Where does the time go!? One minute Im relaxing on a Sunday evening, the next thing its Thursday evening!
So, this week, as Im sure everyone is all aware of, its bloody cold, but for us full timers it does give us a few problems. Nothing that cant be overcome but you dont have to worry so much about the cold when you live in a house!
Ive lagged the outside water pipe that connects to the aqua roll with special pipe foam, designed for the purpose, tie wrapped on, it, so far, has done the job! Having survived -5, which has been the coldest that its registered since we have started out. This weekend we are going to get a water tank jacket, and make an insulating jacket for the aqua roll with the use of copious amounts of duct tap or is it duck tape? Till then I have bungied an old floor mat around it, which again appears to be doing the job! The aquaroll is also sat on a wooden plinth to keep it off the ground. We also keep the spare full roll inside the awning.
We keep the window blinds down all the time to keep the heat in, we seem to be able to get it upto 20 degrees on only 1000w and without the blown air system on. It does go to 2000w so I cant see us getting cold inside!
Dont leave clothes on the floor, it gets to cold to put on the next day, I also place my dressing gown up against the side of my pillow as the wooden side of the wardrobe is rather cold to the touch during the night!
If we put the heating up too high before we go to bed, it gets really hot, so we sort of try and find a happy medium, but first thing in the morning it drops to around 13 degrees, which isnt unbearable, but as it only takes a few minutes to heat back up, no great shakes. He says, as "M" is first up and I dont get out of bed till coffee is made and its warmed up a bit. My excuse being that I would only get in her way as she is getting ready for work. My excuse anyway!
"M" feels the cold more than I do, probably due to the fact that I have a hefty layer of insulation around me and she doesnt! I havent had to dig my PJ's out yet!
Just been told that the winter quilt is now on the bed!
This weekend, Im also going to be looking at lagging inside pipes, (just in case) and the back of the cupboards with cardboard as the draughts from the outside vents for the fridge are making it a bit draughty. Also noticed that the cutlery is very cold! I dont want to block vents as that is just plain stupidity, but I do want to cut out any unnecessary draughts which there seem to be a few to many!
Apart from that, there hasnt been many changes to how we live, just need to think things through a little.
Its been a very busy week, non stop tapping of keys in either Shaston or Bournemouth. So busy that I havent had time to blog let alone do any listing for my own site! I know slacking, there are after all 24 hrs in a day!
I did list some amazing items, one of which is a photographic account by a Royal Naval officer whilst serving on HMS Bee 1936 - 1938. It shows photographs of the USS Panay which was sunk after an attack by the Japanese airforce, also the bombing of Shaghai, and the execution of Chinese citizens by Japanese soldiers! The photographs are of amazing quality and near professional standard. What I found amazing was the photographers ability to take a picture under extreme conditions. Im not sure that I could focus then push the button as I watched people being shot in the back of the head! These photos also show pictures of the winter and summer palaces along with other temples. They really do make a fantastic collection, so watch out for these as they will be up for sale over the Christmas period!
Talking of China!
China is off to the vets tomorrow to be neutered! She had a special meal of cooked chicken, pasta and veg tonight. Almost a last meal for the condemned! A shame as we would of liked to have pups from her, but just not practical living in a caravan, even if your awning is as big as the Albert Hall! She will be a sorry looking dog tomorrow! We have bought her a fleece which she enjoys wearing, she does suffer from the cold! When we first put it on her she wasnt too sure, she walked as if she was a puppet! But, now she really likes it and gets rather over excited when we put it on her!
The big question now is - Is it going to snow? Weather forecasts being totally unreliable, who knows! Shaston also seems to have its own micro climate, a few flakes were seen earlier this evening, but nothing since. The road I take to Shaston is a B road, 30 miles of windy twisty lanes over high ground! Will be interesting as the road is liable to drifting with only a very light snow fall! Thankfully we have a landrover, so should see me through ok, what ever the weather.
It does make me wonder how we as a country seem to fail so badly with only minor snow falls. The weather when I worked in Germany was far worse, and we had ice rain to contend with, yet, nothing seemed to grind to a halt over there!
So we will wait to see what happens over night, nothing I suspect, just a bit cold!
Nothing much planned for the weekend, apart from the lagging, and looking after a sore dog!
