Chimney

I had a pleasant day with gentlemen in Ouseburn yesterday. We began in Gateshead in Station East, crossing over the river to the Bridge Hotel. Then we called off at the Bridge Tavern and the Tyne Bar, before walking to the Cumberland Arms. And the Cluny, of course. And Arch 2. Afterwards, there were cabs back to town and the newly opened Newcastle Tap. 

Incapable of my usual, local nightcap, I retired early. 

Waking early this morning, I fitted the last piece of stove pipe, so I now have a working chimney. 

This afternoon, we’re off to Chase Park festival, which isn’what I’d really call a festival, and isn’t actually in Chase Park. This year, it’s just down the road in Saltwell Park. 

Mr Shirt

Have you ever had problems with your shirt hanging out of your trousers?

Yes? Then Mr Shirt could help you.

Surprisingly, some men will sport upside down braces which hold their shirt down at all times. 

I stumbled upon the device while browsing new startups on indigogo. I need to make it clear that I didn’t purchase a set. 

One does wonder whether these could be dangerous in terms of limiting blood circulation. And just imagine the potential damage if one of those clips were to suddenly become detached. 

Brass screws

While I was occupied with man stuff earlier, my second in command went for a haircut (and nails). 

Which was fortunate, since I realised I needed some small brass screws. Rather than attempt to describe the screws (I’m not sure I could have done accurately), I opted for a picture. 

I quite like the picture. I may email it to work and use it as wallpaper. 

Sunday

I’ve spent the best part of today in the garden again. But the outside (or the 50% which is accessible) of the shed is now finished. 

The door numbers (137) just need to go back on when the paint’s dry. The new shed is also now appropriately numbered. 

The sledgehammer in the stove pipe is temporary, I should say; it’s holding the pipe at the right angle (I didn’t want to cut away part of the roof) until the cement sets. Then I just need to add another section of pipe and I’ll be able to test the stove. 

Dodgy character

While in my local public house yesterday evening, Being entertained by a group of rather good musicians, I noticed a tall man dressed in black. He sported a black fedora too, an unusual item in Gateshead. And it was his hat which caught my attention. 

I’d not seen him in several years, a decade perhaps. He regularly frequented my local with his partner, usually on a Friday or Saturday. They seemed to be a really close middle-aged couple. 

The last time I saw them (her), around eight or nine years ago, she spoke about the new car she’d bought him. The one he disappeared in. Along with the contents of her bank account. 

One probably shouldn’t trust a person you’ve met ‘on’ the internet. 

Country

This evening, after a visit to see grandchildren, and with a day off tomorrow, I may have spent too much time with Eddie Noack. 

And some other blokes. I shall endeavour to take (drag) my second in command along one Thursday evening. 

Time was also spent with, Eels, Sam Baker and Cyndi Lauper. 

Sodhouse Bank Brewery III

I might have to drop the Roman numerals and use something else. Because this damn shed is going to take months. 

I have, however, reduced the side of the hole and pointed the first wall. 

The hole must remain a little longer; I need an additional 90 degree pipe bend. 

Sodhouse Bank Brewery II

Since the stove for the shed arrived a few days ago, a hole needed to be made in the wall. Sadly, the hole didn’t quite work out as I’d planned.

So, the shed wasn’t supposed to have eyes. The stonework was in worse condition than I’d expected and … well … I might have started in the wrong place. 

Yes, the hole on the right, or the left below, wasn’t supposed to be there. 

It kindof looks more like a face (an owl?) from the outside. 

Anyway, the stove pipe now meets the outside world. 

And some stone has been reinstated. I need to let it harden before finishing it it off. Perhaps on Sunday.