Early Risers.

[The White Rabbit]

13 hours ago, Tony_S said:

Aditi wants to visit the nearby (relatively) big town tomorrow.  I would have gone but really wasn’t too enthusiastic about driving and parking. However her plan is to go by boat which sounds rather pleasant.  

 

I've sometimes used rivers as alternative transport to roads. Usually rowing or sailing small craft rather than powerboating or using ferries though. I recall the surprise of someone visiting me during the later stages of my academic studies when we went down to the river rather than walking along the road. By water was less distance, though as I row slower (especially 'uphill') than we walk, it was about the same in time. And it was an excuse a cunning plan to have a pint in a very pleasant waterside pub. 

 

Too hot for that today though. Unless you have one of those awnings sometimes seen in pictures of Edwardian small boats. And which might be a little tricky to put up - or was that just Jerome K Jerome? 

 

I had Lego when I was younger and inherited someone else's Meccano, Bayko and Minibrix. I still have some of the latter two, have been trying to sell it without much success. Great shame, as it's good stuff (IMHO). Shire produced one of their titles on such toys: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/building-toys-9780747808152/ 

 

I like Fisherman's Friends. They helped reduce the number of colds I had in the days when I was commuting in on the [very crowded] train. Though I haven't tried the mint version. I was tempted by the box on flanged wheels too, as when I was running the accessories and scenery business, that was on the shortlist of our planned limited edition wagon range - but didn't get round to progressing it beyond an idea... 

 

Currently loitering for a few groceries to arrive, listening to birdsong and the hooting of the greater crested bogcarts running back and forth. 

 

[BoD]

Oh, rude words.

 

After ‘pottering’ about in the loft (you may like to guess with what) I missed my footing on the last couple of stairs  coming down and took a tumble. I gave the wooden balustrade at the top of the main stairwell a good crack with my side and back.  Sleeping on one side or the other proved too painful so I spent a very restless night in a reclining chair. My wrist is bruised and sore where I tried to break the fall too.

 

Today I’m pain free - provided I don’t move at all.  Ouch.

[southern42]

10 hours ago, iL Dottore said:

Saphir Odoriko Ltd Edition Express

 

 

No need to give models of these to Baz ( @Barry O )  - no weathering to do. 

 

sun Hat...

summer Coat...

 

Edited June 16, 2023 by southern42

[southern42]

 

Deleted

 

Edited June 16, 2023 by southern42
Duplicate of the above - internet glitch

[Gwiwer]

3 hours ago, monkeysarefun said:

Hey it's Ashes time!

That’s why they call a five-day game a “test”.  🥱

 

No disrespect intended, of course, to our umpiring, playing or otherwise cricket-enjoying folks. 
 

Dr. SWMBO got me all wet this morning. An hour in the Jubilee Pool, Penzance, wherein I have never previously swum despite having a lifelong connection to the town. It wasn’t too bad but I did feel a little out of my comfort zone sharing pool space with a young mum with two tiny children apparently being coaxed into the water for the first time, and an Aquafit class in the adjacent geothermal pool.  The latter was attended by two dozen ladies all apparently much older than myself and all gazing at the young bronzed lad of a “teacher” who was the only one not in the water!  
 

In other news the conveyancer has been appointed and the first payment made. The property inspection has been booked. We have committed non-recoverable funds. 
 

And I enjoyed a late-evening sunset walk over to Portheras Cove last night. Sunset being at around 21.30 and light hanging in the sky until 22.45. 
 

 

[45156]

15 hours ago, polybear said:

 

Rusted thru' in just over a year?  Jeez.  What make was it - I'll make sure I never buy one.

 

 

It's a Cookworks - and was the only immediate replacement in Ludlow at a good price, our Argos is tiny and that was the only one in stock - and tbh we only use it for warming stuff - but we are going to be a lot more careful about not leaving ANY residual water in this new  one - I suspect that we were not as assiduous over the wiping as we should be.  There is an indendent in town, which can be cheaper for large purchases, but they did not have any cheapish ones in stock - and we didn't want a complicated and unfamiliar machine at twice the price.

