Early Risers.

[skipepsi]

Training day tomorrow oh joy ! Virtual of course. Good night all.

[southern42]

' night all and nos da.

[polybear]

7 hours ago, Tony_S said:

Our lounge furniture got tattier and tattier as we agreed not to buy anything unless we both liked it. We didn’t find anything comfortable for many years. We went into a furniture store one day to look at carpets and both said the sofa we had sat on was comfortable. We didn’t buy the carpet but did buy a couple of sofas, a chair, stool and ottoman. 

 

Were you never told "YES, you DO like it....."

Early start for Bear today as the car is going in first thing for gearbox, service and MOT.  I'd better find a seriously large and scrummy cake for later - I'll need serious TLC with the bill that's coming

[chrisf]

Greetings one and all

 

I found it difficult to overcome the force of gravity this morning.  It must have taken me ten minutes to crawl out of bed after drifting back off to sleep around 4.30 am.  Sometimes the wonderful Up All Night does what I want it to do  and sends me back to the Land of Nod.  Occasionally there are interesting people taking part in the phone-in and the brain starts working, inhibiting further slumber.  I must give that jar of Horlicks another try.

 

My local Tesco still has no rind-on bacon.  Reluctantly, I settled for vac-packed mindless back.  No dobt that ruddy virus would have beeen blamed for the supply chain glitch if I had bothered to ask Customer Services.  I  didn't, because there was a lengthy queue - which may just have looked lengthy because of social distancing.  The populace as a whole seems to have accepted that concept but I can't help being reminded of "four legs good, two legs bad" from Orwell's Animal Farm.  I just give thanks that it is not my responsibility to guide the ship of state through the storm that the virus has wrought.  There have been some courageous decisions though.  Expecting night clubs to close at 10 pm is one of them!  Hey ho.

 

Best wishes to all

 

Chris 

 

 

[Barry O]

Ey up!

Diet restarts now! Despite walking a few miles the food eaten over the last two and a half days has added weight to me. 

Mugatea to be drunk, cleaning to be done then.....

 

The Gasman cometh... part 3.. a new pump is to be fitted...

 

Have as good a day as you can!  Hope the training day goes well Skipepsi...

 

Baz

Edited October 14, 2020 by Barry O

[jamie92208]

Good moaning.  A bit of a lie in this morning but at least it was light when I got downstairs.  It actually looks quite nice out.  A good after and evening was spent watching trains at Poitiers.  Andy and I are proposing a new European wide law. All locos should have their numbers displayed in numerals at least 200mm high on the side.  30mm on a sticker below the cab us just not fair when the freight is doing 50 mph.

 

Anyway on to today. If the weather holds, my plan us to plant the swing and then concrete in the legs. If that goes well then some muddling in the shed may be achieved.  

 

Regards to all.

 

Jamie

[grandadbob]

Good morning all,

Dry here and there is a hint of brightness in the East and some blue sky although showers are forecast.

Time was spent in The Shed with construction of Platform 2 starting.  Another couple of hours should see it through.

Whether that will happen today is uncertain as I have been asked to assist on the domestic front as we have visitors for lunch.  Abbie and Steve are popping in so of course this is being treated like a Royal Visit although I won't be repainting anything!   We haven't seen Abbie for about 5 weeks so are looking forward to catching up with her.

I've just discovered that I still have a couple of Amazon gift vouchers from last Christmas that I'd forgotten about so may treat myself,  possibly something in the single malt falling down water line.  

Have a good one,

Bob.

[TheQ]

Mooring Awl, Inner temple Hare,

Not a good nights sleep, somehow SWMBO has hurt her shoulder / upper arm, she couldn't sleep well, neither therefore did I..

 

She also wasn't happy she didn't go to her Tuesday weaving group, to save her arms and hands for the Wednesday art group that was finally starting up,, Only for that to be cancelled, after the Tuesday group had finished..

 

It was dreich when I went to work yesterday, it was dreich when I went home...

 

Hmm Tap water, several of the bottled waters available are just tap water, and one of the distilleries advertises Whisky made from "the pure waters of Loch Catrine"... aka Glasgow tap water..

