Early Risers.

[New Haven Neil]

Morning, dull but warmish, predicto-guessed to get to 19 or 20c.

 

Bike club morning, not really feeling up to a ride as hip is going nuts, but I have a feeling if I don't keep doing it, I won't be able to only too soon. 

 

Preductive tixt is now turned off on all our devices, it is too counter-productive as Simon notes!

[PupCam]

Clear Prop!

 

Morning everyone, Puppers checking in.     Been a bit quiet round these parts lately with attention focused on PET & CT scans and a consultation brought forward to this week to discuss results.    I now have an endoscopy & biopsy and possibly an MRI scan (if it's compatible with my new found electronic gadgetry) to look forward to in a little over a weeks time.    This isn't quite how I'd hope retirement would pan-out but then, life seems to have a cunning habit of saying "Hold my beer!"

 

In other news;  I've been amusing myself continuing the development of my wireless DCC++ based model railway controller which seems to becoming along nicely with some of the ancillary noises now taking care of themselves as they should without Muggins having to press Shift F9 whilst holding a finger in his ear and balancing on one leg in order to get the air brake compressor sound effect to come on.   Anyway, it's keeping me amused and isn't anywhere near as much effort as re-fitting a kitchen I'm pleased to say.     Come to think of it, we desperately need a new kitchen so perhaps I'll have to get someone round to do it for me.   Do we know of any reputable kitchen fitters round here?

 

Try and stay healthy chaps.

 

Alan

[The Lurker]

Greetings all from Sidcup where it is grey and cool but not wet. 

 

Yesterday was an interesting day - I was at work so no time to catch up on here. I met people, actual real ones, which was a change. The trains were busy but not rammed and everyone bar one person wearing a sunflower lanyard was masked.

 

In contrast to my day, Mrs Lurker's day was marked by chaos as the year 3 bubble went down as they were in the middle of admitting the kids. They sent many away but had to chase others down, which took hours. Some had made it to their offices in London so took a while to get back. Others ignored the call and went about their (non-work) business. Others were later fairly rude to the school on google classroom; not the forum for complaints, nor the right target. Today, the absence of one of our laptops for repair is making life awkward.

 

Isolation fortunately ends just before the British GP, but Mrs Lurker will miss a book launch that she had been invited to by the author, so she is gutted. But not as gutted as the year 4 teacher who misses her son's wedding at the weekend.

 

Have a good day all

[pH]

2 hours ago, Barry O said:

I remember a couple of destinations which always made we wonder where they were "Intake" and "Decoy".. both in Donny I think.

One of our sons lives on a route where the buses show a destination of “Uphill” - not very specific in a mountain town.

[leopardml2341]

Mornin'

 

Don't you just love corporate IT 'support'?

 

Nuff said, gonna sit outside with a cuppa whilst Micorsoft Office re-installs - not that I think that will solve the problem I reported

 

[laurenceb]

At the time Stevos became arriva we had a driver who when taking over a bus would wind the display right to the end so that it just showed a yellow band and just changed the number. At the time our route had changed number and he put the old number up. On being asked where he was going he snapped look at the front! I told him that service no longer runs. Thankfully he didn't last much longer

[woodenhead]

33 minutes ago, leopardml2341 said:

Mornin'

 

Don't you just love corporate IT 'support'?

 

Nuff said, gonna sit outside with a cuppa whilst Micorsoft Office re-installs - not that I think that will solve the problem I reported

 

Tis a long time since I've heard of having to reinstall MS Office - are you not on 365?

 

That said I only use it now for writing requirement and specification documents or occasionally filling in a table to send to someone else.

[polybear]

3 hours ago, TheQ said:

The Boss said had I been 10 years younger I'd have got the job..

 

 

Sue for age discrimination.....

 

1 hour ago, PupCam said:

Anyway, it's keeping me amused and isn't anywhere near as much effort as re-fitting a kitchen I'm pleased to say.     Come to think of it, we desperately need a new kitchen so perhaps I'll have to get someone round to do it for me.   Do we know of any reputable kitchen fitters round here?

 

Lightweight....but under current circumstances for Puppers we'll let it pass just this once....

I might be able to come up with a kitchen fitting name - I'll get back to you.....

Are the carcasses shot?  If not then new doors & drawer fronts, a worktop and sink etc. could be an option?  Much cheaper, and a whole bunch less upheaval & mess.  Or wouldn't Puppers "get away" with that approach by those who have to be kept happy.....? 

 

1 hour ago, The Lurker said:

But not as gutted as the year 4 teacher who misses her son's wedding at the weekend.

 

 

Ouch, big time.  A first class example for putting those whinging parents who won't play by the rules to shame though.

