What are you all up to
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Good job you didn't get to Frinton, Bakers, judging by what happened. Did they identify the problem?
we didn't get to Frinton Thursday for sheer volume of traffic, queuing up the slip road! That was due to Clacton airshow. Problem along the coast, I believe Clacton and Walton included, started yesterday. Not heard anything about identifying the cause, but breathing difficulties, advice is not to enter the water. Such a shame as it's been sorchio here, around 32.5c so would have been an ideal day for trip to the coast. Traffic permitting 😉.
We too have done very little today on heat grounds. We did go out for lunch to local tearooms and then on to my mum. A couple of small jobs for her, changing radio batteries. She has several battery radios all set to different stations! Don't ask! Most folk tune to the station they want 😂😤. Change over 2 hanging baskets, literally swopping hooks for them. 1st one I took down had a stinging nettle that BIT me well and truly, had to plunge arm in cold water before I could do anything more 😲😲😲. Its still tingling like mad.
Came away with my late dad's swagger stick. There was one on the TV programme recently The Repair Shop which caused me to ask mum which regiment dad was in when he got it. It has always lived in the hanging chain of the lounge mirror. It was the Hampshire's. He started off in the Essex but soon after enlisted at 18 they were transferred on mass to he Hampshire. He lightly eluded to reason when I was a child but it was a long time before I realised the real reason - big losses in battle 😢😢. Must now try to get his army records - I keep promising I will but haven't as yet. He did dictate his journey from Gold beach into Germany before he died but mum's not sure where she put it. Too hot to rummage today! If anyone can shed light on reason for presentation of a swagger stick I'm all ears, well in this case eyes 😉. Mum says good conduct. Mr Google not been much help so far and our wonderful Essex Regiment curator has retired, knowledge levels not quite what they were now 😉
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Swagger sticks! My OH used a swagger stick when he was Training Officer in Fire Brigade! Most of the Officers used to make their own, using a chimney rod cut down, then brass ends made from plumbing bits, finally all polished up. OH used to use his Hunting cane which he had for doing Working Hunter classes when we used to show horses. They had to do a lot of shouting and bawling at recruits, pointing things out on parade ground, and for looking super smart on parade.
They originate with Roman Centurions, similar use, although I think things got a touch physical in terms of “encouragement” back then!😁
An interesting memento.
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Bakers2 I got my Dad's army records some years ago. Cost about £25 but maybe more now. Very intetesting to read. I cant now remember how I got them. Google might be your friend. If not let me know and I will have a rummage in my records.
Had a great afternoon at eldest son's BBQ. Lots of shade on their raised decking.😊 So lovely to have a family catch up. Pregnant grand-daughter absolutely blooming. Her fiance lived in Australia for a number of years and is King of the BBQ. 😁
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Bakers, I asked my OH where you would apply for your Dad's military records as he had done so on my behalf for my Dad.
OH says you want,
www.gov.uk\guidance\request-records-of-deceased-service-personnel
the cost is now £30.
OH also says a swagger stick is usually carried by an 'Orderly' or an Officer. Seemingly at the time your Dad would have served most Officers carried them, was he an Officer, if not then he may well have been an 'Orderly' and just retained it after he finished service.
Hope this is of some help.
Edit: If your Dad had medals and you would like them mounted or framed my eldest son does them as a 'side line'
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Milliehull sounds like a great day. I have to say daughters kiwi friends do great bbqs and not just meat 😃. Glad your granddaughter is blooming.
Tammygirl thanks for the info, I had it somewhere 😉, price hasn't changed for years. Pretty certain dad was RSM. It's definitely a swagger stick, wood with a slight curve I presume where he held it under his arm, with white metal tip and ball embossed with Hampshire crest. References keep saying about a pace stick, this isn't. I must try to re-watch the episode where chap had his repaired, he was same age as my dad would be, I recall and I'm sure he said he'd been awarded 4.
