What are you all up to

Options
1…937938940942943…2132

Comments

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 14,378
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited July 2019 #28172

    Not long after we had our new boiler installed we had new smart meters installed (not sure the two were connected) plus an inhouse display. Apparently they have built in SIM cards so if a mobile phone works OK where you live so should the smart meter! However it was all not without several problems. Firstly the inhouse display seemed to be over reading the cost of the gas/electric used. Phone call to suppliers, software problem the decimal point is in the wrong place!!! The inhouse display lost communication with the meters. I think we have the gas meter back on line but still waiting for the electricity one to start providing information to the inhouse display. Given that the cost of two showers seems to be about 4p I think they may have also got their decimal point sorted!!!

    David

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 17,770
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited July 2019 #28173

    My Mum has Smart Meters cracked. Turns them off, claims they are using electricity, which puts her bills up! Can’t fault her logic to be honest......πŸ˜‚

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,852
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28174

    We are avoiding smart meters for as long as possible as we have solar panels and there have been problems reported with some of the early Smart meters.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Club Member Posts: 10,224
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28175

    Lymington used two be one of my favourite spots when we had the boat.

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,960
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited July 2019 #28176

    Same here, added to the fact that in our house getting a mobile signal is a hit and miss unless you hang out of the attic window laughing

    How you doing Kj not heard from you for awhile, are you still away? 

    Raining on and off today, guess what, the ironing is now done laughinglaughing

    OH out helping someone collect a donation of wood to the Men's shed. I'm now off to the hairdresser for a tidy up.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Club Member Posts: 10,224
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28177

    Smart meters are a bit of a con IMHO. Unless the figures displayed prompt a change of usage, they make no difference whatsoever.

  • triky auto
    triky auto Forum Participant Posts: 8,689 Participant
    500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited July 2019 #28178

    There have been reports of people having headaches & other symptoms ,due to the transmission from the meters (radiation?)undecided

  • moulesy
    moulesy Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 9,414
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited July 2019 #28179

    Lunch out today meeting up with a group of former work colleagues. We only meet up about twice a year - can never agree on more dates now we're all retired and so busy!

    Shocked to find out the school actually breaks up tomorrow - never there, those teachers these days!  laughing

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 8,474
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28180

    A day that had mizzle when we got up just what the garden needed, which was off and on - earlier than forecasted rain! Had decided on a trip to the coast as a day of no appointments. Undeterred we headed off, got steadily heavier. A12 was dreadful with spray and wipers on max, decided on Colchester castle. Rain and spray got worse so decided on Perrywood garden centre which has a great cafe as well as wonderful stock, voted 3rd best in the UK and first for customer care and destination garden centre. Even have 3 or 4 long parking spaces as well double rows, so great stop with a motorhome πŸ˜‰.

    Queue out of the cafe door soon after noon! So we opted for cuppa and scone. Rain ceased after our mooch, only bought 1 plant 😯😯! Headed off to colchester but realised parking for the castle was amongst the shoppers car parks all a decent walk from the castle so decided against a visit today - will do our homework on parking. The castle grounds have wonderful award winning gardens so a better day weather wise will be sensible.

    Called on a cousin on the off chance, had a great afternoon, so all was not lost.

    Warm and humid still but refreshing rain insufficient to enliven all the wilting garden. Rain forecast for tomorrow.

    WN hope your van doesn't have any faults. Same for you nelliethehooker.

    KjNelln nice to hear from you.

    Moulsey teachers have such a cushy life, long holidays and short days in term time πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚. Bet you miss it! I dont think our schools break up until next week.

    Brue wish you better so you can enjoy your family visit.

    We are on our 2nd smart meter tariff- no smart meter, no one has even tried to come out. Hard to maintain mobile signal as our phones and OH tech heart kit testify so not holding out any hope πŸ˜‰. Daughter in NZ has them and has for ladt 12 years, billed monthly on use. How sensible is that? All done by DD.

     

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 14,612
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28181

    Same here, added to the fact that in our house getting a mobile signal is a hit and miss unless you hang out of the attic window

    We are the same, which is why we need the 2nd generation meters as they rely on radio signals instead of phone/wifi signals.

    Our service went well, only one small area of damp which could be due to water ingress from the fridge vents during washing the van this week.  Not too bad for an 8 yr old van. 

    After yesterday's rain, which did the garden a load of good, we've had another dry day with high clouds and a light breeze. Got a bit more gardening done, and the Sunflowers are coming out nicely. We got the seeds from the plants we had opposite us at The Old Orchard CL last year. Started to plan our next  trip to Dumfries and Galloway....2 sites so far booked and waiting for word from a third before we can sort out the rest of the trip.

