I have shed the baggage from 15 years in the wind industry like a snake shedding skin.
Each shedding leaves less trace of what has come before, and what was once important, is no longer.
I do not miss the work or the company. I do miss my colleagues.
I downloaded Teams so we could call, but calling is not possible, so we swap messages. And we have also facetimed.
I have realised that what is still important to my former colleagues is more of the same old, same old story.
And I have no time to listen to it now.
It made me realise that leaving was the right thing to do, as what irked me these last four years still has not been improved.
They carry on fighting the good fight.
I surrendered, and sheathed my sword of truth and justice.
And it feels good.
My work life balance is now perfect.
Friday, 4 April 2025
Friday 4th April 2025
Dancing Ledge and Dorset gets their Early Spiders a good couple of weeks before Kent. And with us travelling on Saturday, Friday was the last chance for me to see a UK Hardy Orchid before May.
Jools went to yoga first thing, while I laid in bed to half six, then up to do the bins and the other chores.
We had much more planned, but there is only so much we can do, so Jools decided to skip aquafit, and so I was able to go to Samphire Hoe to check on the orchids.
We have breakfast first, and then I am gone, driving into town then up the A20 before turning off.
Samphire Hoe is well known for these orchids, but it is bedevilled with keen westerlies that stunts growth until the weather really warms up.
But there is one spot, under the lea of the cliffs that creates its own microclimate, and allows a few spikes to be earlier than the main colony.
Even so, it was a faint hope that after parking, I set off down the sea wall, chatting to the lone fisherman who had the same views regarding his chances as mine.
Another chap, a twitcher, was watching the cliffs, looking for Black redstarts and Peregrines. I ask if he minded if I went to the cliffs . He was laid back, so I approached the chaky steps and the narrow passageway.
Every winter the colony is bombarded with rocks from above, buring the previous season's plants. I go to the far end, then shuffle back, seeing no orchids.
Until about 10m up, a single small spike, with open flower was seen.
I could have tried to clim the scree slope, but could have fallen of trampled other plants, so I took a shot and that was that.
I walked back, and shared the finds with the two guys, then walked back to the site offices and beyond to the overflow car park, where I saw a single rosette last month.
I failed to find it again, and the warden then appeared and told me there were no spikes in flower along the path, thus saving me a long walk.
So, a check of another little-known spot, I walked back to the car and drove back to the tunnel.
Back home so Jools could take Scully back to the vets for another seventy quid check up, then I make lunch of pancakes with the leftover pudding batter.
And then to Jen's for an afternoon of cards with added Sylv adding great distraction. A single round of Meld took nearly three hours, as I predicted, and by then it was time to go to collect the pizza for early supper, so we could get home to jab Scully then pack.
We are just about set. We should have everything we need, if not, its too late now.
Jools went to yoga first thing, while I laid in bed to half six, then up to do the bins and the other chores.
We had much more planned, but there is only so much we can do, so Jools decided to skip aquafit, and so I was able to go to Samphire Hoe to check on the orchids.
We have breakfast first, and then I am gone, driving into town then up the A20 before turning off.Samphire Hoe is well known for these orchids, but it is bedevilled with keen westerlies that stunts growth until the weather really warms up.
But there is one spot, under the lea of the cliffs that creates its own microclimate, and allows a few spikes to be earlier than the main colony.
Even so, it was a faint hope that after parking, I set off down the sea wall, chatting to the lone fisherman who had the same views regarding his chances as mine.Another chap, a twitcher, was watching the cliffs, looking for Black redstarts and Peregrines. I ask if he minded if I went to the cliffs . He was laid back, so I approached the chaky steps and the narrow passageway.
Every winter the colony is bombarded with rocks from above, buring the previous season's plants. I go to the far end, then shuffle back, seeing no orchids.
Until about 10m up, a single small spike, with open flower was seen.I could have tried to clim the scree slope, but could have fallen of trampled other plants, so I took a shot and that was that.
I walked back, and shared the finds with the two guys, then walked back to the site offices and beyond to the overflow car park, where I saw a single rosette last month.
I failed to find it again, and the warden then appeared and told me there were no spikes in flower along the path, thus saving me a long walk.So, a check of another little-known spot, I walked back to the car and drove back to the tunnel.
Back home so Jools could take Scully back to the vets for another seventy quid check up, then I make lunch of pancakes with the leftover pudding batter.
And then to Jen's for an afternoon of cards with added Sylv adding great distraction. A single round of Meld took nearly three hours, as I predicted, and by then it was time to go to collect the pizza for early supper, so we could get home to jab Scully then pack.
We are just about set. We should have everything we need, if not, its too late now.
Thursday 3rd April 2025
Thursday.
And a day, part-filled with chores.
I now set the alarm for half six, and even if I don't leap out of bed right away, I am awake, meaning fair game for Mulder who comes to say hello and meow in my face.
Hello, handsome boy.
I get up, we have coffee, and then go to the gym for a session on the bikes. I up a level and really push myself, so do my best session since we started going. The new tax year has seen the cost of a session increase from £9 to £13, which is rather more than the rate of inflation.
Back home for breakfast, then into town for a haircut at one of the many Turkish barbers that have sprung up.
I am shorn, then with some lighted wick thing he burns the fuzz off from and on my ears.
And is done.
There is little else to do down town, other than get a haircut, there are vape shops, charity shops. And even WH Smith is either going to close or be rebranded now the chain has been sold.
Will Boots be next?
I walk back to the car and drive back home, making bacon butties when I get in as we try to use most of the stuff from the fridge.
The first suitcase is packed, and so with the afternoon stretching out, I watch more Bangers and Cash, while Jools makes a crochet gorilla.
Which she finishes in the evening, now it sits on the stairs,mournfully judging us as we walk round it.
I go for a walk round the neighbourhood, mainly to check on the colony of Coltsfoot on Collingwood, which as I suspected have been attacked by one householder with herbicide, but a few spikes survive among the small bed next to the path, which I snap.
