Ian Abel

10 hours ago, iL Dottore said:

I fail to see the point of being either morally indignant or defensive about historical events. Should we not just present the facts (all of the facts, not just those convenient to a narrative) and ask the important question: what, if anything, associated with that historical event has modern parallels or equivalents and what can we do - if anything - to avoid repeating history.

Couldn't agree more, however that would require a desire to learn/teach the past, accept the fact rather than typically politically motivated bias and use reasonable judgement. Sadly, almost NONE of that is available in most of those who wish to ignore history or worse still remove it from teachable curricula. ☹️

BIN day. BINs processed without issue, rather noisy this week, again, inexplicable the variation of dbs from week to week.

Yesterday passed quietly, since the Mrs was off on various errands it was up to me to take Whitney for a walk. Nice comfortable walk around the local park, almost no-one else around as it's usual population art school age kids with parents/minders. School back in session in our area, so they ankle-biters are all learning (hopefuly).

Today, a VERY PLEASANT 15c and sunny at BIN time, headed for 31c as the forecast high.

Tally ho.

HUMP day.

Nothing much to report from yesterday, good meeting with a Property Manager - personal friend referral, very good details/information provided - . Jemma and Brendan came over to drop Whitney off, nice afternoon chat with them regarding the Property Management proceedings.

Today, Mrs off doing numerous activities, me working, not anything planned for later.

13c and sunny first thing, 30c the expected high.

Carry on.

Chewsday...

Yesterday main attraction was the State Fair and grandstand concert billed as "Happy Together" featuring featuring The Turtles, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, The Classics IV and The Cowsills. Anyone remembering the late '60s pop music would have recognised all that was sung, even if it wasn't from what we in the UK found as mainsteam as the local crowd. 

Perfect weather, we took a shuttle bus - turned out to be a brilliant idea - rather than go to the fair and park. Figures not in yet but probably around 100,000+. The concert was around 20,000.

 Attending, Mrs niece, her partner, Mrs and yours-truly

Sunset at the grandstand

Gary Puckett, no-one is getting any younger!

An example of the crazy food (on a stick!!!) available - NOT anything I partook of, I don't really like olives at the best of times

Today, back working, except a lunch time meeting with one of the prospective property management companies we're interviewing.

16c and sunny first thing, expected high of 31c later.

Carry on.

RANT MODE

Dear worthless web designer Exact Editions help,

Looking for help related to digital subscriptions to "Railway Modeler" with Exact Editions.

I've had a sub for years, but today my bank decided that my renewal of my 20 years and counting Debit/Credit Card gets a NEW NUMBER - barstewards. Apparently, the new one I was awaiting NOW comes with a lovely note that they've changed the card code to "reduce the risk of fraud...".

I've managed to sort most everything I need to, having spent a rather ungodly amount of time tracking down where payments are handled with the old number, however, Exact Editions, have NOWHERE on their web site, that I can find, either scouring it, or searching in the Help section, any details of how to change the subscription payment method. I can CANCEL it, and/or subscribe to myriad new mags, EVEN RM, but can't find anywhere to tell them they ain't getting paid next time it's up until I can tell 'em what to charge it to!!!

Yours,

Frustrated in MN...

END RANT

Anyone have any ideas or run into the same thing?

Morning - not a "Bank" holiday here, our end-of-summer "Labor Day" is next Monday.

Weekend very enjoyable.

Friday evening very nice dinner with friends, sampling their in-house restaurant at the condo complex. No bar, but better yet, a bring-your-own-bottle situation. 🥂

Saturday, plant shopping, we've a border between ourselves and the neighbor that has some ghastly shrub/weed thing going on that we both hate with a passion. Our "man" Tony who does the lawn/garden cleanup and snow work, has indicated he can take the carp out today, so we went in search of rose bushes - I love roses and dad had a huge front garden filled with them. This is the perfect location for a nice rose bed.

Added bonus was the garden center had an end-of-year sale on hybrid teas, only three (out of what used to be dozens) left and only $5 EACH, what a steal. Even if they don't make it, better than paying the list $40 each to have them not survive the winter - yay!

Followed that with the purchase of some supplies/paint to "redo" the front section of the house as the Mrs has a number plate thing and letter box cover, Sunday todo!

