Early Risers.

[The Stationmaster]

Big coincidence there GDB - herself made an apple cake yesterday and being a very good boy I haven't finished it yet as I have restricted myself to only one slice per day.

 

G'night all 

[newbryford]

13 hours ago, The Stationmaster said:

Morning all,

 

Good to hear that Baz managed a successful encounter with the laser -

 

"Do you expect me to talk?"

"No, I expect you to see, Mr Oliver.........................."

[newbryford]

9 hours ago, Tony_S said:

 We met a woman once who had one... Hers shed masses of curly hair!

 

 

The joys of selective editing

[PhilJ W]

Goodnight all.

[newbryford]

Golf was golfed on Saturday - it was a bit on the damp side with a couple of heavy squally showers.

For a shot by one of my group we all said "great strike - no idea where it's gone though" as it disappeared into the rainstorm..........

 

Then off to the big orange shed in advance of lockdown projects. Luckily, I managed to fit a full size internal door inside my car, although it did involve a bit of discomfort for the other passenger. (I volunteered to be the contortionist whilst Mrs NB took my usual driving seat.)

Door hanging is not one of my strengths - I shall be watching youtube videos...........

 

Sunday - lie-in and F1.

 

The commute today was via the main roads as the local radio announced a closure just as I was about to turn off the A59 onto my usual back lane route. I think it was a good choice as the later view from the A65 west of Long Preston across Rathmell Bottoms looked like a submarine testing area. Even the detour route was "exciting" as I had a major slide on mud washed across the road.

 

 

Tooth wrangler in 2 days -potentially 3 fillings - not looking forward to that.

I'm hoping that a hospital appointment next Monday will go ahead to examine why my dislocated little finger - from about 6 weeks ago - is still not capable of bending back and forth fully. (The X-rays 3 weeks ago have not revealed any bone damage)

 

[contentious post time - not like me]

Nobody disagrees that exercise is not good for you and it will still be allowed with another person from an alternate household.

It may seem selfish, but I and many others cannot understand why golf is being banned as part of the upcoming lockdown. With golf, there is no contact with shared equipment and we naturally space out whilst playing, yet cyclists and joggers can quite happily run/cycle side by side, having the more potential to spread the virus whilst breathing hard.

A radio phone in today had one caller saying golf should be stopped as it would mean 36 people (2 persons over 18 holes) being on a golf course at the same time. Yet another caller said that their local walk was allowed around a small lake on a narrow footpath that could have over 100 people on the same circuit.

So how does that compare with 36 people spread out over 200 acres or so............?

I - and others -  have no issues in closing the clubhouse.

[/contentious post]

 

And on that note - it hasn't rained for a couple of hours. If it remains so overnight, I shall attempt my usual commute route tomorrow.

Stay safe and sane folks.

 

Cheers,

Mick

 

[iL Dottore]

14 hours ago, Tony_S said:

Would you like more puppy photos?
This is the Dad (allegedly). 

As a devoted and fairly experienced dog owner, I can say that is definitely a “nothing to do with me Guv, honest“ look if I have ever seen one...

He IS a beautiful lad and so is the mum. And the puppies, like most puppies, are adorable. 

I could easily add another dog or two to our Wolfpack, but Schotty does get jealous of other dogs and we really don’t have the space (however, we have promised our friend that if anything happens to her, we will take Frida in and adopt her [I’ve mentioned Frida before, she is the dog with whom Schotty and Lucy sometimes have a play date])

10 hours ago, New Haven Neil said:

...I had been thinking about other female voices I really have enjoyed, and shortlisted....in no particular order, Annie Haslam, Mary Black and Corrine Drewery.  Feel free to discuss! 

Annie Haslam is, I think, one of the most overlooked voices in that genre of music (actually, in all popular music). There is a much abused expression which goes along the lines of “her voice soared“, but with Annie Haslam this was indeed the case. Even 40 years after first having heard “The Northern Lights“ from the Renaissance self titled debut album, listening to that song again still gives me the shivers. That voice is crystal sharp in its purity and, yes, it soars!

