Now its not very often that the rain stops me from doing anything, but as I was due to go off to Ford Market this morning, its now 0330hrs and its chucking it down with rain. Im afraid that the rain has put paid to those plans!
Shame as I was looking forward to it! But Im not good getting all my books wet for nothing! So Im going to write this post up then head back to bed!
Yesterday I did Matchams Car Boot, it was very quiet. Not sure if it was due to the weather, which was very overcast to start with or the fact that there was a serious accident which blocked up the roads not far away. I did ok, so cant complain, but when it started to rain around 1030 I quickly packed up and headed for the hills!
Got wet in the process, then met "M" for lunch, picked up some of the bananna boxes from the guys on the fruit stalls at Ringwood market and headed for Shaston to get yet more books to replace the ones that Ive sold!
On my way through I picked up a new gas bottle from The Forest Camping Centre. A pretty good little camping shop only down the road from us. The price has gone up from £19.50 to £23.00 for a 6Kg bottle of propane! Thats some increase! Mind you they havent put their prices up since before the VAT increase so I guess its about right!?
On my way back from Shaston I stopped off up at Wingreen Hill to give China Dog a run, there was alot of low cloud and you couldnt really see a thing so no pictures this time!
Eventually got back to the van, loo required emptying, water refilled, rubbish done, grey waste done. Then time for a quick cuppa, shower, check emails and back out the door with "M" to get weighed in at fat club!
Good news I lost another 3.5Lbs so something is working, bringing my total now to 19 stone 3Lbs, so 1/2 a stone shed in two weeks. I pleased with that. But I have had a cheeky little 99 ice cream, and a latte coffee this week, oh and a number of G and T's. "M" lost 1.5Lbs but she hasnt been as good as I have, mind you she doesnt need to!
Well, back to bed for me. "M" has the day off today, so no rush to get up early - lovely! At least it gives me the chance to get all the packing done as I had a sale finish on ebay, and unusually everyone paid straight away! So 20+ items to box up ready to get out.
Nearly forgot, sold the brass lizard! £7.00 so a £2.01 penny profit.
What Ill do is mention one of the things that Ive bought along the way, like the lizard and see how I get on with it.
So something I won from ebay yesterday was described as a brass plate with enamel inset with African design. Looking at it (it measures almost 30cm in diameter) and it was under the category of Collectables, Metal, Other. So to start with the technique is called Cloisonne which is the term used for applying enamel to brass/copper. This wasnt mentioned and it looks middle eastern, so I will be re-listing it under Antiques, Middle Eastern, Plates, Cloisonne and see where we go from there, unless of course I sell it first at a market. I paid £22.50 for it including shipping.
Its finding the items that have been described wrongly, thats the trick, I do spend a bit of time trawling through ebay, but I think its time well spent.
Ive also got my eye on a couple of vases which havent got the best description as well!
Time for bed, seems weird as Im dressed and ready for the off, but its howling a gale outside, and the local weather for Ford reads heavy rain for 0700 with rain forecast all morning!
Till later.............
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Collecting Antiques To Junk!
I think it was Martin who left me a comment the other day wanting to know how I got into Antiques and how I learnt about them.
I gave a short reply as only you can when replying on the comments page, but it did get me thinking of all the things Ive collected over the years.
To say there have been a few have been an understatement!
I think I must of been a Magpie in a previous life!
As a kid, I collected fossils, anything that looked remotely like a fossil, including a piece of concrete with a metal bar sticking out of it! Glass bottles, which I would go digging for at the various old Victorian tips around Shaston.
I collected stamps, coins, snails, butterflys, old bits from bikes, match boxes, you name it I would collect it.
This was briefly interrupted by spending time in the Army, where it wasnt so much collecting, more of sampling all the wonderful German beers on offer!
Once I left I think my first collection then was of old sewing machines, I must of had around 20 or so, all working, and cleaned up. They looked pretty impressive, but they did take up rather alot of room!
Whilst living up north, I then combined two of these hobbies of mine of collecting and drinking! If you ever look at all the real ales in the super markets, you will see that some of the labels and bottles look pretty impressive. So, I started to collect them! Not only that but the pump clips as well! Which I then attached to the bottle necks.
I had a high ceiling in the kitchen which allowed 3 or 4 tiers of the bottles to be displayed on top of the kitchen cupboards. The tops of the cupboards had up-lighters so all in all with just over 300 different beer bottles it looked pretty impressive! Must say it was hard work collecting the bottles! Not!
Once back down to a warmer climate the only thing that I collect now is anything to do with my beloved home town of Shaston.
All though, I do have a couple of thousand books, loads of sheet music, many, many postcards, plenty of old 78's and enough vintage clothing to cloth a small village in Africa!
