Early Risers.

[laurenceb]

Thoughts with Chrisf's Aunt

Localy only heard a few bangs through the evening with a sharp fusalade around midnight, perhaps the cockwombles had run out of fireworks, or money to buy them. We can only hope

[Gwiwer]

Afternoon all,

 

Thoughts, first and foremost, with Chrisf for whom the turn of the year has been anything but happy.  Please be assured of support here no matter how things turn out.  

 

Whizzpoppery a-plenty there was Upon the Hill of Strawberries last night.  Each of the big houses seemed to have their own (private) fireworks party meaning there was something of a cannonade between 6 and 9pm.  There were more distant flashes and booms continuously through the evening.  

 

Dr. SWMBO is not one to stay up and celebrate New Year so it was no surprise that she retired by 10pm leaving me to calm the slightly unnerved cat and enjoy the ongoing fireworks.  Cat has always been of a slightly wary - occasionally nervous - disposition but has seldom been troubled by fireworks, thunder or the loud aircraft noise to which we are occasionally subjected.  The level of noise last night was more akin to that from professional displays and both surprised us and startled His Furship at times.  But all was well in the end.  

 

Shortly before midnight I stepped outside with a glass of whisky and a mince pie to mark the turning of the year.  Sure enough at 11.58 (because there is always someone willing to jump the gun or with a different time showing on their device) the skies lit up and the pyrotechnic thunder returned.  I could believe a full-on professional display was in progress up the road.  Perhaps it was but hopefully without a formal audience.  

 

The gouty foot was playing up and required medication before I was able to sleep, several friends posted messages which were answered more or less immediately, and then all went quiet. There was almost no-one about outside, or so it seemed.  The last train of the night, or the first of the year, the 00.07 to Kingston, called without collecting or depositing passengers and that was that.  

 

It has been a slow day since then.  There is no rush to do anything.  More tulip bulbs were planted but a little light snow stopped play.  It didn't amount to anything but was enough to deter a recently-unwell Gwiwer from staying outside any longer than was essential.  

 

Muggertee number something is now with me and I have threatened to engage in m*d*ll*ng until dinnertime.  Dr. SWMBO has suggested that I get on with writing the book instead.  We'll see.  

 

Best wishes one and all.  

[The White Rabbit]

17 hours ago, jamie92208 said:

I hope that you get things sorted. I suspect that in the circumstances you'll not have any problems with the registrars. As you know ER's are here to support where we can either on here or by PM.  I sincerely  hope that 2021 is better for you that 2020.  Fortunately here in rural Charente Maritine we are under curfew and so far there are no fireworks. 

 

Jamie

 

Thanks. I phoned the registrars this morning (what a relief to speak to someone professional and competent...) and was told the five day rule is suspended in the current circs. (They suggested deaths have just about doubled and I got the impression it's causing a backlog). If I haven't heard from the hospital by Monday, phone [the registrars] and they will chase for me. (That wasn't on the gov.uk or the local council's web-site). 

 

I think we all hope for 2021 being a great improvement on 2020. Could be a shaky start, but like a spring day's weather, hopefully it'll fine up later. (Happy New Year to you all). 

 

Too many explosions around here for an uninterrupted night's sleep - I don't want to get all Cromwellian about it but think there's definitely a case to be made for restricting the times and days fireworks can be set off. Otherwise, I quite favour inserting large bangers up the rear passages of the perpetrators, light the fuse and retire (swiftly and with style) to a safe distance... 

[simontaylor484]

One of my favourite sounds is eminating from the living room. The tree is coming down. Dont get me wrong i like to see it go up but after boxing day i think its pointless i think. 

[simontaylor484]

There are already regulations regarding when fireworks can be let off. A lot of the problems are that councils dont have enforcement teams to deal with it or the Policedont have the resources either.

 

Gwiwer what form does your book take is it fact fiction and whats the subject .

[Gwiwer]

1 minute ago, simontaylor484 said:

There are already regulations regarding when fireworks can be let off. A lot of the problems are that councils dont have enforcement teams to deal with it or the Policedont have the resources either.

There are indeed time limits but that for New Year's Eve is 1am.  What is perhaps needed is limitations on sound levels.  No-one seems to have enforcement and no-one wants to be a party pooper at New Year but the sudden and (these days) very loud bangs are what spooks pets, and some people, more than the light-show.

