Early Risers.

[polybear]

3 hours ago, TheQ said:

Mooring Awl,

Yesterday, was very busy with MRC and museum.

It didn't start well with 3 cockwombles in the space of a mile, 

1 , large van stopped with 4 ft of bonnet sticking out into the road,

2, a tractor rather rapidly turned into the single track road I was on without looking, he had to hit the brakes hard, then had  reverse out to let me out.

3, a woman in a Mondeo pulled half out onto the main road without looking my way then looked my way, and had to rapidly reverse backwards.

 

Note to Puppers @PupCam:  don't go riding the Beeza/AyJay/AarDee to Norfolk.....

 

3 hours ago, TheQ said:

Our bathroom is minimum size, a bath, a toilet, a sink and not much room to move between. Fitting a shower would be difficult for two reasons, it would require moving the toilet, difficult with the electrical distribution box below the bathroom. Then we have very low water pressure, a water tank would have to be installed in the loft, along with a high pressure pump. Even then you can't guarantee the tank would fill from the mains all the time.

 

Bear Towers has an L-shaped bathroom - bath (with shower at the deep end), loo and sink.  It's worked for this Bear for 56 years.  I also installed an upstairs loo where a big cupboard used to be; that project came out rather nicely and earnt serious brownie points with Momma Bear - it's also proved rather useful for A Certain Bear in later years as well....

 

1 hour ago, PhilJ W said:

He will be insuring the car as well as forking out for it as his daughter is a student*. Add to that the fact that public transport is expensive and not always convenient or reliable. *She attends college at Springfield Chelmsford that requires two or three buses to get to from where she lives at South Benfleet.  Also student accommodation is hard to find and expensive.

 

He'll also be insuring it with diddly squat NCB - he might want to see what such an insurance policy will cost before he goes buying a car......I'm sure that extra lessons will prove to be much cheaper, more useful and safer.

 

1 hour ago, tigerburnie said:

More wind and rain, though not cold at 10 degrees, yesterday saw a confirmation that buying insurance is pretty much a waste of time as they never pay out. The storm removed some harling from the conservatory low wall, only around10-12 years old. Assessor turns up (all the way from Geordieland) who says " no chance", which I knew was coming anyway. "Oh and by the way, don't use the same bloke to replace it as he didn't put enough on". Not surprised by that either as he turned up on a horse wearing spurs and a stetson hat............(well not quite but you get my drift)............fricken tradesmen................... 

 

Did he give a reason for no payout?  It may well be worth referring it to the Insurance Ombudsman - you've nothing to lose and IIRC it doesn't cost anything to do.  The worst they can say is no; a "useful" report from a local builder would help.

[New Haven Neil]

Mornin. #koff#  Actually tested negative, but still feel awful and #koffkoff# coughing up glue.  Mrs NHN tests positive, and is noting like as ill. Go figure.

 

 

Phil's friend may find insuring for a learner driver not so bad, it's when they pass and become able to not be supervised the trouble starts.

 

Our bathroom is tiny as you wold expect in a modern bungalow, we took the bath with shower over out after my first foot surgery when I couldn't weight bear on it at all, not a smidge.  The one legged hop with a zimmer frame was bad enough, but the frame didn't fit between the bath and basin.  Had a battle with the OT over that one, eventually got a teeny one for little old ladies (I'm 5-10 and 13st) so I could get to the loo.  So a wall moved and bath junked, and a 1.5m by 0.9m shower tray open at the end installed. Works.

[PhilJ W]

15 minutes ago, polybear said:

He'll also be insuring it with diddly squat NCB - he might want to see what such an insurance policy will cost before he goes buying a car......I'm sure that extra lessons will prove to be much cheaper, more useful and safer.

He's been on my insurance for about five years, some insurers take that into account. As with all types of insurance its best to shop around.

[iL Dottore]

1 hour ago, PhilJ W said:

Those houses are in the £640,000 to £680,000 range, the most expensive in Basildon. My house (only less than 200 metres away) is valued at £300,000 to £325,000 but mine is a small two bedroom end terrace. As you say it would need some serious revision, for one I would separate the kitchen from the dining area and incorporate the latter into the lounge. Also the large entrance hall can be reduced to increase the lounge area.

https://www.onthemarket.com/details/10234276/#/floorplans/1

 

Blimey thats about SFr 745,000.

 

This is what SFr 735,000 gets you in Kanton Kuh:

https://www.immoscout24.ch/de/d/einfamilienhaus-kaufen-st-niklaus-vs/7942020

 

Big difference!

[Compound2632]

5 minutes ago, iL Dottore said:

Blimey thats about SFr 745,000.

 

This is what SFr 735,000 gets you in Kanton Kuh:

https://www.immoscout24.ch/de/d/einfamilienhaus-kaufen-st-niklaus-vs/7942020

 

Big difference!

 

Ah, but that area does not have the amenities or social cachet of Basildon, I'm sure.

[iL Dottore]

11 minutes ago, Compound2632 said:

 

Ah, but that area does not have the amenities or social cachet of Basildon, I'm sure.

You’re absolutely right.

 

It’s merely in an area known for prime cross-country skiing.

