So....

[Onelife]

.....what shall we be doing with ourselves over the coming months?

Both me and my wife enjoy pottering around in the garden although due to a couple of health issues my participation veries from day to day. Our plan is to create a wild flowers area and crack on with rejuvenating our lawn which has more moss than grass at the moment. I've decided to give the horses a miss
even though it accounted for a couple of hours form analysis per day... the reason being.... l don't bet online and going to the local bookies is out of the question......It will be missed l can assure you.

I might turn my hand to making a few birds nest boxes, l might even try building an owl house.....They don't eat chickens do they?

So what hobbies will keep you from going stir crazy?

[Manoverboard]

I've just trawled through this weeks TV paper and recorded a bunch of light hearted films to watch if it's raining and we need cheering up etc. We have plenty of crosswords to keep the brain ticking over and I could doubtless find a few jobs to do around the place if I feel so inclined. Mobietta will probably spend extra time doing her watercolour painting and perhaps design next years Christmas Card along the way. At some stage the garden will deffo get a great deal of attention as indeed will the garage.

We will be going for walks and occasional drives, with a flask and sarni, even further into the countryside. We also intend to phone fellow ' self isolated ' chums every week or two to discover what they've not been doing.

At the moment I am catching up with you sorting out one's ' provisions ' for the foreseeable future. I believe that we presently have stock items, bar vegetables, for at least two meals a day for approx 7 weeks … 9 if we could live on soup and bread for a fortnight. We even have sufficient toilet rolls for the predicted 12 weeks.

[barney]

To my absolute shame, we have actually done nothing yet, to prepare for what may happen.

Oh ! hang on … I did buy a new pond pump so that will keep me busy for …. about half hour.

Mrs B is still opening her shop and she is still hearing the till ring, and will do so until the authorities tell her to close.

Then … well, I dunno really
Cycling along the Tarka Trail I expect, with a picnic.
Mrs. B got a new 'Mary Poppins' bike for Xmas and has only used it twice so far (due to persistent rain)

Personally speaking, I'm really, really good at lazing around doing very little so I expect to further perfect this skill.

We are supposed to be having a new kitchen fitted starting April 13th
I could always lend the fitters some of my advice on where they are going wrong

You don't wanna be doing it like that !
You wanna be doing it like this

[Stephen]

I've got a load of wood I was given to cut up for logs. A nice lot of cherry among the mix. Just need an electric chainsaw now. Any recommendations anyone?

[screwy]

Me and lady Screwess might have to visit the bedroom more....just saying.

[Onelife]

I've got a load of wood I was given to cut up for logs. A nice lot of cherry among the mix. Just need an electric chainsaw now. Any recommendations anyone?

Hi Stephen....check out the battery powered Mountfield range. The most expensive part is the battery.....The 48 v comes in at around £138. The chain saw comes in cheaper. Cuts through your legs no problem and will last for over an hour constant use.... or before you bleed to death..whichever comes first.

Once you have the battery it fits to all Mountfield tools, hedge trimmer, pruner, etc.

Highly recommended

Stay safe my friend

[Stephen]

Better have a good drink first if I'm going to get legless

[barney]

I've got a load of wood I was given to cut up for logs. A nice lot of cherry among the mix. Just need an electric chainsaw now. Any recommendations anyone?

I bought one when I moved down here to remove the trees in the front garden.
I found it great fun but Mrs B was convinced I’d damage myself
Well , I didn’t.

I lent it to her nephew and has not seen it since.

Blowed if I can remember the make but it wasn’t expensive and did the job.

[Onelife]

Hi Stephen.....they've gone up a bit since l bought mine but you get what you pays for......worth the investment imo.

https://www.mountfieldlawnmowers.co.uk/ ... s-chainsaw

[Frank Manning]

I am working on a painting for a chap who wants two of his former ships in Sydney harbour with the bridge in the picture. There is so much detail and perspective to allow for. I am hoping he understands how much time it takes. Sue has made a wholemeal loaf, and 14 rock cakes this morning. Now she is cooking cod with tomato and garlic, with saute potatoes. Off out for a brisk walk after lunch.

