~o~
Wednesday 10th 48F/9C. Mild but mostly cloudy but dry. With a gusty, south westerly wind.
I shall be visiting my English friend today.
13.10 Returning from my visit.
14.45 The sun is pretending to break through the cloud.
I had a nap to catch up on my lost sleep.
Dinner was cheese on toast with halved tomatoes.
~o~
~o~
Up at 7am after a fairly quiet night.
I am still baffled by the huge bang outside last night. Just before 10pm. It was pitch black at the time of course. I walked around the house with a torch but could see nothing.
It is still struggling to get light now at 8.50. I am waiting to go for my walk. My main concern is always the commuter traffic. Many drivers don't alter their course to avoid me until the very last moment. They are obviously not concentrating on the road ahead. Often they are driving insanely close to the car in front. Despite 5km of solid, double white lines. Which they must surely know about if they make the journey more than once.
So overtaking other vehicles is illegal. This rule does not apply to pedestrians, cyclists or slow moving vehicles. Though crossing the double white lines on every single corner is considered the done thing. The double white lines on bends literally wear out long before those on the straights. Are drivers simply too lazy to drive all the way around a corner? Why do they cut blind corners where many drivers overshoot the double white lines?
Meanwhile I am always walking as close to the verge as possible. Often taking to the grass, or usually the weeds, to avoid literally being run down. I have no alternative but to walk along the side of the road for several hundred meters. Before I can escape to the quieter lanes or the single farm track to the woods.
Every few meters there are branches, brambles or wild roses arcing out of the roadside hedges. So escaping to the verges is not always easy. I am constantly monitoring for traffic from the rear. Because some drivers are afraid to pass me against oncoming traffic. While many drivers have never heard of the 1.5m rule anyway. Or are too sociopathic/drugged senile or drunk to care about taking a life?
9.15. Almost light enough for my walk. Wish me luck.
9.50 Back again. Traffic light. Slightly cold on my hands. No near misses today. The two, large brown birds of prey were back on the fields but left on my arrival. No sign of a possible cause for the loud bang.
I have temporarily moved the chest of drawers to the other end of the room. With an aspidistra on top to help it to look semi-domesticated. I really don't like it there. It is too deep. My wife kept a chest of drawers there for years. I shall have to look for more suitable furniture in the charity shops.
Ideally I need a low, shallow shelving unit with a backboard. To go under the TV. A few ornaments will make it look as if it was meant to be there. I may be able to use the large chest of drawers. To absorb the contents of the small chest. The drawers in the larger one are truly vast. Some plastic tubs or trays will help to tame it all. I already spend hours sorting through the clothing in there. So it is always a complete jumble.
Back in the kitchen I am thinking of rotating the washing machine by 90º. To stand against the far wall. The plumbing will still reach. Nope. The door opened the wrong way. I settled on a more forward position. To bring it flush with the oven and its cupboard. It better looks the part now. Washing machines are heavy! The image at the top of the page nicely confirms hovel status. Daylight is actually kinder.
I'll have to find some ornaments. To make it look lived in. The new [recycled] shelving unit even makes the TV look the right height again.
Those of you who see this search and eventual purchase as small beer should consider the odds. Of finding exactly what I needed in such a small sample of charity shops within two hours. Yes, I could have gone to IKEA and spent a couple of hundred pounds equivalent. Or any other furniture retail store.
The period character of the cabinets added a certain mystique to their contents. They became museum like displays of my wife's, precious glass collection. Safely and inexpensively protecting them from dust and trivial accidents. Without looking cheap and nasty.
Dinner was organic sausage, an organic egg and chips. I washed up while it cooked. Which explains why the sausage is slightly overdone.
~o~
~o~
Monday 8th 46F/7.8C[08.30] Another grey day but with extra wind. Gusting to 17m/s [38mph] at lunch time. Rain later this afternoon. 62F/16.7C in the room.
Up at 6.20 after an "interesting night." I saw the flashing lights of the bin lorry at 5.30. First at the front. Then later at the back of the house.
I was going to play with the carport. Though it might be wise to wait until the gales pass. The curved roof would act as a giant wing. It might lift itself. Much too far!
9.25 Back from a walk down the road and back. The roads were fairly dry so no tire spray today. I dragged the two recycling bins back long the drive with me.
Earlier, I found a pair of OX-ON Eyepro Comfort safety glasses in the drawer. Bought but never worn. Still in the display bag.
Good wrap-around of the large, single, clear lens. Side screens and close fitting around the moulded nosepiece. They were excellent in today's wind. Regardless of how I turned my head to find weak spots in their wind protection. There were none.
