Monthly Archives: January 2017

Wood

Since we’ve a firewood delivery in a couple of days, I’ve cleared some space this morning by cutting the remainder of our log pile. 

In my past few years of cutting firewood, I’ve come across some unusual forms inside pieces of wood. Old nails and wire, deep inside the wood and long grown over, are fairly common. But I like the effects of old, dead, branches or twigs being overgrown. 

In this particular piece, a couple of thin twigs had long since been overgrown, resulting in their holding the log together when I tried to cut it. 

I thought they were nails at first, they were really tough. It was easier to pull the split log apart than cut through the twigs. 

I may start to take more pictures when I come across interesting pieces of wood. 

York

I’m now home after an excellent day in York with old gentlemen. 

Some of us didn’t fare very well. But some did. 

No, the bloke on the left wasn’t with us. 

Only two of the five of us managed a nightcap in town; pretty shocking I think. But that’s how it is when you hang out with old men. 

Oh, I meant a second nightcap; the tipi didn’t really count. 

My old boss

I took a half day today because an old boss of mine is retiring and is doing a sort of a farewell tour. She (her name’s Helen) was the best boss I’ve ever had. 

She won’t ever read this, so I could say anything I like, about her being rubbish, and she’d never know. But she wasn’t rubbish and is genuinely the best manager I’ve had. And she’s a lovely person, with a pretty decent taste in music too. 

What more could anyone want from a boss? 

Autoreise

After last October’s numerous trips to see Augustines during what became their final tour, we’re now planning something of an autoreise to see their former front man, William McCarthy, as he embarks on a (second) solo tour. 

Gig tickets have been purchased for Berlin and Munich, and flights booked (after lengthy discussion). 

Gone

Our washing machine passed away over the Christmas break. It’s been replaced, with disposal via the now reliable, hassle free method. We left it outside the house, along with an old radiator, and it disappeared within 24 hours. 

The record still rests with a dishwasher, which vanished in under two hours. 

Another departure is the landlord from our local. He seems to have sold the business. We’d know more, but we didn’t visit this afternoon to say goodbye. Apparently, the pub is now closed for a short time. 

Tipi

We’re now in the Hadrian’s Tipi in town. 

We may be considering how we could fit such a construction in our garden. 

Out there

I’ve had an excellent day mostly in the company of Out There beer. It’s local and almost all vegan. Oh, and delicious too. 

A New Year’s Day walk

Many years ago, and only for a few years, I started to get into the habit of taking a walk on New Year’s Day. While it was a good habit to have, it was short lived.

A walk was planned for today and, though it almost didn’t happen, I thought I should make an effort. And it’s been an enjoyable walk so far; so far, replicating my walk of a couple of weeks ago. I don’t intend this walk lasting quite as long as that last one, but it was good to see that the Schooner is open. Well, it’s important to have frequent rests during a long walk. 

My walk may also take me across the Tyne, where I may rest at the Tyne Bar or, possibly, the Free Trade Inn.