Dinner is toad-in-the-hole: A Yorkshire Pudding with sausages in. Came out not so good, but good enough when paired with the ultra-crispy roast potatoes and steamed vegetables.
There is football, the last Prem game I will watch until May. Chelsea beat Spurs, and while it burbles to itself, I check us in for our flight on Saturday.
Its getting close.
And a day, part-filled with chores.
I now set the alarm for half six, and even if I don't leap out of bed right away, I am awake, meaning fair game for Mulder who comes to say hello and meow in my face.
Hello, handsome boy.
I get up, we have coffee, and then go to the gym for a session on the bikes. I up a level and really push myself, so do my best session since we started going. The new tax year has seen the cost of a session increase from £9 to £13, which is rather more than the rate of inflation.
Back home for breakfast, then into town for a haircut at one of the many Turkish barbers that have sprung up.I am shorn, then with some lighted wick thing he burns the fuzz off from and on my ears.
And is done.
There is little else to do down town, other than get a haircut, there are vape shops, charity shops. And even WH Smith is either going to close or be rebranded now the chain has been sold.
Will Boots be next?I walk back to the car and drive back home, making bacon butties when I get in as we try to use most of the stuff from the fridge.
The first suitcase is packed, and so with the afternoon stretching out, I watch more Bangers and Cash, while Jools makes a crochet gorilla.
Which she finishes in the evening, now it sits on the stairs,mournfully judging us as we walk round it.I go for a walk round the neighbourhood, mainly to check on the colony of Coltsfoot on Collingwood, which as I suspected have been attacked by one householder with herbicide, but a few spikes survive among the small bed next to the path, which I snap.
Dinner is toad-in-the-hole: A Yorkshire Pudding with sausages in. Came out not so good, but good enough when paired with the ultra-crispy roast potatoes and steamed vegetables.There is football, the last Prem game I will watch until May. Chelsea beat Spurs, and while it burbles to itself, I check us in for our flight on Saturday.
Its getting close.
Wednesday 2nd April 2025
Apparently, its Wednesday.
Yes, already, just my second week into retirement and I have no idea what day of the week t it.
We had planned to return to the gym, but other chores meant that was put back 24 hours, so we could go shopping in Tesco and then go to see Jen and Sylv afterwards.
Tesco at just gone nine was pretty empty, so we might come again at that time. We buy stuff for lunch for Wednesday and Thursday, then go to Jen's to arrange with her and Sylv the final details of operation cat-sit.
Jen had gon with John to the tip, but Sylv was there, blow-drying her hair.
We have a good chat, and a brew. Jen and John return, cards is arranged for Friday, then we set sail for home and breakfast.
Another bright, sunny but cold day, with the biting wind cutting through and making being outside really difficult. We have bacon butties for lunch, then I watch Bangers and Cash whilst Jools carries on crocheting a gorilla toy for Sean and Ange's grand-daughter.
The afternoon passes slowly.
In the background there is always the preparation for the trip to India, washing and packing and preparing.
Dinner was chorizo hash, again. Another triumph, of course.
And then the Merseyside Derby, Liverpool v Everton on the tellybox.
And wine to drink.
Yes, already, just my second week into retirement and I have no idea what day of the week t it.
We had planned to return to the gym, but other chores meant that was put back 24 hours, so we could go shopping in Tesco and then go to see Jen and Sylv afterwards.
Tesco at just gone nine was pretty empty, so we might come again at that time. We buy stuff for lunch for Wednesday and Thursday, then go to Jen's to arrange with her and Sylv the final details of operation cat-sit.
Jen had gon with John to the tip, but Sylv was there, blow-drying her hair.We have a good chat, and a brew. Jen and John return, cards is arranged for Friday, then we set sail for home and breakfast.
Another bright, sunny but cold day, with the biting wind cutting through and making being outside really difficult. We have bacon butties for lunch, then I watch Bangers and Cash whilst Jools carries on crocheting a gorilla toy for Sean and Ange's grand-daughter.
The afternoon passes slowly.
In the background there is always the preparation for the trip to India, washing and packing and preparing.
Dinner was chorizo hash, again. Another triumph, of course.
And then the Merseyside Derby, Liverpool v Everton on the tellybox.
And wine to drink.
Thursday, 3 April 2025
Tariffs
Back in 2016, I quickly learned, thanks to Brexit, that anyone who talked about trade solely in terms of tariffs, really didn't understand trade at all.
So far, so Brexit.
But Donald Judas Trump has been pbsessed with tariffs for decades, and so yesterday, he fulfilled his dream of imposing tariffs on the entire world, but not Russia.
After the announcement, some people cleaver than myself did calculations and showed that the barriers other countries had supposedly imposed on the US were totally wrong. So, how did Trump get his figures?
"The Trump administration calculated "tariff rates" by taking the US trade deficit with the respective country and dividing it by the country's exports to the US. And then the tariff rate of the US is often just set by cutting that made-up "tariff rate" in half."
"Furthermore, the Trump admin only used the trade deficit in goods. And if the US balance of trade with a country is roughly even (or trade deficit to imports is less than 10%), the tariff rate is listed as 10%."
And whchever database the administration took the list of countries from, it seems the US have acknowelgded Taiwan for the first time, and :
"He has introduced a 10% tariff on the British Indian Ocean Territory.
The only inhabited island there is Diego Garcia, home to US service personnel.
TRUMP HAS PUT A TARIFF ON A US MILITARY BASE!"
Trump also imposed 10% tariffs on Heard Island in the Antarctic, inhabited only by penguins, and therefore has no exports or imports with the US or anyone else.
To quote Bernstein:
"The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand.”
So far, so Brexit.
But Donald Judas Trump has been pbsessed with tariffs for decades, and so yesterday, he fulfilled his dream of imposing tariffs on the entire world, but not Russia.
After the announcement, some people cleaver than myself did calculations and showed that the barriers other countries had supposedly imposed on the US were totally wrong. So, how did Trump get his figures?
