Early Risers.

[brianusa]

This is the kind of news we all dread, for some day it will happen to us.  There is nothing we can do but offer condolences, sympathy is not the right word as so much has been offered previously.  None of this will help and in a short time the rest of us will get on with our lives while John and Sandy will still be left.  Hopefully there are friends and relations who are close by to give comfort.   Most of us have been in a similar situation with friends and relatives but to have to contend with losing your lifetime love.....................  If you are religious then take comfort with your choice of god, others will find solace in their own way and pray that we will have similar strength to bear the inevitable as John and Sandy have.

     Brian.

[chrisf]

The news from John and Sandy trumps anything I might have to say.

 

Chris

[81C]

Sad sad news god bless you both.

[laurenceb]

Although it seems inadequate my thoughts are with you John & Sandy

[Barry O]

John and Sandy

Sorry to hear the news. 

We are all here to give support through trying times.

Baz

[Coombe Barton]

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2019/08/20/sandys-treatment-day-245/

[Coombe Barton]

1 hour ago, chrisf said:

The news from John and Sandy trumps anything I might have to say.

 

Chris

Oh no, Chris, say it. Just because someone is having problems does not make anyone's situation not worthy of mention. Say it.

 

We're here as a group of people who have mostly not met, but have been talking to each other for a decade or more. We share a common interest in stuff the awl is designed for, but it's more than that. I count you all as friends, and friends don't hold back.

[Dave Hunt]

I've not been here for a couple of days so I started speed reading through the posts before adding my two pennorth. That was until I read the news from John and suddenly all I want to say is that although we've never met I feel as though we are friends and there has been a great blow to me personally. You and Sandy are in my prayers John. I can't offer anything more practical than that but for what it is worth, there it is. 

 

Dave

[BSW01]

Good evening everyone 

 

Once I’ve d got back from the bank, Sainsbury’s etc and the shopping had been put away, muggertea No2 was consumed that nicely brought about dinner time, which was a little later than usual as there was quite a big queue at the bank. 

 

After dinner it was decided that, as there was only just over an hour or so before my usual knocking off time, that we should have an easy day, so I sat and read for the rest of afternoon.

 

Tomorrow morning I’ve an appointment at “The Christie” to see my urologist/oncologist where I will get the results of last weeks blood test. So it’s an early(ish) start for the both of us in the morning.

 

Goodnight all 

[Ozexpatriate]

1 hour ago, Coombe Barton said:

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2019/08/20/sandys-treatment-day-245/

John, thank you for sharing and parting the curtains a little regarding details of medical journey that Sandy and you have been on this past 35 weeks. You have been so stoically holding them closed - for very proper reasons including but not limited to your shared hopes and Sandy's privacy.

 

It is heartening that Sandy is looking forward to a day out. I hope her current positive chemistry can sustain her for a while longer and my wish for the two of you is that you can build some additional memories to cherish. I know you value all the time you still have together.

[PhilJ W]

Goodnight all.

[skipepsi]

It may be trite John but from previous experience the better you look after yourself mentally and physically the better and longer you can care for Sandy.

[jamie92208]

Morni g all from the Charente. Up before sparrow fart, even the dratted cockerel isn't crowing yet. However my two new gnashers seem to be doing OK. Off shortly for my steam train ride. John and Sandy I hope that you enjoy your day out. Wodney will cerainly have something positive to say.

 

Jamie

[Robert]

Morning All,

 

For what it's worth, it's a nice sunny morning today.

 

Sorry to hear the news about Sandy, John.  Take it one day at a time and make the most of the time you have left.  The more memories you have to treasure later, the easier it will be.  Thinking of you all.

[chrisf]

7 hours ago, Coombe Barton said:

Oh no, Chris, say it. Just because someone is having problems does not make anyone's situation not worthy of mention. Say it.

 

We're here as a group of people who have mostly not met, but have been talking to each other for a decade or more. We share a common interest in stuff the awl is designed for, but it's more than that. I count you all as friends, and friends don't hold back.

 

Good morning one and all!  John, I'll take that as an insistence and I suppose that others might be interested in what follows but your news rightly dominates the headlines.

