Early Risers.

[PhilJ W]

Evening all from Estuary-Land. I didn't attend the commitee meeting tonight though I feel better the lurgi is still causing coughs and sniffles so its better not to pass it on. An interesting item on Farcebook re. the Dingle station of the Liverpool Overhead Railway. As most of you are probably aware the station which is in a tunnel became a car workshop until the tunnel collapsed in 2006 trapping several vehicles in there including some classics. Those vehicles are still there and some are in reasonable condition though they might have to be craned out through the old tunnel entrance which is twenty feet above the ground.

[BSW01]

Good evening everyone 

 

Well I managed to get through to the cupboard supplier, but only by using different telephone number, which I obtained from a very helpful person at our local big orange DIY shed. The upshot is that they will put the required parts in the post and I should have them in a day or so. After that I continued on to completed the Sainsbury’s Grand Prix, but it was a lot later than usual, but it did mean that I bumped into my aunts younger brother. He’s just a few years older than me and we’ve known each other for almost all my life. His sister, my aunt married one of my mums brothers and both now live in Florida , having moved there from Canada about 8 years ago. We ended up chatting for about 10 minutes and he mentioned that his nephew, my cousin now has his own plane, I asked if he flies it himself, but apparently he has a crew for that sort of thing, mind you he is the CEO of his own IT company in California. 

 

After dinner I made a batch of leek and potatoes soup, some of which we had for tea. I then made a quick phone call after tea to check that the pool was open tomorrow and then set up my swimming bag.

 

Goodnight all 

[newbryford]

4 hours ago, Ozexpatriate said:

That's almost certainly true for human examination. Everything is processed automatically by OCR and I don't think the programming really cares about the date. Companies will cash cheques that are dated for a later time. Forget about signature verification.

 

Once upon a time, my bank returned all my cancelled cheques to me. I can't remember how many years ago that was. Today my statement contains digitally scanned images for *some* of the cheques. Most of the regular payments - to banks for credit cards etc are processed without even this confirmation.

 

One of the banks we use - primarily online, but the account does have a cheque book and allows me to pay in at a physical bank. (Mrs NB often gets cheques for various Guide activities).

One of our longtime friends who works at the public end of the parent bank has said that they are about to introduce a mobile phone app that will scan cheques and allow them to be paid in online. Not quite certain what we have to do with the cheque afterwards though!

 

Work was worked.

MR club wasn't visited tonight as I have a lot to do on my own layout before Stafford.

 

1 day on, then 2 days off.

Have a good Wednesday folks.

 

Cheers,

Mick

 

[andyram]

Good evening all.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy new year. I hope that you had an enjoyable Christmas period and that today finds you well. My apologies for all I have missed. I am so out of touch at the moment. I have stayed away from RMWeb for several reasons. Partly due to a serious attack from the black dog. This was caused by the November rains which brought flooding to Derbyshire. The shop escaped damage, unlike many nearby. But the result was a massive reduction in trade during the month. December improved, but the worries that it brought as we approached the festive season caused a major downturn in my mood and wellbeing. It has not made thing strained between Sarah and I - it can't be easy for her living with me when I am like that. Hopefully most things are beginning to turn around now - here's to a more positive 2020.

 

Regards

 

Andy

 

 

[Ozexpatriate]

10 minutes ago, newbryford said:

they are about to introduce a mobile phone app that will scan cheques and allow them to be paid in online. Not quite certain what we have to do with the cheque afterwards though!

Yes, US banks have been flogging an ability like this for some time. This is for depositing cheques payable to you into your account. Not for paying your bills using personal cheques.

 

Afterwards? Hold onto the cheque until it shows paid in your account and then shred it.

 

There are of course mobile apps to pay money to other individuals / entities. US banks have been flogging these hard too. Apparently they are very popular in India.

Edited January 8, 2020 by Ozexpatriate

[PhilJ W]

Goodnight all.

[AndyID]

5 hours ago, Ozexpatriate said:

Companies will cash cheques that are dated for a later time. Forget about signature verification.

