Early Risers.

[JohnDMJ]

24 minutes ago, brianusa said:

 

To obviate the wrong gift situation, my wife and I gave up.  For example, she buys books for me that are not my thing and I buy jewelry or clothes that are not her thing and except for the odd small item, thats it.  It seems a bit daft really, we have enough in our joint account to each buy what we want so why buy something that we don't!   Of course, we miss all the opening of presents and all the wrapping paper lying around but I will usually buy a railway book and not read it till Christmas while my wife has a new necklace, brooch or scarf to wear.  Not too much different really!

       Brian.

 

A "can't go wrong" philosophy to presents: Batteries, present not included?

[tigerburnie]

G'night all

[leopardml2341]

Evenin'all.

 

As for Christmas Presents; SWMBO and I decided a few years ago that rather than buy eachother presents, we would take a holiday somewhere warmer than UK in January/February. The theory being that we effectively paid for eachother as our gift to eachother, if that makes sense

 

Not much else to report, typical Monday but with noticeably heavier traffic this morning; I guess everyone is back at work now, with good intentions to get there early - I'll give it a couple of days before my 'window of opportunity' for minimal traffic reverts to its normal 07:00  - 0715 slot.

 

G'night.

[jamie92208]

3 hours ago, Shedman5 said:

Evening, the day started with a slight disaster ie DCC controller emitting smoke! On inspection its stuffed as they say, I do have a spare but will look to buy a replacement which I intended to do today.

However this afternoon  my first grandchild came into the world a healthy boy at 9lb, so looking for a replacement fell by the wayside. We are going up to London ( travelling by train) tomorrow, I thought of driving DOWN to London but decided to let the train take the strain. So will be in London for a couple of days which I am looking forward to.

 

The arrival of my Grandson has more than compensated for todays disaster, though In fairness I have had the now stuffed controller for 11 years so I should not complain.

 

Time to open a nice bottle of plonk now and toast the new arrival!

 

 

Alan

Congratulations Alan, to you and all the family, especially the mother who I hope is well.  We joined the grandparent club 8 months ago and she is a little darling.  However I have already discovered that they are better at opening wallets than their parents were, modelling tokens can get depleted.

 

Jamie

[brianusa]

Early Rising has extended to after lunch here in the PNW and its still raining in the low lands with snow in the passes.  Think I'll stay home!

      Brian.

[Dave Hunt]

Slightly mixed bag of a day. On the downside, Jill had her pre-op assessment during which her BP was higher than acceptable for general anaesthetic so she now has to have it taken at the GP's on three successive days and if it's still too high she'll have to have it treated before she can have the operation. On the positive side, our friend having the bowel cancer operation is back from the theatre and the word is that it went well - fingers crossed that this is the start of something good. While all this was going on I had some therapeutic time in the workshop making a control panel (is that an OK term to use awl-wise?).

 

I feel a lot calmer than I did yesterday. Time for a nightcap I feel. Tamnavulin tonight I think.

 

Have a good night everyone with special thoughts for the new granddad and our friends in Australia.

 

Dave

[Barry O]

Goodnight all!

Baz

[BSW01]

Good evening everyone 

 

Well all the Christmas decorations are now stored away until the end of the year. This then freed up some space in the cellar and I was able to make a start on assembling the desk for the office area in the small cellar room. Both cupboards were assembled as well as all the drawers ( I’ve still yet got to make the drawer fronts). But it was only when I came to fit the last drawer in the cupboard, that I noticed that the packet of fixing screws etc was missing. I spent about an hour trying to get through on the phone but the line was engaged constantly, so I’ll try again tomorrow. The next step is to measure up for the desk top. As it is going to be an ‘L’ shape, it will be made from 2 pieces. This is to be made from solid wood kitchen worktop and they have been cut slightly over size. I’m hoping to cut them to the final size and fit them before the end of the week. 

 

Alan. Congratulations, welcome to the club.

