Early Risers.

[The Lurker]

We had sleet in Sidcup, it was sitting on the bottom half of the car windscreen first thing but was being drizzled on and had disappeared by the time I took Younger Lurker to school at about 20 to 8.

 

It's still grey here and with a chilly wind but it has stopped raining.

 

Have a good day all

[New Haven Neil]

Not sure how well this will show, being a miserable cheap camera phone, but here goes.

 

While down in the bright lights of Ramsey this morning sorting out moving banks (thanks for nothing HSBC) I had a walk along the south prom, and the air is incredibly clear today, really crisp.  The Lake District hills are clearly visible covered in snow, so here's a try at uploading the view.  Just ice low down here today, all puddles etc on the roads are frozen, but the ground is dry.  Looks like everything is frozen about 800 feet or so, figures as it is only 2c down here at 90 feet now.

 

[iL Dottore]

集中日本語コースを始めたばかりで、コツをつかみ始めていると思います

Shūchū nihongo kōsu o hajimeta bakari de, kotsu o tsukami hajimete iru to omoimasu
(In other words: “I've just started my intensive Japanese course and I reckon I'm starting to get the hang of it“)

[Gwiwer]

17 minutes ago, iL Dottore said:

集中日本語コースを始めたばかりで、コツをつかみ始めていると思います

Shūchū nihongo kōsu o hajimeta bakari de, kotsu o tsukami hajimete iru to omoimasu
(In other words: “I've just started my intensive Japanese course and I reckon I'm starting to get the hang of it“)

 

[Tony_S]

Whenever I hear Max Boyce it just takes me back to what a typical South Essex school staffroom sounded like at break time when I started teaching in 1975. 

Edited January 16, 2023 by Tony_S

[polybear]

Bear here....

Framing "ongoing" - the front and end frames are now done; a few more bits to add for the underside; din dins has stopped play for the moment.

 

All of a sudden a certain Bear has suffered an attack of those bluddy Digitrains adverts - even setting the browser security to Strict has failed to kill them, which is a new development.  Pah!

As for the adverts, they just make me feel like spending tokens with anyone but Digitrains....

I do believe that makes Rant No.3 today, and it's only din dins time.

[polybear]

Some good news.....

After clearing the Browser history at least the MultiQuote function is now working again and I no longer have a little box in the bottom r/h corner of the screen saying "Quote 1 post".  Sorted.

[DaveF]

 

I awoke to a quiet white world this morning with the snow still gently falling as I had my breakfast.  There should be a few photos of the beach.  There is more snow inland, at least two quite remote schools are closed.

 

My friend got her credit card problem resolved yesterday, the bank have simply cancelled it and are sending her a new one.  It was the shopping website which was insecure.

 

I had an enjoyable time at my model railway meeting, I saw various moving things which people had brought, including some old items which have been adapted for DCC. We also had a soldering demonstration, I found it interesting even though I've been soldering since I was about 8 - Dad and Mum both taught me - Dad used to build model locos in the 1950s and Mum was a plumber's daughter and could do most plumbing jobs as well as the other things I've mentioned in the past. 

 

I drove back home in the dark, not something I enjoy much, modern headlights tend to dazzle me.  I don't really like autodipping headlights either, mine either dip a bit early or a bit late, I prefer to choose.  I took two large plastic boxes of books, most of them were welcomed and the left overs are on their way to a preserved railway.

 

While I was at church one of the congregation saw me afterwards to tell me how the things of Mum's I had given them have been used, it was good to hear that the furniture, bedding and kitchen items were much appreciated.

 

In the evening I just watched Vera and read again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David

Edited January 16, 2023 by DaveF
To add the photos

[TheQ]

Afternoon Awl,

Feet prodded all ok..

Height checked, measured to my long time height.

Blood pressure ok.

Weight checked.. err umm..  well it is after my retirement party and Christmas...

 

BQ, items wanted bought, roads in Chaos, as it appears most of Norfolk is, it seems they've found lots of money for work.

 

Tesco's, went to the big one bought more than needed.

 

Last assembly work on centre console body done. Hopefully sanding down that tomorrow.

[Gwiwer]

2 hours ago, Tony_S said:

Whenever I hear Max Boyce it just takes me back to what a typical South Essex school staffroom sounded like at break time when I started teaching in 1975. 

We had a Welshman as Head of Maths. With a fiery temper on board like no other I have ever encountered. 
 

He must have learned his craft at the University of Instilling-the-fear-of-God. 