 

An interesting bit of Swiss Alpine trivia: all the very very expensive ski resorts which attract the Hooray Henrys, the nouveau riche and the occasional passing oligarch are for down-hill skiing.

 

According to Mrs ID, cross country skiing (or Langlauf) tends not to attract the flashy nouveau riche, Hooray Henrys and those idiots with more money than good taste; but rather Langlauf resorts attract the more serious, thoughtful, nature loving and mature cross country skiers. Not that there isn’t serious money about, it’s just very, very discreet and very, very low-key.

[monkeysarefun]

3 hours ago, PhilJ W said:

If I was to win the lottery this is the sort of house I would purchase.

 https://www.onthemarket.com/details/10234276/#/photos/1 

I would make some modifications, for example make the two small downstairs bedrooms one with the downstairs shower room becoming an ensuite. The upper floor can be adapted for visitors/carers/live in staff. Another big advantage is that it is less than 200 metres from my present house

 

 

Is that  seriously the garage on the left? Plus you've got to walk out in the English weather, lovely as it always is,  from the front door to your car?

Edited October 28, 2023 by monkeysarefun

[monkeysarefun]

For  some reason this year the Bougainvillea between my sheds has gone mental.

 

It has evil thorns on it worse than rose ones, they will pierce your thong - not to mention your flip flop!

 

 

 

 

 

Handy hint for those with leaking sheds - iron is the go - corrugated or zincalume, no Australians are  sufferers of leaking shed roofs.

 

 

Edited October 28, 2023 by monkeysarefun

[Erichill16]

49 minutes ago, iL Dottore said:

 

According to Mrs ID, cross country skiing (or Langlauf) tends not to attract the flashy nouveau riche, Hooray Henrys and those idiots with more money than good taste; but rather Langlauf resorts attract the more serious, thoughtful, nature loving and mature cross country skiers. Not that there isn’t serious money about, it’s just very, very discreet and very, very low-key.

And takes a lot more effort!

[monkeysarefun]

3 hours ago, tigerburnie said:

The storm removed some harling from the conservatory low wall, only around10-12 years old.

What are they?

 

To me it sounds like some kind of birds or maybe a type of fish?

Edited October 28, 2023 by monkeysarefun

[zarniwhoop]

1 hour ago, iL Dottore said:

You’re absolutely right.

 

It’s merely in an area known for prime cross-country skiing.

 

An interesting bit of Swiss Alpine trivia: all the very very expensive ski resorts which attract the Hooray Henrys, the nouveau riche and the occasional passing oligarch are for down-hill skiing.

 

According to Mrs ID, cross country skiing (or Langlauf) tends not to attract the flashy nouveau riche, Hooray Henrys and those idiots with more money than good taste; but rather Langlauf resorts attract the more serious, thoughtful, nature loving and mature cross country skiers. Not that there isn’t serious money about, it’s just very, very discreet and very, very low-key.

In the 1990s I knew of a guy who had the time and money to do masters' XC skiing (age-related) - I suspect he worked as a contractor - and who did some of the World Loppet. He reckoned Davos was a good place to go for early-season training

To us Brits, Davos is usually associated with expensive alpine skiing, but there is proper stuff as well (and trains ;-)

[southern42]

22 hours ago, Hroth said:

 

You go all the way to the bottom, take arty (fuzzy) shots of the water at the bottom, then you have to claw your way back to the top....

But it is very pretty!

 

 

Couldn't find my fuzzy water snaps, but the Pin Mill is nice!

 

 

 

 

Lovely photo, Hroth.

Our son took photos of me with our two GDs in the centre archway. Waiting for copies of them! 😉

 

 

Edited October 28, 2023 by southern42

[Compound2632]

49 minutes ago, monkeysarefun said:

It has evil thorns on it worse than rose ones, they will pierce your thong - not to mention your flip flop!

 

What are you attempting to do with your Bougainvillea?

 

No, on second thoughts, don't tell us; I don't think I want to know.

[PhilJ W]

1 hour ago, iL Dottore said:

Blimey thats about SFr 745,000.

 

This is what SFr 735,000 gets you in Kanton Kuh:

https://www.immoscout24.ch/de/d/einfamilienhaus-kaufen-st-niklaus-vs/7942020

 

Big difference!

Its being within commuting distance of London that has forced prices up in recent years. My property has doubled in value over the last ten years. And property values in this area are not going down despite the rise in interest rates. As a result of still rising house prices in London and with the pandemic more people are WFH the 'Outer ring', outside of the M25 has become more popular.

[The White Rabbit]

23 minutes ago, monkeysarefun said:

What are they?

 

To me it sounds like some kind of birds or maybe a type of fish?

 

'Harling' is a type of wall coating. Crudely, a sort of cross between render and pebble dashing. IIRC, you have to use lime mortar, cement stuff can be very stiff, doesn't 'breathe' and lumps can break off if you just give it a dirty look, which I'd speculate could be one reason why TB's having trouble? I've used lime mortar a bit when building garden walls and I prefer it to 'normal' mortar but it is harder to handle/use. 

 

Edited October 28, 2023 by The White Rabbit
.