All the advantages of goggles without the instant misting. Unbreakable polycarbonate lens with 99% UV protection. No optical power or distortion. Strong and instantly comfortable. The adjustable length earpieces are sensibly designed. For easily sliding under helmets. They cost around £4 in real money online. So, around 1/80 of the price of the Oakley crap that weekend warriors wear. Even when it is heavily overcast. Good grief! I am beginning to sound like an influencer! I had better improve my portrait with a beauty app! 😎
11.45 I have been tidying. The detritus of everyday living has got away from me, again. I desperately need a clothes rail for my umpteen jackets. In addition to the one upstairs. I need something downstairs. Neither hall is wide enough to take jackets at right angles to the walls. The coat hooks, in the entrance hall, darken the place once loaded. It makes it feel stuffed, cramped and untidy. I certainly don't want clothing stored in the kitchen.
The under-stairs area is wide open but too limited in space and free height for jackets. I have two IKEA racks for my umpteen shoes under there. I could be disciplined and reduce that to one rack and take the rarely used shoes upstairs. I will never wear my SPD cycling shoes again. They don't need to be taking up that space. The same with my heavy, walking boots. I am fooling myself that I'd go for long walks like I did in the past. Charity shop fodder I think.
The kitchen feels slightly crowded with two display cabinets. Standing side by side on the end wall. As if the space could be much better used for something else. They make access to each corner almost impossible. Could I squeeze one display cabinet into the living room somewhere?
I can't raise the TV or it will be too high for comfortable viewing. Seat height 42"/106cm. The same as the centre line of the TV. Fitting the TV above the large, oak, chest of drawers would lift it much too high. I'd like to get rid of the small chest of drawers under the TV. It is vintage, scruffy, dark oak and rather hideous. I have a bookshelf which would fit under there. Bung some ornaments on there instead of books.
I could finally fix the TV to the wall. With the wall bracket I bought years ago and never used. Though I fitted the hooked brackets to the back of the TV. I was always afraid the wall would not support the weight. The TV is in the only place it can be fitted and watched comfortable in the room. So it can't make space for display cabinets. I only watch for an hour of two in the evenings. Still no reason to get rid of it.
12.00 The sun has broken through the overcast. Though it is still very cloudy. I mustn't get distracted by solar imaging!
12.30 Move the large oak chest of drawers back to the bottom of the stairs. Move the aquarium into its place. A cabinet could stand in that corner with the drawers no longer needing clearance. Pull the tank out to the window edge. So it wouldn't be masked by the cabinet on the north wall. Where it would be standing between the tank and the TV. Lots of work and it all seems a bit extreme.
Which meant removal of the TV. Lots more fiddling and refitting the brackets. A 55" TV is rather heavy and fragile. So I had to lie it face down on the bed. Which meant clearing the furniture between the bed and where I was working. Collecting several different screwdrivers in assorted types and sizes along the way. What am I to do with the homeless chest of drawers now?
Dinner was an organic pork chop, mushrooms, an egg and boiled potatoes.
21.00 48F/9C. The milder, outdoor temperatures mean the room has quickly warmed from 60-70F[15-21C.]
10.00 There was a huge bang just now. Not a firework or a shot. Louder, deeper and heavier. It felt almost as if the house shook. I have looked all around inside and out but can't see anything. There is no sign of any debris on the ground.
~o~
~o~
Sunday 7th 43F/6C [7.30] A grey, wet and windy day.
9.40 Back from a short walk. It was misty with very light drizzle and a light, southerly breeze. Being passed by speeding cars with their tire spray and noise was no fun. So I limited myself to a loop of the neighbours' drives. Just to get away from the traffic. I was gone for no more than 20 minutes. At least I got out. The guard dog did not bark today.
The second lift is to raise the whole carport. While rotating it upright on the feet of the initial pair of legs. This lift will be heavier and higher. I must avoid bending the first legs. Once upright, the second pair of legs can be attached.
I have just been outside to erect the ladder A-frame and do some measuring. The other ladders can act as side braces to avoid potential instability. It is miserable out there and feels too cold and wet. To be doing this sort of thing today.
18.30 I have just taken two recycling bins along the drive in the dark. Stove lit. Time to think about making some dinner.
Dinner was beans on toast.
~o~
~o~
Saturday 6th 39F/4C. Another dark grey day. Windier, with rain after lunch. The trees are already moving. 62F/16.7C in the room. 47F/8.3C in the lean-to greenhouse.
Up at 7.50 after a late, then fairly quiet, night. Both of my eyes feel sore. I shouldn't use filthy gloves to wipe the tears from my eyes when it is cold. Finding tissues in my pockets, while wearing thick gloves, is impractical. Besides, the gloves would contaminate the tissues. Perhaps I should dig out some of my real handkerchiefs? Which I haven't used for years. I haven't a clue where they might be now. Not in the chests of drawers where they always used to be. I probably gave then away to a charity shop.