Evening was a very pleasant get together with another neighbor couple we're very close with.

Sunday - project day! Cleaning, repainting, installing house number and letter box cover. See below.

After that, relaxing.

Today, will be a half-day as we're scheduled to go to the State Fair as the Mrs wants to see one of the evening concerts at the grandstand and I was volunteered to tag along. Headliners are "The Turtles", I recall "Happy Together" but not much else, the Mrs knows a lot of their stuff. We're meeting her niece and partner and we plan on getting to the fair early enough to indulge in some fair food, always touted and extraordinary, but rather a LOT is deep dried, and the Minnesota state fair is renowned for literally "anything-on-a-stick". You'd not believe some of the weird sh!t that is presented. -> Food-on-a-stick-minnesota-state-fair

Weather was decent all weekend, today, first thing, 16c and sunny, 32c the expected high.

Carry on.

3 hours ago, Ozexpatriate said:

That sounds unusual with the Labor Day weekend only a week away, though I imagine it might not have set any records.

Actually August is usually cooler with higher temps mostly in July.

That said, we DID break the record Tuesday in the Twin Cities at 98F surpassing the previous record set in 1971.

13 hours ago, pH said:

Halloween merchandise has arrived in Costco:
 

I want two!!! 
 

 

PAH! HOLD MY BEER...

Seen in Costco here on Wednesday when Jemma and the Mrs were shopping;

POETS, actually taking the day off, that's about as early as it can get 😁

Wednesday was beastly here, 39c with a 114c heat index.

Yesterday, somewhat better and nothing to report from either day except the image above.

Today, were originally going to a memorial service but the Mrs not feeling up to it.

Later we're off to our travelling companions Condo to sample the in-house restaurant.

The weekend supposedly "quiet" with nothing significant planned, we ALL now that'll change 🤪

First thing, 21c and sunny, high of 32c expected no precipitation in sight for 5+ days. Weekend weather much the same though expected to be slightly cooler.

Onward.

14 hours ago, Ozexpatriate said:

My 4G reception here at home is dreadful. I can't even reliably make a telephone call without resorting to "WiFi calling" where my home WiFi is the radio connection.

Ditto!

Our old house (the one we're now renting out) which was built in 1927, was a stucco exterior with lath and plaster interior construction. The mesh used on both interior and exterior walls was a remarkable RF shield, I suspect even BETTER than the mesh housing that contained some NATO systems I worked on 😃

The new house (circa 1957) isn't a lot better since it has metal siding AND the interior walls are remarkably NOT sheetrock, but also plaster. 

Since I have a hard-wired internet to my office for all the devices running through an 8-port switch, I simply added a decent duty Wi-Fi router to the mix so I could make the never ending business calls in the office when COVID hit. Works very well, and the Mrs and I both have Wi-Fi calling switched on permanently so we can actually get and receive calls anywhere in the house! Lots of visiting friends are surprised by the lack of signal inside, until it's explained to them. Must be nice for some to have sheetrock walls as the only separation between you and the great outdoors. 🤣🤣🤣

HUMP day - <phew> it sucks to be here at present.

Yesterday we ONLY hit 99f(37c) with a heat index of 114f(45) and that had me remaining firmly INSIDE all day, thank you.

Today, expected to reach 100f(38c)+ and the heat index destined to be similar/same as yesterday.

Stepping out for the newspaper was more than adequate to remind me to stay inside in the a/c today. Supposed to ease some tomorrow and the days ahead.

Tally ho.

1 hour ago, polybear said:

What's the legal situation in the US if a renter gets very awkward - refusing to leave, not paying rent, causing damage etc. etc.?  It can cause real issues in the UK for some Landlords, costing them many thousands.

Varies, mostly depends on having a decent lease in the first place - then it's pretty straight forward, if they stay beyond their term they can be evicted, unless it's been assessed as "affordable housing" (owner can apply, but THEN there are limits as to having someone leave, essentially the lease has no real "end"). 

Far as damage etc., you hold a security deposit, usually 1-month rent, and that's applied to any damage/cleaning costs, balance returned to renter. Overrun, you then have to take them to small claims court if they don't freely pay up whatever you request.

On advice from many friends in the business (real-estate/property management) it's STILL worth holding it and continuing to rent, retaining as an asset, BUT, we will be getting a property manager in future to limit our day-to-day involvement.

