Enjoy your railway trip tomorrow @Puzzler , despite the lack of steam!
AIUI, a lot of heritage railways are using diesels at the moment, for the reasons you mention. This trend is set to continue, I think, not only because of climate change, but also because those of us who remember the steam railway as it was are now rapidly departing this sinful world...and the scenery looks the same, whatever's at the front of the train!
We had a trip on the West Somerset Railway last month, fortunately behind a steam locomotive because there had been some rain.
I believe another major problem with steam locomotives is that many are very old (older than all of us in some cases) and some vital parts get worn, damaged or unsafe and cannot be repaired or replaced. I’m amazed how many actually remain in service.
@Heavenlyannie congratulations on passing your History MA.
@Bishops Finger it's supposed to rain here on Sunday morning - hopefully the rain actually arrives. Supposedly the start of August is going to bring some lower pressure and more changeable weather.
There was a very light scattering of that mysterious damp stuff from the heavens as I was going to work. I had neither coat (too warm) nor umbrella (couldn't be bothered to locate), but it wasn't enough to be an embuggerance. It was nice but breezy by the time I was coming home.
Quiet day at work, and F&C for supper, because Friday.
Temperature around here today at last down to the upper limit of my tolerance, and with the addition of a nice brisk breeze.
For the first time for ages, we managed to take the bus to a nearby town to do a little shopping, for grocery items not available in our town, and some items of underwear also not available here. Then out for lunch. We both had beef borek with salad and Mr RoS had chocolate babka.
It had become a little too warm for me by the time we got home and I was feeling a bit uncomfortable, probably from not having had enough to drink, so had long glass of water and a nap.
Here in the Wilds of Wiltshire it feels slightly cooler but the Yellow Face continues to beat down. I have no idea what you lot mean about damp stuff out of the sky.
We had quite an exciting day yesterday. I went for the first time to a Zumba class in Nearby Town and really enjoyed it. I haven't done anything like that since before we moved and I wondered whether I'd be able to walk today, but I'm ok! I'm pleased to have found such a facility so close by (eleven minutes by bus) - the community hub houses the gym, classes, swimming pool, library and cafe. I think I might become a regular visitor there.
In the afternoon there was a power cut. This was very exciting because the first I heard of it was when our neighbourhood WhatsApp group chirped up about it and I was in the house and could hear my washing machine going. This means that the new technology, recently installed at Casa Nen, is working as it should - when there is a power cut it automatically switches us to "off grid" and we draw power from the solar panels if the sun's out or the battery if not. Mr Nen was very chuffed.
A home-based day of domestics today and stir fry for tea because Saturday.
Nice one @Nenya - Casa Nen is obviously doing its bit to ameliorate the climate crisis...hopefully, those at @Baptist Trainfan 's place will do the same.
Yet another hot, dry day in Arkland the Scorched, with even higher temperatures (31C/88F) forecast for next week. The breeze is, however, a south-westerly, which means that the Ark (especially the Wheelhouse) is better ventilated.
Cold CHICKEN for lunch, with some nice CHIPS. CHEESE again for later, and, following an Expotition to Tess Coe (with surprisingly little traffic for a Saturday in Our Town), a bottle of WINE.
The Paint applied yesterday dried within minutes (or so it seemed), but no more is planned until the weather cools down a bit. Some more scraping of Flaky Bits is required, but I'll have to muster some help for that. Neighbour F's son B (known locally as The Boy) does a good job, but is somewhat elusive at the moment, having acquired a Girlfriend...
@Bishops Finger” Having a Boy around to help but it’s as well just to have the one around. As the saying goes:
“One boy’s a boy,
“Two boys is half a boy and
“Three boys is no boys at all”.
To be honest, I’ve seen this in a few IT projects!
Solar panels are definitely on our list of ‘things to do’.
Hot here today but a pleasant breeze. We’ve been doing some cleaning and tidying but had a long break on the decking after lunch (vegetable gratin), watching the birds on the feeders.
