Slouching Raymond
Well-known member
Down in Poole, we've had no snow. Just saw very slight sleet on part of my front garden.
It is bitterly cold though. I do love my woodburner.
It is bitterly cold though. I do love my woodburner.
TalismanRich
Well-known member
The temps are between 5 and 10F this morning. It hasn't been above freezing since Sunday. We've had 4 days of cloudy weather. My driveway and walkway are clear, but I live on a court, so snow plows don't come through. We have a bunch of tracks where cars have driven through the 10 inches of snow and ice.
Today, the sun is out, which is why it got so cold last night. It's short lived. I just heard 2 to 5 inches more snow tomorrow. I'll be out and about today, then I'll relax tonight and tomorrow. My humidifier is sucking up about 4 gallons of water per day. I filled it yesterday about noon, and before I went to bed, I put in two more gallons.
I'll take this over Los Angeles' situation. They are having wildfires fed by high winds.
Colin,
One of our local newscasters shared a video yesterday of her new hobby. She's trying to learn cello. Her son plays, and he's giving her lessons. She was playing Ode To Joy and hit a few squeakers along the way. It reminded me of you going down the same path.
Today, the sun is out, which is why it got so cold last night. It's short lived. I just heard 2 to 5 inches more snow tomorrow. I'll be out and about today, then I'll relax tonight and tomorrow. My humidifier is sucking up about 4 gallons of water per day. I filled it yesterday about noon, and before I went to bed, I put in two more gallons.
I'll take this over Los Angeles' situation. They are having wildfires fed by high winds.
Colin,
One of our local newscasters shared a video yesterday of her new hobby. She's trying to learn cello. Her son plays, and he's giving her lessons. She was playing Ode To Joy and hit a few squeakers along the way. It reminded me of you going down the same path.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
For years our neighbour has been given tons of logs from the many big trees I've felled Raymond; it's been a win win arrangement; she gets expensive free logs; I save many trips to the tip; however when I felled and logged the huge oak tree towering over our bungalow the neighbour couldn't accept more firewood; her garage and rear garden were already full. I like "Gumtree" so posted an ad stating free oak logs just need collecting. A guy came over from Ripon in a wagon taking most; the remainder was collected by two guys in a big van; the brash was run to the tip in big bags; I could easily have sold the oak but getting rid of the tree was worth more than money. Lots of pigeons nesting in our very large blue spruce had been using the oak tree branches as toilet seats; every morning we were out cleaning up their mess; the pigeons had to be evicted.
We've had less snow than you Rich; 5" one day; 2" the day after and it's still ligering a lot now compacted ice. This morning at 6:45 I intended to do my usual trip to the supermarket but was greeted with frozen car; so frozen I couldn't open the drivers door without fear of damaging the seals; I did open the passenger front door with a good tug and climbed in; I leaned over and inserted the ignition key but this was no good; I needed to depress the clutch pedal too; what a palaver in big boots trying to get into the drivers seat; with the car now running and the heater full on I just sat and waited. To add to my misery I've locked myself out of the garage so couldn't get in to collect the scraper; I've still not found the keys and each time I've tried I've had the same luck as when I try to play my violins; interruptions. This morning a a friend visited asking if Bron and and I needed anything from the stores which was very kind indeed of her; this afternoon another friend visited generously bringing Bron birthday presents; both visits were very welcome but I wonder if I'd be better burning my violins to at least get some benefit from them.
Tomorrow we're at the hospital again; shortly I'll be making another meal and I still haven't emptied the tumble drier of dry clothes which then require ironing. It never lets up but I've only been trying to learn violin playing three and an half years so far. I've just phoned the x-ray dept to check appointments are still valid which they are so a bitterly cold trip out in the morning leaving two more hospital appointments for next week but once Bron is in hospital I'll be visiting.
Good luck to the lady trying to play the cello but at least she's got help so will make more progress in a week than I've made so far with violins; I'm good at playing wrong notes; my path is full of holes.
Yes indeed flooding is terrible but not anywhere near wild fires; both though are very bad in their own way.