None of my cheap safety glasses make usefully windproof goggles for cycling. Perhaps I should explore what is available without dark lenses. It is ridiculous to see riders out training in a heavy overcast. While wearing their obscenely expensive "cycling" sunglasses.
It seems I have been wasting my time in the local timber merchants. A very poor selection. There are far better safety glasses available elsewhere. Better wrap around and even with side screens. To help to keep the wind out. Most aren't designed for serious wind protection though. More for dust and particles when grinding or sanding. I'll try some of the other outlets. Most of these glasses are inexpensive. Goggles with elastic just wouldn't work with a helmet and warm liner cap.
9.15 I had better get ready for my walk. I'll need to be windproof. Ventile over fleece I think.
9.40 I was comfortable despite the SE wind on the return leg. Almost too warm. My double fleece hat pulled well down. The ponies watched my progress. The goats called and the guard dog barked foolishly. At a figure who has passed its gate almost daily for years. The unnecessary noise is only recent. Perhaps the dog is bored. Or becoming senile and senses danger in the familiar. Or it has developed village mentality in old age?
11.00 I am going for a ride to the next shopping village upwind. Or SE if you prefer. I know how to dress more warmly than yesterday. I will cover only half the distance. There will be shopping in several supermarkets at intervals. To restock with essentials. Plenty of chances to warm up if need be. Now the sun has come out. One of the charity shops is closing down.
I decided to press on instead of dawdling. Which would have meant my following them until I got bored and overtook. Which would have looked as if I was showing off. So I raised my cadence to average a comfortable 32-35kph in Sport mode. Low 80s rpm. I had soon distanced them by several hundred meters. They turned off before the next village. Where I paused to fill two panniers to the brim with shopping. Time for lunch.
13.45 Rain. 60F/15.6C in the room. The stove is lit.
Dinner was a fry-up. Organic pork chop, mushrooms, an organic egg and Heinz beans. I washed up while it cooked.
~o~
~o~
A new rail cutting beneath a major road. The motorway runs alongside. The distant tower cranes are seen in the next image below.
Up at 6.50 after a fairly quiet night. No coffee. Just a small glass of organic apple juice with [no] dinner. I have just rescued a medium sized spider from the sink. Where do I queue for my lifetime achievement award for protecting wildlife? 66F/19C in the room. I was feeding the stove with logs until the last moment last night. 11.00.
9.30 I am still waiting to go for a walk. It is so dark I'll need a torch! Too dark to read indoors.
I found two more minor roads. Which were closed until the new year. As new bridges and drains are constructed. Mostly close to the existing motorway. There were signs of major earthworks progressing. As the undulating route is leveled to railway standards.
On my lower half I wore thin long johns and an old pair of DHB padded shorts under my thin cargo trousers.
15.45 It is still incredibly dark. The uniform overcast to the north east is a dull red. I lit the stove and had lunch when I got home.
16.00 It took an hour before I felt comfortably warm again. Though the room was only 62F/16.7C and is only now approaching 64F/18C.
Dinner was mackerel mush in tomato sauce on toast. I have decided I don't like mush. The texture is revolting.
~o~
~o~
Up just after 6am after waking earlier and clock watching.
Cooking class today. With traditional Danish Christmas recipes. The last class this year.
14.00 Back from cooking class. I made frikadeller. [meat balls]
It rained on the way home. The roads were incredibly wet. With many puddles and even small streams crossing the asphalt. A miserable 61F/16C in the room. The stove is lit and the temperature climbing steadily.
No evening meal required. I had a digestive biscuit with a glass of organic apple juice.
~o~
~o~
Up at 7am after getting up at 3am and returning to bed after a couple of hours.
I hope to go for a ride. If it is dry this morning.
11.30 I couldn't summon up the enthusiasm for a ride. It was too dark, too grey and too cold. So I moved the stack of now soggy, ex-observatory plywood. From leaning against the chestnut tree stump to lying flat on the ground. To suppress the brambles which were rapidly growing back. Far worse than before my earlier clearance.
This made for a very breathless effort. I worked at it steadily and was finally rewarded with successful completion. I can now watch myself moving in rapid motion on the security camera recording. As I take a much needed break.
Dinner was a salmon pasty and chips. No imagination and nothing else in the fridge.
~o~
~o~
Tuesday 2nd 41F/5C [8.15] A long, grey, wet day is forecast. Early wind and temperature falling off a cliff around lunch time. 62F/16.7C in the room. 46F/7.8C in the greenhouse.
Up at 7.10 after a ridiculously busy night. The eastern sky was strangely purple.
12.30 Back again. Shopped on the way home. It was spitting with rain on the return journey. First today. Only 60F/15.6C in the room. I had better light the stove.
