robin's ramblings

robin's ramblingshttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/the life and times of a retired (early) idiot who wants to rant and rave about many thingsen-UKhourly82000-01-01T12:00+00:00robin's ramblingshttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/44/0c9ce02d745314b51c7152d6e709e5_160x200.jpgChange of venuehttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2006/01/08/change_of_venue~452158/2006-01-08T17:34:04+01:00 <p>I have moved my blog to <a href="http://www.wheel.maniple.co.uk">www.wheel.maniple.co.uk</a> and it is now entitled "Him behind the wheel" see you there! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2006/01/08/change_of_venue~452158/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>I have moved my blog to www.wheel.maniple.co.uk and it is now entitled "Him behind the wheel" see you there!

]]>First Frostshttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/11/17/first_frosts~314670/2005-11-17T11:54:44+01:00 <p> I append some photos taken this morning after the first real frost of the winter. The temp was -6C</p> <p><a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/blogg-17.11.05-011.jpg" title=""><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/blogg-17.11.05-011_small.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/blogg-17.11.05-012.jpg" title=""><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/blogg-17.11.05-012_small.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a></p> <p>my photography leaves a lot to be desired however I can assur you that the actuality is far superior to the reproduction<img src="/img/smilies/graysigh.gif" alt=":**:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/blogg-17.11.05-014.jpg" title=""><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/blogg-17.11.05-014_small.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/11/17/first_frosts~314670/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> I append some photos taken this morning after the first real frost of the winter. The temp was -6C

my photography leaves a lot to be desired however I can assur you that the actuality is far superior to the reproduction :**:

]]>we're drownimg!http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/11/14/we_re_drownimg~308258/2005-11-14T22:37:13+01:00 <p>did 25 miles to Oban today and discovered Puntos are quite good boats. Rain has'nt stopped all day and now river appears to be well up its banks and onto flood plain. at least no berks have built on it here although the golf course looks as tho it will get a battering. one advantage of living in the highlands is that the water just runs off and into the rvers and sea so little structural damage is done other to the aforesaid ----- who built on low flat land!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/11/14/we_re_drownimg~308258/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>did 25 miles to Oban today and discovered Puntos are quite good boats. Rain has'nt stopped all day and now river appears to be well up its banks and onto flood plain. at least no berks have built on it here although the golf course looks as tho it will get a battering. one advantage of living in the highlands is that the water just runs off and into the rvers and sea so little structural damage is done other to the aforesaid ----- who built on low flat land!!

]]>touch of winterhttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/11/13/touch_of_winter~305441/2005-11-13T20:56:38+01:00 <p>this was the sight that met me on awakening this morning<br> <a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/ben-lui-13.11.jpg" title=""><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/ben-lui-13.11_small.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br> a beautifull place to reside eh! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/11/13/touch_of_winter~305441/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>this was the sight that met me on awakening this morning

a beautifull place to reside eh!

]]>wet dayshttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/11/03/wet_days~280565/2005-11-03T15:28:30+01:00 <p> <img src="/img/smilies/graysleep.gif" alt=":zz:" class="middle" border="0"> <img src="/img/smilies/graysleep.gif" alt=":zz:" class="middle" border="0"> <img src="/img/smilies/graysleep.gif" alt=":zz:" class="middle" border="0"><br> what more can one say! the rain is pissing down , the sky is a uniform dark grey , the path is flooded , the dog is definitely not getting a walk , the new computer now seems to have been enabled correctly although I am still nor sure about skype, however the library van was here last week and so a gentle read, some cooking and a generally lazy time will be had.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/11/03/wet_days~280565/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> :zz:

:zz:

:zz:

:zz:

what more can one say! the rain is pissing down , the sky is a uniform dark grey , the path is flooded , the dog is definitely not getting a walk , the new computer now seems to have been enabled correctly although I am still nor sure about skype, however the library van was here last week and so a gentle read, some cooking and a generally lazy time will be had.