 

In other news:

The last decorative end panel is fitted - though I discovered that I'm a measly two cabinet connector screws short to finish the job (I must've used around 40 so far).  Turdycurses.  I've drilled the holes ready though, and more are on the way from the 'bay.  All doors & shelves are now fitted to the wall units - though doors will be removed as required when the cornice goes on in order to prevent the risk of damage.  I've hung the business-end of the cooker hood on the wall and can now order a splashback....once I've decided which pretty picture I want.  I did consider one with a piccy of a super-duper LDC on it, but decided that probably wasn't a good idea after all as any visitors seeing Bear licking the wall may think it a bit strange.....

[Compound2632]

33 minutes ago, polybear said:

Sue for age discrimination.....

 

Has a point there. The Boss really should have known better than to say that - HR ought to have his scalp. If @TheQ is the best qualified person for the post, age cannot come into it. But of course they can only be appointed if they apply.

[Gwiwer]

5 hours ago, chrisf said:

the different way of describing some turning points between depots and between eras.  At the northern end of route 630, for example was “Harlesden College Park”.  This was also displayed as “Harrow Road Scrubs Lane”

There must have been many such examples over the years.  "Harrow Road Scrubs Lane" has latterly been used for buses turning in to the new-ish Westbourne Park garage (code X) beneath the M40 flyover.  Other buses terminating there show "Westbourne Park Garage".  It was also used at one time for buses which would run out of service the short distance to the old Middle Row garage (the previous owner of code X) but for which other buses showed North Kensington Middle Row Garage.  

 

The long-time terminus of the 36 group (which once included 36A and 36B) was shown as "West Kilburn" but the same terminal stop is today described as "Queen's Park Station".  At some point in the 1970s "Kensington - Palace Gate" became "Palace Gate - Kensington" for a reason I never learned.  "Poplar Iron Bridge Tavern" and "Poplar Aberfeldy Street" were strictly one stop apart but both were used for buses terminating at PR (Poplar) garage which wasn't exactly on any line of route.  

 

"Lazy" blinds have been mentioned which were and which remain in use for very short routes where the crew / driver might be inconvenienced by having to re-set the destination every few minutes.  There wasn't a rule that I was aware of as to how long or short such route might be but examples included the 224A and 224B which, when worked by RT buses, displayed "To and From Uxbridge Station and West Drayton Station" on the "via" blind.  Journeys which ran on to Swan Road or Stockley Estate showed those places on the "ultimate" blind but those terminating at West Drayton Station and all towards Uxbridge left the "lazy" blind set.  The 288 "Edgware Station and Broadfields" is a long-standing but very short route which uses lazy blinds and there are a good many others.  We never had them in Cornwall.  It was a right PITA to be assigned the duty which made three trips an hour between town and a nearby estate with a 9-minute end-to-end journey time.  At each end it was stop - decant passengers (if any) - reverse around the corner - change blind - pull forward - board passengers (if any) and wait time before moving off.  Three "rounders" an hour.  For four hours.  Yawn .  

 

Morning all.  A bright warm House of Fun has been distinctly busy.  Weekend trippers, Wombletown Ball-bouncers and the Hampton Court flower people were all out in force.  I managed to get my annual enquiry in - to the amusement of the enquirers - "Ball or blooms, madam?"  They had a good laugh.

 

I am promised lunch out.  I had better join Dr. SWMBO!!! 

[AndrewC]

Afternoon all. Just checking in. 

 

thoughts with Gordon and his family. Doesn't sound promising. 

 

Spinal origami this morning. Sadly the appt is too early in the AM for me to use my old f@rt Oyster card. <oh bother> Today I'm mostly in meaningless meetings and waiting for parcels to arrive. 

 

That is all. Enjoy the day and weekend. 

[polybear]

Any takers?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57775800

[PupCam]

4 minutes ago, polybear said:

Any takers?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57775800

Why on earth would you ..... 

[Gwiwer]

Privacy agreed. Third time today. 
Editor cleared. Took five attempts. 
It’s still a free site unless we choose to contribute; could be a lot worse. 
 

I’m not sure a six hoyr wait to get in will put too many off coming. It takes longer than that to get here from many places. The determination of some to enter this fair land sees them cross water in tiny craft or hiding in vehicles. A six-hour wait and a period of quarantine is the least of some folks worries.
 

Isn’t there supposed to be a faster Brit-Cit double-jabbed lane for those who are (or soon will be) allowed relatively unhindered entry?  
 

 

[jamie92208]

55 minutes ago, polybear said:

Any takers?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57775800

Just hope that we don't have to sit on the harbour front at Pirtsmouth for 6 hours when we finally get the chance to come across to see our family. Both double vaccinated but in France so at the moment  we would still have to quarantine for 10 days. As soon as that's dropped we'll be on the way.   It will benice to hold our granddaughter  agai n after over 18 months.

 

Jamie.

[jamie92208]

1 hour ago, Gwiwer said:

Isn’t there supposed to be a faster Brit-Cit double-jabbed lane for those who are (or soon will be) allowed relatively unhindered entry?  

