Monday 30 September 2024
Not so Lively
Sunday 29 September 2024
Bargains!
When I go to Sainsbury's for my big shopping trip of the week (yesterday), I tend to be given several vouchers with my lengthy printed receipt.
Recently I've been having £10.50 off any bill above £70.
I've also had 245 Nectar points with a litre of Olive oil.
70 Nectar points with a pack of Tenderstem Broccoli spears.
and 100 Nectar points with a pack of Chorizo cooking Sausages; to name just a few.
I noticed yesterday that I saved over £22 on my shopping bill, and I already have over £24 on my Nectar card, which I shall keep to buy the December Turkey.
I do know that I'm being 'tempted' by all these special offers, but I would never buy anything I didn't want. I do have plenty of Olive oil in the house, but the bottle I bought yesterday will simply go into the cupboard until required.
Yesterday I spent nearly £100 on my big shopping trip, and to get £22 off is extremely welcome. I bought a lot of wine, a leg of lamb, and some salmon for the freezer, amongst other things.
My equivalent shopping in France at Leclerc, gives me almost nothing on my loyalty card; just a few miserable Euros after a whole year.
Saturday 28 September 2024
Couscous
Friday 27 September 2024
Fayed
The revelations and accusations concerning Mohamed Fayed come as no surprise. Over 200 women have now come forward with accusations of rape or sexual assault.
He was well known for being one of the most scheming and underhand people of his era. He wheedled his way into the highest echelons of British society, whilst behaving like a monster behind closed doors.
He also managed to introduce his son, Dodi, to Diana Spencer (the ex-Princess of Wales), and encouraged their affair. She was no stranger to affairs, but Fayed made sure that everyone knew of his son's involvement this time round; for obvious reasons. As we all know, it ended badly, but Fayed had already successfully managed to infiltrate the royal family. He also claimed that Ms Spencer had been pregnant at the time of her death. It was said that Fayed very much hoped that Ms Spencer would marry his son, a Muslim, as a poke in the eye for GB.
Fayed was 'dodgy' from the beginning. His wealth came from dubious business deals, and he used his connections to pressurise.
He seemed to think that he could act with impunity, which I suppose he did. But life always catches-up with you, even in death,
Personally I think it's a shame that Fayed's victims didn't come forward while he was still alive. A spell at Her/His Majesty's pleasure would have been extremely well deserved; it might have knocked some of that bloody arrogance out of him too.
Thursday 26 September 2024
The ups and downs.
Wednesday 25 September 2024
51 years ago.
Tuesday 24 September 2024
It's 'Conkers' season.
Monday 23 September 2024
Life's essentials.
Sunday 22 September 2024
Stanley Unwin
Saturday 21 September 2024
More silliness.
Friday 20 September 2024
Crime in the UK.
The crime rate in the UK is on the decline. Crime peaked in 1994, and has been steadily falling ever since.
At the same time, certain 'crimes' are no longer investigated, and therefore presumably aren't in the equation. Small cases of theft are seldom reported, and shoplifting has almost become legalised. People know that they don't stand a chance of criminals being caught, and simply accept the fact.
But regardless of the above, it does seem to the average 'man in the street' that crime is on the increase. Maybe it is 'lawlessness' that's on the increase, but with people seemingly dressed ready to commit crime on every street corner (hoodies, masks, etc), it isn't surprising that people are taking more security measures than ever.
Criminals seem more brazen; they charge into shops firing shotguns, and cause chaos and mayhem before stealing whatever they want. Teenage shoplifters often work in large gangs and simply rush into shops and steal en masse, escaping in all directions with their arms full. Burglars knock on doors and if there's no reply they just kick the door in, and steal at leisure. There also seem to be more weapons used in crime than ever before; and that's not including knives. In a recent survey, people said they feared crime now more than they ever had in the past.
It is a very sad fact that many foreign criminals move to the UK because they can ply their trade with more ease; foreign pickpocket-gangs exploits are legendary. Even when caught they risk very little punishment. On a less serious note, Romanian begging gangs are everywhere.
OK, the number of reported crimes may have halved since 1994, but it certainly doesn't feel like it.
Thursday 19 September 2024
Over the Pond.
Just as we don't expect the USA to comment on UK politics, we in turn shouldn't really talk too much about their politics, or politicians.
HOWEVER, their current electioneering is more like pantomime than serious debate, with accusations of dog/cat eating immigrants grabbing the headlines.
