Early Risers.

[PhilJ W]

Goodnight all.

[The Stationmaster]

G'night all

[J. S. Bach]

17 hours ago, Joseph_Pestell said:

 

At least it is not like Greenland.

So, who wants green hair??

[J. S. Bach]

9 hours ago, Gwiwer said:

So far so good

 

Pullman lunch superb. SWMBO suitably surprised and delighted. Weather much better than forecast. Sunny and 12C without any hint of the wind we expected. 
 

 

 

 

 

Czech out the expression on the face of the driver of the baggage tractor!

Edited February 2, 2020 by J. S. Bach

[J. S. Bach]

Night owl from a damp Piedmont.

[pH]

On 31/01/2020 at 17:23, Ozexpatriate said:

That view has changed a lot in the 34 years since my days at Gardens Point (the green bit in the middle distance of the image) ended. (Actually that view would not have been possible back then, except from the Story Bridge.)

 

They say (accurately) that you can never go home again, but Brisbane is still "home". 

 

7 hours ago, brianusa said:

 

Its funny isn't it!  We're the same, been here since '59 and '63 respectively but we still refer to the old place as 'home'. 

 

Interesting. My wife and I both grew up in the west of Scotland. We both left in our 20s. We lived in England for 10 and 9 years respectively and have lived in Canada since 1982. Scotland is where we came from, England was definitely a part of our life, we visit the UK quite regularly, but Canada is, and has been for several years, 'home'. 

 

Would either of you consider moving back 'home'? 

[pH]

The final precipitation figure for January 2020 for Vancouver was 10.1 inches. Today was sunny, so we set out for a short walk. On the way to where we were going to walk, we came up to a 'Road Closed' sign, but the barriers that had (presumably) been across the road had been moved onto the verge, so we carried on slowly. Soon found the reason for the notice - a stream running across the road, and the surface gouged down several inches. We could have crossed but, with the water still running strongly, the cut could have been deeper by the time we came back. 

 

So we turned round and went back to walk here, DeBoville Slough (pronounced 'slew'):

 

 

(The blurring on the left is the shadow of a tree, being cast by the sun low behind me.)

[Barry O]

Bar man has explained..he didn't mean me being Billy No mates..he meant an island I live on..

Bas

[chrisf]

Good morning one and all

 

I had a good day at Stafford yesterday.  The journey there went well, the more so as it was without the M6.  The car was refilled at Kettering Tesco but the route from there to the store, where I needed the loo, was frustratingly tortuous.  Breakfast was at the Harry Ramsdens at Leicester Forest East and from there to the show majored on the A50 and A518.  88C and I arrived more or less simultaneously and we had an extra cuppa - such indulgence!  The bring and buy stall yielded some sort of Olfa circular cutter which I have no idea how to use but at £3 it's sometimes worth taking a punt.  I saw/met loads of people but I am disappointed not to have had a brief encounter with Andyram.  Melted into the crowd, eh?  I didn't know I could do that.

 

Something nice happened yesterday evening which more than made up for the tear-jerking Casualty [yes, really].  I opened an e-mail from a guy that I met on the Antipodean almost a year ago now.  He has had to manage without a computer for several months so did not see my Xmas message whan I sent it.  Hearing from him has lifted my spirits a bit, particularly in the context of the collapsing friendship that I mentioned the other day.  In both cases we will see what happens.

 

Apart from making a toad in the hole for lunch I suspect that today will be devoted to unspecified pottering.  In the week ahead, there is an LCGB meeting on Tuesday and a couple of LGBT-themed presentations at a local theatre later in the week.  I'm at the Doncaster show on Saturday so the A1(M) had better behave itself.

 

Best wishes to all

 

Chris

[leopardml2341]

Mornin' off for mi (last) cooked breakfast for sometime then toward home.

 

Hope the day brings all that you would wish for and none of what you wouldn't.

[Barry O]

Nice and warm here today. No tripto the cricket but a nice amble theough the Botanicals and by the river. 

 

Nearly time for tea!!