Kind regards, Col.
For years our neighbour has been given tons of logs from the many big trees I've felled Raymond; it's been a win win arrangement; she gets expensive free logs; I save many trips to the tip; however when I felled and logged the huge oak tree towering over our bungalow the neighbour couldn't accept more firewood; her garage and rear garden were already full. I like "Gumtree" so posted an ad stating free oak logs just need collecting. A guy came over from Ripon in a wagon taking most; the remainder was collected by two guys in a big van; the brash was run to the tip in big bags; I could easily have sold the oak but getting rid of the tree was worth more than money. Lots of pigeons nesting in our very large blue spruce had been using the oak tree branches as toilet seats; every morning we were out cleaning up their mess; the pigeons had to be evicted.
We've had less snow than you Rich; 5" one day; 2" the day after and it's still ligering a lot now compacted ice. This morning at 6:45 I intended to do my usual trip to the supermarket but was greeted with frozen car; so frozen I couldn't open the drivers door without fear of damaging the seals; I did open the passenger front door with a good tug and climbed in; I leaned over and inserted the ignition key but this was no good; I needed to depress the clutch pedal too; what a palaver in big boots trying to get into the drivers seat; with the car now running and the heater full on I just sat and waited. To add to my misery I've locked myself out of the garage so couldn't get in to collect the scraper; I've still not found the keys and each time I've tried I've had the same luck as when I try to play my violins; interruptions. This morning a a friend visited asking if Bron and and I needed anything from the stores which was very kind indeed of her; this afternoon another friend visited generously bringing Bron birthday presents; both visits were very welcome but I wonder if I'd be better burning my violins to at least get some benefit from them.
Tomorrow we're at the hospital again; shortly I'll be making another meal and I still haven't emptied the tumble drier of dry clothes which then require ironing. It never lets up but I've only been trying to learn violin playing three and an half years so far. I've just phoned the x-ray dept to check appointments are still valid which they are so a bitterly cold trip out in the morning leaving two more hospital appointments for next week but once Bron is in hospital I'll be visiting.
Good luck to the lady trying to play the cello but at least she's got help so will make more progress in a week than I've made so far with violins; I'm good at playing wrong notes; my path is full of holes.
Yes indeed flooding is terrible but not anywhere near wild fires; both though are very bad in their own way.
Kind regards, Col.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
2025 so far is the worst year of my entire life; it is with greatest sadness and heartbreak I pass on the news my wonderful wife Bron (Bronwyn) of 49 years sadly passed away in March this year leaving me devastated and now I'm entirely on my own. Bron and I lived for each other no longer trusting others having been let down so many times over the years by family and so called friends. Bron still is my wife and best friend and will be until the day I die.
Just before Bron became so seriously ill she expressed an interest in playing a guitar so I bought her two electric guitars and a fender amp; one of the guitars is a Fender Stratocaster and I've now had a go with the stratocaster also I've picked up my violins again. Bron only ever strummed the Stratocaster once with it on her lap just before she suddenly fell seriously ill. I'll never part with the guitars or amp and I intend to keep all the recording kit and three violins Bron generously bought for me as presents.
At last the crying has almost stopped and I'm now trying to adjust to my new life; I keep pl;aying the same three tunes every time I practice on the violins but now with winter in the near future and all the big outdoor jobs completed I'll spend more time with the guitars and violins.
Kind regards, Col.
2025 so far is the worst year of my entire life; it is with greatest sadness and heartbreak I pass on the news my wonderful wife Bron (Bronwyn) of 49 years sadly passed away in March this year leaving me devastated and now I'm entirely on my own. Bron and I lived for each other no longer trusting others having been let down so many times over the years by family and so called friends. Bron still is my wife and best friend and will be until the day I die.
Just before Bron became so seriously ill she expressed an interest in playing a guitar so I bought her two electric guitars and a fender amp; one of the guitars is a Fender Stratocaster and I've now had a go with the stratocaster also I've picked up my violins again. Bron only ever strummed the Stratocaster once with it on her lap just before she suddenly fell seriously ill. I'll never part with the guitars or amp and I intend to keep all the recording kit and three violins Bron generously bought for me as presents.