Further frustration this morning: I was supposed to meet the Organist Who Doesn't Practise again (he having forgotten last week) to sort out psalms for upcoming Evensongs, but the silly old bugger didn't turn up again. 😠
It being payday, I decided to cheer myself up with an Expotition to M&S to get some Nice Comestibles. At least the bus gods were on my side: I only had to wait for about ten minutes each way.
Snoozage will ensue shortly, and supper will be some of the Nice Comestibles.
Congratulations @Heavenlyannie. I keep on getting emails from a university about masters degrees in creative writing (I vaguely enquired a while ago). If I decide I've had enough of local politics (or the electorate think they've had enough of me) by next May I might sign up for 2027.
I wish some of the damp stuff would fall here. It's been like jam tomorrow for the last few weeks. Loads of wet weather forecast for a few days time that doesn't materialise in the end. I really think we might have a July with no precipitation at all. @Nenya , a good leisure centre that close by bus is brilliant. I love Zumba but my leisure centre on seems to do classes (which they call things like 'Broadway Boogie' very early in the morning and as I walk there I really don't feel like leaving home at 7.30 to get to them. Your move is sounding more and more like a good thing.
I went into town for some bits at the eco refill centre and a coffee in one of my favourite cafes. Later we're going for a walk and intend to take in a pub for a drink on the way home. The one we're thinking of is lovely but a bit flakey. we went to an event last year where the chef had walked out three days before and although the organiser has asked for a vegan friendly menu in the end only thing she, my husband and I could eat were the chips. Then earlier this month they couldn't serve alcohol for a week as they'd forgotten to renew their licence. Despite its short comings in is very comfortable and has lovely balconies overlooking the river and the town lock.
I’m back from my heritage railway trip. No steam locomotive because last weekend’s train caused minor trackside fires which the train staff managed to put out, so they are playing safe. Meanwhile some local young idiots actually set fire to a huge straw stack near here last night.
The journey was not particularly scenic (This is not the Settle- Carlisle line! ) but pleasant enough. The cream tea was ok but I didn’t expect jam and cream in plastic pots. Not the standard of the Statesman rail trips I have done.
The hope is to re unify the two separate sections of the Grand Central line which are separated by a short stretch near Loughborough, with trains run by two separate companies. I wonder if they will combine forces after reunification? The longer stretch has very attractive stations, worth a visit for the stations as much as the line, each with its own period décor.
We had fish and chips for dinner. As I drove to the chippie, a fox dashed across the road. It was a very clever fox because it used the zebra crossing!
After a damp start, it's not a bad day here. The app on my mobile is saying 17°, but it feels warmer than that.
I was thinking of you all as we sang the first hymn this morning; it was New every morning is the love, which of course has the line "The trivial round, the common task".
Laundry is waiting for the tumble dryer to be free, brunch has been consumed and it's time for a snoozette.
I was thinking of you all as we sang the first hymn this morning; it was New every morning is the love, which of course has the line "The trivial round, the common task".
I was also thinking of the Ship as we sang "Your love is amazing" - of that very funny thread on Ye Olde Shippe. It was the annual church barbecue, another first for us, in the very large garden of a very large house in the village; a hearty jolly time was had by all.
When I first looked out of our windows this morning the sky was an extraordinary shade of grey and the garden and paths appeared to be wet. No idea what that was all about. By 9.30am normal service was resumed: all dampness evaporated in the blazing sun. There has, however, been a coolish breeze today which has made things feel more bearable. I did some planting in the garden first thing while Mr Nen was out worshipping at the Holy Church of the Car Boot.
Having eaten well at the barbecue - I am not a particular fan of burgers and sausages but the ones we had today were locally sourced and really good, one of the advantages of living in a rural area - this evening is a No Cooking For Nen night, although I need to do some baking. We have people coming over tomorrow for a bring and share lunch and the person I was hoping was going to bring something for dessert is now not coming so I need to bake some Blondies this evening. I am also hoping to watch "Countryfile" but may need to negotiate with Mr Nen who will want the Grand Prix highlights.
Headed off to Mass this morning which was just what I needed. I don't normally stay for coffee but decided to this week. I was rewarded with a rather splendid slice of cherry and almond cake and some nice words about my reading of the bidding prayers.