Grab the day and make it do what you want it to!

Baz

[Ozexpatriate]

2 hours ago, pH said:

Would either of you consider moving back 'home'? 

Yes. Almost every day right now with the current political situation in the US. My parents, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews all live in Australia.

 

It's a complicated decision.  My son lives here. He and his wife are open to the idea of emigrating but I lack imagination about how I would build a new life back in Australia for myself and for them if they moved too. I like the northwest and have built a life here.

 

We don't do politics in ERs, which is just as well but the concept and impacts of citizenship are very much in the minds of many right now.

 

Despite living in the US for 34 years I am not a US citizen. I have not heretofore been able to swear the US naturalization oath of allegiance and officially renounce my identify as an Australian. The SCOTUS, just this week upheld an administration executive order that conceivably permits deportation of legal residents who make themselves a "public charge" by taking advantage of government assistance. This could take the form of unemployment benefits or customary government health care benefits for retirees. This situation might change under a new administration and it might not.

 

Interestingly I saw this article today about a Canadian expatriate living in the US who recently naturalized as a US citizen to be part of the process. This article spoke very directly to me. Taking on US citizenship does not preclude me from returning to Australia, (as Australia will recognize dual-citizenship) but it does require me to pay taxes to the US for the rest of my life - something that Australia only expects from residents.

 

Edited February 2, 2020 by Ozexpatriate

[roundhouse]

13 hours ago, AndyB said:

The offer of a lift back into town this afternoon was accepted. So I happened to pop back into the exhibition.

Rule 1 seemed to be in force on one layout; I've never seen/heard a pannier tank with a diesel sound chip before. 

 

I ve heard a Bulleid Light pacific with a diesel sound - I sent off two Loksound decoders to be reblown but they (who will remain nameless) put the wrong sound file on them. Luckily they soon corrected the error and refunded the postage!

 

Morning all.

 

No shows at all for me this weekend depsite being plenty to do but I seem to have picked up an invite for the new layout after a friend visiting Alton, spoke to an exhibition organiser of another show.

 

WIll be more shed time today.

[AndyB]

15 minutes ago, roundhouse said:

I ve heard a Bulleid Light pacific with a diesel sound

 

It occurred to me overnight that these engines may have been converted to being oil fired. 

[Kelly]

Morning awl,

 

A wet, dreary Coventry this morning. Hope all are well however, if not, usual sympathies and best wishes.

 

Currently trying to get Natalie up and ready so we can go to Stafford today for what should be a great show (usually is). Feeling rather tired, but nothing several cuppas won't fix!

[Happy Hippo]

Our wit, charm, finely honed and perfumed bodies...............

 

Will shortly be en-route to Stafford.

 

 

[Kingzance]

Morning,

 

The trip to LTN is delayed due to weather conditions at Innsbruck so the best laid plans etc...  It rained here during the night, still cloudy and wet outside with less wind than yesterday. My wife claims to be Welsh, born of a Welsh father and an English mother. She left Wales in 1967 but still claims to be “going home” if she crosses the border from here, and that is despite none of her remaining family living in the principality. Regarding citizenship, there are certainly issues wherever you chose to reside and those who have made their homes elsewhere years ago but now find the welcome is vanishing have some sympathy from me. The grass is rarely greener on the other side - unless like my sister and her husband, you move from a dry country Greece) to a very wet one (west Ireland) . Their experience was so damp that they reversed the decision after less than two years. I wonder why some (certainly not all) choose to relocated but then remain unwilling to integrate fully into the place they have now chosen to be their home, preferring instead to create a bastion of the civilisation / culture they decided wasn’t what they wanted hence leaving in the first place? This seems to apply from local to international levels, a good example being the views expressed by Scottish friends from Glasgow who lived in our last village for decades yet endlessly championed any and every anti-English cause they could find.

 

Yesterday’s walk produced a couple of pictures that might just be good enough to enter into the photo comp, entries closing at the end of today. The extra time this am will be put to use tweaking / deciding. Meanwhile, enjoy your day whatever you have planned. I hope Les Rosbifs enjoy theirs a few kilometres south of here and that GDB can enjoy it too.