Over did it last weekend on the ale, so may go for a dry one this weekend!
So till later.......
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Sunday, 21 November 2010
Talking about the caravan - For a change!!
Toilet Fluid. Not an exciting subject, but its the one thing we use a good amount of. We have tried all sorts of different fluids, but we have settled for a supplier and his fluid which smells good, and works!
We originally found these guys on ebay under the user name of caravanessentials, but we now just go direct to them, this saves them the ebay fees, we still use paypal as thats the easiest way of payment for us.
You can find them at http://macatac.co.uk/ we bought 10 litres of blue and 10 litres of pink, I put the order in on the Sunday evening and it arrived Tuesday. So next time you need fluid for you loo, get hold of these guys. Excellent service, and the fluid does exactly what its supposed to do.
We cleaned the roof of the caravan today! It still had a load of leaves on it from our last site! Strangely enough, they were partly stuck on and in the breeze they flapped around and made a bit of a racket, so "M" went up the ladder whilst I held it and swept the leaves off! Nice view!
We emptied out the trailer as well today, and brought all the items into the awning which looks a bit fuller now, especially as Ive set up a photographic table at the end of the awning, I taped the grey paper to the van with a paper masking tape and rolled it down over the table and then clamped it to the table top. Makes the photos look 100% more professional! I was meant to take it down today, but just didnt get around to it.
Its been a bet of a lazy day today, probably due to the fact I over did it last night, Crabbies Alcoholic ginger beer and Mount Gay rum is not a good idea, or the many bottles of ale I got through as well!
Just had lamb chops and roastie potatoes and steamed veg, very good indeed, and just about to settle down to watch a dvd,so....
Till later............
We originally found these guys on ebay under the user name of caravanessentials, but we now just go direct to them, this saves them the ebay fees, we still use paypal as thats the easiest way of payment for us.
You can find them at http://macatac.co.uk/ we bought 10 litres of blue and 10 litres of pink, I put the order in on the Sunday evening and it arrived Tuesday. So next time you need fluid for you loo, get hold of these guys. Excellent service, and the fluid does exactly what its supposed to do.
We cleaned the roof of the caravan today! It still had a load of leaves on it from our last site! Strangely enough, they were partly stuck on and in the breeze they flapped around and made a bit of a racket, so "M" went up the ladder whilst I held it and swept the leaves off! Nice view!
We emptied out the trailer as well today, and brought all the items into the awning which looks a bit fuller now, especially as Ive set up a photographic table at the end of the awning, I taped the grey paper to the van with a paper masking tape and rolled it down over the table and then clamped it to the table top. Makes the photos look 100% more professional! I was meant to take it down today, but just didnt get around to it.
Its been a bet of a lazy day today, probably due to the fact I over did it last night, Crabbies Alcoholic ginger beer and Mount Gay rum is not a good idea, or the many bottles of ale I got through as well!
Just had lamb chops and roastie potatoes and steamed veg, very good indeed, and just about to settle down to watch a dvd,so....
Till later............
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Update for Herbie!
Had text from a friend who was on a train drinking cider from a paperbag on his way to Geneva! Complaining that he hadnt seen any new blogs for a couple of days, so this one is all for you!
Had a busy week, back and forth to Shaston, very glad that the weekend is now here as Im knackered!
"M" had the day off on Friday, and spent the day helping out an elderly friend. When I got back we both decided that it would make a pleasent change to go out for a bite to eat. Not being something that we have done often enough recently! So we went into Ringwood, and headed for the Star Inn where they serve Thai food.
It was absolutley amazing, I had hot and sour soup, one of the best ever, with a hot red thai chicken curry, and "M" had butterfly king prawns with a chilli dip and kung po chicken, washed down with red wine for "M" and Blackrat Cider for me! It was one of the best meals Ive had in a long time. You just could not fault it. Ive eaten many a Thai meal and have spent time in Thailand, so if you are close, you need to pay it a visit. Their website is http://thestarringwood.co.uk/ they even have accomodation!
Woke with a thick head this morning, which has taken most of the day to clear! Forgot to mention that before the Blackrat cider, bottles of ale, and several pints of Guinness were consumed! "M" drove!