]]>new computerhttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/11/02/new_computer~278711/2005-11-02T18:15:45+01:00 <p>HELP!!!</p> <p>have purchased an updated whiz bang from savastore and added a wireless gizmo similiar to last machine. HOWEVER it now closes down every few minutes and will not let me send e-mails Have been at it for most of the day but amm now exhausted and intend to give up for the night. will keep you posted on progress!</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/grayupset.gif" alt=":##" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/graysigh.gif" alt=":**:" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_question.gif" alt=":?:" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_question.gif" alt=":?:" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_question.gif" alt=":?:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/11/02/new_computer~278711/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>HELP!!!

have purchased an updated whiz bang from savastore and added a wireless gizmo similiar to last machine. HOWEVER it now closes down every few minutes and will not let me send e-mails Have been at it for most of the day but amm now exhausted and intend to give up for the night. will keep you posted on progress!

:## :**: :?: :?: :?:

]]>Freedomhttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/10/22/freedom~252952/2005-10-22T13:22:06+02:00 <p>SWMBO has flown the coop for a couple of days so what to do? </p> <p>Chill out and try to put photos into this blogg. so here goes with newest grandaughter and parents<a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/100_3860.JPG" title="100_3860"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/100_3860_small.jpg" border="0" alt="100_3860"></a><br> Sarah was two days old when this was taken will now try at 12 days old</p> <p><a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/sarah-at-12-days.jpg" title="100_3862"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/sarah-at-12-days_small.jpg" border="0" alt="100_3862"></a><br> WOW! it works!!! blogg may get a little more interesting from now on! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/10/22/freedom~252952/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>SWMBO has flown the coop for a couple of days so what to do?

Chill out and try to put photos into this blogg. so here goes with newest grandaughter and parents
Sarah was two days old when this was taken will now try at 12 days old

WOW! it works!!! blogg may get a little more interesting from now on!

]]>Odd Autumnhttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/10/13/odd_autumn~233103/2005-10-13T22:08:05+02:00 <p>In my part of the highlands it is a peculiar autumn as most of the trees still have full green foliage although further east there are the usual colours one associates with the season. I suppose it could be that we have yet to have a frost and until today we have had a great deal of cloud cover. It could also be ,I suppose, because the trees were stressed with the unusually dry weather we had up to the beginning of August and they have been drinking up rhe water ever since.<br> One of these days I will remember how to input photographs and be able to illustate this blogg once more. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/10/13/odd_autumn~233103/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>In my part of the highlands it is a peculiar autumn as most of the trees still have full green foliage although further east there are the usual colours one associates with the season. I suppose it could be that we have yet to have a frost and until today we have had a great deal of cloud cover. It could also be ,I suppose, because the trees were stressed with the unusually dry weather we had up to the beginning of August and they have been drinking up rhe water ever since.
One of these days I will remember how to input photographs and be able to illustate this blogg once more.

]]>6 now!http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/10/09/6_now~224455/2005-10-09T12:48:53+02:00 <p> another member to the current Marshall clan ! Sarah ann was born on friday to no 4 son and partner - all well and I hope to visit later today. Mum and Sarah are at home already even although this is a first - changed days from 40 years ago. Hope to upload picture in next entry. ttfn </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/10/09/6_now~224455/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> another member to the current Marshall clan ! Sarah ann was born on friday to no 4 son and partner - all well and I hope to visit later today. Mum and Sarah are at home already even although this is a first - changed days from 40 years ago. Hope to upload picture in next entry. ttfn

]]>summer is overhttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/10/01/summer_is_over~211717/2005-10-01T23:45:03+02:00 <p>just returned from a couple of weeks in the somerset area - it was still summer down there! up here it is raining the proverbial and blowing hoolies as well ! <img src="/img/smilies/graysigh.gif" alt=":**:" class="middle" border="0"> see you all. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/10/01/summer_is_over~211717/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>just returned from a couple of weeks in the somerset area - it was still summer down there! up here it is raining the proverbial and blowing hoolies as well ! :**:

:**:

see you all.