"The Trump administration calculated "tariff rates" by taking the US trade deficit with the respective country and dividing it by the country's exports to the US. And then the tariff rate of the US is often just set by cutting that made-up "tariff rate" in half."
"Furthermore, the Trump admin only used the trade deficit in goods. And if the US balance of trade with a country is roughly even (or trade deficit to imports is less than 10%), the tariff rate is listed as 10%."
And whchever database the administration took the list of countries from, it seems the US have acknowelgded Taiwan for the first time, and :
"He has introduced a 10% tariff on the British Indian Ocean Territory.
The only inhabited island there is Diego Garcia, home to US service personnel.
TRUMP HAS PUT A TARIFF ON A US MILITARY BASE!"
Trump also imposed 10% tariffs on Heard Island in the Antarctic, inhabited only by penguins, and therefore has no exports or imports with the US or anyone else.
To quote Bernstein:
"The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand.”
Wednesday, 2 April 2025
Tuesday 1st April 2025
Being retired means going orchiding when you feel like it.
Not just orchiding, of course. But going to the gym, doing the garden or whatever.
Although I knew it was unlikely to see any orchids in flower, a walk in the woods is never wasted.
So, after another lay in to half seven, then up for coffee and breakfast before we go out just before ten.
I drop Jools off in Lydden so she could visit a friend, and I could drive to the orchid fields of east Kent.
Onto the A2 then down through Bridge, and again through the woods and fruit farms to Hardres, down Stone Street before turning off.
Don the narrowest of narrow lanes, there is a small parking space, allowing room for a couple of cars, and access to one of the gates into the reserve of Yockletts.
I know the reserve well, the long slow climb in the open gallop to the lower meadow, where I pause to take in the scene and look for Green Hairstreaks, which have been reported elsewhere on the wing.
But not here. Last year's grass is faded green, and little sign of this year's.
Down then to the area round a fallen tree where the Fly Orchids grow thick. There was a good half dozen well developed spikes. None now or before the weekend will flower.
Up the slope to the top track so I could check on the two large Lady Orchid rosettes, well developed again, but with no spikes.
Everywhere is a carpet of amemonies, bluebells and primroses, its glorious. And although no butterflies were seen, the air is full of birdsong.
Over The Gogway, and pausing to snap the Townhall Clock plants, now struggling in open sunlight now the trees and scrub has been cut back, then up the slope to the upper meadow.
Numbers of orchids are well down. Only Early Purple were in the bluebell wood, Fly were only visible where numbers are hight, and Lady Orchids were restricted to a few places.
Yes, its early, but there should be more rosettes than these.
I stop at the upper meadow after the climb, usually butterflies sweep by frequently. But not today.
But Dark-boarded Bee-flies are everywhere, though skittish, I do get a couple of series of shots.
The rest of the reserve is closed due to Ash die back, so I turn back down the slope, over the lane and back up through the woods to the car.
Nearing the car, I disturb a Peacock sunning itself on the path, and that in turn disturbed a Small Tortoiseshell, the first I have seen for 21 months, rses into the air, then comes back down and settles to bask.
I get shots.
It was then a hundred yards back to the car, and time to go to pick Jools up as she walked along the main road from Lydden to Temple Ewell.
We thought we would go out for lunch, and after a few suggestions, we went to The Plough in Ripple where we hoped to have a sandwich or Ploughmans.
But things have changed, the Ripple Steam Brewery has closed, so the pub is no longer a taphouse, nor does it do food. So, we made do with a beer and some crisps and pork scratchings.
Back home for lunch and a refreshing brew, before an afternoon of gardening and Bangers and Cash while the sun headed west and there was a strong chill in air, chill enough to warrant putting the heating on.
We had dirty burgers and beer for supper, while the house warmed up. Easy to forget that despite it looking and feeling like spring, it can still snow this time of the year.
Football in the evening, with Man Utd being the fall guys yet again.
Not just orchiding, of course. But going to the gym, doing the garden or whatever.
Although I knew it was unlikely to see any orchids in flower, a walk in the woods is never wasted.
So, after another lay in to half seven, then up for coffee and breakfast before we go out just before ten.
I drop Jools off in Lydden so she could visit a friend, and I could drive to the orchid fields of east Kent.
Onto the A2 then down through Bridge, and again through the woods and fruit farms to Hardres, down Stone Street before turning off.
Don the narrowest of narrow lanes, there is a small parking space, allowing room for a couple of cars, and access to one of the gates into the reserve of Yockletts.
I know the reserve well, the long slow climb in the open gallop to the lower meadow, where I pause to take in the scene and look for Green Hairstreaks, which have been reported elsewhere on the wing.
But not here. Last year's grass is faded green, and little sign of this year's.
Down then to the area round a fallen tree where the Fly Orchids grow thick. There was a good half dozen well developed spikes. None now or before the weekend will flower.
Up the slope to the top track so I could check on the two large Lady Orchid rosettes, well developed again, but with no spikes.
Everywhere is a carpet of amemonies, bluebells and primroses, its glorious. And although no butterflies were seen, the air is full of birdsong.
Over The Gogway, and pausing to snap the Townhall Clock plants, now struggling in open sunlight now the trees and scrub has been cut back, then up the slope to the upper meadow.
Numbers of orchids are well down. Only Early Purple were in the bluebell wood, Fly were only visible where numbers are hight, and Lady Orchids were restricted to a few places.
Yes, its early, but there should be more rosettes than these.I stop at the upper meadow after the climb, usually butterflies sweep by frequently. But not today.
But Dark-boarded Bee-flies are everywhere, though skittish, I do get a couple of series of shots.The rest of the reserve is closed due to Ash die back, so I turn back down the slope, over the lane and back up through the woods to the car.
Nearing the car, I disturb a Peacock sunning itself on the path, and that in turn disturbed a Small Tortoiseshell, the first I have seen for 21 months, rses into the air, then comes back down and settles to bask.
