Early Risers.

[Tony_S]

30 minutes ago, monkeysarefun said:

 

(I honestly  didn't ask for the cleavage -  The AI has gone rogue!!!)

 

When I fell over in the French Alps the receptionist back at the hotel said I shoukd be more like Heidi. I asked in what way and he said ”carry a big stick in the mountains”. 

Edited November 29, 2023 by Tony_S

[monkeysarefun]

 

It gets to sub-zero here on a few pre-dawn mornings each winter but basically that just means scraping the ice of the windscreen that the sun hasn't yet melted. 

 

Our punishing weather conditions would be in summer when the interior cabin temps can hit 70 Degrees C and many bits in European made cars melt and fall off.

 

My Belgium built Mondeo lost many of its internal stick-on bits due to the heat melting the euro-glue, as well as the interior lining of the door panels that came unstuck and popped up above window height and turned all dry and brittle. It was all replaced for free although it was outside warranty cos at the time Ford were hoping to replace their Australian made range with imports so didn't want the bad press about how poorly  the  gentler-climate imports performed in Australian conditions. It can get seriously hot here!

 

 

 

 

Edited November 29, 2023 by monkeysarefun

[DaveF]

I've just received an e mail about my grocery delivery for tomorrow morning.  The only thing is - I don't have an order for tomorrow.  I did have but cancelled it because a medical appointment got moved so I did a new order for my normal day.

 

My account shows it as cancelled and my next delivery as being in December.

 

I wonder what will happen.  Fortunately if there is a delivery I can use almost all the items and a neighbour who cannot get out much will welcome any I can't use.

 

David

[New Haven Neil]

1 hour ago, monkeysarefun said:

 

 

Brilliant  photo!   5 stars.

 

 I think they used that one in the article about my railway in Garden Rail magazine years ago, I did rather like it.

 

A different day.

 

[petethemole]

2 hours ago, monkeysarefun said:

We regularly get trainee RAAF bomb sniffer dogs coming through our office as part of their training to get them  used to different environments and so on.  I've often thought about getting   a big black plastic  ball and writing  "BOMB!" on it in liquid paper or white paint and then pulling  it out from under my desk just after the dogs have gone through and hand it to their handlers with a scornful dismissive look on my face. 

 

That reminds me of a story my Dad told about his days in the British Military Liaison Mission to the South African Government during WW2.  He was a WO2 in Royal Signals, mainly dealing with secure communications, but had been trained in the Intelligence Corps and was also involved with internal security and counter espionage.  There was a lot of opposition to the war from the Afrikaaner population.  The British were worried about security at Field Marshal Smuts's office and suggested a review of security measures, but were told that security was fine.  Shortly afterwards  Dad and an Intelligence officer broke into the office at night, opened the safe and inserted a parcel labelled "BOMB".  Next morning Smuts was called and told to look in his safe.  Security was duly tightened.

[jjb1970]

What is this thing 'cold'? Is it what happens if you have the air conditioning set too high?

[jjb1970]

Many years ago on one of the container ships I was on the frostie got sick of people whinging about the heat in the Persian Gulf despite repeatedly pointing out people should realise they were in a steel box under a beating sun with outside air temperatures of 40+. You literally could fry eggs on the decks (not that I'd want to). To make a point he cross connected from the cargo deep freeze brine system to the AC brine system. The next morning cabin windows were ices up and people were complaining of extreme cold.

 

What got me was the loudest whingers did nothing to keep their cabins cool. Keeping curtains drawn makes a big difference during the day. Leaving windows open killed the AC. Leaving lights on, in those days filament bulbs were basically heating elements. If I had to go and check a cabin and found the windows open, door latched open, curtains tied back and all the lights on I used to go nuts.

[PhilJ W]

4 hours ago, New Haven Neil said:

A rather late 'morning', due to tiredness and, well, sloth. 3c and still frosty, sunny and still.

 

Ten years ago a frosty morning when i wasn't at work would have resulted in a dash to get one of those unmentionable hot water vapour powered devices out for a play, nowadays it's a look out of the window, a shiver and a different kettle used.

 

 

 

 

2 hours ago, monkeysarefun said:

Brilliant  photo!   5 stars.

And an AWL?

Edited November 29, 2023 by PhilJ W

[Andy Hayter]

21 minutes ago, jjb1970 said:

What is this thing 'cold'? Is it what happens if you have the air conditioning set too high?

