Early Risers.

[Andrew P]

I'm singing in the rain, .............much to the displeasure  of the Good Lady, well actually I'm watching it through the window and being told to be quiet and go down and get the Paper.

I shall obey.

[5 C]

Morning awl,

 

Firstly, a belated HBTY to @chrisf. Our posts crossed over yesterday, so I was unaware of this milestone. Chris is a familiar face at the unmentionable ex*******ns in these parts and I hope I'll be able to meet with him and other ERs in person at some point in the future.

 

Yesterday was a good day in that I managed to get outside into the fresh air for the first time in over a fortnight. It was windy but mild and I managed over 12.5k steps - a major achievement since I've barely troubled the scorers in the last two weeks. Consequently, I slept well and have the not unpleasant ache from muscles and joints that have been barely stressed. The walk was made all the more enjoyable thanks to an unexpected encounter with a gym buddy who I've not seen in several months. We had a good windswept, socially distanced chat in the Homebase car park while admiring the still under construction Costa drive through. An actual, indoors Costa would have been preferable though.

 

Breakfast in the form of porridge topped with special offer blueberries will be enjoyed shortly, along with a second muggertea. I may do some housework until the weather brightens a little but today is another day to enjoy the outdoors.

 

Regards to awl.

[TheSignalEngineer]

28 minutes ago, Barry O said:

I may just down load a new phone ring tone..  now should it be an L60 (Chieftain) or a CV12 (Challenger)? That may bring a smile to me when the phone "rings".

My wife had a smartphone before me. When I was helping her to set up the email etc I put on an A4 chime whistle for the text alert. 

[southern42]

Just to report a shiny round thing popping its hat on coming up over the top of the mountains behind us. 

Long time no see...

Will catch up later.  Kettle has boiled...

 

Polly

[southern42]

Chrisf, belated birthday greetings.

Polly

 

 

[leopardml2341]

Mornin'

 

Had to clear text editor again, #unpredictable

 

Cuppa tea being drunk and getting ready for the day. I need to obtain some more glazing sealant for the summershed doors (I'll post a pic or two when it's habitable.....)  as I somewhat underestimated.

 

Toolstation have just confirmed my order is ready to collect; so I'm off to collect it.

 

I'll be back

 

In the meantime, stay safe, sane and well and make the most/best of the day.

 

[AndyB]

Morning all, and belated many happy returns to Chris.

 

And a thank you to Baz for setting up yesterday's zoom. I had to dip out  y about 16.45 as the intermittent connectivity I have was only letting me hear occasional bits and bobs. 

 

Yesterday afternoon saw me get the sweet peas underway with a plan to put them on in a couple of weeks time to root trainers. Thereafter into containers as growing them in the borders last year adjacent to the youngest's football "pitch" wasn't a success!

 

So. Where will the containers go?

In the front garden...but that apparently means part of the lawn will have to come up....and be gravelled...and instructions are that the gravel should cover about 1/3 if the garden.....how did me popping sweet pea seeds in yesterday morph into landscaping work by breakfast time this morning?

[jonny777]

Hello from a cloudy and damp North Somerset. At least the winds have died down. 

 

I love lemon curd, but I wouldn't dream of buying it. Not when the recipe to make it is so simple - just lemon, eggs, butter and sugar basically, with varying amounts of vanilla if you like that sort of thing. 

 

http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/24336/easy-lemon-curd.aspx

 

I see that the Prince Of Wales (the human one - not the loco under construction) has upset the hoi-polloi by driving to see his Dad in hospital, when many ordinary folk have not been allowed this privilege. I wonder if the family thought this through, as it is not going to boost their popularity ratings when some folk in previous lockdowns were not allowed to attend their own parents' funerals, let alone say goodbye while they were still alive. 

 

 

Edited February 21, 2021 by jonny777

[Winslow Boy]

1 hour ago, Barry O said:

Ey up!

Did not sleep well as I had cramps/spasms in my legs on and off. Pah!

 

Of course a network of ER "posting agents" could allow items to be procured then sent on to other ERs... just thinking...

 

@iL Dottore i don't think trying to mail our local butchers sausage (including dragon ones) or black pudding would work...sorry!

 

 I have been informed that today will be a "makedoandmend" day. I may just down load a new phone ring tone..  now should it be an L60 (Chieftain) or a CV12 (Challenger)? That may bring a smile to me when the phone "rings".

 

Technology can be wonderful..but I am saddened by reading the "look at me I have reinvented the wheel" seen in many technology magazines...

G

Have a great day! Positive thoughts to all!

Baz

 

B

Morning All. First off apologies to Baz and all other ER's for not attending the Zoomerphon. I have never been one for meet ups, even electronic ones, but from the sound of it everyone seemed to have had a good time.

