Really hot overnight in our bedroom which, being virtually in the roof, not only retains the sun's heat but is warmed by the hot water tank (in a cupboard). I went out shopping this morning and actually found it quite chilly at only about 16 degrees!
My word @North East Quine , the North East Chateau is certainly getting a major makeover!
Much cooler here, in a good way - I can actually face the prospect of doing some cooking without having to brace myself for the heat. We're eating our main meal at lunchtime today as we're going over to see Nenlet1 and the GrandNenling this afternoon. It's three weeks since we've seen them so we're looking forward to that.
It's a long overdue make-over, @Nenya! We moved here in 2003, and much of it is still as it was.
We had reached the point at which there was a "technique" to opening the kitchen door which involved simultaneously pushing down the handle and bumping the door with a hip, or giving it a sharp kick. To make it easier we had rubber bands round the kitchen door handles (not a look often seen in House Beautiful) It was only a matter of time before the route from kitchen to dining room was going to involve going out the back door and in the front door.
It's a wonderful feeling, walking in and out of the kitchen effortlessly through a door which opens and closes without being wrestled into submission.
Of course, once our lovely new varnished doors are finished, the hallway is going to look very shabby indeed. We have the same wallpaper and carpet as when we moved in, and we don't know how old the carpet and wallpaper were then. We did change the light fittings a few years ago, but only because one of the old ones broke.
Redecorating the hall is top of the list for 2026.
A bit fresher today in Arkland the Cloudy, after some welcome Rain this morning, but not much sign yet of the Big Yellow Face.
I was totally washed-out yesterday, but managed to sleep fairly well. Why, then, am I still feeling washed-out today? Even a nice Lunch of Chicken in Lemon Sauce, with Potatoes, Peas, and Carrots, seems not to have had much effect.
There are a few little Jobs to be done around the Ark, and after that I think I shall retire to my Berth for more restage.
I’m home from my trip. No energy to do anything yet! I have a ready meal waiting in the fridge.
After breakfast I took a stroll along the canal and round the town, including the market stalls and precinct, with its delightful independent shops, before collecting my case and taking three ( almost empty) trains home. At my last changeover I needed my showerproof coat, whereas back in my home town the sun is blazing.
I’d better get on with some unpacking, washing, admin. Good to go away for a change, good to be back home.
You seem to have had a pleasant little trip @Puzzler! It's long years since I last went to that part of the world, but I, too, have happy memories.
Jobs have been done - mostly unpacking, and putting away, some new light cotton Shirts from my mate George...my brother, my sister, and I all have a bit of a thing about Shirts, and tend to go for much the same style (the sort that doesn't need Iron Ing!). The rest of the Family favours the *hobo chic* look, as my niece calls it, but it may simply be that we are all (as she says) Norty-Word Lazy...
The rain seems to have tracked north of here for the most part. We had a little this morning, but not a great deal.
I spent the day in a weaving with waste workshop, which was interesting and actually produces things you might want to use. I then went litter picking ahead of the judging of our town in bloom tomorrow. I now should be at my writing group but I've had enough sociability for one day!
Our Nice Weather came to an abrupt end overnight, and I got absolutely soaked going to work (I did have a lightweight raincoat with a hood, but it wasn't really man enough for the amount of H2O that was descending from the heavens). I'd just about dried out by the time I had to go out again to get something for lunch; at least by the time I was coming home it had stopped.
I had mentioned to the girls in the front office that they had to be nice to me today, as it would have been our wedding anniversary; one of them mentioned it to L (my female boss), who presented me with a beautiful bunch of sunflowers in honour of the occasion. I really do have the nicest possible colleagues!
Supper was (as mentioned yesterday) cold meat, quiche and salads.
At last night’s meal in the hotel, ( sea bass for me) the couple on a neighbouring table kept including me in their conversations. When their dessert arrived, the words Happy Anniversary were written in chocolate on the husband’s plate. 47 years. Out came the cameras ( phones, actually). In all the excitement, my dessert order was forgotten. When it did eventually arrive, together with profuse apologies, I was also provided with a free cup of tea ( I don’t drink coffee).
My self-worth is taking a bit of a beating at the mo, so today's session with the vampires has given me a big boost.
The donor carer put a Neo tag on my donation today - meaning my claret is particularly suitable for newborns!
95 donations in, and I've just found out.
Science may be treating me like shit right now but tonight, Matthew, I am a fecking hero saving babies lives!
🧛♂️👶
It's a wonderful feeling, and no exaggeration to say you are a hero. I also remember the boost it gave me when I needed one. I hope everyone else here is thinking, "I can do that!" (I am 0 negative and was quite popular with the vampires until I was disqualified after my stupid body misbehaved).