 

 

Also true for credit-cards. I knew a guy who frequently signed "Donald Duck" or "Mickey Mouse" on his corporate AMEX card chits. Mind you that was in New Jersey. People might have been a bit more suspicious if he'd tried it in Anaheim CA.

 

Speaking of which my office was on Harbor Boulevard, just down the road from Disneyland which might explain why a lot of the goings-on in the office were like episodes from Looney Tunes (although that was the other lot).

[AndyID]

1 hour ago, Ozexpatriate said:

Yes, US banks have been flogging an ability like this for some time. This is for depositing cheques payable to you into your account. Not for paying your bills using personal cheques.

 

Afterwards? Hold onto the cheque until it shows paid in your account and then shred it.

 

There are of course mobile apps to pay money to other individuals / entities. US banks have been flogging these hard too. Apparently they are very popular in India.

 

Yes, my bank keeps trying to get me to use that. My response is "not on your Nellie".

 

I do deposit small checks at the drive-through ATM but I walk into the bank and talk to a teller for anything over $50.

[Ozexpatriate]

1 hour ago, AndyID said:

... my office was on Harbor Boulevard, just down the road from Disneyland ...

I lived in the OC during the late eighties. Harbor Boulevard had quite the (deserved) reputation. For those not reading through my genteel wording, you could get *anything* you wanted on Harbor Boulevard.

 

They've cleaned it up considerably since then. 

[Robert]

Morning All,

 

It's a chilly, but dry morning in this part of the world.  It also appears to be particularly dark!  Here's to spring, and lighter mornings.

 

Time for a coffee.

 

Have a good day everyone...

[Tony_S]

Morning all.

Still dark out and it has been raining. Bin bags have been deposited .

Tony

[Barry O]

Ey up!

 

Andyram, I hope you can get the black dog firmly back in its kennel for 2020.

 

It seems overly dark here in the North West Leeds Highlands too this morning, Robert. Not sure why.

 

Knees are giving me gip after cricket last night. I can get them going again with a bit more walking..i hope.

 

Having read reports of fund raising activities in Australia and the plea to not send any more clothes, shoes etc I shall be making a contribution to the funds today..which one though?

 

Nothing on my slop chit for today so I may do a bit more muddling before our Club night tonight. Fingers crossed I do better than last time I tried to do any. A bit concussed after falling over a stool and bashing into the layout. Pah!

 

Right , mugatea  now drunk, time to go and kick wednesday into submission.

Positive thoughts to all who ail! I wonder how Trisonic is doing?

 

Baz

 

 

Edited January 8, 2020 by Barry O

[TheQ]

Mooring Awl, Inner Temple Hare, 1061/663

An average nights sleep in three pieces unfortunately there were large gaps between them.

 

Having lost all our banks, we are left now just with the post office, at the moment it's  ten mile drive to the nearest bank, but while I'm working it's en-route home, so not a problem. Never heard or seen of a check printing facility, but for most of my life I've lived in the wilds without major supermarkets..

 

Very dark but quite mild out there , the radio womble reported 13C in his car on the way into work. Ben the scared of the dark Collie decided he would venture as far as the house lights would let him this morning..

 

The paint on the tool box is Dry … Yippeee.. So I'll decant it out to the marquee when I get home today, then it will be slight sanding , fur removal and coat of paint number 2 at the weekend. A replacement for the missing respirator has arrived, this is to ensure the original is given back by the gremlins on Saturday.

 

One major system was put on cross check yesterday, so I've the results to look at this morning, the other has about a days work left on it..

 

There are Three swedes sitting on the kitchen counter this morning (round vegetables, not singing ones). SWMBO will attempt to prepare them today, but they may be too hard for her hands So they may still be sat there this when I get home..

 

Time to.. go spreadsheet analysing..

[chrisf]

Good morning one and all, with particular greetings to Andyram after too long an absence.  Hang on in there, buddy.

