tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32738731404639242842024-03-19T12:27:31.161+01:00Trikes and (odd) bikes. My wife, Shirley, died suddenly of cancer in early April 2022. Only ten days after a diagnostic scan. We had been married for 55 years. I have now made my cycling blog into a highly personal, therapeutic journal. Please be warned that it deals with an extremely emotional subject at times. As a personal record of my recovery, from the shock of my loss, it can get extremely boring. My purchase of a Moustache FS27 "45" Speed e-bike has transformed my cycling after I passed 75.
Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.comBlogger2763125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-29758157095809354152024-03-19T07:24:00.014+01:002024-03-19T12:26:58.293+01:00 19.03.2024 Security detail for hospital visit.<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Tuesday 19th 37F/3C. Smudgy overcast moving quickly from the south. Up at 6.40 after lying awake for ages. [Again!]</p><p style="text-align: left;"> I have to be at the city hospital after lunch for a heart scan. It is 30km/20 miles by my usual, rural, cycle route. No cycle paths are provided on the direct, main road. With speeding being extremely commonplace and the heavy traffic always busy. There are even sections where cycling is forbidden. Welcome to cycling friendly Denmark! <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I shall allow myself an extra half hour to avoid overdoing it. Or, worse, being late. Having been stung by a crooked parking company in the past. I dare not drive there in the old car. The Morris is still sulking at the specialist Morris workshop. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The hospital is a huge site with multiple buildings but no map was provided. Just an address. So I am using Google Earth and Street View to locate the entrance I need. No problem and there is a cycle rack near the entrance. I always anchor the bike to a rack or street furniture. To avoid it being lifted bodily into a van or pickup. I shall take both ABUS Granite U-locks. To avoid 2-legged city rats getting a free fix at my expense. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The next problem is carrying the twin Ortlieb panniers with the spare battery. While I can padlock the panniers to the rear rack The carrying handles could be cut. Or the bags simply opened. So I will have to drag the whole lot down to the cellar heart clinic with me. The spare battery weighs 3.6kg or 7lbs. It's lucky I am only 76! Until next month. When I can become an even sillier, old fart. 😎</p><p style="text-align: left;">8.15 There is no excuse not to go for a walk. My back was killing me when I finally got up.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.45 I only walked far enough to be rid of my lower back pain. There was a cold, blustery SE wind already. Expecting to gust up to 11m/s later. Fortunately that will be perpendicular [90°] to my direction of travel. Though the slightly higher speed of my e-bike makes every journey feel like a headwind! </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUOrFBxdi_ibwD3SY8kvtpAn_bAFljojBsWSfIFuP9Wz3KClnTUa5IzDIpCOcnZRwYEaeYUFNgG5JY2DtilslaaB07OAqClUU2GFxfoglLn5JMHKZAPdMfnE3YgfMEoICBBhBlJomLUt6yZg_VdxpPHAVtgO-c9uY2K_ygIM9R-0y9qxMCTnozOz2NA/s1000/bosch%20nyon%20control%20unit%202.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUOrFBxdi_ibwD3SY8kvtpAn_bAFljojBsWSfIFuP9Wz3KClnTUa5IzDIpCOcnZRwYEaeYUFNgG5JY2DtilslaaB07OAqClUU2GFxfoglLn5JMHKZAPdMfnE3YgfMEoICBBhBlJomLUt6yZg_VdxpPHAVtgO-c9uY2K_ygIM9R-0y9qxMCTnozOz2NA/s320/bosch%20nyon%20control%20unit%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The temperature will peak below 5C/41F today at 14.00. With light rain
possible on my return journey. Experience strongly suggests I wear warm
clothes, cap and gloves. Long thermal underwear. A jumper under the rain
jacket over a racing jersey. To keep sweat at bay. Never wear a
cotton T-shirt! <i> </i><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i> The Nyon control unit is nicely compact but difficult to
operate with thick gloves in winter. I have added the text labeling to the
image for clarity of function. </i></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I'll wear a GripGrab "Aviator" medieval cap under my ABUS helmet. This covers the
ears and reduces wind noise in my hearing aids. It is also nicely warm
despite the constant headwind. I have been wearing these caps for years on the trike in much colder conditions than today.
<i> </i></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> 9.20 40F/4.4C. Cold, grey overcast. 59F/15C in the room. Probably worth wearing the GripGrab split mitts from the very start. Fingered gloves are just too marginal at these temperatures and wind chill factor on an e-bike. There is no loss of dexterity thanks to the split between the fingers. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBtF-YDNxWRc66RtdYxcqQrLOC7YXu9fRDIqXtTwQN7Nx76w1gha8aqFMjiYcKpgsxkvpu0fc08pZuzDXXiYScdZUJaV17qSFZuBm7cCjqJgf1oqKEnjBb9D0BhAlYSeMgXspRY7lFXf-I4-6LINZwBajknwD8MwFptvpohGVPXcL8VRXBvUc4SQPMw/s1000/bosch%20nyon%20warning%20screen.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="772" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBtF-YDNxWRc66RtdYxcqQrLOC7YXu9fRDIqXtTwQN7Nx76w1gha8aqFMjiYcKpgsxkvpu0fc08pZuzDXXiYScdZUJaV17qSFZuBm7cCjqJgf1oqKEnjBb9D0BhAlYSeMgXspRY7lFXf-I4-6LINZwBajknwD8MwFptvpohGVPXcL8VRXBvUc4SQPMw/s320/bosch%20nyon%20warning%20screen.jpg" width="247" /></a></div> A major irritation is the Nyon Map screen [of seven.] Which has a dire warning notice in text blocking out the screen. Telling the user not to adjust the controls while underway. Which, in reality, means the rider must stop, to remove their glove, to press the on-screen OK button. By which time they will almost certainly have crashed into something! Or somebody will have driven into them from behind! While the poor rider was busy reading the tiny text on the touch screen without their reading glasses! Surely a case of Bosch being hoist by their own petard!<i><br /></i><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> <i>The sideways scrolling, Nyon touch screen doesn't operate with my thinner gloved fingers. But does with the thick ones! Aha! It's the thickly applied rubber grip strips. The bare cloth has no effect at all. Nor do the spotted grip marks on the split mitts! Grr?</i> <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The more heavily padded [and much colder] GripGrab winter gloves offer poor dexterity in comparison with the mitts. Particularly on the complex handlebar control of the Bosch motor. Do Bosch e-bike designers never ride in winter? No-of course not! They each get a private parking spot for their Porsches. Probably resistance heated to keep their parking space free of snow.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 11.30 44F/6.7C. The forecast is below 4C. A little brighter. E-bike ready. I am showered and dressed. I have an hour before I should leave. Lunch will be extremely early. Or I will be riding on a full stomach. I could make it now and eat it very slowly. I can't go on a three hour ride without a meal.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 12.30 Off I go.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">~o~ <br /></p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-44039835885809501052024-03-18T07:27:00.032+01:002024-03-18T21:34:48.258+01:00 18.03.2024 16 tons and wadya get?<div class="separator"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"> </p></div><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYp5sFxi758bbGcfgMdFjHN5inuqNicof3t92wVq384smaUfwwBE_r2Htxcjrb11O22gHp3Q9FQJucLGVp5k-GMHZyjXTkpYTCOO6HszWF4T6lTRr2nqfDovMlVfMfwRM2rTycow-kFdcc80H0-u1PEhn3m1aXaQbWZfK5ZRXkqt3B0WMF8OAS4hpyA/s1000/green%20dome%20segements%2018324.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYp5sFxi758bbGcfgMdFjHN5inuqNicof3t92wVq384smaUfwwBE_r2Htxcjrb11O22gHp3Q9FQJucLGVp5k-GMHZyjXTkpYTCOO6HszWF4T6lTRr2nqfDovMlVfMfwRM2rTycow-kFdcc80H0-u1PEhn3m1aXaQbWZfK5ZRXkqt3B0WMF8OAS4hpyA/s320/green%20dome%20segements%2018324.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Monday 18th 35F/2C. Quite bright with overall smudgy cloud.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Up at 7am. I was up earlier from 4-5.15. Having woken and couldn't get back to sleep. Wasted the night hours on the news and YouTube. No ill effects from yesterday's ride. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.00 After a walk I shall continue throwing rubble. From the edge of the parking area into the lower area beyond. There isn't much rubble left. So I shall need more material to build up the area properly. There is a pile of demolition rubble next door. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> How to get it from 150m away without exhausting myself? Nor wasting time barrowing it. I could fill my trailer but it's tiring and far too slow to pick it up from the ground. I have already discovered this with the modest amount of rubble I have moved already. Which varies from fist sized to over football size. Mostly concrete from the former "patio." Which I began to break up with a pick and sledge hammer. Until I ran out of energy and momentum. With only 2/3 removed. I left enough for a front doormat and somewhere to park the three big recycling bins. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQG86lYrqfDX62zUUFKQJk6X0RWPkA0DhJMeSXzm5fqH5ZDldzthMIqbvK5qi1TXtZH_In9LWfkbnE5TtlAznnRHUBhmy_L5M-Vd1hJemtJDreuoKJzFGwzsJVOXt6teyur07BzQ-lDfKdo8lgXnYJPRECit98EgQU3GTjDTmJbmQ9UaDXfPrZauc79Q/s1000/sunken%20rubble%20area%2018324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQG86lYrqfDX62zUUFKQJk6X0RWPkA0DhJMeSXzm5fqH5ZDldzthMIqbvK5qi1TXtZH_In9LWfkbnE5TtlAznnRHUBhmy_L5M-Vd1hJemtJDreuoKJzFGwzsJVOXt6teyur07BzQ-lDfKdo8lgXnYJPRECit98EgQU3GTjDTmJbmQ9UaDXfPrZauc79Q/s320/sunken%20rubble%20area%2018324%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The village sand and gravel man's full sized, tipper lorry is going to struggle to reach the right spot. There is very little room to turn. The drive is narrow beside house. Which probably means bringing the material one load at a time using my own trailer. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Or, having him dump the material as near as he can get. Leaving me with barrowing it from the huge heap. Which is exhausting work at my age. It also makes the parking area inaccessible until I finish. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Hiring somebody with a front loader? A few minutes work for a JCB. A little longer for a skid steer. I could pay the gravel man to drive his huge front loader to my place. To move a big heap of self stabilizing gravel into the sunken area. That would be fast and effective. If he was willing. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p> Instead of a walk I decided to exhaust myself by finishing the rubble tossing. I keep getting breathless and tired. I just don't have the strength or stamina I used to have. I managed to move the dome segments further away. Using a mixture of rocking and rowing. Where I did not have the strength to drag them bodily. Let alone lift them. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrJIGTFopybiogOzOQnhzBI1t1r-nUc-8LGOAaoIMnVfm6SofnBw9Oq4XmFAmg8qLZltJncOQFJ0oYqWw4bUarQlKBjxI0gVdfXPySn2wscI1gm6L4c9AZyc_J5UFTtyZUXS2B5T0JIkBVsGTgDfRS1WF1zh7MREcH6VID7DzEfCXE56uQpXzgPme7w/s1200/parking%20area%2018324.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrJIGTFopybiogOzOQnhzBI1t1r-nUc-8LGOAaoIMnVfm6SofnBw9Oq4XmFAmg8qLZltJncOQFJ0oYqWw4bUarQlKBjxI0gVdfXPySn2wscI1gm6L4c9AZyc_J5UFTtyZUXS2B5T0JIkBVsGTgDfRS1WF1zh7MREcH6VID7DzEfCXE56uQpXzgPme7w/s320/parking%20area%2018324.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> There is now a clear shot for a tipper lorry to reach the area. Only after I dig up the cables carrying electricity to the dome. They are much too shallow now that I have cleared the approach. They used to be safely buried in a high quality, yellow hose. Running around under the hedges I have since removed. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The green hose contains a low voltage time signal to the big clock dial
on the shed. That too was disconnected after my wife died. I lost all
interest in my lifetime passion [obsession] for electrical horology. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I
see from the image that I still have a lot of clearing up to do in the
background. My wife's worm farms are still lying about after I released
their contents into the wild. She used to feed them with kitchen waste.
Producing vast quantities of worms. In their big, inverted water butts
with the tops cut off. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> I
never saw her use any of the compost they produced. I would bring it
home in bags. From the garden centre or supermarket. She was very fussy
about quality and complained for years. That she could no longer buy
John Innes. All the bagged compost over here is/was peat based.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> My DeWalt chainsaw keeps shedding its chain. Probably because the chain
has stretched. So I can't cut down all the trees and stumps. I'll have
to order a chain [or two] online. The steel post once held a huge
satellite dish. For receiving British TV from Astra 2. Before they got
greedy and killed it for European reception. I dug a deep hole and set
the post in concrete. Now it's in the way. It is also perfectly vertical. The slope is entirely the effect of phone camera distortion. Note how the observatory building on the right is upright.<br /></p><p> 9.45
41F/5C. Still sunny. Now I am dripping with sweat and sneezing. With a
runny nose again. I need a rest and will make morning coffee. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsxi0R8ajC7mEESNOmVcW8xUjb9VgyDDJGVu6kp8Lvz7IfxAUf2uNPb47gCB6uRfNUlpx7gn7Hzd3ZvvVx57lIN0TKYWc280RVggcjKzUtjHzInsxD6KVv_tYis_fmyzDeSeYZRaK0GlMUKzUWqdn2hLsSrktUWZN0vPiLlLs19dA3TdTB0JXvUpgQA/s1000/rubble%20area%20180324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsxi0R8ajC7mEESNOmVcW8xUjb9VgyDDJGVu6kp8Lvz7IfxAUf2uNPb47gCB6uRfNUlpx7gn7Hzd3ZvvVx57lIN0TKYWc280RVggcjKzUtjHzInsxD6KVv_tYis_fmyzDeSeYZRaK0GlMUKzUWqdn2hLsSrktUWZN0vPiLlLs19dA3TdTB0JXvUpgQA/s320/rubble%20area%20180324%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> 10.30 It has clouded over. No more sunshine. Had a rest. Now what? Go and fetch a new chain for the saw? A nice little ride along the lanes. The sun is trying to come out again. I had better save my energy for tomorrow's 50km round trip to the hospital. The weather forecast is dry but grey and windy from the south. So I will be fighting the wind more on the way home. Probably using the second battery by then.<br /><p></p><p></p> 12.00 Overcast. I have returned, in the car and fitted the new chain to the DeWalt chainsaw. Topped up the chain oil to be certain. The skinny chains are prone to burning. I'll start by tidying up the yellow, willow saplings and stumps. Which might come up again from beneath my rubble and gravel landfill. It is already beginning to feel more spacious. Even before it is all brought to the same level. <p></p><p></p> I am really not sure how far to go back. If I remove too many trees I shall be able to see Scrapman's multiple carbuncles. If only in winter when the trees are bare. Not that people in glass houses shouldn't keep their own place much more tidy! The camera doesn't lie. It just doesn't get pointed that way.<br /><p></p><p> 12.30 Early lunch over. Time to get cracking. Hopefully the chainsaw will behave itself now.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHW9oThHkdgwlj_ykEHNycSM7XMGOXvqDEUhHhxCwYVb_m0J_vv6xsV90CBB8UbJ7-LCi-RtKeLfpIO7eQa0520CJl4QzDEyfomI_Qu93MQfnS4PfTtjHzG9qlOH1ot7tIyvxUlQ_aBL4woYAXplSZMVvW41xm1NvBfO0CJPCrmJpkQt9XtHX5DgPSIA/s1000/gravel%20heap.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1000" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHW9oThHkdgwlj_ykEHNycSM7XMGOXvqDEUhHhxCwYVb_m0J_vv6xsV90CBB8UbJ7-LCi-RtKeLfpIO7eQa0520CJl4QzDEyfomI_Qu93MQfnS4PfTtjHzG9qlOH1ot7tIyvxUlQ_aBL4woYAXplSZMVvW41xm1NvBfO0CJPCrmJpkQt9XtHX5DgPSIA/w200-h142/gravel%20heap.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> 13.30 Sunny periods. Time for another rest. Why do I get so hot and
breathless? All the stumps and small trees have gone. At least as far
out as I am likely to expand the car parking area. Another heaped
trailer load of branches for the recycling yard. The saw worked fine on
the new chain. Making short work of willow stems up to 6"/15cm Ø. <p></p><p> It doesn't look like hours and hours of tiring work, does it? My wife
assembled a lot of the bricks visible on the right. I found her crouched
down there one day. Not long after the chimney was demolished. She was
naturally, highly skilled at dry stone walling. So the bricks must have
been quite easy for her to stack in layered steps. The gravel on top has
flowed down in the intervening couple of years. Hiding most of her
work. Thee was no spare rubble until the chimney was demolished.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17Gs4gPdd8EWsWMBFjje3iDUHZdKCce34L6tGm8ZqyCtNkfnzyK5SXhqTLw8qzHc8sluAh4Z1L8UvbsybsinFze73HzAcq-vRSwkOuBDxDjZv4epbuGwRlkh3SLgXP5GEYMAbnjn1G79k7f2Knlud55obD4nVnQ7U6T9ah9m_Ke7X3NizDidHO6O5DA/s1200/parking%20area%2018324.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> <br /></a></div><p></p> She also helped to move all the gravel built up under the observatory. When a local contractor abandoned us. After promising to send a skid-steer, front loader and driver that morning. We had to move about 22 tons around 30 meters by shovel and wheelbarrow alone. While in our early 70s. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqNQ1Q3oeZMBDKsZ3X-dugF_ERnrM78wLAtvEA77nBq8_j8vbR8PE0gCr1lB4LKr6vMX-BckKCV64-Sf3SyqSlagpEcuswEXd8iJMrvz-RFog9q8tY-DAEzxn7LcHIbYcXMd1IpLhS6Ih4Ph6gO90MS7BCkq4HgnHPOjMsOJhO5I9xENuZ4iraHTI-g/s1000/dinner%20180324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1000" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqNQ1Q3oeZMBDKsZ3X-dugF_ERnrM78wLAtvEA77nBq8_j8vbR8PE0gCr1lB4LKr6vMX-BckKCV64-Sf3SyqSlagpEcuswEXd8iJMrvz-RFog9q8tY-DAEzxn7LcHIbYcXMd1IpLhS6Ih4Ph6gO90MS7BCkq4HgnHPOjMsOJhO5I9xENuZ4iraHTI-g/w200-h198/dinner%20180324.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> My wife discovered she could lean a barrow against the vast heap. Then rake the gravel down to fill the barrow. It was easier than her shoveling. While I pottered back and forth. Pushing the other barrow full and tipping it into the drop. She was only a tiny 5'/1.5 meters. <br /><p></p><p> 18.30 Lit the stove. It has been hovering around 61F/16C indoors. So I am wearing a fleece jacket for warmth. The cheapest and most efficient energy is that you don't produce. There are no losses. Except marginal comfort. <br /></p><p> Dinner was poached eggs on toast. There was nothing else left. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-17526641005185603082024-03-17T08:01:00.027+01:002024-03-17T20:48:19.058+01:00 17.03.2024 67km means a late lunch.<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFnQLO8Vo840XGW4z_hxnUNhaYHoXXpmpfw6crftH1SHYu7kY-0QIJuQIORt9GxtBLtE7VAysuVvX24k4VntWFfOqdrmTpEWSpgr9Ddc1M3e_PIc4oybEePrqMwmjDcOXsaLZQgmxHgTV639hF2xk-fqs-I4nMG_tv2WALiE8u5hb6vcXX9D2d4NfNA/s1200/butterbur%20fields%20pond%20170324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFnQLO8Vo840XGW4z_hxnUNhaYHoXXpmpfw6crftH1SHYu7kY-0QIJuQIORt9GxtBLtE7VAysuVvX24k4VntWFfOqdrmTpEWSpgr9Ddc1M3e_PIc4oybEePrqMwmjDcOXsaLZQgmxHgTV639hF2xk-fqs-I4nMG_tv2WALiE8u5hb6vcXX9D2d4NfNA/s320/butterbur%20fields%20pond%20170324%20rsz.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Sunday 17th 31F/-1C Bright and sunny. White frost. No visible wind in the trees.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Up at 6.45 after a reasonable night. I seemed to be lying there awake for ages but wasn't. More like shallow dreaming. Lower back pain as usual and a runny nose. My upper chest continues to feel thick. Having to clear my throat at frequent intervals. Unhealthy stove dust, ash, smoke and gases? Or it's all the tap water I keep drinking.</p><p style="text-align: right;"> <i>Butterburs look more colourful in bright sunshine.</i><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> There is a story on the DR news website. About the huge difference in survival rates of the Danes. Depending on wealth. A country which only pretends to enjoy the greatest equality. Particularly where health is concerned. Published in a major new survey by a Danish University. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> The country was divided up into parishes. The chances of surviving to 75 being reduced by up to 81% for some <u>areas</u>. Compared with only 13% for a wealthy area. The lower educated being particularly susceptible to early death. Smoking? Obesity? Poor housing? Drug abuse? Stress? Diet? Lack of physical activity. Their type of employment? </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Every new bunch of politicooze promises to fix the problem. If only empty election promises actually worked in reality. The Danish news is constantly discussing the appalling waiting times for treatment. With many exceeding the legal time-wasting allowance. So that many patients are able to get quicker private treatment at taxpayer's expense. Every new hospital build runs years late and billions over budget. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Either Windows or the FF browser is broken. I can't do a simple swipe, Copy and Paste! Paste is greyed out! I have tried repeatedly. It's Firefox! Copy and Paste work as normal in Chrome on editing my blog. Ok. I Refreshed Firefox. Normal editing service has been resumed.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.15. Time for a walk. 63F/17C in the room. I won't light the stove. There should be free heat from the greenhouse later. BTW: Don't buy BAY digital thermometers. They eat CR2025 button cells! I bought half a dozen of these thermometers and spend my days replacing the batteries. My digital thermometers, which use AAA batteries, last for years between battery replacements. BAY obvious chose button cells to allow a thinner body. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 9.15 Back from my walk. I made it to the village. I haven't walked that far in some time. Cold on my hands but I was warm in a jumper and fleece jacket. Lots of birds about. I saw my first wagtail of this year. Sharing the ridge of a roadside house with a noisy sparrow. Though the loudest voices at this time of year are usually the chaffinches. There was a very strange sound from a larger bird this morning. Hiding somewhere in the shelter belt of trees to my west. Alarm call or song? The nearest song/alarm online is a Willow Ptarmigan. How likely is that? It had to be a large bird for so deep a range. I have heard thousands of pheasants over the years and it certainly wasn't one of those. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 10.00 38F/3.3C. It is determined to be sunny today. Light easterly winds suggest a ride. No phone call from the supposed buyer of my big green dome. Nor any other response to my Facebook advert. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 10.30. Off I go. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 14.30 43F/6C. Returned from a freezing 67km/42 mile ride. I headed north. Leaving at about 11am by the time I was ready. I hoped I would avoid a cold headwind. I was wrong. There was a headwind every inch of the way. Regardless of my direction of travel. A lovely ride though. Mostly on narrow, rural lanes. Deliberately so, to avoid main road traffic. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Luckily I took a warmer pair of gloves. Even then, the well padded GripGrab gloves weren't really warm enough. So my hands recovered after the change but then became cold again. I should have taken the split mitts. It was daft not to take them. Nothing comes close for warmth.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Following the same idiotic optimism I wore thin socks and my lightest trainers. So my feet became steadily colder. Without any means to alter the situation. It's not as if don't have masses of room in the panniers. I took a spare jumper and warmer, medieval cycling cap but didn't really need the jumper. I should have changed caps but didn't want to stop just for that. After a while I forgot I had it with me. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> I wore a pair of thin, stretchy trousers over padded DHB racing shorts. Probably ten years old by now. I had decided to leave the tights off today. So I stayed comfortably seated until about 50km. Then became progressively more saddle sore. Pee stops helped to relieve the discomfort. Since they gave me a break from sitting on the B67.<i> </i>The tights must increase friction by adding more layers.<i> </i> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> I chewed my way way through four micro Korny bar<i>s, </i>but didn't touch the mini apple juice cartons. I saw loads of birds of prey. A buzzard circling over every copse and wood. Plovers having an aerial scrap. Perhaps a courtship routine? Whooper swans nestling beside many flooded fields. A jay flying ahead of me until it veered off. Kestrels hovering.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjII8w5iC4Lm2EF-7mXs5pR6LUvbvqTNRHY_x3qbMLoVkcgzQYMmmxCSMt7kxyF-2tMiyN8FTwZWetjcsosiWXCBLgfVoOROxlY1I6ccKZWSp1pEWoeVVNdEeNsW60vmDOjjVaRQZCSqsa8akNsdrZX9qyQ7LdLOMvyRZ-KHyhGcaZXn0CEFssN9Q09mw/s1000/dinner%20170324%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1000" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjII8w5iC4Lm2EF-7mXs5pR6LUvbvqTNRHY_x3qbMLoVkcgzQYMmmxCSMt7kxyF-2tMiyN8FTwZWetjcsosiWXCBLgfVoOROxlY1I6ccKZWSp1pEWoeVVNdEeNsW60vmDOjjVaRQZCSqsa8akNsdrZX9qyQ7LdLOMvyRZ-KHyhGcaZXn0CEFssN9Q09mw/w200-h198/dinner%20170324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> 15.00 Lunch over. I have the greenhouse door and internal windows open to warm the house but it isn't helping much. Or is very slow. 64F to start in the room but only 65F after half an hour. [18C] While the kitchen has risen from 63F to 68F. [17-20C] <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I must have got colder than I realised. I am suddenly feeling really cold. So l put on on a jumper and fleece jacket. Plus a warm cap and thick socks. I can't have my afternoon nap in my warm bed because I am full of lunch! I have changed into thermal tights and fleece trousers. Still feeling cold.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 18.00 I waited until after 17.00 for a nap. Felt much better afterwards.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was fish fingers and chips with peas. It was that. Or [more] toast! <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-48466325641106578372024-03-16T07:13:00.017+01:002024-03-16T21:24:07.979+01:00 16.03.2024 It's never ending!<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrjNfukFfLD26rlKrcUtFlxB8iekXrJdWpz-tCDVfc1_ZkQZuKpYUjyXYgni_mwOm6lWbnuK_QPaDUlcHwSmE9qUG-tGaEBEUacoNr8-EYegYjjgdmj11_5VJ3qMbLsXeWF21qUOOKFzpBz5XngtPktUxtmxpuAujlaiO7SlApUECMnaqkbTH0pOedw/s1000/verge%20plants%20160324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1000" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrjNfukFfLD26rlKrcUtFlxB8iekXrJdWpz-tCDVfc1_ZkQZuKpYUjyXYgni_mwOm6lWbnuK_QPaDUlcHwSmE9qUG-tGaEBEUacoNr8-EYegYjjgdmj11_5VJ3qMbLsXeWF21qUOOKFzpBz5XngtPktUxtmxpuAujlaiO7SlApUECMnaqkbTH0pOedw/s320/verge%20plants%20160324%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Saturday 16th 42F/6C. Overcast with strong NW winds up to 19m/s gusts promised. <br /><br /> Up at 6am after a five trip night. Lower back pain and no washing up done.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 7.00 Breakfast. 66F/19C in the room. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 7.30 Going for walk. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.30 Back again. Unpleasantly strong wind going. Almost comfortable on the way back. Lots of skylarks this morning. The strange Butterbur flowers were everywhere on the verges. They will have large, rhubarb like leaves later. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.45 Brightening with some sunshine and blue patches. A ride to the shops? </p><p style="text-align: left;"> I was hoping a gentleman would pick up the large green dome today. Now it sounds as if he is unwell. I might as well carry on with my normal activities. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 10.15 Back from the shops. Bright sunshine but blowing a gale! Easy going there in mid 30s kph and Sport mode. Turbo mode and only 22-26kph into the headwind on the way back. Wind roaring in my ears and eyes streaming despite my large sunglasses. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 13.00 Full sunshine. Lunch. I have been stuffing the trailer with willow branches. Then lashing it all down tight. I shall take a tour to the recycling yard. The greenhouse is at 35C/97F! All inner doors are open to spread the warmth. Until I go out.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 14.00 Heading for the recycling yard.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDj_0t-QQCf1K0vJhYLYY0g5HphZHLRHc5cdceyFsKuzONT-7SVJj3YkTebJ2uYdcPFDE6Ul0AWFOrYPEUjeTgkbLPv8Ip1jm92NZWlRZAlwkNoGpSFVw3hxtSc7J5A8-Dut2nrzPFWZOAXEyU5uFdNLhTJNxuV9T_XGldsoGL7nEDyEBZ-ac-BadZ5w/s1000/dinner%20160324%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDj_0t-QQCf1K0vJhYLYY0g5HphZHLRHc5cdceyFsKuzONT-7SVJj3YkTebJ2uYdcPFDE6Ul0AWFOrYPEUjeTgkbLPv8Ip1jm92NZWlRZAlwkNoGpSFVw3hxtSc7J5A8-Dut2nrzPFWZOAXEyU5uFdNLhTJNxuV9T_XGldsoGL7nEDyEBZ-ac-BadZ5w/w200-h200/dinner%20160324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> 15.15 45F/7C. Fierce gusts. I delivered the trailer piled high with branches. Being blown about on the huge yard. As a member of staff raced up and down with a huge broom attached to a forklift truck. Very efficient! <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Then I returned. To start throwing demolition rubble into the sunken part of the garden.This was never possible while the bushes were in the way. So piles of rubble were just standing around. Waiting to be dealt with. I am far too tired to go on now. I have stopped for a rest. The internal windows [covered by the greenhouse] are wide open to let the warmth in. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 18.30 Washing up backlog cleared. Now I can eat.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was cheese on toast with tomatoes. Washed down with a small, organic beer. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The wind will drop and there will be an overnight frost. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-32978481669564155442024-03-15T08:17:00.010+01:002024-03-15T20:56:07.741+01:00 15.03.2024 Time is an illusion. With 10% elasthane.<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Friday 15th 48F/9C. Relatively mild and grey with possible light showers. Up at 7.30 after a very disturbed night. I ran out of digits for counting the number of visits to the fire bucket. Possibly 11? I can only blame the water and the beer. Not necessarily in that order. The was some tea involved too. So it is difficult to point the finger at the real culprit. 250ml of tea. 300mls of beer and 500mls of water. Just as the doctor ordered. I know! Let's blame the apple I ate. As a modest pudding to a non-existent dinner.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.15. I might risk a walk. Perhaps I should carry a bucket. Just in case. The greenhouse roof is wet but nothing else obviously so. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 9.00 I caused traffic mayhem. When the helpful driver of an otherwise empty bus took my nod to mean I wanted a ride. I thought I was acknowledging his gratitude. When I took to the verge to let him pass unimpeded. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> As a reward it rained on me as I walked along the lane. To reach my all too familiar turning point. Where, years ago, I once swore to myself. That I would always complete this journey. To the grassed island at the junction to a narrower lane. Or I knew the rot would surely set in and I would continue to increasingly cheat. Until I hardly even left home before turning back. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The empty stretch of road here offers ample opportunity for internal reflection. With only the overhead skylarks to break the spell that nothing really changes. Meanwhile, a headwind provided added impetus to an inadequate shower. Even though it relented for the return journey. It was still borderline cold on my bare hands.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The morning was spent in online communication with distant contacts. Invaluable social assets and ones whom provide mutual amusement and interest. Particularly in the complete absence of any more local enthusiasts. Who might have shared/suffered from my lifelong hobbies/obsessions. Though I have never made any attempt at inviting direct social contact at home. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> The situation at <i>Chez Hovel</i> was never really conducive to such socialising. Hoarding has unspoken and unforeseen disadvantages. As well as the highly visible. I would return to that state in the blink of an eye. If only it were possible to have my dear wife back again. An old fart living alone is a piss poor substitute for a pair. Even for our relative disharmony. Though I 'd have to insist on doing more household chores. If she would let me. I do have the hard-won, proficiency badges now. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwlPwnP793xeu1yaxUsW7m57A4So2xpnt__eqc-g_BIYAneodRVCdSpKeiemIuOUfV0e2LbGP5CdG-pNaeUNe3AFd8YzEGqmXGxd0_jTZxvCC_vYoYhubRzdkIeyO6WTKGAe-KpgKLXlETPy27eQK64M2hwDwmINn7sy1E2cg0MIwIsPrqfWd55zKsA/s1000/dinner%20150324%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwlPwnP793xeu1yaxUsW7m57A4So2xpnt__eqc-g_BIYAneodRVCdSpKeiemIuOUfV0e2LbGP5CdG-pNaeUNe3AFd8YzEGqmXGxd0_jTZxvCC_vYoYhubRzdkIeyO6WTKGAe-KpgKLXlETPy27eQK64M2hwDwmINn7sy1E2cg0MIwIsPrqfWd55zKsA/w200-h176/dinner%20150324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>12.15 Cold, grey and overcast. The stove has been lit. My having finally relented. The room had sunk to a miserly and miserable 62F/17C. Early lunch I think. The movement will help to warm me up. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">13.00 53F/12C! Lunch over. I swear it is getting even darker. A more comfortable 64F/18C in the room. I had better do some washing up. If I am to continue eating from clean crockery. Though I am not adverse to rinsing a mug used earlier in the day. Not one used for coffee with milk. I do still have some standards!<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">9.00 49F/9C in March! Dinner was chicken, mushroom, beans and two fried eggs. Washed down with a small beer and more glasses of water. Obviously a glutton for punishment. I have managed to get the room up to 70F/21C. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-41940632439318150312024-03-14T07:41:00.003+01:002024-03-15T08:07:35.097+01:00 14.03.2024 Cooking class. <p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC1fg85lqe42_ndBUdh2lTwe8wD80H9J9wzFrCJ-3oTyTwljgVpSKse66MP4DObprbbJbNj-GAXRVvUz8UTUrCc9m3Jl1TR53wGe45HSJqp0ur0GfbyURtFDInfCJfXpbsKB4Idk9JLbxWqmYbtNJFUgLD6DmRrQ9wbhC4xMbRDISg2TeR1YgzVTOgQ/s1000/cooking%20140324%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC1fg85lqe42_ndBUdh2lTwe8wD80H9J9wzFrCJ-3oTyTwljgVpSKse66MP4DObprbbJbNj-GAXRVvUz8UTUrCc9m3Jl1TR53wGe45HSJqp0ur0GfbyURtFDInfCJfXpbsKB4Idk9JLbxWqmYbtNJFUgLD6DmRrQ9wbhC4xMbRDISg2TeR1YgzVTOgQ/w200-h150/cooking%20140324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> Thursday 14th 46F/8C. Grey and misty. Early light rain. Up at 6.15 after a quieter night. My left nostril feels like blood but is just damp so far.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Cooking class today after ex-school kitchen renovation had caused a pause in activities. With early rain
in the forecast I will drive there in the old car. Milder weather means
64F/18C in the room. I shan't light the stove before leaving. 61F/26C
in the bathroom is easily warm enough for a shower.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoVYkllwGFLi56iDHD73x8hjccRoC6607jz2LzQq9TjpMWv0vInYAZeB9JOq6D2iTSfJzDVjZ7EFNlQdpjrsg5NaHZrwKi8L1rYYwJiHOfmUHmtMy_K3cf-XD0xQK0bKixZYvcYN2BM3HauvvH3buNBuvz0L11ov4ZXyPXVVbtwYrRwaysFzMhboWoA/s1000/cooking%202%20140324%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoVYkllwGFLi56iDHD73x8hjccRoC6607jz2LzQq9TjpMWv0vInYAZeB9JOq6D2iTSfJzDVjZ7EFNlQdpjrsg5NaHZrwKi8L1rYYwJiHOfmUHmtMy_K3cf-XD0xQK0bKixZYvcYN2BM3HauvvH3buNBuvz0L11ov4ZXyPXVVbtwYrRwaysFzMhboWoA/w200-h150/cooking%202%20140324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>14.00 Returned from cooking class. Where I made a salad. The Morris Minor problem is still not diagnosed. It has been set aside while the backlog of other work is attended to. It may be a fortnight until I get it back!<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I had an afternoon nap and then lit the stove. It was still 64F/18C in the room. So not uncomfortable.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> No need for dinner. As I had eaten too well at the cooking class. I made do with a small tin of beer and several glasses of tap water. Let's not forget the two chocolate biscuits. One milk and the other dark chocolate.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-79921079972929783372024-03-13T08:26:00.006+01:002024-03-13T22:47:25.871+01:00 13.03.2024 Water torture and a bloody nose!<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Wednesday 13th 41F. Grey and cold. Up at 6.45 after five visits to the fire bucket! <br /><br /> Museum day.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdI2QhYPejuPc1nirV0eO59VAf2ci7ER7QZv0VvewuL4reeAUuCSTcP2K91WL54VXkPP41iViat8zAPfaZ7uns8mqfhvh7je7CenhcOp7YyUc4VLso-oZNEs9Sz9KhutFK5_-tNisYK0LSGDC9UyuIk1spgf3N3Je8-0qQGJTVOi3O6YZvJhdId25eg/s1000/dinner%2013324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1000" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdI2QhYPejuPc1nirV0eO59VAf2ci7ER7QZv0VvewuL4reeAUuCSTcP2K91WL54VXkPP41iViat8zAPfaZ7uns8mqfhvh7je7CenhcOp7YyUc4VLso-oZNEs9Sz9KhutFK5_-tNisYK0LSGDC9UyuIk1spgf3N3Je8-0qQGJTVOi3O6YZvJhdId25eg/w200-h198/dinner%2013324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> I drove to the museum. where I updated the boss on my health issues and we agreed I perform light duties. I then helped to sort through a walled off section of the barn. Things to be kept were set aside. All else to go outside into a waiting trailer. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Home for lunch and then returned to the fray. Back home after 2.30.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I am keeping a glass of water nearby and sip at intervals. Much easier than trying to drink the whole glass down. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was a backlog of sausages and chicken just past their sell by date. I added beans and mushrooms. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> After dinner I had a nose bleed. I stopped the nostril with tissue. The tissue fell out with a huge blob of congealed blood! Far bigger than any of the chicken slices I'd just eaten! Weird!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-11692873580061178342024-03-12T07:16:00.023+01:002024-03-12T22:05:51.553+01:00 12.03.2024 55km.<p style="text-align: center;">~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwh2WkOrba75DAqRbdmKDFk75gej8bo_hMbhT7rtcIoFLrcdXua-HWQokk8YnTgqpNAHuSVgeeCSCTwCrBe07BFlVpNuUPhVvq702RnRANYficybHLkZPdWuRBVQjblvusjGemcDDRT1Y27bplamznaE3lXD-OnRtFfNxMstDoaNEzy2v8dBc1LjlDqQ/s1000/fields%20muck%20spreading%2012324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwh2WkOrba75DAqRbdmKDFk75gej8bo_hMbhT7rtcIoFLrcdXua-HWQokk8YnTgqpNAHuSVgeeCSCTwCrBe07BFlVpNuUPhVvq702RnRANYficybHLkZPdWuRBVQjblvusjGemcDDRT1Y27bplamznaE3lXD-OnRtFfNxMstDoaNEzy2v8dBc1LjlDqQ/s320/fields%20muck%20spreading%2012324%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Tuesday 12th 37F/3C. Another cold, grey, misty day. With an easterly breeze. Up at 6 am after another restless night. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I started the day with a glass of cold water. As per the doctor's orders. Very unpleasant medicine! It was really hard work to finish it. It's no wonder they invented "alternatives." Would alcohol free beer be better? Just a thought. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 7.15 The greenhouse is looking far more untidy. Than I remember leaving it last night. Just can't get the staff! Time for a walk. At least the trees aren't waving back at me today. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> I shall be riding over to my English friend's place later. Into the wind going. Helpful tailwind on the way back. About 26km each way. Depending on the route. 52km is about 32 miles round trip. Hilly, but pretty by almost all of the possible routes. I prefer the narrow lanes to avoid the roaring traffic. Taking any of the various routes purely on a whim. Fresh Danish pastries must be bought at a village baker's on the way. We both like <i>Spandaurs</i>. Rings of flaky pastry with sweet custard in the middle. Very messy to eat! <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.30 Back from my walk to the lanes. I saw seven Teslas in the ten minutes it took me to reach the junction to the lanes. After that it was mostly small cars on the walk back. Two vast tractors went past with huge wheels and a matching 6-wheeler, muck spreader behind. So wide that they were always bridging the double white lines. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> A red Tesla only just managed to squeeze through on a blind corner. Very quick thinking by the driver!The scale of these agricultural vehicles was unbelievable. One of them turned into a field, spread its long arms and started to cover the ground in seconds. Driving remarkably quickly from boundary to boundary. Over fewer spray tracks thanks to the colossal wingspan. The image above was taken from over 200 metres away. So doesn't capture the scale. GPS guidance and spray tracks plus the enormous wheels mean that most of the field is not subject to heavy loads during spraying and muck spreading. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19igQsQZHJzs6SwTIx_KGahhgOD5leet6KFUcSrMG1ocKpvmjIIDb729rwfxZscqkIhHA1h6_dN4RUFINgYmSYwhHrSFLVZirilBc7apkuJJJwsKu_IqE6maxVFJ-4NDfaY4RMZe_7gutRiY_kCmnNHEqatI0_Mwt39vOsasgrag5OAqYVpcYMcmjZQ/s1000/dinner%2012324%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="998" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19igQsQZHJzs6SwTIx_KGahhgOD5leet6KFUcSrMG1ocKpvmjIIDb729rwfxZscqkIhHA1h6_dN4RUFINgYmSYwhHrSFLVZirilBc7apkuJJJwsKu_IqE6maxVFJ-4NDfaY4RMZe_7gutRiY_kCmnNHEqatI0_Mwt39vOsasgrag5OAqYVpcYMcmjZQ/w199-h200/dinner%2012324%20rsz.jpg" width="199" /></a></div> The considerable time saving is required to invest in such colossal machinery. On larger farms, with ever fewer staff. These may even have been contractors. Many smaller farms are struggling to continue. Or have already given up. Passing on a farm to one's offspring means the next generation literally has to pay for it. Which is rarely viable if a loan is required. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 14.30 Returned from a 55km ride to see my friend. A cold headwind knocked a few kph off my average speed on the way. I was more tired on the return journey. So used Turbo to climb the hills. The battery was all but flat by the time I reached home. Under 20% charge. Probably less than 2km left in Turbo mode. Though it doesn't stop driving the motor until it drops to 15%. On past rides I have had to swap batteries to get home. I have put it onto recharge.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was fish fingers and chips. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-12554577889377865212024-03-11T07:52:00.014+01:002024-03-11T21:25:57.464+01:0011.03.2024 Darwin? 😴 Britt Award for outrageous lies! 😄<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Monday 11th 38F/3C. A sickly, orange sun is attempting to squeeze through the assembled clouds. A chilly 63F/17C in the room. Too lazy to light the stove yet. Up at 6.30 after a restless night. It is still relatively tidy despite my best efforts.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 7.50 There are light rain spots on the greenhouse roof. Another cold, grey, windy day must be braved. If life is to go on. With a maximum of 3.5C a walk must still be managed somehow. Regardless of a sore lack of motivation. Just a return to reality after yesterday's excitement. Of having someone interesting to talk to. Or in my case, at. How can I repeat the act of unburdening? To the benefit of others, and myself. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> The Morris Minor is proving to be a hole in the road. Into which I must hurl large denomination notes. I could have a gentle ride to the rural workshop later. Just to check on progress. No pressure. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 9.15 Brief, veiled sunshine. I chatted with my nice neighbour. As he walked his dogs back home along the drive. Sharing information on the latest property investment saga within our tiny hamlet. The wind was cold and stronger than desirable. Acceptable on the outward journey. Jacket firmly closed on my return. Leading, of course, to overheating. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 9.30 Morning coffee over. What next? I need some groceries. Despite the wind. A ride would be more sensible for the soul on such a pretty journey. Than sitting in the car as a non-sightseeing steersman. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 12.30 41F/5C. Overcast. Just returned from a 30km ride. The Morris is still in intensive care. Shopped on the way back. Nasty, cold and gusty, easterly wind. Luckily I took warmer gloves. The usual ones left my hands feeling like blocks of ice. The Endura rain jacket was fine today over a thick jumper. I had better make some lunch.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 12.40 The doctor rang. The bacteria in my urine are fairly innocuous. It is recommended I drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day. That should flush the problem away without resorting to antibiotics. <br /> <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Britt lied through her teeth about an immigrant in the USA under Biden. When she really meant in Mexico, years ago, under Chump. The Pentagon says there is no such thing as UFOs. Lies, damned lies and another Britt Award. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 6.15 After a nap I started work on clearing the last of the stuff in the greenhouse. In two hours I had made quite a dent. I filled a large bucket with the noxious weeds which were growing along the front, glass wall. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgHEsKe54dkQZ9Fn3T0GOVtWJmrY3IDLQxVBYDIR1VljCJWyFqvQCnHfHAar9aMhbzCTEvQrskCoWvi-Gx0Py1KdzpwX5-RCuhvCV05JDncUzybDUBbTO_6LIJRw2JFUB4LzmvMDAsN1UKflgq1-AAR74QvgiENlpIFV5d3YNTcmbB3Q-5CUgIqEsqQ/s1000/dinner%2011324%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1000" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgHEsKe54dkQZ9Fn3T0GOVtWJmrY3IDLQxVBYDIR1VljCJWyFqvQCnHfHAar9aMhbzCTEvQrskCoWvi-Gx0Py1KdzpwX5-RCuhvCV05JDncUzybDUBbTO_6LIJRw2JFUB4LzmvMDAsN1UKflgq1-AAR74QvgiENlpIFV5d3YNTcmbB3Q-5CUgIqEsqQ/w200-h196/dinner%2011324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> There had been repeated invasions of ants over the years. Leading to drifts of soil and and sand from beneath the herringbone bricks. Which I had so carefully laid over polythene all those years ago. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I must get more sand. To brush into the gaping gaps. There is a definite excess of furniture out there. Some of which might be promoted to plant pot support duties. Others, not so much. I missed my afternoon tea but am close to dinner time. Decisions must be made to avoid dehydration.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 6.30 I made do with a cup of tea and a digestive biscuit. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was mackerel on toast with halved, cherry tomatoes. Followed by a full tin of Heinz tomato soup and a bread roll. Burp! 😋<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-61972804501389409872024-03-10T06:56:00.024+01:002024-03-10T20:39:37.999+01:00 10.03.2024 Intensive unloading therapy.<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhwNZxDH_Rb-l567ZD4JHby1X5vP8H2OvbKjQbjR7kQYJhquMOHcjvtMS4ZE80jgGADw9cNzPpPKFnhO86oQsboYH79LSvETIQxLMdCx59Ntcm4eiRSaz9RM6iaBWnuezn3hw3sHtmYQxBsav9Ra4Agfwdahyphenhyphenim40HSed9bIuxSBISgzYnlzW5mnSAg/s1000/carpet%2010324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhwNZxDH_Rb-l567ZD4JHby1X5vP8H2OvbKjQbjR7kQYJhquMOHcjvtMS4ZE80jgGADw9cNzPpPKFnhO86oQsboYH79LSvETIQxLMdCx59Ntcm4eiRSaz9RM6iaBWnuezn3hw3sHtmYQxBsav9Ra4Agfwdahyphenhyphenim40HSed9bIuxSBISgzYnlzW5mnSAg/s320/carpet%2010324%20rsz.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Sunday 10th 35F/1.7C. A cold, cloudy day is promised. With the easterly wind continuing to irritate. My nose is bleeding again.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Up at 5.45. I was overheating in the night and had to remove my long, thermal underwear. It was 69F/21C at bedtime. With a large log still burning. 63F/17C in the room this morning.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> My added carpet in the computer/TV area feels softer and warmer. It appears darker than I expected but looks the part and is the perfect size. The supply of sand in the carpet pile seems unlimited. Hopefully it will not wear out my slippers.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I am expecting my tricycling visitor later this morning. So I shall check the shed again. For any other cycling stuff I might have missed. There is absolutely no point in hanging onto anything now. The hoarder in me is still a difficult hurdle to overcome. Imagine having to take it all to the scrap metal container. At the recycling yard. Better to pay it forwards. Let somebody else enjoy it now.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The Trykit doesn't get enough exercise to wear anything out. How to sell it for a sensible price? In a country where such trikes are almost non-existent? Will I need it for tootling around the grounds of the old people's home? Or will I be in an electric wheelchair? Or even here at all? I keep getting chest pains. Though it could be all the exercise fetching the bike stuff from the shed. Carrying would normally go completely unnoticed.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Yet again it feels like the end of an era. I ended the lifetime of Hifi/audio two years ago. Though I still haven't managed to get rid of eight 15" subwoofer drivers! They are heavy and bulky but easily lost under the sloping ceiling of the balcony room. Perhaps I should advertise them again. Sell them for small change. They owe me nothing except the space they take up. They gave me enormous fun on music and film. Plus the endless pleasure of hours of testing the frequency response to my different ideas. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Astronomy is on hold. With the parking space still taken up with the segments of the huge, green dome. They are difficult to hide! I'll have to return to the young farmer. Just to check what's happening. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> The main road is open to traffic again. After they completed the burial of the new district heating pipes. The road surface seems oddly untouched considering the huge trenches they made. Nothing like a layer of asphalt to hide the arteries of our modern existence. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Photography is on the back burner. I am using the mobile phone as a camera for its simplicity and convenience. The secondhand TZ7 which I bought online proved to be a dud. My previous TZ7 lasted for years. Until I broke it during removal of fluff from the sensor. I could try swapping the display screens but there is little point now. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.15 It is drizzling lightly. I was going to go for a walk but I am tidying instead. The trees are waving in the wind.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 9.00 Back to the shed to check for cycling related loiterers. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 9.30 Then on with the washing up and more tidying and vacuuming. Cleared the dusty windowsill of glass ornaments. Years of grime and cobwebs. Not helped by the useless recycling basket. Washed up all the glass items. It can be boxed and go upstairs into storage. I cannot believe how much brighter the window has become.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 10.00 Having a rest before I attack the kitchen floor. Or I could just build sandcastles?</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 13.10 My guests have just left with all my cycling gear and a few gardening bits and pieces. They were good listeners as, I'm afraid, I did most of the talking. A captive audience. 😊 </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed2M3gMtDzOdWElmyMEcpnymRkMrER6kkySC_MoZtUsHBu8FGUGXhmvwBVQN3REo9oN7LTEloths1_TKEMQWQnKCnFJM5_4-CQ1IEBNDgYpBSGo049Zn_NHQNkT4vrWG0V70Pb7oS0nDpuQehj16KQffdCl6XT36EFfumNwtQkujJEUS3P3OevVifGA/s1000/dinner%2010324%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1000" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed2M3gMtDzOdWElmyMEcpnymRkMrER6kkySC_MoZtUsHBu8FGUGXhmvwBVQN3REo9oN7LTEloths1_TKEMQWQnKCnFJM5_4-CQ1IEBNDgYpBSGo049Zn_NHQNkT4vrWG0V70Pb7oS0nDpuQehj16KQffdCl6XT36EFfumNwtQkujJEUS3P3OevVifGA/w200-h161/dinner%2010324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> They have lifted a huge burden from my shoulders. For which I am extremely grateful. Beyond any reward I might have had from selling all or any of it. Which would probably have taken decades if sold individually online. No to mention all the cleaning, packaging and posting. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I was very tired after my visitors left. Unable to say awake at the computer. I tried a nap but had to get up again. The greenhouse seems almost empty now. I am not showing any pictures until I tidy up. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Salad for dinner. A break in the endless fry-ups! I had no tomatoes again. They were over-ripe. So sacrificed in yesterday's fry-up fiasco.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-35754397738281097452024-03-09T07:21:00.031+01:002024-03-09T21:25:43.319+01:00 9.03.2024 Reducing the burden.<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANSk09sfCeqv5emPWXewvemlTt8AV9-UgOBmJlnhxVi8cjX4AUUxKKoYwb3EZp1Vyw2T-uNvtUNlIKSyOOMfb6hXYGwCf9u3SuiFvbFPzYAz9gGK5cZnUtRFVLnq65v_bzC0enYVlLwhIewHFIbJoIANVUM8g7C6RSYAYDT7lVJ7lUECzE2I8Fxp5XA/s700/higgins%20ultralite%20trike.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="700" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANSk09sfCeqv5emPWXewvemlTt8AV9-UgOBmJlnhxVi8cjX4AUUxKKoYwb3EZp1Vyw2T-uNvtUNlIKSyOOMfb6hXYGwCf9u3SuiFvbFPzYAz9gGK5cZnUtRFVLnq65v_bzC0enYVlLwhIewHFIbJoIANVUM8g7C6RSYAYDT7lVJ7lUECzE2I8Fxp5XA/s320/higgins%20ultralite%20trike.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Saturday 9th 34F/1C. Cold, overcast and breezy. Up at 6.15 after four visits to the fire bucket. My lower back pain is worse than ever. I had better walk it off! <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Out of the blue I had notifications of activity on Facebook trikes groups. One of the tricycling posters, with an English name, shares lots of pictures of Denmark. Which I don't recognise. Further research suggests south Sjælland. [Sealand] Distinctively flat and rather different from my own highly corrugated scenery. The churches have very different architecture too. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I was shocked to see the asking prices for trikes being offered for sale online. I came across my Higgins Ultralite [with Trykit 2WD] and the Longstaff trike conversion during my shed tidying. Both are in need of a good clean and repaint now. With some surface rust on bare metal. Neither has been used for quite some time. The daily variations in temperature and humidity in the shed inevitably take their toll. I shall never ride them again. How to part with them as I steadily downsize? I am too far from the specialist UK tricycling market for easy sales at current prices. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.30 Back from a walk to the lanes. It was breezy from the east and quite cold. Though not too bad. My hands were fine in my thinnest GripGrab cycling gloves. I felt no need to close my jacket. It took quite a distance before my back stopped hurting. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 9.30 First sign of the promised sunshine. I have offered my 1954 Higgins Ultralite trike on Facebook trike group. To be taken away free of charge. Strictly collection only. Hopefully somebody will be able to reach me. Or hire a professional courier. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8unh0TIQELtAX4UROAgG3tT_1rYK8ViKWzcF03DRqtYxOm_BTfCAYUoroZrCadkqJ353895TfbLixwyPIqddDufCMlsEIhKjPcgyka599O-U4MNTk0EB542xayp-UPU-Oj4HVkWGKHAxgwln6BZTQ29C_-mVDyL0w4cCqhWYBQ0e_rBMraF8xAjRJA/s1000/carpet%209324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8unh0TIQELtAX4UROAgG3tT_1rYK8ViKWzcF03DRqtYxOm_BTfCAYUoroZrCadkqJ353895TfbLixwyPIqddDufCMlsEIhKjPcgyka599O-U4MNTk0EB542xayp-UPU-Oj4HVkWGKHAxgwln6BZTQ29C_-mVDyL0w4cCqhWYBQ0e_rBMraF8xAjRJA/s320/carpet%209324%20rsz.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> The trike owes me nothing more. It carried me safely for many tens of thousands of miles. In all weathers. Being constantly improved with new equipment and ideas. The thousands of pictures and memories I collected over the years remain. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I was sad to see how the trike had deteriorated in the shed since I last rode it. Like many others I presume. As their owners grew old and tired. Let somebody else have the pleasure of ownership now. Including a full restoration, repaint and hopefully riding it further. Who cares if it is used to make a quick profit? Better, surely, than it ending up in a skip? </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 10.15 Guess who has been out in the cold wind? Beating a carpet with a proper [willow] carpet beater! I had fetched the smaller mat I bought the other day. Then dropped it onto the kitchen tiles to vacuum it. A great cloud of dust went up! With drifts of dust settling across the floor in undulating dunes. Had it been used in a carpentry workshop? On the beach? I was obviously wasting my time with a domestic vacuum cleaner.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> So I stretched a rope tightly between the shed and a handy tree. Made a V-cut wooden prop and hung the carpet up. Every wallop from the carpet beater produced huge clouds of fawn dust! The wind was safely behind me. So the dust was being carried away. One step forwards and another back. I'll leave the mat on the temporary clothes line to shed more dust. With repeated whacking in between. It doesn't want to be hung up for too long in case it goes out of shape. From the curvature of the line.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">10.45 39F/4C and full sunshine. I ought to go shopping. Still carpet beating at intervals. The dust is not reducing by much. Though hopefully the wind will help. Gusting to a steady 14m/s or 30mph. Whoops! I can feel grit in my teeth! <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mkD2Jm5yGMB8739pVjpLeHBkeaZ_0DcIJ5Rj5jqTWxZd7HoK-t9OL0Lx0JTeifsir8SVfaAKhN9SU737Ym7GdeAM6xyZUyGQhyphenhyphenJC1edsoPLeM7eJJhjEZLr6iTqcFidFCiZp6dsiAUxS5fIggT_WEeq7ax8j9MHBYCpwi6tePMOAzDg4deIiAVEL2Q/s2012/cycling%20stuff%20higgins%20longstaff.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div> 11.30 I have had a lot of interest in my trike on Facebook. Somebody in Denmark wants to come and pick it up tomorrow. That's a relief! 😊<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsNuPh3z2VmcwA3I4E60kRQ7NoRrduJSUoP9YmcBKhaPPUaWqSa1PifSPU_IPKZfo9Hw9iZjcDM4CuAEk24q00UzqDYvYLX-FJ1UMZahjg2ONKwwBc1-CHjZrwvxvVr50vykzt-u_x0VNhpJrx7rbysijaZd_j9n5YsXwsRNc8PwTbmud22omyA_sYg/s1000/cycling%20stuff%20higgins%20longstaff%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsNuPh3z2VmcwA3I4E60kRQ7NoRrduJSUoP9YmcBKhaPPUaWqSa1PifSPU_IPKZfo9Hw9iZjcDM4CuAEk24q00UzqDYvYLX-FJ1UMZahjg2ONKwwBc1-CHjZrwvxvVr50vykzt-u_x0VNhpJrx7rbysijaZd_j9n5YsXwsRNc8PwTbmud22omyA_sYg/w200-h176/cycling%20stuff%20higgins%20longstaff%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> 12.00 I have just fought my way down the shed to retrieve the trike wheels. Even found the original sprints and tubs which came with the Higgins. Though I quickly obtained the HPs on Trykit alloy hubs, new axles and two wheel drive. [Higgins fit.] <p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 12.30 Early lunch. Greenhouse pretending to warm the house. Too much cloud. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 13.00 Time for a ride. It only takes me half an hour to get ready! Only 20 minutes today. I didn't bother to change my clothes.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 14.45 41F/5C. Returned from a much needed shopping ride. 18.5km. Sunny but very windy. Even in the forest. I used Turbo mode for most of the time. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETnE2cjppMkYdN2ZYRCpRZyJJQ79yWsJxHOU2K062kYPS3i35JIen3uEdmp3LJJI4nwa45x636QDwqOil2jLJIcw-f0z4DPy68xwDhpLGJZx6_GrAghjoj884lkP5J4mbQhoq74v6roVhQCj_jVMPJoBIbjpWESYAaV4p_WX7g5cafetT2ZwJOmKNAg/s1000/dinner%209324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETnE2cjppMkYdN2ZYRCpRZyJJQ79yWsJxHOU2K062kYPS3i35JIen3uEdmp3LJJI4nwa45x636QDwqOil2jLJIcw-f0z4DPy68xwDhpLGJZx6_GrAghjoj884lkP5J4mbQhoq74v6roVhQCj_jVMPJoBIbjpWESYAaV4p_WX7g5cafetT2ZwJOmKNAg/w200-h200/dinner%209324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p> I have dragged everything into the greenhouse. For easy inspection and shelter from the weather. There are loads of gear changers, brakes, levers, chainsets, seat posts, stems and handlebars. Some unused. The mudguards in the foreground are very rare. Kindly sent from the UK many years ago. They are original and clamp onto the Higgins axle. Now I am paying it forward. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I had a breathless episode and chest pain again! So I used a wheelbarrow to ferry everything from the shed. I brought the mat in and discovered yet more sand was falling out of it. I vacuumed it again but doubt it had much effect.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I had better think about making dinner. I bought some sausages, chicken and mushrooms. I went with sausage and chips. And, burnt the tomatoes! The chips took much longer than expected. The top element may be giving up on the mini-oven. Burnt chips at the edges. White in the middle. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-3369398903842397162024-03-08T08:37:00.017+01:002024-03-09T19:04:30.940+01:00 8.03.2024 And there it was.. gone!<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Friday 8th 29F/-2C. Grey and slightly misty. Up at 6.10. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 7.15 I was going to have an early night. To be ready for the Morris Minor being collected this morning. Between 8 and 9am. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Then I realised I could use the bike rack. To reach the car in the rural workshop once it had been fettled. I just need the rack to be in [or on] the Morris. The Minor boot isn't remotely big enough for the rack. So it will have to go in the passenger footwell. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The problem was that I hadn't assembled the rack yet. Nor could I remember where I had put the keys, cable clips or screws. Fortunately I was in largely undeserved luck. Assembly went reasonably well and the keys were in a drawer. Though it was well past 11.30 before I was finished. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Now it is light I have to check the rack actually fits the Morris. Then load the Moustache e-bike to check it will fit. Luckily I had bought a 13-7 pin adapter from the trailer dealer for the lights. So off I go into the cold to play with my toys. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> I fitted the Buzzrack E-Scorpion 1 rack and its ramp. To the shiny new, tow ball on the white frosted Morris. Then found the best settings for my big and heavy e-bike. The lights worked. The ramp was useful and avoided any heavy lifting. Well within my capacity to handle loading and unloading. Then I took the bike off and stowed the rack behind the Minor's passenger's seat. Where it fitted surprisingly well. I used to the passenger's seatbelt to secure it.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oCcvDRoaz_821NDY4mQEPQXYnRqEaeQtvIO-_9NZ4Xm6guYlsQ-d95G4tmtTrFrjSQ-HNwtBCN6R3JgLQot53cS0PQ4nd8PfzKka659QcxVpzRhpAtclA5s4h4hg9vLXvLoTgJvS2Bcl-IEfHzlerureawshamsdg7TMSwVCwZSGDXdLRYXwyXpECA/s1000/morris%20minor%20leaving%208324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1000" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oCcvDRoaz_821NDY4mQEPQXYnRqEaeQtvIO-_9NZ4Xm6guYlsQ-d95G4tmtTrFrjSQ-HNwtBCN6R3JgLQot53cS0PQ4nd8PfzKka659QcxVpzRhpAtclA5s4h4hg9vLXvLoTgJvS2Bcl-IEfHzlerureawshamsdg7TMSwVCwZSGDXdLRYXwyXpECA/s320/morris%20minor%20leaving%208324%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> While I was waiting for the car transporter to arrive I went round to ask for a van to be moved. I found myself chatting with the new owner of the house next door. A pleasant young chap. He told me that he wanted to buy both houses. Sadly the owner of the thatched house will not sell. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Which is a huge shame because the thatch is badly holed and raining in. The garden is a complete mess. There are huge trees growing far too close and too high between the two houses. Threatening both properties [and blocking my morning sunshine!] The larch hedge along the drive is towering into the sky.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.20 The Morris Minor has just left on the lorry. The driver was another pleasant young man and veteran car enthusiast. We chatted about our various projects. I warned him of the local road closures due to the district heating expansion. Which would spoil the most direct route.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.45 Morning coffee. I might have a ride once the frost has gone. I'll have a rest from garden clearing for the moment. It is expected to max out at 6C after lunch. With a sunny afternoon promised.</p><p style="text-align: left;">13.15 Lunch over. I was feeling tired and unwell mid morning. So I had a nap. The sun came out as promised. So I opened up the greenhouse for some free heat. The temperature in the room and kitchen has risen from 60-65F. 15-18C. The greenhouse is showing 90-95F/32-34C on two widely separated thermometers. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I have an appointment for an ultrasound scan of my heart on Tuesday the 19th March. 11 days ahead suggests they don't think I am in any great danger of missing my appointment. Perhaps they just have a lot of patients? Or they reduce their workload by people falling over while waiting for their appointment. 😊<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxW_kaI6IKNAlBZ0neSdwk3ub8CwN0OcRkOGLHMJRyUMssKu0bQL4QkU1aTr-mgxnWKei5JmqbQ9Y4rP5AjkRwNM7BfxTjZ1BVNfqqbD5e01Cmuj4PuRkfuU-vDCzlkb-zUdqu757W3fjv1vX-yCGdnmyiSeZCOQyyyT9w4ySoxJmXCS0vuJpNlb336w/s1048/dinner%208324%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxW_kaI6IKNAlBZ0neSdwk3ub8CwN0OcRkOGLHMJRyUMssKu0bQL4QkU1aTr-mgxnWKei5JmqbQ9Y4rP5AjkRwNM7BfxTjZ1BVNfqqbD5e01Cmuj4PuRkfuU-vDCzlkb-zUdqu757W3fjv1vX-yCGdnmyiSeZCOQyyyT9w4ySoxJmXCS0vuJpNlb336w/w200-h200/dinner%208324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> Google Earth Pro can't find the address and the direct hospital links are broken. I'd better go on my bike. It's only about 30km each way. The hospital parking crooks robbed me of £70 equivalent on a previous appointment. When I went there in the car. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 13.45 42F/5.6C. I just checked outside and it really isn't very warm. Not even in the sunshine. There is still a thin film of ice on the puddles in the dome segments. Which are lying in the shade of the house. It has climbed slowly to 66F/19C in the room. I have one of the room windows wide open but it hasn't accelerated the heat exchange from the greenhouse. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 15.00 69F/21C.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Something has gone wrong! Half the post has disappeared overnight.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was boiled potatoes with two fried eggs and fried, cherry tomatoes. I overdid the eggs very slightly.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-73220580788043848472024-03-07T06:48:00.024+01:002024-03-07T21:41:10.149+01:00 7.03.2024 Failing to imbibe.<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Thursday 7th 29F/-2C [at 6.30] The cars are white. Forecast of cloud or some sunshine. Up at 5.40 after a restless night. Back aching. Visit to the doctor at 9.30. To see about my ageing plumbing. I'll have to keep my legs crossed. In case they want a sample of my orange juice. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0hYznQgingyhan5Qamk_JcZw09AcjoFlVNDy9-h64SHJZzta2EHsoxZQYWF1dEkSait9Kq4qVFZ44fOgmHEFiBe4S-o2ZyMU2Xy1CsnWmLIhvUK8LdO3Oj2E1X1z4BDVte91N4K2rVDIVR9JOGglyZ03VCAKTlYSlLZ8WgVYE0FYDsh1Uobznj2c-w/s1000/garden%20clearing%207324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0hYznQgingyhan5Qamk_JcZw09AcjoFlVNDy9-h64SHJZzta2EHsoxZQYWF1dEkSait9Kq4qVFZ44fOgmHEFiBe4S-o2ZyMU2Xy1CsnWmLIhvUK8LdO3Oj2E1X1z4BDVte91N4K2rVDIVR9JOGglyZ03VCAKTlYSlLZ8WgVYE0FYDsh1Uobznj2c-w/s320/garden%20clearing%207324%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <i>The sunken part of the garden beside the observatory. There are more branches to remove in the background</i>. <i>The gravel in the foreground is newly placed for the trailer. I want to raise the whole sunken area to parking area level. The same as the observatory pad on the right. Then build a double carport in place of the observatory. After the latter is dismantled. </i><br /></div><div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I seem to be drinking well under the recommended 2L per day for an active old fart. I normally consume 6x 0.25 litres of tea and coffee. Or 1.5 litres. Plus the milk on my morning muesli. [Yet to be measured] With very little variation over the years. I know I should probably drink more apple juice on my cycle rides. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Where to fit in another cup or two in a day? I was quite shocked to discover that the mugs I use at home contain only 0.25l. Just reconfirmed with a measuring jug. I had always assumed the mugs were half a litre. Which would be quite silly. Since that is 0.9 of a pint. A coffee mug is nothing like a half pint beer mug at the pub. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Does the UK still use pints? I may be out of touch after 40 years abstinence from British pubs. The tin of Danish beer, which I usually drink with my evening meal, is only 0.3 litres. So I had better not give up my beer or I shall be dehydrated. The problem is the beer makes me get up in the night. Should I make dinner at lunch time? </p><p style="text-align: left;"> It would require a major change of course after years of evening meals. It would mean I would be sleeping on a full stomach during my afternoon nap. Eating at eight, or before, gives me three hours for dinner to go down before bedtime, Even then I often feel too full. I may have to give up on dinner. It can't be good for me! 😋</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 7.30. Light enough for a walk. Had a chat with my nice neighbour on my return. He speaks excellent English and has two nice, little dogs. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.00 The building workers next door are probably Eastern European. One of them spoke some limited English. I asked them politely to keep my drive free. I tried to explain my car was going to be taken away tomorrow. So needed lots of space. I don't think it sank in. On my return from my walk they are parked right across the end! Not helpful. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 9.00 Morris Minor battery reading 13V. The motor whizzes round on the starter motor but will not fire. I cleaned the points in the control box with postcard as advised. Nothing. Showered. Heading to the surgery.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 11.00 Back from the doctor and shopping. No obvious bacteria in my orange juice. Drawn fresh from the source. Specimen sent off to the central lab. Will hear on Monday. Mentioned my recent racing heart/panting/chest pain problem at the museum. They checked me with a load of sensors. Will probably be sent to the hospital for more intensive examination. I am supposed to ring the health emergency number 112 if I have another episode. It could be fatal! Haircut at 1.30 today. Hearing aid help in town first.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 12.00 The lady at the hearing aid centre reloaded the old app and everything was back to normal. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 12.30 I found two oriental carpets in a charity shop. £10 equivalent each. The ladies were enjoying serving me and practising their English. A very helpful and friendly lot. I want a rug to protect the large carpet where I sit at the computer and the TV. I'll give them a good vacuum before they come indoors.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 13.00 Lunch before going for a haircut. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 14.00 Returned home after being neatly shorn. Had a pleasant chat with the hairdresser. [In Danish] I have been going to her for years. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkmiz_bAnN0Ol1FnVmL3YFw0bQDd3_X0wTbJqgaL728c_3wQI7t1xLQ0lwJPiKx_8TLwuzTI3EMtoK3qa3fm9H-HG53Qi4CB8YeG0iFJ9_jVkl3vlRbrJV2o8pcUFtd7cAH0PzJgEHOZ-Nu7AqHD0nQQC-qIcIj1VIcb27rAeGGHcU8MD_fKEjPHqdw/s1000/dinner%207324%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1000" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkmiz_bAnN0Ol1FnVmL3YFw0bQDd3_X0wTbJqgaL728c_3wQI7t1xLQ0lwJPiKx_8TLwuzTI3EMtoK3qa3fm9H-HG53Qi4CB8YeG0iFJ9_jVkl3vlRbrJV2o8pcUFtd7cAH0PzJgEHOZ-Nu7AqHD0nQQC-qIcIj1VIcb27rAeGGHcU8MD_fKEjPHqdw/w200-h199/dinner%207324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> Now I am going to reduce some of the lopped branches enough to go in the trailer. Then get rid of a load to the recycling yard if I can. Every little helps on the road to tidiness.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 16.30 Back from a second run to the recycling yard. Again with the trailer piled high with branches. Well lashed down with rope. Weak sunshine is slowly strengthening. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 17.00 Having a late nap.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 18.00 59F/15C in the room. Stove lit. I started my second load of laundry. First load hung up. Brought in my fourth basket of logs today. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was poached eggs on toast.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p></div>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-25035872915047174012024-03-06T07:36:00.017+01:002024-03-07T06:32:21.096+01:00 6.03.2024 Gridlock!<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Wednesday 6th 36F/2C. Cold, misty and overcast. Up at 6.45 after two earlier, failed attempts. Museum day. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIO0U5MnAPU-omG59bRrmHxablkaxqtsqSd0XJugi3QC0UP98yeD53IKGa3J2LXFd8CyCvRHmlaHjypPJULd05EdLV4wbOMmbIWM7XtaQN0iyLuh_9Svk18vfwAxv8tUrpG-T1gR4Heb5osFIrg5E9_S8xfC0hTuSzUKuluUySxj30gdCJdTmEMB4Tg/s1000/museum%20floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIO0U5MnAPU-omG59bRrmHxablkaxqtsqSd0XJugi3QC0UP98yeD53IKGa3J2LXFd8CyCvRHmlaHjypPJULd05EdLV4wbOMmbIWM7XtaQN0iyLuh_9Svk18vfwAxv8tUrpG-T1gR4Heb5osFIrg5E9_S8xfC0hTuSzUKuluUySxj30gdCJdTmEMB4Tg/s320/museum%20floor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> 8.00 After yesterday's electrical problems with the Morris Minor I just checked the voltage at 12.5V. The engine turned over very rapidly but did not fire. Not even once. It was also blocking the exit of my old car. <p></p><p style="text-align: right;"> <i>Earlier image of the half completed loft floor at the museum.</i><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Somewhat ironically, I had to use the starter motor in 1st gear to move the Minor out of the way. Now I can go to the museum in the old car. I will put the Morris Minor back on charge when I return. I don't want to risk charging while I am absent in case of fire. The Genius 5 smart charger felt quite warm after a couple of hours of charging from only 9V. Holding 12.5V overnight, after only a couple of hours of charging, seems quite positive. 😄<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The initial enthusiasm for the green dome as a playhouse may not have persuaded the farmer's partner. Judging from the radio [mobile] silence. I'll have to drag the segments somewhere else. So I can use the parking space as normal. I am having to reverse 120m down the drive just to get in or out. The trailer needs easy access for more trips to the recycling yard. Gridlock on the parking space was not the idea at all!</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Yet again I helped with the new loft floor in the barn at the museum. Almost completed. Mostly working from ladders and handing up long length of flooring. So plenty of exercise and jokes. They ignore my "expert" advice but we all have a good laugh.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Afterwards I arranged for the Morris to be checked for the charging fault. The car will be picked up and delivered to the workshop on Friday. I put the Morris battery on charge as soon as I got home. Reading 12.6V before connection. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 15.30 58F/14C in the room. Stove now lit. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 18.15 40F/4C. Almost dark. 65F/18C in the room. I am burning oversized logs. Those which can't be split because of the twisted grain. Provided there is a good, red hot bed and the remains of the last log they burn long and fine. These logs have been drying in the greenhouse for some time but I haven't tried burning them until now. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I can't have toast for dinner unless I have crusts. There are lots of leftover crusts in the freezer but no slices. Waste not. Want not! Poached eggs Sir? <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 18.30 I have been out to check progress on the battery charging. A green light but strobing slowly. That probably means the new battery wasn't spoilt by running it down so low on the way home: 9V.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 19.30 38F/3C. The battery was fully charged. So I removed the charger. 20C/68F in the room.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was fish fingers and chips. Yet again I forgot to take a photo.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> The room reached just over 69F/21C by bedtime. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">~o~</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-44306587864661170932024-03-05T06:22:00.016+01:002024-03-05T22:24:41.680+01:00 5.03.2024 Levelling the living barrier.<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Tuesday 5th 33F/1C. The weather has turned colder. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 6.30. Up at 5.30. My back is aching again. I shall continue to clear the accumulated junk from the dismantled dome area. The trailer is attached to the old car and well placed for filling. Sadly I have heard nothing from the farmer with children. Who suggested the green dome would make a playhouse.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> This week's cooking class has been put off yet again. It seems the ex-school kitchen is still being renovated or decorated. Many village schools have been closed due to centralisation. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 7.00 As light outside as it is likely to be for a while. Though there are signs of the early sunshine if the sun ever rises. I'd better get an early walk in to cure my back pain. The longer I leave it the more my walk eats into my busy, working day. 😉</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.15 I had an early walk to the lanes. It was freezing and the cold wind hurt my ears. I should have worn a tea cosy fleece cap to protect my ears. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg7LoYOw_DdqVlz-zIEQUGZWpKevWy8IDPol6f6UuVVH9iaeuQA-keEBCH-p1dGL1FohKPZqIzbF1ztEmfqkfAkC-YqkMUdEN_0_u5hccXLbTQN14i8sm8Z5d31Lw5N9yxYpGsdnMlfYEX99oKfcZxPMPLVBMADyLCDt-GXy0kSZpMbp5t3W6FYjqKA/s1000/garden%20clearing%205324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg7LoYOw_DdqVlz-zIEQUGZWpKevWy8IDPol6f6UuVVH9iaeuQA-keEBCH-p1dGL1FohKPZqIzbF1ztEmfqkfAkC-YqkMUdEN_0_u5hccXLbTQN14i8sm8Z5d31Lw5N9yxYpGsdnMlfYEX99oKfcZxPMPLVBMADyLCDt-GXy0kSZpMbp5t3W6FYjqKA/s320/garden%20clearing%205324%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>11.00 I loaded the trailer with all the wet and muddy pieces of wood. Then drove to the more distant recycling centre. Where a chap who was waiting gave me hand with the trailer. Despite being tipped right up the wood would not slide off. So we kept moving the trailer forwards until it was empty. I am just having morning coffee. Before going back out. To clear the hardcore into the sunken area beyond the parking space. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p> 12.00 I am having a well earned rest. All the trees and bushes between the parking space and wilderness have been cut down to the ground. I am exhausted and sweating profusely. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">There is at least a couple of hour's work. In lopping them into trailer sized branches. Probably several trailers full. It is difficult to capture the sheer volume of felled trees and lopped branches in a picture. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH5iduR76YH8iFMI2-yL7AZP-xnGXkDpIGNI7v99qmiONf9zf780s7vzJqS4IpdwOhzwz01IXASxn16FaFqEt0bKxHrNMAWZ92ZjjlZoRIzuUqX6I-Uu9-eKZ0YCAZ8CKxYG9iv8OJz8R4c-EfwLvAC4OuQI-t23wHQ5kyBAIArcDQPWf3SUvRzVT9Q/s1000/garden%20clearance%202%205324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH5iduR76YH8iFMI2-yL7AZP-xnGXkDpIGNI7v99qmiONf9zf780s7vzJqS4IpdwOhzwz01IXASxn16FaFqEt0bKxHrNMAWZ92ZjjlZoRIzuUqX6I-Uu9-eKZ0YCAZ8CKxYG9iv8OJz8R4c-EfwLvAC4OuQI-t23wHQ5kyBAIArcDQPWf3SUvRzVT9Q/s320/garden%20clearance%202%205324%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The wilderness barrier was so dense. That there was no way to reach the sunken area. Not even with half a brick. It kept bouncing off. Now I can easily throw the hardcore over the edge. Or have a lorry tip its load there. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> My wife would be livid! She planted most of the living barrier going
right back to the late 1990s. Just as she planted the wilderness of oaks
and willows. From gathered acorns and pencil sized cuttings. Which she
