Crumbling schools

It seems that our Hospitals are crumbling, our Schools are crumbling, and just about everything else that was built between 1930 and 1990 is crumbling. It doesn't say much for our modern Steel-n-Concrete building methods.

I attended a 10th Century school, where nothing was crumbling other than some of the teachers. 

The buildings were of stone and some brick, and were built to last. The building where I lived was 'The oldest inhabited residential building in Europe'. The adjoining 11th Century cathedral was also built to last, and still shows no sign of crumble.

One really has to wonder if modern building techniques are worth the 'saved' time and money. The current problem in our schools stem from Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). Had they been built of either brick or pukka concrete blocks, none of this would be a problem; but air is cheaper than cement, so that's what we've got.

I suppose this is a classic example of cutting corners (and expenses), and ending-up with what you deserve.

I often stop to look at building sites as huge new multi-story blocks get ever bigger. Giant metal structures rise ever higher. Huge slabs of concrete are winched into place between the steel structures. Foam filled wooden partitions make-up the insides. And goodness knows what sort of 'cladding' goes on the outside to hide the shoddy 'ease' of the work.

I wonder if we will ever see a return to real craftsmanship and quality materials in our buildings. Somehow I doubt it. Repairs will be made, and fingers crossed. 

You get what you pay for with builders, and deal with the consequences later. That seems to be the modern way.

 

Rewilding

 

It has been popular for some while with the binocular-toting, woke, urban do-gooders of Islington, that they wish to see certain (dangerous) animals returned to our countryside.

All sorts of creatures have been suggested for re-introduction including Bears, Bison, Wolves, Beavers, Otters, etc.

All very worthy you might think, but these animals died-out for a reason.

I have just read that in Scotland the re-introduction of Beavers has been so successful that many streams and rivers have become blocked-up, and the animals are now being SHOT. They're actually having to get rid of them again!

I also hear that in Holland the number of Wolves wandering around, since their re-introduction, has become a total menace. They are so numerous that they are entering towns, and eating anything that moves; especially small dogs, hens, and cats. Parents are being warned to keep their children away from woodland areas where the Wolves might be a danger. There is now a serious move afoot to reduce their numbers.

I do remember many years ago that the French introduced both Wolves and Bears into the mountainous Pyrenean area between France and Spain. Of course the local farmers became concerned by how many Sheep and Lambs they were losing (Wolves and Bears need to eat), and they took matters into their own hands, and shot them all.

Here in England the Fox population has grown hugely since the Hunting ban, and one now sees them almost everywhere. People are allowed to shoot them (as long as they're not on horseback), but not in public areas or parks. I happen to rather like Foxes, so I would not like to hear of them being shot anywhere near to where I live; out in the countryside it's a different matter, where they can seriously affect a farmer's livelihood (which was why there was Fox Hunting in the first place).

Amazingly, even Otters are now moving into towns where private ponds filled with Coy Carp have become a favourite destination. With some Carp being worth up to £13,000, you can see why their owners are not happy.

Re-introduction of certain wild animals sounds all very cute-n-cosy, but life isn't always like a Beatrix Potter children's story. Wild animals need to kill to eat, and if your very own 'Tiddles' happened to be on the day's menu of your local fluffy Wolf, you wouldn't be too pleased!

Brighton Life.

This garden gate sign is just up the road from where we live, and is one of my favourites. It makes me smile every time I drive past.

Of course, as everyone knows, riff raff are not allowed in Sussex/Brighton, but some do occasionally break through. The riff raff police can't be everywhere at all times.

In recent times we've had a memorial desecrator, a serial cat killer, a dodgy councillor, and of course we still have plenty of 'squiggle merchants'.

Our lovely council don't spend money on things that are important to us residents who pay their wages; only on roadside weed cultivation, establishing more Dungaree shops, and spreading the word of Veganism. Those, and finding more ways to attack motorists, are the only subjects discussed at the Town Hall.

I'm not 100% sure but I think they also have a dedicated team of Pothole diggers who work throughout the night. It is amazing how many new ones appear every week.