 

Anyway why am I posting, apart from the above of course. Well I seem to recall reading somewhere of a statement about technology namely that most of the significant discoveries in the various sciences have now occurred i.e atomic power, electricity, flight, genetics - you get the drift and that we are now entering a time where it is the application of them in the various fields of science etc that is know occurring.

 

So on that note I will leave you to get some brekkies.

[andyram]

Morning all, I was definitely an early riser today. The early roll out of bed was planned so that I could clear the few adult education assignments from my marking inbox before the girls woke up. Although today is technically my last "day off", a few assignments have dropped into my virtual marking tray that no-one else is able to sort. One essay in particular, a drama based study, is one that on-one else on the team is capable of marking. There have been five of them coming through during what should have been a week off. The "joys" of seemingly being "indispensable". The irony is that the essay requires the study of a play called "Permission to Cry" and it seems very apt because they are my feelings whenever it appears in my marking tray. It is a shocker of an assignment and students very rarely grasp it first time around. One day I may get permission from the powers that be to actually access the system and change it so that the instructions and course materials are clearer. It was the subject of a virtual team meeting a few months ago so I live in hope.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all well. Special thoughts to those in our number who have experienced the difficulties brought about by the harsh weather in the US. I have not seen much on the news (but I have been avoiding the news as much as possible recently), but I know enough to understand how harsh it has been.  Ironically some of my understanding of the situation has come from Instagram of all places. These days I tend to use social media for promoting the business. However, I confess to "following" a few of my celebratory "crushes" via this particular platform. One particular film and tv actress lives in Texas and has been posting photos and updates of the weather. It does sound horrific and I hope that those caught up this situation stay safe and warm. 

 

 Today will see the daily exercise combined with posting Sarah's notorious Avon books. There may be a drive out to do a contactless delivery to a customer although that may hold off until tomorrow because they are in no rush. I would like to find time for some modelling on the new / revived / continuing project.

 

Stay safe

 

Andy

[iL Dottore]

3 hours ago, Erichill16 said:

....Im too wanting to make a journey to Europe as I’m in need of provisions. Fortunately it’s just one item. Gluten free Zwie bak. I’ve seen it in Holland, Germany and Switzerland and it’s a product that Schar make but it’s a product they don’t supply to the uk market....

Once we have all been inoculated and travel is once again permitted, I am sure I can “organise“ some supplies to be collected at the first post pandemic ER “brains trust“ meet-up

2 hours ago, Barry O said:

 

@iL Dottore i don't think trying to mail our local butchers sausage (including dragon ones) or black pudding would work...sorry!

Thank you for the kind thought, I would love to try the sausages that you speak so highly of, unfortunately the only way to get fresh sausages into Switzerland is through the use of a personal courier  (i.e. myself).  

Normally, I buy my sausages, black pudding and the like the day before I leave, storing them in the minibar. When I check out from the hotel on the last day, I ask them to keep the sausages etc refrigerated (which they normally can do). Then, when I pick up my luggage just before heading to the airport,  I pack the meats which will survive the few hours outside of the fridge quite adequately (especially when you consider that the cargo hold in an aircraft is not usually heated).

2 hours ago, polybear said:

 ...On the subject of Oz, this made the BBC radio news yesterday:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-56137597

No-one is forced to have the vaccine, but it seems there are numpties who still feel the need to demonstrate.....

Mention of Israel was also made, where they have introduced a "Green Passport" scheme which is valid for 6 months and comes into effect one week after your second vaccine dose; it gives the holder access to additional venues such as gyms, hotels and synagogues.  However, the anti-vaxxers aren't happy with that either, as they feel they are being discriminated against.....

It’s quite interesting to note that many of the Anti-vaxxers are those who scream the loudest about “freedom“. Unfortunately, “freedom“ is not all fluffy, cuddly bunnies and lemon drizzle cake; “freedom“ also means taking responsibility and accepting the consequences of one’s actions.

If the majority of the population are happy to be vaccinated and receive a document that confirms and attests that they are vaccinated and if the majority of the population are quite happy with the concept of “no jab, no job”,  then those who refuse to be vaccinated will have to accept the consequences of refusing the vaccination.  And as for the Israeli approach, I say “well done them!“.

2 hours ago, polybear said:

..And someone was lucky not to get this land on their bonce (scroll down):

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-56141673

(And as it happened in the USA - with apologies to fellow ER'ers, I expect a number of claims from those starting huge compensation claims for damage, stress. personal injury, therapists costs etc etc after suffering life-long headaches and memory loss after being hit by a falling 16BA nut).  Cynical? Bear?

Starting with a vexatious claim from Captain Cynical, who is suing Mr P Bear for having made him (Captain Cynical) read about somebody who might have been hit on the head somewhere in another part of the world. Captain Cynical will be suing Mr P Bear for the sum of no less than 100,000 LDC (lemon drizzle cakes). The recompense for having suffered emotional injury, loss of earnings and the diminution of his Supervillain Sex Appeal.