This afternoon our neighbours came round and we had three lovely hours of chat and putting the world to rights over prosecco and nibbles.
I now have no desire to eat any tea so I'm catching up with the net, watering the garden and generally pootling while my husband spends the evening on the phone to his sister.
@.Nenya I too share your opinion of hamburgers and sausages at barbecues. A decent barbecue features real meat, like lamb chops and your take on shish kebabs, plus good veggie alternatives: grilled aubergine and veg skewers (peppers, tomatoes, courgettes, essentially ratatouille on a stick).
Burgers and bangers are fine for under tens.
@.Nenya I too share your opinion of hamburgers and sausages at barbecues. A decent barbecue features real meat, like lamb chops and your take on shish kebabs, plus good veggie alternatives: grilled aubergine and veg skewers (peppers, tomatoes, courgettes, essentially ratatouille on a stick).
Burgers and bangers are fine for under tens.
Oi! I happen to think that British sausages are one of our three contributions to the best of world cuisine - the other two being cheese and beer.
Under 10s indeed!
Nowt wrong with a burger either. I haven't been able to afford lamb chops in decades.
@KarlLB I agree, the Great British Sausage is indeed up there with our cheese and beer as being the world’s best, but the best British sausages rarely find their way onto a barbecue. I’m afraid Tesco’s Finest might do, but there are many better than that.
Comments
AIUI, a lot of heritage railways are using diesels at the moment, for the reasons you mention. This trend is set to continue, I think, not only because of climate change, but also because those of us who remember the steam railway as it was are now rapidly departing this sinful world...and the scenery looks the same, whatever's at the front of the train!
I believe another major problem with steam locomotives is that many are very old (older than all of us in some cases) and some vital parts get worn, damaged or unsafe and cannot be repaired or replaced. I’m amazed how many actually remain in service.
A cool, breezy day with even a light scattering of that damp stuff - no, don't tell me, it'll come to me.
Parcel of summer tops arrived, some nicer than others, but all on sale, so at a tenner a throw, what odds.
Other than that, not a very productive day. Dinner may be minimal, as Mr F feeling queasy.
@Bishops Finger it's supposed to rain here on Sunday morning - hopefully the rain actually arrives. Supposedly the start of August is going to bring some lower pressure and more changeable weather.
Quiet day at work, and F&C for supper, because Friday.
PS Congratulations Heavenlyannie!
For the first time for ages, we managed to take the bus to a nearby town to do a little shopping, for grocery items not available in our town, and some items of underwear also not available here. Then out for lunch. We both had beef borek with salad and Mr RoS had chocolate babka.
It had become a little too warm for me by the time we got home and I was feeling a bit uncomfortable, probably from not having had enough to drink, so had long glass of water and a nap.
Great to see you back on this thread @Firenze
Here in the Wilds of Wiltshire it feels slightly cooler but the Yellow Face continues to beat down. I have no idea what you lot mean about damp stuff out of the sky.
We had quite an exciting day yesterday. I went for the first time to a Zumba class in Nearby Town and really enjoyed it. I haven't done anything like that since before we moved and I wondered whether I'd be able to walk today, but I'm ok! I'm pleased to have found such a facility so close by (eleven minutes by bus) - the community hub houses the gym, classes, swimming pool, library and cafe. I think I might become a regular visitor there.
In the afternoon there was a power cut. This was very exciting because the first I heard of it was when our neighbourhood WhatsApp group chirped up about it and I was in the house and could hear my washing machine going. This means that the new technology, recently installed at Casa Nen, is working as it should - when there is a power cut it automatically switches us to "off grid" and we draw power from the solar panels if the sun's out or the battery if not. Mr Nen was very chuffed.
A home-based day of domestics today and stir fry for tea because Saturday.
Yet another hot, dry day in Arkland the Scorched, with even higher temperatures (31C/88F) forecast for next week. The breeze is, however, a south-westerly, which means that the Ark (especially the Wheelhouse) is better ventilated.
