Early Risers.

[simontaylor484]

Afternoon all 

 

Had a physio terrorist appointment this morning then was able to get on with some jobs one socket fitted and plastered round. The next one has been cut out and temporarily replaced ready to finish tomorrow although I do have to go chasing prescriptions

 

 

[Ian Abel]

Moaning <sigh>

 

Weekend woes;

Friday after a very successful and rewarding couple of rides on my spin-bike, taking my total mileage now over the 500 mile mark, I went off to the store to get some orange juice "for the morning" and SOMEHOW managed to pull a calf muscle while in the store! Really, REALLY s0dding painful and barely managed to stagger back to the car and into the house. Late evening spent icing the leg and laying around more annoyed than in any pain - THAT only occurred if I got up.

 

Saturday, painful, but continued icing and some light stretching, as fortune would have it I'd planned to be sitting on my "dead arse" doing the taxes anyway, so no loss.

 

Sunday, leg feeling someone better, thankfully, and managed to stand through the Palm Sunday service the choir sang as.

It was also good enough to allow me to go to the baseball game with the Mrs, Trevor and Meagan.

Good news was we won 10-4, AND we got free wind-breakers as part of some promotion. Fairly cool in the shade where we were as the temp was only around 12 with a fairly decent breeze blowing.

 

Yesterday, continuing to improve, though still a bit gimpy. Evening get-together with our friends who are now back from Arizona.  They may regret not waiting another week as we're supposed to get a cold spell with some rain and SNOW!

 

3 first thing, overcast and headed for 12 with 85% chance of rain. 

 

Carry on.

[PhilJ W]

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. Not done a lot of what I intended today in the garden as when I ventured out there the sky started to leak. Naturally as soon as I'd put everything away it stopped leaking but its still the grey colour so the garden tools stayed in the shed. Sorry to hear of ID's PSA results and fortunately as others have said, generally you don't die from it but with it. I consider myself fortunate that I have not suffered any cancers or other potentially fatal illnesses at nearly 74 years of age. None of my ailments are potentially fatal to any great degree, they just hurt, sciatica, arthritis and kidney stones, the last when they were saying goodbye. 

11 hours ago, melmerby said:

I have notified Amazon that they are the wrong size.

They have refunded me and don't want them back, fortunately I can use the items (PCB terminal blocks) for a different job

I have also sent a e-bay message to the seller of the other items (Copper Clad fibreglass board) and await a response.

 

 

10 hours ago, polybear said:

....that was quick.  I have noticed that on some items (I guess the very cheap stuff) Amazon seem to be adopting a policy of "not wanting it back".  It's about time they also had a policy of collecting wrong or faulty items from your home address, rather than expect a buyer to take it to a drop-off point.  That last bit is a Rant.

If its something thats less than about £50 its not worth sending it back to China. Something to do with export credits having to be repaid to the (Hong Kong) government I understand. Its happened to me with regard to some diecast models that were overdue, I had a refund and they'd sent a replacement or a refund and then the goods turned up. When I notified them either they said keep the item or just ignored my message. I've only once had any problem with goods from China and that was something costing less than a fiver. They'd sent the wrong item and just ignored my complaints. The wrong item cost more than the one I ordered but was incompatible with what I wanted it for (it was a TV remote control).

Edited April 12, 2022 by PhilJ W

[polybear]

Bear here.....

Well the first (3m) length of dado rail is fixed to the wall, albeit temporarily - it'll come off again for sanding and painting; it's level to within 0.1 degrees along it's length so that'll do for this Bear.  Sometimes being an (ex) Aerospace Engineer can be a curse.....

I'll be able to speed up significantly tomorrow, now that I have a plan and sort of know what I'm doing.

 

In other news....

Bear thought he'd found the next Bear Castle - until I realised it only had a twenty car garage.  Turdycurses.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/lifestyle/home-and-garden/saudi-billionaire-s-former-windsor-pile-with-secret-gate-to-royal-park-on-sale-for-32m/ar-AAW8eqn?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=8d7c38c71541424ab8cb0ee1cc2ff302

 

And finally.....

The funny ad for the caravan on the 'bay sold for £2100 - but has been relisted for no apparent reason; the original ad didn't have a reserve.  Weird - unless a time-waster bid and then scarpered, which is quite likely.

[PhilJ W]

The 'don't bother returning it' policy of traders in Hong Kong has worked in my favour to the tune of about £80, and thats including the TV remote control which I didn't get my money back on, all of £4.75. 

