Unusual

This is the most unusual bird I have ever seen at my feeding area.
 I first thought it was a budgerigar but my next door neighbour noticed the bird and remarked on it. I told him what I thought it might be but he told me that it did not have the beak of a budgie.
 Well, yesterday I finally managed to get a photo of the bird and sure enough it certainly isn't a budgerigar. I known this is a shot that is not too close but I managed to get it on my pictures and zoomed in and to be honest I have no idea as to what bird it is. Still up to today, it has called several times a day for a feed. Incidentally, the other birds don't seem to mind it's presence at all.
 The size of the bird is about as large as a pied wagtail, just a little larger than a sparrow. Let's hope that the bird stays around.
  I was doing a little block paving cleaning when a young man walked by, as he was a schoolboy I asked him why he was walking the A52 to his home especially as there is no footpath for around 150 yards.
 He told me that he had no idea as to why except he said the bus driver didn't like to stop  on a bend.  I noticed that he had 2 badges on his lapel. He told me one was Head Boy and the other was a Prefect. He also told me that he was soon leaving school, well hopefully anyway. He was 16 but he told me the Government had passed a law stating that nobody can leave school before the age of 17, however if one gets an apprentice job then that will be O.K.
 Just to think, we left at 15. More soon.

Cane sugar

It was thanks to my American friend who posted a video showing sugar cane.
 It was in the 80s that my Best Pal introduced me to a guy who I will call B. He was a pleasant man and once he had been introduced would often call and see me when he was around.
 It was on one occasion that he told me he was a Turbine boiler service engineer and the best job he had, was working for CEGB on recommissioning some turbines on the Isle of Wight. He told me that he, and a few other workmen were  put into a 1st. class Hotel all at the expense of CEGB.  He told me that the pay was very good also. He had an Agent who would find him work. He remarked that whenever he wished to get some more work, he would contact his Agent and within a few days his Agent would find some work.
 He told me that the most unusual job he had was one that sent him to the Caribbean. He didn't say exactly where and I never asked him. He told me that when he arrived on site he was informed that he was in charge of recommissioning the working system. This was an old steam generated turbine. It was one that was used to crush cane sugar to extract the juice and then it was sent to turn it into refined sugar, although he told me he had nothing to do with that part of the operation.
 He was told that the first thing he had to do was to teach and inform the workforce. He told me he had done nothing like that before. He had to take them in a classroom and tell them what the operation would consist of.
 He told them that they had to make sure that once the system was working it was important that the turbine was not stopped.
 He told them how to get heat from a firebox to generate steam to build up the pressure to turn the turbine.
 He gave them a formula. It was the 3 Ts. Time, temperature and turbulence. The time was to make sure you had enough time to get the fires lit, temperature was vital to turn the turbine and turbulence was also vital to give the burning fuel air to generate the heat required.
He then told me that the cane sugar arrived by a sort of train. It was trimmed down to the size where the sugar could be extracted, the rest of the  canes which was considerable was to be burned. This I think he called it rafatia. I plead guilty if this is not correct but I honestly do think this is so.
 The rafatia was stored in sort of barns to dry off. This was then used to get the heat from the firebox to create steam to turn the turbine.
 He told me that after explaining all for a couple of days he was satisfied that the men had now got the idea.
 He told me that he would have gone a day later but he was in his office when he had a call. He had to go on site immediately as everything had stopped.
 On arriving on site the charge hand explained what had gone wrong. He told B that the cause of steam failure was because of the 4Ts. B asked him what he meant as he had only told the men about 3Ts. The charge hand then told him that the 4Ts were, time temperature, turbulence and too much rafatia. I burst out laughing but B didn't see the funny side. He told me it was important and it put back his time to leave by over a week.
 What had happened, B told me was that the man in charge of the firebox had just put too much rafatia on the fire thus starving it of oxygen and therefore losing steam. He told me that he informed his Agent not to offer him that sort of work again. True to his word, B told me he never offered him a tricky job like that again.
 By the way, last night we had some welcome rain, the first for over a month, but it is a lot colder and frosts are forecast over the week end. Must give tender plants some protection. More soon.

