Early Risers.

[NGT6 1315]

Cheers all.

 

A thunder front swept across these lands last night and it’s quite humid again, so further precip is forecast. Truth be told, the garden seems to be quite happy with these conditions, given that the climate in the region has turned increasingly arid over the past few years!

 

Tram tech session is up at 1330, followed by a few hours of driving till 2126 tonight. Mixing intellectual work and driving in the same working day isn’t bad at all, I’ve found.

 

Congrats and commies as appropriate and I hope I can stop by here later! 

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. The usual bin wagons dawn chorus this morning accompanied by the lesser spotted glass and bottle wagon. A bit of green can be seen on what can loosely be described as a lawn after yesterdays smattering of rain unfortunately not all of it is grass so out with the glyphosphate this afternoon. I agree entirely with ChrisF with regard to the governments quarantine regulations. I was watching a cabinet minister being given a grilling on the subject on this mornings breakfast show. They keep wheeling out different ministers* every day and every day they get a pasting, today's unfortunate was the Northern Ireland minister. Perhaps they should appoint a minister for Covid-19? after all back in 1976 when they appointed a minister for drought the heavens opened. *There's a couple of cabinet ministers who have not appeared and are unlikely to do so. I leave it to you to speculate who they are and why they will never appear.

[grandadbob]

1 hour ago, Tony_S said:

One of the neighbours commented about how dirty our cars were. 

 

 

I think know that if one of my neighbours said that they would be told to feel free to come and wash it for me!  I'd even make them a cup of tea while they were doing it! 

[Happy Hippo]

11 hours ago, BSW01 said:

Good evening everyone 

 

Thankfully the weather held off and I was able to get the arbour finished, with the exception for the roofing tiles. But, if there is no more rain between now and tomorrow, I should get it done tomorrow after dinner. Below are a couple of photos of the arbour in its current state. 

 

 

 

Are you going to call her Ann?

[grandadbob]

Hmm, still not got to The Shed.  Only just finished the Sainsbury's order, it's quite a big one this week.  It took longer than usual because somebody kept looking over my shoulder and moaning about my "embellishments!"

[The Stationmaster]

Morning all,

 

Yesterday it rained, sort of and occasionally and enough to wet the paths for about an hour before it evaporated.  More is forecast over the weekend, but seemingly equally desultory and of little value to the weeds or anything else.  

 

Yesterday of course we virtually came ashore from our virtual week afloat on 'the West Coast'.  To recount what virtually happened we joined the ship on the Wednesday, it sailed from Harwich on Friday afternoon for the Cork Anchorage (which is off Felixstowe lest you get excited) and left there on Saturday for the Dogger Bank getting back to the Cork Anchorage on Tuesday and returning to Harwich late yesterday morning.  We shall have to wait for our booked 'East Coast' trip later in the year to see if we'll virtually get to the West Coast.

 

Back to reality - if it is dry enough the 'grass' in the rough pasture area needs to be cut although what is laughingly called the lawn would probably turn to dust if the mower went anywhere near it.  I also need to check the results of the blight treatment on the spuds although I'm not optimistic about success; I suspect we will not be growing any in future and will have to give the blight a good time to remove itself from the veg area.  The lavender is now getting well into its stride flowering and a few bees have been enjoying themselves in consequence.  Similarly the numerous wild strawberries lurking in various parts of the garden are also producing fruit so that might make the blackbirds happy because their fruit is hardly a meal for anything larger, even the muntjac ignores them much preferring the cultivated variety although the lack of depredation of emergent cucumbers seems to thus far suggest the muntjac are enjoying this year elsewhere.

 

And yes Chris - wouldn't it be excellent to get a cuppa and some bread pudding at Wycrail as we usually do each year.   I think we dare do little more than cross our fingers more in hope than anticipation as various large gatherings of our fellow citizens seem more intent on giving the lurgi a chance to spread rather than acting to minimise its chance to spread and thrive.