It did rain in the late afternoon. While I was catching up on a backlog of washing up. Moving onto watering my plants.
It just reached 68F/20C by 18.30.
Dinner was sardines on toast.
~o~
~o~
Monday 1st 41F/5C [8.30] A dark grey day bracketed by rain. Breezy with gales this evening. 63F/17C in the room.
Up at 7.30 after several failures to lift off. My right hand is hurting again after a few days without pain. Saturday's ride? I didn't feel any discomfort at the time.
8.45 It felt unpleasantly cold so I have lit the stove. I'll go for my walk soon.
9.35 Back again. The weather wasn't too bad and the traffic was light. The first bird I saw was a kestrel. I dragged the empty recycling bin back home. The room feels much more comfortable at 65F/18C.
I was shown a 2 minute advert by YouTube. About a supposedly clever, AI robot dog. Except that YouTube was showing a completely fraudulent advert.
89% of TrustPilot reviews confirmed it was a total scam. So bad, in fact, that the reviews had gone viral. Which might just save a lot of grandparents, parents and children a nasty disappointment at Christmas.
Can one safely assume that YouTube will show any advert for which the crooks are prepared to pay them. Even the most blatantly fraudulent. With no human oversight. Have the cartels now moved into toy sales?
Dinner was the Sunday Dinner it should have been yesterday. Chicken, mushrooms, boiled potatoes, peas and gravy.
~o~
~o~
Sunday 30th 44F/6.7C. Overcast with showers or rain earlier and later. Increasingly windy. Peaking at 17m/s around 18.00.
Up at 5.10 after another busy night. Back to bed for an hour until 8.30.
8.45 62F/16.7C in the room. So I have just lit the stove. I'll go for a walk as soon as the fire has stabilized.
9.50 Back from my walk. A male kestrel took flight for the second day in a row. It must have been perched on my neighbour's roof. At the end of the drive. A woman driver forced me to jump onto the verge to avoid being mown down. She was deliberately running along the white line on the edge of the road and made no effort to avoid me. I was almost certain she was grinning.
12.15 There was a burst of sunshine. So I went upstairs to turn on the telescope drives and mini-computer. Sadly the brightness only lasted a few seconds before it became a dark grey overcast. It has reached 68F/20C in the room. After starting at 61F/16C.
17.30 I have just dragged one of the recycling bins the 100m along the drive in the pitch dark. Though the moon was visible in the SE as a glow behind the racing clouds. It is blowing an absolute gale out there! The peak has now been pushed forwards to 21.00 and 18m/s. Tomorrow's forecast is a repeat of today's. Gales again with early and late rain. There is no sunshine forecast for the next week.
Dinner was poached eggs on toast.
~o~
~o~
Saturday 29th 43F/6C [7.30] A mixed forecast. Possible early sunshine becoming cloudier. There were no sun symbols on the chart. Quite a gusty, southerly wind.
Up at 7am after a rather busy night at the fire bucket.
Saturday morning is usually an excuse for a ride to another village. Which has a charity shop open only on Saturday mornings. I have almost run out of olive oil for frying. The "best in test" organic oil is usual sold by only one supermarket chain. I have visited two, so far, but still no oil. There is another outlet of the chain at this village.
9.25 Back from my walk. The sky was mostly clear except in the east. Where the sun was supposed to be shining. Though it did so briefly. Cold on my hands. Made worse by the wind. Not bad conditions for a ride. Provided I dress warmly and and am windproof.
I couldn't find the olive oil I was searching for. So I bought a bottle of Italian Cucina. It ticked all the right boxes. Modestly priced, a dark bottle, not blended and a produce of Italy alone. All the supermarkets were packed. With much longer queues than usual.
Dinner was fried chicken, mushrooms and an egg on toast.
~o~
~o~
Friday 28th 45F/7.2C [6.30] A grey day with early rain petering out. Windy, with gusts to 12m/s reducing slowly. 66F/19C in the room.
Up at 5.30 after an average night. I was tormenting myself with memories. So I got up to escape from them.
9.00 Going for a walk. It's dark grey and windy. Probably raining. Ventile jacket over pile lined fleece.
13.10 Back from the shops in the next village. I bought some more kindling as well as the groceries.
I lit the stove at 16.00. The room temperature climbed slowly to 68F/20C by 20.20.
Dinner was a salmon pasty, peas, pasta and tinned tomatoes.
~o~
~o~
Thursday 27th 37F/2.8C. A long, wet day, gusting to 15m/s. 62F/16.7C in the room. 48F/9C in the greenhouse.
I plan to use the inclement weather to seal the hall door out to the greenhouse. I bought some battens and draught strip in town yesterday.