[Stephen]

Hi Stephen.....they've gone up a bit since l bought mine but you get what you pays for......worth the investment imo.

https://www.mountfieldlawnmowers.co.uk/ ... s-chainsaw

HOW MUCH

Think I'll get Mrs S using the bow saw


I was looking at these two. The Oregon is the better of the two but is quite hefty though at over 7Kilo.

[Onelife]

I am working on a painting for a chap who wants two of his former ships in Sydney harbour with the bridge in the picture. There is so much detail and perspective to allow for. I am hoping he understands how much time it takes. Sue has made a wholemeal loaf, and 14 rock cakes this morning. Now she is cooking cod with tomato and garlic, with saute potatoes. Off out for a brisk walk after lunch.

Hi Frank,

Sadly to the untrained eye skilled work often go unappreciated.

I don't know what your artestry level is but if you have been commissioned to paint two pieces then l'm sure he/she will see something new in the pictures every time the look at them.....which l'm sure you will agree is the sign of a good painting?

Enjoy!

[Onelife]

Hi Stephen.....they've gone up a bit since l bought mine but you get what you pays for......worth the investment imo.

https://www.mountfieldlawnmowers.co.uk/ ... s-chainsaw

HOW MUCH

Think I'll get Mrs S using the bow saw


I was looking at these two. The Oregon is the better of the two but is quite hefty though

Just as well you've only got one pile to do

[Stephen]

If I wait for the NHS I'll wait forever

[Frank Manning]

I am working on a painting for a chap who wants two of his former ships in Sydney harbour with the bridge in the picture. There is so much detail and perspective to allow for. I am hoping he understands how much time it takes. Sue has made a wholemeal loaf, and 14 rock cakes this morning. Now she is cooking cod with tomato and garlic, with saute potatoes. Off out for a brisk walk after lunch.

Hi Frank,

Sadly to the untrained eye skilled work often go unappreciated.

I don't know what your artestry level is but if you have been commissioned to paint two pieces then l'm sure he/she will see something new in the pictures every time the look at them.....which l'm sure you will agree is the sign of a good painting?

Enjoy!

I do enjoy painting, although some commissions have more inspiration in the subject than others. I mainly do seascapes, although I have begun to do some landscapes. Creeping up the beach. Old Blue Fox has got a print of mine and several can be seen on Facebook but dont look under Frank Manning, because that is a non de plume. A few years ago on a fore runner of this forum a member researched all about me and contacted me unpleasantly to tell me what he had found. So I came up with a new name. As my dad was Frank, and as a boy I was called young Frank, it seemed appropriate. I quite enjoy Ch 3 racing on TV in winter, and Sue loves horses, but I dont gamble. The stock exchange is enough of a casino for me.

[Stephen]

You'll do for us Frank.....or whatever your name is

[oldbluefox]

I can vouch that Frank is very good and even with my 20% agent's fee I am sure his paintings and prints would sell well on P&O ships and return him a good profit. Certainly upmarket on some of the tat they currently sell. He won't say so himself but he is very good.
I think my wife has decided she has her very own version of "The Repair Shop". Only two days into isolation and she told me one of the chairs in the conservatory needed attention. Close inspection discovered the webbing had stretched so I had the seat dismantled and the webbing pulled tight. She then produced the other chair with the same problem. No doubt there will be more jobs in the list. This afternoon we had a ride out to Lorton to the in-laws graveyard to take a few flowers - got mud on my newly acquired Beemer!! Aaaargh!! so that had to be washed off on return. Then it was an hour's walk just for the exercise.
Once the weather improves we will be able to get out in the garden but it seems strange not being able to go to the shops as and when. When we came through Cockermouth this afternoon it was eerily quiet.
Tomorrow we are going to get up early and go to the supermarket in the hopes that the shelves have been filled and we can get some of the items which were missing from the shelves last week. Hopefully we will be there before the hoarders!!!