 

This weeks work seems to be going well so far, except one piece of equipment has suddenly become sensitive to mains carried noise, the Boss is making tests to find out what wrong..

 

He had to do a online lecture on a subject, which happened to be how our latest piece of equipment measures Capacitance .. Umm didn't go well, he kept wandering off subject..

 

Prior to that we had a briefing from HR on disciplinary procedures, it started by pointing out it only applied in the USA, and then it got very confusing using various cartoon characters to illustrate various situations...

 

Time for more typing results in..

 

 

 

 

 

[Mike Bellamy]

14 hours ago, polybear said:

 

Does this mean that the contents of the bags doesn't actually reach the charity in question?

All I've ever used those bags for is free bin liners - any donations go direct to the shops or charity warehouse.

 

Depends - some obviously do as I have seen vans being unloaded at various local shops but if you read the small print on the bags then you may find that the distribution and collection is by a 'rag trade' company who say they will pay the charity £xx for each ton collected. I recall a few years ago we regularly got a pink bag with a large label saying it was for Breast Cancer - but the small print said the proceeds would be donated to an Eastern European Breast Cancer charity (Bulgaria??) . . . . . . !

.

[Andrew P]

A couple of small jobs, on a small new project that can't be talked about on here, (The Budoc Bridge Branch) but suffice to say it involves some relaxing work.

A visit is required to Alton Models after coffee later, I can't go earlier as the Good Lady wants a drive out through the Meon Valley, so will go that way for a nice change. 

 

EDIT = Just been informed, SHE does not wish to go out today now, so I will also pop into Alton Station as well for some therapeutic inspiration.

 

Have a good day one and all.

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. I was going to make some very erudite and thoughtful remarks this morning but my mind went blank as soon as I looked at the screen. Had a good night last night, Arthur Itis stayed away last night.

3 minutes ago, Mike Bellamy said:

 

Depends - some obviously do as I have seen vans being unloaded at various local shops but if you read the small print on the bags then you may find that the distribution and collection is by a 'rag trade' company who say they will pay the charity £xx for each ton collected. I recall a few years ago we regularly got a pink bag with a large label saying it was for Breast Cancer - but the small print said the proceeds would be donated to an Eastern European Breast Cancer charity (Bulgaria??) . . . . . . !

.

We get them for charities in Lithuania. There was some without a charity number but they seem to have disappeared recently, whether they were illegal or people got wise to it I couldn't say.

[BSW01]

Good morning everyone 

 

Like yesterday, the sun is shining and the sky is blue, I hope it stays that way. Once I’ve finished my breakfast my plan is to continue removing moss from the workshop roof. I managed 2 sides yesterday before the rain started, but non is forecast for today, so hopefully I’ll get it done. Then a bit more dead heading and I may even be able to pick a few more apples too. 

 

Stay safe, stay sane, enjoy whatever you have planned for the day, back later. 

 

Brian

[southern42]

' morning all from red dragon land.

Sunny with a chill nor'easterly.

 

 

I must get some cutting up of little bits of plastic done this morning.  Yesterday, I put it off until the afternoon but fell asleep after lunch!  I managed to post the previous day's attempt at GWRd ramblings but only after a bit of editing when a parcel arrived from Bure Valley Models!  I must pay a visit to the railway when we are safe to visit family on that side of the country.  It looks mighty interesting.

 

I also had a short toot on the flute.  There were just the longest phrases I could not do in one breath so that is reassuring and the fast runs up/down the scale are sounding better.  It seems I still expect perfection, whatever ails me, and I am not getting any younger!  <sigh>

 

Well, I had better get a move on or it will be lunch time before I know it.

 

Fitt  and  Elfie perking up.

Take care and play safe. 

_________

Best wishes

Polly

'Er indoors

 

[New Haven Neil]

Morning.

 

I was up, honest.

 

Mrs H taken for her bus, and then a walk along Ramsey prom as it wasn't bad at all, 11c and a stiff onshore breeze.  There won't be many more opportunities for walks at this time, running out of light.  2 miles brisk toddle and I was ready for my breakfast!

