Early Risers.

[Barry O]

Lunch cooked and eaten.... cards against humanity.. played.. film watched..

 

Suppose it must be tea time now..

 

Some Ers I have met over the years... Stationmaster mike, Dr Station Cat, Chris F, mick newbryford, Happy Hippo, Dave Hunt , Polly , Bok stein, Bill bishop, Grandad Bob and Mrs Grandadbob, kingzance, New Haven Neil, andrew P, the Q, Jamie,  Tony S, mr s.corn,  Debs, The White Rabbit, plus Andy Y ..and Phil Parker was nowt but a lad when I first met him..it would be nice to see the reet of the ERs.. hopefully in 2021!

Apologies to anyone I missed..post lunch lack of brain power due to spone rather nice red wine...

 

Nice to see @BlackRat calling in.. hope that we continue to hear from you in the future.

 

baz

[Tony_S]

I have met a few ERs but have met the original ER Gordon S who created the thread on a much earlier version of RMWeb. 

[Andrew P]

9 hours ago, AndyB said:

So Bob. I think once normality returns you' may be able to add Andy P to your list as he might be lured to some of the local shows....Alton, Fanham, Woking...

I would hope so Andy, I used to enjoy Farnham at the old Maltings, Alton in a small Hall if I remember, and Basingstoke in the School was always good, along with Dorking, and a couple of others around your area.

[AndyB]

7 minutes ago, Andrew P said:

I would hope so Andy, I used to enjoy Farnham at the old Maltings, Alton in a small Hall if I remember, and Basingstoke in the School was always good, along with Dorking, and a couple of others around your area.

The Alton one in Feb is at a local school where they use the foyer, gym and assembly hall. Catering is in the modern refrectory. 

There is also a plan to have a one day show at Bordon, although the inaugural event back in the autumn was cancelled.

The Farnham exhibition has been at Aldershot's Alderwood Leisure Centre in October for a while now.

Farnborough's show is over at Woking.

[Dave Hunt]

Back in North Hipposhire after our outing to Derbyshire where we spent a couple of hours in No. 1 son's garden with a space heater and all wrapped in parkas or other insulating mediums so that social distancing could be observed. Luckily it was a really nice day apart from the temperature and quite a few mince pies and chocolate chip cookies made by our granddaughter as well as mulled wine for the adults who weren't driving (i.e. all except me ) were consumed. On the way home we also saw one of the loveliest sunsets I can remember, as reported earlier in this forum, and since we were generally heading south west it kept us enthralled for the best part of an hour. Once home we had my hoped-for bacon butties, which went down very well as, at the risk of upsetting Flavio, given the choice of a bacon butty or a turkey and stuffing sandwich I would much prefer the former. In fact, I am not a great fan of turkey really and yesterday's 'Christmas' dinner was, at my request, beef and belly pork with lots and lots of crackling. To follow the butties we are having some of the very fruity and boozy Christmas cake I made accompanied by a slice or two of a rather toothsome Colston Basset Stilton and, in my case, a second libation of Highland Park 15 - the first having been downed within minutes of arriving home. 

 

And on that note I will bid you all a very good night following what I hope has been a good Christmas day - with commiserations to Rick in his trials.

 

Dave  

[polybear]

2 hours ago, New Haven Neil said:

Evening!

 

Poly, he has been excluded from the island because he broke the law.....simples.  Its in the statute for the offence. She would do well to look into his background also - she may not be so keen.

 

 

No arguments from this Bear - personally I wouldn't have let him out early, and transport back would be by towing him by rope behind a fishing boat (only him - no dinghy, jetski etc. to ride in/on).  Tying the rope round his ankles should be fine I reckon.

Has he a history of being a bad lad?  Missed that one.

 

In other news:

Bear did think that chrimbo home-alone might make a nice change for once.  Wrong.  It totally sucks.  As for what was on TV - jeez, what a total pile of poo.  Fortunately I had a few things recorded that provided some respite.

Tomorrow will see some kitchen refurb work carried out; nothing involving noise to disturb new neighbours though.  I was going to lay off for a couple of days, but after today I've decided I need to occupy my mind and my time more productively.

 

I'll start by trimming the spray foam insulation around the new window frame, then up into the loft to recover the three plasterboard props (useful for knocking up a temporary dust screen in the lounge) as well as a leccy fan to help suck any dust away from the lounge and into the kitchen when I start securing EML around the doorframe on the lounge-side of the wall, which is a task saved for Sunday (assuming tomorrow is Saturday - I think it is?)

 

[PhilJ W]

Evening all from Estuary-Land. Christmas dinner went down well and there was no disasters in preparing it. The venison came out well, very succulent and melt in the mouth. I used the dry air fryer as a mini fan oven to do the roast veg, just a sprinkling of oil and they were done in 12 minutes. Once the dinner was on the plate a quick dash of microwaves to make sure everything was hot and that was it.  The Christmas pud was a ready made one that had been in the cupboard for a couple of years, not a problem as the use by date was March 2021. Thats it for now, be back later.