 

1 minute ago, simontaylor484 said:

Gwiwer what form does your book take is it fact fiction and whats the subject .

It is as yet formless but will record Penhayle Bay in a blend of social (albeit fictional) history and modelling techniques.  A different approach.

[Chris116]

About ten years ago I suffered a nearby party with fireworks which went on until the early hours. Called the council and got an answerphone that said they were only open 9am to 5pm! So called the police to be told off for wasting their time and told that I should have called the council. Told the police that I had called the council and what the message had said. 

 

Seems the only way to get any action is to go and throw a few bricks at the windows of the house holding the party but then you would be the one in trouble not the ones causing the noise. Can't win apart from going deaf!

[leopardml2341]

30 minutes ago, The White Rabbit said:

Too many explosions around here for an uninterrupted night's sleep - I don't want to get all Cromwellian about it but think there's definitely a case to be made for restricting the times and days fireworks can be set off.

There are rules, but I'll wager that yer average Joe knows not of them:

 

The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.

You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for:

Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight

New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am

Check with your council to find out about any local rules for setting off fireworks.

 

From https://www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law

 

Edited January 1, 2021 by leopardml2341
Effin predictive text - AGAIN!

[polybear]

1 hour ago, Erichill16 said:

If a drug is not used as per its ‘license’ the prescriber is responsible for the consequences, the product would be used ‘off license’. I believe that I read somewhere that the government was passing a law to say that no compensation claims would be entertained with respect to COVID-19 claims.

Robert.

 

 

So the Gov. use the vaccine not iaw the instructions of the manufacturer, and then protect themselves against court action in the event of medical claims.  Nice.

I suspect that if challenged a court may rule such a law unenforceable/illegal though - it sounds like an unfair contract to this Bear

 

17 minutes ago, Gwiwer said:

There are indeed time limits but that for New Year's Eve is 1am.  What is perhaps needed is limitations on sound levels.  No-one seems to have enforcement and no-one wants to be a party pooper at New Year but the sudden and (these days) very loud bangs are what spooks pets, and some people, more than the light-show.

 

 

Easy fix, that one.  Make it illegal to manufacture or sell fireworks that are loud.  Pretty lights yes; big bangs/screams etc.?  No.

 

[Sir TophamHatt]

Yet another boring day.

I wonder how many passengers have travelled on the rail network today.

The motorways were practically deserted.

 

Been looking at model railway expenditure this afternoon and working out whether it's worth selling some locos to fund other things and even my PA2 (to part fund an ECoS).  But not sure yet.  However, I have found many a useful 3D print files for things so that will all be added to the queue of things to print for the first 4 months of this year!

 

however, marginally more excited to have hunted out my old fountain pen I bought 20+ years ago.

Fresh ink, works fine.

Will give it a go and see if I enjoy writing with it.

Edited January 1, 2021 by Sir TophamHatt

[TheQ]

Two Emails

1, Reminding me I'd forgotten to renew membership of my sailing club, £133 full family. Now paid they went online last year first time I've used it.

 

2, The entry forms for the 60th Three Rivers Race are now available on 3rr.uk 

 

And for those who've not heard me wittering on about it,

That's a sailing boat race starting at Horning on the Norfolk Broads, the 60th is on 5th-6th Jun 2021,  at 11:00

Up to 150 boats 14ft to 45ft, up 50 miles to cover, under 3 bridges twice..one of which has just 6ft air draft..

Time limit 24 hours, record about 8 hours, worst year only 13 finished, you against tides and wind..

 

 

Ben the choosy Collie, was offered outside by SWMBO as she was making a muggatea, he refused.

 

He then came to me and gave me the stare, ... This I Ignored, so he then arrived on my lap.. I asked him if he wanted out, he looked at me..looked at the door ..looked at me...looked at the door.. so I said go on then.. he went to the back door.. I then opened the door and he happily trotted out.

Edited January 1, 2021 by TheQ

[PhilJ W]

3 hours ago, polybear said:

 

 

Bear would like to see a large rocket inserted "somewhere" and the fuse lit.....could be kinda fun, though not for them

Prime-time TV at it's best

 

 

 

[PhilJ W]

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. First of all best wishes to ChrisF's aunt. Went down to Tess Coes today as I needed some bread and found the place practically deserted. At least there was some bread left and of the sort I required. Now its muggatee time, be back later.

