grandadbob

Don't know if this has been posted before but I've just come across this website which may be of interest to those of you modelling milk trains and dairies etc. Loads of photos of their operation - processing, creameries depots and transport all over the country. https://expressdairytales.uk/ed-milk-trains

A'noon/Evenin' each, Another wet and breezy day but the house is still in the same place as it was. Banking was done as planned and then I made an unscheduled visit to a newish highly recommended butcher in the area. What a waste of time that was. Opening hours posted online said 8.00 till 5.00, a sign on the door said 8.00 till 1.00 but when I got there at about 10.00 they were closed. Still looking for a good butcher as our old favourite closed last year due to lack of business and huge increase in rent etc. There is a good one not too far a drive away but parking is an issue. Got back and mounted The North face of Mount Loft and retrieved the decoration boxes. I've removed batteries from various things, last year I missed one and found a corroded leaking mess. Some boxes are now filled but that leaves me with about 10 strings of lights of differing types and sizes to sort out and pack away along with our old faithful tree which we've had for about 15 years. Maybe tomorrow. Shopping list for Sainsbury's has been completed for tomorrow and a tentative order placed next week with Ocado/M&S as a couple of Sainsbury items have become somewhat disappointing recently...another reason we want to find a decent butcher. I started putting the bins out for tomorrow only to hear Russ next door banging on his upstairs office window and reminding me that this week's collection will be on Saturday again, Friday next week and back to normal the week after. Not much to do until dinner which tonight looks like being fish and chips, well sort of. Actually it'll be Sainsbury's melt in the middle fishcakes with french fries and peas which won't be mushy ones 'cos I don't like them. Purists can scoff all they like but I don't care, I rather like that particular combination every now and then. There may be a glass or two of wine involved as well....which will be red, I very rarely drink white. Tonight I will be binge watching several episodes of season 18 of "The Deadliest Catch." I've been watching this for years and still haven't decided if these guys and girls are incredibly brave/stark raving bonkers or a combination of both.

Good morning all, The storm seems to have passed, blue sky has appeared but according to the forecast there will be variable cloud interspersed with bright spells and blustery scattered showers which could be heavy at times. 9°C rising to 11°C. Slow start today, so slow in fact that The Boss was up before me and made me a muggatea which was a pleasant change. Today's agenda will see me taking a short drive to the nearest bank with free parking (about 2.4 miles away) to deposit some cash, extra funds I'd drawn out for Christmas "just in case" but not needed. After that I will be climbing into the loft to retrieve the Christmas decoration boxes so that The Boss can start packing away the stuff she's taken down. Then it will be my turn to sort out all the lights but that may take me a day or two....not because there is such a huge amount but more a case of GDB taking his time about it. I could probably do it in two to three hours if I gottamoveon but it's more fun making a meal of it and winding The Boss up. 😁 Time for some breakfast. Have a good one, Bob.

Evenin' each, It's been wet and very windy here in the Land of Sutt. There was a huge crash in the side alley as our bins went over a little while ago but by the time I got there my mate Russ next door was already out and putting things to rights. Apparently there was an even bigger crash in Sutton High Street this afternoon when some scaffolding collapsed. Luckily nobody was hurt: https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/24023718.storm-henk-rips-scaffolding-off-sutton-high-street-building/ Scroll down a bit for video. Warning: There's a bit of swearing if you are easily offended. Bangers & mash tonight with a glass or two of Malbec. Things could be worse.

I have been summoned from The Shed because it's nearly time for lunch. Spent an enjoyable hour and a half playing with toys as well as doing a lot of track cleaning as things were rather stuttery to start with. Was going back there after lunch but the left peg and its attachments are somewhat painful so may read or watch a film instead.

“Right-away”. 😂

🎵Just walking in the rain, getting soaking wet 🎵, well almost but I took my big brolly which kept most of it off. Parcel dropped off at Post office, Lottery winnings collected, Asda visited and 1.2 miles walked without incident (just) There was a near miss when a prat drove through a large kedrbside puddle but I saw the idiot coming and took evasive action. Now having a muggacoffee before playing with trains.

