Early Risers.

[Tony_S]

We went to collect a parcel from the sorting office. The nice lady said it is taking 48 hours now for undelivered packages to get through the system for collection. 
Then we went to Sainsbury to get the items we forgot to get yesterday. There will be probably another trip tomorrow  to get stuff forgotten today. This is nothing to do with Christmas shopping, just normal stuff. Sainsbury had their Christmas music selection including one tune I had never heard before “I want a  hippopotamus for Christmas “. I wonder who requested that. 
Tony
 

[The Stationmaster]

Afternoonall,

 

Ozxp while I've never been to the USA I have seen 'Men In Black 2' several times so can quite understand why staff in the USPS behave rather oddly.  And sorry Baz that I won't be seeing you this weekend at Peterboro' but Red Leader has me noted for a future occasion should one arise - notwithstanding my having to say 'no' this time round.

 

In news nearer to home Charlie was allowed out this morning and promptly headed for next door's garden where he duly managed to vanish.  He eventually returned to our front garden a v couple of hours later and has since been trying to work his way back into the management's good books - he appears to be succeeding.  His mother seems to have no interest in going out and seems to recognise a nice cosy indoors when she has found one.  In a rather unusual piece of entertainment we have received a pamphlet from one of the various Parliamentary candidates addressed by name to members of this household - except me.  The question of course is why wasn't I included as we are all on the voting register and the exclusion is obviously not an alphabetical matter.   So is it because they are sure I will vote for them or is it because they didn't think it worth bothering because they know I have a habit of spoiling ballot papers in Parliamentary elections?  Or are they just plain inefficient?

 

No quiz night tonight but we're having bangers and mash so that's a very good reason for not going out although I'm not sure if it's smog or smeg style (both are more than acceptable as far as I'm concerned).

 

Hoping the ailing are getting on recovering and that Jamie has had a good trip across France amidst the strikes.

[AndrewC]

7 minutes ago, The Stationmaster said:

Ozxp while I've never been to the USA I have seen 'Men In Black 2' several times so can quite understand why staff in the USPS behave rather oddly.  

I think that applies globally. Postal workers are a different species for sure. 

 

Having said that, pulling into the parking lot at Bexleyheath station in the morning you can hear the music and usually singing blaring from the open windows of our local Royal Mail depot. They are a great bunch there.

 

The UK doesn't know how good we have it with regards to a postal system. Canada Post seems to randomly process letters through the digestive tract of a not so nearby moose. It isn't unheard of for a letter to take 6 working days in the same town. If you live in a newer neighbourhood, forget door delivery. You have to schlep to a near by "super box" and pray that it hasn't been vandalised, or the idiot has actually put your mail into your slot. Parcel? Tough sh*t. Off to the depot near the airport that operates on banker's hours. 

[roundhouse]

Evening. 

 

Not been to Peterborough show but may be one day. However not this weekend as an xmas meal of our long time group of modellers who are / used to be members of Croydon MRS, then on Sunday should be in Borough market with Andrew C.

 

This afternoon been trying to find a wheel puller but so far not managed to find one in stock. However a friend nearby has one so that's a job for Monday as I now have the replacement gear all the way from across the pond - no doubt having travelled from China in the first place.

 

Also been working on Blackmoor building and have set up a new thread for the new layout. decided that N scale roofing sheets are much closer to the size required than the 4mm scale ones I have. So now to source more of these ratio sheets. Shame that Kernow do not6 appear to have any in stock as will be heading to their Guildford store tomorrow.

 

Oh and surprise surprise , my other halfs train is likely to be delayed due to a points failure between east Croydon and Gatwick.

Edited December 5, 2019 by roundhouse

[Ian Abel]

Hah.. even later check-in for me, on this fine BIN day. Took the BINs to the appropriate spot last night, however, since I was up at "o' crack sparrow" to retrieve Jemma from the airport it wouldn't have matter as I could have placed them there first thing

 

No movement on the client server access front - received an email with "here's what I'm using", dutifully applied it and still no go!

