Early Risers.

[emt_911]

Night all

[andyram]

Evening all. Pleased to read better news about Emily and Simon's more positive post. To Simon - I hope the chemo goes ok and you can attend all of the events and activities you are hoping to.

 

Today has been an ok day. I braved Toys R Us first thing this morning and found it very quiet. The bike was fixed and I used it this afternoon whilst out delivering Avon books for Sarah. After Toys R Us I went over to the crem to lay the wreath in memory of my grandparents - always an emotional job.

 

The Christmas run in seems to have turned my daughter into a mini monster. She is certainly pushing Sarah's buttons at the moment, and mine too at times. A planned visit to her friend's this afternoon allowed Sarah some time to chat and Amber a chance to let off steam with her friend. For me the peace and quiet was filled with various household jobs.

 

This evening I caught up with some ex colleagues for a curry. Another enjoyable night - great food and company. Sad to hear that things at the old place are no better.

 

Tomorrow we are taking Amber on the Santa Special at Butterley I had better steer clear of the gift shop!

 

Best wishes

 

Andy

[BSW01]

Evening everyone

 

My first task this morning was to drop Sheila off at Zumba, as she was taking cakes (mint chocolate cheesecake) in, made by yours truly. I then went off to the Trafford Centre to pick up some last minute shopping. I managed to get all the shopping done, and was back home, (even after calling at the butchers), by 10:20! After a cup of tea, it was back done to middle earth for me to varnish the cottages, after which, I gave my work table/station a good tidy and clean. So, that’s it, all the buildings for Max’s train layout are finished. I’m just waiting for the varnish on the cottages to dry, then they will all be ready to box and wrap, but that can wait until tomorrow.

 

Earlier this morning I had a phone call from Tim at Arcadia models telling me that the Bachmann birdcage coaches in SECR dark lake are in, so I’ve arranged to collect them tomorrow morning! I didn’t expect them to arrive before Christmas, so I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on them.

 

Then just as we were finishing our dinner, the door bell rang, my parcel (a new drill) from the well known German tool manufacturer finally arrived, Royal Fail at its Best!

 

Tomorrow we have James and Amelia coming for tea and Saturday afternoon we have Vickie, Ian, Ava Evie, Max and also Mike and Sarah will all dropping by to the exchange Christmas presents, so this evening I made a tea loaf in preparation for the onslaught!

 

We’ve flown BA & AA a few times and had nothing but good service, maybe we were lucky.

 

Gordon. Glad to read that Emily doesn’t have pneumonia, it must be a huge relief to her parents.

 

Goodnight all.

[laurenceb]

Night awl

[southern42]

' Night all and nos da.

[PhilJ W]

Goodnight all.

[Horsetan]

Ivan, I'm missing something here. You're not one to undershare. Are there manifestations of La Befana in your place of employment?

Certain Italian parties are trying to make my client (also of Italian heritage) an offer he can't refuse.

[newbryford]

Planned lie-in Friday.

Mrs and Junior NB out to work at 8am, hopefully not making too much noise.

I have been given a list of jobs to do, but if I pull my finger out, I should get them done in a couple of hours, making time for some modelling.

 

Back to work on Saturday and also Weds-Fri next week, but then I'm off until the 6th. There may be some more modelling and a site recce for the club layout on the days off. No golf or cycling just yet due to a combination of not wanting to aggravate the sciatica and the tendons in my hand are still not fully up to speed after my daft bike off nearly 3 months back.

 

POE if you can folks.

 

Cheers,

Mick

[BR60103]

After a quietish birhday yesterday, I had a routine day today.

Dropped SWMBO off at her hairdresser and went to used bookstore, where I found a book for myself and a bit more C. present for her. Then across town to Costco to gas up -- major line up. On the way back, I was almost first in line to see the local freight train cross the street, right at the time when I was supposed to pick her up. However, she was just getting out when I arrived.

Her hairdresser's son (possibly 1 1/2?) is a major Thomas fan.

Late mail was 3 parcels, no junk or letters. One from Model Railway Imports, sent by a friend. He's coming over Cristmas eve.

My family to come over tomorrow, but they're 2 hours away and the snow is supposed to turn to freezing rain.

[TheQ]

Mooring awl, Inner Temple here.

 A reasonable nights sleep was had although I awoke at around 03:00, though this was made up for partly by falling asleep reading a book, an hour earlier than Normal.

 

I decided to come back Via the NDR yesterday afternoon to see what it looks like, well it looks like a dual carriageway.... It was however busier than I expected considering the next two sections are not yet open (expected March).

 

I hope you are all enjoying your extra Minutes daylight (seconds rounded up) summer is on it's way, although with the heating hardly coming on this morning it felt a lot closer...

 

I think all my parcels are in , ordered by me or sent by others. I normally stop ordering at the begining of December, to allow the Christmas rush to go. I am considering a Christmas present for the computer, A solid state drive, with the number of updates that keep coming these days it can take the PC 15 minutes to boot up which is getting very frustrating...

