Early Risers.

[The Stationmaster]

Morning all,

 

Now here's me thinking that Chrisf is rather good at unravelling the obtuse especially as he was so quick in answering question No.1 in my liitle 'Archers' quiz.  Mr 'Harlequin' has beaten Chrisf, and everybody else, on question No.2 correctly answering that the characters involved are Kate Aldridge, the first role taken on by Susie Riddell who currently plays Tracy Horrobin - definitely a step down the social scale from the Aldridges.  That leaves question No.3, the link with a character created by Phillip Pullman,  to which I have added a further clue here -

https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/160936-a-small-archers-quiz-for-you-not-necessarily-everyday-questions-about-country-folk/

 

I'm sure however that Chrisf is currently much concerned about his aunt and not being told anything is, alas, perhaps more concerning than getting regular information from the people looking after her.  My thoughts are with them both and hoping for a positive outcome for his aunt.

 

The weather here is somewhat greyer today and a dash of precipitation is promised for later although I very much doubt it will be snow and the Met Office agrees with me on that.  however on the summits (such as they are) onlya few miles away things might be a little different.   The bin men did their stuff  yesterday and weren't too late so what they took away included that traditional, in our household, marker of the Christmas and New Year period in the shape of the bumper edition of 'The Radio Times' and the heavy load of empty bottles and umpteen cardboard boxes didn't strain or break the bin.

 

Birthday dinner went well with the other half of the oversized piece of pork that had formed part of the Christmas Dinner but no apple sauce.  Someone forgot to get it out of the fridge for Christmas Dinner so I said to herself it might no be a good idea to make and forgot some a second time round.  So I asked for bread sauce instead - being suitably shouted down of course.  but the GD was listening and decided to make some bread sauce (she too is rather fond of it) and we can jointly report that it goes quite well with roast pork and sage & onion (homemade of course) stuffing.

 

Have a good day one and all and stay safe

 

[Coombe Barton]

7 hours ago, TheQ said:

Coombe Barton, has just cost me £10;36, that book looks interesting, I note it's dates of 1300-1850 neatly covers the Black death from when it arrived in June 1348, till the last wave in around 1666.

It is - I have earlier editions as well, but need to keep up as I'm using the material for teaching.

You may also find this one interesting.

 

[Winslow Boy]

1 hour ago, Happy Hippo said:

PB,

 

He doesn't know, does he?

 

Snigger

 

 

The misinformation campaign is working nicely Big H. Not wishing to throw a spanner in the works but I finished my cupcake, without cherry- not that I'm bitter and twisted by its omission, sometime ago so when can I expect my seconds please. Don't forget I have vital info about the mission and if not kept suitably replenished I might let slip some clue as to where the SRC is located.

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. The foot was still a bit sore when I awoke this morning but has calmed down now. I'm not a great cake eater, I prefer to keep my BG within limits although the recent festivities may have made it a bit higher than usual. Need to go to Tess Coes later for some milk, I had to throw some away a couple of days ago as it had gone off and I forgot to replenish it. Muggatee awaits so I'll be back later.

[Rugd1022]

Morning all (just),

 

Hope all is well where you happen to be.

 

First day back at work for me after a luckily timed Christmas break consisting of rest days and annual leave, I was down at Cheddington on a ballast job this morning and have just got back home. It's quite spooky down that way in the darkness and fog, made even more spooky when I passed under Bridego Bridge in the staff car en route back home, there was a Network Rail van parked there with the back doors open, a couple of the orange army chaps were loading nefarious items looking slightly shifty for reasons I know not!

 

Ashamed to say I almost got lost on the way down to Cheddington to find 6Y65 in the dark, I took a wrong turn in the fog and it dawned on me that the train robbers route from Letherslade Farm to the bridge and back must have involved many twists and turns down the various B roads in the area. Needless to say, my thoughts were of Jack Mills and David Whitby when I passed under the bridge later on.

 

Stay safe / upright / horizontal folks - delete as appropriate! 