Went to get my hair cut today, not something that I would normally blog about, but as its been 4 months since my last hair cut, and it was starting to look wild, and making me look more like a scrap metal/horse dealer by the day, thought it best to get it cut. Into Ringwood, and into Lords run by two guys. Only had to wait a couple of minutes, where I was ushered into a chair, and the barber just looked at the birds nest of hair on my head and said simply F**king Hell! What do you expect me to do with it! I calmly said a number 3 around the sides and back and short on top. His reply "Are you sure"? Now where have I heard that statement before!!!!!!
The cost was £7.50 but on giving him a tenner I felt so guilty that I said, keep the change Guv, you had to work for that! cheers he said, see you in 6 months time! I left him sweeping up enough hair to stuff a mattress!
We then went into a little Italian restaurant in Ringwood called Marina's Bettolla for a coffee, best Latte ever! Run by proper Italians. They do amazing meatballs - another place to eat in Ringwood!
After that we headed over to "M"s elderly friend where I had the task of completing a flat packed shelving unit! Im ok with DIY, I once built a complete kitchen, ok, the wiring was a bit dodgy, but its still up and the house hasnt burnt down, which is a bit of a surprise as I ran out of cable for the sockets and ended up using a piece of lighting flex to finish off! That was nearly 20 years ago! For the unit I only had to put the back panel on the back and screw the door on, so nothing to complicated, as "M" had done the rest the day before! As reward I ended up with 4 bottles of Becks and 6 frozen lamb chops! Thanks Daphne! Sunday lunch sorted!
Back at the caravan, did a little bit of work, and here I am now writing this! Tonight, we will be mainly drinking a selection of bottled ales, stored in the outside locker, which is acting as a very good chiller at the moment!
The only other excitement Ive had today was emptying the cassette which was worse than normal, lifting up the lid there was a thick scum of shite which smelt really bad. I have now perfected the art of breathing via my ears! Im going to look on ebay for an aqualung!
Im not kidding it was BAD and thats not a Michael Jackson "bad" more of a Slipknot "bad"
So there you go Herbie, a bit of reading matter for you, just make sure you dont fall asleep on the train and wake up in a train siding in a small Belgian town, like I did once!
Travelling back from Germany, having consumed numerous Carlsberg Elephant Beers, fell asleep, and was rudely awaken some hours later by a cleaner, they had uncoupled the last two carriages and shunted them into a siding with me sound asleep! I missed my ferry as well!
Till later....... When I may even write something about living in a caravan, but doubt it!
Had a busy week, back and forth to Shaston, very glad that the weekend is now here as Im knackered!
"M" had the day off on Friday, and spent the day helping out an elderly friend. When I got back we both decided that it would make a pleasent change to go out for a bite to eat. Not being something that we have done often enough recently! So we went into Ringwood, and headed for the Star Inn where they serve Thai food.
It was absolutley amazing, I had hot and sour soup, one of the best ever, with a hot red thai chicken curry, and "M" had butterfly king prawns with a chilli dip and kung po chicken, washed down with red wine for "M" and Blackrat Cider for me! It was one of the best meals Ive had in a long time. You just could not fault it. Ive eaten many a Thai meal and have spent time in Thailand, so if you are close, you need to pay it a visit. Their website is http://thestarringwood.co.uk/ they even have accomodation!
Woke with a thick head this morning, which has taken most of the day to clear! Forgot to mention that before the Blackrat cider, bottles of ale, and several pints of Guinness were consumed! "M" drove!
Went to get my hair cut today, not something that I would normally blog about, but as its been 4 months since my last hair cut, and it was starting to look wild, and making me look more like a scrap metal/horse dealer by the day, thought it best to get it cut. Into Ringwood, and into Lords run by two guys. Only had to wait a couple of minutes, where I was ushered into a chair, and the barber just looked at the birds nest of hair on my head and said simply F**king Hell! What do you expect me to do with it! I calmly said a number 3 around the sides and back and short on top. His reply "Are you sure"? Now where have I heard that statement before!!!!!!
The cost was £7.50 but on giving him a tenner I felt so guilty that I said, keep the change Guv, you had to work for that! cheers he said, see you in 6 months time! I left him sweeping up enough hair to stuff a mattress!
We then went into a little Italian restaurant in Ringwood called Marina's Bettolla for a coffee, best Latte ever! Run by proper Italians. They do amazing meatballs - another place to eat in Ringwood!