I get shots.It was then a hundred yards back to the car, and time to go to pick Jools up as she walked along the main road from Lydden to Temple Ewell.
We thought we would go out for lunch, and after a few suggestions, we went to The Plough in Ripple where we hoped to have a sandwich or Ploughmans.
But things have changed, the Ripple Steam Brewery has closed, so the pub is no longer a taphouse, nor does it do food. So, we made do with a beer and some crisps and pork scratchings.Back home for lunch and a refreshing brew, before an afternoon of gardening and Bangers and Cash while the sun headed west and there was a strong chill in air, chill enough to warrant putting the heating on.
We had dirty burgers and beer for supper, while the house warmed up. Easy to forget that despite it looking and feeling like spring, it can still snow this time of the year.
Football in the evening, with Man Utd being the fall guys yet again.
Some news
So, in little over three days, we fly out of Heathrow for India on quite an adventure.
We have three days in the Delhi and Agra ares, and then fly off on several safaris at three reserves looking for tigers and other exotic wildlife.
THe itinary is as follows:
09 April (Wednesday) 2025: Delhi to Nagpur and drive to Tadoba (PM Safari) (Flight: 0710 - 0840 hrs)
10 April (Thursday) 2025: Tadoba NP (AM & PM Safaris)
11 April (Friday) 2025: Tadoba to Pench (AM Safari)
12 April (Saturday) 2025: Pench (AM & PM Safaris)
13 April (Sunday) 2025: Pench (AM & PM Safaris)
14 April (Monday) 2025: Pench (AM & PM Safaris)
15 April (Tuesday) 2025: Pench to Bandhavgarh (Long drive)
16 April (Wednesday) 2025: Bandhavgarh (AM Safari)
17 April (Thursday) 2025: Bandhavgarh (AM & PM Safaris)
18 April (Friday) 2025: Bandhavgarh (AM & PM Safaris)
19 April (Saturday) 2025: Bandhavgarh (AM & PM Safaris)
20 April (Sunday) 2025: Bandhavgarh to Jabalpur and fly back to Delhi (Flight: 1545 - 1715 hrs)
21 April (Monday) 2025: Delhi to Sat Tal
22 April (Tuesday) 2024: Sat Tal
23 April (Wednesday) 2024: Sat Tal to Pangot
24 April (Thursday) 2025: Pangot
25 April (Friday) 2025: Pangot to Corbett via Corbett Falls
26 April (Saturday) 2025: Corbett (AM and PM Safaris)
27 April (Sunday) 2025: Corbett (AM and PM Safaris)
28 April (Monday) 2025: Corbett to Delhi
Then return on the 29th April to London.
I dn't think I will have time to update the blog during this time, so you can look forward to much to read in May. I will try to write every day, and will take plenty of photos.
My Indian colleagues hadn't heard of any of the places we are going to, though a Google search will bring up lots of detail.
Anyway.
It's all happening!
We have three days in the Delhi and Agra ares, and then fly off on several safaris at three reserves looking for tigers and other exotic wildlife.
THe itinary is as follows:
09 April (Wednesday) 2025: Delhi to Nagpur and drive to Tadoba (PM Safari) (Flight: 0710 - 0840 hrs)
10 April (Thursday) 2025: Tadoba NP (AM & PM Safaris)
11 April (Friday) 2025: Tadoba to Pench (AM Safari)
12 April (Saturday) 2025: Pench (AM & PM Safaris)
13 April (Sunday) 2025: Pench (AM & PM Safaris)
14 April (Monday) 2025: Pench (AM & PM Safaris)
15 April (Tuesday) 2025: Pench to Bandhavgarh (Long drive)
16 April (Wednesday) 2025: Bandhavgarh (AM Safari)
17 April (Thursday) 2025: Bandhavgarh (AM & PM Safaris)
18 April (Friday) 2025: Bandhavgarh (AM & PM Safaris)
19 April (Saturday) 2025: Bandhavgarh (AM & PM Safaris)
20 April (Sunday) 2025: Bandhavgarh to Jabalpur and fly back to Delhi (Flight: 1545 - 1715 hrs)
21 April (Monday) 2025: Delhi to Sat Tal
22 April (Tuesday) 2024: Sat Tal
23 April (Wednesday) 2024: Sat Tal to Pangot
24 April (Thursday) 2025: Pangot
25 April (Friday) 2025: Pangot to Corbett via Corbett Falls
26 April (Saturday) 2025: Corbett (AM and PM Safaris)
27 April (Sunday) 2025: Corbett (AM and PM Safaris)
28 April (Monday) 2025: Corbett to Delhi
Then return on the 29th April to London.
I dn't think I will have time to update the blog during this time, so you can look forward to much to read in May. I will try to write every day, and will take plenty of photos.
My Indian colleagues hadn't heard of any of the places we are going to, though a Google search will bring up lots of detail.
Anyway.
It's all happening!
Tuesday, 1 April 2025
Love Labour's lost.
Labout swept into power last July mainly on the twin policies of not being Conservative and not saying anything likely to upset to Daily Mail.
Nine months on, and to be frank, its all gone a little Tory.
Benfit cuts. Too many claiming sick pay. Immigration bleeding the country dry. Spending cuts.
And so on.
To the point the policy, like on immigrants and the effect they have on the public purse, and what was said a year ago, are now opposite.
Labour promised they would make Britain better. They haven't.
Taxes up. Spending down. War on benefits. Blaming bats and newts for lack of progress on housing.
Its all so disappointing and Tory, really.
Labour used to stand for something, now, its a different shade of blue.
I will not vote for them again, I think, after this nine months of disappointment, and things are now likely to get worse.
There is just four short years before the next election is called, and Labour should know that out-Faraging Farage doesn't work, just ask the Conservatives.
Nine months on, and to be frank, its all gone a little Tory.
Benfit cuts. Too many claiming sick pay. Immigration bleeding the country dry. Spending cuts.