Takethedogalong interesting read, was his swagger stick ever used in anger 😉😂. One article I read said they were used to ensure hands stayed out of pockets. In that case I'd have thought one under each arm was only sure way!😂😂
My brother has dad's medals which dad proudly wore for Rememberance day, he used to play last post and revellie at the war memorial when I was a child. Still find it all very moving. My brother is in the throes of moving at the mo so I won't mention it yet!
Going to be another scorcher here again, talk of 33 😲, it's not overly humid but about 60% so reckon another day of essential duties only. This is where I miss the air conditioning of my working days 😂😂. Very warm overnight too.
Whatever you're doing enjoy your day folks
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Despite the heat I've attacked the golden heart ivy that we have growing up chain link fence at the bottom of the garden between us and neighbour. It had started to climb up the uninteresting tree and got very wayward. Haven't managed to trim as much as I'd like yet - too hot and my 2 full brown bins, but did manage to get everything in despite them being both 3/4 full at the start. Now very hot and dirty so off to shower before heading out to buy new secateurs as I realise ALL of our selection are naff. Grass could do with a trim but no space for clippings unless I can beg some spare in a neighbours bin. We alledgedly have some rain 0.1mm forecast for tomorrow and about a 10 degree drop in temperature 😃 might need my winter woolies 😂😂😂
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Started off really nice and sunny but not too hot but has now clouded over and rain is forecast.
Managed a drive down to our nearest M&S this morning. I seemed to have misplaced my appetite, probably as a result of the meds, so we have decided to let M&S take the strain for a while. They do quite a reasonable selection of meals and part meals that I can have.
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Message for TammyGirl.
TG, we may have to change our tow car to accommodate any new caravan we buy. I was already thinking about a car that could accommodate the bikes inside it and read about your new Verso.
What model is it? I know you said you could take the seats out, which would be ideal for what we may be looking for. And if it isn't any trouble would it be possible to take a picture of the bikes inside when you next load it so that I could see what it looks like. If it's not possible then don't worry about it.
Thanks for any information you can give.
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Sorry to hear you've misplaced your appetite, hope it and the enthusiasm to create meals returns.
M&S have been doing my dinners quite a lot since January and they do offer a good choice and great quality in ready meals. They even do mini meals which was sufficient at some points. Their frozen fish is always good and makes me feel like I've contributed towards 'making' dinner 😉
Whilst the enthusiasm to create meals hasn't returned, in my case, was it ever there? I do now prefer to prep my own so must be making progress! But when I've exhausted myself in the garden it's good to have them in the freezer.
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Same here with M&S meals, some I buy as a base and then add veg etc. I did a shop today, a mixture of easy and add ons...I did manage to do a roast chicken proper at the weeked. Tomorrow I will hear if I can cut down on bananas!! I really don't care as long as I can keep going and tonight, hooray, OH will make a curry. Hope your appetite returns WN, I'm sure it will. B2, you and your OH have been through such a lot you have my full permission to make life as easy and pleasant as possible!
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Just done a 299 miler from Irrel on the border with Luxembourg to Augsburg, had a really good run, quite a few roadworks but no accidents ,vehicle fires or just plain weight of traffic like the journey from Calais yesterday. Onto Villach tomorrow then Vrsar next day. Vignettes already purchased and stuck on the windscreen.
Have to agree with David it really is hot here in Germany at present.
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Bakers2, The ear drops we hope are clearing up the infection, which is apparently a fungal infection, which us different to the normal child hood ones, they have to also clear the ear out. The doctor has told him it will take several weeks to clear completely.
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Just catching up, sounds like all trips away have been, and are going well. Hope everyone enjoyed the BH and the sunny weather.
We had a lovely time at the Plum Festival, lots to see and do, plenty of classic cars too keep Trevor happy.
Came away with lots of plums, but also some yummy cheeses and some Jam, plum of course.
It us well worth a visit if in the area next August BH. Back at work today, it's been another very warm day, but had a shower this afternoon and now there is a bit of a breeze.
