo's were rubbish they are sending someone else in an hour to re do them I suppose his appearance scruffy in an ill fitting suit should have told me something and he had bad breath PAH I better have a look in the freezer to see what is there or it will be "burger ding" for dinner tonight I can't be arsed to cook tonight. I got bored this afternoon I went down to Howdens and got a new kitchen plan for the new place if I get it, if and when I do move in I can crack on and destroy the one that's there have this delivered the following day fun fun fun . Lordin Ittup