 

Close observation of the horizon just to the left of centre may reveal Lake District hills, Simon's patch.

 

[The Stationmaster]

Morning all,

 

Andy P - a warning, watch the parking situation at Alton station.  I dunno what it's like now but in the past they were very hot on checking cars in the station car park.  You might find a spot near the caff but that means you might have to buy a bacon butty (oh dear, what a pity, never mind).  Please give my regards to Paul in the shop which shouldn't be named.

 

Jamie - be careful what uyou wish for - itf you demand official 200mm high numbers 'they' will probably link it to the official, full, UIC number and there won't be enough room for it on a dmu or emu 

 

Right - lunch out today which will no doubt be both amusing and expensive, even if it is just a pub (well it used to be just a pub back in the days when Hugh was the Landlord - his Pilot's Log Book was a fascinating history of RAF types as he first went operational on Spitfires then onto the likes of Typhoons and went through the card up to the Hunter era).  Now the place thinks it's more like a French restaurant than a pub - with prices to match - but I shall be steering clear of escargot and frogs legs (yes, both are on the menu!!).

 

Have a good day one and all and stay safe.

[Compound2632]

3 hours ago, jamie92208 said:

Andy and I are proposing a new European wide law. All locos should have their numbers displayed in numerals at least 200mm high on the side.  30mm on a sticker below the cab us just not fair when the freight is doing 50 mph.

 Come, come. 457.2 mm serif, gilt shaded black, is surely want you should be demanding?

[chrisf]

I am reminded of the splendid April Fool joke by Rail magazine which led some gullible readers to believe that BR planned to replace loco numbers with bar codes.  Tee hee.

 

Chris 

[TheQ]

1 hour ago, southern42 said:

' morning all from red dragon land.

Sunny with a chill nor'easterly.

 

 

 I managed to post the previous day's attempt at GWRd ramblings but only after a bit of editing when a parcel arrived from Bure Valley Models!  I must pay a visit to the railway when we are safe to visit family on that side of the country.  It looks mighty interesting.

 

 

 

Fitt  and  Elfie perking up.

Take care and play safe. 

_________

Best wishes

Polly

'Er indoors

 

May I recommend the First Saturday in October, as a return ticket from Hoveton to Aylsham on the BVR will get you free into Broadland Model Railway clubs show .

http://broadlandmodelrailwayclub.co.uk/2020-exhibition/  in the Jubilee hall in Alysham. That's a couple of hundred yards from the station. Most of this years cancelled show traders and exhibitors have provisionally agreed to attend in 2021. 

The BVR shop in is the Station at Aylsham and their book shop is at Hoveton..

[Gwiwer]

Greetings from Pastyland. Bright and very breezy here. Awoke to a clear view of the village and after breakfast took a short drive to the lighthouse

 

SWMBO is to be let loose in our hire car later so a brief familiarisation drive was in order. Hybrids are new to both of us. The brakes are also quite fierce unless applied very lightly  which gives the sensation that stopping will not occur. 
 

I’m off to walk some of the rugged coastal path later between Zennor and Pendeen while she has a timed-entry ticket for Trengwainton Gardens. 

[iL Dottore]

Afternoon all,

 

Just had a pleasant lunch (the last of the chorizo and lentil tagine) and I am now vaguely contemplating the universe between teleconferences (my next one is in about an hour).

I have very mixed feelings about charities: firstly I recognise the need to support various good endeavours and I do contribute; however, what really angers me about many “charities” is the obscene amount of monies that are  diverted from the purpose for which they have been donated in the first place and into the pockets of overpaid “executives”, many of whom have what I would term “non-jobs” (such as “diversity awareness officer”).
 

Whatever happened to the concept of doing a job which you love doing and strongly believe in for a modest yet adequate salary? It would seem to me, and this also goes back to the earlier discussion about “museum professionals“, that nowadays - certainly in the UK and probably elsewhere-universities are turning out graduates from various courses in which they are taught to push all the right buttons, apply standardised solutions (whether the problem needs a standardised solution or not) and apply “diversity and awareness“ criteria regardless of the matter in hand. Which is why we have so-called “museum professionals” acting as curators in Railway and Maritime Museums without any knowledge or interest in the subject of that museum. A harsh judgement? Definitely, but sadly far too applicable to many of the “young professionals” nowadays in far too many areas.
 