[Dave Hunt]

Just about to set off for Stafford in the wake of the pachyderm herd.

 

Dave

[grandadbob]

Good morning all,

Dull and damp here but the rain seems to have stopped and there may possibly be some sunny spells. Possibly.

Rugby duly watched and the results were as expected with Wales winning fairly easily although not without some problems in the set piece. Ireland beat Scotland in an error strewn game which Scotland would probably have won were it not for their mistakes and the Irish defence.

It will be interesting to see how England fare in Paris today as I believe losing World Cup finalists often have a massive slip in form after the event. 

I had a peaceful night in and watched recorded TV by myself as The Boss was out with Nicki and Gemma at a birthday party for Gem's best friend. I was invited but  didn't feel up to it.

I'm still only firing on about 3 cylinders but today we're off to lunch at Steve's flat with Nicki and the kids and to watch the game. My "no beer for a couple of weeks plan " will be ended today and I was hoping that this would result in a loss of weight but that hasn't happened so I'll need to use Plan B but I've lost that. Anyone seen it? 

Breakfast is next on the agenda and I'm trying to decide whether or not to go for a "proper job" or something smaller. I think the latter is probably the best idea at the moment.

Have a good one,

Bob.

Edited February 2, 2020 by grandadbob
Speelinking mistook

[Natalie]

Hi awl

This is a very early rise for me and an even earlier one for Kelly.. There is a reason as we are just leaving for the Stafford Show.  Kelly will be accompanied by Her Contraption..

 

Nat

Edited February 2, 2020 by Natalie

[Natalie]

56 minutes ago, Kelly said:

Currently trying to get Natalie up and ready so we can go to Stafford today for what should be a great show (usually is). 

I was up and nearly ready at 7.30 am!  It is not me who 15 mins ago decided that she couldn't find her other boot.

 

Not a criticism but just an observation..

 

I have had my seasick tablets and my 'anti sacred stiff' tablets so hopefully will be in a reasonable shape whence we arrive near to the door..

 

Looks a good show- especially the 3mm (oo er) stuff.

 

Nat 

Edited February 2, 2020 by Natalie

[jamie92208]

Morning all. A young lady is having her breakfast somewhere behind me and does not need the distraction of my presence.  Beth has got a leg of lamb started in the slow cooker. I am banished from the kitchen till washing up time later this afternoon. My main job today is to install the new ceiling rose and light bulb in the shower and work out what fixings I need for hanging some hooks in the cupboard under the stairs.  Last nights meal with the in brother in laws and spouses went very well. 

 

Hope that those going enjoy Stafford.

 

Regards to all.

 

Jamie

[TheQ]

10 hours ago, PhilJ W said:

Evening all from Estuary-Land. Interesting item on my Farcebook feed, Diss in Norfolk has a problem with feral chickens! Apparently the local council are trying to stop the locals from feeding the birds as what they don't eat is attracting vermin such as rats. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-51300917

He could also use them to stop the marquee from blowing away.

And there is the chicken round about just over the border in Suffolk.. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_roundabout

[grandadbob]

We've got one a few miles down the road from here in Dorking ! 

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=chicken+roundabout+dorking&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwje47aywrLnAhXZQUEAHeB_DzsQ_AUoAnoECBIQBA&biw=1396&bih=657#imgrc=Zc3sLSWGTRrgfM:

[jamie92208]

14 minutes ago, grandadbob said:

We've got one a few miles down the road from here in Dorking ! 

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=chicken+roundabout+dorking&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwje47aywrLnAhXZQUEAHeB_DzsQ_AUoAnoECBIQBA&biw=1396&bih=657#imgrc=Zc3sLSWGTRrgfM:

0ne of the northern Hawaiian islands has a large and expanding feral chicken population. All started with escapees. However someone has passed a law making it illegal to hunt and kill them so there are no controls.

 

Jamie

Edited February 2, 2020 by jamie92208