As in the past, I'm sure after several more days of sitting with my thumb up my arse staring at the ceiling they will EVENTUALLY determine there's some network setting preventing my access - the error message DOES suggest that as one possibility. However, I'm just guessing that they didn't bother to check that even though I included a very obvious screenshot of the error with includes said "suggested problem".

 

Tonight off to choir rehearsal which will be "extended". I'm also in our schola, and as we're singing at a reconciliation service Sunday afternoon, we are rehearsing for THAT after the regular rehearsal - will be a late night  Good thing we have a happy hour to take on extra fuel before hand

 

-5 and overcast retrieving Jemma from the airport, expecting partly sunny and high of 2 the balance of the day.

 

Enjoy.

 

[tetsudofan]

My car insurance expires tomorrow. Received a renewal notice on November 19th quoting a renewal premium of £327.31 (a reduction from last years £372.31) and a confirmation that as I pay by direct debit if they don't hear from me they will automatically renew the policy on the renewal date. Good, I thought, no need to contact them.

 

Yesterday received another reminder again stating that as I pay by direct debit there is no need to contact them as the policy would automatically renew.

 

Foe some reason I thought I had better contact them to ensure that all is ok. I'm glad I did. Phoned them and after a few minutes being told that my call is important to them I Finally got through to human being. The fun and games then started.....

 

First of all was told that the renewal premium in amount of £327.31 was incorrect and it should in fact be £427.31. It was blamed on a typist error. £427.31 was the premium to be paid.

 

Next I was told that they do not have my card details therefore, despite them stating this in their two letters. Asked why they did this said that they are aware of the incorrect wording of the letter but they have not worked out the way of amending the wording on the letter template.

 

Seeing that I was getting nowhere I ask to be transferred to a superior or his manager. No can do he says, they are busy dealing with previous days problems. All he can do is send them an email to ask them to contact me within 48 hours. No call received today, see what the next 24 hours brings.

 

What is scary about this episode is that if I had not contacted them yesterday I could have been driving the car tomorrow illegally and without insurance. 

 

And, you may ask,  who is the company behind all of this Micky Mouse activity ? It's Mercedes-Benz Insurance authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Took out the insurance two years ago when they offered Gap Insurance for the new car for the first year and things went smoothly until now. When I first purchased the policy Mercedes Benz Insurance used to operate out off Mercedes Benz UK in Milton Keynes but it now operates out of Princes Risborough as a stand alone operation. Have got a funny feeling that the insurance side of the business has been out-sourced to the new outfit.....

 

Keith

 

Had a chat with the Financial Ombudsman this morning who seemed, in a non-committal way, surprised at what I told them.

[tigerburnie]

43 minutes ago, tetsudofan said:

My car insurance expires tomorrow. Received a renewal notice on November 19th quoting a renewal premium of £327.31 (a reduction from last years £372.31) and a confirmation that as I pay by direct debit if they don't hear from me they will automatically renew the policy on the renewal date. Good, I thought, no need to contact them.

 

Yesterday received another reminder again stating that as I pay by direct debit there is no need to contact them as the policy would automatically renew.

 

Foe some reason I thought I had better contact them to ensure that all is ok. I'm glad I did. Phoned them and after a few minutes being told that my call is important to them I Finally got through to human being. The fun and games then started.....

 

First of all was told that the renewal premium in amount of £327.31 was incorrect and it should in fact be £427.31. It was blamed on a typist error. £427.31 was the premium to be paid.

 

Next I was told that they do not have my card details therefore, despite them stating this in their two letters. Asked why they did this said that they are aware of the incorrect wording of the letter but they have not worked out the way of amending the wording on the letter template.

 

Seeing that I was getting nowhere I ask to be transferred to a superior or his manager. No can do he says, they are busy dealing with previous days problems. All he can do is send them an email to ask them to contact me within 48 hours. No call received today, see what the next 24 hours brings.