After that we headed over to "M"s elderly friend where I had the task of completing a flat packed shelving unit! Im ok with DIY, I once built a complete kitchen, ok, the wiring was a bit dodgy, but its still up and the house hasnt burnt down, which is a bit of a surprise as I ran out of cable for the sockets and ended up using a piece of lighting flex to finish off! That was nearly 20 years ago! For the unit I only had to put the back panel on the back and screw the door on, so nothing to complicated, as "M" had done the rest the day before! As reward I ended up with 4 bottles of Becks and 6 frozen lamb chops! Thanks Daphne! Sunday lunch sorted!
Back at the caravan, did a little bit of work, and here I am now writing this! Tonight, we will be mainly drinking a selection of bottled ales, stored in the outside locker, which is acting as a very good chiller at the moment!
The only other excitement Ive had today was emptying the cassette which was worse than normal, lifting up the lid there was a thick scum of shite which smelt really bad. I have now perfected the art of breathing via my ears! Im going to look on ebay for an aqualung!
Im not kidding it was BAD and thats not a Michael Jackson "bad" more of a Slipknot "bad"
So there you go Herbie, a bit of reading matter for you, just make sure you dont fall asleep on the train and wake up in a train siding in a small Belgian town, like I did once!
Travelling back from Germany, having consumed numerous Carlsberg Elephant Beers, fell asleep, and was rudely awaken some hours later by a cleaner, they had uncoupled the last two carriages and shunted them into a siding with me sound asleep! I missed my ferry as well!
Till later....... When I may even write something about living in a caravan, but doubt it!
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Spent Tuesday, tapping keys for an antiques dealer based in Bournemouth, he went up to London and viewed the vase from my last post! He is an expert on Meissen porcelain, and a very interesting gent!
We put the awning up last night, in record breaking time of just under 2 hrs! That also included laying the awning carpet, and filling it with all the paraphenalia we seem to cart about with us! Just in time, as not long after it started to rain! It hasnt stopped since!
So far, we seem to be on the only bit of high ground on the whole site, but 6 ft in front of us is under at least 3 inches of water! Time to dig out the armbands and lilo!
Wednesday, it still hasnt stopped raining! The awning is dry inside, which is a miracle considering the amount of puddles forming around the caravan! The journey back here this evening was rather interesting, so much water on the road, thankfully I was in the Freelander and not the Fiat 500!
Had to empty the loo out this evening, not a pleasant job, especially in the dark and wet! Had to be done though the red light was on! And as I couldnt convince "M" to use a bucket till it stops raining, off I went!
We bought a stove top perculator which is supposed to do 6 cups, well, 6 cups my arse! egg cups maybe but certainly wont fill my 100 yr old King George V and Queen Mary mug!
They certainly made good mugs in those days, this one has survived over a year of going through the dishwasher yearly
They certainly made good mugs in those days, this one has survived over a year of going through the dishwasher daily, and now bouncing around in a caravan! The picture on the front is still clear and a good colour, only the gilt to the rim has rubbed a little. Not bad considering its age and that it was supposed to go in a display cupboard and not to be used!
So we will be having a Royal wedding next year! I wonder what sort of memorabilia tat will be produced for that! And in a 100 years time will there be some bloke sat in his caravan with a William and Katherine mug next to him moaning about the quality of todays china!
Till later..........
We put the awning up last night, in record breaking time of just under 2 hrs! That also included laying the awning carpet, and filling it with all the paraphenalia we seem to cart about with us! Just in time, as not long after it started to rain! It hasnt stopped since!
So far, we seem to be on the only bit of high ground on the whole site, but 6 ft in front of us is under at least 3 inches of water! Time to dig out the armbands and lilo!
Wednesday, it still hasnt stopped raining! The awning is dry inside, which is a miracle considering the amount of puddles forming around the caravan! The journey back here this evening was rather interesting, so much water on the road, thankfully I was in the Freelander and not the Fiat 500!
Had to empty the loo out this evening, not a pleasant job, especially in the dark and wet! Had to be done though the red light was on! And as I couldnt convince "M" to use a bucket till it stops raining, off I went!
We bought a stove top perculator which is supposed to do 6 cups, well, 6 cups my arse! egg cups maybe but certainly wont fill my 100 yr old King George V and Queen Mary mug!