His employment ended shortly after his temper resulted in one boy (the intended target) narrowly missing a thrown pair of dividers by means of a smart duck which meant the dividers then pinned the unlucky lad behind to his desk by piercing the web between thumb and index-finger. 

After which event we felt slightly more comfortable attending maths lessons with his replacement. Who was also an international rugby referee. 
 

An interesting school. Best days of my life? Not on your wotsit they weren’t. 

[45156]

4 hours ago, The White Rabbit said:

Re hot fillings, a certain pie shop in Skipton is known for their blisteringly hot freshly baked pork pies. Especially the gelatine, which is a very effective conductor. If you don't know, it could certainly burn your mouth. The first time I bought from them I actually made steam appear from the canal when a chunk went in! 

In my case, I bought one from probably the same estabishment (the one by the canal?) and didn't know it was hot, as most pork pies I'd eaten were served cold - I just stuck it in my pocket and the liqified jelly ran out and all over the lower part of my jacket.  Jacket was never the same again.

 

Afternoon All

 

Car in again - same fault again engine management light on - diagnosed as yet another problem with the O2 sensors abd booked on for new part as soon as it comes in - probably next Monday, as the part is coming from VW, as they want to use a maker's original part this time.

 

Another victim of the lack of sleep syndrome - with me, I have a recurring dream about getting lost, or not being able to find the car, and when I wake from it, I have great problems with getting back over.  Then it was down to the garage, and a walk into Ludlow to do a shift at Oxfam - pick up part of a prescription (was sent last Monday, called to collect on Saturday and not even printed - was printed and was told it would be ready Monday - went in today and only about half the items were there, as nobody had checked the stock or ordered until I was due to collect and this is the best in Ludlow allegedly)  So it is back in tomorrow for the owings.

 

A piece of music to share from Emily Linge - she's got more talent in one hand that I'll ever have in my whole being

 

 

Regards to All

Stewart

[Coombe Barton]

... Bit of bizarre Emil today - it started "Dear noble module leader" and was from someone claiming to have written an essay for one of my students but they hadn't said them so they apparently wanted me to help ...

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2023/01/16/pattern-is-getting-more-solid-but-still-theres-china/

[TheQ]

Just made up the fire, went out for more coal..

Kin cold..

 

4C blowing 43 mph, from the north " feels like" -4C trying to blow its way through you.

 

 

[The Lurker]

19 minutes ago, Coombe Barton said:

... Bit of bizarre Emil today - it started "Dear noble module leader" and was from someone claiming to have written an essay for one of my students but they hadn't said them so they apparently wanted me to help ...

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2023/01/16/pattern-is-getting-more-solid-but-still-theres-china/

The e-mail is indeed bizarre. But have you considered insisting your students address you as "Noble Module Leader"? It has a certain ring to it!

Edited January 16, 2023 by The Lurker

[Ozexpatriate]

40 minutes ago, Coombe Barton said:

... it started "Dear noble module leader" and was from someone claiming to have written an essay for one of my students

Sounds like a less effective AI chat bot than ChatGTP.

 

(am kidding, sort of)

 

It's weird that the essay mill thought they could tap you for payment - from the school of "you'll never get a hit if you don't take a swing" sort of thinking - no harm in trying, etc.

 

Edited January 16, 2023 by Ozexpatriate

[polybear]

Bear here.....

Co-op visited.  Tick

Then it was finishing off the framework for the Leccy C.U. Box - all done & pleased with the outcome.  Big Tick.

And after that it was knocking up a new batch of Bear's Patented Chilli Oil - guaranteed to "focus your attention" somewhat (and for lesser mortals to blow yer bonce off).  A whole packet of crushed Chilli Flakes in about 450ml of E.V. Olive Oil; it's now in the cupboard "fermenting".  I have in the past bunged a couple of real Chilli's in as well for good measure but found them unnecessary so don't bother anymore.

All in all, a successful afternoon.  It can't last.

Bear gone.

[PhilJ W]

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. Again not done a lot today except for emptying the washing machine and hanging the laundry on the drying rack. I went down to Tess Coes this afternoon and while I was there I had some more front door keys cut as I'm getting more unsteady on my feet I am giving a key, one to a friend and one to a neighbour just in case. Timpsons had a special offer, buy two and get one free so now I have a spare key. I'm always going out and leaving my keys indoors so I carry three about my person.

[polybear]

45 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

I went down to Tess Coes this afternoon and while I was there I had some more front door keys cut as I'm getting more unsteady on my feet I am giving a key, one to a friend and one to a neighbour just in case. 

