Jock67B

Evening all, And heartfelt commiserations for the 33 year old lass fighting the good fight! If our combined will power would just work, we would get her working again - I am terribly saddened to read of this Ian and Mrs A. and Joanna and I hope for a satisfactory outcome. Kind regards, Jock.

Morning all, Just had a look in whilst consuming the 19 medications so far today, only three more at around 9.30am! Lovely to see that Ian has finally escaped into the arms of his beautiful wife, hopefully that will now mark the end of his troubles, and I can now hope for some of his superb photography from along the way at Le Mans when it all starts up again! I now await the visit of this morning's carer, who will get me washed and ready for the day as Joanna still has impaired ability since she damaged her shoulder some eighteen months ago in a bad fall. The after care package the hospital arranged for me really is superb, especially the air-bed, although it is strange that I've still got a catheter in place with a tap to give me time to get to the loo! (Comes with a night bag!). I suppose that getting you home like this releases a bed in the hospital for someone who needs more critical care, as I have already seen the district nurse a couple of times as well as my GP and friend visiting yesterday. Everyone is so kind, it really chokes me! Dave(TG), that sounds like a lovely treat for Dad, can I take it that 'Is' feels up to the journey? I certainly look forward to your images - we took our son for a lovely ride, steam one way, DMU return, whilst he was attending the public school (thanks to the kind financial assistance of his maternal grandfather) known as Grenville College, in Bideford, North Devon! We had a bit of excitement when the driver let Stuart join him in the cab, and a large buzzard dropped from atop a telegraph pole, trying to outfly the train whilst looking back over it's shoulder, an incident Stuart remembers well to this day. Safe journey both ways. AndyiD, the spelling wasn't an issue at Kilmarnock, as Stewart and I attended the Academy there, albeit at different times! I recall that they beat the spelling etc. in to us using the threat of the leather tawse or belt! Thank you for the lovely image which was nice to go to sleep with. Good to see Dom producing his usual superb images of trams in Liepzig, like others, I am most impressed by the general cleanliness of the city. Rick, it seems like business as usual at work, and I would find it too hot to be honest. Strange how it seems to fray tempers? I really do admire the way that you cope. I hope to check in during the day, carers etc. permitting, meanwhile best wishes to our poorly members, on which note I haven't caught up with how Amal is doing at the moment? Kind regards, Jock.

Good morning Chris, Having glanced at the thread before going to sleep last night, I dreamt of Mousehole's finest, Penlan's words. When I took a job back in Scotland as the sixties became the seventies, I had to find accommodation near Edinburgh for my then fiancée and myself (I had landed a well paid task, opening up the North of England, Ireland and all of Scotland to the Yamaha motorcycle franchise, as only Honda had representation in those parts of the U.K.at that time). We found a 'But and Ben' in the village of Cockburnspath, near Dunbar some 28 miles South of Edinburgh, and it was one of several farm cottages serving a farm on the long disappeared Usher Brewers estate. A restricted covenant meant they would only accept a peppercorn rent, and there were lots of restrictive rules attached to the tenancy. It was next to the main A1 and the ECML, so well placed. At some point, the cottages had been rewired and the one lower half had become a kitchen, with a bathroom behind instead of the largest of the two downstairs rooms. In a corner was a sizeable room that could be described as a larder, off the kitchen. The cottage was from around the 1870s originally and all the science of food preservation and storage was left as it had been back in the 19th century. Oddly, when we moved to Cornwall, the same methods were in use in several cottages there, and I'm certain our Celtic friends in Wales would have used similar methods! Below a small paned window, several panels of which were made of a kind of zinc coated metal mesh, and the deep and thick slab of granite that made up the windowsill, was very wide, and cold to the touch. A clever cooling device was in use, which was a fair sized container, made in this case of earthenware (I recall my grandmother having a similar set up in the kitchen of her Georgian house in Hurlford, Ayrshire but with a sort of galvanised metal tin) the size of a large roasting tin. Two thick slabs of slate were placed in the container, raised a little to leave space below for cold water, and perishable items like milk and other such products were placed on the slates, the whole topped up with water, and a good thick cloth hung over all, making sure it draped into the water. Then the wonders of evaporation then took over, and the products lasted all day in this primitive sort of fridge! Excuse me if this is all rubbish from my memories awakened by my dream, but I have made the assumption that you are considering a domestic Welsh interior of some sort in a cottage. If not, simply forget that I prattled on so, and I'll attempt later to read back further and pick up where I missed out. I truly am enjoying your thread to the full, with so many useful tips and inspirational features, thank you for sharing them with us all, Kind regards, Jock.

