Early Risers.

[PhilJ W]

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. Went shopping for a few bits in Tess Coes this morning for bread and milk and a few other bits and pieces. They had already started dismantling the seasonal aisle and putting up the Easter eggs! I wanted some mince tarts  but I had to settle for gluten free as every thing else had sold out. Had dinner early today so only a light snack later then on to my Christmas dinner preparations.

[Coombe Barton]

... I should really not be let out without adult supervision - and a Dear Santa ...

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2022/12/24/sounds-of-the-season-2022-23-28-vaccination-push-but-not-well-publicised/

[DaveF]

At last I'm getting round to writing about yesterday.

 

The first job after breakfast was to go the surgery to see a GP at 08.40 (they open at 07.30).  The first bit was simple - to ask for nasal drops for persistent snusitis rather than relying on a spray, so a prescription was sent off to my local pharmacy.  Then we discussed IBS which I've never formally raised before.  Mum had IBD so I took her to regular meetings with her nurse specialist who always asked me how I was, as she realised that I had IBS.  She always gave me advice on what to do, what to eat and so on.

 

So now Mum has died I need to sort things out a bit with my surgery.  Having gone through my symptoms the GP is a bit concerned that it could be IBD so I have some extra blood tests scheduled just after New Year and will also have to provide stool samples to investigate microbial activity and the possible presence of some chemicals.  Having dealt with Mum's issues for some years I think mine is IBS (or at least I very much hope so).  Meanwhile as it has flared up recently I am being very careful what I eat.  Note: IBS is irritable bowel syndrome, IBD is inflamatory bowel disease and can be serious.

 

Once that was over I had a quick walk around the town, as shown in yesterday's photos.  I parked outside what last week was the bus garage, all that is left now is a brick wall - I'm not sure where the buses go at night now.  Then I drove to the small beach car park and walked to the pier and back.  It was lovely and sunny, a gentle breeze and not too cold.

 

Back at home I found the batteries in the weather station needed replacing, as did the ones in the candles, fortunately I had spares.  That was followed by some more tidying of the plants which are wintering in the garage and checking the hardy ones which stay in the greenhouse.

 

Later I wrapped some presents and watched TV.

 

David

Edited December 24, 2022 by DaveF
To correct a stupid error where I put irritable bowel disease not inflammatory bowel disease.

[New Haven Neil]

Evening, from a rock that has just had a tremendous thunderstorm, hail, very close flashbangs, rather scary, pulled all aerials etc out for a while.  Thunder is most unusual here so this was notable.

 

We were out at sparrows taking friends to the airport (yes all that way south again!) rather them than us travelling today, then a last minute visit to Marksies, empty as they opened.  We got the required Camembert dip thing Mrs NHN has been after, so all is well.

 

As we are 1 atheists, and therefore 2 don't celebrate this C-word thing, may we wish you all a Happy Non-Denominational Holiday Period. We don't mind anyone celebrating it, or other things such as Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah etc.  

 

This lot are having a ball though.  Donkurnalia.

 

 

 

[AndyID]

Not sure if it still does but UK passports used to say that the UK understands that you may have to hold passports for other countries.

 

The US is a bit ambiguous but it doesn't really recognize dual nationality. The main thing is that you are on the hook for US income tax regardless of where you actually live. The only way to get out of that is to renounce your US citizenship.

[TheQ]

Evening Awl, 

Went to tes and cos for forgotten milk..

Came back with two turkey crowns, down from £20 ish to £4 ish.

 

 

 

 

Oh and the milk...

[pH]

5 hours ago, Gwiwer said:

As SWMBO in her pre-doctoral days held a senior role with Botanic Gardens Victoria we were never short of those. 
 

Our front garden was almost 100% Aussie natives - with no grass - including numerous species not in general cultivation to which we had access. 

 

At one time we lived in a house near Cambridge, a previous owner of which had worked at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. As you say, we had quite a few plants not generally available in garden centres.

[Ian Abel]

Merry "Eve".