]]>Katrina -aftermathhttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/09/14/katrina_aftermath~181637/2005-09-14T20:44:26+02:00 <p>I have recently been advocating a written constitution for Britain but as a result of Katrina am beginning to wonder if this is wise. It would appear that some idiots in the white house had to be convinced that the Governor of Louisianna (?) actually had requested federal troops before they would put anything into action rather than taking it as read that all types of assistance would be required. This appears to have come about because the constitution does not allow federal "interference " in the states responsibilities unless requested by the governor!</p> <p>Surely a document designed a couple of hundred years ago cannot cover all eventualities in 2005 and subsequent times? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/09/14/katrina_aftermath~181637/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>I have recently been advocating a written constitution for Britain but as a result of Katrina am beginning to wonder if this is wise. It would appear that some idiots in the white house had to be convinced that the Governor of Louisianna (?) actually had requested federal troops before they would put anything into action rather than taking it as read that all types of assistance would be required. This appears to have come about because the constitution does not allow federal "interference " in the states responsibilities unless requested by the governor!

Surely a document designed a couple of hundred years ago cannot cover all eventualities in 2005 and subsequent times?

]]>Local Agricultural Showshttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/09/03/local_agricultural_shows~160540/2005-09-03T22:43:45+02:00 <p>Attended local show today and was struck by the number of categories of prizes from highlamd cattle to knitted teddybears. However one rather large gentleman seemed to be judging the quality of the hamburgers for each stall by their moisture quantity! There were at least 7 such stalls. I wonder how he feels this evening <img src="/img/smilies/grayembarrassed.gif" alt=")-o" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/09/03/local_agricultural_shows~160540/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Attended local show today and was struck by the number of categories of prizes from highlamd cattle to knitted teddybears. However one rather large gentleman seemed to be judging the quality of the hamburgers for each stall by their moisture quantity! There were at least 7 such stalls. I wonder how he feels this evening )-o

)-o

]]>Verbal Alarmshttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/27/verbal_alarms~146693/2005-08-27T23:59:12+02:00 <p>GREAT I no longer need to watch the cricket loud cheering from the lounge brings me to see the replay - yes you have guessed it SHE WHO MUST BE OBEYED has become engrossed in the cricket.<br> <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/27/verbal_alarms~146693/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>GREAT I no longer need to watch the cricket loud cheering from the lounge brings me to see the replay - yes you have guessed it SHE WHO MUST BE OBEYED has become engrossed in the cricket.
:wave:

:wave:

]]>40 years !!!http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/22/40_years/2005-08-22T11:55:32+02:00 <p>Have just returned from weekend away to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Definately some kind of miracle that we lasted all this time yet can still have totally new experiences. eg Saturday, the anni, for the first time in my life I had no recollection of several hours of Sat evening including making a 12 min. video in perfect focus and steady as a rock with a camera I had never used before! Can any of you 'youngsters' out there (she-devil?) explain that - <img src="/img/smilies/grayconfused.gif" alt=":??:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/22/40_years/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Have just returned from weekend away to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Definately some kind of miracle that we lasted all this time yet can still have totally new experiences. eg Saturday, the anni, for the first time in my life I had no recollection of several hours of Sat evening including making a 12 min. video in perfect focus and steady as a rock with a camera I had never used before! Can any of you 'youngsters' out there (she-devil?) explain that - :??:

:??:

]]>A french adventure - part1http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/18/a_french_adventure_part1/2005-08-18T17:40:13+02:00 <p>I have been getting nagged to write an account of my trip to France which lasted from April 2002 to September 2003 so for as long as I can take it any readers out there are lumbered!<br> The history of this madcap plan was a wish to spend time in warm climes instead of whirling around like a Dervish on the end of an anchor chain up some west highland loch! I suggested to my crew (SWMBO) and one other that as they both still worked I would take the boat (a 30ft plywood sailing cruiser) to the French canals and they could fly over for their three weeks of sun, food and vin. I was thinking along the lines of the canals near Paris and over towards the Rhone. That is why I had to leave in April to get to Carcassonne by the first week in July!!<img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/grayconfused.gif" alt=":??:" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_crazy.gif" alt=":crazy:" class="middle" border="0"> The main obstacle to the planned itinery was the fact that the mast was approximately 15ft longer than the boat so it would be impractical to carry it on deck. This was solved by arranging for it to be unstepped in Le Harve and stored awaiting my return expected to be late August. The other slight problem was that I was expelled from the french class when I was at school!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/18/a_french_adventure_part1/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>I have been getting nagged to write an account of my trip to France which lasted from April 2002 to September 2003 so for as long as I can take it any readers out there are lumbered!
The history of this madcap plan was a wish to spend time in warm climes instead of whirling around like a Dervish on the end of an anchor chain up some west highland loch! I suggested to my crew (SWMBO) and one other that as they both still worked I would take the boat (a 30ft plywood sailing cruiser) to the French canals and they could fly over for their three weeks of sun, food and vin. I was thinking along the lines of the canals near Paris and over towards the Rhone. That is why I had to leave in April to get to Carcassonne by the first week in July!! :))

:))

:??:

:crazy:

The main obstacle to the planned itinery was the fact that the mast was approximately 15ft longer than the boat so it would be impractical to carry it on deck. This was solved by arranging for it to be unstepped in Le Harve and stored awaiting my return expected to be late August. The other slight problem was that I was expelled from the french class when I was at school!

]]>Blind Fixinghttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/16/blind_fixing/2005-08-16T17:14:41+02:00 <p>recent visit to B&Q - kitchen blind purchased - easily trimmed said blurb -<br> <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"> Ha Ha ! 6ft drop 50 canes per foot - both ends - how does one repair deep crevases in fingers!</p> <p><a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/100_3854.JPG" title=""><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/100_3854_small.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br> finished result of bamboo style blind. do not believe date - as usual when confronted with techy things pressed wrong button or correct button too soon!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"> for now </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/16/blind_fixing/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>recent visit to B&Q - kitchen blind purchased - easily trimmed said blurb -
:yes:

:yes:

Ha Ha ! 6ft drop 50 canes per foot - both ends - how does one repair deep crevases in fingers!

finished result of bamboo style blind. do not believe date - as usual when confronted with techy things pressed wrong button or correct button too soon!! :wave: for now

]]>NORMALITY RESUMEDhttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/13/normality_resumed/2005-08-13T16:34:28+02:00 <p>THAT MEANS IT IS RAINING have been watching the cricket this week so at a bit of a loss today because of rain in manchester reduced to reading the papers and wondering why I am so out of cink with their leader writers.<br> I do not mind losing some freedoms if it is going to save the lives of some of my fellow citizens - and whether it was right or wrong to go into Iraq the voters of Britain did not feel strongly enough about it to reurn the lib dems as our govt. in may. I also feel that the judges should come a bit more down to earth and understand that there is a war on between fundamental religous types and the rest of us. I have a brain to use and I refuse to allow anyone else to tell me what to think.<br> I am a christian but that is my choice after an experience which changed my life, but that change was in me and i do not claim that the same thing will happen to everyone or that my beliefs are the only ones that are correct. I know them to be correct for me but god made me different from every other being on earth so how can i argue that others must believe as i do - doesn't make any sense. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/13/normality_resumed/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>THAT MEANS IT IS RAINING have been watching the cricket this week so at a bit of a loss today because of rain in manchester reduced to reading the papers and wondering why I am so out of cink with their leader writers.
I do not mind losing some freedoms if it is going to save the lives of some of my fellow citizens - and whether it was right or wrong to go into Iraq the voters of Britain did not feel strongly enough about it to reurn the lib dems as our govt. in may. I also feel that the judges should come a bit more down to earth and understand that there is a war on between fundamental religous types and the rest of us. I have a brain to use and I refuse to allow anyone else to tell me what to think.
I am a christian but that is my choice after an experience which changed my life, but that change was in me and i do not claim that the same thing will happen to everyone or that my beliefs are the only ones that are correct. I know them to be correct for me but god made me different from every other being on earth so how can i argue that others must believe as i do - doesn't make any sense.

