Time for a haircut

It has been a good few months since Whiffler had his final clip at the dog grooming school, and he is long overdue for a haircut.

30% had set a deadline of early next week, as he is booked in at the vet's for his booster shot, and she wants him to look his best.*

So, after tidying up the debris from yesterday's honey bottling, I grabbed the clippers and set to removing four months of hair growth.  I took my time, with plenty of breaks, as Whiffler now in his twelfth year. However he was surprisingly boisterous as each grooming session ended, and he was rewarded with a biscuit.

Midway through the afternoon I had completed his clip, apart from needing to tidy up his rear feet. The clippers needed charging, so I called it a day and looked for something else to do.

I headed out to the garage and topped up the Honda's petrol tank with 99 RON storage fuel, I also added 30ml of fuel stabiliser.  I appreciate that this is probably belt 'n braces, but better safe than sorry.

I can also report that I sold the last two jars of this year's honey crop this afternoon. From hereon I am reliant on Pete the Beekeeper until next year's harvest.

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* It is also useful to give him a thorough visual examination whilst clipping him, to make sure there are no new, or worrying, lumps or bumps.

Bear Frolics!

After a long and busy day yesterday, neither of us were filled with energy this morning.

Don't 'n Dave had invited us over for coffee and cake, and we had a lovely time catching up on each others' news.  Unfortunately Dave's VFR 800 had been sold back to its original owner, so it won't be joining my little collection, but the good news is that he has recently been out on his Royal Enfield Meteor and really enjoyed the ride. It seems that he plans to continue riding for a little while longer.

In the afternoon I bottled another batch of honey and used the intervals, while the honey is in the Bain Marie, to catch up on a little sleep.

The final, or perhaps only, exertion in the day was this evening's Tai Chi session at the Parish Education Centre.  This evening Kung Po Fran took us through a warm-up, the Winter exercises, the Dau Ying Yan Shen and elements from set three of the Shibashi sequence.

I throughly enjoyed this evening's session, but I have to say that Fran does pick out some quite unusual exercises. The Winter exercises included Bear Frolics, one of which involved picking up an imaginary rock, lifting over one's head, and then casting to one side whilst growling.

If I hadn't seen it on YouTube I would swear that she is just making it up to see how gullible we are!

It's a good job my afternoon was relatively quiet

My day started with a short visit to the local surgery for a blood test. My annual diabetic review is due, and I'll be back at the surgery on the ninth, once the results of the tests are available.

We then headed over to the motorcycle workshop to collect the Honda.

Having already paid the bill, I simply needed to thank Nick and Simon, the proprietors, before starting her up and heading off down the road. It had been over four years since I last rode her and she now seemed incredibly compact after becoming, almost, familiar with the bulk of the BMW R1250R.

After riding through the Industrial Estate, I pulled onto the roundabout and then headed down the short length of dual carriageway. I twisted the throttle open and was alarmed that it seemed incredibly stiff, and the bike unresponsive.  I twisted the throttle a couple more times, and really wasn't happy with the result. 

I continued on to the next roundabout and turned to head back to the workshop. This time the twist grip and the engine response seemed better, and within a few hundred yards I was a lot happier with the bike. I am guessing that either the throttle cables need lubricating, or that the refurbished throttle linkages just need working a little.

My ride home was cautious, as the roads were wet and I was riding on new tyres. However, I can report that she is now running beautifully and the in-line four cylinder motor sounds amazing.  At home I parked her up in front of the garage and turned off the petrol tap.  

Nick had advised that I should let her run until the carburettors are emptied of fuel to minimise the risk of damage from modern fuels.  I was amazed at how long it took for this to happen. I didn't time it, but I estimate it was close to five minutes before she stuttered to a stop.

So the bike is now back home, and I need to think about getting her cleaned and bagged up for the rest of the winter.

In the afternoon I set to bottling a batch of honey.  I was only able to process a single batch as we were out this evening with B&H.