I know that it is a despicable thing to do to a hapless bear, but hey I’m a Supervillain - you gotta do what’s in the job description.

26 minutes ago, jonny777 said:

...I love lemon curd, but I wouldn't dream of buying it. Not when the recipe to make it is so simple - just lemon, eggs, butter and sugar basically, with varying amounts of vanilla if you like that sort of thing. 

 

http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/24336/easy-lemon-curd.aspx

 

I am most certainly going to give that recipe a go, especially as I can change the amount of sugar used in order to make the lemon curd slightly more tarter than the commercially available stuff. Thanks for the link!

 

And on that culinary note, it reminds me I have to heat up the Panini Press for Mrs iDs toasted farinaceous product lunch.

 

Enjoy!

[jamie92208]

Flavio, remiss of me, I forgot to mention home made lemon curd. Beth also makes her own and it's very good. Unfortunately  It is locked away as it is her emergency stache in case of a hypo. As such, I am forbidden from eating it.. Pah and double Pah.

 

I'm not sure if the recipe  is the same as above, but I am sure that I could obtain it and transmit it to the Alpine redoubt for a suiitable and exhorbitant consulting fee of course.

 

Jamie

Edited February 21, 2021 by jamie92208

[New Haven Neil]

Morning, from a dry and breezy Rock - which IS the 'mainland' BTW, Mr Winslow! 

 

Poly, Debs isn't retiring in two weeks, just moving out of the DHSC freedom of information hell-hole job, to Fleet Management for the department of infrastructure - which includes....

 

 

...and...

 

 

...amongst other things!  

[Joseph_Pestell]

34 minutes ago, jamie92208 said:

Flavio, remiss of me, I forgot to mention home made lemon curd. Beth also makes her own and it's very good. Unfortunately  It is locked away as it is her emergency stache in case of a hypo. As such, I am forbidden from eating it.. Pah and double Pah.

 

I'm not sure if the recipe  is the same as above, but I am sure that I could obtain it and transmit it to the Alpine redoubt for a suiitable and exhorbitant consulting fee of course.

 

Jamie

Could she not make another batch so that you could have some as well?

 

Orange curd is also very nice and bitter (Seville) oranges in season.

[The Stationmaster]

Morning all,

 

Fifty shades of grey in the sky at preseent but there are signs of a possoible break in the cloud off to the south. (I know it's the south because it's the bit of sky the sun passes during the middle of the day - on days when you can see the sun).  Cramp appears to have been much in vogue overnight as early this mrning it struck twice in my left leg and simultaneously in my right leg on the second occasion - and for once it wasn't caused by a cat lying on my foot

  clearly my Zoom appearance needs some thought about lighting although erhaps being shadowy is not such a bad idea?  Problem is that the 'puter sits in a corner and all the light is either behind me or at an oblique angle and both power sockets at this end of the room are in use for 'putery things although there might be a spare space on one of the adaptors.  but that's just a first world problem so hardly a major concern.

 

I note that as far as the ERbrains trust is concerned I see that The George in the Isle of Dogs is temporarily closed but hopefully will reopen once things are gradually unlocked.  As others might recall the indoor dining area could readily accommodate a larger party should the trust happen to expand in numbers. 

 

No big plans for today but I do need to do some careful photo illustration checking as well as guiding 'the designer' towards a relevant photo which ought really be included of the aftermath of the historically important 1900 collision at Slough (easy to find on the 'net) while although not quite so relevant there are also several  photos of the results of the 1913 collision at Yeovil Pen Mill on the 'net.  I think it might also be sensible to draft some captions

 

Have a good day one and all and stay safe safe

 

PS Thanks NHN for the view of Laxey - a fondly remembered spot on the IoM

Edited February 21, 2021 by The Stationmaster

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Had a long lay-in and an equally long soak in the bath this morning but it's still morning (just).

[tigerburnie]

Afternoon all, been doing a bit of the "G" word this morning, weather is almost spring like, surveying the damage done by rabbits, whose tracks I saw in the snow, winter cabbages almost all gone and a shrub has been pruned back, not too bad, but there may be a wabbit pie or some thumper burgers on the menu in the none too distant future if the wee bu**ers come back in daylight.

[BSW01]

Good afternoon everyone 

 

Once again I'm late on parade today, but I've not been idle. When I replaced the filler around with back bedroom window, I had to remove the window blind. Apparently, when I refitted it, I crossed the cord used to open and close the blind. So that was put right, it was also time to change the filter on the water jug, so that's also been done. 

 

I'm now about to start the lunking piece to join the turntable to my test track. 