]]>Solitude 2nd attempt!!http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/11/solitude_2nd_attempt/2005-08-11T20:00:32+02:00 <p>sorry about that - I forgot and pressed return and I have no idea how to remove it!<br> Had a lovely day today with <u>swmbo</u> away for a few days and therefore the cricket available constantly. Used to get bored stiff with it but ever since 1981 when Ian Botham took control of the test against the Aussies I have been hooked. Last week's was a cracker and hopefully this weeks might have some of the same tension!<br> <a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/DSC00046.JPG" title=""><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/DSC00046_small.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br> I took the four legged one to the same location today (this is for the benefit of swmbo [ the two legged one] ) so that I cannot be accused of laziness - it is after all hard work watching cricket especially when Boycott is commentating !<br> However I also did some cosmetic work to a garden bench and when finished will post it here (at least a picture of it !) DO NOT HOLD YOUR BREADTH</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/11/solitude_2nd_attempt/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sorry about that - I forgot and pressed return and I have no idea how to remove it!
Had a lovely day today with swmbo away for a few days and therefore the cricket available constantly. Used to get bored stiff with it but ever since 1981 when Ian Botham took control of the test against the Aussies I have been hooked. Last week's was a cracker and hopefully this weeks might have some of the same tension!

I took the four legged one to the same location today (this is for the benefit of swmbo [ the two legged one] ) so that I cannot be accused of laziness - it is after all hard work watching cricket especially when Boycott is commentating !
However I also did some cosmetic work to a garden bench and when finished will post it here (at least a picture of it !) DO NOT HOLD YOUR BREADTH

]]>Solitudehttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/11/solitude/2005-08-11T19:42:29+02:00<p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/11/solitude/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> Comments

]]>Adulterer Dead so why the fuss?http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/09/adulterer_dead_so_why_the_fuss/2005-08-09T17:25:57+02:00 <p>I am deliighted to read that a thouroughly decent (as far as we know ) prime minister is not breaking his holiday with his family to return for the funeral of a deceitful, though brilliant, debater who was effective in parliament but a dead loss as far as a minister was concerned. We appear to put more importance on someones ability to debate rather than lead. I try to vote for a leader of the nation rather than a good parliamentarian, after all W Hague was a hit in parliament but that was the only place other than " Have I got News For You ".<br> It would appear that politicians do not deserve unbroken holidays even after the incredible strains that PMs are liable to experience. So come on Britons stop being so negative and live a little!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/09/adulterer_dead_so_why_the_fuss/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>I am deliighted to read that a thouroughly decent (as far as we know ) prime minister is not breaking his holiday with his family to return for the funeral of a deceitful, though brilliant, debater who was effective in parliament but a dead loss as far as a minister was concerned. We appear to put more importance on someones ability to debate rather than lead. I try to vote for a leader of the nation rather than a good parliamentarian, after all W Hague was a hit in parliament but that was the only place other than " Have I got News For You ".
It would appear that politicians do not deserve unbroken holidays even after the incredible strains that PMs are liable to experience. So come on Britons stop being so negative and live a little!

