Early Risers.

[grandadbob]

Good morning all,

Dull, dismal, dry and draughty start today. Quite a bit cooler than yesterday.

Considerable backache this morning but at least I got all the plants in yesterday so can have a break from gardening. The Boss has declared that she is very pleased with my efforts so some Brownie points have been accrued.

Today's major excitement will centre around the delivery from Sainsbury's due after lunch and wondering which items will be missing.

I also need to read the meters and make an online prescription request. The request is easy, getting it delivered may be a bigger problem.  

Just how much more excitement I can take today I'm not sure.

Have a good one,

Blob.  (Not a mistook, that's how I feel at the moment)

[AndyID]

41 minutes ago, roundhouse said:

Did you have flashing lights on the top

 

 

Alas no, but it was dark blue and on one occasion a state trooper mistook it for an unmarked police car and waved at me. That was before he realized his mistake, did a swift U turn and gave me a speeding ticket.

 

I put ski racks on the roof and it had a CB radio. I used to hear the truckers warning each other about an approaching Smokey. Some of the comments when they realized what it was were pretty funny.

[Barry O]

Ey up!

Late on parade and yet "we" were awake early. Mogatea drunk then tried to read an article on a non railway related item. 

Plan for today

 

A  stay warm

B  avoid gardening

C  take part in another Boggle Zoom meet up ( including a boggler currently in New Zealand working.

 

Hope you can make a better fist of making monday work for you than I am.

 

Positive thoughts to all!

Baz

[jamie92208]

Good moaning from the Charente. Now nearing the end of day 27 of our current sentence.  Becausecwe are surrounded by active farms large parts of life have gone on as normal.  I suppose i could do a census of the various types of agricultural  implements  that drive past the house. At the moment morning traffic is mainly sprayers, obviously with the arms folded. Later in the day the various harrows, disc and other types predominate. Later in the year this will no doubt change to harvesters and tractirs with trailers.  The fields are also rapidly changing to various shades of green from brown.  The rape is already in flower in places.  One that that has changed is that one farmer close to us has installed a bird scarer that goes bang at regular intervals in daylight hours.

 

The lawn, aka the weedpatch got cut yesterday and some shed time ensued. The quack bird (to paraphrase Rick) was sacrificed and consumed along with cherry sauce and trimmings. This was followed with cherry crumble using the last bag of last years crop.  

 

As to today, no firm plans yet but I may try and sort out our domestic filing system.

 

Regards to all.

 

Jamie

[Tony_S]

Morning all.

My first post just disappeared!

It is cool and overcast this morning. As it is a Bank Holiday we will be at home though I suspect there won’t be heavy traffic going to Southend today.  
Tony

[AndrewC]

10 hours ago, AndyID said:

 

Surely not that long ago? When we came here Montana still had no daytime speed limit. I remember hammering along in our Ford Crown Vic. The snag was the speedometer stopped at 85 so I had no idea how fast I was going. Probably around 110.

 

Eventually the thought that the tires were not rated for that sort of speed and the fact that I found it very tiring made me slow down to something a lot more sensible.

 

 

Prior to 1974 when the 55 limit came in there were no day time limits. In 1995 after the repeal of 55, “reasonable and prudent” speeds returned until 1999. Mostly due to issues around the existing Reasonable and Prudent law that was deemed too vague in court. 

 

Moaning all from the boring borough. Little happening. Who turned off the heat? 

 

Stayed in bed too long this morning. Knee has seized up somewhat. Hot soak in the jetted tub is called for, along with a fork ton of coffee. 

 

Enjoy the day. 

[Andrew P]

8 hours ago, southern42 said:

' evening all from red dragon land.

 

Toot on the flute and bike ride on the spot.

More dandelion heads removed and plants watered.

Began tidying a raised bed in need of some TLC and discovered the dead roots I removed from the struggling tree fern had jumped back into life in the form of some new roots, and several small fronds.  Saw to the rescue (remove dead roots) and a new small tree fern is sitting in a pot to be nurtured into tree fern no.2.

Amazingly, I even got some m*d*ll*ng finished which I did not expect.

Followed by Sunday roast and well co-ordinated rhubarb crumble and custard for pudding with no fuss, no mess up!

 

But for now, it is ' night all and nos da.

__________

Best wishes

Polly

Polly, Dandelions are only flowers of nature.

 

Someone INVENTED the word WEED, and then wondered what he could use it for, so he picked on some nice colourful flowers that nature provided in his garden.

 

Long live weeds is what I say to my Garden.

[jamie92208]

1 minute ago, Andrew P said:

Polly, Dandelions are only flowers of nature.

 

Someone INVENTED the word WEED, and then wondered what he could use it for, so he picked on some nice colourful flowers that nature provided in his garden.

 

Long live weeds is what I say to my Garden.

I love the French for weed which translates  as "bad grass" which could have all sorts of meanings.

 

Jamie

[Sir TophamHatt]

Morning all!