[The Lurker]

4 hours ago, Hroth said:

 

I had an email about the flange'd vehicle, an expensive way to acquire a packet of Fisherman's Friend!

 

While they certainly clear the sinuses, throat,etc and provide a certain numbness, the Original formulation verges on the inedible, except in dire circumstances. I've not tried the Mint, perhaps they'll be a little less aggressive...

 

 

I actually like the original ones. But I prefer the aniseed flavour ones...Victory Vs on the other hand are a little too heady!

[The Lurker]

Greetings from a sunny and warm Sidcup where I am working from home. A call was made to one of the emporia concerning an out-of-date credit card on a pre-order. Said items should be winging their way to me soon. And other than that, just keeping the work ticking over until it is wine o'clock. With the good weather forecast, it is looking like a triple rose weekend!

 

I had lego as a kid and plastic meccano but never the metal stuff. I think that because lego these days comes largely as kits, it seems to limit the imagination but maybe that is because neither Lurker boy has been into it.

 

[southern42]

3 minutes ago, The Lurker said:

I actually like the original ones. But I prefer the aniseed flavour ones...Victory Vs on the other hand are a little too heady!

 

I too quite like the original ones, but more so if stuffed up.

Aniseed balls were my childhood delicacy.

But does anyone remember the tin of Zubes?

Our Chemistry teacher used to keep a tin in his pocket and every time someone coughed or sneezed in I-am-not-well style, he would bring it out, take off the lid, and offered it up to the sufferer but never my way, though!

 

[Coombe Barton]

There's lots of non-kit Lego scattered round our offices - some of us use it in teaching.

[The Lurker]

2 hours ago, southern42 said:

 

I too quite like the original ones, but more so if stuffed up.

Aniseed balls were my childhood delicacy.

But does anyone remember the tin of Zubes?

Our Chemistry teacher used to keep a tin in his pocket and every time someone coughed or sneezed in I-am-not-well style, he would bring it out, take off the lid, and offered it up to the sufferer but never my way, though!

 

I remember seeing zubes in the shops but don;t recall ever having had any!

 

[DaveF]

I decided to go out again today so after a few chores and making sure the tomato plants in the greenhouse would have enough water I made my usual picnic (sandwiches, fruit pie, biscuits, coffee and Coke) and set off.  The first mile was easy.  Then I found that the only route out of town to where I wanted to go had traffic lights where they are moving the road to build a bridge to replace the level crossing.  Eventually I reached the A1 Western by pass, fortunately I remembered that it has a 60 mph limit, reducing to 50 mph past the Metro Centre, it didn't use to have when I used it more regularly. 

 

I decided to follow the Sat Nav's route which took me past the Metro Centre and then along a 30mph limit road to my destination.  Parking was easy on the gravel and dust surface at the Tanfield Railway, who are having an event over three days this weekend.  I spent over four very enjoyable hours there wandering about and taking photos before setting off for home.

 

I decided to come my normal way back which has a long 20mph stretch through Whickham to the Western Bypass but I find it a more pleasant journey.  Once I was past Newcastle I came a different way home to avoid the temporary traffic lights, I noticed a few road layouts have been changed since I last passed that way.  Then just before Seaton Delaval there was a hold up, with two policemen directing the traffic round two mangled cars and a sad looking lamp post.

 

I now have over 100 photos to sort out, some will go in my photo thread in due course.

 

I will not be going out tomorrow as there is a free music festival at the beach, they are expecting thousands of visitors so the traffic will be very bad.  They are opening up fields for car parking but the road to the south will only be a single lane in each direction.  Apparently the headline acts are Liberty X and 911, both from the 2000s.  I've never heard of them, I expect I will be able to hear it from my house.

 

David

[Ian Abel]

POETS

 

Yesterday remaining inside, smoke easing but still enough of an issue to warrant venturing outside, thanks you very much.

Ordered a room air purifier that should arrive today.

 

Today, we're off to a charity event this evening, and have to pick up a couple of dessert pies from our favourite bakery for that event.