[oldbluefox]

Two days into self isolation

[Stephen]

Woosie

[Jan Rosser]

Well day 2 for me of self isolation. It will be broken up with essential visits to Mam to check she’s ok. I’ve ordered Wiltshire farm foods for her to be delivered straight to her home - trying it as a back up should my sister and I not be able to shop for meals for her at M&S. I have decided to keep a journal of my days in isolation and hope to look back at it when this is all over - don’t know how I will feel then but I’ve had no face to face contact today so I’ve stuck to the rules. Had several phone calls and FaceTimed my family. My son and wife are teachers so will be online teaching from next Monday - something they have prepared for. Now watching one of my favourite programmes The Repair Shop

[Onelife]

I can vouch that Frank is very good and even with my 20% agent's fee I am sure his paintings and prints would sell well on P&O ships and return him a good profit. Certainly upmarket on some of the tat they currently sell. He won't say so himself but he is very good.
I think my wife has decided she has her very own version of "The Repair Shop". Only two days into isolation and she told me one of the chairs in the conservatory needed attention. Close inspection discovered the webbing had stretched so I had the seat dismantled and the webbing pulled tight. She then produced the other chair with the same problem. No doubt there will be more jobs in the list. This afternoon we had a ride out to Lorton to the in-laws graveyard to take a few flowers - got mud on my newly acquired Beemer!! Aaaargh!! so that had to be washed off on return. Then it was an hour's walk just for the exercise.
Once the weather improves we will be able to get out in the garden but it seems strange not being able to go to the shops as and when. When we came through Cockermouth this afternoon it was eerily quiet.
Tomorrow we are going to get up early and go to the supermarket in the hopes that the shelves have been filled and we can get some of the items which were missing from the shelves last week. Hopefully we will be there before the hoarders!!!

Hi Foxy...do they not do home delivery in your area?

I've been in touch with a couple of our neighbours this afternoon offering to add items to our online shopping order but the supermarkets are placing restrictions on how much you can have of any one item, this could make things a little more difficult especially on every day items. I'm sure this will be resolved in due course perhaps by adding your neighbours tel number to the order.

I'm glad you mentioned your chairs needing a bit of work as this has reminded me that our outside wicker furniture could do with some yacht oil before it goes out.

One for the ladies

Our village have set up a what's apt page in order to stay connected.

[jacksparrow]

If anyone lives near a National Trust property whilst all the halls, shops and restaurants will be closed, the parks and gardens will be open free of charge but social distancing has to be adhered to. It’s worth checking any properties near where you live.

For me, I still have paperwork to catch up on. As a lot of functions are being cancelled locally I have to find items to fill a 44 page magazine.

Perhaps we could try and make sense of the three word story and get it published...

Only joking

[barney]

Two days into self isolation

No meetings for us until September at the earliest.
I expect that we will just start this year again.

[oldbluefox]

Two days into self isolation

No meetings for us until September at the earliest.
I expect that we will just start this year again.

Ditto barney. We should have had a meeting on Tuesday and resorted to our Whatsapp page for the 10 o'clock toast. I suppose it was what may be termed a virtual meeting. As WM I had put my phone on charge upstairs and forgot!!! I am hoping it is just for four months but anything could happen.

[Frank Manning]

I can vouch that Frank is very good and even with my 20% agent's fee I am sure his paintings and prints would sell well on P&O ships and return him a good profit. Certainly upmarket on some of the tat they currently sell. He won't say so himself but he is very good.
I think my wife has decided she has her very own version of "The Repair Shop". Only two days into isolation and she told me one of the chairs in the conservatory needed attention. Close inspection discovered the webbing had stretched so I had the seat dismantled and the webbing pulled tight. She then produced the other chair with the same problem. No doubt there will be more jobs in the list. This afternoon we had a ride out to Lorton to the in-laws graveyard to take a few flowers - got mud on my newly acquired Beemer!! Aaaargh!! so that had to be washed off on return. Then it was an hour's walk just for the exercise.

Thankyou Foxy. I still haven't done Aurora passing Calshot. Currently I am doing Orontes on a fairly large canvas coming alongside the cruise terminal at circular quay circa 1960, with Shaw Savills 'Illyric' going out stern first.


Beemer? Beemer? What happened to Mercedes? I bought a new Merc two years ago 2.2 litre automatic, lovely smooth ride.