 

Goodnight all 

[PhilJ W]

Goodnight all.

[The Stationmaster]

6 hours ago, Barry O said:

Can you drink Indian Tonic Water Mike.. keep the night time cramps at bay for me (diet zero sugar version works best).

Been busy tidying the layout room up..as well as doing a GDB.. tripped over a cunning placed stool (which I had placed in a visible position!!)  and went base over apex. Much swearing and cursing but it seems I am OK.

 

Baz

I had one with a drop of gin on my birthday evening out as it happens Baz - went down quite well but it didn't solve the cramp problem that night.  I have a sachet of dioralyte every night before going to bed and that can help but it doesn't work on Arthurs-itis (not that it is claimed too) and if my feet head off in funny directions when I'm asleep that strains the muscles and starts the cramp.  simplest answer to that is to stand and walk about a bit but at times such is the way the foot has bent it's rather difficult trying to stand on it when it's edge, and not the sole, is on the floor

 

2 hours ago, Ozexpatriate said:

I see the performance of the RMweb server is crappy (as one should expect on Hornby day I suppose). Inevitably I added my opinion to the ~525 posts (and growing) blather.

 

I haven't been paying attention this year - no waiting with bated breath and therefore no disappointments in what was selected. In deference to the awl I won't comment here other to ask Mike (Stationmaster) whether he, like me, has been counting spokes this year?

 

 

Not bothering to count spokes Michael and while they're showing some stupid livery errors on BR era ex GWR vehicles my most original comment concerns the box containing one of their centenary special nostalgia issues - they've actually manged to get the box in the wrong livery (incorrect colour scheme).  Who needs to count spokes when they can't even get a box right?

 

Stafford Show - probably not.  coming after Cardiff Small Show, Southampton the Basingstoke at around the same time followed by Ally Pally I have a strong suspicion that adding Stafford to the list would more than expend the last little traces of any banked brownie points.

[The Stationmaster]

G'night all

[AndyID]

Good News: The handy Doc did the op on MrsID's hand.

 

Bad News: I'll be chief cook, bottle-washer and chauffeur for several weeks.

[chrisf]

Good morning one and all

 

The process of catching up continues.  I am now up to date with my TV soaps and two lots of ironing await what is best described as my pleasure.  An important job for the near future is to assess which of my cocktail of tablets need to be ordered and when.  Yesterday I called at the surgery to ensure that the new tablets prescribed by Professor Oncologist are on the system.  Checkpoint Charlene the receptionist tried again to sell me the idea of having my prescriptions sent electronically to the pharmacy.   I declined, explaining that some months ago someone had made that decision without consulting me.  I was furious and had the decision rescinded.  I live less than 10 minutes on foot from the surgery and a further 5 minutes from the pharmacy.  For the time being at least it is no hardship to walk into town, combining dealing with prescriptions with other errands.  It is more of a hardship having to get the car out or get on the bus to visit the branch surgery where most of the nurses are based.  In ten years' time, should I be spared, things may be different.  For now I will keep walking.

 

Matters arising 1: Belated thanks to Monkeysarefun for posting the article on koalas.  Some of these wonderful marsupials have shown remarkable initiative by, in effect, blagging water from cyclists and firefighters.  They are desperate, as is the situation, and face extinction within 30 years unless the right thing is done and quickly.

 

Matters arising 2: I plan to be at Stafford on the Saturday and am up for a brief encounter. 

 

Best wishes to all

 

Chris

[Robert]

Morning All,

 

It isn't quite as cold as it was yesterday morning, but we had rain overnight.

 

There isn't a lot else to report, so have a good day everyone...

[Barry O]

Ey up!

 

Slept well but I could do with a few more hours. Chance of that..zilch.

 

Already got my to do list. It includes a stroll to the pharmacy, a stroll to the barbers and various tasks around the house.

 

We have been warned of high winds round here today  (no comments HH and brussel sprouts are not involved.)  So the "strolls" could be interesting.

