Early Risers.

[Barry O]

Ey up!

Herself off to morea.. me.. off to sign a new lease on the Club rooms. Looks like we may be gaining a new member next week.

 

It has turned chilly and wet overnight. 

 

Mugatea to be drunk then time to see a man about our lease..

 

Have a good day!

Baz

[polybear]

6 hours ago, brianusa said:

Sometimes i despair of some of the locals.  They have all this info and ignore it to  their peril, one day they will end up in hospital or worse and wonder why

     Brian

 

Googling "Anti vaxxer dies" brings up a string of hits.....

 

4 hours ago, Tony_S said:

The UK has decided that double jabbed US tourists can come to the UK without restrictions now. Seems odd seeing news from the US about Covid and reports from ERs about the situation. It seems EU residents except for France can too. 

 

I hadn't heard that France wasn't on the green list.  I bet that went down well (not) with Buddy's SWMBO next door - they're in France at the moment, due back in just over a week.

 

58 minutes ago, chrisf said:

Greetings one and all

 

I hate packing, but when a holiday is contemplated it is a necessary evil.  Once again it surprises and appals me just how much stuff appears necessary for a week away. 

 

One of the more sensible ideas that this Bear had several years ago was to create a "Holiday Packing List" - when I returned from a hols I wrote down everything I'd packed as I unpacked it; if I'd forgotten something and had needed it on the hols then that got added too, and if there was anything in the bag that didn't get used then that didn't go on the list - unless it was a sensible "just in case" item.

Then I produced a master list (two, actually - one for hols and one for work trips) based on the results.  This then gets used as a checklist for every holiday.  Seems to work a treat, and has reduced the amount of dross I was taking for the ride substantially.  More importantly, nothing has yet been forgotten.....

 

58 minutes ago, chrisf said:

I learned with sorrow yesterday that Triumph the koala has lost his battle with leukaemia.  Apparently he died in his keeper’s arms and in sunshine. 

 

 

 

In other news:

First excitement of the day will be to get the bins out for collection, followed by another (and hopefully last) session of cutting and fitting decorative plinth to the wall units.  Not a bad job, actually.

Buddy at work is baling out at the end of September (early retirement) - it seems he may be having a small(ish) gathering at work towards the end of the month (held in a very large area), to which a certain Bear may well be invited , assuming of course that the Security Dept. don't bounce visits from those no longer employed there.  Should be good, as (a) there is a promise of cake (paid for by him, as The Great Empire are far too tight for such gestures even after 40+ years' service ) and (b) there should be several other retirees attending that Bear will look forward to seeing again.  We'll see if it happens.

[jamie92208]

Good moaning, it's sunny and blue skies outside.

 

I got another bit of electrical work done and fitted an outdoor rated switch to the pump for the irrigation system. It now looks neat and can be unplugged for the winter. In due course I will give it it's own circuit breaker indoors.  Various tasks were completed in the afternoon and we attempted to make sense of the travel related announcements.  As mentioned above we will still have to quarantine when we arrive but that may be cut short.  Our tests are paid for so it's all set up but we will wait and see.  The big decision for me is whether or not to pack a couple of kits to work on during quarantine. I don't think that I better take a smouldering iron.

 

Last night Beth was watching the Black redstarts that fly around the shed.  She discovered that a 2nd brood is being raised, actually underneath the layout. The nest is built into a void in a baseboard that can be accessed from underneath via a handhole used to attach power to a removable viaduct.  They will not be disturbed but I can't get a picture of the chicks in the nest without an endescope.

 

Today I'm off to see the fang mender.  After that the ironing awaits.

 

As to this

12 hours ago, Ozexpatriate said:

We were talking about poppies some weeks ago. Having synchronized my telephone and laptop, here are some California poppies (and the second blooming species of dandelions) near the community mailbox from mid-month.

This weedy patch has been cleared now, presumably by the homeowner next door. We have two dominant species of dandelions. One with much thicker leaves, stems and larger flowers blooms in the Spring.  The one pictured has long spindly stems and thin leaves and is dominant in the summer. The playing fields at the local Elementary school were a sea of them.

The upper set of dandelions look like our lawn aka weed patch.

 

Jamie

Edited July 29, 2021 by jamie92208

[TheQ]

Mooring Awl, Inner Temple Hare,

Another poor night I'd wake every so often and whatever side was down, would be in pain, Find a new comfortable position and repeat..

 

Ben the changable Collie was a little more sprightly this morning, though he didn't like Thor's hammer last night, He came up stairs and squeezed between me and the wall, wanting reassurance. He was helped by the PC's speakers being down there playing music..