[polybear]

I see we have got to suffer Partygate all over again.  FFS

 

In other news:

Does anyone else play "race the kettle", or is it a Bear thing?  Kettle goes on and whilst it's doin' it's stuff you have to get some other things done before it boils - butter the toast, cut the cake, get stuff out of the fridge, whatever - it doesn't matter.  Must get out more.......

[polybear]

Bear has been looking at ornaments for the lounge......

 

(Beary Health Warning:  Viewing these links - and other offerings - could seriously damage the health of Puppers and NHN - especially if you click the "Buy Button" and SWMBO's find out......)

 

Nice - just add some Number 7's and a Donald Duck sticker.....

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/bonhams/catalogue-id-bonham10394/lot-bea6b611-81e2-408b-bd93-ae6a00b91379

 

Or maybe this one.....

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/bonhams/catalogue-id-bonham10394/lot-60210386-ea08-44b6-99f8-ae6a00b91379

 

Ouch.....very serious money.....

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/bonhams/catalogue-id-bonham10394/lot-64f6d793-fb92-4231-91db-ae6a00b91382?utm_source=sr-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=toppicks&utm_term=20220412-pr&utm_content=bonham10394-imagelot6

 

But definitely NOT this one.  EVER.  Not even if you gave Bear all the World's LDC that I haven't already got......

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/bonhams/catalogue-id-bonham10394/lot-5e6e3fae-6d81-4355-b14e-ae6a00b9138c

Edited April 12, 2022 by polybear

[The White Rabbit]

A damp day outside the burrow today. But a few things done inside, without pulling any muscles or sore bits. This afternoon saw me look through some old coins, mainly pennies and ha'pennies, though with some other coins. Value checked, some may be worth a little (solid silver before 1922 you know...) but the only yacht I'll buy with the proceeds will be the sort you sail in the bath. (If anyone has any requests, nostalgic or otherwise, PM me for first dibs). A few were from Queen Victoria's reign, it felt slightly strange holding something 130+ years old. Silly, given I've worked on the autocar and bits of that are 119 years old... 

 

Some paperwork done, before that gets to 119 years old. (I recall the Jerome K Jerome quote about work... I like work, it fascinates me, I can sit and look at it for hours). Some money shuffling is due to take advantage of better* savings rates. Also some preparation to be done before a visit to the solicitors. 

 

With the mild and damp weather, the garden's suddenly woken up and things are growing almost as you watch them. It occurred to me one definition of a gardening success might be pulling a dandelion up and managing to get the root out intact, so you genuinely fix the problem rather than just knock it back a few weeks. 

 

A little advice and materials supplied for another's 1:76 scale garden flowers and pots. 

 

So not the most constructive or energetic day but one with more positives than negatives, so that'll do for now. Evening all... 

 

 

* Mathematically rather than morally appropriate for current inflation. 

[New Haven Neil]

@polybear Not interested in stinkwheels., and the Brough is too early for my tastes.  £120k is also a touch above my toy allowance for the month, moving the decimal point somewhat to the left would give a better ideas of current finances....£1.20.

[Ozexpatriate]

After sunny 25°C weather last Thursday, this week feels more like a return of winter (such as it is here). After yesterday's early morning snow, it is presently raining (quite heavily at one point) and 5°C at noon. Forecasters are talking about the potential for low altitude (>500') snow tomorrow as well.

 

I hold tickets to go to a tulip festival tomorrow. Apparently they were south of the line where yesterday's snow fell but I doubt they will be very resplendent.

 

EDIT:

Thirty minutes later, the rain stopped and there is bright sunshine. It's still chilly but much cheerier. Springtime after all! 🌦️

 

Of course the sun was hiding again by the time I hit "save" but hopefully it will be back at some point.

 

Edited April 12, 2022 by Ozexpatriate

[Ian Abel]

Ahh, deliveries and the "don't bother to return..." option.

 

I get my McVities DARK Chocolate Digestives from Amazon - about the only option since the local shop stopped carrying them a couple of years back.

Latest delivery was an error and mistakenly MILK Chocolate was sent to me. Given it's "food" apparently there is no "return, wrong item delivered" option available. Only recourse appeared to be a direct "complaint" about the item.

They, right away, refunded my money, so I'm up 4 packs of bikkies - that's how they're sold, 4 packs per order.