 

No it's what happens if you go into an industrial freezer.  I am led to believe that a former UK prime minister knows all about it.

[Hroth]

21 minutes ago, jjb1970 said:

What is this thing 'cold'? Is it what happens if you have the air conditioning set too high?

 

Its the global aircon having a hissy fit...

 

Someone'll fix it in six months time!

 

[PhilJ W]

Afternoon all from Estuary Land. Waiting for DPD to deliver my new rollalong, their app says fifteen minutes but there's still another eight drops till he gets to me.

[Hroth]

I was naughty and bought some stuff from Hattons in their Black Friday sale. I'm now waiting for an Amazon delivery of the stuff, evidently its too heavy for Royal Mail...

 

Its just entered delivery slot land, from now until 18:15.  I wonder if they'll just ring the bell and run away AGAIN!

 

[TheQ]

In Saudi a lot of the cars used to suffer from failing plastic bits no matter where they were built. Entire dashboard top surfaces would disintegrate.

 

Here  we have a swimming pool in the driver's footwell again.

I've ordered another seal on the door not previously changed..

As a final precaution a new car cover has also been ordered, the car does normally spend 5 days a week doing nothing.

I've also poked out the drain holes on the under bonnet scuttle moulding.

The snow I scraped off the windscreen this morning is still sitting on the ground, while the car was warming up there was a large vapour trail from the exhaust, SWMBO's little short journeys are not long enough to get the exhaust hot enough to dry out the internals...

 

Meanwhile two high power led light bulbs have arrived from the house of strong ladies for the muddling room, the old fluorescent bulbs were sufficient for a bedroom but not for muddling, and there's limited space inside the fittings.

 

For some reason in this area they don't seem to do the count down of number of drops at the moment. However we're are getting earlier deliveries due the number of orders for Christmas, I think they've split the rounds.

 

Club accounts were easily carried out, but the actual statement is due in, then there will be a lot more to do..

 

 

 

[Hroth]

Yes, they did it AGAIN!!!  Those delivery vans shift faster than a RB F1 car.

 

Today the sun sets at bang on 16:00 (less than 10 mins to go as I type) and the BBC weather app predicts sub-zero temps overnight.

 

Heating will be ON once it goes dark...

 

[The White Rabbit]

Rant mode on ... again ... 

 

DPD - formerly regarded positively - van arrived within the hour slot notified, though stopped outside the next house up. The driver got out, went to the back, opened the door, disappeared for a minute or so then went back to his cab and drove off... I was watching but from inside as it's a touch cold and heat's expensive to have the door open while waiting. Thought he'd be back, maybe needed to check summat or move things round or shift for someone behind who looked big and ugly enough to encourage him not to block the road. After 10-15 minutes, where's he got to... checked the tracking. 'Delivered' and signed for. Was it *s! No sign of it outside either our door or the neighbours and I knew no-one had pinched it, I'd been watching. Rang DPD 'Help', got through to an Intellectual Giant who seemed incapable of understanding that the tracking might, just might, not be accurate. After about ten attempts I talked him out of going on his quest for fire and got him to check with the depot. Then he claimed it had been left with a neighbour. Hmmm, didn't see that and I'd checked with next door just in case. OK, which neighbour. Errrr.... Ummm. Ug. I'll get him to redeliver when the driver finishes his round. At 19.30. I resisted the temptation to say I'd treat that as seriously as a politician's election promise... 

 

Massive rollocking building and a demand for a refund expected to be made. 

 

Rant off...

 

ION, an hour later, Yodel managed to deliver another parcel without any fuss or drama, it was about ten minutes overdue but no problem. Must be something in the air, Waitrose ran late too today, about 30 minutes, which is unusual for them. But again, not a problem and they did ring and apologise and say we're badly behind and will be 30 late. 

[Sidecar Racer]

4 hours ago, monkeysarefun said:

 

 

 

 

 

(I honestly  didn't ask for the cleavage -  The AI has gone rogue!!!)

 

 

 And it could'nt even get the implants equal size and height .

[DaveF]

 

This morning I decided to go out for a while and ended up visiting a garden centre on the edge of Newcastle.  There is quite a choice as there are at least 7 with cafe/restaurant within a 30 minute drive from home.  I hadn't been to the one I chose for some years, as expected it had changed - it is part of a chain, I am entitled to 2 free coffees or similar a month with their loyalty scheme but usually go to one of their other sites nearby.  To start with I encountered a new 50 limit on the way towards Newcastle, then for some reason at the roundabout I looked at the road signs and discovered that the old road to it has been closed, access is now from the next roundabout along the main road. 