 

Reading one or two threads about new offerings from the trade suggests to me that some people really need to get out more. A debate about chimneys , more on zoomers..heck I doubt some of the commentators will ever buy any of the stuff.

 

I must hope you all have a great day. Rick, i hope a day at the house of fun was not too painful and that the gout is retreating.

 

Andyid I hope your good lady is not in pain. Good luck with being chief cook and bottle washer.

 

Positive thoughts to all who ail..for me its time to carpe diem!

Baz

 

[TheQ]

Mooring Awl,  inner Temple Hare, 

A poor nights sleep which I had hoped to extend but Ben the alarm clock Collie has other ideas. It's chilly out there,  no clouds,  no wind.. 

 

The extended time for sleep is because it's diabetic six monthly today, appointment at 09:10..

 

Driving home last night my Eyes started stinging and I had to find somewhere to stop.  I'm too far from Essex,  but something was out there.  After a few minutes of wiping eyes I was able to carry on. 

 

I don't think it has anything to do with the stinging eyes, but last night I started sneezing a lot  and I've woken with blocked doze. 

 

All this wake time has been spent thinking of  a better solution  for a ferry pier, board joins in the sea don't look good... Some sketches will be drawn up later.. 

 

SWMBO and I stopped buying presents for each other years ago,  I take her out on her birthday shopping normally and a, box of choccys on Valentine's and that's it.. 

 

breakfast,  

Time to get up and make it. 

 

[45156]

Morning All

 

First off, the usual generic greetings are offered, as a lot of water is, as is now quite normal, passing under the ERs bridge.

 

Yesterday was a wash out for me - had to cancel LASAR - going today instead.  Got a phone call from my builder/plumber to advise that his van's broken down, and that he's booked up until later this week, due to other urgent jobs, and as of yesterday he wasn't sure when he'd get the van back.  Gpt a text from Indesit to say that repairman would arrive between 1 and 4.  I'd already advised when I booked the all day appointment that the morning would be better, and that the period from 1.30 to 2.30 should be avoided as I had to pick 30747 up from work.  So I rang Indesit again and reinforced the instruction, suggesting that they contact the repair man and ask him to make mine the last call.  Then went out to Lancaster to visit the bank to move some money around and to get some cash.  Got home to a message on answering machine ar 1.40 that the emgineer was outside, and a card to say that he'd been, and to rearrange the appointment.   Another phone call just got a load of excuses, and the usual that any variation on the hours was not guaranteed.  So I now await another visit from Peter, and have to take all day on Friday for the engineer.

 

Regards to All

Stewart

[Sir TophamHatt]

Morning all.

 

Had a really rough night  

 

The wife is getting bigger by the day now (pregnant) and more uncomfortable at night.  She's like an oven!  We (I) changed the duvet a few weeks back to our thicker winter one, but wish I hadn't.

 

Made more tough as she "reads the news" (actually scrolls through Instagram) to get tired but I don't think it helps her sleeping.  Ages ago I banned phones from the bedroom.  They created such a barrier and instead of talking and cuddling, we'd both just be scrolling.  It worked for a while but hers has crept back in.

 

I like darkness when I sleep.  If I'm quite tired, I can snooze off while she watches something on the tablet (we have one that projects so it's pretty easy to watch in bed), but sometimes it wakes me.  Did last night.  But that was when I noticed she wasn't even watching whatever was on, but was scrolling on her phone instead!  I was awake for what felt like a few hours, which I hate as I see it as wasted time in life.

 

So not a great start to the day or year but I'm sort of hoping things will just sort themselves out.
Not exactly the best time to have a talk about some of this stuff.

[leopardml2341]

Mornin'

[Kingzance]

Morning all,

 

Cloud about 6/8ths at present. Yesterday’s consultant appointment for SWMBO was booked for 18:3, we checked in at 18:15, she wasn’t seen until 19:45! To add insult to injury, he felt that she shouldn’t have been referred to him this early in her condition and it’s treatment.