And so on.
To the point the policy, like on immigrants and the effect they have on the public purse, and what was said a year ago, are now opposite.
Labour promised they would make Britain better. They haven't.
Taxes up. Spending down. War on benefits. Blaming bats and newts for lack of progress on housing.
Its all so disappointing and Tory, really.
Labour used to stand for something, now, its a different shade of blue.
I will not vote for them again, I think, after this nine months of disappointment, and things are now likely to get worse.
There is just four short years before the next election is called, and Labour should know that out-Faraging Farage doesn't work, just ask the Conservatives.
Monday 31st March 2025
The Bee-fly is a nice looking flying insect, with its long mouthparts, and hovering to nectar like a tiny helicopter. But it hides a dark secret: females lay their eggs into the burrows of solitary bees, and when the eggs hatch they enter the bee pupea and eat them alive.
Nice.
We have two Bee-fly species in Kent:the dark edged, which is more common, nd the Dotted, which is what we have had visiting our garden for the last three years, and appeared yeaterday for the 4th season.
But first, to Monday.
We went to the gym first thing.
I say forst thing, it was just after eight, I hadn't been up long, but Jools had stuff planned, so needed to be on her way to Folkestone by quarter past nine.
I dd a session on the bike, half an hour, at an increased pace, to the sound of Gary Numan.
Which was nice.
Also nice was the fact the place was almost empty, with a fresh influx after nine, just as we were leaving.
Jools dropped my off home and went out on her chores, while I went back inside, made a brew, then sat on the patio watching the birds on the feeders.
The morning passed quickly.
Jools brought home salad for lunch, then for the afternoon there was double bangers and cash.
We both watched, only just managing to stay awake.
We had pasta and ragu for dinner, with the leftover garlic bread and a bottle of fizz.
We still know how to live.
Then some radio for the evening, and webcams, before going to bed at just after nine.
Phew, rock and roll.
Nice.
We have two Bee-fly species in Kent:the dark edged, which is more common, nd the Dotted, which is what we have had visiting our garden for the last three years, and appeared yeaterday for the 4th season.
But first, to Monday.We went to the gym first thing.
I say forst thing, it was just after eight, I hadn't been up long, but Jools had stuff planned, so needed to be on her way to Folkestone by quarter past nine.
I dd a session on the bike, half an hour, at an increased pace, to the sound of Gary Numan.Which was nice.
Also nice was the fact the place was almost empty, with a fresh influx after nine, just as we were leaving.
Jools dropped my off home and went out on her chores, while I went back inside, made a brew, then sat on the patio watching the birds on the feeders.
The morning passed quickly.Jools brought home salad for lunch, then for the afternoon there was double bangers and cash.
We both watched, only just managing to stay awake.We had pasta and ragu for dinner, with the leftover garlic bread and a bottle of fizz.
We still know how to live.
Then some radio for the evening, and webcams, before going to bed at just after nine.
Phew, rock and roll.
Monday, 31 March 2025
Sunday 30th March 2025
The time is come for us to hit the woods.
Into the woods in search of orchids, other plants and butterflies.
One of the earliest places for seeing Early Purple Ochids in flowers first is the appropriatly named Earley Wood near Petham.
So, with the sun shining, and cold despite it being half nine in the morning, but that was really to being the first day of British Summer Time (BST), and so was "really" half eight.
I got my timings mixed up thinking it would be an hour "later", not earlier.
A quit drive along the A2 to Bridge, through the village and through the woods and soft fruit farms to Stone Street before turning off and going through the picture perfect village of Petham.
Out the other side, through the woods scattered with large houses until there was the gate to the reserve.
Earley wood is now a familar place. You walk down a wide gallop to a crossroads, then down the track leading to fields where there are Early Purples on both sides. Or in this case, Early Purple rosettes.
THere are carpets of Wood Amenonies everywhere, in all directions, and because of the warming sunlight, all beginning to open.
Also a few hardy Bluebells, English ones, are beginning to ipen and their stalks drooping.
But no butterflies.
We walk to the track to theright, and make our way to where the clearing used to be, now taken over by Broom, and go no further. If the orchids at the top are not in flower, the ones further down in the glade won't be.
We turn round.
As I'm waiting for Jools, perched on the bench, I spy a Peacock butterfy, and set off full of the thrill of the chase.
In the end, its not the best shot of a Peacock I have taken, but it the first butterfly shot of the year for me.
And I am happy with that.
We go home via the Petham Garden Centre and splurge fifty (50) quid in five minutes, so leave quickly after paying, load the car and head south down Stone Street, back to the M20 and thence back home.
Time for breakfast. A late one. Then peel some potatoes, soak in water, which I change every half an hour for 90 minutes s to get rid of the startch, then boil to just before turning to powder, left to steam dry and go all floury, popped into red hot duck fat and set in the over for 90 minutes to become perfect roasties.
I prep the rest of the vegetables, then with half an hourleft for the spuds, set them to steam and put the steak and stilton pies in to cook too.
Lovely.
Dinner was served, and whilst I ate I watched the footy and we lestened to Desrt Island Discs, a fine way to spend the afternoon, before moving onto te sofa and watching the Bournemouth v Citeh game.
Somehow that was then half six, and still brilliant daylight outside. We had toasted hot cross buns for supper, before som #WildflowerHour-ing on Bluesky.
Ad Sunday was done, but every day is the weekend now, so no need to worry about Monday.
Into the woods in search of orchids, other plants and butterflies.
One of the earliest places for seeing Early Purple Ochids in flowers first is the appropriatly named Earley Wood near Petham.
So, with the sun shining, and cold despite it being half nine in the morning, but that was really to being the first day of British Summer Time (BST), and so was "really" half eight.
I got my timings mixed up thinking it would be an hour "later", not earlier.
A quit drive along the A2 to Bridge, through the village and through the woods and soft fruit farms to Stone Street before turning off and going through the picture perfect village of Petham.