At last the crying has almost stopped and I'm now trying to adjust to my new life; I keep pl;aying the same three tunes every time I practice on the violins but now with winter in the near future and all the big outdoor jobs completed I'll spend more time with the guitars and violins.
Kind regards, Col.
Eric V
Member at-large
So sorry to hear the news Col. I hope you can find some solace in your music.
TalismanRich
Well-known member
Colin, I'm sorry to hear about Bron's passing. Your love and dedication to her was obvious to anyone reading your posts.
BTStudio
Well-known member
Colin I’ve been wondering how you have been lately. I’m so sorry to hear this and wish you well
Guy
Guy
Slouching Raymond
Well-known member
It is good to see you back here Colin.
You have to adjust to your new world, and I think music helps.
It is not so much practicing alone, but interacting with others about it.
I go to my 'Dorset Guitar Society' orchestra, and always come away uplifted.
Next week we're meeting up with two other guitar societies, in a mass gathering. That should be fun.
However dark things may feel, it is always good to work in at least some fun.
You have to adjust to your new world, and I think music helps.
It is not so much practicing alone, but interacting with others about it.
I go to my 'Dorset Guitar Society' orchestra, and always come away uplifted.
Next week we're meeting up with two other guitar societies, in a mass gathering. That should be fun.
However dark things may feel, it is always good to work in at least some fun.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
Thank you Eric V. Yes I'm finding music helps also I've been keeping busy working up to 14 hours daily with only meal breaks replacing a front porch I made and installed about eight years ago; the timber was rotting from the inside out allowing water ingress; only about a cupful of water but it was getting worse so I ripped the lot out. I had used modern joinery grade softwood which was a poor choice; I'd completely sealed it with high end Benjamin Moore paint but must have sealed moisture in also the knots were oozing sap; it looked terrible especially the front door. This new porch is made of Accoya timber which has a 50 year guarantee so should see me out; I also changed the style to include building blocks and Weber OCR render below the window. I made so many silly mistakes during the machining due to Bron constantly on my mind; I routed a joint in the wrong place and made the window frame 7" too wide; I was deeply upset but stuck with it; mistakes can be rectified bringing Bron back can't.
Oh dear; routed too far for the floating tenon.
Almost completed; making and installing this porch helped me through my deepest grief. I've also kept busy with rotavating the meadows and now weather permitting I'm creating a memorial garden for Bron. I'm sorry for going so far off topic but eventually we all pass away but losing someone you love more than you love yourself is incredibly painful indeed.
Thank you TalismanRich; almost 50 years together; closer than many couples because Bron and I only ever had one holiday away from home this was on our first wedding anniversary then Bron started to become ill limiting travelling but as long as we were together nothing else mattered; a true love story in this now awful world.
Thank you Guy for your good wishes. This year has been terrible; Bron passing away was heartbreaking; other troubles were the TV bundle was up for renewal; it was with BT who were wonderful but now with EE it was equally as bad as when we were with Virgin Media; hours and hours spent sorting it out and I wanted to go with EE for my new first mobile phone but gave up in the end going with iD sim only 12 month deal; a hugely better deal than EE . iD are so much better and account up and running in about 15 minutes. Last week I spent four highly frustrating days due to a leaking bathroom mixer tap rubber washer which refused to stop leaking; this in total cost around £120 before I fixed it; I replaced the 12 month old mixer tap with a new mixer tap. When I say this year is bad here's what caused the leak;
A thumb nail clipping which must have been hiding in the tap; I'd even recut the tap seat and run my little finger all around under the tap seat ; I'd replaced the washer four times; inspected closely with a small LED torch and even in the workshop under the large LED panel lamp still no sign of what was causing the leak then suddenly I noticed something drop into the cold water port although it was the hot tap leaking; it was this nail clipping. Bring on the next problem because I think after what I've suffered so far in 2025 I'm now bullet proof.