Good morning all, Still dark and it's raining. This will continue throughout the morning and could become heavy. It will turn increasingly windy this afternoon. Mild at 11°C rising to 13°C. @BSW01 Brian, best wishes and good luck to Sheila for the operation. Slight change of plans for me today means I'll have to go out as a parcel needs taking to the post office, I have to get some bread and I've got some lottery winnings to collect. I usually buy tickets on online but on a whim I got this one over the counter at Asda. After that I will be a free agent so trains should be running here with no rail replacement buses.....said he hopefully. Tea has already been taken up to The Boss who I suspect even now is trying to figure out how to scupper my day. 🤔 I'll try not to let that happen. Have a good one, Bob.

Evenin' each, Tippin' it down here but that hasn't stopped some people letting off fireworks. Lazy sort of day reading and looking at photos in the new book, the pics are superb and the only criticism I could make is that the captions are in grey on a black background which do not make for easy reading. However as the main point of the book is the photos that is not the end of the world. Spent a bit of time watching some recorded rugby and also observing The Boss in removing the decorations mode. She's not happy because I've just told her that I won't be visiting the loft for the boxes or helping her tomorrow. My help is needed because she won't go up in the loft and I can at least put all the lights away neatly so that when it comes to next year they can be got out without being all tangled up. Tomorrow has been designated a Shed day, there are toys that need to be played with as they have been neglected over the past couple of weeks. Just surrounded a nice gammon steak with some roast potatoes and peas accompanied by a glass of Jam Shed Malbec, Another glass has just been poured. Later on I may sample some cognac or one of my Christmas present malts. Many friends and family will be returning to work tomorrow. I feel very lucky that it is now 20 years that I've had to do that as Jan 31st will mark the 20th anniversary of my retirement. That might be worth raising a glass for as well! Cheers 🍷

And She's off!! Christmas cards are already being taken down, these will be cut up to be used as gift tags for next year's presents. I have already stated that I will not be climbing into the loft today....I have a new book to look at.

Good morning all, Some blue sky has appeared and it should be bright and dry for a while. After lunch it will become cloudier with spells of rain becoming heavier towards the evening. 6°C rosing to 10°C. Multiple barrages around here between 11.30 and 01.00 and I could still hear stuff in the distance at 02.30. The Boss went to bed about 11.30 but I stayed up until 01.15 but was watching some recorded TV, couldn't be bothered with the "celebrations" although I did have a couple of tots of cognac. Only been up for about 15 minutes and about to get my second muggatea. After that I better have a shave and hose myself down before breakfast. Eggs and bacon today as I missed out yesterday due to feeling rather fragile. The Boss is already talking about removing decorations but as I'm the one who has to climb up into the loft to retrieve all the storage boxes that can wait for another day or two. Timetogettamoveon. Have a good one, Bob.

Fireworks have been sounding off for a couple of hours and there was a veritable barrage just now. I must be getting old as I can't stand the bloody things especially the really loud ones . Just don't see the point of all that noise. And there's more now. Humbug! On that note I will wish you all a Happy New Year and hope that those with health issues get them resolved.

Result! Just checked my lottery numbers and I've won £67. That will help a bit towards last night's expenditure on booze and cabs.

Parcels opened and I've had quick look at the book. IMHO "Wow" doesn't do it justice and I'm looking forward to perusing all 456 pages and 3.3kg of it. @Gwiwer Rick I sympathise with anyone living near Twickenham stadium. I used to go there quite regularly to international matches but gave up a few years ago as I was rather ashamed and disgusted by the behaviour of some people. Stopped going by train after seeing people urinating where they stood on the train and ended up paying a fortune for cabs and then walking the last mile or so. I doubt I'll go to any more matches there now but will get my fix by watching it on the box. You can see more on TV anyway although what you don't get is the atmosphere. That reminds me there's a match to watch this afternoon. @tigerburnie TB's team are at home to Bath and that should be a good 'un. Still feeling a bit "off" so will continue to do nottalot although I might stretch to making a muggacoffee.