[Coombe Barton]

... feeling reflective ...

 

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2020/12/25/sounds-of-the-season-27-reason-for-the-season/

[Grizz]

11 hours ago, iL Dottore said:

Grizz, that’s an impressive array of bottles for Christmas, but what will you be drinking on Boxing Day?

Dottore thatsa bloody good quesion ......wone  we have bin contemplate for some time from our posisioson under the kictchin table! 
Sofar the plans are as frellows . 
 

4. Ram rod Toscos

7. Bake n the Iflicnsonce in Lowis

3. Stil the Kees to the petril stasion n smash the frijde wiv.......nn stuf n that.

 

9. wht e sed.....

 

“Oi.....gt to ands off m drink.....     .......nn oi   .......  sulgolupdiolude du...... ..... . . . . ..... ..Z........z.......z.....z.z....zzzzzzzzz....

[iL Dottore]

Evening all,

A most pleasant Christmas day. Nothing particularly festive or extravagant. The sous-vide turkey came out as expected: succulent, moist and flavourful, the stuffing was a very satisfying (although cooking it in a separate dish as opposed to inside the cavity of a turkey makes for a slightly less rich stuffing), I have finally cracked the secret of perfect roast potatoes (crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside) and the carrots were pleasant although not particularly exciting. Pudding was mini mince pies and a single malt whiskey. Entertainment was in the form of some Victoria Wood classic TV series and comedy dramas as well as a mid 80s adventure series from ITV called Hannay.

As is expected at Christmas, I ate too much and drank too much - so back on the straight and narrow tomorrow!

’Night All

iD

[brianusa]

Well, its all over!  Presents have been given and received,  Drinks have been drunk and all the effort that went into the cooking has been well worth it.  Empty boxes and once pretty wrapping are destined for the recycling bin lie strewn around the floor.  Sadly no railway books to read; I have one on order that is probably languishing in some post office back home hung up by covid.  Classic FM is still playing carols, US radio is back to normal and the commercial world is alive and well once more so it will back to normal but the washing up must be done first.

Happy Boxing Day!

                        Brian.

[laurenceb]

Night awl

[PeterBB]

9 hours ago, TheQ said:

 

 

Now watching a recorded copy of the 25th anniversary production of Phantom of the Opera.

 

 

 

 

Missed the very beginning and wondered why it finished 'early' so put the television off to go to bed thinking that the clock was wrong ... but they all gave the same time so back down and on again.  The last 20 minutes and the 'surprises' were superb and well worth coming back down for.

 

Tut tut, memories again - thanks ER.  Phantom did remind me of the day we went to see it.  Booked into a hotel near the Strand we had been to see Swan Lake on the Friday night and Phantom on the Saturday on a hot sultry night so the window was open and the number of sirens we thought was 'normal' for London at that time.  It was only when we went to get the car, legally parked on the bridge, to find lots of people on thuebridge and our cars missing.  The police told us they had been taken to the pound (we were not happy especially since SWMBO had had contractions on the journey down and was not feeling too good).  That involved more hassle and payment of a parking fine (later refunded).  The reason was, unfortunately, the nightmare of the Marshionese and our cars were parked on the 'wrong' bridge.  It horrified us that so many people had come to 'watch'.  On the way home we stopped at (memory failure of the place name) but there were vintage cars and lorries, a house with lots of pottery and old biplanes and Tiger Moths flying from and landing on grass. It helped to give the day a more positive stance.

 

Today went well with just us, turkey cooked nicely (SWMBO with all the trimmings) me just the basics but was very enjoyable as also looking out into the garden and peacefully observing the birds.  Had found some small, old, crackers that really went with a bang.  FaceTime with young son and observed very happy GD when realising that Star Wars featured in her presents.  Turned out to be a very pleasant day.  

 

Hope Gwiwer and DR Mrs Gwiwer had a much better Christmas than expected and that Polybear and AndyRam get their mojos back.

 

Edited December 25, 2020 by PeterBB

[PhilJ W]

Evening yet again from Estuary-Land. Normally this time of the evening I would be ploughing through Farcebook but this evening its very quiet on Farcebook as many are enjoying the festivities. Christmas or not there's household chores to do and I've just put the washing on. Run it overnight and empty and hang the washing out in the morning.

[tigerburnie]

G'night all.................................hic.....................

[PhilJ W]

Goodnight all (stone cold sober).

[BSW01]

Good evening everyone 

 

I hope everyone day has gone as well as they hoped. We chatted to all the kids and grandkids this afternoon, it was nice to catch-up with them all. However, before we spoke to them, we opened all the presents we’d been given over the last few days, these included in varying quantities

Chocolate, 

Money,

Wine, 

They really know what I like, needless to say, none of it will last very long (see below). 