 

Yes we've finally had some heavy rain last night, though you wouldn't have known it by the morning, all but the dregs of the biggest puddles had gone..

 

 While on the PC I was booking for evening events for regatta week, as we have to prebook meals this year.

 

The boss also had lead problems, his investigation of the problems on last weeks major system showed that some relatively new leads are outside spec, today he's going to run the system with, just out of the packet new leads..

 

Other news from work the graduate that was offered the post of Deputy head of lab has gone elsewhere.. So the recruitment cycle starts again.. More interviews (online) next week.. 

Someone mentioned managers.. Many of those applying are or are trying to be professional managers.. They're ignoring the job spec that includes it's a very technical post. You are not actually managing anything... Except me..

 

Packing for Regatta week starts tonight, Clothing for 7 days including something less tatty for the evening functions, boat wear for cold wet and soggy, Boat wear for hot and sunny, bedding , a book or two for the evenings I'm not attending. Binoculars , wash kit, a couple of big towels.. And a big marker buoy. But first empty the landrover of a years accumulated junk....

 

The equipment's warmed up now

Time to measure..

 

Your Guide to Horning Week 2021.pdf

Edited July 29, 2021 by TheQ

[Andrew P]

Breezy but hot and sunny so far so no time to waste on here, I have a life to live, and sitting here is not conducive to a healthy start to the day, so a walk must be walked and the breakfast must be consumed.

 

Have a good day one and all, stay safe and keep well.

[New Haven Neil]

Morning, 'summer' is back on Fraggle Rock, 14c, windy and showers.  Pah.

 

I have fallen foul of folk on here before with opinions of (some) teachers, it would seem they can be....variable...in skill.  I think I just got a bad lot, there were only a handful of what I may term successful teachers at the Grammar-Technical School wot I attended, and my results in their lessons were good.  Others, 'less so', my results likewise, including abject failure in one subject, taught by a person with a PhD but no professional experience. 

 

Talking to friend's kids now, it would appear teaching standards have improved out of all recognition, so maybe we're all right!  No sleight to those on here who taught, but my experience of school was horrendous.  FE however, opened a different world to me, and I returned for more in my late 30's to an equally good experience.

 

Tony, Indian domestic model motorbikes now seem have a sort of Sari-guard grid covering the sides of back wheel, the UK imports don't have it.  I don't know if this is an option in India or compulsory.

 

 

As for Polybear's CCM Spitfire, oh yes please....but you could buy three Enfields for the price of one of those!  Thus it would remain a dream for me too, but in practice my dodgy hips and foot probably would rule it out on grounds of pain anyway.

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Arthur Itis was very loud this morning, like the Q whatever side I lay on hurts, except for flat on my back, which is not very comfortable. I have an appointment with the practice nurse later. When I had my shingles and pneumonia jabs a few weeks ago she took my BP which recorded 170/90 and I was read the riot act for not having it checked on a regular basis (Using my own machine doesn't count). So I'm going back again to have it tested. This time though I will not be drinking the couple of mugs of strong tea beforehand which may have contributed to the high reading, I had forgotten about the tea until it dawned on me afterwards that that could be a factor. Now to catch up on the rest of RMweb, be back later.

[New Haven Neil]

1 minute ago, PhilJ W said:

 ....snip<....I was read the riot act for not having it checked on a regular basis (Using my own machine doesn't count). So I'm going back again to have it tested. 

 

It is exactly that sort of response which causes my BP to be high in the surgery!  Then I worry about it, which causes....yup!

 

Always fine at home, away from white coats and stressy behaviours.

[leopardml2341]

Mornin!

 

It didn't rain overnight and mi laundry is dry

 

That's enough excitement for the moment.

 

Stay safe, sane and well folks.

[PhilJ W]

13 minutes ago, New Haven Neil said:

 

It is exactly that sort of response which causes my BP to be high in the surgery!  Then I worry about it, which causes....yup!

 

Always fine at home, away from white coats and stressy behaviours.

She did say that I might be given (loaned) a machine to take my blood pressure. 

[New Haven Neil]

9 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

She did say that I might be given (loaned) a machine to take my blood pressure. 

 

I have an aged but NHS approved one!

[BSW01]

Good morning everyone 

 

The overnight rain has stopped and as the way the patio is already starting to dry out it must have stopped some time ago. There has also been a significant drop in temperature 13C this morning, last week it was around 20C! 