 

Yesterday was relaxing but did include a trip to the grocery store to assure ourselves we have enough comestibles to tide us over for the couple of days we will pretty much be on our own. Plenty of stuff we really should avoid, also plenty of nice cheese, and a small ham to cook tomorrow. We've decided having a quiet time will be excellent, so long as we don't start imbibing TOO EARLY  🤣

Friends were over for dinner and the Mrs made a very passable Shepherds pie, though with no Shepherds available at the store she opted for beef instead!

Watched the "British Arrows Awards". A LOT MORE public-service/charity commercials this year than most taking the prizes it seems. Still very nice to be able to stream it in the comfort of home.

 

Today, a bit of cleanup after last evening, and preparing for guests tonight. There's a RUMOR we're going to make mince pies shortly, I'm hoping so, as mum always used to make the Christmas Eve and we do that pretty much every year. Besides, I really, REALLY like them <yum>

Tonight we're off to the Christmas Eve service followed by a few friends and Trevor & Meagan returning here for our traditional "eve" Chinese take-away. NOt singing, as the choir aren't this year, and also since my sore throat is still in full swing, I won't be getting up at 7am and braving the blqqdy cold morning to sign tomorrow.

 

Still brass-monkeys cold here with a first thing temperature of -24c, sunny (OF COURSE!), and a high of -19c forecast.

 

Merry Christmas/happy holiday/bon chance, whatever suits you. 

 

 

[Tony_S]

1 hour ago, DaveF said:

IBD is irritable bowel disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease. I have IBS and IBD. The original hospital I was treated at said I couldn’t have both. My GP referred me to real specialists. The very nice Professor said half the waiting room had multiple complaints.  The IBS was easily treated for me. I want surprised to have IBS develop after IBD with the amount of medication I needed. The blood and stool tests for IBD nowadays are fantastically good. It was all a bit “ we’ll try this and see what happens”  forty odd years ago. 

[DaveF]

1 hour ago, Tony_S said:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease. I have IBS and IBD. The original hospital I was treated at said I couldn’t have both. My GP referred me to real specialists. The very nice Professor said half the waiting room had multiple complaints.  The IBS was easily treated for me. I want surprised to have IBS develop after IBD with the amount of medication I needed. The blood and stool tests for IBD nowadays are fantastically good. It was all a bit “ we’ll try this and see what happens”  forty odd years ago. 

 

Tony,. not Neil (sorry),  Many thanks for the correction.  I ought to know it , I think I typed it on autopilot.

 

David

Edited December 24, 2022 by DaveF

[New Haven Neil]

17 minutes ago, DaveF said:

 

Neil,  Many thanks for the correction.  I ought to know it , I think I typed it on autopilot.

 

David

 

Wasn't me - that was Tony!

[Coombe Barton]

Touch of the clumsies. That's two cereal bowls I don't have to wash up. And I haven't had a drink yet.

[simontaylor484]

Just a quick check in to wish you all A merry Christmas and Happy New year 

[Ozexpatriate]

6 hours ago, jjb1970 said:

I have also always been an advocate that ballot papers should include a box for 'none of the above'.

Many US ballots (certainly for President) have a write-in option.

 

At one point Mickey Mouse was popular - possibly with even more votes than minor party candidates.

[Ozexpatriate]

5 hours ago, The White Rabbit said:

Personally, I'd like to see legislation which means if fewer than 50% of eligible voters vote for any of the candidates (rather than spoiling their papers), the election is null and void, with the position remaining vacant until the next election.  

In many US constituencies*, there is a run-off election of the top two candidates, should no candidate reach the 50% threshold.

 

* Voting is run by the states and each may have their own rules for how the election is run.

 

The law of unintended consequences intervenes here of course as it does with literally *any* approach to voting. The run-off does ensure a majority vote.

[DaveF]

40 minutes ago, New Haven Neil said:

 

Wasn't me - that was Tony!

 

It's just not my day.

 

David

[New Haven Neil]

2 minutes ago, DaveF said:

 

It's just not my day.

 

David

 

I won't hold it against you!  Have a pleasant evening!

[Erichill16]

11 minutes ago, Ozexpatriate said:

Many US ballots (certainly for President) have a write-in option.