 

After the phone calls it’s been very quiet, Sheila sat and read her kindle, whilst did a couple of sudoku puzzles, as you can see, we live life rock'n'roll lifestyle here. We did however watch, via an email link, a Cirque du Soleil Christmas Special, that was a very enjoyable and excellent way to spend 45 minutes.

 

An email arrived earlier today from World Of Railways, it listed several shops with sales on, one of them being TMC. Many, many years ago they used to have a shop at the Trafford Centre called Trafford Model Centre! So I had a look to see what was on offer and spotted the Bachmann breakdown crane in the sale and just under £190 instead of £250. There stock of these is now down by one. I’ve paid a little extra for 48hr Royal Mail tracked, so with a bit of luck, it’ll be here before the New Year. 

[Erichill16]

YEvening All,

Hope Rick is feeling a bit better and some Turkey has been saved for Boxing Day.

Odd day for us, never had Christmas dinner on our own and never had it so late in the day.  As SWMBO woke up not feeling too good we decided to postpone dinner until later in the day. She spent the morning sleeping in bed whilst I read a book I treated myself to. (For those that may be interested ‘Soviet Metro Stations ‘, a sequel to the best sellers ‘Soviet bus stops’ and ‘Soviet Bus Stops 2’)

Mid afternoon we popped down to see bil and family who had invited Mil for dinner. After that we came home for our Christmas extravaganza. It’s the first time we’ve done it GF and lessons have been learned for next time. (Should there be another) For Christmas we have ‘seasoned pudding’  instead of Yorkshire’s and SWMBO had to improvise on the recipe . Seasoned pudding is similar to Yorkshire pudding but with oatmeal , onions and two of sage, parsley and thyme, I can’t remember which. Bought  Oatmeal isn’t GF so SWMBO had to improvise. Anyway we both enjoyed our meal but we both said it wasn’t worth the effort, especially just for the two of us. 

Flavio, if you’re reading this,what’s  the secret to the roasties ?

Getting late so I’ll wish you all a goodnight and hope that boxing days brings peace and happiness.

Robert

 

Edited December 26, 2020 by Erichill16

[BSW01]

Goodnight all 

[The Stationmaster]

G'night all

[andyram]

As I type this Christmas Day has drifted into Boxing Day. I sincerely hope that all ER’s have had an enjoyable Christmas Day whether undertaken in person or via Zoom. 
 We did see family today, a visit to the in-laws for Christmas dinner was followed later by a doorstep and distanced visit to my parents. All was conducted through bleary eyes. Amber normally sleeps well on Christmas Eve and, at the age of nine, I had expected similar. Not so. She awoke at 2.45am and then again an hour later. The cat then disturbed sleep at around 6am so it was a tired day. 
 Gifts were lacking anything of the railway variety but understandable considering my current profession! There were a couple of interesting books including Tim Peake’s autobiography and Richard Osman’s novel. The rest was mainly of the alcoholic variety.

 Tv is always limited in our house during Christmas Day and many will frown at the choice of Mrs Brown as the evening viewing. The comedy is an acquired taste, but this year it takes credit for attempting make some jokes at the expense of the current situation. It is difficult to make light of such a horrible situation but as the old saying goes if you don’t laugh....... 

 I note talk today has been turned towards ER’s we have met. I did not think I had met many but, as I thought more about it, the list grew considerably. Due to locality I have met a Peter BB, Andy.P and Andy (leopard) on many occasions.  The Weston show period also saw me meet John (CB), Jim and Laurence. I have met Mick (NB) at various shows and also enjoyed a couple of pints with ChrisF at a previous Derby show. I also recall the phone call with GrandadBob some months back.  Apologies for those I have missed out.

 

Stay safe

 

Andy

 

 

[simontaylor484]

I used to enjoy Hannay starring Robert Powell. Based on the character in the 39 steps. Although Greenmantle the sequel to 39 steps is my favourite book. There is a further book in the series the island of sheep 

[BR60103]

I had a fall onto my back during our walk. No bad effects aside from damp trousers. 

I don't think I've met any ERs, but maybe up to a half dozen RMwebbers.

Dinner was bountiful and we have lots of sprouts and turkey* left over. SWMBO decide that she'd throw out the pudding rather than have to eat any more of it.

 

* and other things.

[J. S. Bach]

19 hours ago, iL Dottore said:

Where’s the bloody groan button?

That’s very sad to hear. Well up there with Tiny Tim’s fate had Mr Scrooge not had a change of heart... ...snip...

iD

Tiny Tim? OK:

 

 

[J. S. Bach]

19 hours ago, iL Dottore said:

 ...snip... Jamie, I think that the power of the Christmas Carol is the combination of great music and emotionally powerful words (conspicuously absent from most modern liturgical music). Silent Night is particularly poignant when sung in German... ...snip...

iD

My favorite happens to be O Holy Night, preferably sung in French. I do not speak any French but for some reason know the first three lines and (almost) correctly pronounce them.