Ive always had an interest in anything old, and being ex-forces obviously old military items interest me. I found myself working for a guy who dealt in old military and colonial items. This I found immensely enjoyable and I learnt alot whilst working with him.
I then set up on my own, and working with a couple of other antique dealers Ive found myself doing what I do now!
How do you learn about antiques? well Im a bit of a sponge when it comes to soaking up information, when Im looking at something that Im not sure about, 9 times out of 10 you can find something out about it by hitting google! There is just so much information available.
Unless you specialise on a paticular subject, such as Meissen for instance, then I really dont think you ever stop learning! Its just to greater subject to know everything!
You are helped by the china/porcelain manufactuers, identifying their pieces on the bottom, and they can also be date stamped, some simply by the year or others with a code, which can then be looked up and dated.
Silver and gold can be hallmarked, depending on which country it comes from. British silver is fairly easy to read as long as the hallmark is clear. Chinese and Indian silver tends not to be marked, but you can tend to tell by the feel and the colour if its silver or not, the age usually by the quality! The better quality the older it is.
If you ever have any old silver or gold that you would like to cash in on, please feel free to email me at bakers_cottage@btinternet.com a picture and the weight of the item would be good. I can bet any money you like Ill give you a better price than any of these TV gold and silver buyers!
Yesterday was spent, describing antiques ready for auction. They ranged from silver tea caddy spoons, tea leaf strainers and dishes, proof coin sets, masonic jewels, Victorian scent bottle cork screws, a miniature painting just to name a few items. Always interesting and you learn something new everyday.
Not sure I could do a job where you dont learn anything!
So dont forget dig out all your old jewellery and Ill give you a good price, the price of silver and gold is at an all time high, so if your going to do it, do it now!
I think that with the love of collecting old and interesting things and the enjoyment of selling which is what I did for a number of years then doing what I do now is the perfect mix.
Mind you if you looked at my resume, you would wonder! Maybe thats for another post!!!!
Till later........
I gave a short reply as only you can when replying on the comments page, but it did get me thinking of all the things Ive collected over the years.
To say there have been a few have been an understatement!
I think I must of been a Magpie in a previous life!
As a kid, I collected fossils, anything that looked remotely like a fossil, including a piece of concrete with a metal bar sticking out of it! Glass bottles, which I would go digging for at the various old Victorian tips around Shaston.
I collected stamps, coins, snails, butterflys, old bits from bikes, match boxes, you name it I would collect it.
This was briefly interrupted by spending time in the Army, where it wasnt so much collecting, more of sampling all the wonderful German beers on offer!
Once I left I think my first collection then was of old sewing machines, I must of had around 20 or so, all working, and cleaned up. They looked pretty impressive, but they did take up rather alot of room!
Whilst living up north, I then combined two of these hobbies of mine of collecting and drinking! If you ever look at all the real ales in the super markets, you will see that some of the labels and bottles look pretty impressive. So, I started to collect them! Not only that but the pump clips as well! Which I then attached to the bottle necks.
I had a high ceiling in the kitchen which allowed 3 or 4 tiers of the bottles to be displayed on top of the kitchen cupboards. The tops of the cupboards had up-lighters so all in all with just over 300 different beer bottles it looked pretty impressive! Must say it was hard work collecting the bottles! Not!
Once back down to a warmer climate the only thing that I collect now is anything to do with my beloved home town of Shaston.
All though, I do have a couple of thousand books, loads of sheet music, many, many postcards, plenty of old 78's and enough vintage clothing to cloth a small village in Africa!
Ive always had an interest in anything old, and being ex-forces obviously old military items interest me. I found myself working for a guy who dealt in old military and colonial items. This I found immensely enjoyable and I learnt alot whilst working with him.
I then set up on my own, and working with a couple of other antique dealers Ive found myself doing what I do now!
How do you learn about antiques? well Im a bit of a sponge when it comes to soaking up information, when Im looking at something that Im not sure about, 9 times out of 10 you can find something out about it by hitting google! There is just so much information available.
Unless you specialise on a paticular subject, such as Meissen for instance, then I really dont think you ever stop learning! Its just to greater subject to know everything!
You are helped by the china/porcelain manufactuers, identifying their pieces on the bottom, and they can also be date stamped, some simply by the year or others with a code, which can then be looked up and dated.
Silver and gold can be hallmarked, depending on which country it comes from. British silver is fairly easy to read as long as the hallmark is clear. Chinese and Indian silver tends not to be marked, but you can tend to tell by the feel and the colour if its silver or not, the age usually by the quality! The better quality the older it is.
If you ever have any old silver or gold that you would like to cash in on, please feel free to email me at bakers_cottage@btinternet.com a picture and the weight of the item would be good. I can bet any money you like Ill give you a better price than any of these TV gold and silver buyers!
