Early Risers.

[New Haven Neil]

Morning, the rock is a cool 16c with overcast, NHN is just a bit overcast.  Washing day, pah.

 

I got a text yesterday with a hospital appointment for Wednesday, 'letter to follow', presumably a cancellation slot.  I hope the letter does come before, as I have two issues to be dealt with by that department requiring different approaches - the text didn't say which it is. Pah again.

 

OK, off to get Billy Bosch the washer on the go, if he's not in a huff after the kickball.

[Ozexpatriate]

10 minutes ago, polybear said:

How about Pullman?

Those colours make me thing of something else - like a great, wonderful, result.

[iL Dottore]

8 minutes ago, Ozexpatriate said:

Those colours make me thing of something else - like a great, wonderful, result.

Are you being scatological???

[Ozexpatriate]

8 minutes ago, iL Dottore said:

Are you being scatological???

Well, brown is involved, but in this case no. 😉

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Could barely move this morning due to Arthur Itis but once I did move he faded away and I haven't even had to resort to pain killers. Now a soak in the bath will help, be back later.

[BSW01]

Good morning everyone 

 

A bright and beautiful sunny start to the day here in England’s northwest corner. I would normally be doing the Sainsbury’s Grand Prix this morning, the council are cleaning the gutters along the road plus other maintenance work, so it will be either difficult to get the car off the drive, or back on, so it’s been deferred until this evening instead. So, I’m going to make the most of the sunshine and spend the day in the garden, I might even get an hour in the workshop this afternoon if I get the gardening finished. 

 

Back later. 

 

Brian

[The White Rabbit]

17 hours ago, Gwiwer said:

... The climb out on the eastern side towards Branscombe and Beer is also something of a bar steward. Steeply up through the woods, steeply down and then up again across the valley at Salcombe Regis and which sometimes felt like a completely unnecessary use of energy!  
 

“Sidmouth Triangle” has been the bus terminus since such things first arrived in East Devon. The town itself has some narrow streets and antique shops with varying levels of interest.  And the cliffs keep falling down. 
 

For those here with geological interest the beaches here are littered with fragments of the Budleigh Salterton Pebble Bed. The red sandstone matrix binds a selection of older shingle from millions of years ago.  I was offered some pieces of this by a chap we knew in Beer - fondly referred to as Mad Michael - who was compiling a book which would include photos of this “very interesting rock”. He wanted to know more and knew that two of us in the village, myself and my friend Varry, had studied geology. 
 

We were happy to help. I identified the rock and wrote a brief explanation. When published Michael Walton had given Varry the credit. Ah well. 

 

Perhaps some nostalgia for Rick, a graphic illustration for anyone who doesn't know the area...

 

Looking eastwards from near Beer Head, Sidmouth is hazily visible centre top, in line with the two 'pinnacles' centre left of the frame. And yes, after the climb out of Sidmouth, to walk for maybe 200 yards and then down to sea level and back up again always seemed ... extremely inefficient...  and something the Grizzly organisers would schedule. As the old saying goes, 'you could fall out of an aeroplane and it wouldn't be as steep as that'. Below is a picture from when the Napoli was being salvaged, taken from the top of Salcombe Hill, also showing a recent landslip. And the foot of the valley, way, way down there, back on planet earth... 

 

 

Wiki also has a good picture showing the impressive cliffs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidmouth#/media/File:SidmouthBeach.JPG 

 

It used to be possible to walk along some of the shoreline, though there were two particular hazards (as well as the usual risks of tide and cliff falls). The tramp through billions of pebbles is hard on the ankles and there is a nudist beach at Weston. 

 

The red sandstone visible is very soft rock - you could literally crumble it in your hand, like cake. So as well as wave action, it would get eroded by rainwater and tree roots. 

 

Rick, was 'your' Michael the 'Bard' of Beer? I haven't heard of him this year yet but he was still around last year, he had had some health problems but seemed to be winning. 

 

Anyway, thoughts of the Grizzly have made me feel faint, I need a lie down... 

 

[New Haven Neil]

Sun's out!  AFTER hanging the washing out - wonders will never cease.

 

Oh no, shopping now.....pah once more.

[simontaylor484]

Ah the pictures of old red sandstone takes me back to A level Geology aeolian (wind blown) desert sand deposits. And a couple of train trips into the deep South West  (Camborne ) and a nice holiday in the Dawlish area plus trip to Pecorama.

We have a sunny start here today hopefully it will remain so that the long grass in the back garden Will dry out enough to cut otherwise Pebbles the dachshund is going to get lost in it.

Just sat waiting for pension provider to ring me back then it's following orders ftom the Boss as to where I am taking her shopping.

 

Happy Yorkshire Day By Gum

[Tony_S]

2 minutes ago, simontaylor484 said:

Ah the pictures of old red sandstone takes me back to A level Geology aeolian (wind blown) desert sand deposits.

You would love what was deposited on my car this weekend. The house windows are quite mucky too.

[grandadbob]

Good morning all,

Dry but cloudy and very warm.  Sunny spells and showers are promised.

I'm suffering from a serious case of "slow" this morning.  Slow to get up, shave,  shower...you get the picture.