Cycles

My mate in Skegness informed me a little while ago that bicyles were banned from use by the Postmen, I had no reason to disbelieve him but wondered if it was just at Skegness that this was happening.
 Anyway I had reason to go to Mablethorpe and spotted a Postman, he actually spoke to me and of course I replied and then asked if I could ask a question. He was so obliging and when I asked if cycles were allowed in Mablethorpe he told me he wasn't sure because the Sorting Office at Mablethorpe was closed and they now worked out of Alford. I noticed he was pushing a tiny like push chair thing with one handle. I thanked him and went on my way.
 Yesterday I caught my Postman and asked if he knew about bicycles. He gave me all the information I needed. He told me that they were no longer allowed, in Alford if it was a large round a trolley was used. He was not sure about Mablethorpe but the men had to travel to Alford. 2 Post Office vans were supplied, they then pick up the mail and travel back to Mablethorpe to deliver it.
 Now my Best pal called to see me today and I remarked about the banning of bicycles. He then told me that in Chesterfield, the men generally work in 2s. having a van they then proceed to deliver the mail in these so called trolleys. I should think that as my mate in Skegness said, it is a Health and Safety issue. Mind you, the Postmen have ridden cycles for many many years. More soon.

Skittles

This afternoon the doorbell rang, it was the Postman , I remarked that he was very late. He then explained he had broken down and had to be rescued.
 Anyway he bought a parcel, I knew what it was, some bird netting to stop, not birds but damn cats. They will come and do their business on my garden because I try to keep the soil ready for sowing my vegetable seeds.
 He also bought a couple of circulars, which is generally called junk mail. I had opted out but he told me that this must be done annually so now I get leaflets.
 One was from Kwik-E- Mart. There is a local small supermarket in Alford that is a member. The brand is Nisa.
 Well I looked through the offers and I noticed Skittles were on offer. I started to laugh as it bought back a distant memory.
 I was working at the Kiosk come cafe/shop. This would be I guess in 1996. These youngsters came in and asked me if I had any Skittles. I told them I was sorry but I had not. These youngsters would be around 10 years of age. After a few seconds thought I suggested that perhaps they could make some skittles instead of trying to buy any. With that one of the youngsters told me that Skittles were some sort of sweets.
 I thought it was about time I thought about retiring. Mind you, I still laugh about it even now.
 I wonder what those kids thought of me. No doubt they would think I was an ignorant old man.
 Anyway, I managed to get my netting fitted over the raised beds. One in particular I wished to cover was the peas. They are just up and I have lots of wood pigeons that come for an early breakfast. They arrive just a dawn is breaking and that is before 6.00am. They are now safe from their prying beaks.
 These last few days my Broccoli has come on a treat, I am thankful for that because there is nothing else around and will not be for a while yet. I have had a feed from the plants for the last few days and it looks as if I will have enough for a week or more. I then hope that my Asparagus should then soon start to grow, last year I was harvesting it by now.  More soon.

References

Having been in business for 25 or so years I had many requests for some reference for some or other staff I had employed. generally they came in the form of a questionnaire but occasionally I would have a phone call requesting information on a certain person that had worked for me. As I was a seasonal business I only employed staff on a seasonal basis. Hence so many requests for references.
 As I have mentioned it before I had several business colleagues called daily at my place where we put the world to rights as well as pull each others legs.
 Well this particular morning the telephone rang I answered it and the voice at the other end said. "This is the Ministry of Defence". Naturally I thought it was a wind up so I just said "Oh yea". The voice continued "You employed a Mr xxxx  and he gave us your name as a referee. Did you employ this man? "Oh yes".
The voice continued. "You see we are discreetly investigating him as he may have a sensitive position in the Armed Forces. Would you be willing to be interviewed?" I just said "Whatever". Back came the voice. "Would it be convenient if a Mr. xxxx from Sleaford comes to see you on x day at xx am." I just said."Please yourself" and then I hung up thinking somebody was really trying to wind me up but I was not taking the bait.
 Anyway to my surprise the day that was mentioned and at the time too this man came in and introduced himself to me. He was obviously Officer material but was far too old to be a serving Officer He asked quite a few questions regarding the young man. I guess I gave him the suitable answers as the young man did come to see me just before my lease ran out. He showed me  a card that said he was in the Intelligence Service. I never mentioned to him that I had a visitor who had investiged his past. I have never seen him since that day.
 I do wonder what the voice on the telephone thought of my attitude. It was a sort of take it or leave it.
 By the way this was in the early 1990s. I wonder if they still vett people today? More soon.