The latter two that you mention I don’t recognise (which bands do they sing with?). I am surprised, however,  that you didn’t mention Maddy Prior from Steeleye Span. Her vocals on Cam Ye O'er Frae France are amazing (from the album Parcel of Rogues which includes the title track based on a traditional song using the words of Robbie Burns - which is another outstanding song).

A quick search of YouTube has revealed some recent performances by both Annie Haslam and Maddy Prior. Sadly, age has taken its toll on their voices. But, having said that, they still outstrip, outperform and outshine nearly all of the current crop of female singers.

7 hours ago, Erichill16 said:

...Had chicken stir fry tonight, usually one of my favorites but SWMBO had to use sweat and sour sauce instead of teryaki ...

I know, Robert, that there is an old expression that goes “if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen“, but surely your cooking facilities do not produce the sort of volcanic heat you get from a Hawker Stall wok burner? (those things are fierce).

It seemed to me, from your later comment, that you are bemoaning your lack of cooking skills. May I inspire you by saying “in cooking, like in music, the easy things look hard and the hard things look easy“? Apart from one or two cooking lessons in Thailand and in Malaysia, I am entirely self-taught.  So if a thicko like me can learn to cook adequately, it is not beyond the wit of most men to do the same.  I started to teach myself to cook out of a need for culinary self preservation when I was at university; mainly because - even by university standards – the slop they served at the university canteen was appalling.

The only problem with being self-taught is that there tends to be holes in one’s knowledge. For example, I have no problems making cakes but pastry remains a yet to be explored foreign land (but I am sure Mr Bear and HH would be happy to judge my attempts at a Paris-Brest).

7 hours ago, polybear said:

How many ER'ers overhear others saying things along the lines of "I'm not staying indoors for a month - they're not telling me what I can and can't do"?  I overheard one of the Tesco staff on a mild rant this morning to that effect.  Jeez, give me strength....

Captain Cynical’s response to this is to propose that all such morons who take have this attitude be issued with an photo identity card upon which it reads “I voluntarily have agreed to give up my rights to all Covid related NHS treatment so that I can do what the hell I want during the lockdown. May God have mercy on my soul” 

I think that it could be quite simple to administer: anyone caught flouting the regulations regarding proper lockdown, social distancing or mask wearing can be offered the choice of £5000 fine or signing up to the ID card (Two thoughts regarding this cynical and satirical proposal: one, how many would actually take up this offer if it were real? And two, the yuman rites lawyers would make a fortune on the back of this approach).

Well, enough incoherent rambling from me. Time to unleash the Wolfpack, unfortunately poor Schotty injured his back again and so is on light duties this week - which means Mrs ID will take him out for a short, leashed, walk for him to “do his duty”, whilst I will take Lucy out for her usual training, exercise and games walk. After which it’s off to read some scientific material (for which I am getting paid. Hurrah!)

Carpe Diem

iD

Edited November 3, 2020 by iL Dottore

[TheQ]

Mooring awl,  inner Temple Hare, 

5 hours sleep, wake, screwed up in a ball,  back painful,  straighten up,  think I'll get up shortly.. Wake up again in 1.5 hours...

 

There are a great many sports that could be carried out safely under lockdown. 

The problem being many are seen by certain parties as elitist, and or  white,  and or for the privileged golf,  tennis, badminton,  sailing,  bowls, shooting, cricket,   you can imagine what some groups of people  and political parties would say if they were permitted.  They  have enough problem persuading many to comply with the rules without giving exemptions.

 

One of the major systems I worked on last week was released into use.  The boss is still Investigating a measurement problem on the other system.  It's affecting all systems,  but this one is the worst,  and the only one out of specification. This is the sort of technical difficulties that happen at the edge of equipment ability to measure. 

 

Of sports and hobbies,  emails have been arriving about the closing down of our hobbies for the duration.  There was good news of another prospective member for the MRC,  he'll get a visit just in time before lockdown. 

 

The visit to TES and Co went well,  there are now traffic lights at the doors,  the toilet roll isle had a few holes,  as did some types of frozen veg,  otherwise it seemed well stocked.  A walk across to Aldi showed similar spaces. 

 

Today this week's major system will still be worked on. 

