Early Risers.

[Ozexpatriate]

Flooding in the UK appears to be quite widespread. I do hope that flooding in the UK recedes quickly and everyone effected has access to the help they need.

 

There's been a lot of that going on.

 

Semi-locally, we had serious flooding of the Umatilla River in Eastern Oregon. (Pendleton is about 3½ hours drive away from Portland.) A fast snow melt following rain, flooded the town of Pendleton. Many people in remote areas upriver were rescued by helicopter. A woman who refused to leave her rural property was washed away and died. Many roads and bridges were destroyed and I84 was closed for several days.

 

The Pearl River in central Mississippi is cresting with extensive flooding. 

 

Last week there was minor flooding after heavy rains in the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast hinterlands in south east Queensland with at least one casualty.  A couple of weeks ago there was heavy monsoonal rain with flooding in northwest Queensland.

 

Here, one cannot complain. Today is partly cloudy and dry. As I type, bright sunshine is illuminating bright clouds with patches of blue sky. It's not warm but nor is it really cold. Temperatures might approach 12°C later in the week before rain returns.

Edited February 17, 2020 by Ozexpatriate

[PhilJ W]

Evening all from Estuary-Land. The lurgi has come back with a cough as well as the blocked up nose. Extra reinforcement of the Lem-sip tonight required.

55 minutes ago, Ozexpatriate said:

Hard to take articles seriously with typographical errors in the first line. It makes me question their attention to accuracy.

 

I found the capitalization a little odd too. Is this normal in the maritime reporting world or a habit of this author / editor?

I found the owners letter reminiscent of one of those e-mails from Nigeria telling you that you have inherited millions of dollars. Apparently it has been drifting around the Atlantic for 15 months, the crew were rescued by the US Coastguard in October 2018.

[BSW01]

Good evening everyone 

 

The phlebotomy department was very busy this morning, in fact it was standing room only not long after I’d booked in. I was finally seen 15 minutes later than my allotted time, which is quite unusual, as I normally get there early and generally seen early too. Anyway, all went well and I was home for just after 11 o’clock, so a quick muggertea was had after which a start was made on finishing the part made circuit boards. So far I’ve done 10 main relay control boards, I have just 3 of these left to do. 10 point control boards, leaving another 18 to complete and 7 point sensor boards, leaving 25 of these left to complete, so some good progress has been made. 

 

Dennis the menace seems to have been very kind to us. We live about 2 miles from the River Mersey and on my way to ‘The Christie’ this morning I drove over it 4 times and each time I had a good view of the water. It looks a lot higher than normal but no where near the top of the river banks. But some of the fields next to it were 25% water, which to be fair is quite normal after a lot of rain. 

 

Marmalade, both Sheila and I love it, particularly lime or lemon and lime marmalade, but to be honest, I prefer jam to marmalade. 

 

Goodnight all 

[PhilJ W]

Goodnight all.

[The Stationmaster]

2 hours ago, Ozexpatriate said:

Hard to take articles seriously with typographical errors in the first line. It makes me question their attention to accuracy.

 

I found the capitalization a little odd too. Is this normal in the maritime reporting world or a habit of this author / editor?

It doesn't entirely agree with information recently posted elsewhere which stated the USCG attended the vessel in order to evacuate the crew because the vessel was drifting with a complete power failure.    Based on the position where it was sighted by HMS Protector it's not all that odd that it has since drifted onto the coast of Ireland as it has obviously finally been caught by the Gulf Stream/Gulf Stream Drift although it has taken quite a time to cross the Atlantic.  The oddity is that it actually made it that far without being involved in a collision as it crossed various shipping lanes or foundering for some other reason.

Edited February 18, 2020 by The Stationmaster

[The Stationmaster]

G'night all

[J. S. Bach]

Good night owl from the Piedmont.

[chrisf]

Good morning one and all

 

I found a very pleasant surprise on the doormat yesterday.  My friend Mary, she with whom I dine in Weybridge from time to time, has been having a clear-out and “no longer needs” one of her Strawhead T shirts.  Who Strawhead?  My all time favourite band that I followed up and down the land for over 30 years until they retired circa 2014.  It is immaterial that I already have a shirt just like it and very material that I should wear it next time we dine together.  What a kind thought!  I could never bring myself to part with any of my Strawhead regalia, and there is a lot of it, believe me!  Not so nice is the pile of ironing awaiting my “pleasure” but it must be done.  It is not all handkerchiefs but will seem like it by the time I have finished.