 

 

At the moment it's only for returning n UK residents.  EU vaccinati9n certficates aren't being accepted yet.

 

Jamie

Edited July 9, 2021 by jamie92208

[J. S. Bach]

15 hours ago, BR60103 said:

Mr Bach:  What system is your roll sign for? ...snip...

The one stretched out on the floor is from a Washington, DC PCC.

The  1 TURN BACK is from a Broward County Transit 1980 Flexible.

Edited July 9, 2021 by J. S. Bach
To correct a spelling error.

[Ian Abel]

POETS... moaning all!

 

Yesterday only real highlights were Whitney having her dental work and a full recovery. She hardly seemed phased when Jemma picked her up. Always brings a smile to everyone as she's so energetic all the time.

Jemma then got her latest "trip details", being on reserve as low-person on the roster means she gets actual flight schedules rather short notice.

Off today for a three-day, left o-crack-sparrow from here around 5AM, for a 6:50 departure to Seattle then on to Anchorage...blah, blah..

 

Today for me/us little happening. quite day overall.

First thing, replacement fridge delivered and installed at rental house.

Took all of 30 minutes, removing old one, bringing in new one, setting door to correct side, RESULT! Everyone happy, me $800 lighter!

 

Later, I'm going to a neighbors house who recently passed away. Their family sold the Steinway grand she had but for some unaccountable reason the purchasers didn't want to original piano bench that went with it! Been offered for free to me, together with whatever music - apparently hoards of it, all classical - I may wish to have.

Much of it is potentially collectible as the lady who passed away didn't play the piano, her mother did, she inherited piano with the house when her mother passed!

 

Lovely day here, 15 first thing, partly cloudy, 50% chance of rain, high 25.

 

Hope the weekend starts well for all

 

[grandadbob]

After this morning's walk I ended up doing a couple of small domestic tasks and then didn't feel too well for a while so The Shed was side-stepped for today. 

Spent the afternoon watching the TdeF on and off and glad I did.

Outside the sky has turned very dark and it's just started to rain..... heavily.

 

[Barry O]

Got various tasks done.. I then tried my can of spray Bauxite Undercoat can.. erm.. empty. So off to the Range.. Very busy.. nearly everyone masked and sensible. 4 Stupids (clad in Leeds Uni T Shirts) take face masks off and start having a "conversation" .. asked to replace face masks.. got a little abusive.. then the security guys turned up.. they fled.. the sooner the stupids go home and the schools break up.. perhaps we can see our numbers drop a lot quicker than currently.. Less people in hospital here (22 with 3 on ventilators)  but the Leeds University Hospital trust has melted down and stopped normal surgery.. having talked with a front line medic last saturday he said everything was fine as the number of positive cases has very few older, more vulnerable people without jabs..

 

They are pretty useless.... but not  representative of the people at the pointy end...

 

Baz

Edited July 9, 2021 by Barry O

[TheQ]

Flash flooding in Norwich, a foot deep in places, cars driving along pavements that are six inches under water. Drain covers popping up and fountains of water coming out... It was an interesting drive home.

Dry here though.

It was raining IN Tes and Coes a good light shower dripping off a security camera.

 

SWMBO has twisted her ankle while gardening, so the waiting Ben took me for a short walk.. A very short walk, after 200 yards, he heard thunder, then he was pulling me to get home... He's now cuddled up to me..

 

As for the job I've long since told the boss I'm leaving late  next year, and I'm not changing that if I can help it.. I'm half expecting pressure to stay on , especially if they don't get a deputy boss soon..

 

 

[simontaylor484]

Afternoon all

 

Been doing the G word

Trellis i ordered from EBay arrived with the postie this morning so that has been fastened to fence and the rose has been trained against the trellis. Other tasks have been done today my legs are killing me.

[New Haven Neil]

Evening.

 

Manx boy done good in the bicycling, eh!

 

In other news, the old farts had a good ride out (several stops for old bones to unwind) and a great brunch down...all the way down.....in Port Erin.  Sunny and warm, lots of kids on the beach, which gave thought - our kids are at school still, so are this lot all visitors? Still, nowhere near us and the view is good. Mansell used to live in a house just behind that grass bank top left - he built the bank so folk couldn't see him....which meant he couldn't see the view.  Clever lad eh? 

 

[PhilJ W]

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. The weather thingy on Windows insists that it is raining, oh no it aint. Dark threatening cloud making it necessary to turn some lights on but dry. The poppies are still blooming in the front garden long after most in more sunny places as are a lot of wildflowers including cornflower and herb robert. Time to get dinner ready, be back later.

[polybear]

2 hours ago, TheQ said:

As for the job I've long since told the boss I'm leaving late  next year, and I'm not changing that if I can help it.. I'm half expecting pressure to stay on , especially if they don't get a deputy boss soon..

 

Sounds like an ideal opportunity for coming back as a subbie on reduced hours (3-day week, anyone?) and oodles of LDC tokens....