 

Keeping a mobile phone in your pocket when at home would be a rather good idea, if you don't do so already; a certain Bear does this - but that's mainly due to DIY Antics/shed/loft etc.

 

In other news....

I see the Met have some serious questions to answer after "one of their own" has finally been caught - how the f. he's managed to get away with it for so long (despite numerous warnings) is a very good question.

I trust he'll receive a suitable welcome from his new neighbours.....

 

[Ozexpatriate]

18 minutes ago, polybear said:

Keeping a mobile phone in your pocket when at home would be a rather good idea, if you don't do so already; a certain Bear does this - but that's mainly due to DIY Antics/shed/loft etc.

So long as it doesn't break when you fall on it. (Which of course I hope does not happen.)

 

I assume the 24/7 monitored, personal medical alarm necklace/pendant/watch services are available in the UK? 

[Gwiwer]

23 minutes ago, polybear said:

I see the Met have some serious questions to answer after "one of their own" has finally been caught - how the f. he's managed to get away with it for so long (despite numerous warnings) is a very good question.

Two words. Both of them from formerly-serving officers who have left (because all was not to their liking) and joined the railways.  And have been able to share some thoughts, although not the gory (and in many respects confidential and sub judice) details with me.  
 

Culture and practice. 
 

 

[Dave Hunt]

20 hours ago, Ozexpatriate said:

In the US midwest there are people who like cheddar cheese with apple pie.

 

There's one in North Shropshire too - me.

 

Dave

[The White Rabbit]

3 hours ago, 45156 said:

In my case, I bought one from probably the same establishment (the one by the canal?) and didn't know it was hot, as most pork pies I'd eaten were served cold - I just stuck it in my pocket and the liquified jelly ran out and all over the lower part of my jacket.  Jacket was never the same again.... 

 

 

Yes, just by the Springs Branch near the castle. On a later visit I spilt some jelly on a shirt and that never washed out properly either. After a few visits I stopped going. 

 

9 minutes ago, Ozexpatriate said:

So long as it doesn't break when you fall on it. (Which of course I hope does not happen.)

 

I assume the 24/7 monitored, personal medical alarm necklace/pendant/watch services are available in the UK? 

 

It has worried me that any fall bad enough to immobilise someone is unlikely to do much good to a mobile. I wouldn't say it's not worth trying but I wouldn't like to bet my life on it. 

 

Yes, they are under various names but you can get 'emergency'/'panic' communicators. In my mother's case, she had a neck pendant and a device attached to her landline phone. They saved a few falls from turning out nastier than they were. 

[Dave Hunt]

8 hours ago, Lochgorm said:

Surely the good squadron leader hasn’t forgotten that delight from a box of Compo Rations, cheese “possessed” smeared with greengage jam eaten on an oatmeal biscuit.

 

Charlie

 

I remember the compo ration processed (AKA chemically altered) cheese well and although I have frequently eaten it on the compo oatmeal biscuits I never tried it with the jam. When we lived in the Netherlands in the early '70s, a Dutch friend who had been a lad during WW2 absolutely loved the cheese and was most grateful whenever I managed to get him a tin. He had been one of the Dutch people who had nearly starved in 1944 and one of the first foods he recalled when the RAF and British Army started issuing it to the Dutch civilians was compo rations, in particular the cheese. Hence his love of the stuff in later life.

 

Dave

[Ozexpatriate]

Today is a Federal holiday commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I have celebrated the day by getting my teeth cleaned. Outside the Federal government, schools and banks, most places are open for business.

 

Notably there is some sunshine this morning - a little wan at present but more of it than we have seen in a while. Lately the weather has been happily raining and dreary for days on end, less cool than average, and resulting in a surfeit of precipitation (though not the diluvial proportions California has seen lately).

 

Coverage of the Australian Open (which I have been anticipating) is very spotty. Cable sports telecaster ESPN is directing a large chunk of their coverage to their streaming network (to which I do not subscribe). I don't mind them preempting coverage with NFL playoff games (which they will do tonight) and wouldn't plan to watch the (Melbourne) evening sessions since those matches are played in the wee hours here, but think they could do a little better.

 

Time to get on with my day.

 

Edited January 16, 2023 by Ozexpatriate

[Dave Hunt]

We had an appointment with our local vet this morning after Horace the cat's Saturday night mishap. All seems well (apart from my wallet) and apart from having to keep him indoors for a few days and get antibiotics down his throat twice a day for a week the vet assured us that there should be no problems. He certainly seems happier today and is now eating and drinking as well as walking, albeit slowly and stiffly.

 

Dave