 

 Time to.... go do some work for the next 3 hours 45  minutes as I'm having a real poets day...

[Barry O]

Belated birthday wishes David.

Gordon hope the antibiotics mean a good Christmas can be had, illness at Christmas is no fun at any time but even more so at Christmas.

 

Spare some warm thoughts for those with major illness in their lives at the moment.

 

Off to do some food shopping at Moreasons but first.....a mugatea!

 

Baz

[grandadbob]

Good morning all,

Still dark and looks a bit damp outside. Not raining at present but may do later.

The Boss is already up and about as we are going shopping shortly. This will be our penultimate visit to Sainsbury's before C-Day. Today it's topping up dry* goods and frozen stuff with tomorrow being left for the fresh stuff.

Still haven't wrapped my presents so better get on with that today and also unbox and play with my new toy. Seems a bit strange that Hatton's have only had one of the set delivered but other retailers have all 3 in stock.

Should have gone to one of them!

Now being told I need to hurry up - no peace for the wicked!

Have a good one,

Bob.

 

*Wet goods have already been taken care of.     

Edited December 22, 2017 by grandadbob

[AndyB]

Morning all,

 

First of all collective best wishes for upcoming treatments and happy birthdays to one and all. 

 

Last day in the office today. I suspect there may be a degree of "cupboard tidying" work today, which includes a couple of training courses, some admin, etc. 

i believe we may get the shout to go home around lunchtime.

 

Also got to investigate if the company pays a bonus at Christmas - if not I need to find out why I got an extra helping this month. I'm assuming c@ckup until I hear otherwise. 

 

Reading Model Rail this month which had a section on upcoming offerings by various manufacturers I suspect GDB's wallet will be groaning in anticipation'; I spotted a couple of things that would go nicely with his recent M7 acquisition. 

 

Tonight's plan includes putting on a festive jumper, heading to the pub and drinking beer x 3. 

 

Interestingly I had lunch (farewell) with a colleague earlier in the week and tried out a pint of Little Hakka. I don't know if NZ has much of a reputation for rugby, but their beer shows promise. 

Worth trying out if anyone is heading to a certain show in the Guildford area in January. 

Edited December 22, 2017 by AndyB

[jamie92208]

Morning all from the village just north of a certain emporium. Yesterday went very well. I had a great morning wandering around Wakefield with my daughter sorting out my garb for the upcoming wedding. I was even able to buy her a new shirt and a coffee and cake. We think she was about 7 when I last went shopping with her. Various other tasks were completed. All in all a good day.

 

The house is still quiet but that will no doubt change soon. I'm off shopping first thing for some last minute things then plan to do some muddling before going to the club this evening.

 

Best wishes to all ER's who are under the weather and may all deliveries arrive safely.

 

Regards to all.

 

Jamie

[The Lurker]

Morning all from a grey and gloomy LBG. But fear not, today is the last day in the office until New Year, and the boss is not intending to come in, so I might get a chance to get a few things cleared up (ie shred some papers!).

 

Simon, I am glad that you the chemo dates work for you - and as others have said, forget about it over Christmas and enjoy family and friends being around.

 

It was good to read that Emily does not have pneumonia; and now she has been prescribed antibiotics, hopefully she will recover quickly. Experience with the Lurker boys leads me to the conclusion that young'uns tend to bounce back quickly.

 

Baz's post makes me feel slightly guilty that I have not yet attempted my tax return. But then doing it is a little like a busman's holiday for me....

 

And as for Andyram finding Toys 'R' Us fairly empty, he was lucky to find it open; a last minute deal has saved them from going under although about a quarter of their stores will be closing down.

 

Tomorrow sees the in laws coming down until Boxing Day so red wine has been purchased in vast quantities.

 

I am unlikely to post over the festive period so Marry Christmas and Happy new year to all, including best wishes to those who no longer frequent this thread (Trisonic Pete, Olddudders, Sherry, Travellin' Trev, Tassie Tex et al) and thoughts of those who are no longer with us.

[New Haven Neil]

Morning, and it is a grey and foggy one, even down here at not much at all above sea level.

 

My support to those unwell, not a nice time of year for that sort of thing.

 

GDB, we only got one of the SECR Bircages in Lake too, despite having ordered them all. I think that perhaps the delivery has been split up, as we only got one box from them yesterday rather than the usual half van full - but gaugemaster and peco were fully delivered.  They did look very good,  had to have a quick look at one!  Can't possibly justify them, but they are nice to look at. Maybe one for the showcase....nooooooo!

 

OF bike club later, different venue this week as the public pool where we go to the café is closed.....for the school holidays...err...when the kids need something to do.......is it just me?

[andyram]

 

And as for Andyram finding Toys 'R' Us fairly empty, he was lucky to find it open; a last minute deal has saved them from going under although about a quarter of their stores will be closing down.