 

The pic below shows all the self-seeded lavender on the gravelled area by the drive and front path.  The other pic is a telephoto view of Mr Red Kite in the silver birch tree which is in the garden a couple of doors down from us - judging by the noise he makes I'm fairly sure he is the one who has been visiting that tree for the past 2-3 years and his calls are aimed attracting a lady friend.  The other evening, not long after I took this picture I wondered if he had at last succeeded as another kite appeared and they then indulged in some tight formation aerobatics before flying off together away from human habitation.

 

 

 

Have a good day one and all and, although it seems to be increasingly unfashionable, stay safe

 

Edited June 4, 2020 by The Stationmaster

[PhilJ W]

On 02/06/2020 at 23:10, PhilJ W said:

 

12 minutes ago, grandadbob said:

Hmm, still not got to The Shed.  Only just finished the Sainsbury's order, it's quite a big one this week.  It took longer than usual because somebody kept looking over my shoulder and moaning about my "embellishments!"

Note number 4 above.

[jamie92208]

25 minutes ago, Happy Hippo said:

Are you going to call her Ann?

You could always embellish it with a loco in the Ann Arbour Railroad livery. G scale perhaps.

 

Jamie

[Tony_S]

10 hours ago, Happy Hippo said:

I am going to assume that you want to follow Debs arrows to see the fall of shot, but how do you intend to do this?

 

Is it from a static location, or would you be following as in an 'advance to contact'?

In these days of high tech have wireless camera drones been used for close images of targets rather then using large heavy optical devices? 

[Tony_S]

3 minutes ago, jamie92208 said:

You could always embellish it with a loco in the Ann Arbour Railroad livery. G scale perhaps.

 

Jamie

I thought it could be used for picnics and be called the arboretum.

[PhilJ W]

Nearly forgot, Chris was bemoaning the absence of Tesco's bread pudding. Unfortunately the supply is irregular as they only make it when the ingredients are available. Before lockdown I visited Tesco's almost daily and was able to grab some when it was there and before it all disappeared. I managed to get some just after lockdown started but none since. Today or tomorrow I will be going again so I'll ask if its still being made.

[Happy Hippo]

53 minutes ago, Tony_S said:

In these days of high tech have wireless camera drones been used for close images of targets rather then using large heavy optical devices? 

Drone operation is quite restrictive when you are flying in close proximity to people other than the operator.

 

Personally, I'd not like to fly a drone anywhere near a  target on a range, as although your shooter may have finished, other fire may still be inbound.

 

In fact, on a military range, 9 out of 10 shooters would  'accidentally' shoot at the drone.

 

Which brings me onto the next point that the use of such a drone may prove distracting to other shooters.

 

Cheap hand held spotting scope:       £20-£50.

 

              DJI Mavic Air 2:                         £769

[iL Dottore]

31 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

Nearly forgot, Chris was bemoaning the absence of Tesco's bread pudding. Unfortunately the supply is irregular as they only make it when the ingredients are available. Before lockdown I visited Tesco's almost daily and was able to grab some when it was there and before it all disappeared. I managed to get some just after lockdown started but none since. Today or tomorrow I will be going again so I'll ask if its still being made.

Since the lockdown started I have been able to get my groceries from the big cash-and-carry as I have “trade“ access (a long story for some other time). However, this also means that I have not been purchasing cakes and the like for Mrs iD’s morning z’nuni as I no longer visit any bakeries or supermarkets. This in turn means I have been doing a lot of baking: bread, biscuits and cakes. Whilst it is true that some items one finds in a good patisserie are rather complicated (the famous Paris-Brest comes to mind), many cakes and such are very simple to make. In fact, I am writing this while I am waiting for the boiled raisins and sultanas (drained and then mixed with butter) to cool so I can mix them with beaten eggs and sugar and fold in the flour before chucking everything into a baking tin and thus into the oven for 90 minutes. Amongst my repertoire is a rhubarb crumble cake, a Victorian boiled-fruit cake, a French apple cake and chocolate bourbon biscuits.