 

Most of yesterday morning was spent at the ironing board and it is all done till the next time.  One of the more thoughtful presents I received in recent years is a set of socks embroidered with the days of the week.  I took them to Switzerland and they helped me keep sufficiently alert to know what day it was.  Sorting them after laundering is one more task that must be done.  They will be put in a plastic bag and kept in a safe place.  Allegedly.  Some of my shirts must be washed separately as they are not exactly colour-fast.  They can wait as other tasks are growing in urgency.  As a bit of light relief yesterday I re-equipped my new trainers with the rainbow laces that I bought 18 months ago and which have been patiently awaiting shoes that they will fit.

 

A recurrent problem this year is likely to be one of indecision - which of two or more events to attend.  The first dilemma will be the choice between the Cardiff Small Show and the Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival.  That one is exacerbated by a concert the previous evening, after which I have to get home to bed, however fleetingly.  Why do I have so many interests?  An even worse clash looms in July, when the very welcome return of LarkRail coincides with Bristol Pride.  I suppose that reform of the calendar is out of the question?

 

Today, after porridge, I need to retrieve my car from the next street again.  I swear that there are people who spot a parking space and go out and buy a car just because there is somewhere to park.  My street is just outside the controlled parking zone and is therefore sought after by those for whom paying to park is against their religion.  May they flourish.

 

Best wishes to all, except those who park in my street

 

Chris

[chrisf]

9 minutes ago, Barry O said:

Having read reports of fund raising activities in Australia and the plea to not send any more clothes, shoes etc I shall be making a contribution to the funds today..which one though?

 

If I had any money I would support someone who helps koalas.   Try the koala hospital at Port Macquarie.

 

Chris

[roundhouse]

Morning all.

 

A busy day yesterday as had to go to Mums then take her to Crawley hospital to see the specialist. I made a quick trip to Langley Models nearby to get my last L & B wagon, I just require a few more coaches then I have all the L & B stock. A quick trip to B & Q then back to pick mum up from hospital, take her home do a few bits there for her then home, forgetting to collect my prescription.

Back home continued wiring the layout and a bit of crust earning.

 

That was yesterday.

 

This morning a quick coat of Dullcote on a loco so two are ready for heavy weathering later today. More wiring to do then its beer o'clock - first this week but just waiting to see if we are meeting in Croydon or more locally.

[jamie92208]

Morning all. It's dull and cloudy.  Shutters to work on, then main meal at lunchtime, more work in the shed then off to see Beth in hospital.  She seems to be getting sorted out and they have got her some handouts in English.  Hopefully  she will be stable when she gets home Friday, at least as far as sugar levels go.  

 

Not a lot else to report. First job to pack and post my camera for repair.

 

Regards to all.

 

Jamie

[BSW01]

Good morning everyone 

 

It’s a little brighter this morning than if late and there hasn’t been any overnight rain either. Breakfast has been consumed and shortly I’ll head off to the swimming pool for a swim, something I’ve not done for over a month due to the fact that it was closed for some building work. 

 

Later this afternoon we have Ava, Evie and Max coming round for tea, so it will no doubt be a little noisy.

 

Andyram, I hope you manage to cage the black dog. 

 

Enjoy the day, back later  

[grandadbob]

Good morning all,

Another dull start here and rain promised for later.

I've just checked my cheque book and I last wrote a cheque over 2 years ago (To an ER actually for a loco!) and have only written 9 since 2006. All utilities etc paid by direct debit and anything else by bank transfer. Been online banking for years and never had a problem with it. The only glitches I've had were with credit cards. Once  20  odd years ago (card probably stolen by our postman, he was caught later sitting in his own car sorting through and opening the post) and more recently an attempt to buy airline tickets to the Middle East which was picked up immediately by the bank as an unusual transaction and the purchase stopped and another purchase by somebody else for about £300. In all cases they were sorted out very quickly.

This morning's main task is/may be a visit to the dump. Depends on the queues but luckily they have a webcam on the gate so you can see how long they are.

The Boss seems to think I should visit The Shed but my mojo is still missing.