 

But first since I'm awake in time,  bacon and eggs for breakfast.. 

 

Time to.. Head for the kitchen .

 

 

 

 

[Tony_S]

46 minutes ago, iL Dottore said:

he IS a beautiful lad and so is the mum

The photo of one pup with a Labrador is pup and Grandma. She was quite unwell and died a couple of days later. I will ask for a photo of the Mum! Last night I was sent photos of a couple of pups being weighed. Very photogenic. 

[chrisf]

Greetings one and all

 

I managed to concentrate long enough yesterday to finish my round robin.  It has now been printed in multiple, which is a good way of not spending hours and hours tweaking the draft.  The seasonal greetings cards have been prepared by adding a sticker bearing my name, address and phone number.  I need to check a few addresses and then the labels can be printed.  The aim is to get the cards out on or by 30th November.  This dates back to 1979, when I had my wisdom teeth out and was off work for a week and a half with nothing to do.  A light bulb moment led to me writing and sending my cards.  I decided that this was good discipline and have done it ever since.

 

A very welcome e-mail from The Stables announced the new date for the concert by Trials of Cato, which was an early casualty of the first lockdown last March.  Having written ruefully in the round robin about the emptying of my 2020 diary, it is really good to have something to put in the 2021 version.  It could be quite thrilling to see real live musicians on a stage in a theatre.  The last time I did that was 14th March!  Now watch those who rule us mess it up by finding more reasons to lock down the country again …

 

Best wishes to all

 

Chris

[polybear]

1 hour ago, iL Dottore said:

Captain Cynical’s response to this is to propose that all such morons who take have this attitude be issued with an photo identity card upon which it reads “I voluntarily have agreed to give up my rights to all Covid related NHS treatment so that I can do what the hell I want during the lockdown. May God have mercy on my soul” 

I think that it could be quite simple to administer: anyone caught flouting the regulations regarding proper lockdown, social distancing or mask wearing can be offered the choice of £5000 fine or signing up to the ID card

 

 

Bear really, really likes this idea - though sadly it has one major flaw.  Just how many other poor innocent law abiding Bears will be infected by those selfish cockwombling scrotes, who no doubt get away with having the virus but suffer no symptoms?  So how about anyone found deliberately flouting the rules is sprayed with everlasting indelible orange dye, head to feet?  And fined £5K, crossed off the free NHS list and all entitlement to benefits (including old age pension) withdrawn for life.  That way we'll (a) know who to steer clear of, and (b) they'll be punished accordingly.  I could be far worse, but it's only half six in the morning and I'm feeling unusually generous at present.  But if anyone thinks that could extend to giving away cake, think again - there's a lockdown coming.

[Barry O]

Ey up!

Front garden is a "submarine test area" so the submersible pump shall be deployed..but only when it gets light.

 

The randon approach to what sport people can do and those you can't do just about sums life up . I take it the Barnard Castle visitor doesn't like certain sports.

 

The reasons for not letting pubs and breweries do take outs is just as baffling..you can still buy booze in a supermarket...strange..  

 

Now , as it is Tuesday I have no scheduled housework activities. I must wield the pump then...well anything could happen...

 

Stay safe! Try to enjoy what you do today!  Positive thoughts to all ERs!

 

Baz

[jamie92208]

15 hours ago, newbryford said:

 

The joys of selective editing

I was going to start by talking about trimming bushes but better not.  It started out fine yesterday, so after lunch Beth and I started attacking an area of jungle near the front gate. It will probably turn out to be a couple of bushes but is now just a mound of bramble, Cottoneaster, honeysuckle  and other such things. We did get two trailer loads of rubbish taken away before the rain came down in torrents.  Not a lot else got done after that but it's a job we can return to in the future. We have seen signs of  pyrocanthus already. The area is about 30 feet in diameter and 12 feet high. 

 

Some shed time took place later whilst Beth chatted to a friend. 

 

Today I have to do the shoping, my provisional licence has been re-issued. Whilst in the town I've also to see a Notaire to start the process of writing French wills. Our English ones date from 1996 and are a tad out of date.  Not a lot else to report apart from the fact that the first bin lorry of the week has visited.