would bring on in pots before planting them out. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p> We built up the self-compacting gravel base under the observatory. Working together in our early 70s. Using wheelbarrows back and forth from the 25 tons tipped just outside the gate. Over 20 metres away from the building site. A contractor had promised to send a small front bucket loader to move the gravel for us. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Yet another Danish businessman who didn't keep his promises. I rang him to ask when the machine and operator were coming. He simply dismissed me. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtY1EtH3Lg68GWlYLPchoirfDhguLiP9746bJ1ZdblhUkcAf3iqoAk82o8Ov-s6JnMrLhZ1Q9qgbx4DlFn2c7zQjv2m791iTxWzG9BLzjfHYJIHWCVENGr91Qmd9z5lYV5LSj7uVxMOuy4JOHTOodo_bjZO5KHw70OyBCN_aVE9t7WtNV5xlCs1j71Q/s1000/dinner%205324%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1000" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtY1EtH3Lg68GWlYLPchoirfDhguLiP9746bJ1ZdblhUkcAf3iqoAk82o8Ov-s6JnMrLhZ1Q9qgbx4DlFn2c7zQjv2m791iTxWzG9BLzjfHYJIHWCVENGr91Qmd9z5lYV5LSj7uVxMOuy4JOHTOodo_bjZO5KHw70OyBCN_aVE9t7WtNV5xlCs1j71Q/w200-h196/dinner%205324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I was too tired to go on. So after lunch I showered and drove to see my friend. To have a rest and a chat. He too had been involved in a strenuous project. Demolishing a massive brick chimney indoors.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The red ignition light has been coming on in the Morris Minor. He warned me that it meant the dynamo wasn't charging the battery. He was right. After driving some of the distance home some electrical items began to stop working. By the time I arrived home the engine was struggling. The battery had dropped to 9V. I immediately put it on charge. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was chicken, mushrooms, pasta and tinned tomatoes. I cooked the whole tin of tomatoes and put most of it on the pasta. There was too much. The same was true of the pasta.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-71681810109545693732024-03-04T06:21:00.023+01:002024-03-05T06:56:44.392+01:00 4.03.2024 Less is more. How to downsize?<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Monday 4th 41F/5C. Up at 5.30. I was woken by flashing lights of the dustbin lorry. I had forgotten to put a recycling bin out. Too late now. It had been a restless night. My back is aching again. An interesting observation during the latest, dome saga. Is that everything feels twice as heavy as it once did!<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> When it gets light I had better get back to tidying the disaster area. Where the big dome has been standing for three years. I'll have to shuffle the cars so I can get the trailer out. Which will probably mean rotating or even moving the dome segments. Then I'll have to drive to a recycling yard twice as far away. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> I must be far more ruthless in sorting and dumping stuff which I will never use. The hoarder in me still wants to hang onto everything. "Which might come in handy." The high cost of materials and a lifetime of collecting stuff for future projects, still has a firm grip on me. I could never afford commercial equipment. So was forced to make everything I wanted. Spread that over several hobbies and it soon gets out of hand. Witness the sheds stuffed to the gills. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRpNkVZpIIo1sdC6FdmyVdUjybVc61DwAPte6pwOHrDAsPSQ3kliChOV28Xbv9hXJpWDeab1zgb_lkfGkqZVUyOjNHtJS1_oYC_6kfkNE415498CYGHRQTYwIQf_GhKlk1n52SWFRnHqAL30jw80Qo-9pEbQqnd160XAE86lLHvVbHFjJO56e_LJl1w/s1000/cycle%20stuff%204322.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1000" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRpNkVZpIIo1sdC6FdmyVdUjybVc61DwAPte6pwOHrDAsPSQ3kliChOV28Xbv9hXJpWDeab1zgb_lkfGkqZVUyOjNHtJS1_oYC_6kfkNE415498CYGHRQTYwIQf_GhKlk1n52SWFRnHqAL30jw80Qo-9pEbQqnd160XAE86lLHvVbHFjJO56e_LJl1w/s320/cycle%20stuff%204322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Over a dozen boxes of disused cycling equipment might not fetch much. Even thought the combined value made it priceless at the time. Most of it was bought new over the years. Replaced when something "better" came out. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> How to get rid of it all? Without it going completely to waste? Or scrap? Two dozen saddles anybody? The high cost of postage makes individual sales uneconomical. Not to mention the effort of packing and posting individual items. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The Danish small ads websites are fixed price or lower offers. There is no Danish eBay to force the auction price upwards. How to reach a veteran-greedy cycling audience with over 30 years of used and barely used cycling equipment? The British market might be huge but is hidden behind an impenetrable and costly barricade called Broxit. VAT + international postage charges on secondhand bike stuff? Yeah, right! <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Anybody want a 1954 Higgins Ultralite trike with Trykit 2WD? Or a Longstaff trike conversion? High pressures on small aero rims. Going cheap. Or free to the right person. Must be collected! No interest in Denmark on the small ads website. Both items have been slowly deteriorating in the shed. They'd need a repaint but could be as good as new again in the right enthusiast's hands. Campag Ergo 10sp. levers on the Higgins. A free choice of saddles. 😉<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I tried to get rid of my clock collection after my wife died. There was nobody interested outside of the UK or USA. The one item I sent completely free of charge to a collector refused to pay the postage! These things sold for £150+ on eBay[UK]. This sort of behaviour doesn't fill me with confidence. If I fell over tomorrow the whole lot would go into a container as unsorted garbage. Market value on eBay[UK]? Who knows? It is utterly pointless to speculate.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 7.15 Heavy overcast but almost light enough for a walk. I'll wear my high-vis, recycled jacket. Give the commuters a clear target. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.00 Returned from my walk to the lanes. It was overcast. With a cold, but light, easterly breeze. Too cold for my
hands. Luckily the jacket has long sleeves. The zipped pockets aren't
very comfortable. I was too warm towards the end and had to unzip the
jacket. Lots of birds singing. I have reached my usual turning spot two days in a row. The local flooding risk has evaporated. So no need to loop along the drives any more. Though it is very pleasant to quickly get away from the traffic. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> I have typed myself into a spiralling depression. The trailer will be hard to extract from behind the dome segments. Should I go for a ride on the-bike? A tootle in the Morris Minor? Always the same problem: Where to go?<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I have a photo somewhere of all the cycling stuff in boxes arranged on the ground. I did a Google Photos search for "junk." All it showed me were hundreds of pictures of my dinners! Is my diet really that bad? 😕</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 12.15 47F/8C. Returned from a 29km/18 mile ride. The gusty wind was a nuisance throughout. Even as tailwind it felt head on! I kept checking which way the wind turbines were facing. It seemed not to make any difference. I was warm enough with a thin jumper over long, thermal underwear and a racing jersey. The thinner GripGrab gloves were fine today. A few degrees warmer makes all the difference. I didn't wear padded racing shorts today and suffered saddle soreness from about half way onwards. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Yet another village was cut off by laying new, district heating pipes. No problem on the bike though. I could bypass the hold-up on the pavement. There was a headline in the news. That Denmark is still burning rare, tropical hardwoods from the Rain Forest in its district heating systems. That is a climate footprint which outbalances all that wind and solar. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> A pleasant young lady helped me at the more distant recycling yard. I only wanted some stickers for my recycling containers. Nothing was too much trouble. What a pleasant change from the usual jobsworth grumpies! The sun pretended to come out as I neared home. Not for long. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1NHG9J6Z0sQMrrQxlAgJJyEJrnTpzaKCU5QF9IZT0qOHaA9z0Co6_hsJJH0yoKJODvarUVo-0HeJ-dEpJDzVZondrB6fDgdNZ863zDK3KHydpY48ZDvrlUI4eBtKnZVQd_F5lyZYYl0UGMS4v8gH19ZOkPgCY60zpOe8X2bV389UX7uySrPznyD3YA/s1000/dinner%204324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="999" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1NHG9J6Z0sQMrrQxlAgJJyEJrnTpzaKCU5QF9IZT0qOHaA9z0Co6_hsJJH0yoKJODvarUVo-0HeJ-dEpJDzVZondrB6fDgdNZ863zDK3KHydpY48ZDvrlUI4eBtKnZVQd_F5lyZYYl0UGMS4v8gH19ZOkPgCY60zpOe8X2bV389UX7uySrPznyD3YA/w200-h200/dinner%204324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> In slightly less than one year I have covered 7088km/4404 miles on the e-bike.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 18.00 After filling the trailer by 17.00 I discovered the more distant recycling yard was open until 6pm. So I drove there and deposited the heaped trailer full I had collected. Lots of wood and plywood and few other things. I was the only customer when I left at 17.45. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The space in front of the shed is becoming empty. Still a lot of sodden and muddy offcuts of wood. Is it worth the effort of making kindling out of it? How do I value my time? 61F/16C in the room. I have lit the stove.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was cheese on toast. With halved, Sugar Drop, cherry tomatoes. I have some pips drying on a paper towel to see if they can become tomato plants when planted in soil. I squeezed a couple of overripe tomatoes as suggested online. Nothing ventured.. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-9058787155073972912024-03-03T08:23:00.018+01:002024-03-03T22:08:48.784+01:00 3.03.2024 Going, going..?<div class="separator"></div><div class="separator"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"> </p></div><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Sunday 3rd 44F/7C. Misty and overcast. Up at 6.15. Aching all over as expected. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB7tIZJQ8yvd3WPlxJ0kanx78ODbZUujqrI1WXLBIAEDgvxV6Kk8k0CcGHrE0br0L0o-cx0UpRCquAV0K0CpFjlCeTLdzLDrM3e3X2OUP5YH0FTKZ69Y2yaHtcTN7s3sQd_BEPyBakAe7u8kxZ-GwNIVuxj0q8WJPAhViX-_pDCsZL5axiUvFnrqTSw/s1000/green%20dome%20dismantling%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB7tIZJQ8yvd3WPlxJ0kanx78ODbZUujqrI1WXLBIAEDgvxV6Kk8k0CcGHrE0br0L0o-cx0UpRCquAV0K0CpFjlCeTLdzLDrM3e3X2OUP5YH0FTKZ69Y2yaHtcTN7s3sQd_BEPyBakAe7u8kxZ-GwNIVuxj0q8WJPAhViX-_pDCsZL5axiUvFnrqTSw/s320/green%20dome%20dismantling%20rsz.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> 8.15 A walk would be sensible before starting work again. On dismantling the big, green dome.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p> 9.15 Back from a damp walk to the lanes. A strangely variable wind came and went. Making it slightly unpleasant at times. The traffic was all but non-existent. Birds singing everywhere. Skylarks overhead. Wheezing greenfinches at the tops of roadside trees. Great tits moving about and beeping in the hedgerows. Chaffinches complaining as I plodded past. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 9.30 Morning coffee over. I had better start work. Before I get bogged down on the computer.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 10.45 I have removed all the bolts and screws. Which were holding the final segment to the centre one. Nothing is moving yet. I shall have to saw up the laminated base ring. Over which I spent many hours fabricating as accurately as possible. The ring is stiff enough to prevent the free movement of the outer segments. It didn't help that I levered the entire dome towards the observatory before giving up. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> My lifelong obsession with astronomy ended with the death of my wife. I was up in the observatory capturing solar images as usual. As my wife lay alone on the freezing kitchen floor after a fall. Her first and her last. Once discovered, it took two hours to move her onto a comfortable and warmer surface. She had no idea how long she had lain there or if anything was broken. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /> <br /></div> The agony on her face with every movement remains as an indelible
memory. I wasn't strong enough to lift her bodily. So had to drag her
under the arms. To turn her around and then along the narrow, tiled
floor of the kitchen. It had two layers of furniture back then.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1000" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B_KEKSTmMEOwbJG_SdTSTuu0pxlzn3dO3cSySD91MYrTleChagZKZLk_ot1C5tSxR-QhpFx0_7sRZIY9FyxgWGwxBwADna3viM__U_8L3d5sDKedvFXJD5Kg8oycpVPu7FiR8Y1zP5Ou4Zc21cyZPEln89eY4wJp753ugfdiF_C2VIlSXsyIeOzL1A/s320/green%20dome%20dismantled%202%203324%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></p> <br /> I ended up dragging her on a blanket into the living room. Where I arranged a thin, foam mattress to protect her from the hard floor. Even then I couldn't lift her onto it. So had to literally roll here onto a thinner foam pad. She wanted to be sitting up but was in continuous agony. Her face contorted every time I tried to pull her back up onto a hastily arranged, sloping backrest. <br /><br /> I used her unexpected fall as a final lever to agree that the the
doctor should call. My wife was livid, but reluctantly went into
hospital "for a check-up." Where she suffered for a further few days
before discharging herself. After a nightmare weekend, without any
nursing support, my wife died not long afterwards. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Cancer had unknowingly spread to her major organs. The close association between my wife's fall and her death is linked irrevocably to my astronomy. The long decades of building telescopes and observatories were finally at an end. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWk4pQaA8-wSNs2zQH9mnKYd5KJkmiYwuyONqooJ556g8_BhVPmhoK8ZTQyyguKaHHFUj0_kA_XFaSsiQ8ogdxmk9llUxiDNqZskMgROOaVzmfWiw6C_b7EcQceEbh8IOjw7PrCc6_caMAZpLhaKPi1H2StyKs4LqgGkTq7cPXlNmntE5UiEQ1B4TKGQ/s1000/green%20dome%20dismantled%203324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWk4pQaA8-wSNs2zQH9mnKYd5KJkmiYwuyONqooJ556g8_BhVPmhoK8ZTQyyguKaHHFUj0_kA_XFaSsiQ8ogdxmk9llUxiDNqZskMgROOaVzmfWiw6C_b7EcQceEbh8IOjw7PrCc6_caMAZpLhaKPi1H2StyKs4LqgGkTq7cPXlNmntE5UiEQ1B4TKGQ/s320/green%20dome%20dismantled%203324%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I still follow the astronomy forums. To try and rekindle my interest. Nothing works so far. Which is why my major building projects are being demolished or dismantled. It will be two years next month that I lost my poor, dear wife. Fifty five years of memories still keep me awake at night. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p>12.00 With the base ring sawn into pieces I managed to pull two segments over onto their backs. Where they can be slid around on the grass with some difficulty. The sheer scale of the segments doesn't really show in my pictures. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p> I managed to stab my thumb with a protruding screw. So had to come in for rinsing and a rest. It looks like a cut and stings but quickly stopped bleeding. After lunch I tipped the last segment with the help of a long strap. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"> They are now all clear of the hideous pigsty of a mess which has accumulated. Three years of damp mud has left its mark on all the timber. Most of it will probably become kindling for the stove. The rest can go to the recycling yard.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4OXa89aDnlGgnffsiqIxPq9snzDiVv1NlmfOdM5cll1LEEB6uujZREa9xUvJBUFMbhmH8RG3sOV052h49SsldCgld7yyZQJV8wM2SewxRFb6Zro8ZjkixmeUhlIKxepEHNIIwoum1gixHD8voYzThPdj7FydKG_nic5RO36FjhPCBdXSzQkqCRacTA/s1000/green%20dome%20segments%20rsz%203224.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4OXa89aDnlGgnffsiqIxPq9snzDiVv1NlmfOdM5cll1LEEB6uujZREa9xUvJBUFMbhmH8RG3sOV052h49SsldCgld7yyZQJV8wM2SewxRFb6Zro8ZjkixmeUhlIKxepEHNIIwoum1gixHD8voYzThPdj7FydKG_nic5RO36FjhPCBdXSzQkqCRacTA/s320/green%20dome%20segments%20rsz%203224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I will try to move the huge segments to the bottom of the garden. Where they can safely be ignored. Or, taken away by a local farmer? That might work and would save me some pointless struggle. I checked the small ads websites but they had nothing remotely similar.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 14.00 I have been on a tour of the local farms. Carrying large coloured pictures of the dome. They were all very helpful but had no use for it. They recommended another farmer up the road. This third young chap seemed interested. Not for animals, but in having a domed playhouse for the children. In the safety of the walled yard. There were lots of toys and a sandbox already. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> What a brilliant idea! It would be quite magical for a child to have their own green igloo den. The farmer has to clear it with his wife first. Only a short distance away and he has all sorts of heavy equipment to take it away. Getting the segments past the house is the critical part. They will have to go out lengthways. I'll have another rest and then start tidying the debris. What an absolute tip! </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xDABqGHRZ-8jgrR_glfhCWmJTv_4FOUk8VAtSvBJ5vGm8VOy47FyES3G9W3OVkf55K0TPswk8jNOKxwM7Q9TAkdSB2YoZ6yddWY-ItjiZzXh8gPjpewJWOSge30V6yfpSWkdDCyZuEv9-NtZ_zDsAmCAjueElrQHf4-Swtsr6qqJmG31v9wwuOtbnA/s1000/dinner%203324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="981" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xDABqGHRZ-8jgrR_glfhCWmJTv_4FOUk8VAtSvBJ5vGm8VOy47FyES3G9W3OVkf55K0TPswk8jNOKxwM7Q9TAkdSB2YoZ6yddWY-ItjiZzXh8gPjpewJWOSge30V6yfpSWkdDCyZuEv9-NtZ_zDsAmCAjueElrQHf4-Swtsr6qqJmG31v9wwuOtbnA/w196-h200/dinner%203324%20rsz.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><p> 16.30 I managed to throw all the timber offcuts into a heap. Collected all the fallen screws, nuts and bolts I could find. All of the countless shelf brackets I used to reinforce the base ring attachment. </p><p> Still a long way to go and the local recycling yard isn't open until Wednesday. I may have to go further afield to clear the unwanted stuff. Now the entire parking space is taken up with the three, giant segments! I backed the Morris Minor up to the heap of timber. If the timber were not there, then there was room for two Morris Minors, nose to tail.<br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> To add to today's problem the heavy shed door was stuck. I had to lever it off its hinges and trim the bottom. Getting it back onto its hinges took me half an hour of exhausting work with a crowbar and batten.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Sunday dinner was chicken, mushrooms, peas, chips and gravy. I was a bit mean with the gravy. I usually use a small cup to measure the water. Tonight I just put some water in the pan. Wrong!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-87259294794283527132024-03-02T07:41:00.031+01:002024-03-03T18:37:58.625+01:00 2.03.2024 Another day older but no wiser.<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Saturday 2nd 41F/5C. Overcast and misty. A long streak of cloud is sliding just pass us heading north on the radar. Possible light showers this morning. Possible sunshine this afternoon. It could reach nearly 10C/50F after lunch.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTtbuRdZZpfL7CbIiepqB0SfK4wV5w5q5thlb2sRstRz1t7HJQwroAk58J4zC4hAHlMYdKxVuGVm-rM_6nujcqvzoJSWKdGs6qC5wsipme3ZVZIdVuWFWPRD42ojlv0iTOi6Chh_N5v2dBh_DNwNfCUFxhQ4zgy2pOdwLQs92G3xlkDbS5CtML8Af8g/s1000/dismantling%20begins%202324.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTtbuRdZZpfL7CbIiepqB0SfK4wV5w5q5thlb2sRstRz1t7HJQwroAk58J4zC4hAHlMYdKxVuGVm-rM_6nujcqvzoJSWKdGs6qC5wsipme3ZVZIdVuWFWPRD42ojlv0iTOi6Chh_N5v2dBh_DNwNfCUFxhQ4zgy2pOdwLQs92G3xlkDbS5CtML8Af8g/s320/dismantling%20begins%202324.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Up at 6.30. My back is aching from yesterday's gardening. I need to shop again. Bike ride into the village? <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.00 Time for a walk to sort out my back.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.40 Back from my walk. The sky was dripping. It would be an exaggeration to say it was actually raining. I reached the lanes before my back pain eased. It was colder and wetter walking back against the southerly breeze. <br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 9.00 No idea what I am doing this morning. I still have a trailer full of garden waste to empty. Do the shopping while I am in the village? Save a journey.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 12.00 50F/10C Sunny from mid morning. Greenhouse and internal doors open to share the warmth. I saved two journeys this morning. First I delivered the garden waste and shopped. Then collected a trailer full of crushed concrete gravel on the way home. After putting the shopping away I started filling the cleared space. To make it firm and level. Just finished. Though it needs more to make the space wider. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p> It falls away quite sharply near the western and northern edges. Which would easily eat up another trailer full to little avail. It's not the modest expense but the considerable effort involved. I am thinking I could park the Morris Minor on the new pad. Which would allow a lorry load of gravel to be dumped at the inner end of the drive in its place. While still allowing access to the parking area. So the cars would not be trapped. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHjxiQCdDbOWb3clpjTYusxr9WF1p5nNvOuFQMMk0DKPdfHgIJGGBWRojQxN-wXxO8tCc4iqBrkQkhtKPH83Zqo-ogMkZU1y3vTXq7-4P9-8d8nwio7z_jsQCBWImQHtzY7JolCuTiolrFMutli7mOMKSiK3hPy78F6YqjLISCkBCBI0zdSe0YxD3Ug/s1000/green%20dome%20dismantling%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHjxiQCdDbOWb3clpjTYusxr9WF1p5nNvOuFQMMk0DKPdfHgIJGGBWRojQxN-wXxO8tCc4iqBrkQkhtKPH83Zqo-ogMkZU1y3vTXq7-4P9-8d8nwio7z_jsQCBWImQHtzY7JolCuTiolrFMutli7mOMKSiK3hPy78F6YqjLISCkBCBI0zdSe0YxD3Ug/s320/green%20dome%20dismantling%20rsz.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Which would relieve me of the pressure to complete the landscaping task quickly. Because the cars would not be behind a mound of gravel. I don't think his tipper truck would reach the sunken area for direct tipping. Due to a lack of space for turning however slightly. Otherwise the filling would be so much easier. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The gravel man suggested I bring up the bulk of the sunken garden level
with sand. It being much cheaper than gravel. Then a thick layer of
gravel can be laid on top. As the load bearing surface. A plate vibrator
would do a much better job than stamping. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> This major levelling job is probably some time away. I have a load of
trees to remove first. The back garden would expand to twice its present
size. If this huge strip were cleared and levelled. To match the rest.