They certainly made good mugs in those days, this one has survived over a year of going through the dishwasher yearly
They certainly made good mugs in those days, this one has survived over a year of going through the dishwasher daily, and now bouncing around in a caravan! The picture on the front is still clear and a good colour, only the gilt to the rim has rubbed a little. Not bad considering its age and that it was supposed to go in a display cupboard and not to be used!
So we will be having a Royal wedding next year! I wonder what sort of memorabilia tat will be produced for that! And in a 100 years time will there be some bloke sat in his caravan with a William and Katherine mug next to him moaning about the quality of todays china!
Till later..........
Monday, 15 November 2010
Catch up!
Saturday, was our 80th consecutive night in the caravan, sounds along time doesn’t it!
So what have we learnt so far?
1. Its definitely not as hard as we thought it would be!
2. Space is not an issue.
3. Its a lot warmer in the van than we thought it would be.
4. There are alot more people full timing than we realised!
5. People are starting to realise why we are doing this.
6. Keep your mouth closed when emptying loo to avoid lumpy splash backs!
7. Don’t try and wind up jockey wheel with legs still down!
8. Make sure a new aquaroll is fitted when taking a shower!
9. It is worth getting up in the middle of the night to check the awning when windy.
Nothing has really bothered us over the last 80 days, its all been fairly straight forward, so for anyone thinking about this, and from some of your messages we have been getting I know there are a few of you, but, if you can, pull all stops out and just do it!
We have just moved after spending 28 days, the maximum you can stay legally in anyone site. It was our third stay at this site and our longest in anyone place. The site was Silverwoods Farm, a Caravan and Camping Club site. Classed as a hideaway. It was a wonderful little place, and we hope to return in the New Year. I only hope by naming the site it doesn’t become too popular and we cant get in!
We are back now the other side of Ringwood at Upper Kingston Farm, we have stayed here before, it’s the one with the tractor graveyard behind it! Only 3 vans on site, but one is empty, the other, another full timer.
When we pulled in yesterday, it was too late to start putting up the awning, so we went off and did a bit of shopping, we went to St Leonards which is near West Moors and Ferndown. We first stopped off at Mcdonalds, haven’t had one in ages, and didn’t enjoy the one I had then. Im sure Big Macs are not as Big as they used to be, more of a medium Mac!
We pulled into Halfords carpark to eat it, and was amazed to witness the place overrun with rats! Heres two cheeky chaps below!
Broad daylight, they definitely were not shy in coming forward! Most were small but there were a couple of big ones scuttling about! Hardly surprising due to the amount of rubbish lying around. I reckon there were more than a dozen in a very small clump of bushes right next to the front door of Halfords! Not a very good advertisement for the shop! Not to mention a potential health hazard!
Sunday, and I’ve all ready posted what I think about Remembrance Sunday (read previous post). Today we were supposed to put the awning up, but its tipped down with rain, the ground is water-logged, so its being put off for another time. We have taken it down in the dark, so tomorrow evening, weather permitting we will attempt to put it up in the dark! Luckily we have a good light over the door which helps, and a torch strapped to my head should do the trick.
“M” went off to the laundrette this morning, so all the washing has now been done and packed away.
So a lazy day, possibly a DVD later, and some good home cooked food!
Another busy week ahead, 4 days up in Shaston, and a day in Bournemouth. So no swanning around the site for me, and Im afraid no time for listing my own books!
Monday, we woke to everything white! A bit of a heavy frost, but by 8.30am it had mostly melted away, upto Shaston for a day of tapping keys. Before I went I filled up an aquaroll, turned on the tap, nothing, frozen! 10 seconds later much to my relief it filtered through. But if that’s what its like now, what about when it gets really cold!?
We were supposed to put the awning up this evening, but we thought it best to give it another day of drying out. So tomorrow (Tues) will the day, as I finish early in Bournemouth, and “M” finishes early as well. Fingers crossed that the weather holds!
Got a good sunset this evening! The sky was just a multitude of colours. Absolutely stunning and the pictures do not do it justice at all. Once again, taken from Wingreen.
This picture was taken last week, just forgot to post it up!
Finally, heres a picture of the vase that sold for £43million pounds! It’s a reticulated double walled vase from the Qianlong period. It stands approx 16” and I’m sure that its previous owners are very happy with the outcome! The present owner having more money than sense!