I'm not a great fan of the Milk Chocolate variety, but I'll see if I can't force them down with my tea!!!   

 

 

[Gwiwer]

1 hour ago, polybear said:

Does anyone else play "race the kettle", or is it a Bear thing?  Kettle goes on and whilst it's doin' it's stuff you have to get some other things done before it boils - butter the toast, cut the cake, get stuff out of the fridge, whatever - it doesn't matter.  Must get out more.......

It's not called "Race the kettle" here.  It's the time-efficient morning routine at 5am.  

 

Exit shower, dress, enter kitchen.  Check water level in kettle and apply power.  Prepare Weetabix and insert toast into toaster.  By which time the kettle has boiled if the water level is right so pour into mug with pre-loaded tea-bag.  Stir.  Lower toast into toaster until the latter clicks and the former begins to brown.  Remove tea-bag.  Enjoy Weetabix while checking the early-morning news and train-running information.  Collect muggertea and toast and enjoy whilst swiftly scanning the night's antisocial media and news arrivals.  Brush teeth.  Depart for the House of Fun.  All in 15 minutes flat.  A well-honed routine with a single minute plus or minus making all the difference.  

 

"Race the kettle" is something some people in cars do when large rail-borne water-boiling objects are out to play 🤣

[Ian Abel]

2 hours ago, polybear said:

Does anyone else play "race the kettle", or is it a Bear thing?  Kettle goes on and whilst it's doin' it's stuff you have to get some other things done before it boils - butter the toast, cut the cake, get stuff out of the fridge, whatever - it doesn't matter.  Must get out more.......

Me, me, me, me <wide grin>

The AM breakfast "kettle" race is to set it on, then retrieve the newspaper from the front garden (bl00dy idiot delivery guy!!), get back in and make porridge, feed Bob a small pre-breakfast treat and get the newspaper prepared for me to read in comfort! Sometimes topping up the bird-feeders is included if they are in need.

[simontaylor484]

I wonder what attracted the Saudi Billlionaires former model ex wife to him?

 

With apologies to Mrs Merton

[PupCam]

12 hours ago, polybear said:

An ER Beano to WSM is called for......will the Beeza make it down there Puppers?

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/newsbirmingham/only-three-people-have-ever-finished-this-gigantic-breakfast-challenge/ar-AAW5Tah?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=e3a7d4d27f1b46f2b6e652d2d1688bb6

 

Only if you are volunteering to push it!  It is still very much sans engine. 

 

5 hours ago, Gwiwer said:

And when your friends pass away faster than you can make new ones.  

 

Isn't that the truth!

 

3 hours ago, polybear said:

Bear thought he'd found the next Bear Castle - until I realised it only had a twenty car garage.  Turdycurses.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/lifestyle/home-and-garden/saudi-billionaire-s-former-windsor-pile-with-secret-gate-to-royal-park-on-sale-for-32m/ar-AAW8eqn?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=8d7c38c71541424ab8cb0ee1cc2ff302

 

We were thinking of downsizing.   Might be an option I suppose  ...

 

Bear as an ornament I always fancied a few of the Glen English 1/4 scale offerings (I seem to recall the price for a new model 7R was more than I paid for my 1/1 scale AJS16MS).    Unfortunately his website seems to have disappeared from web land.   I wonder if he is still with us, I do hope so?    Great shame if his talent is no more.

 

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19767/lot/77/?category=list

 

https://www.tested.com/making/802428-glen-englishs-scratch-built-motorcycle-replicas/

 

Alan

[Erichill16]

Evening All,

Thoughts for all those suffering whether it be prostrate related or not.

Bit of a subdued day at work today as the dog of a mother/daughter pairing who work for me had to be put out down this morning after after a short illness. I also had a lady in my consultation room crying as she couldn’t get an appointment to see her gp. All in all I was happy to get home.

An early start tomorrow as the stock takers are coming and I want to get some jobs done before they arrive. It’s also going to be a late finish as the new pharmacists are coming round after work for a meeting. Be knackered by the time I get home.

Goodnight,

Robert

[polybear]

36 minutes ago, Ian Abel said:

I'm not a great fan of the Milk Chocolate variety, but I'll see if I can't force them down with my tea!!!   

 

 

 

Bear can help.  It's what Bears are for.  Dark Choccy?  Edible, but a bit dubious in this Bear's book.

 

32 minutes ago, Gwiwer said:

It's not called "Race the kettle" here.  It's the time-efficient morning routine at 5am.  