Taking down the two storey observatory ought to be the first priority. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0agaFQ-Dvz9zIEZLW-MLmvYyhy4_DtJrnZ22CRnifxGU37nF22Nnnn09ILyKc7ELfxbZvr4wUngHZbJfIbMXXAtIvLCGYZSMLq2mgbMgriN7gbYQUZ22WXLwvv6CGgGphcQW8I5e5mwdPVl5G2CL9OfxjOs6VpN0XspEiXLObe0eb3NW1_l9o8BZmw/s1000/green%20dome%20dismantling%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 17.30 Several hours spent dismantling the big green dome. A build project to provide me with an enlarged 4.3m Ø observatory. Which I started exactly three years ago. The last time I worked on it my wife was still alive. First I had to remove all the junk which had accumulated inside. It was a handy place to throw things when I was desperately tidying indoors two years ago. I haven't looked at it since.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dozens of bolts, screws, washers and nuts had to be removed. The nearside segment is now free. While I have the centre section propped on a stepladder. The left and right segments are stable and self supporting by their lower edges on the ground. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTRGrP36WFOWLnWa7NA-9APwBlqgmKGVTQ8R9tCjVQtqObreZt9qNMJBgFO-KIW4Wd1qze2It7D0RmPgkT-fTFG2xmUh5u5OAr8wR_Kpt1L97wERsmK48-OSJR6699sHujgimT1d1aHIAtzqHT04FdqUUrSvbrp9iLFiZoTkvAwkYTIk6YyjT9wQdyw/s1000/dinner%202324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1000" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTRGrP36WFOWLnWa7NA-9APwBlqgmKGVTQ8R9tCjVQtqObreZt9qNMJBgFO-KIW4Wd1qze2It7D0RmPgkT-fTFG2xmUh5u5OAr8wR_Kpt1L97wERsmK48-OSJR6699sHujgimT1d1aHIAtzqHT04FdqUUrSvbrp9iLFiZoTkvAwkYTIk6YyjT9wQdyw/w200-h196/dinner%202324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> The centre section rests on those two. Removing both sides requires great care. The segments are far too heavy for one person to handle! Hopefully, the arched reinforcing bar will avoid my being crushed. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 18.00 I have had a cup of tea and a much needed rest. It has been a long day but it is getting dark now. So I'll have to collect my tools together and stop for the night. Mist is forecast but no rain until late tomorrow afternoon. Easterly winds are too light to cause any problems overnight.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 18.20 Stove lit and more logs brought in. 62F in the room all day but I wasn't indoors. So I didn't bother to light the stove.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was poached eggs on toast. Both broke as I cracked them open.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-56201808951335781762024-03-01T05:48:00.020+01:002024-03-01T22:12:22.324+01:00 1st March 2024 March hare gardening? <p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEU7qEkbMhUtUPgBeDMuwWIDK3WaL4goTSpSp3w539NviLB_VIVsaFLpALZhsj3CYjwgk1IPFYC9OIibyb-m70C_wWfmpoky4-8IJUjlP1Pm5iDbbANs5OIWBAx4Ilze_7b8R5GwRTpGOZMyqL_KMnv_Gnw7Xwf7SQLUplYDxLMCzr6vRWTmclYVE9Dg/s1000/earthworks%201323%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1000" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEU7qEkbMhUtUPgBeDMuwWIDK3WaL4goTSpSp3w539NviLB_VIVsaFLpALZhsj3CYjwgk1IPFYC9OIibyb-m70C_wWfmpoky4-8IJUjlP1Pm5iDbbANs5OIWBAx4Ilze_7b8R5GwRTpGOZMyqL_KMnv_Gnw7Xwf7SQLUplYDxLMCzr6vRWTmclYVE9Dg/s320/earthworks%201323%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Friday 1st 38F/3C. Up at 5am, sweating, after having bad dreams. I am aching from carrying the heavy ladders yesterday. 64F/18C in the room.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.00-8.30 Went for my loopy walk in bright, early sunshine. There were birds everywhere. Calling, fighting, chattering and singing. Skylarks were scrapping in mid air while continuing their singing. There was a cold SE breeze. Not a day for bare hands.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dry and sunny. A good day for a ride? But where? It is expected to peak at 5C/41F at 16.00. So a morning ride won't really benefit. Warmer over the next few days. I had better have a look at the map. East/West would avoid a headwind.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYws6pUdglYQLUSZsLfmUO32iEX79SJj2QtSO1gI8V7vRl4CLOfnxOaJkbvBC9RMRMd1A-YPAVQ6S9EQMfsAr46A13JpBQJ8B-bbQ1BbDw4RgVEMpuTPERHerlur1BGe5U7AYbf_W6TQoDH3d4cEgs5sA44Rk9JIl7rlMwJAO5snQlJBZItL4dMGLLrw/s1000/garden%201324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1000" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYws6pUdglYQLUSZsLfmUO32iEX79SJj2QtSO1gI8V7vRl4CLOfnxOaJkbvBC9RMRMd1A-YPAVQ6S9EQMfsAr46A13JpBQJ8B-bbQ1BbDw4RgVEMpuTPERHerlur1BGe5U7AYbf_W6TQoDH3d4cEgs5sA44Rk9JIl7rlMwJAO5snQlJBZItL4dMGLLrw/w200-h126/garden%201324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> 10.30 I should have escaped, as usual, but decided to stay at home, Where I worked on the garden. I have cleared my wife's large flower bed. As she was mostly interested in perennials there is a good chance of something coming up. Last year it was all hidden by the masses of dead material and looked awful. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p> I also trimmed the apple tree and cut back some of the brambles. Despite the cold wind I was soon sweating. There is a trailer full if I can get it in there. Without further damage to my forearms from the vicious thorns. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwmwTETVQVFFUgvs46h9YVgKQELUEYtBZODcGjoOPKutk-gq_tTKWoItgvBmI9GrG4HcksC4mzXY-eA1z29yIQvK2d3cAxW4gUnJSBi210xRDkAArv4H3yXRhSOIpGy53oTobl7iiLVHaas3S9UDtN-xv4UTk_ie6mQuH7FMxpL3CIJgVP57qolFu0w/s1000/garden%201324%202%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1000" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwmwTETVQVFFUgvs46h9YVgKQELUEYtBZODcGjoOPKutk-gq_tTKWoItgvBmI9GrG4HcksC4mzXY-eA1z29yIQvK2d3cAxW4gUnJSBi210xRDkAArv4H3yXRhSOIpGy53oTobl7iiLVHaas3S9UDtN-xv4UTk_ie6mQuH7FMxpL3CIJgVP57qolFu0w/w200-h139/garden%201324%202%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> The bare earth is now about 7x9 metres. It used to be in deep shade for most of the day, year round. Until I felled trees and huge hedges after my wife died. The shadow of the house roof and chimney are visible in the foreground. Not bad for the 1st of March. It clouded over at 11.00. So I had to shut the greenhouse door again. No more free heat!<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p> I'd share some pictures of the cleared ground but Google is being a bløødy nuisance again. The images aren't being transferred to Google Photos. I finally found out how to transfer them. Somebody at Google has been promoted. So they wanted to wield their new power. By making life as difficult as possible for billions of shackled customers. Just because they can. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4vu5dlXhDl_SQWpJ2Xpkg72xtI3jR-E2zaTBwR6M4S-EumiCkEwMtCs3cq8bWEVBFYmjI_k2YRAw4uOpVRP9qld1wp7KfYUZL5-y7LW9cGgurnZVyt2SeDQaQtNLGvdQj-po1fUACboBCX2PfvxRrGSff1Q0YvCZOUWE8PZksKoptqVlu8pSwb0H4g/s1000/garden%201324%203%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4vu5dlXhDl_SQWpJ2Xpkg72xtI3jR-E2zaTBwR6M4S-EumiCkEwMtCs3cq8bWEVBFYmjI_k2YRAw4uOpVRP9qld1wp7KfYUZL5-y7LW9cGgurnZVyt2SeDQaQtNLGvdQj-po1fUACboBCX2PfvxRrGSff1Q0YvCZOUWE8PZksKoptqVlu8pSwb0H4g/w200-h150/garden%201324%203%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> With luck, their empty and completely pointless appointment will disappear with the arrival of AGI next month. Then we can all relax. Because things will finally be working again. Without the weekly change of name. For exactly the same, 10-year-old service, but with four more key presses required. All to make room for 98.9% advertising over content.<br /> <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagdlUkUSoMfUtUu-Ozllg_q_Q8dHwNq_lFYTCozAFCs3aqSLCh1K6pfTtsAVjE3zvOWgeQqZqWF_8OXry_biewrPX_QnNMr7bpvRajSS8aqONY71WdLJWshamX36rhIz4DPcA8MmPJPQuuY_7gPlu3ks7OodoouaJc3HIrV1RtuubqkEceNUGZd5iJQ/s1000/garden%201324%204%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagdlUkUSoMfUtUu-Ozllg_q_Q8dHwNq_lFYTCozAFCs3aqSLCh1K6pfTtsAVjE3zvOWgeQqZqWF_8OXry_biewrPX_QnNMr7bpvRajSS8aqONY71WdLJWshamX36rhIz4DPcA8MmPJPQuuY_7gPlu3ks7OodoouaJc3HIrV1RtuubqkEceNUGZd5iJQ/w200-h150/garden%201324%204%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>12.10 I need a rest! I have just demolished an unwanted privet bush. 8'
high x 12' across. It was sitting beside the trailer parking area. Once
it has gone it can become the trailer parking spot. Clear of the parking
area altogether. The privet bush used to guard the old well. I was
required to trim the bush at intervals but never too much. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Even after two years I am still inhibited against making any new
changes to the garden. The whole space goes right back to the northern
boundary. Over ten meters more if I needed it. Running for almost the whole 30m width of
the garden. Minus the observatory and shed of course. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMFY6WEnOsati-Nb4jcFzyEXjfpz0i8CRHBO6ZWSc5ZFkjMd7KNx78xYJy0ib2h6ldYAwEZJNqCkB0S_iMCLB4CNjg9mzPG_rJwaPlgKa3RxpOJBHtD20G6_Zh5Gmia9gdIf1SWcT-XkxRoLDK_aVPo1s9jrLZ6c6dD6uPdDMKOH5ajyDw-UW9OPnzw/s1000/garden%201324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p> It presently consists of a sprawl of willow stems, overhanging blackthorn and a few bushes. A complete waste of space. There is a drop of about a metre just there but tapering away to the west. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuv0GytRBCTXMo0mCTpLqRl96OYrdSQqUzCgHOU0_aHCqwD6bAItRMoa38RaF80mXOe2PsxlcescWykeIlG4V_wTle1CLSPU6RWykva0KQHOCZFLYve09BTIr08rmYRIlcveIgO4t1eqIGg15RkvNQYmTRgjrroWLH6Y8-yTRINW1l0sbRSCHWTM3Lg/s1000/dinner%201324%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1000" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuv0GytRBCTXMo0mCTpLqRl96OYrdSQqUzCgHOU0_aHCqwD6bAItRMoa38RaF80mXOe2PsxlcescWykeIlG4V_wTle1CLSPU6RWykva0KQHOCZFLYve09BTIr08rmYRIlcveIgO4t1eqIGg15RkvNQYmTRgjrroWLH6Y8-yTRINW1l0sbRSCHWTM3Lg/w200-h194/dinner%201324%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> It would need a lorry load of something to bring it up to the parking area level. If I wanted to use the extra space for a carport. Or just more hard standing for parking. My old telescope piers need to be tidied away first.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 15.00 Misty rain from the overcast sky. Returned from the recycling yard. After delivering a huge mound of privet. Well lashed down. The entire bush has been cut down to the ground and disposed of. The cast iron, manual well pump is exposed for the first time in years.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was salad. I had run out of tomatoes.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-84262749784645601212024-02-29T07:28:00.006+01:002024-03-01T05:43:42.345+01:00 29.02.2024 Minor Trailer, director's cut.<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Thursday 29th 40F/4C. Rather windy with a smudgy sky. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p> 07.30 Up at 6am. 60F/16C in the room. I have been too lazy to light the stove so far. My right hearing aid has stopped working. I have changed the battery three times to no avail. It plays the little tune but can't connect via Bluetooth to the Companion App. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFXN2XgrARB_JAiK9ES-surfQEiqtEj2xSTUlqxyHflTmOjidj8x-Rp60q0skuT1BZYEciZ4IzTMw3EbCmvnD_5427mBotTrnrO1NcXKkOSc2v6SFnKbvWBhR3omqnCrzH7YiwcI-EVlGXy2DWXuu041xZEFsubmqKconf0e2hF2YWrHmVEM_gpKSKA/s1000/dinner%20290224%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1000" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFXN2XgrARB_JAiK9ES-surfQEiqtEj2xSTUlqxyHflTmOjidj8x-Rp60q0skuT1BZYEciZ4IzTMw3EbCmvnD_5427mBotTrnrO1NcXKkOSc2v6SFnKbvWBhR3omqnCrzH7YiwcI-EVlGXy2DWXuu041xZEFsubmqKconf0e2hF2YWrHmVEM_gpKSKA/w200-h199/dinner%20290224%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> 8.00 Fire lit. Going for a short walk.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.30 Just my usual loop along the drives. It is blowing a gale!<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Drove to my friend's house to bring back my ladders.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Afternoon and I drove to see some small car trailers for the Morris Minor. It rained lightly all afternoon.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was chicken, fried eggs, baked beans and chips. I overcooked the eggs slightly after turning them. It is a battle to get the clear fluid to cook unless the egg is turned. Perhaps I was using too high a heat. They tasted fine. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-48408268436920279172024-02-28T07:30:00.013+01:002024-02-29T08:37:01.337+01:00 28.02.2024 AI has [human] shit for brains?<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p> Wednesday 28th 36F/2C. Overcast and breezy. Early rain is promised.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-03O7932e4augQsgqF7qUGNYiKrI7mNLHLvWDFS8gryZeR832gyJiUmtR3blB6rR25HpQQH1mrJ3PkeP5lQckM2IjWu-Uk2WqvyRapcHx_dSN30V6AWbIKf_B6xy5yXWBoP9rhf7_FanqNOBEaIbGvENbWyYZsXd9bqsQ-7QQA3RM1AYg7blq445jA/s1000/museum%20280224%20rsz%202.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1000" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-03O7932e4augQsgqF7qUGNYiKrI7mNLHLvWDFS8gryZeR832gyJiUmtR3blB6rR25HpQQH1mrJ3PkeP5lQckM2IjWu-Uk2WqvyRapcHx_dSN30V6AWbIKf_B6xy5yXWBoP9rhf7_FanqNOBEaIbGvENbWyYZsXd9bqsQ-7QQA3RM1AYg7blq445jA/s320/museum%20280224%20rsz%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Up at 5.50 after a restless night. Feeling a bit achy after yesterday's ride. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Museum day. I'll probably get enough exercise there to avoid a morning walk. I'll go in the old car.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> It seems Google AI is having serious problems. With human bias, conspiracy theory and drooling idiocy corrupting its answers to text prompts. Its text to image generator is painting German WW2 soldiers as black or Asian. Which is more than slightly absurd. Even by woke standards. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> It seems that the Internet training data, on which AI feasts, is hideously biased. So much so that it takes an unbiased [?] human to intervene. The latter, I understand, are in rather short supply. Not quite what AI promises, is it? </p><p style="text-align: left;"> There seems to be no easy way out. The AI would need the entire history of mankind to guide it. Much of which is nationalistic, religious dictatorship, misogynistic, racist, economically or politically skewed. It is also constantly updated. As morals, societal norms and wars alter our perceived, collective reality. What was acceptable, only a few short years ago, is now hilariously or hideously outdated. Except for slavery and misogyny. Both of which are still widely accepted in backward countries. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3m0kHWEsTgkOHhhGciEWzFlubNg9zGEDPOIfcBn4Adt-MyOKPo2mchlQn8WyAUehyNZJ83kqRjvnREOWClO1WVn5MRxIYPvhR8U9h6gGsaYgVPZWB7KluOhVzR7t6uuo-ht_1K5rGDoX2H0w6Cwh67R3C0XZ6HjrKElxEPtZAFmLEjqYVAYYHhHMYw/s1000/museum%20280224%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3m0kHWEsTgkOHhhGciEWzFlubNg9zGEDPOIfcBn4Adt-MyOKPo2mchlQn8WyAUehyNZJ83kqRjvnREOWClO1WVn5MRxIYPvhR8U9h6gGsaYgVPZWB7KluOhVzR7t6uuo-ht_1K5rGDoX2H0w6Cwh67R3C0XZ6HjrKElxEPtZAFmLEjqYVAYYHhHMYw/s320/museum%20280224%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Influencers are now untouchable cult leaders. With nobody questioning their vile corruption. It seems that these evil narcissists are peddling ever more dangerous products and habits onto their worshipping followers. With corrupt businesses queuing up to sponsor these virtual dictators. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Where will it all end? Starvation cults? Surely not? That would be silly. Only religious cult leaders can get away with that. Again and again. There's none so dumb, as shit for brains, followers. Ask any dictator, witch doctor, bully or mafia boss. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 14.15 58F/14C in the room. I have lit the stove. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Back from the museum.Where I helped to lay a new loft floor in a barn. Now half completed but not shown. The picture, of the inside of the old, thatched roof, was taken from the new, raised viewpoint. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was mackerel on toast.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-16195759132116812912024-02-27T07:57:00.011+01:002024-02-28T06:45:04.758+01:00 27.02.2024 An e-bike is no free lunch.<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aV_J68U6EQMK22sEn2agmZwRmxuXU5fdYxV4Seq4WJin8n1C-69btjW1Xop2vbSJLJTHo69WppWR4Uy46UJ1o7jyOSdnehyz1DdMq7qyItOvD49uDuFHWmYZOu-dOFQmW_okPbU5qYyelWlaffV16nSFF_l6KR5cAyDsCIuWI1i2xe8UfU6sGuBoyw/s986/slott%20rsz%20rot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="986" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aV_J68U6EQMK22sEn2agmZwRmxuXU5fdYxV4Seq4WJin8n1C-69btjW1Xop2vbSJLJTHo69WppWR4Uy46UJ1o7jyOSdnehyz1DdMq7qyItOvD49uDuFHWmYZOu-dOFQmW_okPbU5qYyelWlaffV16nSFF_l6KR5cAyDsCIuWI1i2xe8UfU6sGuBoyw/s320/slott%20rsz%20rot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Tuesday 27th 34F/1C. Cloudy and cold but dry. Forecast to peak at 4.6C/40F. Mostly cloudy but the risk of some sunshine later. Light winds all day. I was considering a ride but the low temperatures need respect. Mitts for the hands. Layers to avoid cold bridging through the jacket. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> At the risk of repeating myself, yet again: E-bikes do not provide the same body warmth from cycling hard up hills. The higher speeds involved dramatically increase wind chill. The combination is not a happy one without careful preparation. <br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> A purely manual cycle often overheats the rider on climbs. Only to chill them to the bone on the next descent. Ironically a cooling draught is not available at lower climbing speeds. This requires completely different clothing to an e-bike. The jacket should be opened to cool the hard working rider as they ascend. Closed when speeds increase downhill. When the sweaty rider often feels as if they have been plunged onto an ice bath! <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Conversely, the e-bike frees the rider from the pain, breathlessness and sweat on the climbs. But, subjects the rider to a continuously cold headwind for most of the entire ride time. So e-biking requires much more thorough wind-proofing. Simply to avoid serious discomfort. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> The eye watering headwind was a complete shock when I first rode my e-bike! Even at the very modest speeds practising in the drive. This, after 70 years of cycling, was totally unexpected. It really put me off. Because my recycled cycling wardrobe was found to be seriously wanting. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The e-bike is not remotely a motorcycle or even a 1960s style scooter. Where the rider must protect themselves from wind chill at all times and at all costs. Without having to give too much thought to flexibility. They have no need to pedal except to change gear. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> With the e-bike there is still some warmth to be had from the effort required. Depending on the rider and the motor assistance mode selected. Sport or Turbo mode will usually lift them above 20mph/32kph. Where wind chill or wind induced cooling becomes serious. Most climbs can be taken almost effortlessly if Turbo mode is selected. The motor provides 3x the effort the rider puts into the pedals in Turbo mode. The septuagenarian cyclist [moi] is lifted into a youthful, race trained, club rider! <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq07DBdTa91bb6lz2oA02W6aLu1FPgXLqCaN1QuMM6Gdipgsee5Xp9S3BjMo_aGDcwlDeFuwGf7eoicdAdoxjO1diJhvNM8-Mgnsul-50cSGQw0fmeerEbKW3QUsga_5qpFRm-8zWOVTKWGq7H7KhF24ZFgJlyPPcU992mv5tYYadJz9RrgZrZwwHv5g/s1000/slott%20buildings%20270224%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1000" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq07DBdTa91bb6lz2oA02W6aLu1FPgXLqCaN1QuMM6Gdipgsee5Xp9S3BjMo_aGDcwlDeFuwGf7eoicdAdoxjO1diJhvNM8-Mgnsul-50cSGQw0fmeerEbKW3QUsga_5qpFRm-8zWOVTKWGq7H7KhF24ZFgJlyPPcU992mv5tYYadJz9RrgZrZwwHv5g/s320/slott%20buildings%20270224%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Logic suggests that a cold rider should force themselves to work harder. By selecting a lower assistance mode on climbs. The increased physical effort required should help to warm their chilled bod. Though in practise it rarely seems to work like that. I find that being cold does not make me want to work harder but rather less. <br /><br /> Higher assistance modes also eat up battery charge. Which limits range quite drastically. There are indicators of range on the Nyon computer display. Going from well over 120km in Tour mode. To perhaps only 40km in Turbo mode. 40km is only 25 miles! That's not much of a ride at all! <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Running out of battery charge on ride is a <u>very</u> bad thing. My 45kph/28mph Speed class e-bike is far heavier than almost any other manual cycle. Well over 30kg/60lbs with panniers and a couple of choccy bars. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> The fat tyres may provide comfort and safe grip at speed but will cause serious drag. Even riding down a steep hill. Which explains why it is so hard to get above 30mph. Where a lightweight racer would go much faster. Usually with the rider pressing his dripping nose onto the stem. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> While the e-bike rider is often close to sitting vertical. I certainly am when I check my reflection in the empty shop windows I pass in the village. Wind resistance, or drag, is what seriously limits cycle speeds. Just in case you haven't heard already. Higher gears on a bike or trike only work if you have the strength to turn them. Most human beings can't. Except for that very small elite. Who make the news in major race tours. Or track events. <br /> <br /> A dead battery, as the rider tires at the end of a longer ride, is arguably, potentially life threatening. Particularly in bad or winter weather. When hypothermia is a very real risk. Crawling along at 5kph or 3mph on such a heavy machine, without motor assistance, is absolute torture! Even the lowest assistance modes, like Eco, feel as if the brakes are dragging. I don't ever use Tour mode. Not unless I am desperate for range. The freedom of the open road is only found in Sport and Turbo modes. Tour mode literally feels slower than my lightweight trike. When it is only being pushed along by my 76 year old legs! <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 7.30 64F/18C in the room. Up at 6.30 after a quiet night.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.30 It is brightening up. I can't sit here waffling all day! Move! </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 15.00 38F/3C. Overcast. Returned from a 61km/40 mile ride. Spending 81% in Sport mode. 23% was my effort. 77% was motor assistance. Average speed 23kph. Maximum speed 44kph. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhgxi4eBiZJvUZ-l7oViueyFesVCiIqutPBMGEboDpapuv0jSttXpMSPgvrz7angzYZipwUfI4b7rYqB47XXEnsx5kQewhTHrPvU2N0T7CraWQr3EE1YUdzK6MnH2uQV3FU_tVNQnNQFJ2f977F2wYPDeK1tDqr3MghhdyVtODgIeDp3rxy6Ey3kSvQ/s1000/dinner%20270224%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1000" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhgxi4eBiZJvUZ-l7oViueyFesVCiIqutPBMGEboDpapuv0jSttXpMSPgvrz7angzYZipwUfI4b7rYqB47XXEnsx5kQewhTHrPvU2N0T7CraWQr3EE1YUdzK6MnH2uQV3FU_tVNQnNQFJ2f977F2wYPDeK1tDqr3MghhdyVtODgIeDp3rxy6Ey3kSvQ/w200-h197/dinner%20270224%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> It included a visit to my British friend. I had dressed warmly and it was fine. Except for my face feeling cold. There was a light headwind coming home. I cannot confirm whether the B67 saddle caused the discomfort. Or that it was friction from wearing too many layers. Padded shorts, thermal long-johns and thin, stretchy trousers. I had to stop when I was almost home. Because the battery was flat. There was lots of flooding on the fields. With a few huge puddles overlapping the road.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 15.45 Late lunch over. 60F/16C in the room. Stove now lit.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was chicken, brown mushrooms, baked beans and boiled potatoes.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-35395239575250291382024-02-26T07:37:00.017+01:002024-02-26T21:25:40.115+01:00 26.04.2024 Ride, park and drive.<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9GtKQZ_RdFoArDSZkWjDSx8LdLodyYGIlGRUxGoGUX91xL-y8BXGjCW2zkquQbIfZi5chPQK_bfeBnSW9ne0c-PyHlZqxdhLqHqSYhlGVdB2Nlk3aGH2Quek1c1YOIv9JmDEy5kXn6e0gxiMGDWMHBDnpf13A_9njzGoV6nyrvgZmSXIAwwjKjQnEA/s1000/greenhouse%20dew%20260224%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3GCdSyO0q1SNFAswLwEgzxpmBIf80XxD74uO6VPE8i7kB_sWPxBv41hveq-UnewWHr-kG7V1wYewlLgfq21ye2S_jOHKFhujVvyAE9k3ChOBXr6VAzHaXWQCsJnCFAZ0BkRIcXDEodtfsuGL2lKSVyRXZx7YAm_0puu3VAM3tI9hnALAcTy7zML04Q/s1000/fields%20sun%20mist%20260224%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3GCdSyO0q1SNFAswLwEgzxpmBIf80XxD74uO6VPE8i7kB_sWPxBv41hveq-UnewWHr-kG7V1wYewlLgfq21ye2S_jOHKFhujVvyAE9k3ChOBXr6VAzHaXWQCsJnCFAZ0BkRIcXDEodtfsuGL2lKSVyRXZx7YAm_0puu3VAM3tI9hnALAcTy7zML04Q/s320/fields%20sun%20mist%20260224%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Monday 26th 33F/1C. The sky looks clear but misty down below. Light northerly winds. With a slight risk of wintry showers and some sunshine. <br /><p></p><p> The greenhouse is opaque with dew. The plastic panels are always wetter than the glass. The glass roof attracts dew too. <br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Up at 6am after a reasonable night. The room was flooded with moonlight this morning. Shining obliquely through the greenhouse and the windows from the southwest. Onto the wall near my bed.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 7.30 It is already light enough for a walk if I dress warmly enough.<span> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 8.15 Returned from a short loop along the drives. The mist was patchy and even threatening in the north west. Dark mist, roiling up from the fields and into the leaden sky. In best Hollywood fashion. The low sun broke through its veil of cloud and tobacco filter. Not a breath of air movement. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> I wore a fleece jacket under my winter, Ventile jacket. Providing a comfortable warmth without overheating. There were many small birds. Foraging and even singing here and there. A few, larger wood pigeons practised their climb and stall. No doubt intended to show off their prowess to the ladies.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedUmMrNSLIuLdI0sYbiQtQ8k_LKwy8Un5YkJeFtpetcyqrje7DThTuzF9RVQX1ufCnTe6M7vBDqJbKyfOyTsHcns6sLxuo4voSOmrck_gARMmKdaMsxr_dWLia8dkz-gIjRue2_3zXC_vMlZ0S8PHRI1ur2sg_IweidTAOZ4fVo98Z1hSEt-x5WwR8Q/s1000/greenhouse%20dew%20260224%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1000" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedUmMrNSLIuLdI0sYbiQtQ8k_LKwy8Un5YkJeFtpetcyqrje7DThTuzF9RVQX1ufCnTe6M7vBDqJbKyfOyTsHcns6sLxuo4voSOmrck_gARMmKdaMsxr_dWLia8dkz-gIjRue2_3zXC_vMlZ0S8PHRI1ur2sg_IweidTAOZ4fVo98Z1hSEt-x5WwR8Q/w200-h144/greenhouse%20dew%20260224%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> Yesterday's intended ride to the shops never happened. So I must go this morning. Or risk having no lunch at all. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 10.30 Returned from shopping in the village on the e-bike. I was overtaken by a much faster electric [?] scooter. They must have been doing a silent 40mph without pedalling. I didn't have much of a chance to identify the machine but it looked like a normal IC scooter. I was cruising at about 30kph or 20mph. With no chance whatsoever of catching them. They were out of sight within a few hundred metres.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I made the mistake of wearing a normal, hi-vis, outdoor walking jacket. The hip pockets were a serious nuisance. Making pedalling awkward and hard work. At least I have restocked the larder. I ought to light the stove. It is only 60F/15C in the room.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEsNN4BjD3Gf7h-Oynk1qYv9YqxYdKtl0heEMR3TQBu0oGHRcHDVpgepaOoRJorQDMreS9qjmDH1h2EVWKUkivjoY_1xRUz3uIzp20NR6HuiDhqxr_nzLRjV4qGWo1SyK4BXW8rtwsigZJ31EapYsjuYky99PTiHGTQdjREwITMi_mJZL1Cww_69IJw/s1000/fields%20sunrise%20260224%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEsNN4BjD3Gf7h-Oynk1qYv9YqxYdKtl0heEMR3TQBu0oGHRcHDVpgepaOoRJorQDMreS9qjmDH1h2EVWKUkivjoY_1xRUz3uIzp20NR6HuiDhqxr_nzLRjV4qGWo1SyK4BXW8rtwsigZJ31EapYsjuYky99PTiHGTQdjREwITMi_mJZL1Cww_69IJw/s320/fields%20sunrise%20260224%20rsz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> 15.15 Quite a lot of sunshine. The room is a comfortable 68F/20C thanks to the stove and large logs. I have returned from a shopping trip to another village. Where I could buy three sacks of kindling. A pleasant young chap was delighted to help. He was strong too! Carrying two sacks effortlessly to the car. Then the third as if were a down pillow.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The main road closures continue. As district heating piping is extended to further villages. The detours run to many kilometres of narrow lanes. These small lanes have had no obvious preparation for the increased traffic. With the verges chewed to liquid mud for much of their length. Where opposing vehicles struggled to pass. Not helped by record wet weather. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p> One-way notices have been erected opposite many private drives on these detours. Yet the traffic flow remains almost equally two way. Stage two of the project is expected to last until December 2024. Stage three into 2025. Eventually two district heating systems will be joined in the middle. To maximise the system's efficiency. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> There are no plans to extend <i>"fjernevarme"</i> district [remote] heating to my area at the moment. No doubt the high cost of excavation and installation of the insulated piping requires sufficient customers to warrant the huge investment. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1yY7jLB09_XvEFCVrWJ3tumjbXnVj0DNaax5yY49ma2kosM41uIw2iOo-NRrxXZ-2qdeka4wI0SEprVdm7KgCvZyfNGRlLBS0jLmm35GnPWsctj3fONPusUjkfRz6q6qgKvo-JHwnaIBWojuLdtUuFIgnq7wso2s_Harm56mJ6OiAKq85tbO_tlzAQ/s1000/dinner%20260224%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="994" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1yY7jLB09_XvEFCVrWJ3tumjbXnVj0DNaax5yY49ma2kosM41uIw2iOo-NRrxXZ-2qdeka4wI0SEprVdm7KgCvZyfNGRlLBS0jLmm35GnPWsctj3fONPusUjkfRz6q6qgKvo-JHwnaIBWojuLdtUuFIgnq7wso2s_Harm56mJ6OiAKq85tbO_tlzAQ/w199-h200/dinner%20260224%20rsz.jpg" width="199" /></a></div> There are very few houses along my particular road. Even though it will soon lie between two systems. 62% of large number of potential customers must sign up before a new system can be approved<br />. They should come up with a microbore system. It would save a lot of digging.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was poached eggs on toast. I nearly forgot to photograph the proof of the pudding. WYSIWYG! It was lovely. Thanks for asking.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I have been watching a lot of YT videos on AI. The sooner they let it loose. The sooner we can dispense with crappy products. Like a waste food, recycling basket. With a tiny, rounded bottom. Try and lift the lid and the damned things leans backwards! Every time! Until it is almost full. Full enough to be heavy. Then the lid can be opened easily. A committee of idiots designed and approved this piece of crap. Before more idiots accepted it and paid for it. In the tens of thousands! <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-62026079951935633012024-02-25T08:25:00.021+01:002024-02-26T07:13:54.842+01:00 25.02.2024 Not again!<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p> Sunday 25th 36F/2C. Similar to yesterday. Southerly breeze with bright clouds in the east. Up at 5.45 after lying in bed tormenting myself with memories of my late wife.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXy1Ixoe85l9ACFD9NMRAB14dLgsy3QAyZXfzDsOvDC8p6zZfNEm0Jr3qevOcLWk7pyMYvUMBI_4kT1nb5d5KUKG2BOb2TH5qCcH33R3Lwgi2Nba64KFIvGyv1hd3mp-ucCUC36A5ygdjggFwBxBXVkBloSutCakY5LkGidAMhbcFjQD_jM6FeERfGg/s1000/greenhouse%20s%20clips%20bag%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXy1Ixoe85l9ACFD9NMRAB14dLgsy3QAyZXfzDsOvDC8p6zZfNEm0Jr3qevOcLWk7pyMYvUMBI_4kT1nb5d5KUKG2BOb2TH5qCcH33R3Lwgi2Nba64KFIvGyv1hd3mp-ucCUC36A5ygdjggFwBxBXVkBloSutCakY5LkGidAMhbcFjQD_jM6FeERfGg/w150-h200/greenhouse%20s%20clips%20bag%20rsz.jpg" width="150" /></a></div> 7.45 I heard a bang last night. Looking around indoors suggested nothing had fallen. So I thought it must be thunder. It was pouring with rain at the time. This morning I find my new greenhouse pane is lying against the outside of the greenhouse. It must have been pulled out by a squally shower. I was intending to bolt it to the greenhouse frame to avoid such problems. Alas too late!<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The polycarbonate is very unlikely to be broken. I will have to attend to it now. Perhaps it slipped down because there was no support from below? I used a large overlap with the lower pane and intended to bolt through to the frame on either side. I used as many spring wire, glass retaining clips as would fit but it obviously wasn't enough. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K6d6-pLH_c3Ug_y48ttbAHB5xQDUx5Sds2JjJ4M_V5Mp_2Oka4IhJjOSalNgJFkQJ0CwBSPe54tbMJbXGT7R0K8hUOHV8Kcsrh576903hU062EG6-BaRqcAA6gZG9hcXjwo2sBmzlyyWnkuvkXmLT9FMfihP11-0mkdKNHITh_NBOtLd4kH6yKTF-g/s1000/glass%20s%20clip%202%20.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="975" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K6d6-pLH_c3Ug_y48ttbAHB5xQDUx5Sds2JjJ4M_V5Mp_2Oka4IhJjOSalNgJFkQJ0CwBSPe54tbMJbXGT7R0K8hUOHV8Kcsrh576903hU062EG6-BaRqcAA6gZG9hcXjwo2sBmzlyyWnkuvkXmLT9FMfihP11-0mkdKNHITh_NBOtLd4kH6yKTF-g/w195-h200/glass%20s%20clip%202%20.jpg" width="195" /></a></div> I could cut the lower panel shorter to use greenhouse S clips. These are shaped like a square S. To support the next pane above when smaller panes are used. They also maintain the location of both panes via the double hooked form. The overlap of the sheets allows the rain to run down the upper pane without penetration behind the lower. Some slight air leakage due to the material thickness of the S clips is likely. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The upper plastic sheet looks unharmed. The lower one remained in place. All the spring wire glazing clips are lying nearby on the ground. Everything is freezing cold to the touch and covered in dew. I will now have to cut the lower sheet shorter to use the S-clips. Keeping the factory No doubt a full length toughened glass sheet is available at