 

 

[simontaylor484]

4 hours ago, jamie92208 said:

At least you didn't end up with bright yellow hair which I did. The French house had been owned by heavy smokers and my first task was to wash the walls and CEILING in the lounge before painting.  Fortunately  it all washed out in the shower.

 

A good news story from here.  One of my former colleagues that I knew well, had a heart attack in November, recovered and went to Tenerife for a short break when advised. He then had a stroke and his insurance company refused to fly him back. A Gofundme site was set up a few days ago to try and raise £30K for the air ambulance.  This was publicised on social media and retired police facebook sites. In 4 days the target has been passed, mainly in small amounts from former colleagues. A fabulous response. I wish Bill and his wife a safe return soon.

 

Anyway it's getting light here.  I got another wall polished in the new bathroom, 2 down, 2 to go.  Today it's a trip to the market with a stop to help consume freshly baked scones on the way back. After lunch I will, hopefully, polish wall no 3.

 

Regards to all.

 

Jamie

I also know Bill and his wife Dot my wife showed me it on facebook a couple of days ago. It would seem that he has been well and truly shafted by their insurance company saying he had a preexisting heart condition even though they had Doctors evidence to the contrary. I am glad to hear they have managed to raise the money to get him home i know they were up to 14k. A lot of people on the Pontefract community page were barraging the insurance company social media and email wiyh complaints 

[BSW01]

Good dafternoon everyone 

 

A bit late on parade today, but then it is Sunday.

 

I spent quite a bit of the evening thinking about why the control panel wasn't working properly. The more I thought about it, the more I became convinced it was a 0v problem. All the switches and LEDs have a common 0v line. The first thing I checked this morning was the 0v return, there isn't one, doh. So that'll get sortes out easily enough, so I'm now a happy bunny. I'd just started cutting the links when I remembered that I hadn't yet looked in on ER's. That's now sorted. 

 

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

 

Brian 

 

 

[45156]

Afternoon All

 

Sunday greetings, and again a lot of skipping has had to happen, as there seems to be a lot of other stuff to be done on the laptop - so as usual all I can offer is generic greetings - and they are as ever offered most sincerely (shades of Hughie Green there???).

 

Just to try to cheer us up a bit, try this which popped into my inbox, as I subscribe to their YouTube channel - this one just made me smile - then the musician in me kicked in, and the sheer complexity of the harmonies came to the fore. 

 

 

Back tomorrow hopefully

 

ps Rick - with your knowledge of all matters London Bus, I wonder if you (or indeed any other London Bus enthusiast on here) could help us to date a jigsaw puzle which we just completed of Regent Street at Christmas, and the main subject is two RMs one on Route 9 - the other the route number is not shown, and the odd thing is that the RM facing the artist is depicted with a Christmas wreath on the radiator grille.  I lived in London from 1972 to 1995, and don't remember this, and 30747 lived there all her life, albeit not in Central London, and doesn't remember it either.  Can anybody shed any light on this one?

 

Regards to All

Stewart

Edited January 3, 2021 by 45156

[New Haven Neil]

Going to take the risk.....seems quiet here, with all the military concentration busy over at the Alpine Redoubt.....they'll never notice....

 

To say it was cold is somewhat of an understatement, despite the frost having melted.  The hour and a bit I spent out there hasn't done my hip much good either, but I needed a fix.