Yesterday was spent, describing antiques ready for auction. They ranged from silver tea caddy spoons, tea leaf strainers and dishes, proof coin sets, masonic jewels, Victorian scent bottle cork screws, a miniature painting just to name a few items. Always interesting and you learn something new everyday.
Not sure I could do a job where you dont learn anything!
So dont forget dig out all your old jewellery and Ill give you a good price, the price of silver and gold is at an all time high, so if your going to do it, do it now!
I think that with the love of collecting old and interesting things and the enjoyment of selling which is what I did for a number of years then doing what I do now is the perfect mix.
Mind you if you looked at my resume, you would wonder! Maybe thats for another post!!!!
Till later........
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Doing The Markets!
The alarm went off at 0330hrs on Saturday morning, now thats not nice at all!
Sorted myself out without trying to wake "M" which I failed miserably at! Not easy in a caravan, also I do have a habit of cursing rather loudly, and as my memory is getting worse, I forget to do things which when I remember tends to make me curse more! So there was a fair bit of effing and jeffing as I went about trying to get myself out the door!
I got upto Ford in good time and joined the que to get onto the market site at 0530! I tried to have a bit of a kip but no good, so just sat it out till 0730 when they let us in!
I had to get there that early, if you dont, there is a good chance you are turned away!
I was shown to my pitch which depending on how you view things was either a good spot or a very bad spot, it was good due to the fact that alot of people visited it. But, from my point of view, with an apple, 2 banana's and a container full of salad being next to a F***ing burger bar was not funny! The waft of onions, burgers and chips, nearly drove me mad, but! and this is a big but, I didnt have anything, ok, I had a latte, but no burgers/bacon/chips/sausages for me! I think that deserved a pat on the back!
So Im still on the diet, I hope Im doing ok. If Im not, its not for the want of trying!
Anyway, true to form as I openned up the back door to the freelander, the dealers were in like a pack of wolves. I must admit that at one point a few choice and fruity words were offered as advice to a dealer to get out of my way, the fact I was holding a clothes rail pole at the time helped convince him I wasnt kidding!
I stalled out and it was brisk to say the least! I did very well and really enjoyed it. I packed up around 1200 and drove back home feeling knackered, but a couple of hundred quid up so I wasnt complaining!
Whilst there I did bump into a dealer that I know, we had a chat and he bought a couple of bits from me! He beat me up on the price though!
Back at the van, "M" thought that it may be a good idea as the weather was nice to do another carboot on Sunday. However, this did mean going back to Shaston to get more gear.
So off we trot, back to Shaston, loaded up then popped into to see our old neighbours Herbie and Jo, who lived almost opposite us! It was good to see them both!
Then back to our campsite, but instead of turning in, we drove on into Bournemouth and to the biggest Asda in the world! We bought some more smoked cod, and some steak as a treat, along with mounds of fruit!
Finally back at the van, a swift G and T as I cooked whole sweetcorn and the steaks on the cadac!
30 minutes later I was in bed and fast asleep!
Woke early this morning, thankfully we had remembered to sort out the clocks. Got up around 0830, and had a breakfast of bacon, mushrooms and eggs. All done outside on the cadac. Lovely!
Off we went then into Bournemouth, or more precisely Canford Arena. A fairly big carboot, we set up with plenty of room and no dealers! To be honest we didnt do that well, but forty quid is forty quid, so not a bad way to spend a couple of hours, and on the way back we found a garage which had petrol at £1.27 How cheap is that! So I filled up the Landrover, cant remember the last time I did that!
Sat back at the van now, "M" has gone off to the laundrette, and my only chore is to do the washing up!
Smoked Cod on the cadac tonight, and with a bit of extra light due to the clocks it should be a lovely evening! Time for a couple a Gins as well!
Back at it next week. rough plans depending on the weather are. Shaston Monday, Tuesday at the van, Wednesday Matchams Car Boot, Thursday Ford flea market, Friday at the van, Saturday Ford flea market, and then on Sunday maybe a different carboot!
Looking like a busy week!
Hope you all had a great weekend, and enjoyed the weather and hopefully out camping somewhere!
We smiled as we drove back onto site today, as most of the campers from the DA meet had left to travel home, and we are still here having a long holiday!
Till later...............
Sorted myself out without trying to wake "M" which I failed miserably at! Not easy in a caravan, also I do have a habit of cursing rather loudly, and as my memory is getting worse, I forget to do things which when I remember tends to make me curse more! So there was a fair bit of effing and jeffing as I went about trying to get myself out the door!
I got upto Ford in good time and joined the que to get onto the market site at 0530! I tried to have a bit of a kip but no good, so just sat it out till 0730 when they let us in!