About a month ago 30% and I had gone to see Bad Manners perform at The Assembly in Leamington.  Unfortunately, one of our party found them a little too loud, so we decided to curtail our visit and head home to enjoy a couple of bottles of wine.

30% and I felt a little cheated about having to leave the gig early, and, when 30% found that Bad Manners were playing in Worcester this evening, we decided to go and see the entire performance.

We had mentioned this to B&H, who immediately said, "we'll come along." So this evening we found ourselves queuing outside the Marr's Bar with a motley crew of punks, skinheads and sixty somethings.  The Marr's Bar used to be a dance studio and H informed us that she used to learn to jive there.  It is now a small licensed music venue that holds somewhere around three hundred people.

It is amazingly intimate with the small stage no more than twenty five feet away, even when stood at the back of the room.

This evening Bad Manners were supported by Max Splodge, formerly of Splodgenessabounds.  We were treated to a set that started with a cover of Nelly the Elephant and finished with the infamous Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.  It was a brilliant punk set and the atmosphere was amazing. I had forgotten how the energy and enthusiasm of the band infuses the audience with such a great feeling, especially as we were so close to them. I loved it.

And then it was time for the headline act!  This time they were fifteen or twenty feet away. Up close and personal rather than remote, as they were in Leamington. The band were incredibly tight and the horn section was incredibly accomplished. This time we stayed through to the glorious end and were treated to a long list of ska classics, ending, of course, with Lip up Fatty. and The Can-can. 

We had a fantastic evening, and are actually grateful to S for not being able to endure the noise of the Leamington gig.  If we had stayed to see all of the gig at the Assembly, we wouldn't have discovered the super little venue that is The Marr's Bar, and we would have missed out on a fantastic evening with B&H.

Thank you Sue!

Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow

 I had arranged to go and pick up the Honda this morning, although the weather really wasn't cooperating.

It had poured with rain all night and showers, alternating with heavy rain, were forecast for the rest of the day. 

I was aware that they are short of space at the workshop, and that the mechanic needs to empty the workshop of motorcycles before he starts work, and then put them all back, before locking up at the end of the day. I felt somewhat obliged to collect the Honda, as it was yet another machine that the poor chap needed to shift twice each day.

So, early this morning, I grabbed my helmet and jacket, and 30% chauffeured me over to the workshop.  Nick, the mechanic, greeted me with the phase I wanted to hear, "I didn't think we'd see you today."  I replied that I was conscious that he was short on space and didn't want my bike being there unnecessarily. Nick advised that it wasn't a problem and he was quite happy if I left it until tomorrow, when the weather was supposed to be better.

He took me through the work that had been completed and reconfirmed that she was a lovely machine, and well worth the expenditure. I said that I did feel a little guilty that she had been neglected for so long. Nick shrugged and countered that, at least, she had been kept under cover in the dry, and had been brought in for recommissioning.

I paid the bill, which was probably slightly more than 50% of her current value, picked up the invoice and MOT certificate and headed off home, promising to return tomorrow.

So that was Monday really!

The vile weather deterred me from doing anything else, although the sale of four jars of honey meant that I will be bottling again tomorrow. Jars and honey were brought in from the store room in preparation, but little else was achieved. 

A little ride out

A couple of months ago 30% found a rather nice Stressless leather armchair for sale on Facebook Marketplace. With TP's assistance it was purchased and, eventually, transported here. It now sits in the smug, and is very comfortable.

The thing is that this chair is really crying out for a partner to sit opposite it.  The smug is then the perfect area for pre-dinner drinks and post-dinner chat and ... more drinks.

Well 30% came up trumps in the preceding days, and has found an identical Stressless chair for sale.  It was located in Bramcote, near Nottingham, so this morning was spent driving up and down the M42/A42 to collect it.

It is in beautiful condition and was a steal at £125.  It was so good that I couldn't bring myself to haggle on the price.*

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* perhaps, in part, because 30% hadn't managed to locate an auto bank, so forty five pounds of the price was paid in pound coins from the honey takings jar.  It was a little embarrassing having to hand over a large handful of shrapnel, in part payment.