The reason I mention this is not to showcase my (very minimal) baking skills, but to point out that you could probably make as good as, or an even better bread pudding than Tesco. You also have the added advantage of knowing exactly what goes in to your bread pudding (this link https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jun/18/butterless-puff-pastry-food-hacks-fatal-patisserie-valerie takes you to an article which highlights how in the name of cost savings very unsuitable substitutes are used by many places that prepare and sell food). Another advantage is that you can change the proportions of the ingredients once you’ve tried the recipe “as is” a few times: like more sultanas in your bread pudding? Just chuck them in; like an eggier bread pudding? Add an additional egg and so on

One final point, Phil, if you don’t do any of the cooking and SWMBO considers you a waste of space in the kitchen, making and serving a superb home-made bread pudding will definitely garner you brownie points.
24/7 access to a superb bread pudding and admiring looks from SWMBO, what’s not to like!

[Tony_S]

8 minutes ago, Happy Hippo said:

Drone operation is quite restrictive when you are flying in close proximity to people other than the operator.

 

Personally, I'd not like to fly a drone anywhere near a  target on a range, as although your shooter may have finished, other fire may still be inbound.

 

In fact, on a military range, 9 out of 10 shooters would  'accidentally' shoot at the drone.

 

Which brings me onto the next point that the use of such a drone may prove distracting to other shooters.

 

Cheap hand held spotting scope:       £20-£50.

 

              DJI Mavic Air 2:                         £769

Perhaps a camera on a Tamiya RC tank chassis ? The person flying a drone about my brother’s house, including up to the patio doors would have suffered a financial loss then if his cat had succeeded in taking down the drone. 

[polybear]

5 hours ago, TheQ said:

I thought he was going to have a man wearing a bearskin hat standing on guard in the shelter by the door...

 

 

5 hours ago, jamie92208 said:

I don't know what I've done but I got this picture as a side bar this morning.  I will not comment. further.

Jamie

 

She's definitely in dire need of a Teddy.  I know just the Bear.....

 

4 hours ago, iL Dottore said:

The question that comes to mind (from a purely professional perspective) is “all natural or enhanced?”

What does the collective wisdom of ER conclude? 

 

I'll let you know.....

[Shedman5]

Afternoon, Jobs finished for the day and the shed beckons, other half wanted something out of the loft this morning which was okay until she came up the ladder and starting asking what's in that box and that one etc etc. What should have been a 15 min job took over an hour! Though I did discover a railway book Signalling Days Final Reminiscences of a GWR Railwayman By Harold Gascon so all was not lost!

 

As for these adverts nothing like Jamies ( I do wonder what web sites he visits outside of RMWeb !) as I have been looking at watches hence the ad below appeared.

 

 

Enjoy your day folks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 4, 2020 by Shedman5

[Gwiwer]

On 03/06/2020 at 13:58, Happy Hippo said:

the apocryphal Essex Girl, but without the charm and sophistication.

I lived for a time near enough to the Land of the Essex Girl.  Specifically in the Royal Docks area of East London where Essex is just over the horizon and could be seen from atop Beckton Alps.  "Essex Girl" probably couldn't spell it but one assured me, and most of New Barn Street within hearing distance, that her boyfriend had to go the the "C**p Clinic" because he had a dose of "Ser-fisty-cay-shun-us"  Charming!  And not apocryphal I promise you but I shall spare her blushes and withhold her name  

 

16 hours ago, Coombe Barton said:

... and some damp ducks.

Would they have been the ones we spotted overhead on Monday?  Current circumstances have brought all manner of changes not least the resurgence of the local bird populations.  But standing on Britain's Busiest Railway Station (yes we are still claiming bragging rights on that one) at 08.15 when in other times the platforms would be five-deep end-to-end with humanity the place was almost deserted.  Someone somewhere yelled "DUCK!!!" and we all turned quickly to see no fewer than 28 northbound in flight above our heads at a fairly low altitude.  

 

In other news the "Pride" trains one may currently see across the network are wearing what I am assured are called "Trainbows".  I wonder if that is allowed in Scrabble.  

[Ian Abel]

BIN day.

For the past several weeks the BIN-emptying brigade have been noticeable for their rather later than usual appearance. No idea why, but given there are several (5-6 at last count) services available in the city and apparently our neighbors can't agree on which one to use so ALL of them parade past here for their particular clientele, it's strange that they should ALL be running late?? Maybe they finally decided that everyone would appreciate not hearing that racket so early in the day!