A great time time was had at our BBQ yesterday and only three very light showers of rain.  Not much food left over but there's a couple of cold sausages for a lunchtime sandwich.

Just waiting for the dishwasher to finish so I can load up the BBQ grills and do an intensive wash on them and then clean the rest of the  BBQ and that will be my jobs for the day done.  Might watch some of the Commonwealth games later.  I did the lady kickballers a big favour and didn't watch the match because whenever I watch England play in a soccer final I seem to jinx it and they lose  (apart from '66) so I believe all England football fans now owe me a big vote of thanks and a pint!

Have a good one,

Bob.

 

Edited August 1, 2022 by grandadbob

[Gwiwer]

1 hour ago, The White Rabbit said:

Rick, was 'your' Michael the 'Bard' of Beer? I haven't heard of him this year yet but he was still around last year, he had had some health problems but seemed to be winning. 

The very same. He would be in his 90s now, 95 I think,  but I can’t find any record of him passing so maybe he’s still sipping soup in The Anchor at his own table. 

[Gwiwer]

1 hour ago, The White Rabbit said:

It used to be possible to walk along some of the shoreline,

I am one of only two people I know of to have walked from Branscombe Mouth benesth Beer Head into the village there at shoreline level.
 

It can only be done for about an hour as the lowest tides reach dead water and start to turn.  The shingle gives way to chalk boulders then large and seaweedy outcrops with water between; it is necessary to step carefully between these. Rounding Beer Head it becomes necessary to crawl through what is known as Beer Big Cave - a natural double-ended sea-cave normally filled with water. Shingle can bank up and close either or both ends in which case it would be necessary to wade through the sea. 
 

Emerging from the cave (occasional haunt of our Bard) onto Beer Ledge the beach is in sight but careful negotiation of slimy chalk is required to avoid a dunking. 

 

 

[Coombe Barton]

I use the cliffs at Seaton for teaching about coastal erosion

[Gwiwer]

37 minutes ago, Coombe Barton said:

I use the cliffs at Seaton for teaching about coastal erosion

There’s been plenty of that there. I saw the aftermath of the massive slip at Seaton Hole which covered the walkway, stairs and almost took out the café. Another took the Old Beer Road into the sea. 
. 

Edited August 1, 2022 by Gwiwer

[PhilJ W]

4 minutes ago, Gwiwer said:

There’s been plenty of that there. I saw the aftermath of the massive slip at Seaton Hole which covered the walkway, stairs and almost took out the café. Another took the 

Another took the ??? or has the naughty word censor struck again?

[Barry O]

Bbq. Cleaned.

Lunch made and eaten..

 

Time for some train time!

 

Baz

[PhilJ W]

1 hour ago, Barry O said:

Bbq. Cleaned.

Lunch made and eaten..

 

Time for some train time!

 

Baz

They're not on strike today then.😄

[The White Rabbit]

2 hours ago, Gwiwer said:

I am one of only two people I know of to have walked from Branscombe Mouth beneath Beer Head into the village there at shoreline level.
 

It can only be done for about an hour as the lowest tides reach dead water and start to turn.  The shingle gives way to chalk boulders then large and seaweedy outcrops with water between; it is necessary to step carefully between these. Rounding Beer Head it becomes necessary to crawl through what is known as Beer Big Cave - a natural double-ended sea-cave normally filled with water. Shingle can bank up and close either or both ends in which case it would be necessary to wade through the sea. 
 

Emerging from the cave (occasional haunt of our Bard) onto Beer Ledge the beach is in sight but careful negotiation of slimy chalk is required to avoid a dunking. 

 

I didn't think it was possible. Then I ran into my old A-Level politics teacher in Beer who had come round from Branscombe (where his parents lived) with a friend. He said you had to time it right (springs tides) and there was some scrambling and wading involved. I took a look from under Beer Head once - and chickened out. I got about 50 yards past the corner and then it started to look a tad tricky. Not knowing the tide times or having let anyone know where we were walking, I didn't think it wise to go further. 

 

2 hours ago, Coombe Barton said:

I use the cliffs at Seaton for teaching about coastal erosion

 

1 hour ago, Gwiwer said:

There’s been plenty of that there. I saw the aftermath of the massive slip at Seaton Hole which covered the walkway, stairs and almost took out the café. Another took the Old Beer Road into the sea. 

 

Thinking about the erosion there makes me feel old sometimes. Even before the last slip, I saw the cliff erode 50-100 yards in less than a generation. One day, I saw a small cliff fall near a couple sunbathing on the beach - thought it had hit them but to quote a certain secret agent, "Missed [them] by that much". Then the Old Beer Road went in a big collapse. The new route through the woods courtesy of the Clinton Estate is better than nothing but it's definitely a long way round if the tide's in. 

 

[PeterBB]

3 hours ago, grandadbob said:

  I did the lady kickballers a big favour and didn't watch the match because whenever I watch England play in a soccer final I seem to jinx it and they lose  (apart from '66)

Bob.

