bbishop

One can have all sorts of thoughts about what cakes Chris could be making for the meeting, but they're not particularly PC. Bill

Afternoon awl, Feeling better but not 100%; so just about vertical. Today will be organising the house for the big gas pipe change out. Tomorrow will be a new pipe from road to meter, Friday is the whole road changeout. I do not expect things to work smoothly! Appointments have been cancelled!! They would have been anyway because of the flu. Bill

Jamie, wasn't the tester ( who is a gentleman because he could have failed me) but rather Kwik-fit making a fairly aggressive threat. Should really find somewhere else, except they are convenient. Definitely off to bed, Bill

The MOT tester last Thursday advised me to change a rear tyre. Actually, the advise was along the lines of "it's a failure, but I know you're a sensible fellow". So dropped off the car this afternoon and carried on the 50 yards to Lidl. Returned to Kwik-fit who basically threatened to dock my licence by 6 points unless they changed the front two as well. (Jamie, BlackRat et al - I presume they can't do that). Anyway, only one tyre was changed! Started the Brexit shock up, I now have six Lidl loaves in the freezer, but didn't fancy their pre-cooked pasta. That's a trip to Sainsbury's. Still feeling carp, so an e-mail to advise I'll miss tomorrow's German class and it's off to bed. Bill

Still wiped out with the flu. At least I'm washed and dressed, and will go out for a paper. That's all! Bill

The model Tony might be better. Bill

Evening awl, 48 hours off site and 5 pages to catch up. I managed the conference and the Bruckner (with hiccups) but have spent today in bed with the flu and the GOG Gazette. I've cancelled tomorrow's shift. I'm still drained, so it's back to bed. Bill

If any Early Risers are going to the Stafford Exhibition then could they take wine bottle corks and give to ChrisF. Unless you are GDB, you could drill a hole and put string through the hole. Just remembered that GDB is going to Alton. Perhaps someone could take a roll of bubblewrap. I was in the Diocesan Office today, doing the paperwork for tomorrow's conference. I'm the first aider, then setting off to the Royal Festival Hall for Bruckner 7. But feeling like death warmed up and am dosed up on Panadol. Bill

Morning awl, A quick hello after blood letting before I break a 14 hour fast. I'm another one who needs to lose a few pounds. Bill

Well tomorrow starts with my annual blood letting (rather than blood donating) so I'm ABOUT TO START THE FAST. So I'm missing anyway tomorrow morning. My GP has received funding for me to have a trivial operation so, like Andrew) I need to lose some weight. Bill

Evening awl, A visit to the National Gallery this afternoon as a couple of special exhibitions are drawing to a close. The Mantegna and Bellini exhibition isn't really my cup of tea, but as I get in free ..... Followed by a cup of tea (you awl know how I like it) then a scout round Room A, this is meant to be the reserve collection, but how many galleries can put a couple of top drawer Monet's in their reserve collections? Followed by a look at some Dutch "Golden Age" paintings and a gawp at a couple of Turner's. We truly have a wonderful Gallery. Visiting the Longfield exhibition tomorrow with Tony A, occasionally of this parish, so methinks an early night although perhaps I can stay awake for Round Britain Quiz. Bill

And that's just the men! Bill

Proven by a photo on the show thread with a ¾ view of Chris and I presume a rear view of Mike. Bill

Thank you Dave for your potted biography. Just one word of advice. There is a lady on this thread, bearing an awl, who threatens it's use on anyone on this site who mentions railways. Luckily,Debs doesn't read below 14 point and is rather laid up at the moment. But be warned. So Bob (GDB) is at risk of the awl. The fact that he is more than capable of screwing a finger to a baseboard is an irrelevance. Bill Bill

Tim, Is that the infamous 5 wheeled tender? Bill

I think we are all numb after reading Mal's news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. At least make get through the Six Nations. Bill

Morning awl (just), Coffee is drunk black and strong, tea is drunk black and weak and ideally with lemon. Coffee is easier to procure within these constraints so is the drink of choice. Certainly first thing in the morning when I require an infusion of caffeine. On another front, my GP has acquired funding for a minor surgical procedure. Nothing serious but it's annoying and occasionally painful. Keep well all, especially Mal, Bill

Evening awl, Back from German class, with a smattering of white stuff on lawns and cars. I've ordered the servos from Steve Webb, but a wander round Clerkenwell had a count of one screw shop, two watch shops and nowhere selling metal. Everywhere is bijou restaurants and bars. Oh so different from a couple of decades ago. Off to bed shortly and hopefully still awake for the American Football. I quite enjoy the football, but baseball is totally incomprehensible. Anyway, there's cricket starting tomorrow! Keep well, Bill

Afternoon awl, I need servos and voltage regulators for my layout. In the old days, one could purchase such items in any number of emporia in Tottenham Court Road. Not any more, so I must attempt the webby thing. Wish me luck! I also need some brass rod. In the old days, one could purchase such items in any number of emporia in Clerkenwell. To save me a potential wasted journey, do any emporia still exist? Bill

Michael, I assume that you, and anyone else who is competent, will be looking for alternative employment. Bill

Morning awl, Nice to hear from Baz. Best if you ignore the idiots and stay on here. Ironing to be done then some tracklaying in the garage after I've fired up the radiators. Out this evening with HJ. Bill

It's bloody cold out in the garage. Anyway cork stuck down and three points painted Keep well all. Bill

Paul, I saw you set up on Friday and watched for about half an hour on Sunday. Very interesting layout, well operated although you seemed to have issues with your DCC system. The grey and mustard tones felt right. Maybe 99% of your audience would have had no knowledge of Chinese railways, so a powerpoint presentation would have been helpful. For example, why blue, red and black/silver trains? where are the prototypes built? etc. Then what were the buildings? I hadn't realised one was a hotel. Of course you still have a couple of buildings and a motorway to finish before your next outing. When is this? Bill

This bit: If you lose a child or vulnerable person, please tell the nearest steward and we will do our best to help you to become reunited as quickly as possible. Should we find an unaccompanied child or lost person, we will take them to the front desk area by the main entrance and look after them until the parent/guardian/carer arrives for a happy reunion. Bill

Paul, You have posted in triplicate! If it's ok with you, I'll post comments on your layout thread. Bill