 

Tonight there is supposed to be another film in the LGBT season but we’ll see.  I have to remember to phone the pub in Harpenden that will be playing host to the inmates of Area Group tomorrow night.  What will they think if I book a table for however many it is and nobody dines?  Only one way to find out, I suppose.

 

I’m not sure what to say about last night’s Panorama programme revealing all about Amazon.  “Big Brother is watching you”, perhaps.  It was definitely scary.  I doubt that I will ever know what my friend the rising young Amazon executive thinks, or even if it is worth asking him.  Not for the first time I say: “Oh, Harry, what have you done?”

 

Best wishes to all

 

Chris

[45156]

Morning All

 

A quick check in to wish all ERs generic greetings, and to express a wish that there is nobody affected by the flooding.  Looks as if Shropshire is still suffering, but it seems that every news bulletin brings more and more misery.

 

Fodder run this morning, need to visit both Horrorsons and Aldi - I don't think we need any marmalade as we appear to have some in the store cupboard.

 

Got to take 30747 to work, so will probably just head on from there to the food shops,

 

Regards to All

Stewart

[grandadbob]

Good morning all,

There is some sunshine and blueish sky here . A blustery day forecast with showers later which could become heavy.

A quick shopping trip needed  for a couple of essential food items. No kids today as it's half term although Gemma is rather distraught as she has to to go into school for a couple of mornings for exam revision.

Shed visited and as usual I managed to c#ck one or two things up. At least I am consistent. I think I shall have a plaque made for The Shed  with the inscription "Bob's Folly." Maybe I should go with earlier suggestions by friends and family when it was built and turn it into a pub. 

Have a good one,

U.S.E. Lessmodeller.

 

 

Edited February 18, 2020 by grandadbob

[jamie92208]

Morning all from south of La Manche.  Our friends arrived safely yesterday and I was roundly castigated for not discovering another 6 deaceased rodents under various items of furniture. My only excuse was my gender. However I was thanked for lighting the fires.  They came round for an excellent meal last night. Spag Bol folliwed by apple crumble with custard.  One of Draculas daughters called this morning to take a donation from Beth.  I was complimented on my French as it was me that booked the appointment. A nice start to the day.

 

Various minor tasks to do today.  The mini tractor started first time with the new battery so I now need to put some air in the front tyres, cut some wood and file a few holes.  Then I'll be taking Beth to the Dr's as one of her knees is playing up.

 

I wish all in the UK well with the results of Dennis.  A road half a miles from Rachel's home was mentioned as being flooded on Look North yesterday. Fortunately  they aren't affected. Lock Lane Castleford has always flooded.  Mine owners built their pits on higher ground. I asked her if she'd taken young Emily for a paddle. I won't print the reply.

 

 

Regards to all.

 

Jamie

Edited February 18, 2020 by jamie92208

[tigerburnie]

Morning, looks like we might get a better day, suns out and the winds dropped, might go out with the camera, if there's any snow I might go into the hills, take care and have as good a day as is possible given the weather some folks have been experiencing.

[Kingzance]

Tuesday, my most busy day normally but, as others have mentioned, the grandkids are on half term holiday so not quite as mad. SWMBO has an appointment at her preferred beautification palace (I’m surprised that she doesn’t report them to Trading Standards for taking money under false pretences) for a pedicure. That means yet another round of chauffeuring for yours truly. Fish to buy and later cribbage to play will complete the day.

 

Yesterday’s weigh-in produced further evidence that the regime I am following is having a small but positive effect. Breakfast later will therefore comprise bacon, eggs and mushrooms. I do like marmalade and have made it at times, usually far more than we require and so batches are in part handed around. With SWMBO also not eating bread products unless we have guests staying over, we probably have enough marmalade to see us out! I liked grapefruit marmalade but it doesn’t like my statins, lime and lemon have been often enjoyed but the staple of course is orange and I do add a small amount of whisky to the brew as it cools down because orange and whisky flavours marry well.
 