Good morning all, After a wet and windy night we have some blue sky. some clouds and even a hint of sunshine...for a while. More showers or heavier spells of rain are forecast. 7°C rising to11°C. I am feeling a bit fragile this morning. This may possibly have something to do with the "one or two" drinks I had at last night's party. Unusual for me to suffer ill effects from drinking, I normally judge it just right. Good to catch up with some friends we haven't seen for a while. A great time was had by all and a seriously good guitarist/singer provided entertainment. Two rugby matches watched and enjoyed before we went out particularly as my team won after building up a good lead and then almost giving it away. It was great game though played at Twickenham in front of 76000 fans. I suspect Rick @Gwiwer might be glad he's moved house. @jamie92208 Not guilty officer. This may explain your puzzling signs. https://www.lbbonline.com/news/belgian-police-hand-out-name-keyrings-of-child-drink-driving-victims-to-drivers-under-the-influence In view of my fragility nothing strenuous will be undertaken today , at least not until the Paracetamol has kicked in. Parcels are due within the next two hours including the Apollo remastered books so I think that some time will be spent reading and looking at pictures. It's just started raining and now my parcels have arrived, I may be gone some time. Have a good one, Hungover of Sutton.

Many thanks for that, the book looks superb and after reading the reviews from Apollo astronauts I'm in! Two copies ordered, one for me and one for son Steve.

It's been raining and all bins have now been emptied and returned to their rightful place. I have been unboxing small toys with 4 wheels and they will shortly be plonked on the layout: This one is my particular favourite:

Further to my above post IIRC in those days in the 50s the pub opening hours were Monday -Saturday 10.00am to 2.00pm and 6.00pm to 10.30pm. Sundays were 12.00noon to 2.00pm and 7.00pm to 10.00pm. There were times when those closing times may have been er stretched a bit. 😁 On occasions the village bobby would turn up on his bike around closing time and say "Come on Landlord, get these stragglers out of here." and once they'd gone would settle down for a pint and a game of draughts with Dad! There were 3 other pubs in the village, I've often wondered if he did that at the others as well. 😂

Good morning all, Still darkish but dry for now. Today will be mainly overcast and we may have a few light showers. 7°C rising to 11°C. Not a bad night's sleep, only woke once but now I'm up The Leg is aching somewhat. First of the bin lorries has been. two more to come. Before I became Bob, when I was a 10 yo Robert, some of my tasks to earn pocket money were to assist at the weekend and some afternoons after school in "bottling up" , filling coal scuttles, laying fires and refilling paraffin heaters in the family pub. These heaters were in an extension to the public bar known as "The Games Room" and had bar billiards, a dartboard, shove ha'penny and a piano. They had a glass bottle for a reservoir which had to be removed, filled and then inverted back in the heater and was usually lit by me about an hour before evening opening time. I suspect that sort of thing would be frowned upon these days. Rugby watched and enjoyed last night with my second favourite team Exeter managing a good win away from home at Bristol and somewhat disappointing and even silencing at times an otherwise very noisy and partisan 24000 home crowd. More matches to watch today and tomorrow so that may well occupy me somewhat. Another no Shed day, maybe later, who knows? I don't. Tonight we're off out to a 30th birthday party, daughter of Nicki's best friend and also good friends of ours so lots of other friends will be there along with "our lot." I'm expecting a very hectic but enjoyable evening. Tea taken up to The Boss who seems to be in slow mode this morning. Don't knock it Bob, it doesn't happen very often. Have a good one, Bob.

There's no "stopping" The Q when he gets going. 😁 Lazy afternoon here and I too watched The Longest Day followed by The Battle of Britain. More warfare shortly with a rugby match between Bristol and Exeter to view. A light meal tonight, just a ham salad and nothing alcoholic to drink ....yet. Might have a sip of something later.