 

What is scary about this episode is that if I had not contacted them yesterday I could have been driving the car tomorrow illegally and without insurance. 

 

And, you may ask,  who is the company behind all of this Micky Mouse activity ? It's Mercedes-Benz Insurance authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Took out the insurance two years ago when they offered Gap Insurance for the new car for the first year and things went smoothly until now. When I first purchased the policy Mercedes Benz Insurance used to operate out off Mercedes Benz UK in Milton Keynes but it now operates out of Princes Risborough as a stand alone operation. Have got a funny feeling that the insurance side of the business has been out-sourced to the new outfit.....

 

Keith

 

Had a chat with the Financial Ombudsman this morning who seemed, in a non-committal way, surprised at what I told them.

Tell them you are going to another company, I bet someone gets straight back to you(I think I would anyway, can you imagine what trying to claim from them might be like)

[Debs.]

7 hours ago, Coombe Barton said:

It's the musical element I'm featuring - with unusual instruments

An Ilkley story! 

[Happy Hippo]

3 hours ago, Tony_S said:

“I want a  hippopotamus for Christmas “. 
 

I'll be down on 24th Dec.

 

How wide is your chimney?............................

 

It will be wider after I arrive!

[Coombe Barton]

While Shepherds Washed their Socks by Night and Cornish influence.

 

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2019/12/05/sounds-of-the-season-5-cornish-influence/

[AndyID]

After eight days of lurgi I broke down and decided to see a doc. The problem was I could not get much sleep as every time I lay down I started coughing and hacking. I also pulled a muscle in my tum with all the hacking.

 

Fired up the truck and was immediately struck by the dreaded low tire pressure warning. I ignored it and drove to the doc's place. His establishment is combined with an urgent care facility (aka Doc In The Box) which is what I thought I'd be using but it turned out my doc would be able to see me in a couple of hours.

 

To pass the time I headed for a nearby filling station to inflate the tires. The inflation machine wanted $1.25 so I drove to the tire place where we buy new tires and they inflated the tires free gratis while I had a cup of coffee (also free).

 

Then off to Costco for a tank of diesel followed by a good look at all the enormous TV's that I'm not going to buy.

 

Doc checked me out and confirmed it's the usual nasty viral head cold. Script sent electronically to our pharmacy for appropriate medicinal compounds which they were filling by the time I got there. Unfortunately our insurance does not cover that medication and I had to shell out $36. I did get a much better sleep last night so well worth it.

 

The doc also handed me a script for antibiotics which I can fill if things go really bad and it turns into pneumonia but I don't think that should be necessary.

[Coombe Barton]

52 minutes ago, Debs. said:

An Ilkley story! 

You've requested the music!

 

[Barry O]

Well I did JDI today. NHN  and his great team have now received payment for a lot of points.  And I mean a lot!

 

Christmas cards complete.parcel posted

Money winging it's way to Gabe.

 

Stuff packed for Peterborough 

 

B8g problem re get together in Derby. Back word on my potential booking so Plan B being explored...

 

Baz

[TheQ]

Just for your delectation the original one and only Gayla Peevey.. 

 

Edited December 5, 2019 by TheQ

[TheQ]

Evening awl,  

After that highly intellectual musical interlude... 

 

I've been visiting my sailing friend who has moved on to parallel bits of metal.. 

 

 

Twin crutches instead of a walking frame. 

He's definitely getting better,  but he still has to be careful as according to the latest X-ray's,  there is still missing bone from his tibia.

 

It's somewhat windy out there,  leaves are leaving home rapidly..

 

 

I've just finish the book The Great Escape no not the book by Paul Brickhill.  But the True Story of the Great Escape  by Johnathan F. Vance..  Not that the 1950 book was wrong,  but it was self censored as the survivors were still alive and the new 2019 book, has 75 years of further research available. 

 

This book starts in 1939 as the first prisoners were taken,  as each comes into the story,  a short biography is given,  they are followed through the camps to stalag luft 3. Other escapes from that camp are also followed as the story develops toward Tom Dick and Harry . It then follows all the escapees , to their fate whether it be in 1944 or into the 2000s.

