Early Risers.

[iL Dottore]

Good morning all!

 

Up early again, primarily because I fell asleep in front of the television yesterday at about 8:30 pm, woke up at 9:15 and crawled into bed where I was out like a light. So after my customary six hours of sleep (I rarely am able to sleep more than that) I am up and about: bright eyed and bushy tailed (more or less).

 

I am utterly appalled at how Jamie‘s granddaughter is being treated. To my mind it is gnat’s whisker away from malpractice. Prescribing antibiotics without examining a patient is, in my opinion, an incredibly foolish and dangerous thing to do. Firstly, it could be something other than a bacterial infection (and without bloodwork and a thorough examination of the chest how would they know?) and secondly, hasn’t that particular practice been made aware of the dangers of prescribing antibiotics willy-nilly? (remember MRSA?). As others have pointed out, perhaps little Emily’s only chance of getting treated properly is through a visit to A&E (and from what I’ve heard through the medical grapevine, doctors in A&E are less than enamoured with their GP colleagues at present). I could say more, but it would get “political” very quickly. I hope that Emily gets the proper medical attention she needs very quickly and recovers promptly.

 

And whilst being “political“ I read with interest The Stationmaster’s account of a visit to ASLEF headquarters. His story reinforced the impression I have had about industrial relations in the UK in that it was six of one and half a dozen of the other. Once you’ve got rid of the firebrands, political agitators, ideologues, time wasters and seat polishers on both sides, you can certainly arrive at a win-win situation. Something German unions and management figured out a long time ago. To my mind it makes no sense to object to introducing “X” which may result in a few job losses, when not introducing “X” means the company could fail or significantly downsize with a lot more job losses. Nor should “X“ be introduced if there is no valid reason for doing so apart from “cutting costs“.

 

“Cutting costs“ together with its bastard cousin “as cheap as possible“ have to be the most pernicious and evil factors affecting all aspects of modern life. Sometimes [frequently?] you do have spend money! Sadly, nowadays, people expect a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget. Whatever happened to “saving up“ for something? That also seems to be a lost art.

 

One of the most enjoyable programmes on television today is the documentary series “Made in Britain“ (far superior, in my mind, to the series “Inside the Factory“ which - despite visiting many interesting factories - is completely ruined by the incredibly annoying presenters: Greg wotsisname and Cheri somebodyorother). Apart from the fascination of learning how many things are made (and one of the strong points of “Made in Britain” is that the people making the things are allowed to speak for themselves), it is also illuminating and instructive to learn how labour and process intensive is the production of high quality items. It is also sobering to note that - for many of the products featured - a lot of the production is destined for the export market, the implication being that the domestic market is mostly unwilling to pay the price necessary for items of such quality.

 

I also read with interest the tales of dealing with HR that have appeared over the last day or so and perhaps, later today, I may I might make some observations about my experiences with personnel and HR departments over two continents (suffice to say I firmly believe that a “personnel department” and a “HR department” are two very different beasties).

 

Now, if you will excuse me I am off to introduce a new cup of coffee to the system (as proposed by management and agreed to by the union) which is being lovingly handcrafted by skilled artisans using high quality ingredients.

 

Enjoy the day!

iD

Edited June 17, 2021 by iL Dottore
Typo

[jamie92208]

Good moaning from a somewhat fresher Charente, rain, thunder and lightning appeared as we went to bed. TV and internet were unplugged but my sleep was not disturbed.  

 

Thanks very much for all the kind thoughts about Emily.  A & E was considered but fortunately she seems to be recovering on her own. However it's not a good situation.  We will no doubt hear more when we talk to her and her mums on Saturday morning.

 

Not a huge amount happening here but I'm off to upload some more photos once breakfast has been taken. This afternoon I have yo go and buy some supplies of pool chemicals. The fact that the store that I am going to is near a railway lice is of course, purely councidental.

 

As to HR in my former job, I'll not comment but suffice to say that No 2 son offered to empty a slurry tanker over one HR officers house for me.  I was very touched by his concern but politely declined the offer.