I know very little of Ms Harris other than she claims to be black. She must be one of the whitest black people on earth. Most of her policies sound sensible, and I understand that she's a gun owner.
As for the unpredictable Mr Trump, his huge ever-expanding ego has still not been clipped, and he goes from one blunder to the next. I enjoy listening to him just for the comic entertainment value. He apparently has the support of Elon Musk, but I don't know if that's a good, or bad, thing!
So, who will win? I have no idea, and wouldn't be surprised by any outcome.
I shall be pleased when it's all over; as I suspect will most Americans.
Chestnut season.
Wednesday 18 September 2024
Kibbutz
Other than Biblical references, I think my first real awareness of Israel was in the late 1950's, hearing of young people from the UK and US heading for the country to work on the kibbutzim. I remember them going to give their time and effort for a few weeks or even months; many during school or university holidays. They were unpaid, but were fed, housed, and extremely appreciated.
Kibbutzim have been much in the news since October 7th. They are collective farms unique to Israel. They date from the 1920's, and I believe there are about 270 around the country, containing around 126,000 volunteer workers.
All are run on grounds of equality, and all work is shared. There is no distinction between men or women, old or young, Jewish or gentile, black or white. A Kibbutz is the epitome of mutual co-operation.
When you look at aerial photographs comparing the borders between Israel and Gaza or The West Bank, you immediately see the difference in methods of agriculture. In Israel it is well organised and efficient; elsewhere it is rather haphazard. I think this has a lot to do with the example shown by workers on the Kibbutzim.
Do neighbouring Arabic countries have anything similar? I don't think so. Some people are naturally enterprising; others are not.
Tuesday 17 September 2024
100 days.
Monday 16 September 2024
I am Aghast.
I am SHOCKED!
I recently heard that A THIRD of all food grown in, and imported into, the UK ends up in landfill. This is an absolute scandal.
What I cannot understand is what people are doing with their food! I do remember being totally shocked, a few years ago, hearing that people threw away the remains of the Christmas Day Turkey. Are people totally bonkers?
I would be surprised if even ½% of my fruit, vegs, and meat, is thrown away. I try to use everything. These days I even use the outer leaves of a Cauliflower; sliced very finely they make a very good addition to a potage.
This frightening revelation about wastage is the perfect reason to re-introduce pukka 'Domestic Science' in our schools. As far as I'm concerned it is far more useful to know how to make a good nourishing and tasty soup, than it is to know what an Oxbow Lake is.
I don't really know what school children do all day on their phones (other than looking at rude photos of Sally Cartwright of the Lower IVth), but whatever they do, it cannot be more important than learning about food, and how NOT to waste it.
Bring back Jamie Oliver!
Sunday 15 September 2024
LAUREL & HARDY - The Crumbling Car
Saturday 14 September 2024
Chancellor for a Day.
The fragrant Rachel Reeves has kindly offered me the post of Chancellor for one day. Here are my proposed policies.
1. Increase OAP Winter Fuel Payments to the same level as Ms Reeves herself claimed for heating her second home, i.e. £740 pa.
2. Reduce Train drivers salaries to just £60,000 pa.
3. Sack most non-essential NHS managers.
4. Build more prisons.
5. Reduce tax on Beer, Wine, and Pork Pies. Increase tax on Cigarettes, Tobacco, and Rucksacks.
6. Reduce house rates by 50%.
7. Reduce High Street business rates by 50%.
8. Introduce Road Tax for Caravans, and trailers over 10ft long, and tax private cars according to horse power, and/or cubic capacity. Under 1500cc free; over 1500cc, £500 pa and rising.
9. All under-18's will be fined £1 per minute for any mobile phone usage over one hour per day.
10. Introduce a bonus scheme for all OAP's who don't eat/drink in the street, and who don't drop litter (maybe £100 per week).
There, you see; it's all quite simple. I guarantee my budget would be far more popular than Ms Reeves'.
Friday 13 September 2024
Celebrities Doing Nothing.
I get really peed-off seeing TV programme after TV programme advertised about 'Celebs' competing in silly quizzes, being in the jungle, racing around the world, dancing, cooking, or being invited onto panels to give their opinion about things they probably know nothing about.
I even recently noticed that Celebs had infiltrated 'Escape to the Country'; a country property finding programme.
Most of the Celebs are unknown to me, but even if they were I really don't want to witness all this back-slapping, jobs for the boys, cash-distribution, tomfoolery.