 

Regards to all.

 

Jamie

Edited November 3, 2020 by jamie92208

[iL Dottore]

1 hour ago, polybear said:

....But if anyone thinks that could extend to giving away cake, think again - there's a lockdown coming.

I see Bear missed my reference to me baking a Paris-Brest a little later on (a Parist-Brest is a round pastry, in the form of a wheel, made of choux pastry and a praline flavoured cream). Phew, a narrow escape for me, then. I haven’t completely finished upgrading my bear-proof cake pantry 

41 minutes ago, jamie92208 said:

I was going to start by talking about trimming bushes but better not...

Too late...

[AndrewC]

12 hours ago, New Haven Neil said:

After Stewart posted those 'Foxes and Fossils' clips I had been thinking about other female voices I really have enjoyed, and shortlisted....in no particular order, Annie Haslam, Mary Black and Corrine Drewery.  Feel free to discuss! 

 

For me it is Kate Bush, Annie Haslam, Mylene Farmer, Sarah McLachlan, and Jann Arden. 

 

Moaning all from the boring borough. Its the yankee doodle election today, so time to switch off all, radio, tv, twatter, fecesbook until the circus calms down. Only about 80 days until they start banging on about the 2024 election. <sigh>

 

Work has been one big bucket of suckage so far this week. Yesterday was a 13 hour slog. The rest of this week promises to be equally <censored>.

The hoofw*nking bunglec*nts at Hermes have managed to lose/damage 113€ worth of Dutch craft beer. Post NL shows the tracking to them, a message saying shipment damaged, not delivered, then a second update saying it was delivered at 22:31 last Thursday. SWMBO is now waiting Hermes' reply and has a case number. As for the beer most of it was fairly limited and now out of stock. Why do reputable businesses like Post NL (who own TNT) even bother with sh!t cowboys like Hermes or Yodel for that matter? Answers on a lost postcard please. 

 

Our Weekend plans have been kyboshed. Had a message from the hotel we were supposed to be staying at, saying they decided to close for the duration of the lockdown, refund on its way. English Heritage on the other hand hasn't decided which of their properties will be open or closed. We had secured tix for a visit inside the circle at Stonehenge. We await their decision. If it is still on we will have to schlep down there for 7:45 Sunday morning or lose the £ from the booking. <sigh> 

 

Time to get on with things. Latte consumed, more coffee awaits. Enjoy the day. 

 

[NGT6 1315]

Moaning awl. Rough night, so not as coherent as I’d prefer.

 

Must say I like Flavio‘s idea for dealing with covidiots. As it is (and which isn’t exactly helping my mood), a covidiot rally has been announced in Leipzig for Saturday, and reports exist of participants exploiting the one exception under which hotel accommodations may be booked under current lockdown rules, which is for business trips. Theoretically, that should at least make it easier to track down the c*ckwombles, if need be. Theoretically...

 

Be safe, friends.

[New Haven Neil]

Morning, back to normal routine, Mrs H dropped off for her bus, a couple of miles walked along Ramsey's Mooragh promenade, a little brisk in acool wind.

 

Some female singers for me to consider there, some of whom I am not familiar with, so that may be this afternoon's entertainment.  iD, Corrine Drewery sings with Swing Out Sister.

 

OK, time for breakfast and a shower!

[grandadbob]

Good morning all,

Raining here again. It was quite heavy when it was getting light and more is forecast along with the occasional bright spell.

Parcels (various) due today, all a result of Christmas shopping by The Boss.  Nothing of interest for me though.

Not had breakfast yet so that needs dealing with.

Have a good one,

Bob.

 

 

 

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Persisting down earlier this morning but the wind has removed most of the clouds and a watery sun is trying to peep through. Flavio, making your cake store bear proof is OK but is it Hippo proof? Speaking of whom where has he gone? I fear he may be on a secret mission to Switzerland to free some captive cakes while his compatriot (Poly) stays behind to divert attention.  Thats despite the danger of being licked to death by the four legged guardians of the cakes. 