 

Jamie

[chrisf]

Greetings one and all

 

It seemed unreal – a meeting of Area Group with not a screen in sight and a welcoming cuppa with chocolate digestives.  We were four in all, for thanks to the restrictions caused by that ruddy virus we could not be more numerous.  The meeting was convivial and there were many fine fruits of m*d*ll*ng to admire.  We did not realise until 10 pm that it was raining.  When was the last time I drove home through rain after dark?  Long, long ago.  The second instalment of the meeting will be at the same time next week for those who could not be there last night.  With any luck at all the next Area Group meeting will be in a pub but the first baby step to returning to “normal” may just have been taken.

 

I’m not sure when the personnel team at work became “human relations” or, as some of us called it, “human remains”.  Before the invitation to apply for early exit came round, more than 15 years go now, things were pretty desperate at times.  The head of personnel had been parachuted in from another team and thank heavens he was.  He was a good listener, a quality sadly lacking in the rest of the team but in that work area above all an essential prerequisite.  My late father had a spell of personnel work at Green Shield Stamps.  I imagine he was rather good at it, particularly the ‘sympathetic ear’ part of the job.

 

Nestling in the undergrowth of YouTube is a set of songs for spring performed by Stream of Sound.  Who they?  A youth choir based in Stourbridge who have the uncanny ability to produce immaculate harmonies.  I know them from Sidmouth festival.  This set of songs benefits from up to 16 genuinely smiling faces, including that of their MD Caroline Price.  I have just checked on what other offerings they have on YouTube and was delighted to find “Bread and Roses” on the list – arguably their finest hour.

 

Good luck to Andrew C in the new job, shame on little Emily’s GPs and best wishes to all

 

Chris   

[polybear]

8 hours ago, simontaylor484 said:

I didn't have any problems.with my ill health early retirement H R were very helpful they even chased the Drs for my medical records on my behalf the Drs had invoiced them and not sent them.

 

 

A friend at work (mid/late 50's at a guess) had a significant dose of The Big C - and all the treatment it entails.  He was off work for a long time as a result.  That, plus the fact that he'd been promised voluntary redundancy several years before (which HR then reneged on) he was pretty confident of retirement on ill-health grounds.  That was without the input of the Company Doctor though (who was also a serving GP, apparently).

"I don't know what you're complaining about", he said.  Followed by "You should be grateful you're alive..."

It was all my friend could do not to deck him there and then - only the thought of his pension stopped him.  He did several more years (no choice, financially) then banged out.  I heard a couple of years later that the Big C came back for him.

 

7 hours ago, simontaylor484 said:

Bear has been unfaithful to LDC again

 

Guilty as charged, M'Lud.  In my defence I would like to point out that that the LDC lasts longer this way

 

13 minutes ago, jamie92208 said:

As to HR in my former job, I'll not comment but suffice to say that No 2 son offered to empty a slurry tanker over one HR officers house for me.  I was very touched by his concern but politely declined the offer.

 

 

Spoilsport - could've been a Youtube sensation

 

In other news:

 

Bear's first job of the day will involve getting in the loft and covering everything in sight with cotton dust sheets; I did ponder using those cheapo lightweight plastic sheets, but (a) they're a b1tch to use without tearing (and there's plenty in the loft for them to get snagged on), and (b) I realised that when the old felt is removed then any breeze will simply blow them all over the show, unless they are carefully weighted down.  I have several dust sheets to use, and buddy next door has offered some too; certain south American ladies are on standby just in case - they're cheaper than S/F at the moment, and that includes next day delivery too.

 

After that it'll be a visit to neighbours/friends three door away, to ask if it'll be ok to park the Bearmobile on their (large) drive at various times over the next week, starting tomorrow.  Not keen on the idea of it being in the firing line of scaffold poles/clamps/bits or roofing tiles/battens/dross somehow....

 

And after that it'll be playing Plumber and attending to the cold water supply outlet for the washing machine - hopefully I have all the necessary bits in stock.  I could really do with the new aqua stop pipe being delivered today though, to make sure I don't get it wrong.

 

I also have a visit from Nurse Covid later this morning - if only the vouchers could be used for kitchen worktops.  Or roofs....