I had to get there that early, if you dont, there is a good chance you are turned away!
I was shown to my pitch which depending on how you view things was either a good spot or a very bad spot, it was good due to the fact that alot of people visited it. But, from my point of view, with an apple, 2 banana's and a container full of salad being next to a F***ing burger bar was not funny! The waft of onions, burgers and chips, nearly drove me mad, but! and this is a big but, I didnt have anything, ok, I had a latte, but no burgers/bacon/chips/sausages for me! I think that deserved a pat on the back!
So Im still on the diet, I hope Im doing ok. If Im not, its not for the want of trying!
Anyway, true to form as I openned up the back door to the freelander, the dealers were in like a pack of wolves. I must admit that at one point a few choice and fruity words were offered as advice to a dealer to get out of my way, the fact I was holding a clothes rail pole at the time helped convince him I wasnt kidding!
I stalled out and it was brisk to say the least! I did very well and really enjoyed it. I packed up around 1200 and drove back home feeling knackered, but a couple of hundred quid up so I wasnt complaining!
Whilst there I did bump into a dealer that I know, we had a chat and he bought a couple of bits from me! He beat me up on the price though!
Back at the van, "M" thought that it may be a good idea as the weather was nice to do another carboot on Sunday. However, this did mean going back to Shaston to get more gear.
So off we trot, back to Shaston, loaded up then popped into to see our old neighbours Herbie and Jo, who lived almost opposite us! It was good to see them both!
Then back to our campsite, but instead of turning in, we drove on into Bournemouth and to the biggest Asda in the world! We bought some more smoked cod, and some steak as a treat, along with mounds of fruit!
Finally back at the van, a swift G and T as I cooked whole sweetcorn and the steaks on the cadac!
30 minutes later I was in bed and fast asleep!
Woke early this morning, thankfully we had remembered to sort out the clocks. Got up around 0830, and had a breakfast of bacon, mushrooms and eggs. All done outside on the cadac. Lovely!
Off we went then into Bournemouth, or more precisely Canford Arena. A fairly big carboot, we set up with plenty of room and no dealers! To be honest we didnt do that well, but forty quid is forty quid, so not a bad way to spend a couple of hours, and on the way back we found a garage which had petrol at £1.27 How cheap is that! So I filled up the Landrover, cant remember the last time I did that!
Sat back at the van now, "M" has gone off to the laundrette, and my only chore is to do the washing up!
Smoked Cod on the cadac tonight, and with a bit of extra light due to the clocks it should be a lovely evening! Time for a couple a Gins as well!
Back at it next week. rough plans depending on the weather are. Shaston Monday, Tuesday at the van, Wednesday Matchams Car Boot, Thursday Ford flea market, Friday at the van, Saturday Ford flea market, and then on Sunday maybe a different carboot!
Looking like a busy week!
Hope you all had a great weekend, and enjoyed the weather and hopefully out camping somewhere!
We smiled as we drove back onto site today, as most of the campers from the DA meet had left to travel home, and we are still here having a long holiday!
Till later...............
Friday, 25 March 2011
The World Descends On Our Camp Site!
Last night we noticed a couple of vans pulled into the lower field as you come up the track, didnt think much of it, but today the New Forest DA of the Caravan And Camping Club have arrived! There's a few of them!
Not only that but a couple more vans have arrived on our part of the site! Thing is we have got used to having the site being lovely and quiet, no kids, no dogs, no NOISE!
All of a sudden its gone mad, we can hear engines, doors, voices, and generators. What was a peaceful and tranquil site is no longer.
I guess its only to be expected as the season kicks off. We are here till the 19th, thats our 28 days done and dusted, we know where we are going for our 10 day stint after that, we just havent booked it yet. Then the shows start!
The Cadac is being fired up this evening, the chicken is marinating in some Tandorri mix, oh yes. Shame I cant have a beer, I could just do with a few, but seeing as Im being good, and that Im up at some unearthly hour. I wont!
May need a gin or two tomorrow if I can stay awake long enough!
Went up to Shaston this morning, the car is now rammed to the roof with goodies for the market tomorrow! It will be interesting to see how it works out, and if its worth getting up for and driving the distance.
I know someone who has been going recently and they say its worth it, but, he does have far better gear than me to sell, so Im not hoping for too much, but fingers crossed!
China dog is going with "M" tomorrow! That will be a change, she is normally glued to my side! Im sure Ill be looking around for her wondering where she has got to!
Even if she wanted to come she couldnt, the front seat is packed with gear as well!
Till later..........
Not only that but a couple more vans have arrived on our part of the site! Thing is we have got used to having the site being lovely and quiet, no kids, no dogs, no NOISE!