A walk has been walked, well there was more hobbling than walking, took longer than usual because en route we encountered no less than 4 friends and neighbours so much nattering ensued. Mind you I was glad for the breaks in walking. Got back and as it looks like it will rain shortly I put all our ours and next door's bins out ready for tomorrow's collections. They all had something in common being both full and heavy. A bit of book balancing has been done and I was pleasantly surprised to find a few more tokens spare than I thought I had. Muggacoffee now and I need to think about what's next. All I can be certain of is that it won't involve a lot of physical activity. * *Update: Lunch in about 45 minutes, turkey sandwich anyone? 🦃🍞🥪😂

Good morning all, Some blue sky appearing through the grey clouds and it seems to be getting brighter in the East. Bright spells, scattered showers and a breezy day on offer although not as windy as the past couple of days. 9°C now rising to 11°C. Left peg still causing a bit of grief although I did manage to walk just over a mile yesterday accompanying The Boss to and from the dentist. Nottalot done yesterday except watching a couple of TV recordings. No Shed visit, my excuse being the painful peg....maybe today as he often says with monotonous regularity. I do need to look at the accounts today and do a bit of book balancing. Won't take long as there's not much to balance! The Boss has appeared and advised me that although we had a food delivery yesterday we need to go to Asda to get something else which she prefers to obtain from there. Another hobble then...or I could possibly take the car..we'll see. Timetoetc. Have a good one, Bob.

Good morning all, Still dark but it's dry and windy. Some bright spells forecast to start the day with some heavy showers moving in this afternoon. 10°C but it feels a bit colder and might reach 13°C. No bins day today, they'll be a couple of days later than usual. Sainsbury's has been ordered but that won't be here until 11.00 as The Boss has a dental appointment at 09..00. Left peg still causing a bit of grief although I did manage the various domestic tasks yesterday and the house is back to its normal state of readiness for anything. Didn't get down to The Shed though, maybe later. Have a good one, Bob.

I'm slow getting started today . Breakfast has been had and our Sainsbury's Online Order Grand Prix completed for tomorrow's delivery. Abbie & James have landed safely at LGW about half an hour early and I'm just finishing my coffee and have been advised it'stimetogettamoveon so GDB best be about it....slowly.

Good morning all, Just getting light and the ground looks damp but whether that was rain or a heavy dew I know not. Rain, possible heavy is forecast for later and it will be mild and windy. 11°C rising to 13°C. Slept like a log which is hardly surprising given the amount of food and drink consumed over the last couple of days. I've mentioned before that we really like to celebrate Christmas here at GDB Towers and this year was no exception. We've had a great time and all guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The food, courtesy of The Boss, was brilliant as usual and her organisational skills second to none bearing in mind she was not just cooking for carnivores but two vegetarians and one with IBS and a gluten intolerance. Santa was extremely generous to me leaving me some lovely gifts including a bottle of Hine cognac, 8 motor cars for the layout, three assorted miniature bottles of malt whisky, a couple of bottles of wine, aftershave, a 3D puzzle of Mallard and a couple of other items. It was lovely having two grandchildren here but we did miss Abbie who was in Malta with James visiting his grandparents. Judging by her Instagram posts they've had a great time and at the moment are now winging their way back home and the flight was only 9 minutes late taking off. We'll see them on Saturday when we're all going to a friend's birthday party, Everybody went home by yesterday afternoon though leaving us to chill out in the evening watching Vera. I did have one small mishap yesterday (before I'd had a drink) when I managed to trip, stub my toe and twist my ankle and they are causing me to hobble a bit today. Today will be mainly spent putting furniture and other things back in their normal place and also doing some Shark driving.....toe and ankle permitting. I might even find time to visit The Shed but that may have to wait until tomorrow. Have a good one, Bob.