Till later.......
So what have we learnt so far?
1. Its definitely not as hard as we thought it would be!
2. Space is not an issue.
3. Its a lot warmer in the van than we thought it would be.
4. There are alot more people full timing than we realised!
5. People are starting to realise why we are doing this.
6. Keep your mouth closed when emptying loo to avoid lumpy splash backs!
7. Don’t try and wind up jockey wheel with legs still down!
8. Make sure a new aquaroll is fitted when taking a shower!
9. It is worth getting up in the middle of the night to check the awning when windy.
Nothing has really bothered us over the last 80 days, its all been fairly straight forward, so for anyone thinking about this, and from some of your messages we have been getting I know there are a few of you, but, if you can, pull all stops out and just do it!
We have just moved after spending 28 days, the maximum you can stay legally in anyone site. It was our third stay at this site and our longest in anyone place. The site was Silverwoods Farm, a Caravan and Camping Club site. Classed as a hideaway. It was a wonderful little place, and we hope to return in the New Year. I only hope by naming the site it doesn’t become too popular and we cant get in!
We are back now the other side of Ringwood at Upper Kingston Farm, we have stayed here before, it’s the one with the tractor graveyard behind it! Only 3 vans on site, but one is empty, the other, another full timer.
When we pulled in yesterday, it was too late to start putting up the awning, so we went off and did a bit of shopping, we went to St Leonards which is near West Moors and Ferndown. We first stopped off at Mcdonalds, haven’t had one in ages, and didn’t enjoy the one I had then. Im sure Big Macs are not as Big as they used to be, more of a medium Mac!
We pulled into Halfords carpark to eat it, and was amazed to witness the place overrun with rats! Heres two cheeky chaps below!
Sunday, and I’ve all ready posted what I think about Remembrance Sunday (read previous post). Today we were supposed to put the awning up, but its tipped down with rain, the ground is water-logged, so its being put off for another time. We have taken it down in the dark, so tomorrow evening, weather permitting we will attempt to put it up in the dark! Luckily we have a good light over the door which helps, and a torch strapped to my head should do the trick.
“M” went off to the laundrette this morning, so all the washing has now been done and packed away.
So a lazy day, possibly a DVD later, and some good home cooked food!
Another busy week ahead, 4 days up in Shaston, and a day in Bournemouth. So no swanning around the site for me, and Im afraid no time for listing my own books!
Monday, we woke to everything white! A bit of a heavy frost, but by 8.30am it had mostly melted away, upto Shaston for a day of tapping keys. Before I went I filled up an aquaroll, turned on the tap, nothing, frozen! 10 seconds later much to my relief it filtered through. But if that’s what its like now, what about when it gets really cold!?
We were supposed to put the awning up this evening, but we thought it best to give it another day of drying out. So tomorrow (Tues) will the day, as I finish early in Bournemouth, and “M” finishes early as well. Fingers crossed that the weather holds!
Got a good sunset this evening! The sky was just a multitude of colours. Absolutely stunning and the pictures do not do it justice at all. Once again, taken from Wingreen.
Finally, heres a picture of the vase that sold for £43million pounds! It’s a reticulated double walled vase from the Qianlong period. It stands approx 16” and I’m sure that its previous owners are very happy with the outcome! The present owner having more money than sense!
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Never Forget!
Its Sunday 14th November, Remembrance day. A day when we should all think back to those who gave their lives so we may live free today. As an ex member of the British Army (Royal Signals) this is something that I feel rather strongly about and I wear my poppy with pride. My Grandfather, who happens to be of American/Italian descent, landed on Omaha Beach during WW2, and amazingly survived!
I have read many, many books on both World Wars, and the courage, bravery, and dedication of these people is just mind blowing. Knowing the odds that were stacked against them, they still went and did their duty.
In one book, I read about a WW2 fighter pilot who on being hit, and knowing he would have to ditch in the sea, was only grieved that he had just bought a new pair of leather shoes, and they would be getting wet! These types of stories are not uncommon, along with the acts of bravery such as the WW1 piper who stood on top of the trench and played, unarmed, open to enemy fire, whilst the rest of his Regiment went over the top. This type of courage is as rare as hens teeth!