Thanks Slouching Raymond; it's good to be feeling better and engaging on forums again; I'm rather a loner and no longer trust people; Bron and I over the years had so many problems with my family and so called friends we were better off in our own company; I'm not feeling lonely because I will always love Bron deeply; she's still with me and always will be.
I do need to embrace my new life and I'm now making the effort; I'll never play in a a group setting; violin playing is my hobby and also now I've an interest in playing guitars. I've been watching YouTube videos covering both violin and guitar playing. I'm truly in awe of solo violinists and want to set my Yamaha YEV104 violin and Yamaha THR10 amp to sound like the solo violins but in order to do this I might need a pedal;
I've played around with settings on the amp but can't get the sound I really want; this is something interesting I want to experiment with; I've been playing the violin in the front room but now it's time to put the heating on in the studio and access all my recording gear; it will soon be winter then I'll be indoors a lot more. I'm as keen as ever to progress with my violins.
Thanks once again to everyone for your sympathy and welcome replies; all are appreciated. Now it's time to get myself sorted out not feeling so sorry for myself.
Kind regards, Col.
Thank you Eric V. Yes I'm finding music helps also I've been keeping busy working up to 14 hours daily with only meal breaks replacing a front porch I made and installed about eight years ago; the timber was rotting from the inside out allowing water ingress; only about a cupful of water but it was getting worse so I ripped the lot out. I had used modern joinery grade softwood which was a poor choice; I'd completely sealed it with high end Benjamin Moore paint but must have sealed moisture in also the knots were oozing sap; it looked terrible especially the front door. This new porch is made of Accoya timber which has a 50 year guarantee so should see me out; I also changed the style to include building blocks and Weber OCR render below the window. I made so many silly mistakes during the machining due to Bron constantly on my mind; I routed a joint in the wrong place and made the window frame 7" too wide; I was deeply upset but stuck with it; mistakes can be rectified bringing Bron back can't.
Oh dear; routed too far for the floating tenon.
Almost completed; making and installing this porch helped me through my deepest grief. I've also kept busy with rotavating the meadows and now weather permitting I'm creating a memorial garden for Bron. I'm sorry for going so far off topic but eventually we all pass away but losing someone you love more than you love yourself is incredibly painful indeed.
Thank you TalismanRich; almost 50 years together; closer than many couples because Bron and I only ever had one holiday away from home this was on our first wedding anniversary then Bron started to become ill limiting travelling but as long as we were together nothing else mattered; a true love story in this now awful world.
Thank you Guy for your good wishes. This year has been terrible; Bron passing away was heartbreaking; other troubles were the TV bundle was up for renewal; it was with BT who were wonderful but now with EE it was equally as bad as when we were with Virgin Media; hours and hours spent sorting it out and I wanted to go with EE for my new first mobile phone but gave up in the end going with iD sim only 12 month deal; a hugely better deal than EE . iD are so much better and account up and running in about 15 minutes. Last week I spent four highly frustrating days due to a leaking bathroom mixer tap rubber washer which refused to stop leaking; this in total cost around £120 before I fixed it; I replaced the 12 month old mixer tap with a new mixer tap. When I say this year is bad here's what caused the leak;
A thumb nail clipping which must have been hiding in the tap; I'd even recut the tap seat and run my little finger all around under the tap seat ; I'd replaced the washer four times; inspected closely with a small LED torch and even in the workshop under the large LED panel lamp still no sign of what was causing the leak then suddenly I noticed something drop into the cold water port although it was the hot tap leaking; it was this nail clipping. Bring on the next problem because I think after what I've suffered so far in 2025 I'm now bullet proof.
Thanks Slouching Raymond; it's good to be feeling better and engaging on forums again; I'm rather a loner and no longer trust people; Bron and I over the years had so many problems with my family and so called friends we were better off in our own company; I'm not feeling lonely because I will always love Bron deeply; she's still with me and always will be.