 

[iL Dottore]

BREAKING NEWS

Ministry sources have announced the successful conclusion of a joint Anglo Swiss operation to shut down a huge - and very illegal - 4500 person “We don’t give a toss about CoVID restrictions” New Year’s rave in an undisclosed European country. Commandos from the Swiss AlpinerHubschrauberAngriffsgruppe (a.k.a. “Captain Cynical’s Minions”) cut all communications to and from the target area, using a special EMP device that rendered all equipment at the Rave permanently inoperable. Simultaneously, units from the 99th Armoured Infantry Brigade (a.k.a. “The Big Bad Bears“) swooped in to arrest the lawbreakers, whilst the 29th Special Armoured Force (a.k.a. “The Heavy Hippos“) used a number of the newly developed specialised Civilian Vehicle Removal Units (known affectionally by the troops as Car Crushers) to prevent any individuals managing to get through the infantry cordon from being able to escape by vehicle. The armoured infantry commander, identified only as “Poly“ said “The operation went incredibly smoothly and we were able to detain some very high profile and privileged British individuals who really should have known better. The details of such individuals will be made public at a later date“. The commander of the “Heavy Hippos“ who identified himself as simply “Happy“ stated that “this was the first time we used the Civilian Vehicle Removal Units in action and we were very pleased with their performance: what was - before we moved in – a carpark full of very expensive vehicles, is now nothing more than a scattering of very expensive scrap metal”.

The ministry spokesman concluded the briefing by saying “due to internal political constraints an unamed European country asked explicitly for effective non-EU support. We, together with our Swiss counterparts, were very happy to set up and execute <Operation Lemon Drizzle Cake>” It is thought that the arrested individuals, after being released from 30 days supervised solitary quarantine, will be facing fines of up to £200,000 per person.

 

Well it’s alternative news....

Edited January 3, 2021 by iL Dottore

[TheQ]

Afternoon Awl,

 

Keel still sticky in places until it dried with more heat.

 

Yesterday I made two shelf sides,  today I made another one...

Why?

 

Because yesterday  I made two right hand sides..oops....   today I made a left.

 

Sanded the keel lightly, wiped it off with acetone, then put another coat of top coat. That will do on that side till the anti fouling is applied.

It's now got two heaters setting the resin, should be dry soon.

 

While working on the above they were doing Treasure hunt,  (virtually) Julie Ranger mentioned she'd been to Holt..  and said...,there's a coffee shop that makes good cakes.

 

Ben the not tired yet collie took me for his long walk, it's even muddier, more road three vehicles have been churning it up. Coming back a couple of surfer Transits went past..

 

 

[Tony_S]

We had a nice walk before lunch. It started raining a few moments before we left home but we weren’t that bothered. Earlier I had installed the map software update in my car without any problem. I thought my new glue gun had arrived but it was something Aditi had ordered, small freezer boxes. My parcel is due before 6pm but is out for delivery. 
Tony

[Two_sugars]

4 hours ago, Chris116 said:

If I join this "peacekeeping" force, how many pieces do I get to keep? 

Mercenary ! ! ! ! seems the UN force could be on stand down due to  recent developments . . . .

[leopardml2341]

5 hours ago, Gwiwer said:

Good Morning all from the damp
Upon the Hill of Strawberries
Despite a poor sleep up the ramp
To better health I slowly wheeze

If necessary I can post a copy of my Poetic Licence

Has it expired? 

 

Seem to have missed a day, but nowt much worth reporting passed my way. Read and rated the missed day postings from others, about to tuck into a cuppa and a slice of 'bargain price' stollen.

[polybear]

5 hours ago, Happy Hippo said:

PB,

 

He doesn't know, does he?

 

Snigger

 

 

 

He hasn't a clue.......

Snigger....

 

4 hours ago, iL Dottore said:

Yes he does (counter snigger)

I’ve let the lads know there’ll be game on next week’s menu - they’re quite looking forward to grilled Hippo chops and Bear ragout.

 

Ahhh.....misplaced confidence.  Rarely ends well.

 

3 hours ago, Winslow Boy said:

The misinformation campaign is working nicely Big H. Not wishing to throw a spanner in the works but I finished my cupcake, without cherry- not that I'm bitter and twisted by its omission, sometime ago so when can I expect my seconds please. Don't forget I have vital info about the mission and if not kept suitably replenished I might let slip some clue as to where the SRC is located.

 

"Please Sir, I want some more..."  Didn't end well for young Twist, IIRC.