Had a video call with youngest son last night, they have been busy, painting and decorating their new house, done really well tackling lots of different DIY jobs with the help of youtube videos!
Sorry to hear you have lost your appetite Wherenext, I'am sure M&S have something to tempt you.
I will have to find a few more recipes for all the plums I now have! Plum crumble cake is one I am going to try.0 -
WN, the one we have is the ProAce Verso family compact. Its 8 seats, 2 cab seats with arm rests. Then the middle row has a double seat and a single, the same with the back row, the backs of the seats are individual though so can be reclined/adjusted separately. There is a mid and longer version but we didn't like the cab as its a double seat and a single, like you get in vans. The double seat though doesn't have any adjustments or arm rest, I didn't find it that comfortable and given the miles we do felt it wasn't the best.
The middle and rear seats can all come out fairly easy, the double though is on the heavy side so we lift it between us, best done from the rear of the vehicle rather than out the sliding door. We found you can remove the rear one, then slide the middle one to the rear, so you can have loading space at the rear or in the middle, or like us on the next trip remove the lot. There is 4 anchor points to secure the load. If required you can reverse the middle seats to face backwards.
OH says they are made by Toyota, Citroën and Peugeot all the same base vehicle, we also looked at VW and Hyundai. VW are of course very expensive, Hyundai seats don't all come out.
Road tax is £145, insurance is the same as the Kuga.
Lots of other features of course like all new cars we are still playing.
We are going away this weekend so will take photos of the bikes inside. Ours are 26" and 28" wheels ebikes and fit well.
Not sure how I'm going to post photos them as I've never done that yet
Hope this helps.
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Gosh, Bakers2, it most certainly it was NOT muddy ! Very hot n dusty and enjoyable, well as much as it could be for the conditions !!
Thoroughly Enjoyable apart from the last hour, saying Farewell to fellow steam fans whom I have met over the years but will probably never meet again was quite emotional !
But still I've started talking about 2020 . . . . . . well I'll still be under 80 ( just !! ) and if they still hire mobility scooters then who knows !
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Totally different day to the 2 other CTers in Germany. Interesting start to the day when a German gentleman (AD, DD & BB look away now) said he liked our van and were they exported to Germany. He said that he had looked Coachman up and liked the layout. He and his lady both came in for a look around. I did explain the short comings, I.e. weight and suspect quality and he said don’t believe everything you read about continental vans, not my words so don’t shoot the messenger.
We decided not to use the Motorways for our trip to the Black-forest. So our route took us from Garmish to Oberammergau, Füssen, (more photos of Neuschwanstein Castle). Then on to Bodensee where we watched 2 x Zeppelins(?) flying toward Fredrickshaven. A lovely trip with mountains, rolling hills, lakes and dark forests. Temperature was about 32C.
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We are also fans of M&S meals, when we are only two, it often hardly seems worth cooking from scratch.
Like brue, OH is expert at taking a meal base and adding veg etc. Waitrose meals are also similar, and good.
Tonight we have just had Chicken Kiev with baked potatoes, Cauliflower Cheese and sugar snap peas.....delicious!
We are not shopping as often at M&S as we used to, mainly down to cost, but we do shop there for the special offers, same at Waitrose.
Today we have just been at home, I have been in my workshop (garage) working on making wooden pens to sell, OH has been out shopping.
Very warm and humid here, despite being dull.
Touareg was serviced yesterday, all fine, and all good with MOT. Front tyres are getting low, will swap them with the rear ones meantime for a bit more wear, car has only gone 19000 miles in 3 years.
We have ordered some new tyres for the winter, Nokian WR SUV 3, mud and snow tyres, they should come on Friday, will keep them in DD's garage until after our next trip away and fit before winter sets in.
DD's car goes for service and MOT on Thursday, it seems to be going OK but is now 17 years old, so every MOT brings huge anxiety. It has been costing her a fair bit in the last 2 years, but is still a good wee car (Volvo V40).