I do need to embrace my new life and I'm now making the effort; I'll never play in a a group setting; violin playing is my hobby and also now I've an interest in playing guitars. I've been watching YouTube videos covering both violin and guitar playing. I'm truly in awe of solo violinists and want to set my Yamaha YEV104 violin and Yamaha THR10 amp to sound like the solo violins but in order to do this I might need a pedal;
I've played around with settings on the amp but can't get the sound I really want; this is something interesting I want to experiment with; I've been playing the violin in the front room but now it's time to put the heating on in the studio and access all my recording gear; it will soon be winter then I'll be indoors a lot more. I'm as keen as ever to progress with my violins.
Thanks once again to everyone for your sympathy and welcome replies; all are appreciated. Now it's time to get myself sorted out not feeling so sorry for myself.
Kind regards, Col.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
A quick message (for a change).
Time to move on a bit; I've just bought a POG2 through Thomann
1x Electro Harmonix POG2
£277
Subtotal
£277
Shipping costs
£0
Kind regards, Col.
A quick message (for a change).
Time to move on a bit; I've just bought a POG2 through Thomann
1x Electro Harmonix POG2
£277
Subtotal
£277
Shipping costs
£0
Total: £277
All prices incl. VATKind regards, Col.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
I've now got two pedals; the POG2 very recently bought and the Merris ENZO Bron generously bought for me quite a while ago; both are interesting in their own rights; the POG2 has grabbed my interest although I enjoy both. I'm still practicing in the front room but don't have enough power sockets to plug both pedals into and I'm not a fan of multiple sockets on one lead.
I think it's nearing the time to get back into the studio where I installed 16 x 13a sockets forming the studios own ring circuit. I've also bought 6 short 1/4" jack leads which will allow connection of both pedals plus more pedals I hope to buy. The weather is turning colder and the daylight hours are disappearing at an alarming pace so shortly I'll be doing jobs inside but with more free time; all the big heavy jobs are now finally completed; I've just completed a memorial garden for Bron and made over two more flower beds I created for her a couple of years ago.
One of the flower beds being converted to Bron's memorial garden.
Completed with new shrubs and plants from J Parkers; the shrubs hopefully will fill the space with colour once they become established. I can see this from the kitchen window.
I'm now playing my violins and Bron's Fender Strat guitar just for my own enjoyment; if I don't get the notes right it doesn't bother me; four years ago when Bron bought me my first violin I obssesed with trying to play bang on tune but now I'm taking my time and tweaking as I learn more improving with practice; my memory is poor but I'm practicing playing four tunes over and over until I no longer need the sheet music playing without; it works for me and once I get everything settled down hope to extend my practice times.
Kind regards, Col.
I've now got two pedals; the POG2 very recently bought and the Merris ENZO Bron generously bought for me quite a while ago; both are interesting in their own rights; the POG2 has grabbed my interest although I enjoy both. I'm still practicing in the front room but don't have enough power sockets to plug both pedals into and I'm not a fan of multiple sockets on one lead.
I think it's nearing the time to get back into the studio where I installed 16 x 13a sockets forming the studios own ring circuit. I've also bought 6 short 1/4" jack leads which will allow connection of both pedals plus more pedals I hope to buy. The weather is turning colder and the daylight hours are disappearing at an alarming pace so shortly I'll be doing jobs inside but with more free time; all the big heavy jobs are now finally completed; I've just completed a memorial garden for Bron and made over two more flower beds I created for her a couple of years ago.
One of the flower beds being converted to Bron's memorial garden.
Completed with new shrubs and plants from J Parkers; the shrubs hopefully will fill the space with colour once they become established. I can see this from the kitchen window.
I'm now playing my violins and Bron's Fender Strat guitar just for my own enjoyment; if I don't get the notes right it doesn't bother me; four years ago when Bron bought me my first violin I obssesed with trying to play bang on tune but now I'm taking my time and tweaking as I learn more improving with practice; my memory is poor but I'm practicing playing four tunes over and over until I no longer need the sheet music playing without; it works for me and once I get everything settled down hope to extend my practice times.
Kind regards, Col.
Slouching Raymond
Well-known member
Your garden is looking good.