Christmas plans, or "what every woman wants"

Neither of us are huge fans of Christmas.*

As a result Christmas tends to be a fairly quiet day here. We do presents and a Christmas lunch. There will be a large honey roast ham and plenty of tasty treats around. We enjoy having visitors and seeing people. It is just that we really don't like the horrendous hype and nonsense that is spouted at this time of year.  It is not yet December and we are already weary of the commercialism and faux festive cheer, that seems to come from all directions. 

We had assumed that it would be our normal Christmas; me, 30% and TP, having a relaxed day featuring good food and some rather nice wine.  

That was up until a few weeks ago when TP informed us that he had purchased a one-way ticket to Vietnam and was flying out on the 23rd of December.** 

It was now just the two of use here for Christmas and plans were scaled back. We have now agreed that our plans for Christmas Day will be determined by fate.  We propose to head in to our nearest Waitrose supermarket, one hour before closing time on Christmas Eve. Our Christmas lunch will be the most appealing bargain that can be found.

The name for this new game is Waitrose Pot Luck!

Now on to the subject of presents. We are both of an age that neither of us really need or want anything for Christmas. We either have it already, or, if we need it, we have already gone and purchased it.  We therefore agreed that there would be "no presents."

Now I have been with 30% long enough to know what 30% means by "no presents." Firstly, Christmas is immediately after my birthday, so birthday presents are purchased and she does tend to go a little overboard. A phrase often spouted is "I'd finished my shopping, but then I saw this, and simply couldn't resist." I am also sensitive enough to know that "no presents" actually means, as a minimum, at least one present that has involved a high degree of thought and originality.

By way of example, one year, when TP was very young, we purchased a pair of red wellingtons for 30% and then spent several hours sticking black spots and googly eyes on the toes. She was absolutely over the moon with her "ladybird wellies", and still recalls the delight of opening them.***

In that vein, I have landed on the perfect gift for my good lady. For the last year, at least, she has positively pined for a yellow wheelbarrow.  Now we have two wheel barrows. One is green with a narrow wheel and is an utter bastard to use in the orchard. The other has a rusty black pan, a puncture proof wheel and is a delight to use. She is happy with either of these BUT she really wants a yellow wheelbarrow.

Today I took delivery of a yellow, 85 litre, replacement wheelbarrow pan. I spent the afternoon in the workshop carefully removing the worn out rusty pan from the black wheelbarrow. I have plenty of time to complete the upgrade before the 25th of December.  It may not the what every woman wants, but I know that 30% will love it.

The only other news was that I dug up the last of my leek  crop this morning. Half of which was converted in to another batch of leek and potato soup.

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* I think it is matter of public record that my favorite part of Christmas is Boxing Day ... because that means it's over!

** This slightly infuriated 30%, as she had arranged a birthday outing for me on that very date , and TP had confirmed his availability.  His proposed return is "sometime in January."

*** Mind you! About that time TP also spotted a rather nice pair of ladybird earrings in a jewellery shop window, and commented that they "were just like 30%'s necklace." He wasn't to know it was a Faberge item ... and the earrings were a very expensive gift to purchase on behalf of an eight year old! ... She loves them too.

I'm definitely a "morning person"

I have never been one to lie in bed. 

Once I am awake I tend to rise promptly. I may lurk under the covers for a few minutes before getting up, and there are rare occasions when I fall back to sleep, but, generally, once I am awake I get up. I also tend to be a fairly early riser. It is rare that 30% makes an appearance before me. Even in these darker months I tend to be awake and up before daylight.

Over my working life I also found that I was most productive during the first half of the day.  If I had a complex and involved piece of work to attend to, I would always attend to it in the morning. If possible I left my afternoons to be filled with the less arduous activities.

I have found that this activity pattern has followed me through to my retirement. I'm keen to get on with the tricky stuff in the morning, but my afternoons are far more relaxed and casual

Let's take today for example.