Evening Pete, I am still drooling over that engine shed my friend, it really is superbly designed and constructed, I hope one day I can manage something that looks like half as good! Due to my illness, (see Early Risers a few pages ago) and shortage of funds, I want to start with the brick built bothy between the coaling stage and the ash pits, and then begin on the coaling stage itself which I'm sketching at the moment but hope to manage scale drawings soon! Keep up the good work, yours is such an inspiration to me and many others. Kind regards, Jock.

Evening Shaun, I love the signals mate, but luckily there is little need on a steam loco shed layout! Phew says Me. Kind regards mate, Jock.

Evening all, Not really a post, but I couldn't let tonight pass without wishing Flávio all the best for tomorrow, and as little pain as you deserve my friend, both Joanna and I will certainly be thinking of you! I am really weary now and so will stick my nose in at some time in the morning, Kind regards, Jock.

Morning all, A brief visit again today, but I fell asleep last night, and just managed to catch up! I am, to say the least, flabbergasted by all the kindness sent in my direction although I do really feel that most of you would choose to fight, rather than lie down and cry - the cantankerous bit of 'Scotsman' to be found in me I think? I am terribly sorry to read that several of our regulars have been in the wars, and to hear that Ian(OD) is incarcerated as he it was who pointed out to me, when I first appeared on the site, just how much support he had received from the assembled company over the loss of his first wife. AndyP was also very helpful at the same time, and a 'biker' to boot! So sorry to hear that 'Is' has skin discomfort from the radiotherapy - I found that the Acqueous Cream BP 500g Tub that I had from my first sessions back in 2013 has worked for me,, along with using 'Simple Soap' as recommended. I hope that she quickly recovers, and as others have said, more lovely pics from Dave. Welcoming PeterBB is marvellous as you may not know that he has been sending me PMs for a considerable time now, thanks to AndyP again causing us to meet digitally - truly one of lives gentlemen who will enhance the company. Debs, how lovely to see your posts, after some pretty bad times over the last few months. You've been keeping the flying escapades quiet, but in the dim and distant recesses of my memory, I seem to recall an image somewhere of you manouvering a Class37 diesel? Added to your obvious engineering skills, that makes you very special in my book! Gordon, I've yet to catch up with what troubled you, but I'll try to find out later. To everybody else, I'm awaiting a carer to visit shortly, and this afternoon my doctor and friend is due to make a house call. Not sure if I will get back on later, but I shall try and a great big THANK YOU to everyone for the warmth and kindness that Joanna and I feel for the many wishes and comments, along with a beg for forgiveness if I've missed anything as I expect to be weary for some time to come, oh and the good news is that I'm on a stronger dose of the new chemo drug as of last week, with fortnightly reviews. Kind regards to all, Jock.

Afternoon Mike, You might have already noticed my post on ERs which will save me writing it again! Lovely pics as ever mate, I'll try to catch up as time goes by and look forward to learning more! It's great to be back, Kind regards, Jock.

Afternoon Jamie, I've put a fairly long post on ERs and would refer you to that to save me writing it all over again! I'm really impressed with what workmanship I've seen at a glance, but it might take time to catch up! Thank you for being part of my support team! Kind regards, Jock.

Afternoon Chris, You probably know that I've been stuck in hospital for some time, and it's unlikely that I'll be able to catch up now, but I've put a post on Early Risers which you could glance at if you care to see what is happening and save me writing it out again! I'm looking forward to the next planning stages, and it really is good to be back! Kind regards, Jock.