Moaning all!

Well, yesterday we notified the renter the lease wouldn't be renewed, and surprisingly have heard NOTHING so far in response. Given some recent "activity" we were expecting to hear some sort of rant etc. So far so good.

Nothing else to report from yesterday, other than a short (one mile plus) walk with the Mrs around lunch time before the weather became oppressive.

Today, Mrs and Jemma off to Costco for who knows what. At least a Tuesday afternoon should be quieter than much of the week.

Weather heading in the sh!tty direction, was 21c first thing and sunny, NOW, 34c already at Noon with a RealFeel of 44c, expected HIGH of 39c RealFeel may reach 66c!!

Staying INSIDE, carry on.

3 hours ago, Hroth said:

A fitting result, but a pity that she could not be made to be present to hear the victim impact statements, or the judges recital of her crimes before sentencing.

Agree to the result, in much/most of the US and certainly here in Minnesota, the defendant is required to be present for sentencing except in non-capital cases if the defendant has voluntarily absented himself after the trial has begun. I feel that should be a requirement especially for the convicted to hear victim impact statements.

Morning...

Weekend was mostly "quiet".

Friday passed with no surprises or activity to speak of.

Saturday, I was all set to continue work on my new computer setup when we heard from Trevor/Meagan, their washing machine on the fritz again, and they came over to do laundry. Spent a couple of hours chatting so put the kybosh on my PC activities!

No sooner had they departed than Brendan flew in to pick up Whitney and we had another hour or so chatting. Always great to see all/any of them but does hamper progress on planned project time - oh well.

Sunday I was recruited to be the discretionary "Ken" to go see the Barbie movie with the Mrs niece, her partner and two teenage girls! Very entertaining movie and worth going to see especially for those with a fragile male ego 😃

Other than that, nothing else of note.

Today  will be fraught with some wariness as I get to send a notice to our rental house tenant that we'll NOT be renewing the lease at the end of October.

Most likely will NOT be well received, but we've had a few hiccups this summer and as she's been there 4 years we're done...

Weekend weather was acceptable, and today 17c first thing, overcast and light breeze, high of 33 expected. 

Can't say the same for the next couple of days as at least ONE is expected to hit 100F/38C (sounds much more impressive in Fahrenheit!!) and will be a record for August here. Only one of 7 ever in August since records started supposedly.

Off now for a short walk with the Mrs and the weather is so pleasant.

Carry on.

POETS...sure...

Yesterday was quiet and I avoided "outside" given the air quality situation.

Today, likely to be similar. The air quality is referenced to be pretty unacceptable until late evening, so remaining inside is preferred. I think we do have a requirement to procure some comestibles though, so that'll e an outing.

This weekend has nothing specific planned, YET! I'm sure that'll change as the day progresses, already been informed "WE" are giving Whitney a bath later. 🤪

Aside from the lousy air quality, which is supposed to improve markedly late evening, a cool 13c first thing and sunny. High forecast 30c no precip in sight.

Tomorrow the high is expected to be 36c - pah.

Tally ho.

BIN day, got them out late last evening, all serviced already.

Yesterday was enjoyable, fun and informative at the Charles Schulz exhibit. The various explanations as to when and how many of the characters came into being was quite surprising. Several being names of friends, many of whom were quite happy with the relative notoriety it seems.

Great dinner afterwards at a local and long serving watering hole. Had steak (it's a steak house) for the first time in ages, and it didn't disappoint. Fine evening.

17c partly sunny and very windy first thing. 24c the high.

Currently expected to have unhealthy air quality from the Canadian wild fires for 48 hours starting around noon - yay 😝

Carry on.

HUMP day.

Yesterday quiet, only really punctuated with Jemma and Brendan dropping off Whitney. Nice but brief visit with them, they're both off on trips very early today.

Brendan mumbled his is "lots of boring places, back Saturday", and Jemma is off on a six day trip to Paris, Atlanta, London.

Today, something different.

We're going to the Minnesota History Musuem to see the "Art of Charles Shultz Exhibit" with or travelling companions/best friends. The Peanuts cartoon creator was a St. Paul native and well respected locally as a result.

After that, an early dinner at one of St. Pauls iconic restaurants.