So, may I suggest an innovative programme entitled 'Celebs Doing Absolutely Nothing'. They would stay locked-in at home, with no cameras around, and simply remain silent. If the programme was aired on TV, a still photo of a waterfall or some daffodils would suffice. The important thing would be NOT to see the Celebs, or hear what they have to say. Silence would certainly be golden. Maybe the one who could remain silent and invisible the longest would win a six month stay on some isolated and uninhabited Scottish island.
If they became bored and demanded to be released (presuming they could no longer stand not being in the limelight) they would be allowed to enter my 'Celebrity Bomb Disposal' programme (yet to be adopted by a TV Co). The only Celeb programme really worth watching!
Thursday 12 September 2024
A Day in the Life of Cro.
We needed a different sitting room coffee table.
Our existing table was a 1940's Lloyd Loom monstrosity that Lady M thought was stylish, but I simply thought ugly and impractical.
Here in Brighton & Hove we have a wonderful Hospice called The Martlets (Martlets, or Swifts, are the symbol of Sussex). The hospice is a highly regarded and treasured local institution, and everyone supports them as much as possible.
So, looking for a new (second hand) coffee table my first thought was to visit The Martlets Charity Shop, which just happens to be en route to my out-of-town supermarket; Lady M accompanied me.
It was my first visit to their shop, and after a good look around I finally came across a table which was exactly what we were looking for. Plain, simple, and made from knotty Pine.
The price tag said £35, so I wasn't arguing. A new one would have cost well over £100.
It may not be the most elegant or stylish table, but it does what's asked of it (other than having a lower shelf), and has even already had seal of approval.
The Turkish rug beneath it came back with us from France recently. It's one of those things we really didn't want to have stolen!
Wednesday 11 September 2024
Oh dear.
Oh dear. Again I don't want to be too critical of Labour because I'm quite 'middle of the road' when it comes to politics, but we've only just returned to our New Socialist Republic, and the first thing I read (and saw on PMQ's) was that the UK is withholding certain armament export licenses to Israel.
The UK has always rightly been a staunch supporter of democratic Israel, and the world has always known that if you mess with Israel, you mess with Britain. Now it seems, not so! I can't imagine that the US will be too happy with new boy Starmer over his decisions.
The Socialists have now re-joined the Hamas-lovies, and are weakening their ties with Israel. On the very day when six hostages were found brutally murdered by Hamas (Corbyn's friends), they returned to the bad-old-days of Labour Party antisemitism. What message does this give to Hamas, and the international world of terrorism?
Starmer previously spoke quite vehemently about sweeping away the traditional anti-Jewish sentiment that his party was known for, and we all supported him, but now that he's our new PM, it looks as if he's given-in to pressure.
Personally I believe that you're either pro Israel's right to exist, and you support them 100%, or you don't. You can't sit on the fence.
So, now that the poor UK pensioners have been clobbered, and the wealthy railway Union members given massive pay rises, what we all need to ask is WHEN are those Socialist good times going to start rolling? As the fragrant Ms Rayner wrote during the 2017 election 'Labour will maintain the winter fuel payment and bus passes for pensioners'. Well, of course you will. Are bus passes the next to go?
Rumours are already circulating that there will be a new 'Mansion Tax' (a 'mansion' being any nice home in southern England) where someone having worked hard enough to buy a home worth around £3 Million would pay an extra £10,000 p.a. Inheritance Tax will probably also rise, hitting those same hard-working savers. Petrol Tax is bound to rise, as is tax on Junk-Food. I've even heard that they will be taxing GLASS BOTTLES.
And let us not forget all those criminals who have now been let loose onto our streets. What could possibly go wrong??? Who voted for all this shit?
Possibly most importantly and worrying for the UK in general, they intend to create a 100% politicised, and age-limited, Upper House (The House of Lords). No longer will random politically-unaffiliated peers from the shires take their rightful seats (and vote however they see best), now they will be elected by whatever political party is in power, and will take the party whip. A very sad day for democracy. If they really did want to make sensible changes to The Lords, they should get rid of all those bloody Bishops.
Oh dear...... 4 more years of Socialism.
Tuesday 10 September 2024
Festival of Slowth - 2024 - Wales
Monday 9 September 2024
The cost of Motoring
I have never previously calculated the annual cost of my car ownership.
On returning to the UK recently, all my annual payments for The Compact Royce (Debi) arrived either by post or by Email. They have now all been paid.