Hi Andy, It really is great to see what I consider to be some lovely images, especially so well weathered, and there is no quicker way to Joock's heart than to show that beautiful Jubilee! Glad you enjoyed the show, and all your friends there look very happy indeed! I've just put a fairly long post on ERs if you want to catch up and save me writing it all again mate. Once more I'd like to thank you very much for all you did for me, keeping people as up to date as you could, which Joanna and I really did appreciate! Keep up the good work, and please give our love to Dee. Kind regards, Jock.

Afternoon Jeff, Enjoying being back home but really tired! I've just put a fairly long post on ERs and if you would like to read that, it will save me trotting it all out again and then at least, you'll know about the advance in my cancer! I have to say that your efforts in my absence are most impressive, although I'm not in the least surprised having followed the planning stages! That tunnel portal is absolutely beautiful and I look forward to the next set of building efforts with a great deal of interest! It's great to be back, Kind regards, Jock.

Afternoon all, Having lost a couple of weeks of my life in dramatic fashion, we are now getting back to something akin to normal, despite the amazing number of people and organisations that it takes to set up a care package for me including a special bed and the like! I had a real scare when the phone rang on the evening of the seventeenth I think, instructing me to phone the Colchester General Hospital (where my oncologist had a brain scan done to try to find out more about headaches !'ve been having.) and get an ambulance to take me in right away, locked in a neck and head brace. The cancer has apparently spread, and my C1 vertebra is broken! I'm currently wearing a neck collar to support this lump between my ears, and might well have to do so for whatever time I have left. No way that the fight stops here though - out with the Claymore!! I simply cannot express the uplifting effect of all the wonderful wishes on Joanna and I - we truly do have a remarkable, caring and supportive band of digital friends on here. I shouldn't be surprised after the almost three years now that you have been carrying us along on the tip of a wave. Obviously there is no way that I'll ever catch up with what has been happening whilst I've been away. Joanna and I have promised that if we ever become lottery winners, one of the first things we will do is have good viable internet access installed at the General Hospital. I know that some of you have experienced odd events whilst in, and I happened to get a urine infection at one point, making me think I was locked up by the CIA at one point, and even sending texts to my family that Dr Kumar, my oncologist was in the same ward as me! This at least let my daughter ring the hospital ward and got me on antibiotics rapidly! I have to say that once again, the standard of care I received was superb, and the manners displayed by some of our mid - European carers were delightful, and it was nice to meet Polish, Hungarian as well as some people from parts of Africa, workers who are here, and have been for some years making a career. Enough politics now! I am really tired now, so I'll sign off and check in later if I'm still awake. Needless to say, I've really missed you all, so thank you once more and, Kind regards, Jock.

Members PipPip 2,181 posts LocationClacton on Sea Posted 17 February 2016 - 20:35 Evening all, Quick post as I've just had a call from a doctor at A&E in Colchester General. They've been checking all the results of yesterday's scans and it would appear that the cancer has affected the bones in my neck and one is apparently broken in a dangerous place, and I'm awaiting collection by ambulance as we speak to be taken in a neck brace to hospital. Could this be why I've had a headache all this time? I have to be very, very careful as the doctor seemed very concerned - although I must confess that I most certainly haven't been that careful as I was cleaning and polishing the several glass tables we have in the lounge this afternoon! No idea what is going on yet but I'll probably be missing for a while. I will obviously update you when I know what the outcome is, but if you recall from when I was in before, I will have no internet connection while at the hospital. Stay well everyone, Kind regards, This should have come to ERs Weds. But in my shock I sent it elsewhere!so here it is again! Kind regards, Jock.

Morning all, Brief message from hospital today - big shock when I got a call from them to ring 999 and order an ambulance with back board and head restraint to take me to A&E because of what the scan had shown! Scary or what? Now I am waiting till Monday for an MRI scan, as I have a broken bone in my neck (C1) and it is in a dangerous position. The oncologist has been to see me (on a Saturday!) and explained that an operation is too dangerous so radiotherapy is the most likely to be used, I'll know more on Monday! This post is thanks to son Stuart who has linked my iPad to his G4 so I may not manage to post again until they let me home. I also have the contingency plan in place if it all goes wrong! I'm lucky to be given this chance to battle on so that is what I intend doing. I'm told I look fetching in my neck brace, although I find eating whilst lying at a 15 - 30 degree angle quite a challenge. I hope no other disasters have befallen anyone meantime. Have a good weekend one and all, Kind regards, Jock.