]]>Almighty DO NOT REPEAT THIS WEEKhttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/06/almighty_do_not_repeat_this_week/2005-08-06T21:16:54+02:00 <p>return from holiday monday- nasties in post referring to previous life 20 years ago</p> <p>tuesday a full days washing! ugh!!</p> <p>wednesday visit son to see how he has recovered from special olympics (team gold medal winner in 10 pin bowling) to discover that no one has seen fit to make sure his dss form has been completed and consequently all funds have stopped! also while sitting in the new car a french couple on holiday run into the back of it!!!</p> <p>thursday sorting out yesterdays disasters (at least SWMBO does so )</p> <p>friday recovery</p> <p>saturday gardening and cricket watching keep it up England <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/06/almighty_do_not_repeat_this_week/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>return from holiday monday- nasties in post referring to previous life 20 years ago

tuesday a full days washing! ugh!!

wednesday visit son to see how he has recovered from special olympics (team gold medal winner in 10 pin bowling) to discover that no one has seen fit to make sure his dss form has been completed and consequently all funds have stopped! also while sitting in the new car a french couple on holiday run into the back of it!!!

thursday sorting out yesterdays disasters (at least SWMBO does so )

friday recovery

saturday gardening and cricket watching keep it up England

]]>Holidays - Hard Graft!http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/01/holidays_hard_graft/2005-08-01T21:53:53+02:00 <p>Just returned from touring Ireland , mainly south , but some journeys thru north one on the twelfth of July!!! nuf said<br> a tip should you wish to tour south west ireland by vehicle DO NOT!!!!! the roads are crap , the signposting requires you to understand the basis of Irish jokes and then be able to decipher them <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/main/img/smilies/grayupset.gif">http://www.blog.co.uk/main/img/smilies/grayupset.gif</a><br> <img src="/img/smilies/grayupset.gif" alt=":##" class="middle" border="0">http://www.blog.co.uk/main/img/smilies/icon_crazy.gif___##0##___ <img src="/img/smilies/icon_crazy.gif" alt=":crazy:" class="middle" border="0">http://www.blog.co.uk/main/img/smilies/icon_arrow.gif___##0##___ <img src="/img/smilies/icon_arrow.gif" alt="=>" class="middle" border="0"> and then understand that the last sign means go left!<br> othe rthan that a great time was had by all although a few hiccups did occur to the motorhome we were using like waste system falling off, two bolts falling out of engine, attacked by overhanging rocks etc<br> more presently </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/08/01/holidays_hard_graft/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Just returned from touring Ireland , mainly south , but some journeys thru north one on the twelfth of July!!! nuf said
a tip should you wish to tour south west ireland by vehicle DO NOT!!!!! the roads are crap , the signposting requires you to understand the basis of Irish jokes and then be able to decipher them http://www.blog.co.uk/main/img/smilies/grayupset.gif
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http://www.blog.co.uk/main/img/smilies/icon_crazy.gif___##0##___ :crazy:

:crazy:

http://www.blog.co.uk/main/img/smilies/icon_arrow.gif___##0##___

and then understand that the last sign means go left!
othe rthan that a great time was had by all although a few hiccups did occur to the motorhome we were using like waste system falling off, two bolts falling out of engine, attacked by overhanging rocks etc
more presently

]]>time for a resthttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/07/05/time_for_a_rest/2005-07-05T21:47:40+02:00 <p>the summer(?) us upon us and we must journey forth to have a good time SWMBO says so we are off to pastures new ( for two of us ) but not completely for herself as I think she is determined for us to climb mount brandon which may give you a clue as to where we are going. the occasional blogg may be logged from the odd internet cafe if such exists in the wilds to which we are directed but at least a modicum of sea voyaging is required to reach our destination. will be in touch ttfn </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/07/05/time_for_a_rest/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>the summer(?) us upon us and we must journey forth to have a good time SWMBO says so we are off to pastures new ( for two of us ) but not completely for herself as I think she is determined for us to climb mount brandon which may give you a clue as to where we are going. the occasional blogg may be logged from the odd internet cafe if such exists in the wilds to which we are directed but at least a modicum of sea voyaging is required to reach our destination. will be in touch ttfn