Returning to the subject of charities, sadly nowadays they have become a veritable industry with all the accoutrements that that brings - often to the detriment of the charity, which usually didn’t need “professionalisation“ in the first place. I firmly believe that the way to disrupt this “charity industry“ is not to stop giving, but to stop giving money. So for example, should the RSPCA need money to keep some kennels running, find out what they need for the kennels, buy it and donate those materials and supplies to the charity. The net result being £100 of donation translated into £100 of benefit (and not £100 of benefit less administrative and handling fees and charges). Sadly, this is not always feasible or financially possible. But if it can be done, and you are willing to do so, then I say “donate material not money!“ (and “putting my money where my mouth is “– so to speak - I am filling a box full of toys, leashes and harnesses that Lucy and Schotty have outgrown but which are essentially brand-new and very usable. This, when full, will be given to the local dog shelter. I’ll chuck in a couple of bags of dog food as well).

 

There are times, usually after an introspective, philosophical and rather generously alcohol fuelled evening “putting the world to rights“ with friends, when I have contemplated what would I do if I were dictator (in the ancient Roman sense) of the UK. I think that I would be a truly conservative dictator (that’s conservative with a small “C“) and conserve what is good about the UK whilst upgrading and improving things to conserve the future for our descendants. And like ancient Roman dictators, I would have my lictors and praetors, filled from the ranks of the erudite, sensible, mature and experienced ERs... Just off the top of my head, I have no doubts in who I would appoint police praetor, railway praetor, aviation praetor and military praetors....

 

And, also like Roman dictators, once I had achieved my aims for the country I would step down, retire from public life and spend my remaining years in comfortable obscurity.

 

One can but dream!

[TheQ]

All Hail Ceasar!!!

 

Which brings the thought to me than when a Roman General celebrated his triumph, entering the city on his chariot, there would be a slave alongside whispering in his ear...." Remember you are but a man". Perhaps that should have been done just under 4 years ago...

[Tony_S]

1 hour ago, iL Dottore said:

 

Whatever happened to the concept of doing a job which you love doing and strongly believe in for a modest yet adequate salary?

It doesn’t seem to apply to those who determine the pay scales of people doing what are lower paid posts. So called “Captains of Industry” or other assorted personages seem to need massive salaries as determined by some mysterious market place. They even squeal at paying tax.

[iL Dottore]

I see that we are up to 9099 pages.

 

I wonder who will be the first to break the 10000 limit?

 

[tetsudofan]

2 hours ago, Gwiwer said:

Hybrids are new to both of us. The brakes are also quite fierce unless applied very lightly  which gives the sensation that stopping will not occur. 
 

 

 

....... that's exactly what I've found on my new hybrid!

 

Keith

[Simon G]

19 hours ago, southern42 said:

 

 

...By bus...

Uxbridge service to Hayes Railway Arms  (replaced by The Tumbler in the Swingin' '60s) on the 204

Hayes Railway Arms to Heathrow on the 140.

 

 

https://www.londonbuses.co.uk/_routes/current/140.html

https://www.londonbuses.co.uk/_routes/withdrawn/204-1.html

 

 

Station area of Hayes almost unrecognisable now surrounded by all those high rise buildings.

 

 

Mention of the 204 bus takes me back a bit.  It’s route took at past the Brunel University campus, so I used it frequently in the mid 1970s.  Another bus from Uxbridge towards central London was the 207, which was known locally as the banana bus, as you waited ages for one, then they came in bunches!

 

Nice sunny day here today, so an afternoon walk has been completed.  I was almost too warm in my coat.

 

I contacted Electricity North West today about the complaint I raised on Sunday following our latest power cut.  They had closed my complaint without either resolving the issues I raised, or telling me.  I was not pleased!  It has now supposedly been reopened and escalated to the next level.  Others in the lane have raised complaints as well, so hopefully they actually do something to improve our supply long term.