  • Francis
    Francis Club Member Posts: 2,155
    500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28182

    Another warm day here today. We visited The National motor museum at Beaulieu what a great day out we stayed right up until they were closing. They have some lovely cars I loved Del Boys reliant and got some great pics with it also the Top Gear exhibition was good too. We only had time for a brief walk around the grounds but our tickets allow us to return so we may head back one. Afternoon for a better walk. We used the Clubs discount scheme which was worth while and saved 33 percent off the admission fee. After a recommendation on another forum we had lunch in the cafe which was very nice and at a reasonable price. Not sure what we are doing tomorrow I was planning on going a cycle but the forecast is showing rain for most of the day so i doubt I will be cycling.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 14,378
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited July 2019 #28183

    I am not sure that we had a choice as the work was done by the company that runs the supply network. I didn't ask as I was quite keen to have them but having said that the old ones have been pretty reliable for years which can't be said for the new ones!!!

    David

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 Participant
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited July 2019 #28184

    I get a headache when I see the bills. wink

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 14,378
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited July 2019 #28185

    Most unlikely according to this Government document Most meters are outside the house anyway and even the little internal display is unlikely to be anywhere near where you would spend a lot of time! 

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,852
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28186

    Yes, we are still away, but due home on Saturday.  We have had a good trip, great weather with very little rain.  We are now at the CCC site near Alton Towers, though not planning a visit!  Nice site but a lot of statics and seasonal vans, which have all the best pitches near the facilities, so not ideal for those in tents.

    Heavy showers last night, the first real rain we have had in over 4 weeks, but dry today so we have taken down the awning this evening as rain is forecast for tomorrow.  Going to visit some of the pottery outlets in Stoke tomorrow.......time to hide the credit card I think!

    Looking forward to getting home as we have been missing little Callum.

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 Participant
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited July 2019 #28187

    We went into Stoke on T on our last trip and managed to park the motorhome at the Emma Bridgewater pottery, had a nice couple of hours there but  didn't buy much! 

  • Francis
    Francis Club Member Posts: 2,155
    500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28188

    It’s been pouring here most of the night and looks like it has to be like this for the rest of the day so think we will be looking for an indoors attraction today. Still can’t complain we have been away 8 nights and the weather has been excellent so far. According to the forecast the weather has to pick up again over the weekend. Glad you are having a good trip KJ

  • Goldie146
    Goldie146 Club Member Posts: 2,545
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited July 2019 #28189

    We’re still at New England Bay - once set up we don’t tour. The weather has been very changeable - warm sun interspersed with heavy showers. Yesterday we a very good lunch at The Old Colfin Creamery (about 12 miles away on the A77). While there we were struck by the Afternoon Teas a party was having, so we’ve booked ours for Sunday. 

    We stocked up on  supplies at Stranraer Morrison’s (including Beef Shorthorn steaks). Hopefully the weather will be kinder tomorrow and we’ll cook them outside.

    Last night we watched a bit of Look North West on iPlayer - they are following our farm throughout the year. 

    Today may be a day of reading and video watching.

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member, Member Moderator Posts: 6,064
    1,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited July 2019 #28190

    Anna's graduation was a great occasion yesterday.  The weather was good and the ceremony was very well thought out and was far less formal that was Ruth or Thomas's and certainly completely different to my own, which had a large part in Latin!!  She got to shake hands with Dawn French (as Chancellor of Falmouth Uni) who spoke really well - of course, with a high level of humour.  I'll try and post some photos below.....

    Dull and rainy day here in Redruth today! undecided

    David

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 Participant
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited July 2019 #28191

    Well done that girl David! You must be proud of her and the day sounded just right. smile

    Goldie, hope the Look North filming goes well, you must all be used to cameras by now?! 

    Proper rain here at last, but not for long and then back to the heat I think? 

    Just about thrown off the bug I've had. We went to see a Ray Cooney farce last night (very funny.) The little theatre was hot and airless so I'm glad I got through it without a coughing fit but there was plenty of laughter going around.

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 11,182
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28192

    There were a lot of cats and dogs on the road this morning.smile

    Trying to track down local suppliers of specialised flour without much success. I can find Plain, Self Raising and White Rice flour plus Gram flour in the Asian sections but after that it's impossible. Will take a trip into our local town this afternoon to see if Holland and Barrett or the Independent Health food shop have any. It's expensive stuff to start with so don't want to deal in mail order as it obviously weighs a bit and postage is a problem.

    Hope all those away touring are having a good time. I'm enjoying my home holiday.smile

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,960
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited July 2019 #28193

    Been dry so far today, warm enough for T shirt if working outdoors. 

    After doing the housework first thing, + 2 loads of washing I gave the inside of the caravan a really good clean out. Polished everything and gave the hob, grill and oven a good clean. Van now ready to use and empty of all surplus stuff for its service. 

    We are off to Aberdeen on Sunday for 2 nights, van goes in Monday morning for service then back to CL for another night before coming back down the road on Tuesday morning. Decided we would have mini break from all the work, I've looked up a got a couple of NT places to visit while we are there.

    OH just taken delivery of his polycarbonate 'windows' he is now itching to get on with it laughing he will have to wait until tomorrow though as dinner is on.