Andy, sorry to hear the animal is loose.

Have a good one,

Bob.

Edited January 8, 2020 by grandadbob

[Happy Hippo]

2 hours ago, chrisf said:

  The first dilemma will be the choice between the Cardiff Small Show and the Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival.  That one is exacerbated by a concert the previous evening, after which I have to get home to bed, however fleetingly. 

Do you honestly think you can get away with slighting  the WAG Mafia by not turning up at Cardiff?

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Welcome back Andy and hopefully the dark hound will be back in its kennel soon as. The lurgi is still with me so I will probably give the model railway club a miss tonight especially as its predicted to be raining heavily and theres a twenty yard dash from the car park to the door without any shelter. Still have to go out later to stock up on supplies but it should be staying dry until late this afternoon, the lurgi doesn't seem to like the fresh air. Thats it for now, be back later.

[chrisf]

2 hours ago, Happy Hippo said:

Do you honestly think you can get away with slighting  the WAG Mafia by not turning up at Cardiff?

 

When have I ever slighted the WAG Mafia?  RESPECT!

 

Chris

[Kingzance]

Good afternoon,

 

I caught up with most contributions earlier but from just before 9am, this got a little hectic. The nice thing is that I know ERs will not be offended if my appearance is delayed - in fact my non-appearance may be positively welcomed .

 

SWMBO has gorn orf for a walk, not doubt my failing to act as her dog will be noted and discussed amongst the local walking fraternity. Having burnt off calories, mostly from exercising their jaws I suspect, they are piling them back on at a local hostelry. Meanwhile, I have had a long and possibly fruitful discussion with another golf club regarding grandsons' lessons and my sporadic attempts at keeping it straight down the middle. The log-consuming stove went out last night, probably because SWMBO hasn't got a clue about how to bank it up for the night and, by the time I had returned from cribbage at the pub, it was a case of "frankly my dear, I couldn't give a damn". I shall set it off again when she gets home as it really isn't cold but she does like to see its friendly flickering.

 

This morning, the garage has been subjected to further sorting. I haven't found anything that I may have lost previously but access to working areas is now almost uninhibited. Could that mean the start of something? I certainly hope so. I can certainly say that I have seized the first part of the day as per earlier instructions from Mr O. I have also made an offer on an iPad Pro, 18 months old and with 256Gb of memory - I wonder if I shall be successful?

 

Best wishes to sufferers (physical and mental) and to those dealing with sufferers. I know of a number of friends who currently have a strain of lurgy and this season's variety seems to be particularly enduring.

[Ian Abel]

Morning (here at least) all...

 

Yesterday all quiet on the helpless/hapless (lack of) support line - they'd make the IT Crowd proud. So I'm working on "other sh!t" in the mean time

 

Dinner with Jemma was the high-point yesterday, much better than my usual solo take-out efforts when I'm here.

Discussion of many things aviation, including an early report/notes from the Atlas crash in Houston just released, not looking good for either the pilot error likelihood or Atlas recruiting process given the track record of the first officer (was Pilot-Flying)!

 

Today will probably be "more of the same" at the client, and another diner with Jemma, she leaves tomorrow o-crack-sparrow with me ferrying her to JFK.

 

Car covered in ice this AM, rain/ice mix overnight, all duly scraped off BEFORE I drove, Zero first thing, high of 4 expected with high wind warning.

 

Carpe diem - or anything else you fancy carpe(ing)

 

EDIT: UPDATE... response from the support line, ah hah ---> "Thanks for your update. We'll further investigate this issue and get back to you. "

Is that PROGRESS??? I'm not sure!

 

Edited January 8, 2020 by Ian Abel

[Happy Hippo]

1 hour ago, chrisf said:

 

When have I ever slighted the WAG Mafia?  RESPECT!

 

Chris

So you will be attending then....Very wise.

 

That nice Mr Danemouth was saying to me that if the young Foren fellow fails to attend, then the Rolley boys will have to be sent over the border to have a persuasive little chat.