10.00 No walk. It is pouring with rain and blowing a gale. It just dropped below 61F/16C. So have lit the stove.
Another day wasted on the computer. Though I did do a stack of washing up. I am still thinking about how best to tackle the draughty door.
Dinner was a different kind of mackerel in tomato sauce on toast. I nearly forgot to take a picture.
11.20 I have been having chest pains over my heart, this evening, while watching TV. Several squirts of nitro haven't helped. So it's probably indigestion. Goodnight.
~o~
~o~
Wednesday 26th 36F/2C Grey morning, possible sunshine this afternoon and a hard frost tonight. 64F/17.8C in the room. 49F/9.4C in the greenhouse.
Up at 6.50 after an unusually quiet night.
A belated visit to my friend. Delayed by recalcitrant snow.
13.00 Back from my visit. It was mist and a blinding low sun on the way. Brighter and clear on the way back. Until I neared home and it became thick mist again. The promised sunshine has been cancelled. There was a lot of flooding on the fields. As the rain had cause a rapid thaw of the snow.
I drove to Assens to do some shopping in the late afternoon. It became increasingly misty. Though in patches. The last leg home on the dark was at 30kph/20mph. Even on extremely familiar roads and lanes it was very difficult to see where I was going.
I now have some battens and draught strip. For the front hall door out to the greenhouse. These double doors were recycled but the frames were undersized. Leaving visible gaps along the top.
Dinner was an omelette. Sausage and tomatoes.
~o~
~o~
Tuesday 25th 36F/2.2C [6.50] Light rain or showers continuing. I was hoping the snow would have been washed away by now. There are certainly signs of depletion. Though not enough be able to ignore the potential danger of slippery roads. At least, not yet. 63F/17C in the room. I'll light the stove eventually.
Up at 6.10 after a fairly busy night. 7.10 Stove lit and going well.
My usual visit to my friend was delayed by the poor weather conditions.
Another day wasted on YouTube.
Dinner was [discounted] free range sausage, an egg and chips.
~o~
~o~
Up at 4am for three hours. Went back to bed at 7am to sleep for an hour. I lit the fire at 4am and it is 67F/19C in the room.
It seems very dark. Because of the thick snow on the greenhouse roof. Blocking the light through the south facing windows. I have a squeegee on a long pole for such moments but will leave the rain to do its thing.
I may have to use the demister if I plan on a drive this morning. Though I don't intend to go anywhere in the car. Image taken through the window.
I'll go for walk in a little while.
They promote ugliness, well beyond their artistic ability. While being a hideous social nuisance. I'd put in an eye-bolt and chain them to their daub. Without shelter or sustenance. Until they have completely removed every last vestige of their delusions of grandeur.
Dinner will be something on toast.
The "something" turned out to be cheese with halved cherry tomatoes.
10.30 The rain and 2C/35F hasn't achieved much so far. Hopefully the rain will wash the snow away by tomorrow morning.
~o~
~o~
Sunday 23rd 31F/-0.6C. A cold, grey day with southerly winds. Snow forecast for the early hours tomorrow. The room has just dropped below 60F/15.6C. It only made it to 66F/19C by bedtime. 38F/3.5C in the greenhouse this morning. The front hall feels like a fridge. It acts as an airlock for the greenhouse. Between the kitchen and living room. Just as the rear, entrance hall does.
No point in heating them. I aim for 60F/15C in the bathroom and kitchen. Using the oil-filled radiators. It takes the chill off without costing a fortune in electricity. I wish I'd bought these years ago. Far more useful than the noisy fan heater. Though it is still very useful to boost the bathroom for my shower. A couple of minutes and it is a comfortable 70F/21C. I switch it off again as soon as I get out of the shower.
Up at 6.30 after a fairly quiet night.
8.30 Bright enough for a walk. The sky is lighter and warmer in the east.
8.50 Back again. I was treated to a clear sunrise as I reached the end of the drive. Though it soon clouded over again. Very few birds visible or audible this morning. I walked as briskly as I could. To make myself slightly breathless. Just to see how it went. No problem. The [recycled] medium weight, pile lined jacket is more of a mid layer. Having very little natural wind stopping ability. Turning back for home immediately produced a headwind.
9.00 59.0F/15C in the room. I brought some more logs in from the greenhouse and lit the stove. No point in suffering. It doesn't take much of a rise in temperature to make it feel more cosy. I have put on a fleece hat to warm myself up.
11.15 64F/18C in the room. I have been going around checking for draughts. The greenhouse door to the front hall has a large gap at the top. I'll look for some more useful draught excluder. The simple, sponge strip, which I fitted year ago, can't reach across the gap.
18.30 I had to do the washing up if I wanted to eat again.
Then I had to distribute the indoor containers into the recycling bins outside. Before dragging one along the drive in the dark. There were a few stars but snow is likely tonight.