[polybear]

24 minutes ago, chrisf said:

My late father had a spell of personnel work at Green Shield Stamps.  I imagine he was rather good at it, particularly the ‘sympathetic ear’ part of the job.

 

Several years ago, and don't ask me why - cos' Ive no idea, Bear suddenly wondered whatever became of Green Shield Stamps.  Google came to the rescue - they still exist, amazingly - and are now known as Argos.  There's some useless drivel to add to the pile

[jamie92208]

A quick PS.   Best Wishes to Andrew C on his new job.

 

Jamie

[Andrew P]

Dull as expected this morning but still humid, but the promised rain only ever turned to a dribbling tap and the Night Light Show never appeared to my knowledge around these parts.

 

A visit to the Vampire Blood letting service is required at lunch time, so I've been very good since Monday and cut down on the cakes, well that is what I keep telling myself, I'm still a ginger bickie picker when I walk past the tin.

 

Have a good day one and all, stay safe and keep well. 

[Tony_S]

Morning all.

It rained overnight. It is still raining. I don’t think I will be doing any gardening today though if the rain eases I will attempt to reattach a climbing rose that has come away from a trellis. It must be due to the weight of the water on the blooms and foliage. 
Other excitements today include a food delivery from Waitrose. We really wanted to go to Hyde Hall tomorrow but it was fully booked hence the visit yesterday. It does look as if Friday wouldn’t have been as pleasant as yesterday. 
Tony

[TheQ]

Mooring Awl, inner temple Hare,

A poor nights sleep due to the heat and Forepaw pain.. When I finally gave up of trying to sleep on Bed at 02:00 it was raining outside. another hour or twos sleep was achieved in various pieces on the sofa..

 

A sub on a skewer did someone say? 

 

As for mechanical engineers doing electronics design (to component level) and software jobs, I assume all of you learnt on the job over many years... The replacement here has 9 months before the boss retires.., I've worked in electronics for 45 years, all of them in some sort of calibration , 15 of them in our calibration , it would take me a lot more than 9 months to learn the bosses job...

 

The HR here has issued illegal changes to contracts, and had to pay people off because of it, The one at GEC also lied and cheated people, so I have no trust in HR at all. This one claims you can go and see them if you have a problem. No one I know will go anywhere near them.

 

I've never had a leaving interview or been asked why I'm leaving at any of the 5 previous jobs I've had.  It was just sign this form , return your pass and go.

 

The Bump starters have reappeared again..

 

My other desk has moved, and I've unpacked the box of bits inc computer onto the desk... No electricity, no internet cabling. I suspect it will stay that way for some time..

 

Outliers in calculations I really don't like outliers in my measurements, it normally means something has gone wrong and I have to do it all again.

Outliers in the handicap spreadsheets I've been working on normally means someone else has got it wrong  or there is some odd peculiarity  of the boat.

 

The worst two offenders were the Optimist, the slowest boat I Know of sailed on the Broads

 

And the Thames A rater the fastest boat I know of raced on the broads

 

 

Right back to measuring current shunts to 1 part in a million

[New Haven Neil]

Morning, from a breezy (but not windy) sunny rock.

 

Thankfully I can reflect on my time in HR in the NHS and here in Social Services positively, and left both with a good reputation.  I admit that when I took early retirement here from the Youth Justice Team, the combined masses of the police and civil service HR (I was jointly employed) were somewhat less efficient, despite one person really going out on a limb to make it all happen.  They only had three months notice after all....#sigh#  

 

Knowing a little of what happened to Jamie behind the scenes, I would have gone for the slurry tanker job!

[AndrewC]

Morning all from the boring borough. Thanks to all for the well wishes on the new employment. 

 

HR: I've worked for a company where HR was just one of the directors. I've worked where it was bigger than needed and kept on creating make work projects for themselves to justify their head count. I've worked where they renamed HR to the People Place. (I sh*t thee not) 

 

@Tony_S, hope you enjoyed the seedier (see what I did there) parts of Hyde Hall. SWMBO wants another visit as we've not been for a few years. She also has designs on a visit to Bridgewater and Harlow Carr. No move needed for the job but I will have to visit the mother ship in Newcastle from time to time. Good excuse to ride on one of those things that can't be mentioned here. 