A couple of months ago 30% ordered a 40 watt oil filled heater for the ornamental greenhouse.  I explained that it wasn't up to the job, so another beefier heating option has been deployed. The oil filled heater has sat on the worktop until I realised that it might be of use as a wardrobe heater.

The fitted wardrobe in one of the bedrooms has been constructed against a solid 8" brick wall and can suffer from condensation during the colder months. Last year I fitted oil filled heaters and these have worked really well.  The only issue was that one half of the wardrobe would only accommodate a 40 watt heater, due to the presence of a chimney breast.  The other half had been fitted with an 80 watt heater, which was far more effective.  I realised that the spare heater could be fitted to the chimney breast bringing the heater wattage total to 80 watts in that part of the fitted wardrobe.

This morning, after attending to dogs and chickens, I gathered tools and emptied the bottom of the wardrobe. I got busy, and can now report that the heater has been fitted and turned on. 

So that was my morning. 

I had planned to dig up the rest of the leeks this afternoon, but the heavens opened and it poured down. I selected option #2, which was an extended snooze on the sofa.

I am definitely a morning person.

"Soupy"

... It's a great first word if you're attempting the daily Wordle puzzle.  It also sums up my morning.

After yesterday's slothfulness, I felt that I really ought to achieve something today. After checking the veg patch and the kitchen cupboards, I discerned that I had sufficient ingredients for a double batch of leek and potato soup.  It is a lovely soup, we both really enjoy it, and it freezes beautifully, so I spent my morning knocking some up.

At this point I should mention that I didn't really think through the amount of soup I was preparing, and had a brief crisis when I realised that my chosen saucepan* was far too small to receive four pints of chicken stock. I ended up having to divide my "softened onion, leek and potato mixture" between two saucepans and completing the simmering stage in two vessels. 

Everything was recombined in to our largest mixing bowl for the blending phase, but I will report that the addition of the double cream brought the liquid level very close to the brim!

I ended up with ten portions of soup, one of which made a rather pleasant addition to my lunch.

In the afternoon I received a call from the local motorcycle workshop. The Honda is now ready for collection.  She has an MOT and the mechanic's report from the test ride is that "she rides really well, and is a lovely little classic." I arranged to collect her next Monday, as I have no-one to run me over to Alcester until 30% get back from Ashby-de-la-Zouch.**

The afternoon was slightly more sedate, but I did manage to cut back the Michaelmas Daisies, Sedums and Achilleas in the herbaceous border ... It's Brown Bin day tomorrow.

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* It was the largest one in the cupboard

** They're not open on a Saturday and haven't been for a year or two. When asked why, they advised "we got pissed off with all the tyre kickers." They clearly know the market, as this approach doesn't seem to have impacted their business one jot.

It's that time of year

I appreciate that people do tend to slow down in the darker months. Apparently the shorter days, cooler temperatures and reduced light levels increase melatonin levels, leading to a tendency to reduce activity levels and increased sleep.

Based on today's activity levels, I can report that my melatonin must be reaching peak levels. I did next to nothing today. 

I needed to stay close to home, as my replacement helmet was to be delivered at some point today. It is an expensive item and there was no option for it be left in a safe place. Apparently I needed to be on the premises to take personal receipt of the item.

So, home I stayed.  30% headed off for yet another trip to Champneys, this time with Jules. They left in the early afternoon, so I am now home alone.

 This afternoon I retired to the sofa, managed to find sufficient space between The Rat and Traitorous Bastard, and entered a state of torpor for an hour, or so.

The helmet did arrive. It is lovely, and I look forward to wearing it when I have less melatonin coursing through my veins.

The rug looks lovely

I hadn't really got any plans for today. 

I expected to do the normal stuff, read a little, possibly cook a batch of soup, perhaps spend some time in the workshop, if the weather was sufficiently clement.

One thing that was definitely not on my list was carpet cleaning.

It's funny how things pan out.