Morning all, I assume that I wasn't the only one to 'lose' RMweb for most of last evening/night. I was so exhausted, I did get some interrupted sleep, sadly waking early hours with a headache. I must admit that I was surprised how much I missed the site and my digital friends! Thanks again, no doubt, to all the wishes I received, the scan was on time and fairly painless, although the promised weariness from the radiotherapy has kicked in, and how!! I will play catch-up a little later and post then, but meanwhile, commiserations/congratulations as deserved, and a good 'hump' day for all. Richard(HH), what a special present - welcoming a new member to the family. I hope you and the 'boss' get as much joy from yours as we do from ours! Ian(Abel), 'haggis rogan josh' indeed! Oddly enough you have sewn a seed, as I'm now quite keen to try to match haggis to some sort of Indian flavour - a good haggis normally has quite a bite to it in any case. Pete(trisonic), thanks for the comments. I'm looking forward to having you back 'full time' when you are ready. By the way, I wondered how your 'young un' was getting on at university, and whether she is enjoying herself on the course - I had a memorable time myself. Back later hopefully, Kind regards, Jock.

Brian, Just been catching up, and I'm most impressed, that church is something but I find your first attempt at static grass very effective, even tempting me to consider having a go! Mind you, there isn't a lot of grass on a steam shed layout. Sorry about all the ratings as I play catch up, Kind regards, Jock.

Morning again, I thought I'd go back through some now old posts : Peter(DD), although you're very busy at the moment, it is really good to see that your sense of humour remains intact. AndyID, was that stronger than normal beer that you consumed at Aviemore? Seriously, it must have been a spooky moment! I have a few fond memories of using an old VW Camper on occasion (aka the 'pig') and I possibly mentioned in the past that I often assisted with pre-race checks on the Reynard FF2000 car of Julian Bailey (who went on to race F1 Lotus) alongside Reynard's race engineer who lived in my house at that time. We did one of the support races at the F1 Grand Prix at Brands Hatch in the eighties, and practice over, the normal evening was to eat and then partake of the drink and entertainment in the 'Kentagon' bar at the crown of Paddock Hill Bend. The band was practising in full dress rehearsal on the Friday night, and perhaps too much beer was taken, but for those who know the 'camper', sleeping was on a fold out bunk under the pop-up roof. I remember waking for a comfort break in the night, and everything going wrong from there - as I tried to head for the door, I managed to put my bare foot right into the congealed fat left in the frying pan on the cooker top from our proper boys breakfast consumed earlier in the day! I then attempted to hop out of the door and across to the nearest tree without too much success, my foot coated in goodness knows what!! My friend slept through it all, and since then, I always washed up (or at least moved the dishes!) and made arrangements for a handy receptacle for the other requirement. LisaP4, it was good to see your post - you have been missed, although I can understand your reluctance to work in such humidity. I hope you and your father are both well, and with the onset of the cooler weather, you will be able to start back on the modelling soon. Stewart, although nasty, it is good to know what you are fighting and I hope the anti-biotics work quickly for you. Gordon, a release at last it would appear, but at such a cruel young age. Once the funeral is done, all that knew him can get back to remembering the good times. Mal, glad the treatments are heading to a close - hopefully then a plan for the future can be laid out with regular check ups. Meanwhile, we will keep our fingers crossed that the last couple of treatments aren't too debilitating. Stevo(28xx), your Mum continues to astound - she really does show a redoubtable spirit! John(KB), what a lovely set of images - they set me to thinking of the incredible changes in fishing methods that have been seen in the area over the years. The height of the 'plimsoll line' on the 'Sierra Lara' would suggest that there will soon be another very large load of fish leaving these isles soon. Won't get started on 'over-fishing' or the reasons why we don't consume so much more of the wonderful catch here. (beginning to sound like Rick Stein, but to see those lovely langustines caught in the 'Western Isles' of Scotland, and shipped off to Spain, Portugal and France does amaze me - I can only think it has something to do with money/profit!). Rick, WOW, that was some tale about the injured dog on the line - I wonder if that controller would have the guts to sit there and apply the throttle himself? I fancy that this one might run and run. I like the way you finally got satisfaction on the parcel problem - if I were the vendor, I'd certainly not be using that carrier again. (I like the services of 'Sue, Grabbitt and Runne' myself!). Neil(NHN), you really have opened some memories these last couple of days - I've been lucky enough to hear the Moto Guzzi 500cc V8 fired in anger, and both my Father and I liked the basic engineering, but although having the top speed of a modern superbike, the shape and ride height of the engine made for awkward handling. The materials technology also let it down in terms of reliability, which meant it didn't win much. I did have a model kit in the 'Motomodelli' by Protar range, and that in itself was a bit of a plumbers nightmare to build. Ian(RH), I'm sorry to read about the bad start to your commuting week - it seems to be getting worse daily, and surely someone is going to have to step in to resolve the building crisis. Don't suppose Mike(SM), would fancy the job?? Pete(trisonic), it was good to see you 'popping in', although I'm not too sure I like the sound of that next storm coming our way. I don't suppose the Department are calling for your services at the moment, or do you work through the worst of the weather? Thinking of all the ailing digital friends on here, and hope the week goes smoothly from now, I'm off to get ready for nursing sister daughter to take me for my scan, although it may be a while before I get any results with my oncologist on leave this week. I'll be back later if I can stay awake. Kind regards, Jock.