 

Weekend, Saturday should be quiet, a few to-do items and hopefully the air continues to improve.

Sunday/Fathers Day - the family are taking me to the baseball game, supposed to be good air quality and sunny with possible showers!!

 

9c sunny and clearer first thing, 24c the expected high.

 

Enjoy the start of the weekend.

[Barry O]

3 hours ago, 45156 said:

It's a Cookworks - and was the only immediate replacement in Ludlow at a good price, our Argos is tiny and that was the only one in stock - and tbh we only use it for warming stuff - but we are going to be a lot more careful about not leaving ANY residual water in this new  one - I suspect that we were not as assiduous over the wiping as we should be.  There is an indendent in town, which can be cheaper for large purchases, but they did not have any cheapish ones in stock - and we didn't want a complicated and unfamiliar machine at twice the price.

Leave the door open after use to let the water get  away.

Bas

[Barry O]

For @monkeysarefun.,

 

Roooooooooooooooooooootttttttty!

 

Just saying.. 

 

Baz

[southern42]

Rain arrived later than expected - after Ray brought in the groceries. << YEAY!>>

All items present and correct this week, although Ray had to go into store to get grapes - "unavailable" it said online and not for the first time!

 

Outside, the Rose of Sharon has had a mass opening of its buds so should look impressive shortly. The elderflowers and rock rose are already in full bloom so I must remember to take some photos, tomorrow, before they are past their best. 

 

Time to get dinner. It is usually roast on Friday but I shall leave it until tomorrow as it is supposed to be cooler. Hot oven in the heat is not my cup of tea.

 

[tigerburnie]

I've always liked a throat sweet, Zubes, Tunes, Victory V Lozenge of chewy and all the flavours of Fisherman's Friends, usually sugar free ones these days Blackcurrant are the ones currently open.

Cannot do with Cough Candy though, SWMBO has that.

[Ozexpatriate]

7 hours ago, iL Dottore said:

Ice Lollies on tap!

Metaphorically speaking?

 

If literal, that would present an interesting engineering challenge. Perhaps served crushed like an ice dispenser?

[Hroth]

47 minutes ago, Barry O said:

For @monkeysarefun.,

 

Roooooooooooooooooooootttttttty!

 

Just saying.. 

 

Baz

 

Its nice while it lasts.

 

[Ozexpatriate]

4 hours ago, The Lurker said:

I think that because lego these days comes largely as kits

No, they still set buckets o' bricks. The "classic" theme has several options.

 

The kits are just more popular with consumers.

[Ozexpatriate]

2 hours ago, Coombe Barton said:

There's lots of non-kit Lego scattered round our offices - some of us use it in teaching.

Between themes like SERIOUS PLAY (aimed at adults), Education (school children) and MINDSTORMS (pre-teen robotics) there is a lot of materiel intended for the education sector.

 

There is also plenty of other stuff not on the website to facilitate LEGO robotics tournaments as well.

[Ozexpatriate]

1 hour ago, Ian Abel said:

... supposed to be good air quality and sunny with possible showers!!

The rain will help wash the particulates out of the air.

 

We have perhaps 15mm or so of rain forecast for the three days beginning on Sunday. Not a lot but we need it.

 

Edited June 16, 2023 by Ozexpatriate

[polybear]

Bear here.....

Today?  Hmmm.....

Unintentionally up at alittlebitsillyo'clock (0545) - the plan was for 0630 but No.1 decided otherwise....

As a result of which I decided to do an unplanned early dive into Wickes for some timber moulding, gripfill and wall plugs.  All went to plan until I discovered they were out of brown 7mm H-D Wall Plugs 🤬 - bluddy hell, that's like a cake shop being out of cake.  Turdycurses.

There's a Homebase nearby - only I discovered they didn't open for another 90 minutes.  TC's #2

So on the way home I dived into Travis Perkins (not a place I visit often, despite being very close to Bear Towers - they're far too expensive) - they had brown Rawlplugs but I thought "Jeez, they look short".  And they were (30mm) - the ones I've been using are 40mm; when I'm danglin' something on a wall that needs HD wall plugs then I far prefer most of the plug being in brickwork rather than the plaster.....