 

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

 

Brian 

[Sidecar Racer]

1 hour ago, The Stationmaster said:

  clearly my Zoom appearance needs some thought about lighting although erhaps being shadowy is not such a bad idea?  Problem is that the 'puter sits in a corner and all the light is either behind me or at an oblique angle and both power sockets at this end of the room are in use for 'putery things although there might be a spare space on one of the adaptors.  but that's just a first world problem so hardly a major concern.

 

 

 

 Mike , you could look at one of these , I have one as my puter is similarly

located , very handy in the evenings to light the keyboard and reduce spelling

errors . Having a flexible stalk means you can aim the light where needed .

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291947591360?var=590937498863&chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=590937498863_291947591360&targetid=1139674279667&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9045659&poi=&campaignid=12128858326&mkgroupid=122515169451&rlsatarget=aud-629407026705:pla-1139674279667&abcId=9300480&merchantid=113403285&gclid=Cj0KCQiApsiBBhCKARIsAN8o_4iS1whsIhWuU_8fGrWDMzKn9QMzp7VY0GGZ51tFxCOkhIyJ18nYeykaAueDEALw_wcB

[jonny777]

1 hour ago, The Stationmaster said:

 

 

No big plans for today but I do need to do some careful photo illustration checking as well as guiding 'the designer' towards a relevant photo which ought really be included of the aftermath of the historically important 1900 collision at Slough (easy to find on the 'net) while although not quite so relevant there are also several  photos of the results of the 1913 collision at Yeovil Pen Mill on the 'net.  I think it might also be sensible to draft some captions

 

 

 

Your mention of accidents at Slough reminded me I have this image (photographer/copyright unknown) taken the day after the up Pembroke Coast Express derailed approaching Slough at approximately 70mph. 

 

This is the scene on May 2nd 1959 as 5017 'The Gloucestershire Regiment 28th 61st' pilots 70024 'Vulcan' past Slough on the relief lines with a down service. 

 

 

[Tony_S]

1 hour ago, The Stationmaster said:

clearly my Zoom appearance needs some thought about lighting although erhaps being shadowy is not such a bad idea?

When you first appeared your face was right in front of the loco and I thought you were auditioning for Thomas the Tank engine or you were using one of those clever video filters.

[polybear]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, this'll really crack you up.....

 

 

[Winslow Boy]

4 hours ago, AndyB said:

Morning all, and belated many happy returns to Chris.

 

And a thank you to Baz for setting up yesterday's zoom. I had to dip out  y about 16.45 as the intermittent connectivity I have was only letting me hear occasional bits and bobs. 

 

Yesterday afternoon saw me get the sweet peas underway with a plan to put them on in a couple of weeks time to root trainers. Thereafter into containers as growing them in the borders last year adjacent to the youngest's football "pitch" wasn't a success!

 

So. Where will the containers go?

In the front garden...but that apparently means part of the lawn will have to come up....and be gravelled...and instructions are that the gravel should cover about 1/3 if the garden.....how did me popping sweet pea seeds in yesterday morph into landscaping work by breakfast time this morning?

Sweet peas are very thirsty so if you do put them in containers make certain they have plenty of leg room and that you put a good dollop of home made compost at the bottom of the container. I'd use something like a half barrel  and train them up canes rather than troughs as certainly the retail ones are far to shallow.

Edited February 21, 2021 by Winslow Boy
Peas not pies

[Gwiwer]

This person ^^^^^ is currently runing the proses 

[45156]

Afternoon All

 

It was really great to patricipate in yesterday's virtual meet up -  and it lifted my spirits a lot - also relieved me of the fear of Zoom, which has been around me.  Great to see that some of our overseas ERs also attended, and as I'd only met a couple of the fellow ERs before (Mike, Jamie, and probably about 197something Chris when I floor spotted Bedford folk club, and a belated happy birthday - I was aware as Barry mentioned it while the meeting was getting going, but I didn't visit again last night).  Many thanks Barry for organising things so well, and apologies that I had to leave as 30747 had thought that it would all be over sooner and did the dinner - as the laptop was on the dining room table, discretion was the better part of valour.   Any time you like Baz, any time you like, I think it all worked well, with your organisation and know how - many many thanks

 

So for those whom I didn't greet yesterday the usual generic greetings.

 

This morning has been a load of tasks domestic after rising at about 8.15 - hoovering, fire, then demolishing a rotten bird table - 30747 had wanted me to try to fettle it, but there wasn't enough siund timber to make anything at all with it.  Then tidying the garage, as we are clearing some space there which has exposed the window for the first time - so of course, 30747 decided to clean the window, then asked me to try to loosen the opening casement at the top (success), and "why not try to put a lick of paint on it all as well" - so old clothes donned, and window duly painted - then she said "you can go and talk to your friends AGAIN now" - so here I am.

 

Back tomorrow - who knows.

 

Regards to All

Stewart