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OP, we have also, over the years, had quite a few caravanners admiring our van, especially in Holland and Germany, they seem to like the styling and facilities inside, especially the shower room. We have had quite long discussions with several of them, and they have also said that not all continental vans are fault free.....far from it apparently!
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I mentioned a few days ago about Margaret's front crown that we thought had broken off and we weren't sure how extensive the remedy to problem would be. As it turns out a lot better than we thought. She had a proper appointment with her own dentist today. She just basically just bonded everything back together. Apparently according to her records it had been loose since 2001!!!
At least we can prepare for our three week September trip away. No doubt including quite a few ready meals from Waitrose. Always puzzles me why they do deals of three at a certain price, sometimes it's a mix and match selection so that is easy enough. No doubt M&S will come into play when we are away. Waitrose and M&S meals are about the right size. Some of the other supermarket meals can be a bit on the big size.
David
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That's brilliant TG. Many thanks.
We had some good news after posting. Insurers have agreed to meet the claim so we'll get a good payout. Still have to find a few thousand but it was touch and go for quite a while. Better outcome than we thought lossible at the time. Trouble is there is a distinct lack of our type of small to mediumish size alternatives out there, hence the possibility that we may have to upgrade car and put bikes inside.
Once again thanks. Don't worry if you can't get photos on. Don't give yourself more hassle.
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Another very busy and enjoyable morning at the Cathedral. Lots of lovely visitors. The Gaia exhibition is proving very popular although I think some people might have come in to cool off. No air con needed in the cathedral. We have had thunder, lightening and rain this evening but it is still very hot and humid. The guy I was on duty with today said he got up in the middle of the nigh last night and had a shower as he was so hot!!
I hope your appetite returns soon WN. I am sure M&S will help. Pleased to hear of the good result with your van insurance.
Good to hear that those away are enjoying their trips.
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Fairly slow day today just pottering around the house and garden.
Starting to get the itch for going away
Belive it or not but we've never had a meal from M&S or any of the other supermarkets its not something I would think about. I tend to do a fair bit of batch cooking so usually have something in the freezer for a quick or lazy meal
must have look in M&S next time we are in town.Edit. Just saw your post WN, great news on your caravan insurance, hope you find something to suit.
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OH, who knows about these things, tells me that the offers at Waitrose and M&S are any 3 marked items for £10, and usually a very good selection to choose from.
She stocks up before we go away, freezes most of them, then fills the caravan freezer bit, which is quite large. That way we always have a meal even if we are not near a town to buy stuff.
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Kj, we were in Tesco in Bridlington this year. They had a meal deal on but I couldn't find any dessert that was GF so I asked if I could just not choose the dessert. NO! I must choose something even if I throw it away, was the reply otherwise meal deal no longer applied.
Same problem at M&S. Nothing I could choose so assistant told me to choose an alternative from the Free From section and she would sort it out at the checkout.The difference in customer care.
We left the Tesco store without buying anything, made an official complaint and HO basically endorsed the shop by confirming I should buy food just to throw it away! But why not just include an item of fruit or cheese as dessert? Too easy an answer.
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Interesting couple of days.....Yesterday tried to connect van to mains and had the PDU trip out. Finally decided it was the charger itself that was the problem. Service engineer came round this afternoon, took the unit apart and found that the mains plug into it was nearly melted through and the casing was burnt too. Had the unit replaced and all seems fine now...fingers crossed. We are very fortunate that the problem didn't occur during our last trip, and that the plastic casing of the PDU didn't catch fire....phew!! This morning we had a plumber round to move a radiator as we are going to have a window replaced by a set of patio doors. Job went well too, easier than anticipated. Just have to the window firm round to do the final measuring up for installation after our next trip.
Weather was hot yesterday but a good bit cooler today with clouds coming in during the afternoon and the odd spot of rain, with more forecast for tomorrow.
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Doesn’t bear thinking about Nellie, fire in an LV would be my worse nightmare. Lucky you got on to it early.
Having first coffee of the morning watching deer grazing in the dappled light across the valley whilst being serenaded by a couple of chainsaws🌞
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