 

 

Since the rescue package was only being discussed yesterday I think there was no danger about the store being open. In fact it has been extremely busy this week and usually is busy. Even at 9pm on the Wednesday night it was reporting being busier than normal. I had expected it to be much busier due to the close proximity to Christmas combined with the fact that, had the rescue package failed, the company would have slipped into administration and would stop honouring vouchers etc from yesterday. The few people who were in were certainly dealing in vouchers.

 

I am pleased to see the company has been saved for now. Those stores that close will not be shut until Spring 2018. We have two stores in Derby. The original warehouse store and the smaller outlet in the city centre. I wonder if either of these will be part of the cull. Apparently the out of town warehouse shops are the ones that appear to be doing badly so, it would seem, that this would be the more likely to go. However our out of town store always seems to be busy so I suppose it will be a case of watch this space.

 

Anyway - belated birthday greetings to David and good wishes to Gordon. Generic greetings all round.

 

Just about to get ready to head to Butterley for the 11am Santa Special. I will try and check in later.

 

Have a good day.

 

Best wishes

 

Andy

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Slept quite well last night, no itching or aching joints but when I awoke this morning I was laying on my right arm and it was numb and took about five minutes before I got any sensation back. Not a lot to shop for now, only fresh items such as milk and the decision is get it today or take a chance on any being left tomorrow. Somehow though I don't seem to be able to get into the Christmas spirit, I'll be glad when its all over. Bah bumhug!

[NGT6 1315]

Mawnin' awl. Yucky grey weather outside and no chance for any trace of snow on C****t**s according to the forecast, which predicts a windy 8 to 10°C for the 24th. I'd much rather have some fresh snow in lieu of this depressing overcast…

 

We do need to complete some food shopping, even if only for those meals we do need to prepare at home. FiL informed us yesterday that he picked up the goose for the dinner we're going to have on the 26th and where I'll be in charge of preparing the red cabbage, as usual!

 

Later…

[emt_911]

Morning all. An excellent nights sleep for a change.

 

A day of sorting out a few last minute items including some more wrapping paper. I've been tasked with delivering presents to the extended family tomorrow. deep joy.

 

Time for another coffee.

 

Have a good day everyone.

[Barry O]

Shopping completed. Two purple hearts awarded..a which in the back from a trolley and a "oh did I stand on your foot" from a woman busy texting...

 

Apparently I am stood down from household chores until tomorrow...more muddling time for me..oh s0dit got to finish tax return....

 

Stay calm, have as good a day as you can.

 

Baz

[The Stationmaster]

Morning all,

 

Not much planned for today although there will be a Tesco visit for the 'paper and 'one or two oddments' - so no more than half a trolleyload I reckon (hopefully), and that can't take place of course until Currys have delivered the bread maker.  Meat collection is tomorrow and possibly any last minute dairy stuff although the milkman delivered two litres of the white liquid this morning so that ought to see us through until shops reopen.

 

My 'local' model shop (the one within, just, 30 miles) has been told his stock of Birdcage vehicles in SE&CR livery will be delivered after Christmas (it would be rude not to buy them to go with that pretty little green 0-6-0 Bachmann produced a few years back) and no doubt there will also be the two Hornby cattle wagons I pre-ordered about a year ago also in.

 

Bread maker has just been delivered - the day can now proceed;  and not at all bad for a 'morning delivery sometime after 08.30'.

 

Have a good day one and all

 

Edit to add PS. - bread maker unpacking well underway, male assistance requested to remove 4 of those big packaging staples which guarded the entrance to the box and which needed attention from some largish cutters and big pliers.  Mrs Stationmaster wondered how people who are not married to persons with a good selection of cutting & bending tools get one with opening such boxes; I suggested that they probably tear the cardboard instead.

Edited December 22, 2017 by The Stationmaster

[Tony_S]

Morning all.

Sunny here.

Plan for today is to go and see Star Wars Episode 8 this afternoon.

Other than that there are a few local cards to be delivered and a spaniel needs to go for a walk.

Tony

[grandadbob]

Reading Model Rail this month which had a section on upcoming offerings by various manufacturers I suspect GDB's wallet will be groaning in anticipation'; I spotted a couple of things that would go nicely with his recent M7 acquisition. 

 

 

Get thee behind me Satan  Andy!

FYI I already have on order a Stirling Single & Dean Goods (both sound fitted) from Locomotion, 1 more olive green Birdcage and 2 dark lake, a Southern H Class, an SECR P class , 2 Pecketts, Dumbleton Hall and a Dynamometer car. How on earth can I justify anything else?  

 

 

PS. What couple of things did you spot then? 

[Horsetan]

Meanwhile, as I wait for the MoT failure to be repaired, the phone lights up. It's an e-mail, an Italian-tinged e-mail. Oh feck.