Sunday dinner was chicken, mushrooms, peas, carrots, boiled potatoes and gravy.
~o~
~o~
Saturday 2nd 36F/2C [8.15] Dark grey and windy with light showers. Only a few patches of frost on the brambles. 60F/15.6C in the room. It only reached 66F/19C by bedtime. With an extra log to keep the stove going. 48F/9C in the greenhouse this morning. Yesterday's white frosting has changed to condensation.
Up at 7.30 after a fairly quiet night. I watched the digital clock change to 6:00:00. Then drifted off again.
12.00 Back from a shopping trip. Two villages. Several charity shops. Breezy and occasionally a little brighter. Only 59F/15C in the room. So I have lit the stove.
I had to go out again. I had forgotten the bread rolls.
19.30 Dinner was chicken, mushrooms, tomatoes and beans. There were no eggs left. Another oversight. The room has reached 66F/19C.
~o~
~o~
Friday 21st 28F/-4C [7.00] Another white frost. A sunny day is promised. Reaching 2.4C/36F with light winds. 62F/16.7C in the room. I put a log on at bedtime to enure the stove kept going for a while.
Up at 7.00 after a busy night queuing at the fire bucket.
I spent some time imaging the sun. Making steady progress. I have found a better site for my telescope. Though it requires chopping down some legacy shrubs.
16.00 30F/-1C Back from the shops with some essentials. The car was covered in ice and frost. I used de-icer and hung about while the engine warmed up. The heater is crap and takes ages to demist the inside of the windows.
Stove lit. 60F/15.6C in the room. A beautiful grey horse is grazing nearby.
Dinner was beans on toast and tomato soup. Both care of Heinz special offers.
~o~
~o~
Up at 6.30 after a quiet night.
Cooking class today. No walk.
13.22 Back from cooking class. Where I made Waldorf Salad. Everything was delicious today.
It was only 58F/14C in the room when I came home. So I have lit the stove.
16.30 The room temperature has just reached 64F/17.8C.
22.20 It has just reached 67F/19.4C. This is with continuous addition of logs. As the previous one burnt down to a bed of embers.
~o~
~o~
Up at 7.30 after quiet night. I was going to get up earlier but drifted off again. My right hand is hurting again after all the log moving. I have a nosebleed. Dripping at less than one second intervals. That could be due to dragging the trailer across the gravel. I have squeezed the bridge of my nose and stuffed it with tissue. I was going to go for a walk. I had better wait a while.
The nosebleed soon stopped. I was only gone for 20 minutes. Every passing vehicle reminded me of wind chill. Dull grey skies and uniform frost.
I have wasted the day educating myself on YouTube.
Except for an afternoon nap.
The forecast is for snow. It is just raining at the moment.
Dinner was fish fingers and chips. The room has reached a cosy 68F/20C. It is eating through the logs.
~o~
~o~
Tuesday 18th 36F/2.2C. A cloudy day with showers is on offer. 62F/16.7C in the room. 47F/8.3C in the lean-to greenhouse. No doubt helped by yesterday's sunshine.
Up at 6am after another quiet night. The hand and wrist pain is hardly noticeable now.
I shall be visiting my English friend. Hopefully the roads will have been salted. As they have been over the last few days. There were many accidents on icy cycle paths in Copenhagen yesterday. With too many falls requiring ambulances to be called out. Aside from the vast numbers who cycle in Copenhagen. It must be remembered that cyclists are literally of all ages. A sudden, unexpected fall from a cycle in old age can be life changing!
The cyclists blamed the council for not salting the cycle paths. Somebody badly misjudged the weather forecast. The cycle paths are often the lowest priority. I am constantly having to duck to miss overhanging branches above cycle lanes and paths. Or having to crawl though deep leaves and moraines of twigs and vegetation. Built up over countless years of neglect. I would often joke about archeological finds being buried there.
The lorry snow ploughs often cleared the roads into the cycle lanes. Particularly in towns and villages. Forcing the cyclist out onto the road. Where the impatient traffic always wanted to break the speed limit. Just as they always do in fine weather. Risking lives to overtake. Just to gain one place in the gridlock to nowhere. The only way they know how to drive. Raving insanity.
I was incredibly fortunate to be riding a two-wheel-drive trike for most of those years. Which gave me a high level of stability. Not enjoyed by the often absent majority of cyclists in poor winter conditions. I could easily ride on black ice and snow. Even on hills. When there were literally no other cyclists to be seen all day. I wouldn't go out in icy conditions on the e-bike!
14.30 Back with a trailer full of logs.
15.00 Most of the logs are now stacked in the greenhouse. The trailer is covered against possible rain to avoid wetting the remainder.
16.00 59F/15C in the room. I had a nap and then lit the stove. I should really have lit the stove much earlier.