 

Exit shower, dress, enter kitchen.  Check water level in kettle and apply power.  Prepare Weetabix and insert toast into toaster.  By which time the kettle has boiled if the water level is right so pour into mug with pre-loaded tea-bag.  Stir.  Lower toast into toaster until the latter clicks and the former begins to brown.  Remove tea-bag.  Enjoy Weetabix while checking the early-morning news and train-running information.  Collect muggertea and toast and enjoy whilst swiftly scanning the night's antisocial media and news arrivals.  Brush teeth.  Depart for the House of Fun.  All in 15 minutes flat.  A well-honed routine with a single minute plus or minus making all the difference.  

 

"Race the kettle" is something some people in cars do when large rail-borne water-boiling objects are out to play 🤣

 

Bear knocks up batches of six ready-mixed bowls (with lids on) of DIY sultana bran - a bowl, spoon, meds for the morning all go on the tray ready for the next morning; mug is pre-loaded with tea bag and sugar and the kettle has enough water for a mug of tea.

 

19 minutes ago, simontaylor484 said:

I wonder what attracted the Saudi Billlionaires former model ex wife to him?

 

 

No idea, though I'm not sure she would've married him if he'd been a bin man......

[Coombe Barton]

... One of the biggest decisions I have to make on a daily basis, while on leave, is the game of Wossin. ...

 

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2022/04/12/one-law-for-us-one-law-for-them/

[New Haven Neil]

34 minutes ago, PupCam said:

 

Only if you are volunteering to push it!  It is still very much sans engine. 

 

 

Isn't that the truth!

 

 

We were thinking of downsizing.   Might be an option I suppose  ...

 

Bear as an ornament I always fancied a few of the Glen English 1/4 scale offerings (I seem to recall the price for a new model 7R was more than I paid for my 1/1 scale AJS16MS).    Unfortunately his website seems to have disappeared from web land.   I wonder if he is still with us, I do hope so?    Great shame if his talent is no more.

 

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19767/lot/77/?category=list

 

https://www.tested.com/making/802428-glen-englishs-scratch-built-motorcycle-replicas/

 

Alan

 

Next door but one has a MV500/3 by him - and our recently deceased prez of the VMCC here had a few in his museum. (Tony East), apparently a VERY good investment.  Certainly had a 7R and a Manx, I was looking at them with him just a few weeks ago, he died the next week.

[PhilJ W]

Evening all from Estuary-Land. I didn't intend to go very far over the coming bank holiday, just as well as there are few places with any petrol for sale. This is thanks to the Extinction Rebellion nutcases blocking the fuel distribution depot down in Purfleet. At the moment I have three quarters of a tank which should see me through to next week.

[Gwiwer]

9 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

Evening all from Estuary-Land. I didn't intend to go very far over the coming bank holiday, just as well as there are few places with any petrol for sale. This is thanks to the Extinction Rebellion nutcases blocking the fuel distribution depot down in Purfleet. At the moment I have three quarters of a tank which should see me through to next week.

If you can make it over to the west side there doesn't seem to be any fuel shortage here at all.  All pumps in use and no queues where I filled up today and as I drove past several others there seemed to be neither shortage nor rush to buy.  Apparently the issue is very patchy.  

[PhilJ W]

Those foxes are back, and it sounds like a litter of cubs. Problem is that they're very close to my house but not in my garden. I suspect they are in next doors garden, (the currently empty house). I haven't detected any pongs yet but if a vixen has made her den there she will have to be encouraged to go elsewhere.

[tigerburnie]

G'night all

[PeterBB]

On 11/04/2022 at 12:47, iL Dottore said:

The planets before the explosive eruption of the Yellowstone caldera (also considered by some as overdue).

 

Trying to place this but a 600 mile 'hidden' crater rings a bell and just over a foot of movement, too small for people to feel, has been recorded.  It it went of ... basically there would probably not be anyone available to record it.

[PhilJ W]

14 minutes ago, Gwiwer said:

If you can make it over to the west side there doesn't seem to be any fuel shortage here at all.  All pumps in use and no queues where I filled up today and as I drove past several others there seemed to be neither shortage nor rush to buy.  Apparently the issue is very patchy.  

The problem is that Purfleet supplies the whole of Essex and a fair chunk of East London. The next nearest depot is the Isle of Grain in Kent but tankers have to be escorted through the Dartford tunnels and that is expensive.