[monkeysarefun]

ON the recent theme of ugly houses. This one is probably up there, but at least no one else can see it.

 

 

 

Go on - who here  would not be tempted to  take it, if only for the giant inflatable flamingo  and the "evil genius hideaway" vibe it gives off,  though granted,  its not in Basildon. 

 

If I bought it I'd invite @polybearthere and although he'd approve of the cat 5 cyclone rating he'd probably be concerned about the  potential for  salties  in the moat.

 

https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-cape+tribulation-142937808

 

Or just watch the video!

 

 

 

Edited October 28, 2023 by monkeysarefun

[PhilJ W]

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. It's the Basildon exhibition today but I've decided not to go as I have too much to do around the house as well as shopping for the weekend.

Edited October 29, 2023 by PhilJ W

[PhilJ W]

9 minutes ago, monkeysarefun said:

ON the recent theme of ugly houses. This one is probably up there, but at least no one else can see it.

 

Go on - who here  would not be tempted to  take it, if only for the giant inflatable flamingo  and the "evil genius hideaway" vibe it gives off. though granted,  its not in Basildon. 

 

If I bought it I'd invite @polybearthere and although he'd approve of the cat 5 cyclone rating he'd probably be concerned about the  salties.

 

https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-cape+tribulation-142937808

 

Or just watch the video!

 

Where's Luke Skywalker?

[monkeysarefun]

2 hours ago, Compound2632 said:

 

What are you attempting to do with your Bougainvillea?

 

No, on second thoughts, don't tell us; I don't think I want to know.

 

The canes dry and break off and they lie on the ground like an evil man trap waiting for you to step on it, they'll easily  peirce half an inch of Aussie bindii*-grade rubber  thong,  no worries!

 

 

 

*look it up  yourselves, its midnight and I'm not doing your homework for yous!

 

Edited October 28, 2023 by monkeysarefun

[DaveF]

24 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

Its being within commuting distance of London that has forced prices up in recent years. My property has doubled in value over the last ten years. And property values in this area are not going down despite the rise in interest rates. As a result of still rising house prices in London and with the pandemic more people are WFH the 'Outer ring', outside of the M25 has become more popular.

 

It was much the same when I had a rented flat in the Laindon area of Basildon in the 1970s.  I realised that I might never be able to buy anywhere on my teacher's salary in the area, hence my decision to move north, ending very happily in Northumberland where house prices are much lower in most of the county.

[Danemouth]

Well bathrooms - Castell Danemouth has a typical 1930s bathroom 6' 6" square previously redone about 1990 before we bought the property. This summer we had a complete refit - two weeks going from this

 

 

via this

 

 

to this

 

 

SWMBO and I are both in our seventies and wanted to have a bath as well as the shower over it. So the new bath is 70mm lower than the previous bath and we've had a grab rail fitted to the wall behind the bath - works great for us!

 

Cheers,

Dave

 

[Hroth]

33 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

Where's Luke Skywalker?

 

My immediate reaction was "Its a mutant Millenium Falcon"....

 

[Sidecar Racer]

1 hour ago, monkeysarefun said:

What are they?

 

To me it sounds like some kind of birds or maybe a type of fish?

 

 Further to @The White Rabbit 's response .

 

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harling_(wall_finish)

[DaveF]

I got to the coffee morning at church which was very pleasant.  The website was discussed, it will be put to the PCC at a meeting in late November.  Until then there is nothing for me to do, Chris who does most of it will try to sort out some more photos.  If it is agreed at the meeting it will go live hopefully before Christmas, and we have a volunteer to update it regularly.  There were some very nice cakes, I settled for a large slice of an iced sponge with jam in the middle, there were more exotic things.  I bought some raffle tickets and won a bottle of low(ish) alcohol wine, some of it went down well with my lunch, there is a glass for tea and then just enough to finish it at lunchtime tomorrow.

 

On the way home I had a walk round the park and a quick look at the sea.  In the park the trees have lost most of their leaves, they are now a dark brown mush underfoot, there have been no real autumn colours because of the wind and rain.  The sea is still quite choppy, no one was surfing but there were a couple of jet skis "parked" just out of the water.

 

I was back home for lunch, more tidying has been done in the garage and the remaining chrysanthemums have been dug up, there are no more flowers to open and the ones on the plants had been too damaged by the rain to pick.  Usually it is the second week in November when I pick the last flowers.

 

An order has been delivered within the expected time slot from Amazon, this time in an unbranded white van not the usual grey Amazon one.  It was just some Inspector Montalbano books by Andrea Camilleri and specimen tubes as I have used the last of my stock - they get used for all sorts of things, not just samples to go to the GP.  Some have paint in which I have mixed for various scenic jobs.

 

It will soon be time for tea then I have a crossword to complete and the book which is having its second chance to finish reading.  I shall be delighted when it is finished.

 

During the morning the sun came out for a sort time, the rest of the day has remained cloudy but dry so far, rain is expected later.

 

David

Edited October 28, 2023 by DaveF

[Coombe Barton]

... Autumn is showing its colours at Ulverscroft. ...

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2023/10/28/covid-limitations-of-technology-and-lack-of-knowledge-of-technology/