Thursday, 14 November 2024

Bloody roads!


Here in the UK we're all used to potholes, roadworks, and weeds growing all over our roads and pavements.

We pay £190 per annum in Road Tax for our cars, plus of course Tax on Petrol/Diesel. With around 41 Million cars on our UK roads, the Road Tax alone brings in nearly £8 Billion.

This sign (below) was seen here in Brighton. Some scallywag has made his opinion very clear.


Regardless of all this money going into the coffers, they seem unable to look after our roads properly.

Maybe we should ALL refuse to pay our Road Taxes, buy a few bags of DIY Tarmac from B & Q, and go fill in all the potholes ourselves. We could have the country pothole-free after just a day or so.

There are simply too many cars and too many people living on this small island. I am still avoiding potholes that I've been avoiding for several years. 

They simply do not care!

 

Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Gap Year

 



It's been 30 years to the day since my daughter, Tenpin, flew off to Bangkok with her friend Karen to begin their gap year tour of the world.

I don't know how many countries she visited, but it was lots. She was away for about a year.

Like all young gap year travelers, she worked her way as she went. Picking Tomatoes here, and Baby Sitting there. She did whatever came her way to pay her passage. Not once did she write home for funds.

She recently posted a load of photos on Facebook from her trip, amongst which was her passport photo (above) from the time.

She loved Australia so much that she now lives there, and has done for over 20 years.

Tuesday, 12 November 2024

THAT Single Malt.

 

I've decided that I will grit my teeth and finish the dreadful tar-flavoured bottle of Single Malt that I bought about a year ago. There's not a lot left, but in my constant battle against waste, I see it as my duty to finish it, and not use it as drain cleaner.

My daughter-in-Law, Suzie, was here the other evening and I asked her to taste it. She was as shocked as I was that such things were actually on sale; and at a serious price.

Anyway, I'm holding my nose and having a few sips every evening before bed. I'm treating it as medicine, although I have no idea what ailment it could possibly treat.

I've decided NOT to buy my annual bottle of Single Malt this winter, instead I've bought myself a bottle of Rum, a bottle of Tawny Port, and a bottle of Amontillado Sherry; none of which has yet been broached.

The Aerstone Single Malt hasn't improved over the past few months, it still tastes of tar. However, I'm determined not to tip it down the sink, and will endure the pain. It should be all gone well before Christmas.


Monday, 11 November 2024

Our animals.


I love this photo. I'd been trying for years to get the dogs to be friendly with our cat.

Bok (the dog) was OK with Freddie (the cat), but Freddie wasn't too keen on either Bok, or our Lab' Monty. Fred had been with us prior to the dogs' arrivals, and he considered himself 'The Boss'. The dogs were interlopers.

I have always liked the idea of a cat snuggling-up with the dogs to keep warm (or just for friendship), but this was never to be. They tolerated each other, but no more.


We don't realise how much our pets mean to us until they are no longer there. Poor Bok died on the operating table after a huge tumour was found on his Spleen. The Vet' decided not to revive him. It came as a huge shock, and I missed him terribly.

I knew Freddie wasn't well. He'd stopped eating, and was drinking a lot more than usual. One evening he curled-up on the sofa by my side, and went to sleep. Somehow I knew that I would never see him either awake or alive again. I stayed with him for an hour or so as he slept, then the next morning I found him dead.  I think it was how he wanted it to be.

I can't imagine living without either a dog or cat in the house; preferably both. However, losing them is dreadful. 

Luckily Billy is well, and at just 6 years old I'm hoping there's plenty of life in him yet.

 

Sunday, 10 November 2024

Puffin.

 

This (below) is a bench dedicated to the memory of my old friend Puffin. I go past it twice every day whilst walking with Billy. Occasionally I sit and reminisce.


Puffin (a.k.a Peter Powell-Stevens) worked in the realm of 'The Arts'. I never asked him exactly what he did, but I think it was something to do with photography.

Sadly his marriage came to a sudden end and he quit the family home, which was at the end of our street. He wandered 'aimlessly' around Brighton, and to all intents he became a homeless tramp. On one occasion he even asked me for a few quid, which I was happy to provide.

To keep warm and comfortable he would often travel on busses; his favourites being the ones that went on a continuous circuit around Brighton, where he could hide away in a corner and go round and round all day long.

On one such excursion he died. No-one noticed; they simply thought he was sleeping.

Yes, poor old Puffin died on the No 7 bus, and no-one noticed.

RIP Puffin.

Saturday, 9 November 2024

Uggs


I'd forgotten all about my Ugg boots.

I recently found this photo (below) and showed it to Lady M.

"I wonder whatever happened to my Uggs?" I asked.

"They're in your Shoe Cupboard" she replied; with a 'What a Plonker' look on her face.

Five minutes later she came downstairs holding my Uggs. "There you are" she said in frustration " they were where you left them after last Winter!".


Right. Roll on cold weather, I'm now prepared for whatever Mother Nature may throw at me.

I have warm jumpers, my silly Russian style 'Ushanka' hat, and now I have my cosy Uggs. It's already feeling cooler, and I'm almost looking forward to it getting cold.  

How could I have possibly forgotten my Uggs?

 

Friday, 8 November 2024

Is there any such thing as a 'Free Lunch'?


I know that there are still 7 weeks to go, but I thought I'd preempt a 'Bird Flu' shortage, and buy my (frozen) Turkey in advance. 


As you can probably see, it's just under 4 kilos, will feed up to ten people, and it's a Free Range Bronze turkey; just the type I like.

I think we'll be SIX for Christmas Dinner this year, so this will be perfect; with plenty left over for curry, sandwiches, and stock. A good sensibly sized bird.

I can remember my mother once buying a 27 lb bird that was so big it wouldn't fit into our oven; she had to cut its back off. I don't see any point in huge birds; three days of Turkey is enough for anyone.

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the Turkey, roast Spuds, and a few Sprouts. The wonderful aroma of a roasting Turkey accompanying our present opening, takes me back to my earliest Christmas memories, and has remained the same ever since. 

My Sainsbury's Loyalty card (Nectar) had amassed £25, and the bird cost exactly £25. In my book that's a free lunch. Thank you Mr Sainsbury; we shall eat/drink to your health on the big day!

p.s. I notice that Christmas adverts have started appearing on TV; far too early! Despite my recent purchase above, I think all commercialisation of Christmas should be banned until at the earliest, Dec' 15th.

 

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