Out the other side, through the woods scattered with large houses until there was the gate to the reserve.
Earley wood is now a familar place. You walk down a wide gallop to a crossroads, then down the track leading to fields where there are Early Purples on both sides. Or in this case, Early Purple rosettes.THere are carpets of Wood Amenonies everywhere, in all directions, and because of the warming sunlight, all beginning to open.
Also a few hardy Bluebells, English ones, are beginning to ipen and their stalks drooping.But no butterflies.
We walk to the track to theright, and make our way to where the clearing used to be, now taken over by Broom, and go no further. If the orchids at the top are not in flower, the ones further down in the glade won't be.
We turn round.
As I'm waiting for Jools, perched on the bench, I spy a Peacock butterfy, and set off full of the thrill of the chase.
In the end, its not the best shot of a Peacock I have taken, but it the first butterfly shot of the year for me.And I am happy with that.
We go home via the Petham Garden Centre and splurge fifty (50) quid in five minutes, so leave quickly after paying, load the car and head south down Stone Street, back to the M20 and thence back home.
Time for breakfast. A late one. Then peel some potatoes, soak in water, which I change every half an hour for 90 minutes s to get rid of the startch, then boil to just before turning to powder, left to steam dry and go all floury, popped into red hot duck fat and set in the over for 90 minutes to become perfect roasties.I prep the rest of the vegetables, then with half an hourleft for the spuds, set them to steam and put the steak and stilton pies in to cook too.
Lovely.
Dinner was served, and whilst I ate I watched the footy and we lestened to Desrt Island Discs, a fine way to spend the afternoon, before moving onto te sofa and watching the Bournemouth v Citeh game.
Somehow that was then half six, and still brilliant daylight outside. We had toasted hot cross buns for supper, before som #WildflowerHour-ing on Bluesky.
Ad Sunday was done, but every day is the weekend now, so no need to worry about Monday.
Sunday, 30 March 2025
Getting away with it
I wrote about COVID most days throughout the pandemic, at times there was little else to do. And even then I doubted Johnson and Hancock's words even as they spoke.
Five years ago this week, Johnson was discharged from the ICU having been at death's door, or not. And yet only had to isolate for three days, not 14 like the rest of us, before going back home to his heavily pregnant wife.
I am going to read my posts for each day, and ponder the words I wrote back then, and whether I was right in those doubts and suspicions.
Dominic Raab was made "designated survivor" for Cabinet, though it was never explained what this was for or meant, remember this is a man as Mnister for Brexit failed to realise how important Dover was for cross-Channel trade.
We hope that the inquiry will reveal some of the failings so we won't make the same mistake, but I don't hear much of that now.
Tens of billions spaffed on crap PPE, written off by Sunak, and now benefits cuts for the sick and disabled.
I thought Labour said it was going to get this money back when they came to power.
Funny old world.
Five years ago this week, Johnson was discharged from the ICU having been at death's door, or not. And yet only had to isolate for three days, not 14 like the rest of us, before going back home to his heavily pregnant wife.
I am going to read my posts for each day, and ponder the words I wrote back then, and whether I was right in those doubts and suspicions.
Dominic Raab was made "designated survivor" for Cabinet, though it was never explained what this was for or meant, remember this is a man as Mnister for Brexit failed to realise how important Dover was for cross-Channel trade.
We hope that the inquiry will reveal some of the failings so we won't make the same mistake, but I don't hear much of that now.
Tens of billions spaffed on crap PPE, written off by Sunak, and now benefits cuts for the sick and disabled.
I thought Labour said it was going to get this money back when they came to power.
Funny old world.
Saturday 29th March 2025
We were up at half six, and after coffee I go to Tesco for some gathering.
The store is empty at that time, making it almost pleasant. I was back out by eight and drving home.
I was home when I realised that having bought mozzerella and tomatoes, I had no basil, so after getting the bags out, leaving Jools to put them away, I go back to Tesco for some.
Back home at half eight, then.
And the springflowers, Snake's Head Fritillaries, and Pasqueflowers, making a wonderful sight near to the back door, meaning sitting inside in the shade was most unappealing.
Not much planned for the day, other than there was a partial solar eclipse from ten to twelve, so I would snap that.
Fruit for breakfast, quickly followed by bacon butties in fresh seeded crusty rolls.
Yummy.
By which time the show in the sky to the south had begun, a chunk had already been snaffled out of the sun by the moon.
So, we spent the next two hours looking up at the sun, as the Aten was eaten by the moon, degree by degree.
It peaked at just about eleven, though there was no visible change in light in the garden, and then the moon moved away from the sun, and excitement passed.
Lunch was the first Caprese of the year, though the tomatoes were as hard as apples, so not that enjoyable.
There was also wine and garlic bread, which might explain my struggles to stay awake through the afternoon and evening. I missed most of the later cup tie between Brighton at Forest, which dragged on for three hours with injuries, extra time andpenalties.
The store is empty at that time, making it almost pleasant. I was back out by eight and drving home.
I was home when I realised that having bought mozzerella and tomatoes, I had no basil, so after getting the bags out, leaving Jools to put them away, I go back to Tesco for some.
Back home at half eight, then.And the springflowers, Snake's Head Fritillaries, and Pasqueflowers, making a wonderful sight near to the back door, meaning sitting inside in the shade was most unappealing.
Not much planned for the day, other than there was a partial solar eclipse from ten to twelve, so I would snap that.
Fruit for breakfast, quickly followed by bacon butties in fresh seeded crusty rolls.Yummy.
By which time the show in the sky to the south had begun, a chunk had already been snaffled out of the sun by the moon.
So, we spent the next two hours looking up at the sun, as the Aten was eaten by the moon, degree by degree.
It peaked at just about eleven, though there was no visible change in light in the garden, and then the moon moved away from the sun, and excitement passed.
Lunch was the first Caprese of the year, though the tomatoes were as hard as apples, so not that enjoyable.