Cold CHICKEN for lunch, with some nice CHIPS. CHEESE again for later, and, following an Expotition to Tess Coe (with surprisingly little traffic for a Saturday in Our Town), a bottle of WINE.
The Paint applied yesterday dried within minutes (or so it seemed), but no more is planned until the weather cools down a bit. Some more scraping of Flaky Bits is required, but I'll have to muster some help for that. Neighbour F's son B (known locally as The Boy) does a good job, but is somewhat elusive at the moment, having acquired a Girlfriend...
“One boy’s a boy,
“Two boys is half a boy and
“Three boys is no boys at all”.
To be honest, I’ve seen this in a few IT projects!
Hot here today but a pleasant breeze. We’ve been doing some cleaning and tidying but had a long break on the decking after lunch (vegetable gratin), watching the birds on the feeders.
It being payday, I decided to cheer myself up with an Expotition to M&S to get some Nice Comestibles. At least the bus gods were on my side: I only had to wait for about ten minutes each way.
Snoozage will ensue shortly, and supper will be some of the Nice Comestibles.
I wish some of the damp stuff would fall here. It's been like jam tomorrow for the last few weeks. Loads of wet weather forecast for a few days time that doesn't materialise in the end. I really think we might have a July with no precipitation at all.
@Nenya , a good leisure centre that close by bus is brilliant. I love Zumba but my leisure centre on seems to do classes (which they call things like 'Broadway Boogie' very early in the morning and as I walk there I really don't feel like leaving home at 7.30 to get to them. Your move is sounding more and more like a good thing.
I went into town for some bits at the eco refill centre and a coffee in one of my favourite cafes. Later we're going for a walk and intend to take in a pub for a drink on the way home. The one we're thinking of is lovely but a bit flakey. we went to an event last year where the chef had walked out three days before and although the organiser has asked for a vegan friendly menu in the end only thing she, my husband and I could eat were the chips. Then earlier this month they couldn't serve alcohol for a week as they'd forgotten to renew their licence. Despite its short comings in is very comfortable and has lovely balconies overlooking the river and the town lock.
The journey was not particularly scenic (This is not the Settle- Carlisle line! ) but pleasant enough. The cream tea was ok but I didn’t expect jam and cream in plastic pots. Not the standard of the Statesman rail trips I have done.
The hope is to re unify the two separate sections of the Grand Central line which are separated by a short stretch near Loughborough, with trains run by two separate companies. I wonder if they will combine forces after reunification? The longer stretch has very attractive stations, worth a visit for the stations as much as the line, each with its own period décor.
I was thinking of you all as we sang the first hymn this morning; it was New every morning is the love, which of course has the line "The trivial round, the common task".
Laundry is waiting for the tumble dryer to be free, brunch has been consumed and it's time for a snoozette.
When I first looked out of our windows this morning the sky was an extraordinary shade of grey and the garden and paths appeared to be wet. No idea what that was all about. By 9.30am normal service was resumed: all dampness evaporated in the blazing sun. There has, however, been a coolish breeze today which has made things feel more bearable. I did some planting in the garden first thing while Mr Nen was out worshipping at the Holy Church of the Car Boot.
Having eaten well at the barbecue - I am not a particular fan of burgers and sausages but the ones we had today were locally sourced and really good, one of the advantages of living in a rural area - this evening is a No Cooking For Nen night, although I need to do some baking. We have people coming over tomorrow for a bring and share lunch and the person I was hoping was going to bring something for dessert is now not coming so I need to bake some Blondies this evening. I am also hoping to watch "Countryfile" but may need to negotiate with Mr Nen who will want the Grand Prix highlights.
This afternoon our neighbours came round and we had three lovely hours of chat and putting the world to rights over prosecco and nibbles.
I now have no desire to eat any tea so I'm catching up with the net, watering the garden and generally pootling while my husband spends the evening on the phone to his sister.
Burgers and bangers are fine for under tens.
Oi! I happen to think that British sausages are one of our three contributions to the best of world cuisine - the other two being cheese and beer.
Under 10s indeed!
Nowt wrong with a burger either. I haven't been able to afford lamb chops in decades.