[BSW01]

Good morning everyone 

 

Another day of mixed weather, it was sunny whilst I was eating breakfast, but it’s now dull and looks like it could rain. The plans for today are basically shopping, a Waitrose run is required, then a trip to Costco will follow, where I’ll top up the car as I’m almost out of petrol. 

 

This afternoon i shall be making a batch of pumpkin and sweet potato soup. 

 

On the subject of female singers, I have a pretty eclectic taste in music, here’s a list in no particular order of the ones I listen to regularly, the words in brackets being the bands they sing in. 

 

Enya

Marie Brennan (Clannad), who’s a sister of Enya above. 

Ann and Nancy Wilson (Heart)

Kate Bush

Linda Ronstadt

Carly Simon

Corrinne Drewery (Swing Out Sister)

Julianne Regan (All About Eve)

Tori Amos

Suzanne Vega

 

I’m sure I could extend the list further if I looked through my CD collection, it’s just that all the above are featured on my play list on my iPod in the workshop. 

 

Stay safe, stay sane, enjoy whatever you have planned for the day, back later. 

 

Brian

 

 

 

 

[PhilJ W]

Nearly forgot, there was an item this morning on BBC Breakfast about the koalas on Kangaroo Island. It is now a year since the devastating fires and they are now only just starting releasing the recovered animals back into the wild. 

[45156]

Morning All

 

All posts read and rated, and thie usual generic greetings are on offer.

 

As to female vocalists, there are many of great ability - Ella Fitzgerald was an amazing singer, I also agree about Annie Haslam - Maddie Prior, well the jury's out on her - Back in the days, one of the bands that I was in supported Steeleye and, I was a bit unsure even back then, and over the years, her voice seems to have come and gone.  There are loads and loads of unknown singers on YouTube, and some of these are quite amazing - Alison Young comes to mind

 

 

as does Larkin Dodgen -

 

 

As do the Mona Lisa twins from Austria who are, even though it is not evident from the video, playing all the instruments as well

 

all of whom deserve a lot more exposure than they are getting.

 

I had a phone call yesterday from my guitar repairer to advice that my Hohner Countryman which was bought at a jumble sale for £10 is now fixed and fully playable - the bridge was pulling off, the action was manky, and one bush was missing on the machine heads - oh and it had no strings - well he's probably done a good job on it, as he always does, and I'll find out this afternoon when I go to pick 30747 from a last visit to town before lockdown.  It did cost £60, but as it now makes the guitar worth about £150 it's money well spent.

 

Regards to All

Stewart

 

Edited November 3, 2020 by 45156

[simontaylor484]

Good morning all 

 

Female voices cant help but add

 

Stevie Nicks and christine mcvie of Fleetwood Mac

 

Alannah Myles her voice is like treacle it wraps you up

The last one i will suggest is tatiana eva-marie from Avalon jazz band who i found via Clive Mortimore of this parish.

[Barry O]

Blue sky one minute..chuckinitdarn the next. Pah!

 

Swimming pond slowly going down... pump is doing its job..but  rain means...it will fill up again....double PAH!

 

herself off to get her hair done..me , I can't get an appointment.. bit like trying to see a Dentist or the Marie Celeste....

 

Bax

 

 

[Chris116]

All this talk about female singers and the lists have contained many who I love listening to so I will add a few more! 

 

Sarah Darling 

Lainey Wilson 

Lauren Jenkins 

Deanna Wheeler 

Miranda Lambert 

Jessica Lynn 

 

I could add more but the above list gives you a chance to visit your favourite online music site and have a quick listen to them. 

[New Haven Neil]

OT I know, but I just looked at the Bachm*&n new products thread.....and needed CPR at the prices - glad I'm not in the train bizniz any more, as the average punter will be having a major moan at all the dealers about it. Not that dealers set prices, but we always take ( or took to be accurate...in my case ) the flak.  I can't see trying to sell sound fitted DMU's for £400 as a way to get rich, put it that way.

 

Back on topic, time to pump out here to, the Koi pond in my case as 50mm rain last night has things overflowing rather, the garden railway is underwater in places.  I'll do some tidying up in the garden while waiting for it to go down, earns brownie points.