A contractor of Mr Bezos’s large ladies delivered bits to relieve my inflamed plantar fasciitis and to connect more periphery devices to my laptop without overloading the computer’s on-board USB power supply. Both seem to live up to expectations so far but I have discovered the failure of my “Time Machine” back-up hard drive, the reason I felt the urge to connect more devices to the laptop, is actually only due to a faulty USB3 to USB-C cable - grrrrr and I didn’t need to spend over one hundred muddling tokens on a new 1TB solid state drive!
 

Another “Is it me?” rant moment occurred during a news broadcast where the programme highlighted that some afflicted by the floods had not insured their properties. A senior Welsh politician then piped up that “government would pay the bill”. I’m very sorry if anyone gets flooded out. Living in Bath, it happened quite often to those who lived close to the River Avon and I always volunteered to help if I was at home. However, people who buy properties likely to flood should apply a modicum of common sense in the process and those who buy to let them to others are even more exploitative, include in that local government housing departments who built some of them and local planning departments who continue to allow applications on such sites despite fully knowing the ever increasing risk. Having bought or rented property and then made a decision NOT to insure it and it’s contents is a failure in sensible decision making. For government officials to then say that they will recompense householders who failed to insure themselves will only result in further householders not ensuring against such risks and the burden falling on all taxpayers - including those who do make considered judgement and take out insurance. Rant mode off.

 

To those with lurgi and sufferers of other afflictions, I wish you continuing recovery and where necessary, may Arthr and his mates stay at bay. With the silence from Sir Topham Hat, I trust all is going well for the arrival of their first. Will he or she come with a morning coat and waistcoat I wonder? I’m off to seize the rest of the day, hope you can too.

[Barry O]

Time for me to say..

Carpe diem

Positive thoughts to all who ail and all of our "missing" ERs.

 

Then it goodnight from me..

Baz

[Tony_S]

Morning all 

Greetings from sunny Essex. 
Aditi is hosting a French Circle committee meeting this afternoon. I will not be required. If the car tyre has lost pressure I will go and sort it out. I will investigate after breakfast. 
Tony

[BSW01]

Good morning everyone 

 

Today is Sainsbury’s Grand Prix day, Sheila did say she wanted to join me, but has now decided that she’ll stay at home and join me on another day, this now means that I will be back a lot sooner than I’d expected. This afternoon I’ll be making cakes for tomorrow evening’s dessert, black velvet have been requested so that’s what they’ll get. I doubt that I’ll get any work done with the soldering iron done today, but there’s always tomorrow. 

 

Carpe diem, back later 

[Happy Hippo]

Apparently Dave Hunt and I are the only people in Shropshire that have not required evacuation or been delivered sand bags or any other flood defence accoutrements.

 

I have Agreed that since the Hippodrome is a few feet lower than the  Control Tower, should Muddy Hollow (Forward) burst it's banks, then I will call Biggles to let him know, prior to a leisurely amble up the Wrekin to a slightly higher elevation.

 

 

We ought to be safe at the base of the transmitter!

[jamie92208]

4 minutes ago, Happy Hippo said:

Apparently Dave Hunt and I are the only people in Shropshire that have not required evacuation or been delivered sand bags or any other flood defence accoutrements.

 

I have Agreed that since the Hippodrome is a few feet lower than the  Control Tower, should Muddy Hollow (Forward) burst it's banks, then I will call Biggles to let him know, prior to a leisurely amble up the Wrekin to a slightly higher elevation.

 

 

We ought to be safe at the base of the transmitter!

Just hope that his old mates don't mistake it for the Brocken. I believe that one rite of passage before the fall of the Berlin Wall, was to take photos of the east side of the Brocken. Along with selfies taken throught the cockpit canopy.

 

Jamie

Edited February 18, 2020 by jamie92208

[Happy Hippo]

13 minutes ago, jamie92208 said:

Just hope that his old mates don't mistake it for the Brocken. I believe that one rite of passage before the fall of the Berlin Wall, was to take photos of the east side of the Brocken. Along with selfies taken throught the cockpit canopy.

 

Jamie

I can just imagine Biggles doing that, using a glass plate camera dangling over the side of his F2. (The Bristol version, not the Tornado variant.)

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. The builder is busy fitting a new back gate, he is also painting the six fence panels from the front garden while he's about it, £300 for the job, not bad as it includes all the gate fittings. I don't seem to have suffered any side effects from yesterdays exertions moving about 50kg of stone chippings. Thats it for now, be back later.