It's a wonderful feeling, and no exaggeration to say you are a hero. I also remember the boost it gave me when I needed one. I hope everyone else here is thinking, "I can do that!" (I am 0 negative and was quite popular with the vampires until I was disqualified after my stupid body misbehaved).
Washer/drier being delivered today, so checked email first thing. 'Delivery between 7 and 9'. It is currently 3 minutes to 7. Whirlwind shower/dressing followed by equally rapid clearing of hall and stairs, unloading/reloading dishwasher. Check tracking option in email. Van currently in Fife, could be 11 before they reach here.
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Much cooler here, in a good way - I can actually face the prospect of doing some cooking without having to brace myself for the heat. We're eating our main meal at lunchtime today as we're going over to see Nenlet1 and the GrandNenling this afternoon. It's three weeks since we've seen them so we're looking forward to that.
We had reached the point at which there was a "technique" to opening the kitchen door which involved simultaneously pushing down the handle and bumping the door with a hip, or giving it a sharp kick. To make it easier we had rubber bands round the kitchen door handles (not a look often seen in House Beautiful) It was only a matter of time before the route from kitchen to dining room was going to involve going out the back door and in the front door.
It's a wonderful feeling, walking in and out of the kitchen effortlessly through a door which opens and closes without being wrestled into submission.
Of course, once our lovely new varnished doors are finished, the hallway is going to look very shabby indeed. We have the same wallpaper and carpet as when we moved in, and we don't know how old the carpet and wallpaper were then. We did change the light fittings a few years ago, but only because one of the old ones broke.
Redecorating the hall is top of the list for 2026.
Heidelberg to Passau by bike, down the Neckar and Danube river paths.
Here they are at Passau and the confluence of the Ilz, Danube, and Inn Rivers 🙂
https://photos.app.goo.gl/334w475J9aQjALQCA
I was totally washed-out yesterday, but managed to sleep fairly well. Why, then, am I still feeling washed-out today? Even a nice Lunch of Chicken in Lemon Sauce, with Potatoes, Peas, and Carrots, seems not to have had much effect.
There are a few little Jobs to be done around the Ark, and after that I think I shall retire to my Berth for more restage.
After breakfast I took a stroll along the canal and round the town, including the market stalls and precinct, with its delightful independent shops, before collecting my case and taking three ( almost empty) trains home. At my last changeover I needed my showerproof coat, whereas back in my home town the sun is blazing.
I’d better get on with some unpacking, washing, admin. Good to go away for a change, good to be back home.
Jobs have been done - mostly unpacking, and putting away, some new light cotton Shirts from my mate George...my brother, my sister, and I all have a bit of a thing about Shirts, and tend to go for much the same style (the sort that doesn't need Iron Ing!). The rest of the Family favours the *hobo chic* look, as my niece calls it, but it may simply be that we are all (as she says) Norty-Word Lazy...
I spent the day in a weaving with waste workshop, which was interesting and actually produces things you might want to use. I then went litter picking ahead of the judging of our town in bloom tomorrow. I now should be at my writing group but I've had enough sociability for one day!
I had mentioned to the girls in the front office that they had to be nice to me today, as it would have been our wedding anniversary; one of them mentioned it to L (my female boss), who presented me with a beautiful bunch of sunflowers in honour of the occasion. I really do have the nicest possible colleagues!
Supper was (as mentioned yesterday) cold meat, quiche and salads.
Now, off to see how the tennis is going.
At last night’s meal in the hotel, ( sea bass for me) the couple on a neighbouring table kept including me in their conversations. When their dessert arrived, the words Happy Anniversary were written in chocolate on the husband’s plate. 47 years. Out came the cameras ( phones, actually). In all the excitement, my dessert order was forgotten. When it did eventually arrive, together with profuse apologies, I was also provided with a free cup of tea ( I don’t drink coffee).
The donor carer put a Neo tag on my donation today - meaning my claret is particularly suitable for newborns!
95 donations in, and I've just found out.
Science may be treating me like shit right now but tonight, Matthew, I am a fecking hero saving babies lives!
🧛♂️👶
In other news, the weather has finally cooled down to a sensible level.
💗
As was our beloved grandson Huxley/ Little Beaky who had several transfusions whilst in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Thank you indeed.
💗
It's a wonderful feeling, and no exaggeration to say you are a hero. I also remember the boost it gave me when I needed one. I hope everyone else here is thinking, "I can do that!" (I am 0 negative and was quite popular with the vampires until I was disqualified after my stupid body misbehaved).
I'm not allowed - anaemic.
But I've gratefully received blood. 🙏
What to do for the rest of the day? Garden possibly in the morning. Rain and thunder promised for the afternoon, so that'll be watching the tennis.