Weather first thing, 16c and sunny, 32c the expected high and some rain showers predicted for later in the day.

Onward.

Happy birthday @andyram

Chewsday.

Yesterday quiet and uneventful. Today will be much the same.

Mrs off for a Dr appt., me working.

Whitney joins u later as Jemma off again into the wild blue yonder.

12c and sunny first thing,27c the forecast high with sun all day, no precipitation forecast.

Tally ho.

On 11/08/2023 at 11:13, polybear said:

Maybe if the Crews complained to the Airline they might give them a rocket - fix it, or else we'll give our custom to another Hotel - I'd guess it's a nice little contract to have.

Actually, crews AND the airline are actively complaining. Delta have already abandoned one London hotel (part, of course, of some ubiquitous chain!) due to these issues.

Given the airlines pre-book and pay for these rooms "no matter what", seems very short sighted for anyone to p!ss on their own doorstep as it were, by NOT having the rooms available as agreed to - then again, enter the almighty shareholders, profit over customer service.

Moaning all <sigh>

Weekend busy but enjoyable

Friday evening impromptu drinks with next door neighbor lady, ran rather late <hic>

Saturday some pre-birthday shopping for Trevor then off to an afternoon wedding. Good to catch up with quite a few people who we've not seen in a while.

Sunday, rest up first thing after two late nights, then off to Trevors' for a birthday afternoon/dinner. Most enjoyable.

Weather varied over the weekend, not too hot and some rain.

Today, raining overnight and first thing, but it's still much needed even though not a downpour.

14c first thing, light rain expected most of the day and a high of only 17c.

Onward...

POETS, yes please...

Nothing much yesterday, only real highlight - if you can call it that - Jema stopped by and picked up Whitney. Jemma less than happy camper as for the SECOND time on a trip to London, the hotel managed to NOT have the crew rooms ready on their arrival and the crew had to wait two hours in the lobby for their rooms!

Today, first thing (9am), "man" here to look at our main picture window as it needs replacing. Good connection as he's the son-in-law of good neighbor Bob two doors down. Neighbor across the street also in need of similar replacement, so two-birds-with-one-stone job for them. Couple of weeks to get the glass in, then the replacement.

Later a lunchtime shop with the Mrs for a birthday present for Trevor. His birthday is tomorrow and we are celebrating on Sunday.

Tomorrow we're off to a wedding for a friend of Jemmas' who we've known for a long time, since school days. The Mrs and her friends mum have been friends even though the girls have lost touch some with very different work circumstances. Smart casual attire requested and COVID tests as several of the family members are immuno-compromised.

Other than that, not much expected to happen this weekend.

1/2 inch of rain overnight, welcomed, but was forecast to be rather more. 17c first thing, 32c the expected high and a whopping 99% chance of heavy rain later, we'll see!

9 minutes ago, Ozexpatriate said:

As the doors of the aircraft were opened to admit the 'sprayers' you could feel a literal wave of heat and humidity replacing the dry cool air from inflight move down the interior of the fuselage.

Same thing happened on my couple of sojourns to Bermuda, while living in New York in the late '70's. Not sure the sprayed "product" would be in any way deemed suitable for human consumption today!

BIN day - yay! BINs out early and already "serviced'. Only two this week as the recycle is every other week.

Yesterday, nothing to report - very quiet and generally slow day.

Today, Jemma will possibly be picking up Whitney, provided they get into JFK on time (currently showing slightly early), and she can then get a connection/seat home.

Other than that, another quiet day all round.

Weather a very pleasant 18c and sunny at BIN time, expected to reach 24c later and a good chance of some showers late PM.

Carry on.

Thoughts go out to Mrs Baz hope the news is good, happy anniversary to @Dave Hunt and his Mrs, and congratulations to @Gwiwer and the Mrs on a new Kernow home.

Not much to report from yesterday, work continues at a slow pace.

The ONGOING fight with the new PC build continues, as MANY of the sites I visit/applications I use require login verification AND manage to determine I have a new PC "somehow", so continuing to spend time shuffling for credentials before logging in again <sigh>

12c and sunny first thing, 24c the forecast high. Maybe one or two light showers later but only a slight chance, a decent rainfall would be welcome.

Tally ho.