]]>Special olympics GBhttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/07/04/special_olympics_gb/2005-07-04T23:20:20+02:00 <p>a tremendous opening ceremony on sat night with jackie bird doing an incredible stint as the compere. totally unfazed by any replies she got to her impromptu interviewing of the competitors, some of whom have difficulty speaking and understanding - one of whom when asked his sport replied with two thumbs up RANGERS! and this was at celtic park11 he got a huge ovation.<br> our own son had obviously been briefed to raise his cap every so often so was seen to raise it , lower it back on head take three strides and raise it again and so on for half the circumference of celtic park.<br> went to glasgow today to watch him at the ten pin bowling at which he lost but acquited himself well going down by 2 games to 1. returning tomorrow for the pairs event -- watch this space. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/07/04/special_olympics_gb/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>a tremendous opening ceremony on sat night with jackie bird doing an incredible stint as the compere. totally unfazed by any replies she got to her impromptu interviewing of the competitors, some of whom have difficulty speaking and understanding - one of whom when asked his sport replied with two thumbs up RANGERS! and this was at celtic park11 he got a huge ovation.
our own son had obviously been briefed to raise his cap every so often so was seen to raise it , lower it back on head take three strides and raise it again and so on for half the circumference of celtic park.
went to glasgow today to watch him at the ten pin bowling at which he lost but acquited himself well going down by 2 games to 1. returning tomorrow for the pairs event -- watch this space.

]]>MPGhttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/06/30/mpg/2005-06-30T21:04:44+02:00 <p>we have a new small fiat with one of these computer gizmos that tell you your current mpg or your average since you last set it. The temptation for us retired types is to drive watching it rather than the speedometer. It is probably more dangerous than using a mobile phone so I wonder when they will be banned or am I the only one admitting to this.<br> For info when filling tank today the average was 57.6 mpg. Now will have to try for 60 by holding up all the trafic on the main road by doing a steady 40mph! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/06/30/mpg/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>we have a new small fiat with one of these computer gizmos that tell you your current mpg or your average since you last set it. The temptation for us retired types is to drive watching it rather than the speedometer. It is probably more dangerous than using a mobile phone so I wonder when they will be banned or am I the only one admitting to this.
For info when filling tank today the average was 57.6 mpg. Now will have to try for 60 by holding up all the trafic on the main road by doing a steady 40mph!

]]>Temperature Shock!http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/06/29/temperature_shock/2005-06-29T18:28:31+02:00 <p>1500hrs 28th June 2005 31.6 degrees celsius <img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><br> 1500hrs 29th June 2005 14.4 degrees celcius <img src="/img/smilies/grayupset.gif" alt=":##" class="middle" border="0"><br> and foreigners wonder why we talk about the weather so much! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/06/29/temperature_shock/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>1500hrs 28th June 2005 31.6 degrees celsius :DD

:DD

1500hrs 29th June 2005 14.4 degrees celcius :##

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and foreigners wonder why we talk about the weather so much! :wave:

:wave:

]]>DONGLEShttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/06/27/dongles/2005-06-27T18:13:37+02:00 <p>A frustating day. My ordered dongle arrived (for you ignoramouses a dongle is a gadget to make my PC able to talk to my mobile phone. The undernoted picture was taken by said phone and 13 photos were transferred.<br> <a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/SP_A0020.jpg" title=""><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/SP_A0020_small.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a></p> <p>realised that the definition was not good so took another 3 photos. Currently totally unable to copy them over as I have done some mischief to the programmes as it now reads FAILURE every time I try. Methinks I will have to uninstall it and try again - will keep you posted. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/06/27/dongles/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>A frustating day. My ordered dongle arrived (for you ignoramouses a dongle is a gadget to make my PC able to talk to my mobile phone. The undernoted picture was taken by said phone and 13 photos were transferred.

realised that the definition was not good so took another 3 photos. Currently totally unable to copy them over as I have done some mischief to the programmes as it now reads FAILURE every time I try. Methinks I will have to uninstall it and try again - will keep you posted.