Morning all, Thank you once again for all the supportive comments, they really do help. I did eventually get some sleep, but although known for being 'laid back', I'm fairly sure that the concerns about the scan results must work on a sub-conscious level. Jamie, as to such a suggestion from Joanna, I have heard it on occasion but tend to counter it with - 'I was intelligent enough to marry you darling'!

Wow Jeff, They are beautiful sharp images - we are still largely clouded here, which is odd with the hard frost forecast. Thanks for sharing them with us, Kind regards, Jock.

Evening all, Thank you for all the wishes which are much appreciated as usual. All change for me this morning, nice easy run to Colchester (half term?), and early arrival to learn that late on Friday my oncologist (who is on leave this week) met with the consultant radiologist and decided to switch from five small doses to one large one today! The person who should have phoned me to inform me didn't and I'll probably get a letter tomorrow! Suits me well on one hand, cost of five trips, but as the lady who filled in the consent form with me confirmed, there will be quite a lot more pain for a while. She also pointed out that it would make me feel very tired for a time, and she wasn't wrong as I'm really struggling to keep my eyes open at the moment and so I'll apologise and keep notes to post at some time tomorrow. I have my brain scan tomorrow early afternoon and so offer commiserations /congratulations as deserved meanwhile. I'm going to attempt to catch up a little now, and then hope for zzzzzs! Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night all!

Afternoon Mike, Just playing catch up so apologies for all the ratings - another fine set of images thank you. I see myself standing on the platform at Kilmarnock, ticking off the names of the rebuilt Scots in my Observers book of the time. Got to choose one to rename a static exhibit which is currently '6100'! These passes that you and the Stationmaster have been discussing were apparently quite flexible as I recall that my Dad actually moved the family from Hurlford, South to Essex, well after having left the railway service - knowing him, it would have been a case of pure 'brass neck'! Whilst you are on, I wonder if you might suggest a number for a Type2 class25(1 or 2) [possibly from your shed]which would have been likely to land at Hurlford for some light engineering work in the late fifties/early sixties as I have he original Hornby one, virtually unused although getting on for forty years old (definitely needs detail!). if so, do you think it would yet be fitted with the tablet catcher, and would Hurlford keep some oil and fuel handy in the shed yard. I might have to make this a fictio otherwise, but it would be a waste not to use it! Kind regards, Jock.

Morning all again, Should have said Thank You for all the nice comments about our 'blonde bombshell', Very much appreciated! Kind regards, Jock.