Butterflies and things

On Saturday as it was a lovely day despite the wind, I decided to get on with recovering my fruit cage. I have had the top covering for some time. As it is a large cage 18 paces long and 4 paces wide I thought my mate might help me but he told me that he didn't know if he would be here this coming week. Knowing the  unpredictable weather we can have I decided to do this myself. I started soon after 9.00am and took my time although I didn't stop for a drink at all.
 It was surprisingly easy, well it would have been if the supplier had sent the correct size of mesh I ordered. I ordered 13metres by 3 metres. They sent 13 metres by 2 metres. This made the job more difficult. I managed to get the majority of it completed by 1.00pm and after my dinner finished the job by 3.30pm. except for a few gaps which I did on Sunday, so hopefully the Blackbirds will be excluded.
 I was pleased I did this myself because if I had asked my mate to help me it would have taken much more time than he has here so it would have been that he would have had to leave the job unfinished which he hates to do for if he was at College on a course he would have had to left me early.
 While I was busy messing around I was surprised to see a Painted Lady butterfly, they do not breed in this Country, they migrate from the Continent when the wind is favourable. Well it certainly has been favourable for them. They want an east wind to assist them over the Channel. We have had weeks of easterly gales and strong winds this year.
 A little later I saw a Small Tortioshell, this didn't surprise me as they will over winter here. Much later I saw a Peacock butterfly also. It goes to show that some have managed to over winter here. Pity the lateness of Spring means that there are few flowers producing nectar for the butterflies. I have plenty of polyanthus and daffodils but the nectar is not good especially with the polyanthus.
 I noticed that in my Greenhouse the Grape Vine has began to show signs of life, I have reduced the size of it and pruned some of the side shoots that would produce grapes. I intend to finally have no more than a dozen or so bunches of grapes. They tend to be small and of course are seeded. Had I been a younger and fitter man, I would have removed the vine and looked for a seedless grape vine, not easy to find though.
finally these last few days have encouraged one or two of my Broccoli plants to grow so tomorrow I will, hopefully have my first feed of Broccoli this year. More soon.

Better weather

Today has been a little warmer and I was surprised just how much the few flowers appreciated it. We did have a little rain overnight and I mean little. To be honest we could do with a steady nights rain.
The greenhouse is a little late but I have moved the tomatoes in and now they take pot luck so if we get late frosts I will be in trouble.
I am not complaining at all for last night on the local news it showed properties that were very near to the coast line. They were covered completely by sand and soil was not to be seen at all. They had a spokesman from the District Council and he told the reporter that there was no money available to help those affected. He continued by stating that they had their hands full getting the main roads clear.
 Let us hope that the weather improves sufficiently to help the Farmers and all of us gardeners.
 My Postman has only just planted his first earlies and as it takes about 13 weeks to mature that means it will be well into June before he starts harvesting his early potatoes.
 Mine in the greenhouse and polytunnel are much later 5this year and my broccoli is not ready yet. It is starting to grow though. More soon.

Railway

The other day I went to the local market store and saw the guy who first asked me if I was an ex footplateman. Anyway he told me he with his wife was going for a day out I think he said to Arundel. I know that he told me he was starting their journey from Skegness but it was being hauled by an old Diesel engine. I asked him if it was an old Brush Diesel and he concurred. He than asked me if I knew the wheel arrangement of diesel engines. I told him I did not mainly for two reasons. I was bought up with steam locomotives and secondly I was not really interested in other modes of transport on the Railway.
 I did mention to him that in the 50s. before I went into the Army there were proving trials by the first diesel engine. It ran each week day from Doncaster to Grantham and the name of the diesel was Falcon. I then told him that we couldn't see the future of steam was limited and the outlook for diesel was rosy. I then said to him that the onlooker sees most. He laughed heartily, but that statement is true.
 Anyway when I got home and was doing more block paving cleaning I was using a dustpan as a shovel. I just thought, if anyone asked me what I leaned during my life I would have to reply that I was good with a shovel. I started to laugh because I had so many folks try to talk me out of working on the Railway when I left school. Needless to say I took no advice at all. My Mother sat me down and had a good talk but couldn't persuade me to change my mind.
 When I started work I was put into the offices the reason they gave was that I was too intelligent to be a Cleaner. This is how one started and when you got to 16 you became available to be a Fireman. Eventually after many years becoming a Driver.
 Why they told me this was that as I was at a Secondary Modern pupil nobody had joined the Loco Department from that school. Mind you, a few did follow my footsteps and came to work for B.R. as it was known.
 I must admit they were the happiest days of my life on the Railway and wouldn't have missed it for the world and if it hadn't been for Dr. Beeching and his plan to cut the Railways down I would have stayed there until I retired.
 The good thing is that I had the chance to work for myself but all of the guys I worked with were made redundant a few years after I left so it worked out well for me.
 By the way, I can still work a shovel efficiently after all those years. More soon.