Thankfully, this courage is still with us today, and our brave lads and lasses still out in Afghanistan, and all the other trouble spots that they find themselves in are still fighting despite our politicians attempts to stuff them with crap gear, and low pay!
But why are they there? Should they be there? These are complex questions. But they are there as our Queen & Politicians have told them to go. And, so they go, no questions asked. Its what you do when your in the forces! Only ex or serving forces will probably understand that.
They are also there because they want to be. We don’t have conscription anymore, they all joined of their own free will, They took the Queens shilling. You don’t join the forces and not expect to get your hands dirty! They are there because the forces act as a family, one which you will never leave, they will always be there for you, no matter what. I personally know that if any of my close ex forces friends asked for my help, I would move heaven and hell to try and help them. No questions asked.
I left in 1990, what seems like a long time ago now, but a quick look at my facebook profile, its full of ex forces mates who I had served with. In fact its got more ex forces people on it than anyone else! How many friends from over 20yrs ago do you still keep in touch with?
Like I said earlier, once youre in, you are in! And, Im very glad that I had the opportunity to meet, work, live, drink, laugh and cry with such amazing people.
My only gripe is that those that are injured either physically or pyschologically have to rely so much on charities to support them. The Governement really needs to sort this out!
So please spare a thought and a penny for those who gave, and are willing to give their tomorrows so that we may have our todays!
I have read many, many books on both World Wars, and the courage, bravery, and dedication of these people is just mind blowing. Knowing the odds that were stacked against them, they still went and did their duty.
In one book, I read about a WW2 fighter pilot who on being hit, and knowing he would have to ditch in the sea, was only grieved that he had just bought a new pair of leather shoes, and they would be getting wet! These types of stories are not uncommon, along with the acts of bravery such as the WW1 piper who stood on top of the trench and played, unarmed, open to enemy fire, whilst the rest of his Regiment went over the top. This type of courage is as rare as hens teeth!
Thankfully, this courage is still with us today, and our brave lads and lasses still out in Afghanistan, and all the other trouble spots that they find themselves in are still fighting despite our politicians attempts to stuff them with crap gear, and low pay!
But why are they there? Should they be there? These are complex questions. But they are there as our Queen & Politicians have told them to go. And, so they go, no questions asked. Its what you do when your in the forces! Only ex or serving forces will probably understand that.
They are also there because they want to be. We don’t have conscription anymore, they all joined of their own free will, They took the Queens shilling. You don’t join the forces and not expect to get your hands dirty! They are there because the forces act as a family, one which you will never leave, they will always be there for you, no matter what. I personally know that if any of my close ex forces friends asked for my help, I would move heaven and hell to try and help them. No questions asked.
I left in 1990, what seems like a long time ago now, but a quick look at my facebook profile, its full of ex forces mates who I had served with. In fact its got more ex forces people on it than anyone else! How many friends from over 20yrs ago do you still keep in touch with?
Like I said earlier, once youre in, you are in! And, Im very glad that I had the opportunity to meet, work, live, drink, laugh and cry with such amazing people.
My only gripe is that those that are injured either physically or pyschologically have to rely so much on charities to support them. The Governement really needs to sort this out!
So please spare a thought and a penny for those who gave, and are willing to give their tomorrows so that we may have our todays!
Friday, 12 November 2010
Awning Down In The Dark!
We made the brave decision last night to take the awning down, as we move on Saturday!
Trouble being, we are both at work all day, so the only chance we got was Thurs evening. Ive been watching the weather all week, it hasnt been good, the awning held up well, but Thursday morning just as I was leaving, one of the sides lost all its pegs and was blowing in from the bottom!
I went outside to re-peg, but the ground was like porridge due to the amount of rain we have had, so thankfully, I had 4 or 5 boxes of books in the awning, they came in handy as weights! folded the bottom edge of the awning in and sat the books on top - worked a treat!
Getting the awning down in the dark, wasnt too bad at all! Only took us an hour and a half to get it all stowed away! And it stayed dry and it wasnt windy at all!
If you remember I think I mentioned about all the ladybirds we had in the awning, well we found them all again, they were in the edges of the guide rail, and in the ends of the poles! loads of them! On the way to Shaston this morning they had hitched a ride and were in the Landrover as well!
Feels very exposed not having the awning up! And alot less room, as we now have to keep boots/shoes in the caravan! As a result of that the floor gets dirty really quickly! China isnt keen on having her paws wiped each time she comes in either!