 

Temp has dropped outside but still stupid hot indoors. 

 

@jamie92208 I really hope things get sorted quickly. 

 

 

Time for more cockwomble meetings. Coffee needed. Enjoy the day. 

[jonny777]

Dull and damp in North Somerset. 8mm of rain overnight - which will do very nicely, thank you weather gods. It would appear that the highest rainfall totals were in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings where 40-50mm fell according to the rainfall radar accumulations. 

 

I watched the RH&DR Dungeness webcam last evening (well, SWMBO was gripped by the 'excitement' of the Sewing Bee final) and was treated to a full blown thunderstorm, with lightning flashes every few seconds at one point. It was virtually dark by 9pm on the camera, even though the sun had not set by that time; and was made even more spooky by a small spider on the lens, which looked huge when it walked across the glass. 

 

Rainfall radar shows another batch of the heavy stuff moving north from France and, for southern England, I suspect summer has been cancelled for the time being. 

 

 

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. A very wet and soggy E-L it is. Not much thunder and lightening last night except an enormous flash of lightening with the accompanying thunder at one o'clock only a short distance away to the north approximately near the town centre. It looks as if the rain is here to stay for at least a week, the only 'dry' day will be Saturday. At least its cooler and the pollen has been suppressed.

5 minutes ago, AndrewC said:

Morning all from the boring borough. Thanks to all for the well wishes on the new employment. 

 

@Tony_S, hope you enjoyed the seedier (see what I did there) parts of Hyde Hall. SWMBO wants another visit as we've not been for a few years. She also has designs on a visit to Bridgewater and Harlow Carr. No move needed for the job but I will have to visit the mother ship in Newcastle from time to time. Good excuse to ride on one of those things that can't be mentioned here. 

 

If your going to Hyde Hall by car avoid the A13 and use the A12 instead. 

The bin wagons dawn chorus is now in full swing so its time to go, be back later.

[Dave Hunt]

Up here in North Hipposhire we have avoided the excesses of weather that those darn sarf seem to be having. Although it has been sunny and pleasantly warm it hasn't been as stiflingly hot as some correspondents are reporting and although it is now cloudy there haven't been any torrential downpours yet - cue horrendous storms as DH tempts fate!

 

Today is bite the bullet time and do a job I hate but which has become imperative - tidy and clean the workshop/railway room/hobby room. It has reached the stage where finding a clear space to work in is becoming difficult, the layout more resembles a junk yard than anything else, the layers of dust and detritus on horizontal surfaces could be used for ballast, and the view from the windows makes it look as if there is a light mist outside all the time. Since Jill has an art workspace in there, though, she will be helping so with luck it may not take more than most of today to sort it out. 

 

So, on with the job once the current muggocoffee has been consumed. Stay safe everyone and thoughts to those with problems.

 

Dave

[BSW01]

Good morning everyone 

 

It’s a dull, but dry start to the day here in England’s northwest. Yesterday’s threatened rain, thunder and lightning never materialised, so I’m glad I watered the plants. 

 

The plans for today are pretty much the same as yesterday, clearing the accumulated rubbish from under the living room floor. However, after I’ve watered the plants, I do have a certain small green item that runs on rails to play with, check test. 

 

Best get cracking, stay safe, stay sane, enjoy whatever you have planned for the rest of the day, back later. 

 

Brian 

[Coombe Barton]

Sewing Bee

Sandy and I used to watch it together - i got involved when she was critiquing the contestants and she was usually right. I watched this set for memories. And in my judgement the right person won because they gave, consistently, the best technical performance. See how much I learned from Sandy?

 

They're a grounded medical student with absolute attention to detail. Just the type of person you want treating you.

[The Lurker]

45 minutes ago, Coombe Barton said:

Sewing Bee

Sandy and I used to watch it together - i got involved when she was critiquing the contestants and she was usually right. I watched this set for memories. And in my judgement the right person won because they gave, consistently, the best technical performance. See how much I learned from Sandy?