The death if the ex. P.M.

With the death of Margaret Thatcher being announced there will be some sadness but also some rejoicing.
 As for me, I started in business in 1969 and the early 70s saw me and many thousands with their backs to the wall because of the militant Unions. I had to endure like other businessmen a 3 day working week. When it was back to some sort of normality it meant that folks didn't have money in their pockets due to the short time working.
 The winter of discontent in 1979 was the culmination of Union Power and something had to be done as you could not have Unions dictating how the Country was run. They were not elected Nationally.
 I don't know if I have told this before but my Father was working with me and he died in late 1975 so it was before then. He told me that there were 4 men who came to my place for a few years. One man told my Father that he was trying to get work in the Car Manufacturing trade. It was widely known that the weekly wage for car workers was £100 a week. A colossal amount in those days. I had planned that if I earned £20 a week I would be over the moon, sadly I didn't reach the target and I worked 14hours a day.
 Well this particular year the man came to the counter to give my Father the news that he had, at last managed to join the car workers in I think Birmingham. My Father then suggested that he was on a great wage of £100 a week. To this the man told him that he would be on that pay but unfortunately although he had been working there for over 3 months he had yet to put in a full shift of 40 hours a week. He told my Father that all of a sudden a Shop Steward would shout "Down Tools". He told him that everyone must do as they were told. He then said that it was often a dispute in some far off part of the Factory that had nothing to do with them. Quite often he never knew why they had been instructed to stop work. My Father laughed heartily when he told me this story.
 This was often the case. In the U.K it was known for being one of the highest Countries for industrial disputes. At least Lady Thatcher put a stop to the strength of the Trade Unions.  Had the Union Conveners been a little flexible things might have been better all round but there were too many militants.
Are we better for it? I honestly don't know. All I can say is that having a more settled workforce certainly helped me. More soon.

No Electricity

After a week end of slowly improving weather, today has once more gone back to winter.
 It didn't help by having a planned power cut. This was to lop tree branches so as not to damage overhead power lines. Here we are in 2013 and some of us unfortunate people had to suffer a power cut for almost 7 hours. One thing is certain, Londoners would not put up with this inconvenience. Besides that I have lost 7 hours of solar power. Although it was dreadfully cold, the sun was in general out although most times very hazy. still that seems to be the way it goes for some of us.
 I didn't waste my time though. I decided to clear some of the gunge that collects in the block paving. As I have a very large driveway there is no way I can do this task in a day. To be honest it generally takes me the best part of a week taking it steady.  Incidentally I wore one of the brushes out. They have steel heads which are shaped as to go inbetween the blocks.
 It was bitter out there and being on the east side of my property the biting easterly winds made my eyes run and my hands were frozen. I heard a toot of a horn from a motor and it was the local Farmer inspecting his wheat field, which in all honesty looks as good if not better than any other wheat field I have seen this year.
 While I was cleaning the paving the Postman called. I asked him if he managed to get his potatoes set. He told me he had and also set some broad beans but nothing else as the ground is still cold. I told him at the week end that the weather for this week would start very cold and that biting east wind but should improve just a little by late in the week but would not be warm. He did remark just how cold it was again today.
 Anyway I managed to get about 50% of the block paving cleaned. The trouble was that with the gale force winds blowing, as I scraped the dirt  and  grime out the wind just blew the bits all over the place.
 I decided to finish for the day at 2.00pm. and went in for a drink. Not easy as my cooker which is gas has electricity to work the pilot lights. I also have no gas kettle. Who has these days?. I got a lighter to light the gas and had a saucepan for heating the water so I managed somehow. I guess we don't know how much we rely on electricity. Incidentally I did turn my gas heating up early this morning as I could see that it was going to be a cold day. It was in fact nice and warm in my home when I went in for a drink.
  I hope that this situation will not happen again for a few years, but in all honesty I expect it again if not next year, the year after for certain.
 So instead of generating 10kw. hours of electricity I have managed just over 2 kw. hours. Nothing I can do about it, just put it down to where we are, it is another millstone round people who live in the country.
My mate who came last Thursday told me that my local filling station with a garage was charging 9p a litre than the supermarkets in Skegness but the politicians are not interested in helping those who need the car most with a National Fuel price. 9p a litre is over 40p a gallon more than those who live in Skegness. Scandalous.   More soon.

