Early Risers.

[jamie92208]

Good morning all from somewhere  that's a bit cloudy today. It' a slightly bittersweet  day for us as it's Rachel and Laura's wedding anniversary. However  it's also the anniversary od Beth's Dad dying. He died on  the morning of the wedding.  What a sense of timing.  Anyway lots got done yesterday and this morning we're off to the market and our usual coffee with friends. Then off to some a friends for a meal to celebrate the birthday of one of them.  Not a bad day.

 

Baz, is that the Christchurch steam tram. I was aware of one but didn't know what it's current state was.

 

Regards to all.

 

Jamie

[Kingzance]

2 hours ago, AndyID said:

Our current house is perched on a basalt outcrop that was likely exposed during one of the many Lake Missoula floods.

Am I wrong to connect the flood plain of Lake Missoula with the Hanford nuclear facilities Andy? If not wrong then any later flooding could disturb the storage of nuclear waste around the Hanford site.

 

I am also with AndyID on the need for Chrisf to get his roof fixed - “fixing a hole where the rain gets in, to stop my mind from wandering...” is a lyric from a Beatles song of more than half a century ago! If not addressed quickly, more significant damage can occur (timbers and bigger tile loss). 
 

When we were in the Marlborough area, we found the train was listed as only stopping at Picton but it did stop to the north side of the town of Blenheim anyway. That was a few years back and things may have changed.

My compositions for the upcoming photography competition were submitted last night and I have been notified of their receipt. One contains images of unmentionable things to ERs, the other contains extreme images of a saxual nature (stop sniggering at the back, saxophones!).

 

It’s Sunday - lethargy rules! Three esses and some pottering before a must win encounter at Twickenham. France has probably clinched their first championship in a decade after their exertions in Cardiff. I do not expect a favourable outcome from Sandy Park this afternoon either. The day here is very windy and mildly damp, I CBFA’d to seize it but I wish the rest of you something positive.

Edited February 23, 2020 by Kingzance

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Just a quick hello as I'm out soon, be back later.

[TheQ]

Mooring Awl, 

I slept extremely well. Nearly eight hours with just a few wake up and turn over. 

 

SWMBO has broken my morning routine by getting up at 06:30, so I've had to spend some time sorting out her tablet computer and laptop PC. 

 

It's blowing a hoolie out there and for the most part has been soggy.  Ben the hiding in his cage Collie,  has shown a distinct disinclination to go out. 

 

I however am about to,  I'll head for the garage and see what I can do today.. 

 

Time to...  Move a bit.. 

 

[5 C]

Morning all,

 

As anticipated, yesterday's buddleia bashing did not take place on account of the weather. It's a shame, as out of the wind, the morning at least felt positively spring-like. This morning however, is a different matter: wind and rain and a decidedly dull outlook. I shall only venture outside to upright the empty garden waste bin that has attempted to vault cross the back lawn.

 

Today's plan was to have taken in a 9am gym class finishing at 10, take in a quick supermarket trip on the way home, leaving the rest of the day free. An impromptu but very enjoyable evening out and the subsequent late finish meant a late rise for this ER. I may attempt to do something at the gym later but a solo session won't be as fun or productive as group exercise.

 

In the meantime, breakfast part one is done (bacon sandwich being contemplated), second muggertea is on the go and washing (definitely in the washing machine) is underway.

 

Regards to all however you choose or not to carpe diem.

 

[Dave Hunt]

Having a very lazy start today with a long lie- in and a muggocoffee in the company of Horace the cat before getting up to do not a lot except attend church and later on watch a certain rugby game more in hope than expectation. Tomorrow we are off to Leatherhead for three days of granddaughter sitting. Not much else to report. 

 

Hope that Chris gets his roof fixed OK, that Andy's house hunting darn sarf is productive and Baz's antipodean explorations continue to be enlightening.  Also thoughts to all who ail or are suffering.

 

Dave

[Happy Hippo]

59 minutes ago, polybear said:

 

This is for the slipway IIRC?

Awwww.....that was too easy.

We were hoping for a nice "shaft 'em where it hurts" saga...

 

 

Chrisf, I'm really pleased you mentioned that.

Run.  Very quickly.

That stuff is known to cause all sorts of issues, though no doubt it is suitable in some instances.  About 30 milliseconds on a Google search will find no end of stuff, such as:

 

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5612497/spray-insulation-foam-loses-sale

 

I'm sure Chrispy Bacon (ChrisPBacon) on RMWeb can give you more of a lowdown....

 

HTH

Polybear

I have not had this insulation fitted to my roof, but i did have new UPVC windows in the house.

 

This may be coincidental, but after the windows were fitted, we noticed that the tarred paper upper the roof tiles was covered in condensation, especially when it was colder.