 

Once sheila has set off for her Zumba class I shall begin the task of mopping the cellar floor. As I mentioned last night I expect to have to do this more than once! After that, I shall do no more until the plaster has dried out fully then I shall inspect it to see if there are any bits that need rectifying. Yesterday I spotted a few small bits low down as I was scrapping bits of dried plaster, so there are bound to be some a few more. 

 

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

 

Brian

[Mike Bellamy]

1 hour ago, polybear said:

Then I produced a master list (two, actually - one for hols and one for work trips) based on the results.  This then gets used as a checklist for every holiday.  Seems to work a treat, and has reduced the amount of dross I was taking for the ride substantially.  More importantly, nothing has yet been forgotten.....

 

 

A good idea - but the problem Chris would have is that he would then forget where the list is - only to find it again in a pile of magazines after the suitcase has been packed. Then he would have to start all over again after emptying the case to check the contents against the list - to find that everything was present and correct in the first place !!

[BSW01]

8 hours ago, Ozexpatriate said:

While evidently not a brand new building, what is the roofing material for this hospital?

 

I'm tempted to attempt a joke* about this but that might appear rude or insensitive, implying an unintended ageism or callousness.  Hospital evacuations are no laughing matter. While I was hopitalized (many years ago) there was a tornado alert. Patients were moved from their rooms (with windows) into the corridors. No tornado or damage materialized.

 

* Was it thatch?

 

The roof in question is (was) fairly new as the building has been re-roofed, but when and with what I cannot say. 

 

But it definitely wasn’t THATCH! 

[jonny777]

Bright and breezy here in North Somerset, but dry. So, have put my washing on and hope for a dry afternoon. 

 

However, cruel news has emerged. My brother rang to say Dad has taken a turn for the worse, although I was unaware it was possible to get much worse. Apart from the possible imminent upset of losing my father, I would also change from power of attorney for financial affairs, to executor of his will. 

 

I'm not sure how this affects a house sale where contracts have been exchanged but the completion date has not arrived. His accounts would be frozen presumably until probate has been agreed, but maybe that does not happen until the banks are informed officially of his passing, otherwise the money transfer can't happen. 

 

After 21 months of trying to sell the property through three lockdowns and two buyers pulling out at the last minute, I would prefer to get this over and done with. I realise this may seem callous prioritising financial transactions over severe health matters, but everything seems pre-ordained to b*gg*r things up. I am well past the age where I can just sail calmly through unpredictable rough waters.  

 

Oh well. What will be will be, I suppose. 

 

 

[tigerburnie]

Morning, we have had some rain, none of the predicted thunder and lightening however, garden is looking better for it and the rivers have had a rise, so I may well go chasing mythical Salmon and Sea Trout in my local river tomorrow.

A weird calm is over the village, hope it's not the storm coming after all, stay safe and well all.

[chrisf]

2 hours ago, Mike Bellamy said:

 

A good idea - but the problem Chris would have is that he would then forget where the list is - only to find it again in a pile of magazines after the suitcase has been packed. Then he would have to start all over again after emptying the case to check the contents against the list - to find that everything was present and correct in the first place !!

You know me too well ...

[Andrew P]

2 hours ago, PhilJ W said:

She did say that I might be given (loaned) a machine to take my blood pressure. 

I have one we bought from Boots, there not expensive, and I do my BP every morning after a half hour sit down, and record it in my diary. 

Came in handy when the Paramedics were called just before Christmas, they could see the earlier readings before I went into melt down.

[Winslow Boy]

3 hours ago, New Haven Neil said:

 

I have an aged but NHS approved one!

 

Is that you or the blood pressure monitor.

[Dave Hunt]

Currently having a bit of a lie down after having had a tumour removed this morning from the side of my nose and it's now a bit sore. From the outside it looked to be about the size of a 4BA washer but when the surgeon started excavations he found that it was somewhat bigger and ended up chopping out a piece of my hooter the size of a 50p piece. He's reduced the size of the crater to about the size of a 5p piece by some fairly strong stitching (these measurements are all hearsay to me as the whole of my nose is covered in a large dressing that makes me look like a cross between Jimmy Durante and a plague doctor). Hence that side of my face feels a bit stretched. The healing process will probably take about six weeks and leave a significant scar so bang go my chances of starring as the next James Bond I guess. The upside is that Jill has taken pity on me and I'm excused all duties for the rest of the day.

 

Despite the seaweed study group predicting thunder and lightning for the last few days we haven't seen any. Some rain and it's windy but lightning flashes and torrential downpours notably absent.