We havent told her yet, but depending on the vet, she is off to be neutered next Fri! We got her as a rescue dog, the rescue centre told us she was two and had been done, but, she's now around a year and a half old, (we have had her 6 months)! and has had a season! Pups not being an option living how we are living, Im afraid it has to be done! A shame really as she is cute looking, and with the right cross, would of made some adorable pups!
UKCAMPSITES.CO.UK
Not too sure what is wrong with the folk there, but it appears Ive been banned! Well, that is the only conclusion that I can come to! They havent replied to any of my emails that Ive sent them as I cannot leave any replies to posts on the forums, or even edit my profile!
The only thing I can think of is that on all my posts I mention my blog! Nothing wrong with that is there? and if there is, well, they shouldnt be so petty minded! Perhaps they are like some of the folk Ive come across, armchair campers who would like to see us fail in what we are doing, well, Ive got news for you, we are absolutley loving it!
If anyone from UKCAMPSITES is reading this, let me know, and Ill block you! See how you like it! I wouldnt of minded, but to recieve no replies to any emails sent to them, is totally unacceptable in this day and age! Manners cost nothing! Perhaps they should also remember that its people like me, who by clicking on their banners actually make them money towards their website! That old saying, cut off your nose to spite your face, springs to mind!
Well, thats the way it goes, perhaps they became so overcome by jealousy they couldnt bare to hear how well we were doing!
Talking of which, tomorrow night (Saturday) is our 80th consecutive night! It seems alot longer than that! Any regrets? Just the one! Wish we had done this sooner!!!!!!!
Till later.......
Trouble being, we are both at work all day, so the only chance we got was Thurs evening. Ive been watching the weather all week, it hasnt been good, the awning held up well, but Thursday morning just as I was leaving, one of the sides lost all its pegs and was blowing in from the bottom!
I went outside to re-peg, but the ground was like porridge due to the amount of rain we have had, so thankfully, I had 4 or 5 boxes of books in the awning, they came in handy as weights! folded the bottom edge of the awning in and sat the books on top - worked a treat!
Getting the awning down in the dark, wasnt too bad at all! Only took us an hour and a half to get it all stowed away! And it stayed dry and it wasnt windy at all!
If you remember I think I mentioned about all the ladybirds we had in the awning, well we found them all again, they were in the edges of the guide rail, and in the ends of the poles! loads of them! On the way to Shaston this morning they had hitched a ride and were in the Landrover as well!
Feels very exposed not having the awning up! And alot less room, as we now have to keep boots/shoes in the caravan! As a result of that the floor gets dirty really quickly! China isnt keen on having her paws wiped each time she comes in either!
We havent told her yet, but depending on the vet, she is off to be neutered next Fri! We got her as a rescue dog, the rescue centre told us she was two and had been done, but, she's now around a year and a half old, (we have had her 6 months)! and has had a season! Pups not being an option living how we are living, Im afraid it has to be done! A shame really as she is cute looking, and with the right cross, would of made some adorable pups!
UKCAMPSITES.CO.UK
Not too sure what is wrong with the folk there, but it appears Ive been banned! Well, that is the only conclusion that I can come to! They havent replied to any of my emails that Ive sent them as I cannot leave any replies to posts on the forums, or even edit my profile!
The only thing I can think of is that on all my posts I mention my blog! Nothing wrong with that is there? and if there is, well, they shouldnt be so petty minded! Perhaps they are like some of the folk Ive come across, armchair campers who would like to see us fail in what we are doing, well, Ive got news for you, we are absolutley loving it!
If anyone from UKCAMPSITES is reading this, let me know, and Ill block you! See how you like it! I wouldnt of minded, but to recieve no replies to any emails sent to them, is totally unacceptable in this day and age! Manners cost nothing! Perhaps they should also remember that its people like me, who by clicking on their banners actually make them money towards their website! That old saying, cut off your nose to spite your face, springs to mind!
Well, thats the way it goes, perhaps they became so overcome by jealousy they couldnt bare to hear how well we were doing!
Talking of which, tomorrow night (Saturday) is our 80th consecutive night! It seems alot longer than that! Any regrets? Just the one! Wish we had done this sooner!!!!!!!
Till later.......
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