All of a sudden its gone mad, we can hear engines, doors, voices, and generators. What was a peaceful and tranquil site is no longer.
I guess its only to be expected as the season kicks off. We are here till the 19th, thats our 28 days done and dusted, we know where we are going for our 10 day stint after that, we just havent booked it yet. Then the shows start!
The Cadac is being fired up this evening, the chicken is marinating in some Tandorri mix, oh yes. Shame I cant have a beer, I could just do with a few, but seeing as Im being good, and that Im up at some unearthly hour. I wont!
May need a gin or two tomorrow if I can stay awake long enough!
Went up to Shaston this morning, the car is now rammed to the roof with goodies for the market tomorrow! It will be interesting to see how it works out, and if its worth getting up for and driving the distance.
I know someone who has been going recently and they say its worth it, but, he does have far better gear than me to sell, so Im not hoping for too much, but fingers crossed!
China dog is going with "M" tomorrow! That will be a change, she is normally glued to my side! Im sure Ill be looking around for her wondering where she has got to!
Even if she wanted to come she couldnt, the front seat is packed with gear as well!
Till later..........
British Forces - My Opinion!
I just read the report on the Gurkha Sergeant who has been honoured with a gong after beating off an armed attacked by the Taliban. At one point after his weapon had jammed he used the tripod of his machine gun to literally beat off a Taliban solider who was trying to kill him.
Along with all the other countless acts of bravery which get mentioned and awarded! Bravo!
What about all those countless incidents where something happens but never gets mentioned? where lives are saved through luck, or by just simple words such as "keep your heads down lads" or "eyes peeled"
Should we be there at all?
Now there is a question: So lets put it another way. You are walking down the street, its raining, your in a hurry, your cold, your tired, your arms are full of shopping, you have young children with you that are not in any way happy. You have to rush to get home to drop the kids off as you have an evening shift to do at the supermarket because your very short of money.
On the other side of the road, up an alley way, you see an old couple being mugged and beaten by a gang, what do you do. Walk on by, forget you saw it? No, if your anything like me your straight in, up to your neck! I speak from experience here. Yes I did wade in.
Thats what we are doing in these countries which need our help. Of course we cant afford to do it, of course our time could be spent better, we are putting ourselves out, lives are risked and lost. And of course they cant do it on their own!
All those serving in the forces have to put up with so much, poor living conditions, poor wages, poor equipment, and worst of all poor support! Yet they still go out day in, day out, to do the job to the best of their ability with the tools thay they have to hand.
They are not conscripted in, they join with their own free will.
Those folk who say that we shouldnt be there and want our forces brought home really should think about what they are saying. Ok, we pull out, what happens? The Taliban take over, kill everyone who was involved with the coalition forces and take the country back to the dark ages, where women are treated as second class citizens and stoning is almost a sport!
Talk about turn a blind eye! Surely we cannot allow this to happen? Or are you the sort to walk on by the mugged old couple?
When I hear of squaddies being shouted or spat at it makes my blood boil, as I know that those that have just been spat on would instantly sacrifice their lives to protect the spitter!
The other day, when I was at a petrol station, their was a squaddie filling up with fuel, as I walked by him, I said, "your doing a good job boys" his reply, "I havent spilt a bit yet" He knew exactly what I was talking about, you could see him grinning from ear to ear!
Next time you see a squaddie, if you want to see a blokes face light up, thank him, he may not be around for you to thank him again!
As we enter into a new set of problems with Libya, more lives will obviously be lost, but the freedom of a country is surely a small price to pay?
What we need in these dark times is stability. This comes at a cost, and is surely a price worth paying. The alternatives are all your worst nightmares coming true!
Maybe I have a simple view on life, I speak from the experiences that I have had and from what I believe in. Those that disagree with me are freely allowed to speak their minds and can even reply to this post and I will publish it. This is what is so great about living how we do, in a country that is free to speak its mind!
You cant do that in those mentioned countries can you? In my book thats argument closed!
Did you know that facebook isnt allowed in China!?
More caravan nonsense to follow shortly, thanks for reading!
Till later.............
Along with all the other countless acts of bravery which get mentioned and awarded! Bravo!
What about all those countless incidents where something happens but never gets mentioned? where lives are saved through luck, or by just simple words such as "keep your heads down lads" or "eyes peeled"
Should we be there at all?
Now there is a question: So lets put it another way. You are walking down the street, its raining, your in a hurry, your cold, your tired, your arms are full of shopping, you have young children with you that are not in any way happy. You have to rush to get home to drop the kids off as you have an evening shift to do at the supermarket because your very short of money.