There was also wine and garlic bread, which might explain my struggles to stay awake through the afternoon and evening. I missed most of the later cup tie between Brighton at Forest, which dragged on for three hours with injuries, extra time andpenalties.
Saturday, 29 March 2025
Friday 28th March 2025
To our surprise, Jools was expected to go into work. We thought this was probably for presenttions, which proved to be right.
Meaning Jools woke my up as sheleft for yoga,and I did the usual chores for Friday: the bins, get the milk in and fill up the feeders. The only change was there was no work to do afterwards.
Which will take some getting ued to.
After breakfast I cleaned the cooker hob and vacummed the living room again, so the place was looking respectable.
A few weeks back I bought a Mandoline to help slice potatoes for fancy dishes.
And today's fancy dish was Boulangere Potatoes.
I stand here before you today and will admit to being stupid as:
1. Bought a Mandoline.
2. Ignored instructions.
3. Used for the first time today.
4. 4th slice, took the top off my thumb too.
5. Blood. Everywhere.
I had done a proper job.
A series of paper towels were used to stem the flow of the red stuff, so by the time Jools came back at midday laden with flowers and cards, she helped put on a bandage and paster tape.
I cooked the onions, slow, to make them caramelise, this took 40 minutes, at which point I had lost patience.
I used the took to hold potatoes as I sliced them, then layered the onions, potatoes, stock and clarified butter until the tin was full.
Into a low oven to cook.
As it tuened out, the conversion on temperatures from the recipe to our oven was off, so the potatoes didn't cook as much as they should. As I adjusted it through the day, the 90 minute cooking time stretched for over four hours.
To go with it were to thick rib-eyes and mushrooms.
Although not perfect, the potatotes were excellent, wonderful flavour. And the steak perfect and melt in the mouth.
THankfully, my thumb dodn't really hurt, and soon I forgot about it.
There was football on in the evening, and Sheffield Utd thrashed Coventry 3-0. Could have been six.
Meaning Jools woke my up as sheleft for yoga,and I did the usual chores for Friday: the bins, get the milk in and fill up the feeders. The only change was there was no work to do afterwards.
Which will take some getting ued to.
After breakfast I cleaned the cooker hob and vacummed the living room again, so the place was looking respectable.
A few weeks back I bought a Mandoline to help slice potatoes for fancy dishes.
And today's fancy dish was Boulangere Potatoes.
I stand here before you today and will admit to being stupid as:
1. Bought a Mandoline.
2. Ignored instructions.
3. Used for the first time today.
4. 4th slice, took the top off my thumb too.
5. Blood. Everywhere.
I had done a proper job.
A series of paper towels were used to stem the flow of the red stuff, so by the time Jools came back at midday laden with flowers and cards, she helped put on a bandage and paster tape.
I cooked the onions, slow, to make them caramelise, this took 40 minutes, at which point I had lost patience.
I used the took to hold potatoes as I sliced them, then layered the onions, potatoes, stock and clarified butter until the tin was full.Into a low oven to cook.
As it tuened out, the conversion on temperatures from the recipe to our oven was off, so the potatoes didn't cook as much as they should. As I adjusted it through the day, the 90 minute cooking time stretched for over four hours.
To go with it were to thick rib-eyes and mushrooms.
Although not perfect, the potatotes were excellent, wonderful flavour. And the steak perfect and melt in the mouth.
THankfully, my thumb dodn't really hurt, and soon I forgot about it.
There was football on in the evening, and Sheffield Utd thrashed Coventry 3-0. Could have been six.
Friday, 28 March 2025
Thursday 27th March 2025
I awoke at half six still on the mattress on the floor between the two sofas.
Outside it was a typical Manchester day with glorious sunshine, which will make the journey back down south enjoyable.
I listen to a podcast, and as I have access to the kitchen, make a brew, and soon all was well with the world.
I folded up the bedding and then sat, waiting for Jen and Sylv to stir.
Jen is straightforward, plans and prepares well, Sylv is like herding kittens: easily distracted and prone to wandering off, several times a minute.
I set the target of leaving soon after nine, and once we had more brews, breakfast of hot cross buns, then packed, took out the trash, loaded the car, so, that wheels strarted to roll at half nine with the car full of us and Sylv's bags and possessions.
A quick fun through Kearsley, left at the roundabout and onto the motorway, through one junction where the other lanes heading towards Manchester were jammed, we cruised east at seventy, and soon began to climb towards Saddleworth Moor and the border with Yorkshire.
It was a glorious day, and while we were heading east over the Pennines, the sun was to our right, but once we turned south, and for most of the rest of the journey, we were heading straight into its light, and it hurts my eyes, Precious.
In order to avoid the jam on the A1, I turned down the M1, through Barnsley and Sheffield, before turning east on the M18, which to Jen's alarm was signposted to "The North".
Don't panic, I said.
Nine miles later we turned south onto the A1, having cut out the jam and back on track, I reckon having saved half an hour and quite a few miles with this new route.
Into Nottingham Shire, past Newark, into Lincolnshire, the land flattened out and thoughts turned to lunch.
My favourite place is the OK Diner, there are two on the A1, and the southbound one is near Peterborough just about halfway home.
I programmed that it, and had 40 miles before the lunch stop.
A shiny diner, full of American memorabilia, in these changed times, that might have to be rethought, but for now, with Little Richard over the cheap sound system we were shown to our seats and so we could look over the unhealthy menu.
I had a burger (of course) with added pulled pork, while Jen and Sylv had very small breakfast of bacon, eggs and fried potato.
And then, back in the car to go further south.
Modern road etiquette seems to be that on a four lane road, hardly anyone uses lane 1, middle lane wankers and trucks use lanes two and three, and everyone else uses lane four. If people used the roads like they should, move back to the inside lane except when overtaking, there'd be much room.
But no. This is my lane and I'm not moving from it, even if I drive only at fifty.
Twats.
So, in this way we head south, turning off back towards Cambridge on the A14, then south on the M11.