 

Dave

[45156]

16 hours ago, polybear said:

Good stuff; Bear subsequently found this as a result:

 

 

Bear's Uncle Psycho (yes, we really did refer to him as that - invented by my Aunt/his Missus no less.  It suited him well, too....) was pretty good at playing BW & early Jazz on the Piano (no-where near that standard though), much to my Aunt's disgust as she HATED Jazz.

Brenda Kavanagh is a brilliant boogie woogie pianist, and he does like a jape - like pretending to be a cleaner, or a rank beginner, and then breaks into the most amazing boogie playing.

 

Edited July 29, 2021 by 45156

[polybear]

5 hours ago, TheQ said:

Other news from work the graduate that was offered the post of Deputy head of lab has gone elsewhere.. So the recruitment cycle starts again..

 

Hopefully not a Graduate who was straight out of Uni, surely?

 

5 hours ago, New Haven Neil said:

As for Polybear's CCM Spitfire, oh yes please....but you could buy three Enfields for the price of one of those!  Thus it would remain a dream for me too, but in practice my dodgy hips and foot probably would rule it out on grounds of pain anyway.

 

The CCM's all appear to be very limited production runs (mainly to get around the Euro 6 rules it seems, as small runs don't need to comply).  As a result the bikes are achieving s/h prices higher than the new prices...

As for R.E., the following would do quite happily too, at a third of the price:

 

3 hours ago, jonny777 said:

However, cruel news has emerged. My brother rang to say Dad has taken a turn for the worse, although I was unaware it was possible to get much worse. Apart from the possible imminent upset of losing my father, I would also change from power of attorney for financial affairs, to executor of his will. 

 

I'm not sure how this affects a house sale where contracts have been exchanged but the completion date has not arrived. His accounts would be frozen presumably until probate has been agreed, but maybe that does not happen until the banks are informed officially of his passing, otherwise the money transfer can't happen. 

 

After 21 months of trying to sell the property through three lockdowns and two buyers pulling out at the last minute, I would prefer to get this over and done with. I realise this may seem callous prioritising financial transactions over severe health matters, but everything seems pre-ordained to b*gg*r things up. I am well past the age where I can just sail calmly through unpredictable rough waters.  

 

Oh well. What will be will be, I suppose. 

 

 

 

Special Beary thoughts are with you.  As for the sale, should the worst happen prior to completion then what the relevant agencies (Bank, Estate Agents, Solicitor etc.) don't know then......

However, should a Will be leaving the house to another party then there could be a risk that they could say "You sold my House, and I wanted it" etc. etc.

 

In other news:

All the plinth pieces are cut and two of the four are fitted; the remaining two (end pieces) need securing to the wall units with cabinet blocks.  That's a job for later, as a visit to the Co-op beckons.

I've also been baby-sitting "Fred Windows", who's been replacing a misted up sealed unit in buddy next-door's French Doors (I'm a key-holder).  That, and a bowl of Cornflakes for din dins are Bear's fun for the day.

 

[45156]

Afternoon All

 

For once I can safely say all posts read, though not rated - and generic greetings are on offer as usual to all fellow ERs.

 

The people who came yesterday at 6 stayed til 6.30 and had a load of questions, and in this case, it was lucky that I was conducting the viewing, as some of them were not the sort of questions that the Estate Agent could have answered with any certainty or accuracy.  However, they must have been happy with what they saw, and of the answers I gave, as they want to come back again at 4 this afternoon for a second viewing - and yes, it's another muggins will do the viewing as the agent can't - 30747 has forbidden me to advise the agent of my "fee" for doing their job for them - but we will see...???

 

Back tomorrow, I hope.

Regards to All

Stewart

[PhilJ W]

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. BP is a bit lower than last time but still a bit too high so it looks as if I'll be back 0n the pills. But first I have to visit Dracula's daughter to make sure that they're not going to cause problems.

[jonny777]

1 hour ago, polybear said:

 

Special Beary thoughts are with you.  As for the sale, should the worst happen prior to completion then what the relevant agencies (Bank, Estate Agents, Solicitor etc.) don't know then......

However, should a Will be leaving the house to another party then there could be a risk that they could say "You sold my House, and I wanted it" etc. etc.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for this. I had decided that although it is illegal for money to be taken out of the deceased's bank account by an executor without some form of authority (mostly probate), there is nothing I can find to say money cannot be paid in. 

 

The Will only leaves the property to a surviving spouse, and there is none; so the house sale just adds to the estate. 

 

However, Dad seems to be hanging on today according to my brother who has seen him just recently, so I will take that as an optimistic sign.