 

Little else to report from here, save the thankful information that all four of the police involved in the Memorial Day tragedy have finally been charged/arrested.

 

16 first thing, somewhat cooler that the last few days expected, with a high of only 29 forecast. Partly sunny with chance of a thunderstorm later.

 

Carpe diem...

 

Edit: Far as the ads go, this is at the top of my page

Edited June 4, 2020 by Ian Abel

[Happy Hippo]

1 hour ago, Tony_S said:

Perhaps a camera on a Tamiya RC tank chassis ? The person flying a drone about my brother’s house, including up to the patio doors would have suffered a financial loss then if his cat had succeeded in taking down the drone. 

Much as I like the idea of an RC tank chassis and a camera, it's only really going to work if the target is at ground level, otherwise you'll need a camera that is capable of panning to look up.

 

As a matter of interest have you seen the prices of Tamiya R/C tanks?

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tamiya-56043-56043-1-Sheridan-Option/dp/B07PDHZCJP/ref=pd_sbs_21_6/262-8799368-8554732?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07PDHZCJP&pd_rd_r=657b6648-2b8f-47f8-b56b-bb24e57a4525&pd_rd_w=NuGHW&pd_rd_wg=utwcP&pf_rd_p=2773aa8e-42c5-4dbe-bda8-5cdf226aa078&pf_rd_r=VG6081YDW1H0M1ZD00VX&psc=1&refRID=VG6081YDW1H0M1ZD00VX

 

A  scope would appear to be the cheapest ans simplest option as the operator requires very little training compared with rcpiloting and driving skills!

 

 

Edited June 4, 2020 by Happy Hippo

[petethemole]

Having seen the two pictures of the range in question it would be almost impossible to operate either a drone or a R/C tank there.  I always fancied one of those Tamiya tanks, preferably a Sherman.  I knew somebody who had the Sherman and Tiger, but never got the chance for a play.  Mrs mole does archery and has done a field shoot in woodland (14 years ago), but found it hard going with her disability, which has got a bit worse since then. 

 

At the usual range she can sit on a stool when not shooting, and if she's not feeling up to it, club members will collect her arrows for her.

 

Mrs mole's hot tub is now in use; it's smaller than she expected as she misread the dimensions (external/internal) however it is big enough to exercise in.

 

I don't need to go out today as supplies are adequate and sold packages, only just paid for, can wait another day. 

 

Stay elfy,

 

Pete

[grandadbob]

Shed visited for a bit more playtime.  This is the layout so far:

 

[Gwiwer]

6 hours ago, grandadbob said:

 

 

Close ..... 

 

 

In terms of adverts someone, or some sort of sensory computer script, is playing mindgames.  They must know I can't get decent coffee right now.  Sure I can get beans but I don't have a grinder.  I can get ground and use the jug but I can't get a Digby's latte or flat white and would be happy to accept a Nero or Costa attempt right now!  

 

 

Edited June 4, 2020 by Gwiwer

[Tony_S]

29 minutes ago, Happy Hippo said:

As a matter of interest have you seen the prices of Tamiya R/C tanks

I probably do know the price of such vehicles. I was only suggesting (and not utterly seriously I suppose) possible alternatives to Neil having to cart optics about. 
Back some time last century I started showing some of the things that could be done with a BBC micro and I made up a remote control (not radio) tank kit that could be either controlled with a joystick (homemade) or from sensors. The head of science said I had to leave the top of the tank off to avoid upsetting people. Students all wanted to know where the top was. 
 

[Happy Hippo]

5 minutes ago, Tony_S said:

I probably do know the price of such vehicles. I was only suggesting (and not utterly seriously I suppose) possible alternatives to Neil having to cart optics about. 

Neil has a hover cart to get around:  You know like the Mekon had!

[jamie92208]

6 minutes ago, Happy Hippo said:

Neil has a hover cart to get around:  You know like the Mekon had!

Are you talking about William Haig or the real Mekon.

 

Jamie