[BSW01]

12 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

 

I've said it before, there's no cure for stupid! 

[PhilJ W]

Even more stupidity:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAnkqQFaRw4

 

[Sidecar Racer]

 I wonder how the Americans explain the rocket burn injurys to their health

insurance providers and the hospital ??     

[Gwiwer]

Evening all

 

The Happy New Year was brought to an abrupt pause earlier by a text message from the bank. 
 

They asked me to confirm or deny whether some activity on my account was authorised. 
 

A quick check failed to match the originating number and live call-back link given to one advised by the bank for such purposes on their website. 
 

I duly called the number the website offered for fraud protection. And surprise surprise was connected to a himan after just a couple of identity-related questions. 
 

After what became quite a long call it has become clear that a) two attempts have been made to relieve me of funds using my card details including the CVV and that b) the number from which my original text came is indeed a legitimate one but not an advertised one. 
 

The upshot is that my card is now cancelled and a new one is being expedited to me; the dubious transactions (which were for £150 and £70 and apparently from Parcel2go with whom I have never had any dealings) are indeed fraudulent and I shall not be out of pocket; all my relevant passwords have been changed; the card details have been harvested by soneone sonewhere who has had access to an online order form (which could be one of many possibilities) and that the bank thanked me for acting responsibly and for not calling a number the legitimacy of which I coukd not verify. 
 

Happy New Year soneone. My bank’s fraud people are coming for you. 

[Tony_S]

Like Rick I had what looked just like a suspicious text from our electricity and gas supplier before Christmas. However it was genuine but it looked really odd. After checking with the company website there didn’t seem to be any information but after a quick search I found information on one of the financial advice websites. Eventually an email arrived a few days later confirming the text. They had taken direct debits out two weeks early causing some people to be overdrawn.

 

[PhilJ W]

Thanks for reminding me Rick. My statement is due in the next day or two and there should be a refund payment on it. I spotted it on the last statement and the company concerned said they'd refund it. I had not authorised the payment but they were using the old 'You have to cancel the payment, its in the (very) small print' trick.

[Coombe Barton]

I am judging my plastering skill level by how much does not fall on the floor.

[polybear]

2 hours ago, PhilJ W said:

 

 

Jeez, there is stupid and STUPID.

However, this guy comes under the heading F. STUPID.

 

I would just like to point out, however that Bear's suggestion for inserting a Rocket "somewhere" actually requires the fat end of the rocket stickin' up the 'ole, with just the stick visible.  When that goes bang it'll be messy, and may well sting a little.....

 

Edited January 1, 2021 by polybear

[Ian Abel]

Happy New Year all...

Here we are in 2021 - YAY!!

 

Will report back later, Mrs grand-niece coming over to get her birthday presents...

 

Wishing all ERs safety and good heath this year.

[simontaylor484]

53 minutes ago, polybear said:

 

Jeez, there is stupid and STUPID.

However, this guy comes under the heading F. STUPID.

 

I would just like to point out, however that Bear's suggestion for inserting a Rocket "somewhere" actually requires the fat end of the rocket stickin' up the 'ole, with just the stick visible.  When that goes bang it'll be messy, and may well sting a little.....

 

I once saw an episode of Bizarre ER where some guy went on with 3 tins of food shoved up his rear end.

There was another doc on channel.5 about people falling in love with cars literally he even poked his manhood up the camera crews cars exhaust pipe 

[Erichill16]

1 hour ago, simontaylor484 said:

I once saw an episode of Bizarre ER where some guy went on with 3 tins of food shoved up his rear end.

There was another doc on channel.5 about people falling in love with cars literally he even poked his manhood up the camera crews cars exhaust pipe 

I used to know an ambulance man and he had many such stories including one about a man who was peeling potatoes whilst in the bath. He managed to get one stuck in a certain bodily cavity.

Edited January 1, 2021 by Erichill16

[leopardml2341]

Not a lot achieved today, but I'm happy with that.

 

A bit of wood butchering tomorrow should finally see my bi-folding doors fitted to mi summer shed then I can start on the inside.

 

Best wishes to all, stay safe, stay well and avoid the c@ckwombles of whichever variant.