Tracking down decent 40mm long plugs on-line hasn't been easy either - the ones I want seem very elusive and some sellers want obscene prices too; I can get them where they work out cheaply, but I'm not sure I really need 1000 wall plugs.....

 

The morning was spent cutting the timber moulding to finish off the front door architrave, then priming it; after that I cut n' filed a rectangular piece of aluminium (with two 15mm U-shaped slots in) to finish off/tidy up the hole where the hall radiator pipes come out the side of the boxing-in.  That's a Tick.

However, during the entire morning a Certain Little Bear felt extremely washed-out - the Tigger Bounce has actually gone negative (Mole Bounce?); I did plan to do some more work on the hall skirting post- din dins but but a zedd intervened instead......

 

I also had cause to test the new phone system at the Docs - they now have one of those "For blood test results press option 1, for test results press option 2, to place a bet on the 4-30 at Newmarket it's 3 and for a GP Appointment it's 4.  Now. why the f. isn't the GP appointment at option 1 - that's what most people want, after all.  That's a rant.  

They do get a tick cos' once you've pressed option 4 they tell you what number you are in the queue, which is a significant improvement.  As to whether or not the system can cope at 8am on a Monday morning has yet to be tested, however.

They also get another tick (a big one) cos' they are now doing blood tests in-house, rather than at a clinic 3 miles away; Bear has an appointment with Nurse Dracula next week as a result.....

 

BG

[The White Rabbit]

4 hours ago, The Lurker said:

... I had Lego as a kid and plastic meccano but never the metal stuff. I think that because Lego these days comes largely as kits, it seems to limit the imagination but maybe that is because neither Lurker boy has been into it.

 

My 'peak Lego' stage was during the late 1980s and early 1990s. I remember having a bucket of bricks (multicoloured) and buying some individual items as spares direct from Lego HQ in Wrexham but most of mine were from kits. I can't speak for others but after purchase, I tended to build the kits as per instructions ... well ... most of the time! And then soon afterwards, take them apart and use the bricks and parts for my own inventions. Even at that age, my interest in maritime modelling showed in my 'Hawkins razee rebuilds*' - Lego's versions of the pirate/soldiers ships were somewhat top heavy, with massive castles. I wanted better sea boats, so rebuilt them as race-built/razeed ships and updated some features by 200 years or so. 

 

I also built a company of armoured vehicles, mixed and for some, with very unconventional colours as I didn't have enough of the specialist pieces but enough for a platoon each of heavy tanks, light tanks, APCs and support vehicles. Pre-Internet and working from a few newspaper pictures (probably from the 1991 Gulf War). All from thinking in 3D and using some imagination. Which is not necessarily to disagree with the quoted comment - I can see how some might find it limiting but I broke out of the potential trap, I'm sure others did too. 

 

*  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Race-built_galleon gives some background. 

[Ozexpatriate]

23 hours ago, Coombe Barton said:

... support sessions .One student turned up. First thing said was “I didn’t come to many sessions …” ...

John's travails with non-attending (as opposed to inattentive) students put me in mind of my cousin's son.

 

In a recent face-to-face meeting with his project supervising professor, the professor said "Holy sh!t, you do exist!". In this case, which I suspect may be different to John's students there are some extenuating circumstances.

 

The pandemic hit many students hard. My cousin's son was doing well until remote learning struck. Likely relatedly, he is now in the fifth year of a four year engineering degree. He has a two-semester, (team) project with a self-selected, presumptive team lead (who has shared that he is on the autistic spectrum). For this degree, the university has a graduation requirement for relevant work experience but no longer assists students with placement (like they did back in my day). 

 

Between work experience days scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a professor who does not make himself available to students on Fridays, and a team lead who has openly argued with the professor and hasn't been very accommodating; it has been difficult to coordinate on the project.

 

Ditching work for a face-to-face with the professor turned out well. My cousin's son got full marks for his progress presentation at the end of the first semester.