 

Today I have to ferry an even older person to a dentist appointment in Hitchin. She requires a wheel chair so it will definitely be a case of finding a disabled parking space to deliver her at the dental surgery. No fish today as my man isn’t around until next week, a nice pork chop with cauliflower cheese could be substituted, and boys’ golf lessons and cribbage resume post festivities.

 

I doubt I shall be tempted by anything from the new Hornby launch. Since I am being negative to purchasing things railway related, I do not expect any wrath of awl to descend on me. Indeed, I shall be attempting to rationalise some of the past acquired items that are surplus to today’s needs and subsequently disperse them to wherever they may find a better and more caring environment. A friend has upgraded his iPad to the very latest model and is offering his old one for less than half its cost 18 months after he bought it. I am sorely tempted to offer him some promissory notes before cash is outlawed and give my perfectly serviceable iPad to SWMBO. As for not buying Her any presents at Christmas, I fear that, were I so to do, I would be typing this in a very high pitched manner . 

 

So, onwards and upwards. Please enjoy your day as much as circumstances allow, I intend to.

[grandadbob]

Good morning all,

A greyish sky with a hint or two of blue at the moment. Should be a bright morning with the chance of a shower or two later.

Later this morning I might be heading to the opticians to get a small specs repair done. The Boss has threatened to come with me as there's a shop she wants to visit and we may even go for a pub lunch. Looks like weight watching is off the menu today then. 

Have a good one,

Bob. 

 

P.S. Is anybody going to the Stevenage show on Saturday?

Edited January 7, 2020 by grandadbob

[Ozexpatriate]

20 minutes ago, Kingzance said:

... cauliflower cheese ...

Now you're just winding my cauliflower aversion up.

 

I presume this is some version of "cauliflower with cheese" rather than a cheese that has some kind of cauliflower properties. I'm guessing it is something like this. (That term seems to have relevance in the UK but was not in my lexicon.)

[jamie92208]

Morning all.  It's 8/8ths cloud here and damp. Which idiot forgot to get the dry (now very wet) washing in off the line.  As there's only me here and no cat who can I blame.  It must gave been the little owl.  I did manage to get the 3 upstairs shutters down for painting.  However  I nearly joined the GDB club as no 3 started to wobble as it came off the hinge pintles. I realised that either I had to drop ut or we would drop off the ladder together.  I opted for the former alternative and now have a minor repair to do to one corner.  The repkacement piece if wood us already shaped and ready for glueing in.  

 

The fire is lit, the log basket replenished and breakfast eaten.  I will shortly be starting to attack the ironing pile so need to select sone suitable aurally administered anaesthetic.  Something loud probably. As I am on my own the week I bought a nice cauliflower at the market.  I love it but Beth doesn't so pork chop, caulifower cheese and some other veg is on the menu here tonight as well.

 

Rick, I hope that the foot is OK and Dave, hope that there's good news about your friend.

 

Jamie

 

[BSW01]

Good morning everyone 

 

Another dull start to the day here, the overnight rain has stopped, the skies are still grey, but there are a few blue patches about. 

 

I still can’t get through on the (unhelpful) help line number, but I shall continue to try. I also have the Sainsbury’s Grand Prix to complete this morning, so I doubt any further work will be done downstairs. 

 

I had a look at the new Hornby catalogue and there is nothing in it that I thought, I would like one of those. 

 

As for cauliflower cheese, I like cauliflower, I also like cheese sauce, but dislike them when they are combined. 

 

Enjoy the day, back later. 

[tigerburnie]

Morning, another day with the lights on, it barely gets light at the moment with all the cloud, storms may hit later, but calm just now. I seem to have joined the disturbed sleep club, last night I was woken abruptly during a dream ,I was in some sort of covert operation shooting people with a weird sort of gun, now I haven't been on the grandkids games, nor been watching movies and I didn't have any cheese yesterday, where does the brain get this stuff from.....weird.