Haircut

On Monday evening I had a phone call from a guy who worked for me many years ago. He often rings me but this time he was close at hand. He was the next day, together with his wife going to his Step-Mothers funeral.
As they live in Exeter I decided to get up early and go to have my haircut and then call at the local Butchers for some ham so that I could make them some rolls to eat and some to eat on their way home.
 I went to the Barbers and walked in, there was no sign of the hairdresser but there were people waiting, in fact there was only one seat available. Most of them seemed a miserable lot and the guy who I sat next to had several tattoos.
 As children we were taught to stay clear of people with tattoos as in general they were not of the highest standard. Old habits die hard and to be honest I am not keen on anyone having tattoos. Mind you there is probably more younger people having tattoos now than those without.
 eventually the Barber came back in. He had been across the road to the local supermarket and among other things he bought a daily paper.
 Well after a further 5 minutes or so he started. I said to the young man next to me that at least we were now making some progress. I asked him if he had been waiting long and he told me that he had  arrived there just before me. I told him that this made my life a lot easier as I followed him. I then described how a local surgery was always full and it was difficult to remember how many were waiting before me.
 He looked at me and then told me he knew me if I knew him. I obviously told him I didn't recognise him at all. However I looked closely once more and asked him if his name was xxxx. He confirmed it was.
He had worked for me but I hadn't seen him for over 15 years. He was just 16 when I last saw him so it was not surprising I didn't recognise him at all. He told me that he thought he had seen me a couple of times before and also noticed that I had solar panels on my property. I told him he should have called but he made the excuse that he didn't know if I was still there. I told him I was and he would be welcome but I don't expect him to call at all.
 We had a good talk. I told him that he wished to go into the Navy. He then said he had joined but didn't like it so joined the Army and had been in the Army for 10 years.
 Actually I really liked him and he was a very pleasant young man. He worked with a colleague of about the same age. I asked him what had happened to him. He told me he thought he was in prison. I told him I had expected him to tell me he was dead. He was that sort of young man.
 It was his turn to have his haircut and the time went by so quickly but it was nice to see him.
 Eventually I got back home with the ham, pork pie and a few bits and bobs.
  I got 6 bread rolls out and had an early dinner. Just as well for soon after I finished the door bell rung. to my dismay they didn't need anything to eat as they had gone to his Step Sister's for a meal.  they didn't stay too long as it is a long way from mine to Exeter.
 Anyway today my mate called ans so we had ham for our meal. It is good quality ham from the Butchers off the bone so nice and tasty.
 Tonight I had a call, it was from the guy who was here with his wife yesterday so at least they got home safely.
Finally my mate looked at the new installation of the door and window. I told him I was very happy with the installation. He concurred and told me it had been fitted well and was the latest argon filled double glazing. The installer had told me this but it was nice to have it confirmed by my mate. More soon.

It's my age

I forgot to mention it but about a week ago I had my old french windows took out and a modern up to date full length window with a door was put in it's place. It was fitted to my satisfaction and to be honest it is the best door for opening and closing I have ever had. It was done by a more mature man I guess in the 40s and he took his time and it took him almost 4 hours. He didn't stop at all and when he had finished cleaned up including sweeping the yard. I was impressed.
 Well, Easter has come and gone, I didn't get to see the guy who bought the place off me many years ago but it is my intention to go and see him and his wife before the season gets busy, that is we hope it will get busy.
 The guy who worked for me many years ago phoned me last night and told me he was in the area and would come to see me about 1.00pm. today.
 I decided to go and get some ham, along with a little liver and sausage and a pork pie. I know I shouldn't have a pork pie but they really are the best I have tasted.
 When I got home I thought I had better have my dinner early, just as well because they arrived early.
 They had been to the funeral of his Step Mother and arrived at mine soon after 12.30pm.
 I told them that I had bought some ham and besides giving them a ham roll for a snack, I would also give them a couple of rolls to eat on their way home. I was somewhat surprised when they told me that they had been given something to eat and all they needed was a drink. I told them not to worry and gave them a drink.
 His wife likes rhubarb so although mine is so small, I managed to pick enough for her to have. She is the only one who likes rhubarb.
 It was nice to see tham but all too soon it was time for them to leave.
 Whether I will see therm again is a guess as there is only his Brother and me for them to come all the way from Exeter to visit.
 I see that on the local T.V they are on about the huge amount of sand that has been blown up from the beach onto the promenade, paths and roads. I don't suppose this week end has been a good one as although apart from Saturday when we had a little snow, the remainder has been sunny at times and dry but very cold.
Typical, today has been by far the sunniest day we have had this year. More soon.