    DSB, lovely photos, glad you had a lovely day.

    WN, what kind of flour is it your after? hope you found some.

    Kj, safe drive home. 

  • ADD46
    ADD46 Forum Participant Posts: 437 Participant
    100 Comments
    edited July 2019 #28194

    DSB thank you for sharing your photographs. It looks like a lovely day and one to be proud of for all of you.

    Tammygirl - I'm going to have to stop reading your posts......they wear me out! πŸ˜€

    We've been at work today. Now taken delivery of two family dogs to be in our care for the next week. (Their families are going on a cruise). So we're planning a staycation at home in the back garden with good weather. The gazebo is up and the dogs have brought their own little paddling pool with them in case it gets too hot next week. Looking forward to having them here and pottering in the garden with them. 🐢🐢

  • RedKite
    RedKite Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 1,831
    500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited July 2019 #28195

    WN can you use chestnut flour as we know it is used for gluten free products and it is available here.

    Sounds like folk are having a good time all those on holidays and good photos DSB very proud parents.

    Over did it yesterday taking down an old wooden shed so a bit slow today with sciatica and other aches, so a slower pace today and the heat is getting hotter next week upto 40/41C just hope we get the storm that is forecast for Saturday morning.

    Local village do tomorrow night so will have to get ear defenders out as 5 bands will be playing at least until 1am why they have it so loud and we are nearly 3/4 mile from the village, last week we could hear the bass from another village do and that is 3 miles from from us not that we do not like music but some of it not our type of music, we will go up to the Sunday evening do as local food and not so much music.

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 8,474
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28196

    Lovely photos DSB, congratulations to your daughter and her proud parents.

    ADD46 you're not the only one who feels tired after ready Tammygirls's posts, I need a lie down πŸ˜‚. Because others feel the same I now don't feel so inadequate, I think Tammygirl is the exception πŸ˜‰πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚. Enjoy your visiting dogs.

    More of the moist stuff here again today, soft and gentle but at times fairly heavy - the buddleia leaves aren't wilting any more but I still have plant leaves looking very sad.

    Enjoyed a trip out to Beeleigh Abbey gardens this morning managed about half the gardens before we had to shelter in the tea marquee, nice cakes πŸ˜‰. It stopped so we finished in the dry. (A 12 century abbey destroyed in the reformation just a very small part remains as a house, owned until recently by the Foyle family of bookshop fame.) I have never visited before as it has limited opening and work got in the way, it seems to always be a weekday, then when I remembered to check dates clashed with other diary events. Think well have to visit again in another season.

    The moist stuff has continued on and off, its warm grey and dull, even had to put the lights on under the kitchen units whilst doing dinner 😱. Looks like more of the same tomorrow then hopefully some blue skies, not quite so sure about the predicted temperatures!

    Safe journey's to those travelling. Enjoy yourselves whatever you're doing.

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 11,182
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28197

    WN, what kind of flour is it your after?

    The non gluten type Tammy. Supermarkets do supply some of my needs but only the basics. I've tended to find a mixture of flours is better is most circumstances which includes such things as Sorghum or Tapioca or Oat Flour or Potato Flour or Polenta etc. Tescos etc. are just not interested in these as they probably couldn't shift enough of them. Plus I also have to have access to Xantham Gum or Physllium Husks. and Gluten Free Baking Powder. Do yourself a favour and don't get an allergy or intolerance to wheat.

    Thanks RK. Yes I have used it but I have to mail order it and it's frankly not worth the hassle. I find Sorghum to be a really good all rounder except for some lighter cakes.

    I didn't get out of the house as just after putting my shoes on the heavens opened again. Tomorrow will do.

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,190
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28198

    Great photos David.

    Got van ready for our trip to Essex on Sunday.

    Browsing the Acsi website for Southern France and flicking through one campsites photographs and presented with a picture of my brother, how weird is that.

    Not a bad day but raining quite hard now

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 8,474
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28199

    Browsing the Acsi website for Southern France and flicking through one campsites photographs and presented with a picture of my brother, how weird is that.

    bet you had to check the photo several times before being convinced πŸ˜‰

    A warm welcome will await you in Essex - as well as the site! Enjoy and give our best wishes to Adrienne. Hope the hares and barn owl provide entertain without leaving your van.

  • Freddy55
    Freddy55 Club Member Posts: 1,969
    500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28200

    Coincidences are a funny thing. A good few years ago, we went to Trevornick, a campsite just south of Newquay. I went to the on-site shop to buy something and bumped into...my brother.

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 11,182
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2019 #28201

    We were watching the Wales weather forecast a while back and a picture came up from a "weather watcher". It was Mrs WN! She had taken a picture of the gates at Chirk Castle as she liked the shadows they were casting. She took it on her phone and we have no idea how it ended up being used on BBC tv! She's not a "weather watcher". Not only did they have the photo but they printed her name. Quite a weird experience.

Welcome!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.