Dinner was scrambled egg on toast and tomato soup.
10.45 32F/0C outside. I am keeping the stove going with more logs tonight. As it has only crept up to 66F/19C in the room. Which is comfortable for sitting at the computer in a thick jumper and fleece jacket. Which I obviously can't wear overnight. So when I get up, to attend to the fire bucket, it is much chillier as the room steadily cools overnight.
I have warmer down duvets but haven't felt the need. To change from the summer weight, down duvet yet. I wear a thin jumper over my t-shirt in bed when it is cold. There is a large tub of thermal underwear upstairs. Much of it years old. Which I wore on the trike in winter. Again I haven't felt the need to wear any indoors so far. Though I ought to wear it on the e-bike now the weather is cold. The modern TermaTech wood stove is much more efficient. Than the old Jøtel box stove. I am also sleeping downstairs. Quite close to the stove. Which has soapstone cladding to slowly release heat for hours after the fire has gone out.
11.15 Bedtime.
~o~
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Up at 6.30 after a fairly quiet night.
I ought to fetch some more logs in the trailer. Last winter's stock has gone down more quickly than I had imagined. Despite my not lighting the stove until the late afternoon or evening. However, I have another parcel coming today. An item returned for repair under guarantee. I am expected to be home to accept the parcel. They came in the morning last time but are normally here well after lunch.
8.30 Time for a walk. I tried a different clothing idea yesterday. A felted, heavy wool jumper under my down sweater. Instead of a heavier down jacket with a thin jumper. I was more comfortable and didn't overheat.
9.00 Back from my walk in bright sunshine. Thanks to the frost, the ground was firm enough to walk on the spray tracks. So I looped around a smaller field at a brisk pace. Even managing to get slightly out of breath.
A small, fast, bird of prey did a loop around the garden. I am calling it a Merlin. Buff, pointed wings, swept back. There were noisy Redwings in the wild cherry trees. Smaller birds everywhere.
Then I captured a lot of videos of the sun and processed some of them. A late lunch and then back to the fray.
15.30 Now I should go shopping.
16.00 35F/1.7C. Cold. Back again. Shops full.
Dinner was a salmon pasty, peas, boiled potatoes and gravy.
~o~
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Sunday 16th 30F/-1C [7.15] Another white frost and a confusing forecast. The verbal description talks of sunshine. The graphs show none. The room has dropped to 62.9F/17C overnight. The stove struggled to bring the room up to 68F/20C by bedtime. Only 14C/57F in the bathroom. I have adjusted the small, oil-filled radiator I have in there. Just to keep the chill off.
Up at 6.45 after lying awake for hours between weird dreams. I was going to get up many times but managed to resist the temptation. This morning I had a [short] nosebleed for the first time in ages. Could it be the paracetamol? Nope. Dr.AI says it is recommended as a pain killer for those subject to nosebleeds. After one day of taking it my hands are already much less painful. I was beginning to fear for my independence.
9.00 31F/0C. No sunshine yet but brightening. Time for a walk.
9.40 Most of the sky was speckled. With thicker cloud in the east. Doing its best to veil the sun as usual. A few gulls drifted over. Then a flock of jackdaws chattering noisily. I reached my usual turning point in the lanes. A hunt was just setting up for a shoot by a popular copse. There was low lying mist. Which gave the dark silhouettes an air of mystery. They sent the dogs in to drive the game towards the guns but there were no shots fired.
I had ordered a new mouse when my usual one finally gave up. It was years old and had been dropped onto hard floorboards several times. It was delivered on a Sunday to the newspaper pipe on the corner. A hundred meters from the door. I saw a car turn into the drive just as I left.
Should I be grateful for a Sunday delivery? Probably. It was sheer luck that I spotted the bag as I passed. There was no newspaper delivery this week for some unknown reason. So I was double checking in the dark depths of the pipe.
Washing up completed. This was no small feat!
12.30 I am playing with the solar telescope again. Thick cloud is making it pointless. I'll make lunch.
An afternoon of education on YouTube. While I was actually awake.
Dinner was sardines on toast with halved cherry tomatoes.
~o~
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Saturday 15th 34F/1C [8.30] White frost. A sunny day is promised. 62F/16.7C in the room. It struggled to reach 69F/20.6C by bedtime. This was with the stove burning well. 40F/4.4C in the greenhouse. The pond has dropped to 50F/10C.
Up at 7.50 after dozing off. I saw 6am, then 7am on the clock.
8.45 Time for a walk. There is some movement in the trees. So I'll need to wear something warmer than usual.
As the sun came around to the front of the house I took some videos of it with my solar telescope. Through the double glazed, dormer window. The results weren't exiting or even sharp but useful in software processing practice. Opening the window resulted in a bonfire of thermal agitation. As the warm, indoor area escaped through the gap. Exacerbated by the chimney effect.