I don't try to read for electric guitar, or steel string acoustic.
I have a collection of pop songs in my head from my youth, that I usually run through.
Then there is 'making it up as you go',which can be fun.
Over a lifetime you get skill in your fingers, making it easier.
I don't try to read for electric guitar, or steel string acoustic.
I have a collection of pop songs in my head from my youth, that I usually run through.
Then there is 'making it up as you go',which can be fun.
Over a lifetime you get skill in your fingers, making it easier.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
Thanks for your kind comments and interesting reply @Slouching Raymond
I know very little about music in general but I do try with my violin whilst I've only picked up an electric guitar a few times; violins are my favourite. It appears to me violins are more structured where sheet music is more important regarding adhering to correct notes than sheet music is to guitars; the two instruments whilst both being string instruments are worlds apart. I could be totally wrong but the more I get into stringed instruments the less I know. I'm not knocking guitars; I simply don't know.
I can now play a number of songs that can be recognized on my violin even from memory because I've played them over and over; I've resumed learning Lara's Theme on my violin; the first three score pages; the first page is mostly complicated introduction which at the moment I skip over to "Somewhere my love" playing from this near the bottom of the page. Lara's theme is the one I was most keen to learn over four years ago when I first started to play the violin but then life got in the way but now I'm on my own I can pick up where I left off.
I can play the first part at the bottom of page one from memory but I'm now finding with the score in front of me I'm getting much quicker at sight reading; just the very basics but improving slowly all the time.
I'm running before I can walk and know this but I've now developed an interest in pedals which fascinate me; to make my violin/guitar sound like an organ truly amazes me and the sheer number of pedals overwhelms me as to their different functions. I'm starting to think more about my small recording studio; how best to arrange it to make it easier to use. Hopefully when winter arrives I'll spend more time in the studio just enjoying playing for my own fun and not to impress anyone.
Time now to get off my backside; put on my old work clothes and head into the workshop to sort out the petrol rotavator which died a few days ago; I'm doing such jobs whilst the weather remains mild but in winter I can leave repair jobs alone unless urgent.
Kind regards, Col.
Thanks for your kind comments and interesting reply @Slouching Raymond
I know very little about music in general but I do try with my violin whilst I've only picked up an electric guitar a few times; violins are my favourite. It appears to me violins are more structured where sheet music is more important regarding adhering to correct notes than sheet music is to guitars; the two instruments whilst both being string instruments are worlds apart. I could be totally wrong but the more I get into stringed instruments the less I know. I'm not knocking guitars; I simply don't know.
I can now play a number of songs that can be recognized on my violin even from memory because I've played them over and over; I've resumed learning Lara's Theme on my violin; the first three score pages; the first page is mostly complicated introduction which at the moment I skip over to "Somewhere my love" playing from this near the bottom of the page. Lara's theme is the one I was most keen to learn over four years ago when I first started to play the violin but then life got in the way but now I'm on my own I can pick up where I left off.
I can play the first part at the bottom of page one from memory but I'm now finding with the score in front of me I'm getting much quicker at sight reading; just the very basics but improving slowly all the time.
I'm running before I can walk and know this but I've now developed an interest in pedals which fascinate me; to make my violin/guitar sound like an organ truly amazes me and the sheer number of pedals overwhelms me as to their different functions. I'm starting to think more about my small recording studio; how best to arrange it to make it easier to use. Hopefully when winter arrives I'll spend more time in the studio just enjoying playing for my own fun and not to impress anyone.
Time now to get off my backside; put on my old work clothes and head into the workshop to sort out the petrol rotavator which died a few days ago; I'm doing such jobs whilst the weather remains mild but in winter I can leave repair jobs alone unless urgent.
Kind regards, Col.
Papanate
Well-known member
I have nothing to add - except it sounds like you have an exceptional relationship with Bron - I wonder with your skillset that you might like to teach others - like a Handyman 101 course - you don’t have to trust anyone - but you get around people who are vested in your knowledge.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
Many thanks @Papanate for your kind reply and welcome suggestion. Yes indeed Bron and I were devoted to each other.