Remind me, Big H - what fate befell that last Turncoat?  I seem to recall the remains were never found.

 

3 hours ago, Rugd1022 said:

It's quite spooky down that way in the darkness and fog, made even more spooky when I passed under Bridego Bridge in the staff car en route back home, there was a Network Rail van parked there with the back doors open, a couple of the orange army chaps were loading nefarious items looking slightly shifty for reasons I know not!

 

Sounds like nefarious activities are afoot.  Just so long as they don't get any ideas about straying onto our patch.

 

56 minutes ago, iL Dottore said:

BREAKING NEWS

Ministry sources have announced the successful conclusion of a joint Anglo Swiss operation to shut down a huge - and very illegal - 4500 person “We don’t give a toss about CoVID restrictions” New Year’s rave in an undisclosed European country. Commandos from the Swiss AlpinerHubschrauberAngriffsgruppe (a.k.a. “Captain Cynical’s Minions”) cut all communications to and from the target area, using a special EMP device that rendered all equipment at the Rave permanently inoperable. Simultaneously, units from the 99th Armoured Infantry Brigade (a.k.a. “The Big Bad Bears“) swooped in to arrest the lawbreakers, whilst the 29th Special Armoured Force (a.k.a. “The Heavy Hippos“) used a number the newly developed specialised Civilian Vehicle Removal Units (known affectionally by the troops as Car Crushers) to prevent any individuals managing to get through the infantry cordon from being able to escape by vehicle. The armoured infantry commander, identified only as “Poly“ said “The operation went incredibly smoothly and we were able to detain some very high profile and privileged British individuals who really should have known better. The details of such individuals will be made public at a later date“. The commander of the “Heavy Hippos“ who identified himself as simply “Happy“ stated that “this was the first time we used the Civilian Vehicle Removal Units in action and we were very pleased with their performance: what was - before we moved in – a carpark full of very expensive vehicles, is now nothing more than a scattering of very expensive scrap metal”.

The ministry spokesman concluded the briefing by saying “due to internal political constraints an unamed European country asked explicitly for effective non-EU support. We, together with our Swiss counterparts, were very happy to set up and execute <Operation Lemon Drizzle Cake>” It is thought that the arrested individuals, after being released from 30 days supervised solitary quarantine, will be facing fines of up to £200,000 per person.

 

Well it’s alternative news....

 

The 29th & 99th look forward with some glee to receiving their payment for services rendered; our resident Jet Jockey has, through the "old pals act" purloined a fleet of C5 Galaxy Heavy Transport Aircraft and all are en-route to Capt. Cynical's Alpine Redoubt for loading of scrummy cake.  Strict quality control measures will be enforced prior to loading, so don't go getting any ideas about fobbing us off with second best....

 

[Chris116]

38 minutes ago, Two_sugars said:

Mercenary ! ! ! ! seems the UN force could be on stand down due to  recent developments . . . .

I have to eat! The more cake I can get the better. If the UN are not doing anything then I am open to helping Bears and Hippos if any help is needed!

 

Edited January 3, 2021 by Chris116

[Gwiwer]

Friends, Bears, Hippos.  

 

Let it be known that Upon the Hill of Strawberries this day the stale half of the Christmas cake (which went stale because of my illness and inability to eat for over a week) was soaked in egg and milk, sprinkled with brown sugar and baked gently for 45 minutes.

 

What emerged was a superb creation neither bread & butter nor Christmas pudding but between the two and closer to the latter.  It went extremely well with the last of the Brandy Butter and double cream and was washed down with a large glass of sherry muggercoffee.  

 

Cockerels of the Heart suitable warmed.  

[iL Dottore]

36 minutes ago, polybear said:

The 29th & 99th look forward with some glee to receiving their payment for services rendered; our resident Jet Jockey has, through the "old pals act" purloined a fleet of C5 Galaxy Heavy Transport Aircraft and all are en-route to Capt. Cynical's Alpine Redoubt for loading of scrummy cake.  Strict quality control measures will be enforced prior to loading, so don't go getting any ideas about fobbing us off with second best....