 

I didn't intend to buy a new car yesterday but that is what seems to have happened.  After the rear brakes of the present Polo had finally been replaced I was introduced to a saleslady and two hours later emerged blinking into the daylight.  Apparently the current one is ripe for being sold as a good used car, despite the damage to one of the sills caused by my getting just a little too close to a very low brick wall in front of a church in Hitchin.  The new one will be ready tomorrow.  It is a little larger, which will make parking in my street even more of a trial than it is now, but I dare say I will get used to it.  Should my leg permit I will take it to Cardiff on Saturday for Pride Cymru.

 

Many will have guessed that the problematic one that I have been mentioning lately is none other than my e-friend Harry.  We seem to have dumped each other.  There is a bit of dirt to be dished but that can wait and a few things to be explained which probably shouldn't.

 

Best wishes to all

 

Chris 

[BoD]

Good morning one and all.

 

Make the most of your days.

[BoD]

18 minutes ago, chrisf said:

I didn't intend to buy a new car yesterday but that is what seems to have happened. 

 

It has been known for me to go out and return with items unintended.  

My best effort was a rather expensive camera when I had been buying shoes.  

But a car?

Respect.

[TheQ]

Mooring Awl, Inner Temple Hare,

 

My thoughts are with Sandy and Jonn, My only hope is they can get an extended pain free time together, as my little sisters husband did, living well, for an extra 2 years beyond being given the 6th month expectation...

 

Ben the Border Collie was desperate to get out this morning, although he didn't wake me up early. The great Fried egg was missing this morning, it was hidden behind the only cloud in the sky..

 

More roads are closed today, but luckily I won't be going back the same way tonight, as I have to visit the big orange shed  for more wood and a ballcock...

 

Also there are cycling event signs being plastered up in Effin clown town and Wroxham, the third time this year..

 

I suspect a visit to GY will be carried out on Saturday... It's a while since we've visited a town and some things you just can't get locally. This will mean arriving in GY before 09:00 in order to beat the grockles. With the forecast this weekend it's otherwise going to be busy there...

 

This weeks major system progesses slowly, the 1M ohm value has shifted, but that isn't a problem as such, but is unusual for it.

We had our monthly meeting yesterday, and it was revealed the "Pretty young thing" from the USA, does have lots of qualifications, she is the replacement for her boss, and has a 3 to 4 year train up and hand over. Meanwhile still no news for a deputy for my boss to replace him in about the same time period. That's about the same time I leave, so the company had better get it's finger out or it will be drifting down with the tide without a means of propulsion...

 

I now have a selection of current shunts to do on Thursday or Friday, That will keep me  occupied..

 

Oh Sleep.. there was some, better than yesterday's but still not good..

 

Time to... go on the long walk to my current testing abode..

 

 

[Barry O]

Ey up!

 

Yes BoD, today we should all Carpe Diem as we don't know what tomorrow may bring.

 

Chrisf, buying cars cab feel like being mugged. However, when her ind73oors goes buying a car I always feel sorry for the salesman!

Yesterday's game was a cracker. Yorkshire ridings won the toss and batted. The pitch had been unplayable at the weekend. Yorks mad a good start and then the spinners came on. 135 all out. 

After an excellent "tea" Derbyshire were cruising ar 73 for 1. Then the spinnees got in on the act..125 all out with a player with a broken rib bowling the last man.

Cricket played the right way.

 

And what does today hold for me?

Some house cleaning, lawns mowing, parcel packing and posting and a visit to another eye consultant. The latter could be interesting as the latest eyedrops (Ganforr) sting all day.

 

After that..i can try and finish a coach for shap and do some other muddling.

 

Now to finish my mugatea. 

 

Baz

[grandadbob]

Good morning all,

The sun is shining and it should be a fine dry day.

Not been posting lately (thanks for asking Baz) as I've been feeling a bit fed up and sorry for myself with a hint of dark canine appearing occasionally. John's recent posts have changed that and put my small problems into perspective and kicked them into touch so I will take John at his word and ramble on.