Road Tax: £190
Insurance: £631.05
Annual Service and MOT: £255
Total: £1,076.05 (To which I should add another £230 for my recent pothole damage)
I hadn't realised that it cost so much. Add to that the cost of petrol, and any incidental repairs, and it becomes quite an expensive pleasure.
As long as I can afford it, I don't really mind; I would hate to be without my car.
Sunday 8 September 2024
In absentia
Saturday 7 September 2024
Re-Stocking.
I love getting back to Blighty just as much as I love going out to France.
My first big task this week was to go shopping, to re-stock the house with essentials and not-such-essentials. The kitchen cupboards were totally EMPTY.
I did bring back a lot of things from France. Tins of Paté, Confit, certain types of Pasta, canned Fish, etc, which are mostly unavailable here, but things such as butter, meat, eggs, vegetables, and fruit, all have to be re-stocked. Small treats also have to be bought; Black Pudding, Bacon, Haggis, etc. As you might see, my kitchen cupboard is now groaning (above). I shall soon now have to start on the freezer.
We still eat soup every day for lunch, so all my favourite ingredients needed to be bought; Potatoes, Leeks, Cauli, Pak choi, etc. I also always keep an Aubergine and a few Courgettes handy.
As I was going around my local BIG Sainsbury's, I suddenly realised what a 'creature of habit' I am. I literally went from shelf to shelf in exactly the same way as I always do. Nothing varied at all.
I shall buy some Lamb for the weekend, and make a Greek-style Kleftiko. We're already back into the regular swing of things.
p.s. I'm now seeing all the things I missed, so I will need to return this morning. After that we should be OK for the coming week.
Friday 6 September 2024
Oh my god; just look at that!
Having been involved in the world of Art & Design for most of my life, I have come across all sorts of people who design anything from children's clothes, huge Dubai hotels, and even fireplaces. Some of them were far better than others.
I suppose that most of us who've been through the Art College system were 'indoctrinated' into believing that The Bauhaus was the epitome of good 20th century design. Well, not only do I disagree, but I also think they paved the way to more cheap and shoddy design than they could ever have imagined.
To make any utilitarian object by using a minimum of material, and then make it space-saving, by making it 'stack', is to me the opposite of good design. I want my design to be beautiful and practical, not made from old scaffolding poles, and specifically designed to take-up as little space as possible in the corner of a room. Of course I don't entirely blame The Bauhaus for all such design, but they certainly led the way.
Recently whilst staying at our 'staging post' hotel in Orléans, I noticed this absolutely dreadful piece of 'furniture' (above), and was outraged that anyone had thought it good enough to sell, buy, or offer to clients of the hotel to use. I suppose it epitomises exactly my attitude towards post-Bauhaus design work. It is cheaply made with no attempt whatsoever at 'beauty', and in my opinion is probably the UGLIEST thing I've seen for decades. I didn't study it too closely, but I wouldn't be surprised if it 'stacked' as well.
And if all that wasn't bad enough, they go and paint in PINK.
If there was a prize for 'The Worst Design of the 21st Century', I think this would win hands down!
Thursday 5 September 2024
Charlie Drake - My Boomerang Won't Come Back - 1962
Wednesday 4 September 2024
Back 'home'.
So, here we are, back in Brighton after a very tiring but reasonably uneventful trip. Billy is as pleased to be back 'home' as we are. I think the trip must be more arduous for him than it is for us, but at least he can sleep for most of the time. He has already met-up with several old chums in the park; as have we. How lovely to be greeted warmly again wherever we go.
Both Lady M and I will now relax for a few days. We've both been suffering from the usual old-age aches and pains, and it'll be good to allow our bodies to revive; we had far too much to do before leaving France, and were both exhausted; even before the journey. Kimbo and Susie are away in Italy for a while!
With my mobility problems I shan't be doing too much, but I shall still be driving to the shops, village pubs, and maybe to sit by the sea. I shan't be doing much walking around town for a while.
We drove into central Brighton at around 9.45 pm yesterday, and the whole place was BUZZING with activity. Loads of young people everywhere, all enjoying a reasonably warm and dry evening. What a difference to where we live in France, where our nearby 'Bastide Town' is dead by about 8.30 pm.
So, I shall be off to my favourite 'out of town' supermarket tomorrow, to buy lots of vegetables, fruit, a pork pie, and a BIG JOINT OF BEEF. I have a real craving for Beef at the moment; I haven't had any for ages.
I must admit; it's very good (particularly this year) to be back home.