We've had some riff raff councilors in recent times, of all political persuasions and I quite expect there are more to root-out. 

 

Honey

I eat my Peas with Honey,

I've done it all my life.

It makes the Peas taste funny, 

but it sticks them to the knife.

We all know this little children's poem, and it still amuses me to this day. 

I don't eat a lot of honey, but, like the Greeks, I do like it drizzled on Yoghurt.

I'm currently slowly making my way through a jar of Egyptian Honey (right of photo) that was brought back by Kimbo. He also brought back a jar of Ginseng Honey (middle of photo) that has yet to be broached.

As I eat so little, it will be some while before these two jars are finished.

On the jar of Egyptian Ginseng Honey, it claims to be a 'Traditional Asian Vitality Tonic'. It says to take one or two teaspoons a day for 3 months; and to double the dose for instant energy.

Well, I don't think I shall follow their recommendations, but I am looking forward to having it with my Yoghurt. With all that energy-giving Ginseng, I'll be flying!! 

Young Gentlemen

I suppose I'm a bit old fashioned. I have reasonably high standards that confirm my advanced age.

So, I'm very pleased to see that not all young men have footballer style half-shaved heads, earrings, nasal piercings, and are covered in tattoos. Some still dress well, are clean shaven, and would be welcomed into any social circle.

Some know what they want from life at an early age. They have lived to a certain standard, and refuse to leave all that behind.

Take these two above, for example. They are brothers, and have always intended to run a 'successful' business together. They are determined, and ambitious. Both are currently studying 'Business Studies' at college.

I'm sure they'll do well. They are focused, but not ruthless. They both wish for a comfortable future without expecting vast fortunes. They may possibly see some failures, but in the end I know they will succeed. 

They always associate with like minded people, and would never be seen hanging around street corners wearing hoodies. If they do have any time on their hands, it is filled constructively.

They are young men who should be proud of themselves. I'm certainly very proud of THEM.

 

The morning ritual.

This morning (yesterday) I woke to 3 C. I had felt cold in bed, but had no idea that it was so cold outside. How can it go from 13 C one morning to 3 C the next?

Then, as if by magic, up came this photo on my laptop from our recent time spent at our home in France.

We take coffee by the pool in the early mornings, when the temperature is still at an acceptably cool 20-ish C.

It's a small pleasure. At home, drinking coffee in the early morning sunshine. It costs nothing, involves no-one, and is something that millions of people do the world over; but maybe not always by their own pool.

Here on the south coast, people flood to the beach in all weathers, and at all times of day. In times of cold or inclement weather, they may take their coffee indoors, but mostly they are at their favourite café to sit outside. In winter they are well-wrapped, and in summer half naked. They sip their coffees, watch the world go by, and look out to sea. It is a well-worn ritual.

Once Billy has had his morning walk, we still have our morning cup of home-ground coffee, but here in Brighton it is usually accompanied by the BBC morning news. Only after that does the day begin.

 

Brandade

I only discovered 'Brandade' a few years ago, even though I knew the name, and knew what it was.  I originally used it for stuffing ordinary green peppers. Roasted for about 30 mins, they were totally delicious.

There are two different types of Brandade; both made with de-salted Salt Cod. One is pure Cod with Olive oil and garlic, ground to a very light paste, the other is the one below which is Cod mixed with potato, garlic and Olive oil; it is often known as 'Brandade Parmentier'.

The former is used like pâté or tapenade and spread on toast, the latter is for stuffing vegetables; especially Péquillo peppers.

I have, on occasions, even used Brandade for frying as 'fish cakes', which is excellent too.

Usually I do what most Southern French, or Spanish, do, and stuff whole red Péquillo peppers that come in jars. 

What could be easier; bought whole red peppers, and bought Brandade. A few minutes spent stuffing, a splash of Olive oil and white wine, and after 30 mins in the oven your guests will be mightily impressed.

 

I have the Péquillos, but I don't have any instant Brandade; I shall have to make my own.

We shall be eating this again very soon. I can hardly wait.