Most of these hiccups revolve around The Knee which has been causing considerable grief and stopping me doing stuff. Went back to the doctor last week who can do nothing until the physio has decreed what is necessary. Saw the physio yesterday (after a 9 week wait for a face to face appointment) and after much poking and prodding and knee bending and wiggling he agrees that "something is not quite right." No Sh!t Sherlock!  He had to Google one of my previous knee ops (a Macintosh ACL reconstruction) as he'd never heard of it. It was popular in the 70's and 80's but has since fallen out of favour.  I think the problem lies within the site of that old op. The upshot is that he "will discuss things with a colleague" and (hopefully) put me on a triage list to see a specialist. He did ask if I was willing to undergo surgery if necessary , I said of course. However my age may be against me and there might be nothing they can do. Was a bit surprised at that comment as he doesn't yet know what is actually wrong! He has given me some leg strengthening exercises to do in the meantime.

In other news I managed to spend 3 hours (which crippled me for a while) in The Shed on Monday for the first time in ages. Just got to fit the flap and last small boards and then I can think about track. Played a bit with the O gauge and am discovering the wonders of 3 link couplings and buffer lock. Will be asking for advice on that  later.

Today my landscape gardening friend should be visiting to finalise the details of the artificial lawn and (slightly) raised beds that we want with a view to starting on Friday. This is only about 5 weeks later than originally planned (another thing that has been p!ssing me off) and looks like it means our family Bank Holiday BBQ will have to be cancelled here and moved to Nicki's house.

Enough of my waffle, time to take tea up to The Boss.

Have a good one if you can, especially Sandy and John.

Bob.

 

P.S. Thundering Balls! Just checked my ticket and I've won £100. 

Edited August 21, 2019 by grandadbob

[Stubby47]

My new SiL lays artificial grass. Sometimes No.2 son works with him, depends on the planned jobs.

 

Last week they did a lawn for Fern Britton & Phil Vickery. They also have the outside cafe area at St Michael's Mount to do soon.

[grandadbob]

I like Fern.  First saw her on TV on Westward? or whatever it was called in the Eighties when visiting my parents in Par. ISTR  a large (stuffed) rabbit called Gus Honeybun "helping" her and giving multiple "bunny hops" when things were good!

Edited August 21, 2019 by grandadbob

[AndrewC]

Morning all. I have no words. A virtual hug to John & Sandy seems somewhat inadequate but it is really all I have. 

 

As others have said carpe diem. 

[roundhouse]

Good morning all.

 

Been a busy few days. last Saturday was superb making use of the GWR shuttle form Taunton to Bishops Lydeard then WSR to Watchet to try a few pubs there then back to Bishops Lydeard station (bumped into a friend staying in the area with his family) to the Quantock Brewery before heading home via The Greyfriar pub in Reading.

 

Sunday - working in the garden and shed.

 

Monday round mums to see how she is after her fall last Friday - she looks like a Panda with all the bruising around her face. Brother from HK wanted to take her to her bank to sort out transferring enough money to her current account to pay for a new Tv and furniture but is worried that the bank will think that she has been beaten into doing so!! Her dining table is broken 9actually my other halfs late grandmothers) so she has been looking for some time but only found one over the weekend. A new TV has been on the cards for a while so the old smaller one can go into the other room for the grandkids to use when they come to stay in school / uni holidays etc.

 

More earth shifting to extend mums lawn over the old sunken garden carried out before returning home to continue working on the garden railway to get it ready for yesterday including finding what may be a suitable blast in the form of potting grit form the garden centre as the stuff I had used in the past I can not find at present.

 

Tuesday - cleaned the track and had the first trains moving since May. A long time friend came round with someone he knows who is looking at building a garden railway so he's been looking at various methods.

 

Today will be a bit more relaxing in the garden and shed and also further planning of our upcoming trip to Exeter, Par and other points West.

 

A couple of photos one showing the newly ballast curve that needed raising above old tree roots.

Edited August 21, 2019 by roundhouse

[Kingzance]

Mawning from a muggy and cloudy NEHerts. Where once we had double glazing salesmen, have they been retrained / repurposed to sell used cars I wonder after reading Chrisf’s update?

Today will mainly be spent pottering and attempting to plan for SWMBO’s upcoming major birthday, thankfully my daughter is on the case too. I am somewhat surprised how much the news from J&S has affected me, even though I have never met either of them. I do know however that I will be unable to hear RVW’s Variations on a Theme by Thomas Tallis (one of my favourite pieces) without it now bringing a extra twinge of sadness.

Be good and as John pointed out, be kind.