 

You needn’t have sent your chums, as I write an Antonov An-225 Mriya is landing at Brize Norton with a “token of recognition for services rendered“   (This will be enough cake to keep both the Bear and the Hippo satisfied for about three months. Theoretically, the 29th and the 99th should be re-compensated by the UK government, but as ever with Whitehall it is always “a day late and a dollar short“). Your Galaxy fleet will not go home empty, however, I have considerable stocks of blackberry, strawberry and raspberry infused gins  waiting on the tarmac for them at Zürich Kloten. (I understand the lads in the 29th and in the 99th like something in their tonic when on tropical duties)

Edited January 3, 2021 by iL Dottore

[polybear]

7 minutes ago, iL Dottore said:

You needn’t have sent your chums, as I write an Antonov An-225 Mriya is landing at Brize Norton with a “token of recognition for services rendered“   (This will be enough cake to keep both the Bear and the Hippo satisfied for about three months. Theoretically, the 29th and the 99th should be re-compensated by the UK government, but as ever with Whitehall it is always “a day late and a dollar short“). Your Galaxy fleet will not go home empty, however, I have considerable stocks of blackberry, strawberry and raspberry infused gins  waiting on the tarmac for them at Zürich Kloten. (I understand the lads in the 29th and in the 99th like something in their tonic when on tropical duties)

 

Bear feels sure he also speaks for Big H when he says this could be the start of a beautiful friendship....

Big H: Swap ya my Gin for your cake?

[PhilJ W]

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. I see things have been happening on the cake front whilst I have been making an eyelid inspection. What happened to the booby trapped lemon drizzle cake? The one that gives explosive results about fifteen minutes after consumption. Or was someone informed and had a change of underwear handy? Or was the idea dropped because the secret was out.

 

[J. S. Bach]

6 hours ago, Gwiwer said:

Good Morning all from the damp
Upon the Hill of Strawberries
Despite a poor sleep up the ramp
To better health I slowly wheeze

If necessary I can post a copy of my Poetic Licence

Don't bother, it probably expired years ago!

[Sir TophamHatt]

Having many a shift on what could be described as the "skiving desk" isn't good!

Spent ~£230 odd on a sound loco today.  But it's out of stock, AND I had £60 on my PayPal account AND the non sound was only £40 cheaper, plus I'm selling another sound loco I bought on a whim because I was sad my 66 wasn't great.  So I see it as a large exchanging of goods

 

Problem is, I have another 8 days of this same desk - eek!

Not to worry.

[leopardml2341]

Evenin' all!

 

Today has been very much a tired sort of day having been awake since about 03:00 with only a few minutes sleep between then and 08:00.

 

Nonetheless, I've managed to do household chores, laid some floor tiles and buy some essentials - the bargain price stollen to which I referred earlier was a happy bonus now to keep it safe from indiscriminate marauding cake thieves

 

First day back at work, since Christmas Eve, tomorrow; I'm quite lucky in so far as I enjoy my job (mostly) but my thoughts are with those who don't/can't.

 

Stay safe and well folks 'til tomorrow; bye for now.

Edited January 3, 2021 by leopardml2341
Punctuation !

[brianusa]

22 hours ago, Tony_S said:

 

 

23 hours ago, simontaylor484 said:

I haven't watched it yet i may download it i dont wztch the bbc out of principle for their bias and the fact they want to rob over 75s of their pension just to peddle poop whilst cutting regional programming on both tv and radio

 

Nothings cheap any more and while even the BBC has been slipping recently in quality, its still a lot better than some other broadcasters although their ongoing attempt at racial content sometimes borders on the extreme.  Who would ever consider such a thing in Regency times as seen in a couple of recent series?  Its doubtful there were that many minorities in Britain at the time.  Such themes are best left to modern TV series where it is more relevant.

     Brian.

[laurenceb]

Night awl