On the other side of the road, up an alley way, you see an old couple being mugged and beaten by a gang, what do you do. Walk on by, forget you saw it? No, if your anything like me your straight in, up to your neck! I speak from experience here. Yes I did wade in.
Thats what we are doing in these countries which need our help. Of course we cant afford to do it, of course our time could be spent better, we are putting ourselves out, lives are risked and lost. And of course they cant do it on their own!
All those serving in the forces have to put up with so much, poor living conditions, poor wages, poor equipment, and worst of all poor support! Yet they still go out day in, day out, to do the job to the best of their ability with the tools thay they have to hand.
They are not conscripted in, they join with their own free will.
Those folk who say that we shouldnt be there and want our forces brought home really should think about what they are saying. Ok, we pull out, what happens? The Taliban take over, kill everyone who was involved with the coalition forces and take the country back to the dark ages, where women are treated as second class citizens and stoning is almost a sport!
Talk about turn a blind eye! Surely we cannot allow this to happen? Or are you the sort to walk on by the mugged old couple?
When I hear of squaddies being shouted or spat at it makes my blood boil, as I know that those that have just been spat on would instantly sacrifice their lives to protect the spitter!
The other day, when I was at a petrol station, their was a squaddie filling up with fuel, as I walked by him, I said, "your doing a good job boys" his reply, "I havent spilt a bit yet" He knew exactly what I was talking about, you could see him grinning from ear to ear!
Next time you see a squaddie, if you want to see a blokes face light up, thank him, he may not be around for you to thank him again!
As we enter into a new set of problems with Libya, more lives will obviously be lost, but the freedom of a country is surely a small price to pay?
What we need in these dark times is stability. This comes at a cost, and is surely a price worth paying. The alternatives are all your worst nightmares coming true!
Maybe I have a simple view on life, I speak from the experiences that I have had and from what I believe in. Those that disagree with me are freely allowed to speak their minds and can even reply to this post and I will publish it. This is what is so great about living how we do, in a country that is free to speak its mind!
You cant do that in those mentioned countries can you? In my book thats argument closed!
Did you know that facebook isnt allowed in China!?
More caravan nonsense to follow shortly, thanks for reading!
Till later.............
Thursday, 24 March 2011
A Great Day In The Sun With Loads Completed!
Its been one of those days where somehow, and I dont know exactly how, but I seemed to of managed to get loads done today!
The sun has been shining all day and its been lovely warm, Ive been in shorts and t-shirt all day which may of helped!
Ive managed to get a whole load of things described ready for auction, and I managed to to get everything ready for the market on Saturday!
Im off to Shaston tomorrow, Im going to take with me on Saturday lots and lots of antique and collectable books. So I need to sort them out into some sort of order. A job which should of been done long ago, but I just havent found the time.
Im also going to take with me a clothes rail and a load of tweed jackets which we bought a little while ago with a view to sell on at a later date!
Lets see if I manage to get rid of my "brass" lizard!
Im looking forward to it, but not the getting up at 0330hrs to be away at just after 0400hrs!
Going back to Driving Lessons and why I gave up teaching folk to drive. Not sure if the google add will still be there but there was a guy advertising your first three lessons for £6.33 a lesson! A lesson is an hour! How the F*** can he make any money out of that? All that does is dumb down the profession that I took alot of time, trouble, sweat and tears to join!
Do you really think he will give a quality lesson for that price? If any one fancies contacting him and finding out how he does it I would love to know! Im afraid Im too hot headed to do so!
So when there are lunatics like that charging those prices is it any wonder why I stopped teaching!
The sky is very red tonight, I cant see the sunset from where we are as there are trees in the way, but can see the glow above them!
Spag Bog tonight! 28g of cheese sure looks small! I like it grated and sprinkled over the top! But, apparently I can have as much pasta as I like!
Wonder if I will loose as much this week? Hope so!
Well enough waffle from me, off to watch a DVD tonight, not sure what it is, but will get me off this laptop for a few hours!
Till later.............
The sun has been shining all day and its been lovely warm, Ive been in shorts and t-shirt all day which may of helped!
Ive managed to get a whole load of things described ready for auction, and I managed to to get everything ready for the market on Saturday!
Im off to Shaston tomorrow, Im going to take with me on Saturday lots and lots of antique and collectable books. So I need to sort them out into some sort of order. A job which should of been done long ago, but I just havent found the time.
Im also going to take with me a clothes rail and a load of tweed jackets which we bought a little while ago with a view to sell on at a later date!
Lets see if I manage to get rid of my "brass" lizard!
Im looking forward to it, but not the getting up at 0330hrs to be away at just after 0400hrs!
Going back to Driving Lessons and why I gave up teaching folk to drive. Not sure if the google add will still be there but there was a guy advertising your first three lessons for £6.33 a lesson! A lesson is an hour! How the F*** can he make any money out of that? All that does is dumb down the profession that I took alot of time, trouble, sweat and tears to join!