I woke fairly early this morning and wandered downstairs accompanied by Hobson and The Rat. The Rat wanted to go outside, so I let her out of the front door, left it on the latch, and wandered in to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee.

I then settled in the lounge with my mug of coffee beside me on the floor.  After a few minutes scouring the BBC News website, The Rat pushed open the front door and came bounding back in to the house.  I got up to close the door properly. The Rat was behaving as is normal for her deranged self. She was excitedly bouncing and scampering around my feet.

Unfortunately, during this little canine dance performance, a full mug of black coffee got upturned on the rug.  I cursed and headed out to collect absorbent materials to soak up the large dark spill. After several minutes of mopping, I had used up a large quantity of kitchen roll and was left with a large, dark, damp stain on the rug.

I made myself another first cup of coffee and resumed my perusal of the day's news. 

I had already realised that my half-arsed attempt to mop up the coffee was definitely inadequate, so, after reaching a reasonable level of consciousness, I headed out to the store room and retrieved the carpet cleaner.

A merry hour was spent familiarising myself with the appliance,* preparing it for deployment, and cleaning the rug. 

It now looks lovely.

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* This was its first ever use. It has sat in the store room for many months, securely cocooned in its original packaging.

Post Script:

30% was so enthused by the inaugural deployment of the carpet cleaner that she spent the morning cleaning all of the ground floor carpets and rugs ... well, the bits you can see, anyway.

Odds 'n sods

First job this morning was to put away my fishing gear from yesterday's outing.

With everything cleaned up and put away, I attended to the daily chore, restocking the log holder and preparing kindling for a fire later in the day.

I also found a few minutes to give the motorcycle workshop a call. They expect the final component to arrive towards the end of this week. I have, therefore, arranged to drop off a container of the 99 RON, ethanol free fuel at the end of the week. They will then have it available when they need to refuel the Honda.

Continuing on a motorcycling vein, I packed up the defective Arai helmet, and gave the supplier a call.  They had not yet responded to my eBay return request, so I was unable to get a postage label printed off.  

After a quick call, the situation was resolved and a return label QR code was sitting in my email inbox. I finished packing up the lid, and headed over to Alcester to drop it off at the Post Office.

By the time I had got home there was another email in my inbox from eBay advising that they were aware that the helmet had been posted. I was truly amazed at the speed and seamless integration between the Post Office tracking system and eBay's user portal.  All I need to do now is prey for a successful delivery followed by a refund of my payment.

At some point amongst this, we also managed to wander down the lanes with the dogs for a short walk.

I also found another Arai helmet in the right size and colour from a reliable supplier. An order has been placed, and it should be here in the next few days.

I jus hope there are no hiccoughs with the refund on helmet #1.

Not pike fishing

 Today I removed a bag of sardines from the freezer.

I then headed over to Fladbury, where I met up with Bubbles and Ben. One of the aforementioned sardines was attached to a wire trace and dangled in the Avon for five hours. During that time, not a single pike troubled the bait.

At around three o'clock I removed the sardine from the water, put it back with the rest of my dead bait, and packed up my gear.  Forty minutes later I was home and the sardine was back where it started.*

I had a pleasant enough day. The weather was sunny but there was a chill wind. The company was as per usual ... moments of fun, interspersed with the usual inane idiocy.

The thing I haven't mentioned, is that the dead bait is the same that was used the last time I went pike fishing.

I hope no-one, mistakenly, takes it out for supper!

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* Hopefully better luck next time.

I think I preferred the frost

The temperatures have lifted above freezing, and the frosts were replaced by cold rain today.

The weather was vile when I awoke and it didn't improve at any point in the day.  We both spent as much time as possible indoors.

In the morning I bottled the last of the honey that I harvested at the end of May. I can finally report that, excluding wastage,* the harvest produced 125 lbs of saleable honey.  I may have actually produced a few more pounds than that, but I based my harvest total on the number of labels used, and I am sure I have given away, or sold, a few unlabelled jars.