 

I did a very careful check to ensure that there was air flow through the roof space, but ended up having to install a dehumidifier in the roof, which did seem to work. 

 

However, it was not a sensible or long tern solution and I decided that fitting some extra vents into the roof to encourage through flow of air might help:  Which it did.

 

The reason for this message is to point out that coating the inside of the roof with foam (knowing the quality of some 'craftsmen') would probably result in the whole roof area becoming a sealed unit with the water vapour unable to escape.

 

 

[New Haven Neil]

Morning.

 

Adding to the foamy roof discussion, we had it done to a previous house (Edwardian end terrace, slate roof) after a lot of research.  We found a type of foam that was breathable, and came to an agreement with a roof firm for any works to be done then the foam applied.  It certainly sorted loss of slates, reduced sound levels upstairs noticeably, and worked well for insulation purposes.  We lived in that house for many years afterwards and saw no damp/rot issues with the roof, having kept an eye on it for the very reasons expressed up thread.  This was all 35 years ago so no idea about who or what, now!

 

As for Ferrymeade, we found it very atmospheric, and were lucky enough to see some of the 'main line' (which is narrow gauge, 3 foot 6) electrics and diesels run, but not a steamer.  Also the tram, which as mentioned above, is standard gauge! I really like the look of NZ trains, if there was more available.......  ;-)  

 

We went to Arthur's Pass to photograph trains, but the electric tunnel units had been withdrawn several months previously, as the newer diesels could run through the tunnel without overheating.  However......no-one appeared to have told them!  Three were just being put in the shed mighty warm, having being in use that morning! Maybe the Keas had been driving them.  The staff allowed us to have a good look at them, and explained the non-overheating diesels overheated frequently, and the old (Japanese built) electrics got dragged out once more, as someone had the sense to keep the infrastructure usable.  IIRC they finally really got withdrawn not long afterwards after the diesels were finally sorted.  Great memory.

[Tony_S]

Morning all.

It is quite breezy here. If it rained overnight as I thought (may have been dreaming?) it is dry now. 
ChrisF, my neighbours who are builders have quite strong views about people who offer roofing services following a “free” survey and quote. 
The condensation in our loft turned out to be caused by the flexible vent hose  from the shower fan having come adrift.

Tony

[Coombe Barton]

4 hours ago, chrisf said:

One of my regular e-mail correspondents tells me that my mails now reach him as ‘.eml’ files, which worries him.  I had an on-line conversation with someone from BT last night after which, surprise surprise, I am none the wiser.  Have any gentle readers come across this reconfiguration? 

See https://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/EML-Microsoft-Outlook-Express-mail-message-MIME-RFC-822

[Tony_S]

12 minutes ago, Coombe Barton said:

See https://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/EML-Microsoft-Outlook-Express-mail-message-MIME-RFC-822

I would suggest that Chris sends an email to his own email address just to see what happens. 

[PeterBB]

19 hours ago, Happy Hippo said:

 

 

if you really want wooden humour...... If you look at it carefully it's plane enough to see that the 'i' has been crossed out. (There's two jokes in there: Plane as in plane tree, and plane as in the wood shaving tool.)

Your explaneation was plain to cee!

[Simon G]

Just been driven inside by a hailstorm allied to 40mph winds.  With such interruptions, the sawing up of my fallen sea buckthorn tree is taking a while.  I will be back outside shortly as the hail has passed and the sun is out again.

 

Yesterday I watched the two six nations rugby matches.  Italy and Scotland showed why they will finish as the last two.  They were both pretty awful, with the Scots marginally better.  The French look really good with ball in hand, and are likely to win the championship this year.  I have long thought that all they needed was a decent coach or two to harness their talent.  England v Ireland could be a close one this afternoon!

[Coombe Barton]

Gone from the uncomfortable side of breezy to that plus cold with white bits soggy.

[grandadbob]

Good morning all,

Cloudy and windy  but hopefully it will stay dry.

Saw some of the rugby yesterday but not all and didn't really enjoy it. Hoping that England can pull something out of the bag today but I have my doubts.

Late here today due to partying last night.  The do was held at our local rugby club and a great time was had by all, particularly the birthday girl. However I understand that she's feeling a bit fragile this morning. Can't believe it's 21 years ago that she came in to the world.

 

From this:

 

To this!

 

 

Have a good one

 

Proud Grandad of Sutton.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BSW01]

Good morning everyone 

 

The rain has stopped and the sun is shining, but there is more rain predicted later, so I’ve  decided to stay inside. After muggertea No2 I’m going to set about testing thoroughly all the circuit boards I’ve built over the last couple of weeks or so. They’ve been designed so that each one can be tested separately, yet another aid to fault finding. Most of the components on the boards (apart from the relays) are electronic and as such will only need replacing if faulty. I’ve also decided to built a spare of each of the boards so that any faulty ones can be exchanged and then tested in the work bench. I guess this approach has all come about from my previous job, where maintenance and fault finding were my 2 main tasks. I was also of the option that the guys who designed the stuff I had to work on, had never done any sort of maintenance or fault finding themselves. 