Morning all, Not a great night last night, but stole a couple of hours late afternoon - my first radiotherapy session of the week is in Colchester at 8.50am, and No1 grandson is once again doing the honours! The rest of the week sees more reasonable timings nearer the middle of the day thankfully. Mick(NB), I really would struggle with such a mixed schedule of shifts these days. It is such a pity that a minority, especially when alcohol is involved, can cause so much embarrassment to the whole company. Less said about thoughtless smoking the better - no consideration for the next occupant whatsoever! Hope tonight's behaviour was better? AndyiD, the 'Lewis' men have recently of course had their own distillery open at Uig on the island - 'Abhainn Dearg' being their signature single malt. Established in 2008, I've not had a chance to try it, and at £150 per bottle, it will be some considerable time before I do!! Dave(TG), I can now see how your photography became a passion since you took so much trouble to 'set up' that early one. All the practice you've had since has certainly honed your skills. I hope 'Is' has all the various creams etc. Like those my radiotherapy nurses recommended for me - I use only 'Simple' soap to wash around the area which is likely to be affected by a burning sensation, and I have a large tub of acqueous cream to massage in if necessary. Neither Issue caused me much trouble in fairness. Please tell her I'll be thinking of her. Pete(trisonic), I'm counting down to this year's 24hours at Le Mans, with final qualifying on 17-6 and the race on the 18/19-6. Hoping Mark Webber has better luck this year. Don't think I'd be going for the 'pit walk' this year though - yours for only €550 each!!! They have a good web site and it is covered live by BBC Sport on line. I'm hoping that Ian(oldddudders) can send lots of his excellent images. Mal, good to see you emerging from yet another cycle of chemo treatment - do you have many more to do now? I do hope it's getting easier for you. Jack(shortliner) and Warren(BoD), I hope you both enjoy 'Model Rail Scotland and manage to meet up with Mal and others from our fairly unique thread. (Looks like Jack will enjoy 'playing' in any case - brave?). Any images would be a delight, and I'm sure that the beautiful keeper of the collies will forgive such a transgression in view of my inability to travel to such events. Bill, very hearty congratulations on achieving your 'first responders' status. The skills you bring quickly to a life and death situation could be crucial - well done indeed! Gordon, I was very sorry to hear of the distress being caused by the cancer affecting Jackie's first husband. I've no doubt that the Macmillan Nurses are doing their usual fine job but the waiting must be harrowing. It is quite amazing how many families are touched by one or other of the evil manifestations of this disease. Please tell her that Joanna and I are thinking of her, with the situation being so close to home! Neil(NHN), you must be finding muscles developing where you didn't know you had muscles at Groudle at the moment! After the foregoing, I must thank you for the cheering memories brought to the fore again - yes, that is the Camathias Gilera sound I meant, and the Honda 125cc '5' coming off the mountain in blustery wind with Luigi Taveri at the throttle. To my ears, the sweetest sound was that of SMB Hailwood on the incredible six cylinder Hondas. Not only was the 250cc version a winner 'out of the box', but they 'overbored' it to only 297cc, whereupon it also won the 350cc class! I recall Mike the Bike at the Brands Hatch 'Race of the South', taking on the best in the world in the big open race with the 297, and after playing with the opposition for a few laps, disappearing at the front. I stood at the top of Druid's hairpin, in the days of the triangular section Dunlop KR93 tyre, and watched the Honda 6 taking the perfect line, at exactly the same place on each lap. One pundit remarked that if you'd laid a match on the track, Mike would have struck it every time! The field that day included the best 500s from MV and Gilera, as well as the rapid Yamaha 250 4s of Read and Ivy. Must dig out that old programme one day. Definitely got to try to get some sleep now, so with the usual wishes for health, and a reasonable start to the week, Kind regards, Jock. G'night all! And G'night Pete!

Polly, Sorry to have been absent on the sick list for so long - haven't had time to catch up but I've seen enough to be well impressed! The careful planning now will doubtless pay dividends as your build gets under way, and I look forward to the start, Kind regards, Jock.