 

Ditto and to be honest, in spite of the result and the overwhelming 'happiness' some of the antics went a bit far ... remember they are the 'trailblazers' for the up-and-coming (hopefully) many many more women association football players.  Yes, I came in after being informed that England had won.  I also have never seen a defeated team so 'down' as the German ladies were at the end ... just shows their extreme passion and disappointment for not winning the game.

 

A friend of mine went on a German website and found a report that suggestsed  'we was robbed again like 1966'. - no further comment necessary.  

 

As an aside I saw the 1966 final on a colour television and, like GDB above, also did not watch the 1988 Cup Final so as not to jinx Wimbledon ... it worked!

Edited August 1, 2022 by PeterBB
friend not fiend! correction

[simontaylor484]

Well another day gone and nothing done. My 11am phone appointment didn't happen till nearly 1130 so it was gone 12 when we were finally able to go shopping. Her ladyship has managed to get a face to face Drs appointment they seem to think that a Vitamin B12 deficiency is partially to blame for some of her restlessness. So by the time shopping had been shopped and put away it wastime to go back to the Drs.

I had a chance to look in a charity shop and bought a couple of books (fiction). They did have a small filing cabinet for £10 but it was too deep compared to others I have seen besides which I couldn't pick it up so it would be a job for Kong aka Kieran my eldest who could carry it up stairs.

He carried 2 packs of laminate upstairs for me yesterday on his shoulder something I could do in the past but sadly no longer

 

[BoD]

4 hours ago, Gwiwer said:

 

It can only be done for about an hour as the lowest tides reach dead water and start to turn.  

 

 

In Scotland they have provided very sophisticated and accurate measuring equipment to help you in these matters ...

 

[Gwiwer]

The Little Red Driving Box has been taken in for its new tyres and brakes.  £760.  I had £600 budgeted and should get a 7% cash-back via the bank.  But I may still need a lie down with some chilled loopy-juice 🙄

 

In fairness they did ask how long I planned to keep the car because that price is close to its market value.  It's in great shape (not a single scratch, dent or rust-spot on it for example) and we don't use it very much but it's an extremely useful addition to the family when we do want to get out.  

[DaveF]

Today was meant to be a nice quiet restful day.  You'll have to wait until tomorrow to read how it went as it isn't over yet.

 

Sunday however was quite relaxing.  It contained the usual morning visit to church where yet another member of the congregation asked if I was new to the area as they hadn't seen me before.  Back at home it was time for coffee and the usual phone calls and e mails with friends to catch up on the latest news followed by a rather large meal - just roast beef, beans, roast potatoes then plums and custard.

 

Once I'd washed up I decided I needed a brisk walk.  After that I picked the tomatoes and decided I had too many so went across to Peter and Carol's and gave them some.  They offered me a cup of tea and I heard all about their holiday with their children and grandchildren on the Isle of Wight.  As I got home Margaret next door was just ariving home so I was able to give her a parcel I'd taken in.  

 

It was now time for my cup of tea and cake, while eating and drinking I rang my aunt who seems to be a lot better than she was last week.  Later I suddenly realised how I could move a couple of things in the railway room/office which had come from the flat.  The floor is now back to normal, there are only my own rthings to trip over.

 

By now it was time to watch the football which I enjoyed.  Later I watched more TV and read. A peaceful day but not at all boring.

 

David

 

 

[Ian Abel]

Moaning...

 

Murder Mysteries:

We're devoted fans of "Midsomer Murders".

Fans of "Brokenwood Mysteries"

"Murder in Provence" was "OK" but seemed a little slow overall. My pet PERSONAL peeve was him driving around in the stupidly old Citroen, should be at the breakers yard!

We love/loved "Inspector Morse", sad to see it end.

However, picked up with the offshoot "Inspector Lewis" which seems to have morphed into just "Lewis" for the title a few seasons in, really enjoying it.

Both "Morse" and "Lewis", in general, seem to have sustained the larger body-counts the "Midsomer" treated us to. 🤪🤯😃

 

The weekend saw mixed results.

 

Friday, our friends came over for a relaxing drinks/dinner, we decided on a take-out Chinese since it was/is too blqqdy hot to BBQ, and also that means having to actually DO something!

 

Saturday started with my ongoing sinus issues coming to the forefront. It was "strongly suggested" by the Mrs and Jemma via text that I get myself - I think they said "whiny self", as I'd been talking about seeing the Dr about it for a week or more - to Urgent Care.

Suitable chastised, I headed there, NO QUEUE, was seen and given an antibiotic for a 7 day run.

The Mrs also seems to be suffering, she knows not why, from some tummy troubles and that's making her tired and lethargic. Net result, a Quiet Saturday.

 

Sunday - 40th wedding anniversary, but neither of us feeling in the best shape to go rushing off and celebrating any other way than a quiet day resting, reading and napping!

I guess that's the difference between being 33 when we got married and 73 now 🤪🤣

Seems to have helped some to take a rest day, though my sinuses are still annoying me, I guess only 1 1/2 days into a 7-day regime isn't likely to have that much impact.

 

Today, back working, not much else scheduled.

 

17 first thing, sunny, no chance of rain, and 29 the forecast high.

 

Carry on.

Edited August 1, 2022 by Ian Abel