 

I arrived and went in and had a look round, the Works has gone, the outdoor clothing outlet has gone but there is a branch of Waitrose.  Fortunately the aquarium section is still there as I wanted some water treatment for my pond to use after the winter.  I had my coffee and scone, the service was slower than it used to be and the place not quite as smart.  I did find some other things I wanted but the experience did not make me feel I'd go back again in a hurry, the company's other branches are better.

 

I find this has happened many times at places I've visited since Covid, places have changed so much, often for the worse and I can see why more and more buying is done online.  It was still a pleasant trip and my waterworks behaved themselves which gives me confidence.

 

On the way home I had a look at a spot where I used to take train photos, new bridge safety barriers have blocked the parking space but I could park by some houses further on.  I might return on a sunny day when it is a little warmer.

 

Back home I cooked my usual salmon for lunch and then did odds and ends, including checking last posting dates, I need to get some Christmas cards sent off in the next week or so.  I'd better get my Christmas letter done - though I could email it to those overseas.   I also decided to look at the cold weather health alert for people over 65 etc - not very helpful to me, I already do what they suggest, it seems like common sense.  I did look at the ways they suggest of saving money on heating.

 

They suggested having a programmable thrermostat - I've had one since I've had central heating.  They suggested solar panels - I do not seem to be eligible for a grant so I would have to live well into my 80s to get my money back.  They also suggested an air source heat pump, cost around £14K, they last 9 - 15 years.  According to my energy supplier I will only save money on heating bills if I change to one from oil, not gas.  So I don't think so, it will be another gas boiler when mine wears out.

 

I did a bit more model stuff, a bit more concrete painting.  It's not quite right but when the work is finished it will be in deep shade so it will do.

 

This evening will be the usual book, music and TV until an early night, just in case some shopping turns up in the morning just after 08.00.

 

David

 

 

 

 

[Hroth]

9 minutes ago, DaveF said:

I arrived and went in and had a look round, the Works has gone

 

They do seem to be retrenching quite a bit. I visited a local "outlet" concentration place for some of the calendar/diary sets they offer and they were pulling out of there too.  Stock was rubbish and there were no calendars to be seen.  I'll have to go into the town branch, which is a bummer as parking is expensive.

 

[PhilJ W]

The rollator has been delivered right in the middle of the times given (15:21 to 16:21) I had just opened the front door to take the rubbish out and he was walking up the path. One little grumble, he just dropped the great big box in the doorway and was off, as you can see I still had the bag of rubbish in my hand.

 

After getting it indoors I started unpacking it and it looks as if it will fit into the boot of the car but I might have to remove the parcel shelf. It might be slightly bigger than the old one but the wheels are detachable and it folds side to side instead of fore and aft.

Edited November 29, 2023 by PhilJ W

[polybear]

3 hours ago, Hroth said:

I was naughty and bought some stuff from Hattons in their Black Friday sale. I'm now waiting for an Amazon delivery of the stuff, evidently its too heavy for Royal Mail...

 

Its just entered delivery slot land, from now until 18:15.  I wonder if they'll just ring the bell and run away AGAIN!

 

 

The Royal Mail weight limit is 30Kg.....just how much stuff did you buy???

[Ian Abel]

HUMP day...

 

Yesterday mostly uneventful, cold, and Jemma stopped by for dinner and to drop Whitney off (again). She only had a one day home before off on another 6-day trip.

 

Today, needed to let the chimney folks in to do the necessary work at the rental house. Then back working

 

Warming "some" here, only -3c first thing, sunny and a high of 5c expected.

Next few days we're not expected to see a high above Zero, lows -2c to -4c, so pretty mild - FOR US...🤣

 

Carry on.

[grandadbob]

Evenin' each,

Car taken for a service and MOT and passed with flying colours as I expected.  Washed and vacuumed as well so that's a bonus.   I must admit that I'd been putting off doing that myself as that is normally part of the service.  I was going to renew my service plan but the helpful guy there suggested I didn't as it's now being administered by a different company  and would work out a lot dearer than if I just paid the garage  direct.  