[81C]

Morning All

not much on today , I did manage to get some pictures up in the lounge yesterday I will start filling holes in the last owners made bloody great nails that damaged the walls were used 

for the smallest of pictures you can see what size they were by the dirty mark where they hung. lots to do  in every room I'm trying to maximize my efforts to do things that create the

biggest impact and silly jobs like putting a door handle the right way up a screw in a light fitting to hold the glass bowl in place, bit by bit filling the original settlement cracks in, taking out miles 

of telephone cable and aerial leads that criss cross the flat that's just nailed into the wall it was expected, I bought some new sets of bedding to get rid of the flowery sh!te the slapped #rse  

always got gone for a modern image sharp contrasting colours it's brightening this place up no end to get rid of the sh!tty Magnolia.

I've to let Zeus out for a pee at 2pm , shopping at Horrorsons I wont use the local Stainsburys as its filthy and another visit to the Duckery at 4pm to see a new Quack BP is all over the place

it's every time the #itch bothers me.    

better get on I've got to put the new bedding in the wash as its got shop pong.

                                                                                                                                             Enjoy your day B Endix                                                                 

[southern42]

' morning all from red dragon land.

 

Photo books turned up on Saturday and no errors.

A few were posted yesterday and should arrive at family addresses today.  Hope they like it!

 

A bit of oomph is gradually returning so hopefully I will be fit for purpose at Betws at the weekend - Geirionydd is back in steam.      

Ray had to take a circular route to Betws on Sunday as part of the A5 was closed due to yet another tree down with electricity lines.  Fallen trees, flooding and landslip had been the previous weekend's plot which did stop play.

 

Time to put the hoover round.

 

Thoughts with any who are adversely affected by the floods etc.  Sunday, a bottle of milk got spilt on the kitchen floor - that was bad enough.  It took us both to mop and clean up and caused quite a bit of stress as it got under the fridge and adjacent cupboards.  It could have been a whole lot worse but, thankfully, a couple of towels were conveniently within arms reach and saved the day and no odour on the carpet tile it reached on the other side of the breakfast bar.  Just a minor irritation.  I feel so much for those losing everything.  Small incidents throw so much light on others' disasters.

 

Best wishes

Polly

 

 

 

 

Edited February 18, 2020 by southern42

[Kingzance]

4 minutes ago, southern42 said:

' morning all from red dragon land.

 

Photo books turned up on Saturday and no errors.

A few were posted yesterday and should arrive at family addresses today.  Hope they like it!

 

A bit of oomph is gradually returning so hopefully I will be fit for purpose at Betws at the weekend - Geirionydd is back in steam.      

Ray had to take a circular route to Betws on Sunday as part of the A5 was closed due to yet another tree down with electricity lines.  Fallen trees, flooding and landslip had been the previous weekend's plot which did stop play.

 

Time to put the hoover round.

 

Thoughts with any who are adversely affect by the floods etc.  Sunday, a bottle of milk got spilt on the kitchen floor - that was bad enough.  It took us both to mop and clean up and caused quite a bit of stress as it got under the fridge and adjacent cupboards.  It could have been a whole lot worse but, thankfully, a couple of towels were conveniently within arms reach and saved the day and no odour on the carpet tile it reached on the other side of the breakfast bar.

______________

Best wishes

Polly

 

 

 

 

Thank goodness most kitchens now have kicker boards that are clipped into place - they allow easy removal for cleaning underneath in such an event. Of course getting that low down and (more so) getting back up again can be an issue to the older fraternity....

[Shedman5]

Morning, dry here but we still have a strong wind.  Excused from shopping duties today as I spent yesterday tidying up the garage and four trips to the tip had to be made. To be honest I was a bit knackered last night old age slowly starting creep in I think.

A few bills to pay today and some emails to send other than that it will be a leisurely existence today. I have my shopping list ready for Model Rail Scotland on Friday which I am looking forward to.

 

So enjoy your day maybe back later.

 

Alan

 

[southern42]

6 minutes ago, Kingzance said:

Thank goodness most kitchens now have kicker boards that are clipped into place - they allow easy removal for cleaning underneath in such an event. Of course getting that low down and (more so) getting back up again can be an issue to the older fraternity....

 

Thank goodness, indeed.

Fortunately, we have such removable boards, but even if  we had used rubber seals, they would not have stopped the milk getting under the fridge.

 

Edited February 18, 2020 by southern42