Do you really think he will give a quality lesson for that price? If any one fancies contacting him and finding out how he does it I would love to know! Im afraid Im too hot headed to do so!
So when there are lunatics like that charging those prices is it any wonder why I stopped teaching!
The sky is very red tonight, I cant see the sunset from where we are as there are trees in the way, but can see the glow above them!
Spag Bog tonight! 28g of cheese sure looks small! I like it grated and sprinkled over the top! But, apparently I can have as much pasta as I like!
Wonder if I will loose as much this week? Hope so!
Well enough waffle from me, off to watch a DVD tonight, not sure what it is, but will get me off this laptop for a few hours!
Till later.............
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Joined Slimming World!
As a portly sort of gentleman, with a liking in life for everything that is bad for you it has come as no surprise that over the years a few pounds have been added.
Now as I embrace middle age, with so many more things that I want to do and achieve I feel that if I dont shed a few pounds I may not be around to enjoy life for as long as I hoped!
Ive been actively encouraged by Rob who has lost a whopping 8 stone in 38 weeks! Now, thats some weight loss. And he has not skimped on food or drink, just a more balanced diet of the right type of foods.
So, last Wednesday night (16th March) myself and "M" went off to our nearest Slimming World Class! Nervous - was the word. I must admit to feeling slightly uncomfortable with the whole process. Not sure why, Im not the shy retiring type. Ive stood in a room with over 200 people and given presentations, Ive presented to Directors of some of the largest car manufacturers in Europe. So why did this make me nervous?
Probably because its a fear that I have yet to confront on any level. Ive never really been that bothered about my weight. But now as Im getting on, my knees ache and that can only be due to carrying a sack of spuds around with me all the time! And I do mean a sack!
My weight is 19 Stone 11 pounds! What a Fat Ba***rd!
Dont forget that I was in the Army so my fitness levels have been high, well, I say high. I was never a sprinter, but over a long distance I was good. Stamina has never been that much of an issue either, but now I get tired more quickly.
So off we went, "M" says she wants to loose a stone, I think she is really only coming to give me some support which is really sweet of her. As I cant see that she needs to loose weight.
We had our induction, which I must admit went a bit over my head, I found it hard to concentrate with all the other people coming in and milling around behind us.
Then to my horror we sat around in a big circle and the organiser (Emma) a very bubbly and exciteable lady who has lost loads of weight stood and talked to everyone in turn about their weight loss or gain in some circumstances! On the whole, I would say that 99% of people had lost weight since the previous week. Even if it was only a pound, its still a weight loss.
Everyone brings a bit of fruit with them, which is then given to the person who looses the most weight that week, which was a great idea. Considering there must of been at least 40 people, there thats alot of fruit!
After looking through the information thats been given to us and going onto their website, as for normal day to day food, we just need to be a little more careful, but its all the sweet sticky stuff and alcohol that needs to be looked at.
Today is Saturday.
So far Ive stuck to it like glue, with nothing bad for me at all. Do I look any slimmer? Ive no idea, But Im keeping to it. Ive cut out milk and havent had a beer all week! Loads of fruit and nothing sweet/sticky or cake/biscuit looking at all. I havent even had all my allocation of sins either. In fact I think Ive done nothing but what they call free foods. Im hoping that this will give me the kick start and incentive to carry on with it.
Funny thing is Im now actually looking forward to Wednesday night to be weighed in to see if its working! Fingers crossed that it is!
I havent blogged about this yet, as Im waiting till after next Wednesday to see if there has been a change in my weight. If there is Ill be shouting about it, if there isnt ill be wanting to know why!
So Im writing all this in draft at the moment and will publish hopefully next Wednesday.
So far the only thing I miss is having a pint, and cups of tea, but have since discovered that coffee actually tastes better without the milk!
Its now Wednesday late afternoon. Ive been really good all week, nothing bad for me has been eaten or drunk. In fact Ive been very good. Apart from the Gin which I regard as medicinal.
So we will see later this evening if I have in fact lost any weight!
I do hope so, other wise Im having a pint tonight when I get back!
As far as being hungry, to be honest I havent been! With this Slimming World diet its reasonably simple to eat as much of some foods as you want. So its not been that hard work.
What do I miss? A Beer! I havent had one in over a week. However I did have a couple of Gin and Tonics with slimline tonic the other evening, but you cant drink Gin all night. Well you can, and I have, but that was in my bad old days!
So the moment of truth is just after 1900hrs tonight. Will I of lost weight? And then the next question being - How much?
Will find out soon enough -
Back From Fat Club!