 

Today marks the first day of no gardening.
As temperatures are dipping a little, it means the grass can grow properly.  Re-seeded some parts, over seeded elsewhere and fed.  So happy to go out for walks rather than garden.  Just need to keep an eye on the veg in the greenhouse - excited my Broccoli is growing!  And should have Brussel Sprouts in time for Christmas!

 

It also marks the day I've told the Station Manager about the new job.
Still not quite ready to share it here (until the transfer is taking place) but hopefully now it's one step closer!

Edited April 13, 2020 by Sir TophamHatt

[New Haven Neil]

Morning.

 

Sunny but cool here, forecast was dull and cooler.  I reckon a day at home will be had somehow, although Mrs NHN is working the morning volunteering at the local cottage hospital, releasing other staff that can be used at the general hospital in the big city.  Typical NHS, she was told that the time she spent learning the admissions admin system had to be in her own time....although she was told if she wishes she could be paid for today - she isn't, it is purely voluntary.  Right hand, left hand.  Also told annual leave was cancelled....errr, where could we go do you think?  No ferries, no planes.....d'oh.  Ah yes, I recall why I left now!

[iL Dottore]

12 hours ago, TheQ said:

Evening Awl, 

Not so good for Ben the scardy Collie,  an hours distant thunder from  about 19:00 . Because he gets so frightened at loud noises we have put a secure hidyhole in the house,  mobile home  and model railway shed.  A small cage or cardboard box with some vetbed in it,  and a loose blanket over so he can push his way in and feel safe....

 

Poor lad. Our late (and much missed) "Hairy Houseguest" Jordi was also petrified by loud noises. Given that there is a shooting range (for all men of military age in the services to do their gun practice) near us, it would sometime result in poor Jordi shooting down to the cellar - where he felt safe. Once, as we were crossing a road, there was a bang (backfire?) and Jordi froze and I couldn't get to move at all. So, much to the bemusement of the waiting motorists I ended up carrying Jordi out of the road (all 26Kg of him) - fortunately the road was/is near our house, so I managed to carry him home and, once home, he shot to the safety of the cellar. The Wolfpack aren't too keen on Thunderstorms either, especially Lucy - which I assume is a residue from being a street dog.

 

Edited April 13, 2020 by iL Dottore

[Happy Hippo]

Since I appear to have beaten Dave to the Shropshire weather report, I can report that Telfland Central is currently enjoying sunshine and blue sky.

 

The Obergrumpenfuhrer put down lawn treatment yesterday, as it was supposed to rain.  Of course since she did it, the rain arrived during the evening and gave the required soaking.

 

However, If I'd attempted such coordinated planning, we wold now been facing a week of drought like conditions.

 

Yesterday seemed to go past in somewhat of a blur as I was busy stripping down some lengths of electrical cable to get the solid copper wire out.

 

Normally I use it for track droppers, but this lot was being stripped to make up flexible wire inserts for home made face masks. I used copper because it was both available and has reported oligodynamic properties.

 

My daughter rang to say that her husband, a GP, cannot get them from the usual sources, so we have been tasked with manufacturing a couple of sets of re usable one to tide him over.  Some of our neighbours are also lending a hand with this, so we'll probably  end up with enough to equip a couple of gangs of outlaws.

 

My sister who runs a care home, is reporting similar problems.  Her complaint is that the 'emergency planners' might be good for a natural disaster or an aircrash, but they are totally out of their depth when it comes to an issue that is spread over a vast area and not concentrated in one place.  Certainly they have no concept of how PPE is used and how much is actually required.

Edited April 13, 2020 by Happy Hippo

[Dave Hunt]

Not to be put off by the Hippo stealing my weather report slot, I can confirm that 15 miles north of the muddy hollow is the same as he described.

 

Nothing else of note to report but I think that SWMBO has ideas about group housework today. Unfortunately I can't these days invent some urgent need to be away from the house. Bu**er!

 

Stay safe and well people. Back later.

 

Dave

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. A lot cooler this morning and the wind is a bit noisy (no not that wind!) but at least the hay fever has abated. I have done a bit of m*d*l*ng this morning. The other day I found a 'forgotten' item, a large sheet of stickyback printed with a road with markings and parking bays, IIRC it was given to me many moons ago. I looked at it and then I looked at a piece of MDF in my offcuts box that was similar in length and width. A quick check revealed that the stickyback would fit on the MDF with a few millimetres to spare. The stickyback is now firmly stuck to the MDF which is quite thick, about 20mm so no problems with warpage. Now all I have to do is some scenics. A word of warning for ChrisF, if your going to use the radio times as loo paper don't forget to remove the staples first.

[Coombe Barton]

I leave the dandelions – they’re early food for the bees.

 

That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. And it just happenes to be true.

[tigerburnie]

10 minutes ago, Coombe Barton said:

I leave the dandelions – they’re early food for the bees.

 

That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. And it just happenes to be true.

You can add the leaves to a salad, only make sure you pick them from where animals have not pissed by...…………………………..