Much hanging of Christmas lights has been done and the tree is up but not finished yet.  Unlike PB @polybear I will not be hanging anything, myself included, from the guttering.  Our decorations are all inside and downstairs although the staircase might receive some attention.  *

Now just thumb twiddling and key tapping until The Repair Shop and Shetland are on the box.

 

* Edit.  I appear to have some surplus lights so they may go outside, there's plenty of room on The Shed.

 

 

Edited November 29, 2023 by grandadbob

[grandadbob]

Just had an Amazon delivery, very cheerful and smiley young lady who waited until I got to the door and handed the parcel to me.  We had a delivery yesterday from Evri/Hermes, our regular friendly driver had an assistant, his 3 year old grandson who handed over the parcel with a smile and a Merry Christmas and kept waving to The Boss until they were out of sight.   Isn't it nice when people are happy and polite.

[The White Rabbit]

Evening all,

 

One set of scribblings re tarte flambe, as promised to @polybear:

 

 

Ingredients (like pizza, it's variable):

 

A sheet of pastry is needed for the base – either homemade or RTR – Jusrol puff pastry (320g) is an easy shortcut and provides two decent portions for a meal, four if it's a lighter meal, say with some green stuff by the side.

 

A 'moisturiser' – the traditional recipes advise using Creme Fraiche but (at the risk of horrifying traditionalists who would probably say that it's not tarte flambe) you could use tomato sauce/puree or passata – or even a pasta sauce. I have used River Cottage organic tomato ketchup, which is expensive but rich and very tasty. Say around 150g?

 

Toppings, to taste but traditionally onion and bacon - very thinly sliced raw onion (or shallots) – to taste but say around one small-medium onion. Bacon – many recipes suggest lardons but there's no reason why you couldn't use (thick sliced) bacon slices cut into small pieces. Say 150-200g's worth?

 

Cheese – many recipes list Emmental or Gruyere but I tend to use grated Red Leicester or Cheddar as the 'base', with a second cheese cut into small lumps as an extra topping – Camembert works well IMHO. Say 150g and 100g respectively? Again – very subjective.

 

Herbs and spices to taste – chives, parsley and garlic are good ones to add.

 

Prep:

 

Preheat oven to Gas Mark 8 (230C?) and line a large baking tray with baking paper – if using commercial pastry, this often comes in such paper already – I just reuse this, though being careful to trim loose edges so we don't have an oven fire.

 

Make (or unwrap!) pastry at room temperature. Coat in creme fraiche (or tomato sauce), I use both a desert spoon and fingers to spread this out, I suggest a generous layer without being extravagant. Perhaps the sort of layer you'd put jam or honey on a slice of toast if being indulgent?

 

Slice and place the onion, tucking in any 'overhangs'. Grate your 'base' cheese and sprinkle over.

 

If using bacon, this should be cooked before adding to the pastry. Not too much otherwise the oven time for the pastry to cook will burn it but get it at least to the edible but nearly underdone stage. If using lardons or chunks of any other fatty meat, drain off the excess fat before adding the meat.

 

Add herbs, spices, recite magical incantations etc. 

 

Place in oven, I'd check it after ten minutes but 15 is more likely – the timing depends on various factors, such as the thicknesses of your pastry, creme fraiche and other toppings. And whether you've cut the pastry into serving helpings already (or plan to do this later). But the pastry should be cooked through with crisp brown edges and the cheese bubbling. Slice and serve.

 

 

As you've probably gathered, you can play with the quantities considerably! I'm used to doing this by eye and have most if not all of these things on the go in the fridge anyway, so don't think much about the quantities/weights, sorry. But I hope this (and perhaps any more precise online recipes from others) would give someone a start. I'll try and remember to take some snaps next time I do this. 

 

I have tried a 'calzone' version but wasn't particularly happy with the results. I usually like it with a small green salad and a glass (or two...) of white wine. Should 'anyone' fancy accompanying this with curly fries, then I'd suggest cooking separately but then the tarte is usually strong enough to fold a slice around a handful of such fries and you have a new version of a chip sandwich... (And that's me excommunicated from the Gourmet Club!)

 

[Tony_S]

18 minutes ago, The White Rabbit said:

RTR – Jusrol puff pastry (320g) is an easy shortcut

All the tarte flambé / Flammekueche  I have eaten have had an extremely thin base.

Edited November 29, 2023 by Tony_S