 

Back later. 

[Gwiwer]

Good morning all and welcome to page 8301

 

The Hill of Strawberries is suffering from chicken weather today - it is absolutely fowl.  Wet, cold, very windy.  SWMBO has nonetheless ventured forth into Twickers in search of a few bits and pieces and has been alerted to the likelihood of there being egg-chasing fans thronging the town.  At this time they are probably in the hostelries tanking up before braving the elements in support of their chosen sport.  Call me a wimp but I prefer my spectator sports to be those I can enjoy on the TV screen whilst patting the wine and drinking the cat.  Or was that the other way around   

 

GDB appears to have much to be proud of there.  Even if grand-daughter has a hangover that she isn't so proud of this morning!  Hands up the person who has never celebrated then suffered.  Been there, done that, had to wash my own T-shirt 

 

I am now off in search of the missing 12 volts of electrickery which should be passing through wires and rails but are failing to do so for reasons currently (pun intended) eluding me.  I'll be in touch .....  

 

Best wishes to all.  

Edited February 23, 2020 by Gwiwer

[Tony_S]

52 minutes ago, Coombe Barton said:

Gone from the uncomfortable side of breezy to that plus cold with white bits soggy.

Early blossom would be responsible for the white (with hint of pink) bits here today. Spring has sprung here. 

[Sir TophamHatt]

Happy to announce our first child was born on the 20th of February.

 

6 weeks early 

 

He's been in a special care unit but is pretty big already so that's all good. Been getting a tan for the past 24 hours - jaundice - but they're really happy with him.

 

Go us!

[Coombe Barton]

4 minutes ago, Sir TophamHatt said:

Happy to announce our first child was born on the 20th of February.

 

6 weeks early 

 

He's been in a special care unit but is pretty big already so that's all good. Been getting a tan for the past 24 hours - jaundice - but they're really happy with him.

 

Go us!

Congratulations.

[grandadbob]

Many congratulations Sir TH and of course Lady TH 

[81C]

Afternoon All 

Rant mode on  I do get p!ssed off when you try to help someone out on here they fail to respond or don't even read your post it's about the 3rd time now, I won't bother with him again. rant mode off

 

Nothing to do today apart from chill out I think I will prepare some of the plaster work in the kitchen one wall is full of holes where I took all the 1940's kitchen junk off the walls god

knows where they got it from car boot sale I would imagine nothing worthwhile was left even the picture hooks were hanging out of the plaster or missing they must of collected horse

brasses judging by the number if hole everywhere I think I've stripped out all the poor quality items I filled a wheelie bin up last week with old shelving and other bits just nailed into the wall.

 

I watched rugby yesterday on TV the red team did no stop bleating to the ref well done the blue's for ignoring them. 

 

Enjoy your day all I must get on   B Bucknell 

 

[PeterBB]

Sir TH Congratulations to you both, GDB - you have every reason to be proud. 

[TheQ]

Afternoon awl, 

Ben did condescend to venture outside when I did,  but not for long. 

 

The garage wiring was examined closely. It appears to have been professionally installed.

32A cable from house distribution unit to the garage via galvanised steel underground piping. 

4 "wired fuses" garage distribution unit in the nearest corner of the garage. 

From there to a switch on a panel on the back of the front central pillar that feeds the old lighting. 

There are 3 sockets two below the distribution box,  one by the switch... 

 

The sad thing is..... 

 

 

They are let into the lighting circuit.. 

 

So temporarily I've mounted one of the new lights in place above the work bench,  but ive fitted it's cable with a plug.

What I'll do is remove the sockets from the lighting circuits, and fit two mains socket circuits.  One circuit will have a switch by the door to ensure all is off.  The other circuit with will be always on for battery chargers.. 

 

After that I cut some of the keel pieces,  they will be assembled temporarily next week,  to allow some angles to be worked out for two more pieces.  Once they are made it will all be glued and screwed together. Then hydrodynamic shaping can commence. 

 

It still blowing a hoolie out there,  but it's now sunny. 

 

Ben has now had his long walk,  for some reason he's now very frustrated and has been beating up his bed and his cage... 

 

I'm now eating a Stilton and curried chutney sarni,  accompanied by a large whisky... To be followed by eyelid inspection... 

Edited February 23, 2020 by TheQ

[leopardml2341]

Just caught up on a day's worth of ERs (about 4 pages) hopefully I've remembered to rate things and even then 'appropriately'.

 

S'posed to be doing household stuff, but the Black Dog is preventing me, so time to make a list and do small things one at a time.

 

CUL8R.