Dinner was a weird omelette of sausage, mushrooms. Plus baked beans.
~o~
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Up at 7am after an unusually quiet night. I got up only twice. I am feeling more positive and my hands are in less pain after visiting the doctor. Talking helps? Perhaps it was the longer walk to the forest yesterday. Even some sunshine. My daily walks had been getting much shorter and repetitive recently. I was becoming very apathetic. With no motivation to do anything but sit on the computer watching YouTube.
I could blame the long dark days. SAD? To that end I have been using a bright, LED work light over my plants. Though above and behind me, this lights up the whole room. Which would otherwise only be lit by a table lamp near the computer. Talking of which: The Philips LED bulb had gone dark and dim. It was only a year old. I replaced the bulb and the room is very much brighter. I always open the blinds as soon as there is some light outside.
Perhaps I should go for a ride today. Light winds are always more pleasant. The higher speeds of the e-bike only add to the buffeting when it is windy. Even though they can usually be overcome by the pedal assistance. It is a fine balance between clothing and temperature. Much like an ordinary bike or trike. Though with less warmth generated by the rider while pedaling. Higher headwind speeds add to the cooling effect. I wear far more layers than I would on the trike in the same conditions.
The new rail route crosses the island from east to west. Lying very close to the existing motorway for most of its 35km distance. The rolling, road closures are evidence for how quickly things are really moving. The map above shows only the central stretch of crossings. There are more to the east and west. Which fall under different local councils.
8.35 Light enough for a walk. I'll go "the wrong way" for a change of scenery.
9.30 Just under an hour's walk. I headed towards the village. Then took the direct route up the south face to the forest. Maintaining a brisk walk even where it climbs to 1-in-4 near the top. 93m of vertical movement. Sopping wet underfoot but my boots were fine. Not much wildlife to see. Only a cat sitting in a roadside orchard. Horses being horses.
The village lampposts are presently decorated with countless portrait placards. Of candidates for the local elections. It seems some of them are illegally placed. As to rules regarding clearance from cycle paths, height, etc. Which has resulted in complaints, reports and a story in the online news channels. The boundaries of some villages are similarly decorated with placards staked in the grass verges.
However, there is a distinct. Let's call it a 100% bias. Towards a particular party in rural areas. A party which might as well be run by the farmer's union for all it matters. Which means that only their own party may erect placards.
Or even vast hoardings on roadside fields. Supporting ONLY their own party candidates. One can travel for many kilometers and never see another party's placards planted on the fields. Not one.
I would argue that such advertising has a far greater impact than the crowded, village lampposts. Nor least because of the difficulty of isolating individual faces and names from the multitude. Particularly while driving safely in a built-up area. Very few voters are on foot these days. Not unless there are shops within walking distance. For the elderly using walking frames.
While the placards on the roadside fields are often much larger and so nicely separated. That drivers [and their passengers] can easily see and recognize this one party's candidates names and faces. Simply because they are so easily seen, identified and read at leisure.
13.20 43F/6C. Back from a 40km ride. The images above show a new bridge structure from both sides. Where the new railway and existing motorway both cross a busy main road.
I explored more crossings. Another new bridge had been built. There was a whole fleet of earth moving tipper trucks, bulldozers, excavators and tankers. All parked beside mountains of soil and sand. I couldn't take a picture because the edge of the road was full of huge drainage pipes. Which completely blocked the view.
The Ryet "Aircode" 3D printed CF saddle went unnoticed today. The warmest possible accolade. I wore a pair of DHB padded cycling shorts under my thin, cargo trousers.
I wasn't nearly warm enough. Though I stopped after a couple of km to add a spare jumper under my jacket. I wore a racing jersey, long sleeved, man made sweater, the medium weight jumper and a soft, "Nuckily" cycling jacket.
Every time I stopped after that I was literally shivering. I didn't feel it on the bike. My feet were cold too. Thin socks with Scott flats. My hands were progressively colder in GripGrab split mitts until they ached. So I changed to a pair of Reusch "Powder Spirit" GORE-TEX gloves to get home. I presume these were designed for skiing.
I don't wear them much because they are rather bulky. Making them very clumsy on the silly little Bosch handlebar, motor control panel. Presumably designed to suit a little girl. Just to be properly inclusive.
Talking of Bosch: I keep getting a "Service Required" notice on the Nyon display. Which requires I remove my gloves [yet again] to return to the normal display. Because it demands I confirm I have seen the message. With a finger press on the displayed button. Every single time I turn the display back on after a stop.
16.25 Back from the village shops with two new kinds of tablets and a load of groceries.
Dinner was a humongous fry-up with beans.
~o~