For many years we helped people sort out their problems but during our 48 year marriage it was mostly one way. About six years ago having helped our immediate neighbour many times who sadly suffered the loss of her husband it was the last job I'll do to help anyone out; it's not worth the return. This pensioner lady lived on her own and I ended up looking after repairs to her bungalow and also doing jobs in her garden taking pity on her; Bron too helped her whenever she could. One day she asked if I'd help her replace the fence bordering both our gardens; it was a chicken wire mesh fence with our laurels growing through; there was an old garden hut on her side and a composting bin.
Bron and I drove her over to a local supplier where she ordered and paid for the goods I'd drawn the list up for. When the goods arrived we arranged for me to go round at 9:00am Monday morning taking my tools round. Keeping my promise I was there promptly ready to make a start; suddenly she had a five day golf tournament to attend and off she went. Like an idiot I did the whole job and as I knocked off at 4:00pm the following Friday she arrived back home with perfect timing.
I cut back the laurels; cleared the hut and compost bin running the debris to the tip then I set about installing the fence with Bron supplying tea and biscuits as I worked; the garden to fence access was a nightmare; very steep indeed.
When I say access was bad I wasn't kidding.
The newly installed chain link fence.
She then already had another job lined up for me but I'd had enough and was busy elsewhere every time she needed my help. having now lost her slave she moved about a year later finding it costing her a fortune to get someone in. In future I'll help anyone who's helped us so I'm free at last of doing favours and I'll not do paid work either because I need to pay our government tax on earnings; count me out; I've had enough and now at 78 I've got more than enough to keep me fully occupied. A good idea though @Papanate; I understand you wishing to help; thank you again.
This year has been the worst yeat of my entire life; my wonderful wife Bron passing away in March; having to replace the entire front porch during summer; the wildflower meadows failing due to ongoing rare drought and this afternoon loaded me up a bit more; nothing can hurt me now and my bad luck hovers full time over me like an halo.
I knew the petrol rotavator repair was going to bite me; it had a strong spark at the plug and I poured a drop of petrol into the plug hole but it refused to even cough; being a mechanical engineer I didn't need a compression tester to find low compression so I've spent a couple of hours stripping the rotavator down. The picture shows the reason for low compression; a broken piston ring and badly damaged piston.
This pin dropped onto the bench and it appears to come from a piston ring location hole? I'm through with all this bad luck; if it's going to be costly or hassle obtaining a new piston with rings it'll go for recycling; this modern tinny rotavator isn't a patch on my restored vintage 64 year old Howard Bulldog; I only bought this modern rotavator to get into tight places I couldn't access with the bulldog; in future my garden spade will highly likely replace it; give me old fashioned any day.
Whilst down in the workshop my landline phone was ringing; I let it ring because by the time I got up to the bungalow it would ring off anyway; why doesn't the landline ring when I'm near it but then this is my life and I'm not complaining there are millions better off than I am.
I do go on about how wonderful Bron has been during our long loving marriage; here's just one example of why I'm heartbroken to lose her. Bron was admitted into palliative care at our local hospital spending just over two weeks in the ward finally being allowed home to die in peace and in my care. One day there was a wedding being carried out at the far end of the ward; an elderly gentleman was getting married before he died. I was spending twelve hours each day at Bron's bedside watching the sun rise and fall in her company; I only returned home for two hours each day to cook a meal and sort myself out. Returning to Bron one day she told me about the wedding and that she'd given a nurse £25 to give to the married couple as a wedding gift; unfortunately having checked the nurse apologised saying it was against hospital policy. Every visit I made I took along chocolates for the nurses to share. Every appointment over the years Bron attended she took along chocolates with her; this morning I visited the surgery for my jabs and took along chocolates; such generosity and kindness these days is incredibly rare; it's an honour to be married to Bron because I'll remain married to her until I die; Bron's the kindest; most generous loving lady I'll ever have the privilege of meeting. A true romance with a sad ending.
Kind regards, Col.