 

I can highly recommend this book.. 

 

And with that.. 

Time for choccy.. 

 

[Dave Hunt]

There's a happy bunny residing in North Hipposhire today - me! Took SWMBO to Stoke station this morning for her departure to Leatherhead where she is staying until Monday for some grandchild adoration baby sitting therapy duties leaving me with only a few minor domestic chores. The rest of my time as a bachelor will be divided between mod***ing and going to the Manchester show until Monday morning when I have to take Dad for a hospital appointment before picking up the wanderer at Stoke. The word bliss springs to mind.

 

I am not going to spoil my current euphoric mood by allowing any thoughts of the niff naff and trivia of life and particularly politics to intrude. To use a well-worn Bazism I shall carpe several diems so for now good night one and all and sincere commiserations to those who ail.

 

Dave  

[roundhouse]

54 minutes ago, Barry O said:

Well I did JDI today. NHN  and his great team have now received payment for a lot of points.  And I mean a lot!

 

Christmas cards complete.parcel posted

Money winging it's way to Gabe.

 

Stuff packed for Peterborough 

 

B8g problem re get together in Derby. Back word on my potential booking so Plan B being explored...

 

Baz

If you modelled the 70's or later, you could have rationalised all that track. I often look at large layouts and think how it could be rationalised.

 

Back from the shed and progress on the building is going well. More roof sheeting ordered. Work bench requires a vacuum now!

[bbishop]

2 hours ago, Coombe Barton said:

While Shepherds Washed their Socks by Night and Cornish influence.

 

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2019/12/05/sounds-of-the-season-5-cornish-influence/

 

In one respect, ditto Roundhouse and myself - but we prefer not to advertise.

 

Bill

[jamie92208]

2 hours ago, Coombe Barton said:

While Shepherds Washed their Socks by Night and Cornish influence.

 

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2019/12/05/sounds-of-the-season-5-cornish-influence/

It's a lot better than the funeerial dirge that we sang at Gildersome on Sunday to what was allegedly the same tune.  The organist is so slow it's unbelievable.

 

Anyway good evening all from France.   Got home safely about 2pm.  The first 160 miles in mist and freezing conditions (-2) but it was 10 degrees by the time I got home.  No problem with tyre sensors the Volvo doesn't have any.  Anyway here are a couple of pictures that I've been able to download. Firng the shotst of all the two carriers at Pompey last night.

PoW nearest the camera.  After taking the shot I repaired to the bar and a double of The Macallan helped prepare me for a short night in the cabin.  

Anyway this shows that I'm still practising the grumpy Grandpa bit.  I might succeed one day.  Nana is very jealous.

Goodnight all.

 

Jamie

[PhilJ W]

Evening all from Estuary-Land. Getting warmer in Estuary-Land, and windier. In fact its warmer now than it has been over the last couple of days during the day. Had a look at the rubbish reduced box at Tess Coes today and found a ream of HP computer printer paper reduced to £1 from £4 due to a grubby mark on the wrapper. Also two dozen coloured marker pens for 62p marked down from £2:50, No apparent fault with them or the packaging.

4 hours ago, tetsudofan said:

My car insurance expires tomorrow. Received a renewal notice on November 19th quoting a renewal premium of £327.31 (a reduction from last years £372.31) and a confirmation that as I pay by direct debit if they don't hear from me they will automatically renew the policy on the renewal date. Good, I thought, no need to contact them.

 

Yesterday received another reminder again stating that as I pay by direct debit there is no need to contact them as the policy would automatically renew.

 

Foe some reason I thought I had better contact them to ensure that all is ok. I'm glad I did. Phoned them and after a few minutes being told that my call is important to them I Finally got through to human being. The fun and games then started.....

 

First of all was told that the renewal premium in amount of £327.31 was incorrect and it should in fact be £427.31. It was blamed on a typist error. £427.31 was the premium to be paid.