I am delighted with how much has been produced by my two hives, and can only hope we do as well next year.

In the afternoon I made up another batch of leek and potato soup. This necessitated a spell in the veg patch to dig up the leeks and then a session with my hands in cold water trimming them and washing off the mud.  In only a few minutes I was cold and wet and anxious to get back indoors.

The soup doesn't take long to prepare and cook, and I was soon able to get a fire lit and settle in the warmth.

I had a huge snooze the sofa with The Rat and Traitorous Bastard curled up on either side of me, just in case I wasn't warm enough.

So that was my Saturday. A day of dodging horrible weather and achieving a couple of minor successes.

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* There is always a little froth sitting on top of a batch of liquified honey. I use a sheet of clingfilm to lift the froth away from the honey, leaving a nice clear product to bottle. This method works really well, but I do loose a few grams every time.

On reflection, she is a selfish cow!

In the past couple of weeks I have taken stock of the limited range of crops I have attempted to grow in the veg patch.

The beetroot and carrots have been reasonable, taking first prizes in their classes at the village horticultural show.  I was far less successful with cabbages. My first plantings were ravaged by white fly and they ended up on the compost heap.

The hot summer was not exactly conducive to growing vegetables, but I persevered and planted some Savoy plugs and Spring cabbage quite late in the season.  I have never planted so late in the season, and had no idea whether they would amount to anything, or not.  Well, I can report that the Savoys have developed hearts, and it was definitely worth the effort. I haven't harvested on yet, but one will be cut in the next week or so. Allegedly the recent frosts will improve the flavour.

Now on to the leeks.  These have grown reasonably well and ready to harvest. Unfortunately we have a mild infestation of Allium Leaf Minor.  The leeks have not been ruined, but they are far from perfect. Small pupae* can be found inside the outer leaves, and need to be removed before the leeks can be cooked.

30% and I agreed that whilst the leeks weren't good enough to accompany a roast dinner, they were far too good to throw away.

I therefore decided to make a batch of leek and potato soup this morning.  The recipe is simplicity itself and was a lovely addition to today's lunch. The recipe produced sufficient quantities to freeze a couple of portions too.

I also got a batch of honey bottled today. Normally I would process a couple of batches, but Bubbles had arranged for use to go and partake of an all you can eat buffet at The Summer Palace on the outskirts of Studley.  For some bizarre reason he had booked the table for half past five in the evening!

I have absolutely no idea why he selected this time? It was far too early in the evening for us to eat, and bit in to my honey bottling schedule.  30% attempted to put a positive spin on it, by saying that "we would be home well before nine."

I have to be honest and say I wasn't really looking forward to the evening.  I am not a huge fan of Chinese food, and I no longer enjoy a vast quantity of food.**  So an "all you can eat Chinese buffet" was, from my perspective, the antithesis of an enjoyable dining experience.  

Also, neither of us were looking forward to an evening in the company of Bobbyn. At best she is monosyllabic. At worst she is outspoken, incredibly immature, opinionated and not as well informed as she thinks she is.

I have to say that the evening panned out exactly as we expected. The food was indifferent. It was beige. It was greasy and uninspiring.***  Mike was his usual talkative self and Bobbyn was monosyllabic and disinterested.  The only moment of animation was when there was a brief argument when she reiterated that she would not be visiting Bubbles' parents for an hour on Christmas Day.

Fuck me, she is a selfish bitch.  I am not a fan of 30%'s mum, but I would always be willing to endure her for an hour or two. However Bobbyn steadfastly refuses to visit Bubbles parents.  I've met them ... they're fine.

She did mention that Bubbles mum "needs to recognise some boundaries." This had us both intrigued. I just think that Bobbyn doesn't like home truths or criticism.

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* They are of the size and appearance of grains of brown rice.

** I used to be able to put it away, but, as I have aged, I much prefer a small portion of well cooked food

*** It was also fucking expensive. 30% and I could have had two amazing takeaways from China Twon for our share of this evening's bill.