Guess what, I lost 4.5lbs and "M" lost 5lbs! so we are doing something right!
So Im now, 19 Stone 6 1/2lbs. Still a Fat B****rd but slightly less of a one than last week!
From what I can make out, Ive been doing things slightly wrong and cut out too many things, which isnt good for you and can actually slow down your weight loss!
So a little readjustment this week, and we shall see where we get to.
Im pleased with that, and "M" is very happy.
Obviously we will keep you updated with our progress.
Pass me an apple - till later.....................
Now as I embrace middle age, with so many more things that I want to do and achieve I feel that if I dont shed a few pounds I may not be around to enjoy life for as long as I hoped!
Ive been actively encouraged by Rob who has lost a whopping 8 stone in 38 weeks! Now, thats some weight loss. And he has not skimped on food or drink, just a more balanced diet of the right type of foods.
So, last Wednesday night (16th March) myself and "M" went off to our nearest Slimming World Class! Nervous - was the word. I must admit to feeling slightly uncomfortable with the whole process. Not sure why, Im not the shy retiring type. Ive stood in a room with over 200 people and given presentations, Ive presented to Directors of some of the largest car manufacturers in Europe. So why did this make me nervous?
Probably because its a fear that I have yet to confront on any level. Ive never really been that bothered about my weight. But now as Im getting on, my knees ache and that can only be due to carrying a sack of spuds around with me all the time! And I do mean a sack!
My weight is 19 Stone 11 pounds! What a Fat Ba***rd!
Dont forget that I was in the Army so my fitness levels have been high, well, I say high. I was never a sprinter, but over a long distance I was good. Stamina has never been that much of an issue either, but now I get tired more quickly.
So off we went, "M" says she wants to loose a stone, I think she is really only coming to give me some support which is really sweet of her. As I cant see that she needs to loose weight.
We had our induction, which I must admit went a bit over my head, I found it hard to concentrate with all the other people coming in and milling around behind us.
Then to my horror we sat around in a big circle and the organiser (Emma) a very bubbly and exciteable lady who has lost loads of weight stood and talked to everyone in turn about their weight loss or gain in some circumstances! On the whole, I would say that 99% of people had lost weight since the previous week. Even if it was only a pound, its still a weight loss.
Everyone brings a bit of fruit with them, which is then given to the person who looses the most weight that week, which was a great idea. Considering there must of been at least 40 people, there thats alot of fruit!
After looking through the information thats been given to us and going onto their website, as for normal day to day food, we just need to be a little more careful, but its all the sweet sticky stuff and alcohol that needs to be looked at.
Today is Saturday.
So far Ive stuck to it like glue, with nothing bad for me at all. Do I look any slimmer? Ive no idea, But Im keeping to it. Ive cut out milk and havent had a beer all week! Loads of fruit and nothing sweet/sticky or cake/biscuit looking at all. I havent even had all my allocation of sins either. In fact I think Ive done nothing but what they call free foods. Im hoping that this will give me the kick start and incentive to carry on with it.
Funny thing is Im now actually looking forward to Wednesday night to be weighed in to see if its working! Fingers crossed that it is!
I havent blogged about this yet, as Im waiting till after next Wednesday to see if there has been a change in my weight. If there is Ill be shouting about it, if there isnt ill be wanting to know why!
So Im writing all this in draft at the moment and will publish hopefully next Wednesday.
So far the only thing I miss is having a pint, and cups of tea, but have since discovered that coffee actually tastes better without the milk!
Its now Wednesday late afternoon. Ive been really good all week, nothing bad for me has been eaten or drunk. In fact Ive been very good. Apart from the Gin which I regard as medicinal.
So we will see later this evening if I have in fact lost any weight!
I do hope so, other wise Im having a pint tonight when I get back!
As far as being hungry, to be honest I havent been! With this Slimming World diet its reasonably simple to eat as much of some foods as you want. So its not been that hard work.
What do I miss? A Beer! I havent had one in over a week. However I did have a couple of Gin and Tonics with slimline tonic the other evening, but you cant drink Gin all night. Well you can, and I have, but that was in my bad old days!
So the moment of truth is just after 1900hrs tonight. Will I of lost weight? And then the next question being - How much?
Will find out soon enough -
Back From Fat Club!
Guess what, I lost 4.5lbs and "M" lost 5lbs! so we are doing something right!
So Im now, 19 Stone 6 1/2lbs. Still a Fat B****rd but slightly less of a one than last week!
From what I can make out, Ive been doing things slightly wrong and cut out too many things, which isnt good for you and can actually slow down your weight loss!
So a little readjustment this week, and we shall see where we get to.
Im pleased with that, and "M" is very happy.
Obviously we will keep you updated with our progress.
Pass me an apple - till later.....................
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