[Happy Hippo]

27 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

 I looked at a piece of MDF in my offcuts box 

Phil,

 

As a matter of interest do you seal your MDF prior to use?

 

I've got into the habit of giving it a coat of cellulose based sanding sealer which seems to do a good job

 

The first coat does lift any areas that have been cut, but it is very easy to smooth it down and then you have a sealed edge.

[tigerburnie]

Morning all, overcast and cold, so I have lit the fire SWMBO doesn't do so well if it's cold, Arthur It is gives her trouble, not sure what todays plans are, we went for an 8 mile bike ride yesterday, might go for another if it warms up later. Take care all and keep yer distance...…………………….

[PhilJ W]

Just now, Happy Hippo said:

Phil,

 

As a matter of interest do you seal your MDF prior to use?

 

I've got into the habit of giving it a coat of cellulose based sanding sealer which seems to do a good job

 

The first coat does lift any areas that have been cut, but it is very easy to smooth it down and then you have a sealed edge.

Not in this case as its only slightly over A4 in size and 22mm thick and kept in a warm dry place.

[grandadbob]

Talking of weeds I was horrified to find two dandelions growing in my artificial grass!  Can't believe they've grown through as I know what's underneath so can only assume they're from wind borne seed.

Email received earlier from Sainsburys' telling us we're getting everything we've ordered apart from four substitutions. These have already been deemed acceptable by Management.

Time for elevenses and we have a couple of leftover Hot Cross Buns to dispose of. Good Oh.

[BSW01]

Good morning everyone 

 

Well it’s been a few days since I did a morning post! The sun is shine but it’s a bit cooler than yesterday and the wind, although only light, is stronger than yesterday, but at least we haven’t had rain, which we did late yesterday afternoon. It was a very heavy downpour it was too, spilling over the gutters like a waterfall. 

 

Anyway, breakfast has been consumed and muggertea No2 is at hand and I’m about to investigate why the turntable control circuit isn’t working as it should. For this task I’ll be referring to my circuit diagrams and using a multimeter, which Sheila thinks sounds like something from ‘War Of The Worlds’ LP, I personally think she’s losing it. 

 

Stay safe, enjoy the rest of the day, back later 

 

 

[Chris116]

18 minutes ago, BSW01 said:

Anyway, breakfast has been consumed and muggertea No2 is at hand and I’m about to investigate why the turntable control circuit isn’t working as it should. For this task I’ll be referring to my circuit diagrams and using a multimeter, which Sheila thinks sounds like something from ‘War Of The Worlds’ LP, I personally think she’s losing it. 

 

Stay safe, enjoy the rest of the day, back later 

 

 

Good luck with the testing. 

[Gwiwer]

Good moaning awl. 
 

It is bright. It is definitely cool. The wind rose to stiff breeze and has remained thus. I shall inspect the seedlings momentarily. 
 

Daisies and dandelions carpet our lawns and look beautiful. In previous years the garden maintenance people have mowed the lot every week but since the change of landlord we no longer enjoy that.  The grass gets cut at intervals but the wild flowers within it have a chance to grow, feed insects and be admired. We spotted at least four species of bee yesterday, for example. 
 

The agenda for today is as empty as it has been all weekend.  This is getting boring. Let’s hope the House of Fun still requires my services tomorrow. 
 

Stay well.  Avoid yellow snow and helicopters. 

[The Stationmaster]

Morning all,

 

And as forecast (honest) sunshine and v blue skies are now rapidly replacing the earlier north wind and 10 10ths cloud cover.   Like Polly I have some rhubarb crumble to make my way through although yesterday evening it was not further attacked became some profiteroles were to hand, and into my tum.

 

I was definitely looking forward to the best of the Indiana Jones films yesterday afternoon and duly alighted on BBC1 at the appointed hour to hear yet more about the viral lurgi.  Was somebody trying to impress us with an 'I work on Sundays' message (I did that years ago mate - so I was not impressed) and while I didn't bother to watch more than 10 seconds of it when will the idiot journos actually ask some intelligent questions about PPE and pin the b*ggers with detail questions they can't slide out of with dumb platitudes?  End of rant.

 

Today I might look at some log sorting and relocation from the outdoor store to the woodshed and I might even go beyond looking at it and actually do something about it - decisions, decisions.  And finally taking once more about the big yellow taxi it was very helprful that it sent down a chap to collect the luggage but nobody seemed very interested at the time (probably because the ship was searching for something completely different so all the crew effort was concentrated on looking over the sharp end instead of the blunt end).

 

Enjoy your day one and all and stay safe.

 

And here that nice chap looking for the luggage.  The land in the background is Hartland Point should anyone be interested.

 

Edited April 13, 2020 by The Stationmaster

[newbryford]

23 minutes ago, Gwiwer said:

 

Avoid yellow snow, pannier tanks, and helicopters. 

 

Suitably amended for HH.

 

 

Edited April 13, 2020 by newbryford