 

At one point Mickey Mouse was popular - possibly with even more votes than minor party candidates.

I always vote in elections but often spoil my ballot paper deliberately.

I feel I need to make the effort for those that have fallen giving me the right but often I just don’t feel any of the candidates share my beliefs.

[Claude_Dreyfus]

I am fortune enough that Christmas is a low-stress time. Mrs Dreyfus and I try to get all of the shopping and everything sorted out well in advance, allowing for Christmas Eve to be spent on activities such as hunting out engineering trains passing through the area (see class 66 thread!) and watching Tom and Jerry. Christmas officially starts in a few minutes when I dig out Die Hard. 😀

 

I hope you all have a happy (and above all peaceful!) Christmas.

Edited December 24, 2022 by Claude_Dreyfus

[Ozexpatriate]

Voting seems a weighty topic for Christmas Eve. Nevertheless:

 

I've seen many permutations and they all have some liabilities that the law of unintended consequences seems to exacerbate. 

• Preferential voting - insanely complicated and often seen as better representation for minority interests,  but I'm not a fan. Portland City Council is considering it.
• Compulsory voting - better for representing a more accurate "will of the people"
• Write-ins - good idea
• Run-offs - ensure a 'majority vote' but without compulsory voting still usually represent a plurality of all possible voters
• Primary elections - horribly extend the election cycle and feed the "electoral-commercial complex"*
• Open primary elections - usually lead to run-offs
• Non-partisan elections (no party allegiance is declared and is common in local elections) can lead to "wolf-in-sheep's-clothing" candidates
• "The US Electoral College" - the worst thing ever, based in slavery and the worst sort of political compromise

* To paraphrase Eisenhower's "military-industrial complex"

[BlackRat]

Seasons greetings one and all……Christmas Eve, how did that arrive so quickly? 
 

Well after last years covid fiasco we are all really  looking forward to a great festive few days. 
 

Family meal tonight ( at a superb local Nepalese restaurant) and all the clan here tomorrow for a festive treat of over indulgence in just about everything.

 

Closing down for a few days, but before I do it’s time to say to you all to have the very best Christmas you can.

 

I know all our circumstances differ, but I for one am so delighted to still be here.

 

Thoughts with you who are poorly, or alone, and in particular thoughts to those that we have lost this year, especially dear old Chris.

 

Take care all and a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Edited December 24, 2022 by BlackRat

[Ozexpatriate]

Today seems a good time to wish you all Seasons Greetings.

 

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Yule, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, another seasonal return of the light festival or nothing in particular, I wish you all good health and good cheer at the turn of the year.

 

I'm looking forward to my youngest spending this evening with me and tomorrow we will have Christmas dinner with his big brother and family in the evening.

 

Edited December 24, 2022 by Ozexpatriate

[TheQ]

Ben the I know my sheep Collie would like to point out shepherds pie is made with she(e)pherds

Cottage pie is made from cottagesws..

[grandadbob]

Rugby watched and enjoyed (I suspect TB and DH would have enjoyed it too. )  I had to pause it though as mate Russ from next door came in to borrow a chair although I suspect the prime reason was to get away from all the women that are in his household for Christmas.  ( I think there are seven!)   My offer of a pint was gratefully received so he stayed for a while and a good chat.

I went for a another short walk after that so have managed to clock up 5500 steps today which is more than I've done for a while.

Light pasta carbonarish dish tonight for dinner along with a couple of glasses of Malbec.  Later on I may well have a brandy or two.

Cheers  🍷🍷

[Ozexpatriate]

Temperatures are above freezing and it has been raining since about 9:00am. The accumulated sleet is still there but looks a lot slushier than when I walked on it this morning. This will make it a lot easier for my son to arrive.

 

I have an errand to run but my rear-wheeled vehicle won't like it (yet).

 

Earlier around 10:00 when the rain hadn't done much to soften the sleet a big pickup truck fishtailed at the bottom of the hill leaving my neighbourhood. The driver sensibly stopped and engaged his four-wheel drive option. The front wheels slipped a bit but he managed much better than he would in rear-wheel drive.