Many thanks @Papanate for your kind reply and welcome suggestion. Yes indeed Bron and I were devoted to each other.
For many years we helped people sort out their problems but during our 48 year marriage it was mostly one way. About six years ago having helped our immediate neighbour many times who sadly suffered the loss of her husband it was the last job I'll do to help anyone out; it's not worth the return. This pensioner lady lived on her own and I ended up looking after repairs to her bungalow and also doing jobs in her garden taking pity on her; Bron too helped her whenever she could. One day she asked if I'd help her replace the fence bordering both our gardens; it was a chicken wire mesh fence with our laurels growing through; there was an old garden hut on her side and a composting bin.
Bron and I drove her over to a local supplier where she ordered and paid for the goods I'd drawn the list up for. When the goods arrived we arranged for me to go round at 9:00am Monday morning taking my tools round. Keeping my promise I was there promptly ready to make a start; suddenly she had a five day golf tournament to attend and off she went. Like an idiot I did the whole job and as I knocked off at 4:00pm the following Friday she arrived back home with perfect timing.
I cut back the laurels; cleared the hut and compost bin running the debris to the tip then I set about installing the fence with Bron supplying tea and biscuits as I worked; the garden to fence access was a nightmare; very steep indeed.
When I say access was bad I wasn't kidding.
The newly installed chain link fence.
She then already had another job lined up for me but I'd had enough and was busy elsewhere every time she needed my help. having now lost her slave she moved about a year later finding it costing her a fortune to get someone in. In future I'll help anyone who's helped us so I'm free at last of doing favours and I'll not do paid work either because I need to pay our government tax on earnings; count me out; I've had enough and now at 78 I've got more than enough to keep me fully occupied. A good idea though @Papanate; I understand you wishing to help; thank you again.
This year has been the worst yeat of my entire life; my wonderful wife Bron passing away in March; having to replace the entire front porch during summer; the wildflower meadows failing due to ongoing rare drought and this afternoon loaded me up a bit more; nothing can hurt me now and my bad luck hovers full time over me like an halo.
I knew the petrol rotavator repair was going to bite me; it had a strong spark at the plug and I poured a drop of petrol into the plug hole but it refused to even cough; being a mechanical engineer I didn't need a compression tester to find low compression so I've spent a couple of hours stripping the rotavator down. The picture shows the reason for low compression; a broken piston ring and badly damaged piston.
This pin dropped onto the bench and it appears to come from a piston ring location hole? I'm through with all this bad luck; if it's going to be costly or hassle obtaining a new piston with rings it'll go for recycling; this modern tinny rotavator isn't a patch on my restored vintage 64 year old Howard Bulldog; I only bought this modern rotavator to get into tight places I couldn't access with the bulldog; in future my garden spade will highly likely replace it; give me old fashioned any day.
Whilst down in the workshop my landline phone was ringing; I let it ring because by the time I got up to the bungalow it would ring off anyway; why doesn't the landline ring when I'm near it but then this is my life and I'm not complaining there are millions better off than I am.
I do go on about how wonderful Bron has been during our long loving marriage; here's just one example of why I'm heartbroken to lose her. Bron was admitted into palliative care at our local hospital spending just over two weeks in the ward finally being allowed home to die in peace and in my care. One day there was a wedding being carried out at the far end of the ward; an elderly gentleman was getting married before he died. I was spending twelve hours each day at Bron's bedside watching the sun rise and fall in her company; I only returned home for two hours each day to cook a meal and sort myself out. Returning to Bron one day she told me about the wedding and that she'd given a nurse £25 to give to the married couple as a wedding gift; unfortunately having checked the nurse apologised saying it was against hospital policy. Every visit I made I took along chocolates for the nurses to share. Every appointment over the years Bron attended she took along chocolates with her; this morning I visited the surgery for my jabs and took along chocolates; such generosity and kindness these days is incredibly rare; it's an honour to be married to Bron because I'll remain married to her until I die; Bron's the kindest; most generous loving lady I'll ever have the privilege of meeting. A true romance with a sad ending.
Kind regards, Col.