 

They're a grounded medical student with absolute attention to detail. Just the type of person you want treating you.

Especially if they become a surgeon and have to sew you back up 

[The Lurker]

Greetings all from a damp and possibly raining Sidcup. It is slowly clearing the air which got quite close. No thunderstorms were noticed but it has rained quite a bit.

 

Just a work day today. Mrs Lurker has reported no side effects from jab #2, which is good as she has gone into work this morning. Spending a whole day with 30 kids in a classroom when you're feeling rough is, I imagine, no fun at all!

 

Good to read about the improvement in Dave's Dad.

[tigerburnie]

Morning, good grief it's 'ot out there, I thought I'd cut the grass before it got too hot, now I'm melting, time for an ice cream me thinks, take care and stay safe out there, the lurgie seems to be rising again.

[Andrew P]

Catch up time before visiting the Vampire Centre.

 

Great news from Dave, @Dave Hunt, I hope your Dad continues to improve and gets the right care and support at home once back there.

[New Haven Neil]

21c and sunny now - lush!

 

Yes, great news that Dave's dad is improving so much.

 

I was thinking about Chris's comment about driving in the dark at 10pm - it isn't dark up here at 10 pm at this time of year!

 

OK, washer is calling for attention (one stroke of the bell?) then I have honey-do jobs, then just maybe re-assembling that bike engine - again.  3rd time lucky.

[PupCam]

4 minutes ago, New Haven Neil said:

then just maybe re-assembling that bike engine - again.  3rd time lucky

Fingers crossed!

[The Stationmaster]

Morning all,

 

The rain fell - very much what the Irish call 'a nice soft day' so just right for the garden and the weeds.   Not sure about G word activity today as there is some wetness about so chopping bits off the oak tree might be a rather soggy job.  

 

Continuing the garden theme the management has continued over the past couple of days her annual process of popping out on one of the gate pillars any surplus plants left over from the ritual of transferring the grwing offspring to grow bags.  So up went a dozen tomato plants and three or four cucumbers - after two whole days 'on display', complete with a 'please take one' notice, there were still 12 tomato plants untouched by yesterday evening but all the cucumbers had gone.  What is it about tomatoes that people don't like I wonder?   Oh and a new pair of geared secateurs were obtained yesterday so hopefully no more blisters from oak tree dismemberment.

 

More rain is forecast - some of it carefully timed to coincide with the GD heading off to her night shifts (which very sensibly are once again grouped into three successive nights from this evening) - at least they get that part of her roster right.  And really great news about Dave's dad - onwards and upwards.  Plus better news about little Emily now we need some good news about Gordon.

 

I liked Flavio's comment about my meeting with the Chap from ASLEF - while Lew was definitely not any sort of wrecker or firebrand idiot he had a well deserved reputation as a tough negotiator and definitely looked after the interests of the union's members being very much instrumental in getting some excellent pay deals after privatisation.   My discussion with him boiled down to both of us getting exactly what we wanted being settled by a carefully arranged form of words to explain our agreed position in a way that suited both of us.   A lot of TU and staff negotiation was really about taht sort of thing - making an agreement which satisfied both parties as teh best they culd do for the people who mattered.

 

Have a good day one and all and stay safe (and dry).  i wonder if my parcel will arrive today - I get the impression that its contents will be similar to the contemts of the parcel recently received by BSW

 

 

[PhilJ W]

Hello again from Estuary-Land. Great to hear Daves dad is improving and I hope things progress at the same rate. Stopped raining here at last but getting very sticky and the pollen is rising fast.

57 minutes ago, New Haven Neil said:

 

 

OK, washer is calling for attention (one stroke of the bell?) then I have honey-do jobs, then just maybe re-assembling that bike engine - again.  3rd time lucky.

 

53 minutes ago, PupCam said:

Fingers crossed!

Better uncross them before starting on the engine.

[Tony_S]

54 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

Better uncross them before starting on the engine

Crossed fingers ok, crossed threads not ok.