 

Next I was told that they do not have my card details therefore, despite them stating this in their two letters. Asked why they did this said that they are aware of the incorrect wording of the letter but they have not worked out the way of amending the wording on the letter template.

 

Seeing that I was getting nowhere I ask to be transferred to a superior or his manager. No can do he says, they are busy dealing with previous days problems. All he can do is send them an email to ask them to contact me within 48 hours. No call received today, see what the next 24 hours brings.

 

What is scary about this episode is that if I had not contacted them yesterday I could have been driving the car tomorrow illegally and without insurance. 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, tigerburnie said:

Tell them you are going to another company, I bet someone gets straight back to you(I think I would anyway, can you imagine what trying to claim from them might be like)

I'd tell them that I'm going to another company and that I have a quote from them lower than the original quote that they gave you.

[Ozexpatriate]

5 hours ago, The Stationmaster said:

Ozxp while I've never been to the USA I have seen 'Men In Black 2' several times so can quite understand why staff in the USPS behave rather oddly.

They've come a long way since the time when the term "going postal"* gained notoriety.

 

* After episodes of mental breakdowns and armed violence in sorting offices.

 

I am often impressed by their speed and efficiency and disappointed by their inaccuracy. A birthday card I sent recently was delivered in Australia in about two weeks, but another took six months, having in the meantime taken a holiday in, of all places, Mexico.

 

A recent mail carrier frequently misdelivered mail to me intended for my neighbours and at one point delivered a tranche of Amazon Prime boxes intended for someone with my street number but lived on an approximately parallel street 800m to the north. Having said all that, for the most part they deliver mail anywhere in the lower 48 states in three days or so, which might seem like a long time compared to mail delivery in the UK, but given the distances and destinations is pretty efficient.

[tetsudofan]

35 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

Evening all from Estuary-Land. Getting warmer in Estuary-Land, and windier. In fact its warmer now than it has been over the last couple of days during the day. Had a look at the rubbish reduced box at Tess Coes today and found a ream of HP computer printer paper reduced to £1 from £4 due to a grubby mark on the wrapper. Also two dozen coloured marker pens for 62p marked down from £2:50, No apparent fault with them or the packaging.

 

I'd tell them that I'm going to another company and that I have a quote from them lower than the original quote that they gave you.

 

Yep, have already told that to the guy I was talking to. Just waiting for the Manager (or whatever) to call me tomorrow..... just in case he has some offer to make. If not, Aviva, here I come. Premium is less and that is without Aviva Shareholder discount!

 

Keith

[Barry O]

Evening to most, morning  to others.

 

A reasonably successful day.

 

Now for some eyelid inspection. 

Baz

Ps has anyone heard anything from Bryan?

[tigerburnie]

G'night all

[pH]

6 hours ago, AndrewC said:

The UK doesn't know how good we have it with regards to a postal system. Canada Post seems to randomly process letters through the digestive tract of a not so nearby moose. It isn't unheard of for a letter to take 6 working days in the same town. If you live in a newer neighbourhood, forget door delivery. You have to schlep to a near by "super box" and pray that it hasn't been vandalised, or the idiot has actually put your mail into your slot. Parcel? Tough sh*t. Off to the depot near the airport that operates on banker's hours. 

 

I think you're being a bit hard on Canada Post. 

 

I agree with you about the 'super mailboxes'. (One of my claims to infamy is that I worked for the guy who introduced them, after he'd moved on to pastures new.)

 

However, to collect a parcel, we only have to go to our local '7 eleven'. While the post office counter isn't open for the 24 hours per day that the main store is, it's certainly open more than 'bankers hours'. And we have had mail sent from Canada to the UK (and reverse) in 4 days. In fact, when I worked across the road from the main PO in Vancouver, I could post in a box that dropped the mail on to the sorting floor. If I put something in the box in time for it to catch a 'red eye' to the UK that day, it might be delivered in 3 days.