The aim was to be over the Dartford Crossing by three, when rush hour would make it even more busy. Thankfully, the M25 was pretty freely moving, and we reached the Crossing just after two, and crossed into Kent.
After surviving the madness that is the junction onto the A2, we cruised down through Kent, on the motorway past Faversham, then on past Canterbury to home.
I dropped them off at just gone three, and after taking their bags in, back via Pineham, as the school run had left most of Whitfield jammed with Chelsea Tractors.
Home at half three, with the feline welcoming committee telling me they had not been fed in 36 hours. I ignored them for a while, then placated them with kitty kibbles until dinner time at five.
Jools was having cocktails after work, and I was to collect her at seven from The Bell in Hythe, so into the glory of a stunning sunset, I drove to Dover then on to Folkestone to Hythe, to find the local cycling group filling the car park with expensive bike and lycra, before embarking on their weekly evening ride. Before returning to the pub after 90 minutes for a few swifters.
Jools wasn't there, but she called to say she was on her way, so I had a pint of stout and some crisps and chatted to the locals.
She arrived, tipsy fart, but happy, and with a takeaway. So after drinking up, we walk to the car and drive back home, traffic almost reduced to nothing.
Back home.
Outside it was a typical Manchester day with glorious sunshine, which will make the journey back down south enjoyable.
I listen to a podcast, and as I have access to the kitchen, make a brew, and soon all was well with the world.
I folded up the bedding and then sat, waiting for Jen and Sylv to stir.
Jen is straightforward, plans and prepares well, Sylv is like herding kittens: easily distracted and prone to wandering off, several times a minute.
I set the target of leaving soon after nine, and once we had more brews, breakfast of hot cross buns, then packed, took out the trash, loaded the car, so, that wheels strarted to roll at half nine with the car full of us and Sylv's bags and possessions.
A quick fun through Kearsley, left at the roundabout and onto the motorway, through one junction where the other lanes heading towards Manchester were jammed, we cruised east at seventy, and soon began to climb towards Saddleworth Moor and the border with Yorkshire.It was a glorious day, and while we were heading east over the Pennines, the sun was to our right, but once we turned south, and for most of the rest of the journey, we were heading straight into its light, and it hurts my eyes, Precious.
In order to avoid the jam on the A1, I turned down the M1, through Barnsley and Sheffield, before turning east on the M18, which to Jen's alarm was signposted to "The North".
Don't panic, I said.
Nine miles later we turned south onto the A1, having cut out the jam and back on track, I reckon having saved half an hour and quite a few miles with this new route.
Into Nottingham Shire, past Newark, into Lincolnshire, the land flattened out and thoughts turned to lunch.My favourite place is the OK Diner, there are two on the A1, and the southbound one is near Peterborough just about halfway home.
I programmed that it, and had 40 miles before the lunch stop.A shiny diner, full of American memorabilia, in these changed times, that might have to be rethought, but for now, with Little Richard over the cheap sound system we were shown to our seats and so we could look over the unhealthy menu.
I had a burger (of course) with added pulled pork, while Jen and Sylv had very small breakfast of bacon, eggs and fried potato.And then, back in the car to go further south.
Modern road etiquette seems to be that on a four lane road, hardly anyone uses lane 1, middle lane wankers and trucks use lanes two and three, and everyone else uses lane four. If people used the roads like they should, move back to the inside lane except when overtaking, there'd be much room.
But no. This is my lane and I'm not moving from it, even if I drive only at fifty.
Twats.
So, in this way we head south, turning off back towards Cambridge on the A14, then south on the M11.
The aim was to be over the Dartford Crossing by three, when rush hour would make it even more busy. Thankfully, the M25 was pretty freely moving, and we reached the Crossing just after two, and crossed into Kent.
After surviving the madness that is the junction onto the A2, we cruised down through Kent, on the motorway past Faversham, then on past Canterbury to home.
I dropped them off at just gone three, and after taking their bags in, back via Pineham, as the school run had left most of Whitfield jammed with Chelsea Tractors.
Home at half three, with the feline welcoming committee telling me they had not been fed in 36 hours. I ignored them for a while, then placated them with kitty kibbles until dinner time at five.
Jools was having cocktails after work, and I was to collect her at seven from The Bell in Hythe, so into the glory of a stunning sunset, I drove to Dover then on to Folkestone to Hythe, to find the local cycling group filling the car park with expensive bike and lycra, before embarking on their weekly evening ride. Before returning to the pub after 90 minutes for a few swifters.
Jools wasn't there, but she called to say she was on her way, so I had a pint of stout and some crisps and chatted to the locals.
She arrived, tipsy fart, but happy, and with a takeaway. So after drinking up, we walk to the car and drive back home, traffic almost reduced to nothing.
Back home.
Farewell then, Mr Auditor
Dear Ian.
Dear Mr Hadingham.
Mr Bishop.
Dear Child has many names.
Almost 15 years in Vestas, in different roles: NCR cordinator, trainer, Project Quality Manager and Global Lead Auditor.
You have been part of two major company changes. You started in VestasOffshore, were part of the merger that became MHI Vestas Offshore, and four years ago, back to Vestas.
The past 6 years you have been part of the audit department(s). You are a dedicated Lead Auditor, always well prepared, knowing the ISO standards like the back of your hand, always trying to improve Vestas.
You, Henrik and I have been colleagues for about 12 years. Thank you for being a supportive friend in the different challenges we faced together these past years, these being COVID or the many departmental changes over these last 6 years.
Looking forward, you now get more timefor yourhobbies, and travelling soon, handing in your computer so not have to attend Teams meetings or sitting at your dining room table on a daily basis.
We hope to keep in touch and look forward to followyou on new adventures in the coming years.
Dear Mr Hadingham.
Mr Bishop.
Dear Child has many names.
Almost 15 years in Vestas, in different roles: NCR cordinator, trainer, Project Quality Manager and Global Lead Auditor.
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