]]>Lucky mehttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/06/26/lucky_me/2005-06-26T21:35:54+02:00 <p>The memories of a day like today are what one dreams about in the dark and wild winter.<br> A perfect day - sunshine - breeze (ergo midgeless) - -grass cut - walk in the forest with mut<br> <a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/000_0002.JPG" title=""><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/r/ramblrobthesecond/img/000_0002_small.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br> roast for dinner then AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/06/26/lucky_me/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>The memories of a day like today are what one dreams about in the dark and wild winter.
A perfect day - sunshine - breeze (ergo midgeless) - -grass cut - walk in the forest with mut

roast for dinner then AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

]]>B***** Marches!!!http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/06/25/b_marches/2005-06-25T21:48:49+02:00 <p>Why oh why is it a democratic right to march thru a city stopping traffic for hours and making people with no knowledge of what is happening or where miss connections or have to abandon buses and run thru a march, just about being thumped with a five foot long drum major's baton. We all have a right to vote and that is where we should exercise it, not disrupting traffic and peoples lives because of some perceived wrong or notion that they have some inaliable right to force others to become involved.<br> My grouse today was over an "Orange Order" march disecting Glasgow in two for several hours. If you were on the south trying to get to the north for a bus connection -forget it or take your life in your hands.<br> It is the same with this G8 fiasco. It is far more likely to turn me off of any support for africa than it is to allow me to back any moves by our politicians for debt relief or anything else. If Bob Geldolf and his ilk are so worked up about it let them pay for it and also for the cost of any policing required! Why should my taxes be used to try to curtail the actions of anarchists who will be bound to try to hijack these types of protests because they can easily be incited to sporadic violence. SHOOT THE B<strong>*</strong>** I say!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/06/25/b_marches/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Why oh why is it a democratic right to march thru a city stopping traffic for hours and making people with no knowledge of what is happening or where miss connections or have to abandon buses and run thru a march, just about being thumped with a five foot long drum major's baton. We all have a right to vote and that is where we should exercise it, not disrupting traffic and peoples lives because of some perceived wrong or notion that they have some inaliable right to force others to become involved.
My grouse today was over an "Orange Order" march disecting Glasgow in two for several hours. If you were on the south trying to get to the north for a bus connection -forget it or take your life in your hands.
It is the same with this G8 fiasco. It is far more likely to turn me off of any support for africa than it is to allow me to back any moves by our politicians for debt relief or anything else. If Bob Geldolf and his ilk are so worked up about it let them pay for it and also for the cost of any policing required! Why should my taxes be used to try to curtail the actions of anarchists who will be bound to try to hijack these types of protests because they can easily be incited to sporadic violence. SHOOT THE B*** I say!!!

]]>Profitable forgetfulnesshttp://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/06/24/profitable_forgetfulness/2005-06-24T16:36:24+02:00 <p>This becoming more mature in years is a godsend for financial gain.<br> I explain as follows:<br> last weekend we visited our youngest sprog to change phones(mobile) as he works for O2 and went on to visit friends near Girvan. A decking project was under way on the saturday so I was sent into Girvan to obtain rawlbolts. The principal of the project gave myself cash for this transaction and I carried it out successfully! However today I found £12.50 in my hip pocket together with a receipt from a hardware store in Girvan (by the way an excellent store) and realised it was not mine but my ex hosts. - What a dissy </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ramblrobthesecond.blog.co.uk/2005/06/24/profitable_forgetfulness/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>This becoming more mature in years is a godsend for financial gain.
I explain as follows:
last weekend we visited our youngest sprog to change phones(mobile) as he works for O2 and went on to visit friends near Girvan. A decking project was under way on the saturday so I was sent into Girvan to obtain rawlbolts. The principal of the project gave myself cash for this transaction and I carried it out successfully! However today I found £12.50 in my hip pocket together with a receipt from a hardware store in Girvan (by the way an excellent store) and realised it was not mine but my ex hosts. - What a dissy

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