considerable cost from the manufacturers. Halls is now under the Juliana
umbrella. I could buy a sheet of polycarbonate big enough to cover the
whole pane area in one piece. Polycarbonate allows me to drill and bolt
the sheet in place. Glass does not. Plastic is more prone to dewing and
scratching. machined edge at the top will help to minimise the visibility of the joint. </p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSCcjZqaCoduxVFp5-GgSK7Rq_Deqi51JTlETsHIk_2jDQSMR1qxwx4veimOL51K4BeC2sI94EX_N-y7jui-gjiWeIz-NHc_EEcO5PNYuui6ssOTf_p4LQHdt7ONy-PDFlc5RuxuTNnHH9InS0LwIBEC-vW4rNw7UWym2cC3ehs63D9fS95W54tzqGw/s1000/greenhouse%20new%20pane%20250224%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div> 8.30 I am going for a short walk to be rid of my lower back pain. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7maIyfs98m78JHxDrVXhUu_HVo_GV0hMiTxzYDfPxhtV3HSD9HkXJT3SvgR1od5bJDGuYFvycBpJi30AvEB8ReCsP5tiEu9_nhODSqp4oIbkfK1VJPie6FvXDZIKmSCSx31tkmKX8NwyS6qgMfPKl2yfZT-_7LjCO_BkFR_NeKv3pWs3ft-koEOjj1Q/s1683/greenhouse%20new%20pane%20250224%20crop%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1683" data-original-width="1051" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7maIyfs98m78JHxDrVXhUu_HVo_GV0hMiTxzYDfPxhtV3HSD9HkXJT3SvgR1od5bJDGuYFvycBpJi30AvEB8ReCsP5tiEu9_nhODSqp4oIbkfK1VJPie6FvXDZIKmSCSx31tkmKX8NwyS6qgMfPKl2yfZT-_7LjCO_BkFR_NeKv3pWs3ft-koEOjj1Q/w125-h200/greenhouse%20new%20pane%20250224%20crop%20rsz.jpg" width="125" /></a></div> 9.00 And back again. Lots of small birds moving along the slashed hedges. I could tell I hadn't walked along the road lately. There were branches everywhere. Blown onto the road by the recent gales. I have always kicked them back onto the verge as I toddled along. Skylarks were singing overhead under the dark and rumpled overcast. Some turquoise sky but only low down and off to the north. My hands were cold even in my GripGrab gloves. Both, previously empty houses have cars or vans parked outside. <p></p><p> There is problem with editing. The images won't drag and drop. They disrupt the text.<br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN6-0pYXn_8EStKLY1z6Dlo2edkH8y_edRdF8i55AMkUOVB7p4Jey5ImMK5REeUkDYEHYs51egOYkqZFFWHkANr14LKRjDnE0GqbZ0ZmWZNslk-dfeOSmDsSpxiBTNkIOMnKoKku8jvrvumQaX5GqY9dHExB_LInPF0a-aEclzXKrWkIkR0ud72P68A/s1683/greenhouse%20new%20pane%20250224%20crop%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div> 10.30 38F/4C. It is raining lightly. Just to make life more difficult working outside. I deliberately made the first cut at an angle. To cope with the slope on the bottom of the top pane. Inverting the bottom pane might improve matters. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3prWa4ksYY6MOcj_7qlCxNlGZ7QzEJVKixEHM9-PNHpDB2M4yhLKxWQQaj3oRvG-u_Eg2JSmo3sy3ToYUW-KKJyFawTTi-ijicSxKyo4di9XxmesOgF9M9wJXAok378BwIW4J3logYxLalsn8JNXaLOQS37Uhl4eKP6qGCABBdfdW7B2UKpl2iQM6qg/s1000/dinner%20250224%20rsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1000" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3prWa4ksYY6MOcj_7qlCxNlGZ7QzEJVKixEHM9-PNHpDB2M4yhLKxWQQaj3oRvG-u_Eg2JSmo3sy3ToYUW-KKJyFawTTi-ijicSxKyo4di9XxmesOgF9M9wJXAok378BwIW4J3logYxLalsn8JNXaLOQS37Uhl4eKP6qGCABBdfdW7B2UKpl2iQM6qg/w200-h196/dinner%20250224%20rsz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> I have neglected the stove this morning. Until now. It has just dropped below 60F/15.5C in the room. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I cut the top edge of the lower sheet square and it now fits. The joint is fairly invisible.</p><p style="text-align: left;">18.30 I have just dragged a wheely bin to the end of the heavily be-puddled drive. There were lights on in the two, previously empty homes. It is the weekend and getting late. So less likely to be building workers. Who tend to have clearly marked vehicles. Lights are rather more indicative of residence. Than random parked vehicles in the daytime. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner will be traditional fish fingers, chips and peas.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273873140463924284.post-24230290415663108032024-02-24T07:44:00.018+01:002024-02-24T20:26:47.570+01:00 24.02.2024 What a pane!<p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACdUvtqxEn8V4O290vTOpZ7ljmII1gPXunFyjp4Jv-9S3MXnsbPJ0nGYHZKjaH00q9GN94iFIFPBaHT7asWqzhE9qzPwXaI6Ej3F_bszR4HDF7RJRDWFPN_4oJUPStwzbyN2TPIWFp2hs0CgTRxjaI-BRQE5YJ4FiYADlLyHFtne9eupYocGaxPGgJw/s1000/polycarbonate%20inside%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACdUvtqxEn8V4O290vTOpZ7ljmII1gPXunFyjp4Jv-9S3MXnsbPJ0nGYHZKjaH00q9GN94iFIFPBaHT7asWqzhE9qzPwXaI6Ej3F_bszR4HDF7RJRDWFPN_4oJUPStwzbyN2TPIWFp2hs0CgTRxjaI-BRQE5YJ4FiYADlLyHFtne9eupYocGaxPGgJw/w240-h320/polycarbonate%20inside%20rsz.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Saturday 24th 38F/3C. Small silver and gold clouds against a turquoise sky in the east. Risk of sunshine. Low wind.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Up at 6.15. 63F/17C in the room. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 7.45. Time to cut out the replacement greenhouse pane in polycarbonate. I'll probably use my battery powered jigsaw. A slight worry is whether the cardboard pattern is level and square to the greenhouse. If not, it will mean re-cutting the curve on the polycarbonate. The cardboard pattern does not have the metre deep, lower pane extension to guide it. Perhaps I can prop up the plastic sheet to check. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> It might be best to cut it to width first. So that it can seat itself correctly in the greenhouse framework. Then I can mark the curve from the inside. To check the uprightness of the curve on the pattern. For which I used corrugated cardboard from a box. Which does not cut perfectly straight with scissors. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 9.00 The polycarbonate cut easily with a low speed [2] and mild pendulum action on the DeWalt jigsaw. I used a fine toothed, metal cutting blade. There was no re-welding of the cut. As is commonplace when sawing acrylic. The plastic pane fits fine. Without the need for further trimming. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> I might drill and bolt this pane into the framework. To avoid it blowing out again. The spring wire, glass clips just aren't strong enough. Not even when enough are added to fill all the frame space available. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> The framework itself has proven to be storm resistant so far. It must have been up for 20 years by now. I joined two Halls Silverline end to end. Leaving out the two end gables in the middle. Halls used so sell a strong joining profile to allow longer lean-to greenhouses. I believe it was discontinued but can't be certain.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> This one has 11 bays of 60cm or 2'. 8' deep by 8' high at the wall from fading memory. An occupant of a house in a nearby village was dismantling his Hall's in readiness for a professionally built extension. I bought it and transported it home. Then I went to the Hall's dealer in Odense and bought another Silverline at a discount. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSagl6F59RqJ1Y85gji-SHaY2Y3OT2A-uPMO0IJnW6LTIx8qJVDO3twS8hw7aKDnLS2yrf48ful8vPHaznIBvHW8xICBHxPj6BFt-ac8eJ3Lax34v9gTQKBxOZsDd8Xj4kMFIE6Cor5czfC8eq5-hQwXxLN-Tmk9kHpjo_iqrT0sY-hm-_kY1HHof8g/s1000/polycarbonate%20outside%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSagl6F59RqJ1Y85gji-SHaY2Y3OT2A-uPMO0IJnW6LTIx8qJVDO3twS8hw7aKDnLS2yrf48ful8vPHaznIBvHW8xICBHxPj6BFt-ac8eJ3Lax34v9gTQKBxOZsDd8Xj4kMFIE6Cor5czfC8eq5-hQwXxLN-Tmk9kHpjo_iqrT0sY-hm-_kY1HHof8g/w240-h320/polycarbonate%20outside%20rsz.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> It would have been nice to have it even longer. To cover the second kitchen window. A colour enamelled framework would have given it a bit of a cosmetic lift. Bare aluminium can't pretend to be anything other than a greenhouse. Fortunately I was able to get both models in long sheets of glass. Rather than the fussier looking square sheets. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The glass remains remarkably clean. Despite my best efforts never to clean them. I have cleaned the greenhouse once of moss and algae after my wife died. When I could finally take down all the hideous white shading inside. The feeling of the bare greenhouse one of open, but protected space when inside the greenhouse. </p><p style="text-align: left;">That is, until the sun shines. Then sweat and nausea from heat stroke quickly take over. The huge variations in temperature were only [finally] cured by fitting two layers of professional shade netting on the roof. Leaving an overlap down over the curved shoulders. Do not believe advertising images showing real human beings in unprotected glass greenhouses. The feeling of the sun beating down is really awful. It must be just like being lost in the desert! If you are shopping for a lean-to greenhouse or conservatory then go to the display models on a hot, sunny day. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I made fine weldmesh panels with aluminium frames. To allow the double sliding doors to remain open all day in summer. Without the risk of anything larger than a fly getting in. The through draught, due to the open doors, is still essential to keep temperatures modest in sunshine. Usually no more than 10F above ambient when open. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> No doubt this differential could be reduced further. By covering the front glass wall of the greenhouse in hot sunny weather. Then it would no longer fell like an open space but more like a mesh tent. I use tensioned ropes tied off at each end to support the heavy shade netting. This allows them to be quickly added or removed. The rope is threaded though the hem via the holes provided. This ensue the shade net is evenly supported. Typing a rope to the corners would achieve very little. The net stretches readily.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEzv_cB1n-rU2FiLjNKElsFvGxRPfcCco-My5yurtLPhMEj5VvfrwOmVFkc8E5QiaOlp6ktjYa8279a3xPkQSLFI9aWJ5Sni7KYs-MgvZJYWtd5HtE0bpoo_okc62FpudjLGhur03aOXeX7LS5i5RmyiXwGxDLDTNUjqJgkHiQ8KVDklEmkwZ-N_OWA/s1000/polycarbonate%20out%20.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="817" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEzv_cB1n-rU2FiLjNKElsFvGxRPfcCco-My5yurtLPhMEj5VvfrwOmVFkc8E5QiaOlp6ktjYa8279a3xPkQSLFI9aWJ5Sni7KYs-MgvZJYWtd5HtE0bpoo_okc62FpudjLGhur03aOXeX7LS5i5RmyiXwGxDLDTNUjqJgkHiQ8KVDklEmkwZ-N_OWA/s320/polycarbonate%20out%20.jpg" width="261" /></a></div> The opening, skylight windows are a waste of space, money and materials in my own experience. I bought thermal openers but the temperature didn't change. Not even with four skylights wide open! A complete waste of money! The shade net can't be draped over them either. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> On the Halls Silverline the skylights drip constantly in rainy weather. Gaining access to them, to add silicone sealer, is extremely difficult with a lean-to construction! Not can I reach the leaking gutter joint. It would take a carefully driven cherry picker. One mistake and the roof is shattered! A ladder would need to be incredibly long. To lie flat on the roof and touch the ground. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> This larger 8' deep Hall's Silverline is discontinued I think. Only the smaller 6' deep, with a single sliding door is listed online. I like the double doors for the ease of getting a wheelbarrow in and out. The greater depth of the 8' allows me to stack logs against the house wall without major impedance of the walkway past the junk.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The pictures above show the progress so far on the new pane. I am leaving the protective foil on the clear plastic until I have finished work. The clutter inside the greenhouse remains. A mixture of recycling and my late wife's gardening paraphernalia. Next step is to cut the second sheet to fit in the lower section. The odd pieces shown in the earlier images were just to keep the wildlife out overnight. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 11.00 42F/5.6C. The wind is picking up and the sunshine becoming brighter. The cold wind is making it rather uncomfortable to work outside. I decided to make an overlap between the two sheets for the moment. I will have a better idea of what it will look like when the protective foil is removed. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUgY5O0IzpA7aRmPgznU7cFi14FdRXmf2FD8zmBnHJSr0eQi_8TkghoO0VLiHong8JfFj8nck2tLNj47rdzrTY4nJdWBfTHsyHKbZTzZsk9cn1IwQblSMHFIkZTca4y4DcvJ9MG6hZgdoNUW2uORL5s0qmjDsUMPGZl_1oPWFSvHUooZHToBCO-047Q/s1000/greenhouse%20new%20pane%20240224%20rsz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="737" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUgY5O0IzpA7aRmPgznU7cFi14FdRXmf2FD8zmBnHJSr0eQi_8TkghoO0VLiHong8JfFj8nck2tLNj47rdzrTY4nJdWBfTHsyHKbZTzZsk9cn1IwQblSMHFIkZTca4y4DcvJ9MG6hZgdoNUW2uORL5s0qmjDsUMPGZl_1oPWFSvHUooZHToBCO-047Q/s320/greenhouse%20new%20pane%20240224%20rsz.jpg" width="236" /></a></div> It is Saturday. So I could have a clear-out to the recycling yard. It looks an awful mess but there isn't much volume to make a trailer trip worthwhile. I could drop the rear seats down in the old car. Take a boot full. I am still making excuses. Not to have to sort through my wife's gardening things. It will only make me horribly depressed again. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 12.00 I managed to fill the extended boot. A quick trip to be rid of it. The rest looks useful. It just needs to be housed more sensibly. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> 13.00 45F/7C. Lunch over. I delivered the greenhouse junk and some charity stuff to the recycling yard. It didn't make much of a dent in the mess on the floor. Though every little helps. I ought to sort through it and put it in tubs, or boxes. For storage out of sight in the shed. If only I could get into the shed!</p><p style="text-align: left;"> 14.00 And there it was, gone. Well invisible anyway. I had to remove both plastic panes again to peel the protective film. The white bundles of film on the floor have now been tidied away. Using polycarbonate made the job far easier than using acrylic. No splintering or cracking. No half-melted, rough edges. Much cheaper than "cut to size" acrylic. Cost of two sheets at 3mm x 80cm x 120cm. 536kr. About £61 + petrol.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> It has been a pleasant enough day. Apart from the earlier, chilly wind. I could have gone for a ride. Showers and hail later. I have the greenhouse connecting doors open to warm indoors. 70F:61F. It is rather cloudy but worth trying now the sun is square onto the newly re-sealed greenhouse. The greenhouse warms very rapidly. Now 75F/24C. While the indoors lags behind. 62F/17C.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MTU40VC3BwfScM_ts6tMntTVAa34_9kvfBlep9oEcHvhDftxkXCAW90oHWKw3x6TcgJR96jsXeQgHG82FyC1i11DkVrWGuNOpMdRBGKn1rGsA4WFJ9Y7aWvVTh3nZLXixHbfMORnYfvxhnriHNXYNVBqy2ILSg0XwLJI9N9eNRH5_oQwLnSHn_LP8g/s1000/dinner%20240224%20rsz.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MTU40VC3BwfScM_ts6tMntTVAa34_9kvfBlep9oEcHvhDftxkXCAW90oHWKw3x6TcgJR96jsXeQgHG82FyC1i11DkVrWGuNOpMdRBGKn1rGsA4WFJ9Y7aWvVTh3nZLXixHbfMORnYfvxhnriHNXYNVBqy2ILSg0XwLJI9N9eNRH5_oQwLnSHn_LP8g/w150-h200/dinner%20240224%20rsz.bmp" width="150" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> 17.00 Stove lit. The solar heating was very short lived. Far too much cloud as it headed for full overcast. It had dropped back to 61F/16C by the time I'd had an afternoon nap. </p><p style="text-align: left;">17.45 I have done some more tidying in the greenhouse before dusk. Handling all my wife's gardening stuff wasn't as bad as I feared. It just needs to be properly organised. So that it is accessible when required.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Dinner was cheese on toast with cherry tomatoes and a large bowl of Heinz tomato soup. A whole tin. I am fed up with throwing away half tins of stuff I don't ever get around to. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> ~o~</p>Chris.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13986753919505764942noreply@blogger.com0