Today's Weather

We've had clear skies all day, so while it was good for the solar, not so good if you're out and about; it's currently, 6C, but it feels like 1C because of the wind. Air quality has been good today. Mrs C is impressed with the car; you can set it to warm up 5 minutes before she leaves for work, and it's toastie when she gets in; all the ice has cleared, and it has heated seats and steering wheel, so no more faffing about with the car cover. - @CynicCar cover? I've got a sheet of cardboard I put behind the windscreen wipers. It's very green as it was recycled from Ikea packaging.Our lemon of a Ford has heated seats and warming steering wheel. I only noticed it had the latter when I saw it on the menu in the display console. The problem with heated seats is that it almost feels like you've wet yourself. That kind of warm, spreading feeling. It only heats the bum position but it should do the back too. Then it'd be like a kind of heat pad for rusty bones and squeaking muscles. - @fluffy2560

I had a flash car with all the mod cons when I was based in Calgary, a Ford LTD station wagon that they had local-purchased for me, then stuck military plates on, which made me different to anybody else; the RCMP at the airport seemed to have great difficulty in comprehending why and how; almost as bad as they couldn't get their heads around that all UK military pilots flew without a licence, they were Sky Gods who operated with the permission of Her Majesty, who did not extend this largesse to her Canadian pilots.

Cynic, I think you should replace your fence with razor wire!!
Just kidding... - @Marilyn Tassy

Camp Cynic?

I was thinking when I came to Austria all that time ago, we had sh^t loads of snow, now in December we haven't had any, even in the upper group around here would have had some by now. Is this going to be the norm now, I wonder? It's 4°C today, and they say it's going to rain around 8pm.

Cynic, I think you should replace your fence with razor wire!!
Just kidding... - @Marilyn Tassy

Excellent idea !!!!

I was thinking when I came to Austria all that time ago, we had sh^t loads of snow, now in December we haven't had any, even in the upper group around here would have had some by now. Is this going to be the norm now, I wonder? It's 4°C today, and they say it's going to rain around 8pm. - @SimCityAT

My first winter out AT/HU way was really snowy.  That was back in 1994 when I drove back to the UK for Xmas. Between Vienna and Linz, the high ground was blizzard conditions. Driving was dreadful. It's high ground.  Then maybe like 1995 Xmas or so, it was really massive snow in HU, like 70cm or something. My car was an igloo. 

But you are right, the snow is way down and while temperatures have fallen, they are nothing like the days in say the early 2000s when -10C or lower was pretty common.

It's too obvious to say it but it's got to be global warming and climate change.

This is partially why I believe I need to store 5000 litres of rainwater under the ground.  I reckon we could have years where it's like really parched, no vegetables will grow and everything will be dry and shrivelled.  And that's just out the garden.  We'll also be like that inside, looking like desiccated raisins.   I begin to believe water availability will doom our world and could easily be the cause of future wars.

The first big winter I recall experiencing was in Berlin in 1979; I recall my car (VW Golf) had more snow on top of it, than the height of the actual car.  I lived near the Olympic Stadium and I recall the Stadt had to keep the route from Spandau to there as Rudolf Hess had to be taken for his weekly medical examination at the British Military Hospital there.

Just found this photo:

Wales

@SimCityAT

I thought initially that this story meant the bridge was about to collapse, then I read on to learn it was some lighting columns (posh name for lamp posts), which given the winds they've faced recently, does not surprise me.  Apparently, this morning all is well, order has been restored with some restrictions still in place because of the continuing high winds in that part of the UK.  National Highways have been given a reminder of their responsibilities to maintain all the infrastructure associated with the 2 bridges across the River Severn.

Weather here today; currently 10C, with a forecast high of 11C later today, it currently feels more like 2C because of the strong winds this country has experienced over the past few days.

@SimCityAT
I thought initially that this story meant the bridge was about to collapse, then I read on to learn it was some lighting columns (posh name for lamp posts), which given the winds they've faced recently, does not surprise me. Apparently, this morning all is well, order has been restored with some restrictions still in place because of the continuing high winds in that part of the UK. National Highways have been given a reminder of their responsibilities to maintain all the infrastructure associated with the 2 bridges across the River Severn. - @Cynic

Yes, clickbait for Severn bridges. 

Seems strange about the lamp posts. You'd think they'd have made them to withstand hurricane force winds.

We have solar panels on the top of some street lights in our village. I wonder if they will survive violent winds. It'd act as a sail.  We already see some are a bit leaning. 

I always thought the rule of thumb is 1/3 of the length of any pole had to be below ground and in concrete. 

Our local government has some nitwits in it.  The lamp posts AND oddly, corners on road junctions are always set incorrectly. It's like the designer cannot drive.  There's a common habit of putting signs too low so as to block your view when turning right or left at the junction.   I've noticed in other towns, the signs are so low on pavements (US: sidewalks) one is at risk of bashing one's head.

They also like traffic lights where roundabouts would easily work better.  Really strange thinking.

@SimCityAT
I thought initially that this story meant the bridge was about to collapse, then I read on to learn it was some lighting columns (posh name for lamp posts), which given the winds they've faced recently, does not surprise me. Apparently, this morning all is well, order has been restored with some restrictions still in place because of the continuing high winds in that part of the UK. National Highways have been given a reminder of their responsibilities to maintain all the infrastructure associated with the 2 bridges across the River Severn. - @Cynic
Yes, clickbait for Severn bridges.
Seems strange about the lamp posts. You'd think they'd have made them to withstand hurricane force winds.

We have solar panels on the top of some street lights in our village. I wonder if they will survive violent winds. It'd act as a sail. We already see some are a bit leaning.

I always thought the rule of thumb is 1/3 of the length of any pole had to be below ground and in concrete.

Our local government has some nitwits in it. The lamp posts AND oddly, corners on road junctions are always set incorrectly. It's like the designer cannot drive. There's a common habit of putting signs too low so as to block your view when turning right or left at the junction. I've noticed in other towns, the signs are so low on pavements (US: sidewalks) one is at risk of bashing one's head.

They also like traffic lights where roundabouts would easily work better. Really strange thinking. - @fluffy2560

If you read the history of the bridge (I just read an abridged summary (paragraph), so am now the official Forum expert on the matter), it was opened in 1966, they underestimated usage, to the extent they need to carry out significant repairs over the period 1987 > 90, at the same time building a 2nd bridge to alleviate the wear and tear happening again, once the 2nd bridge was completed, they rerouted the motorway network so the M4 now runs over the newer (Prince of Wales) bridge.

The first tangible benefit of switching to Solar is our monthly gas/electric bill has dropped by £100 p/month.

Today's Weather:

It's really foggy.  So much so, I expect there are delays at the airport. 

At 0900h, it's 3.3C, with no wind, humidity 93%, supposed to brighten up around 13h.  Sunset is 15.53. 

Only 10 days until 21 December and the days will get longer.  We just need to get through January 2026 and it should get much better in February, possibly even Spring like.  We might get the Saharan sand on our cars once more.

If it does brighten up, we might take the Fluffymeisterin walkies.

York the other day

York the other day
- @SimCityAT

Happens quite often there - they tried to route water away, but it changed nothing.

York the other day
- @SimCityAT
Happens quite often there - they tried to route water away, but it changed nothing. - @Cynic

Becoming the Venice of the North.   Gondoliers in flat caps singing George Formby songs as they travel down the ancient canals around the town, whippets on the forecastle.  By 'eck.

York the other day
- @SimCityAT
Happens quite often there - they tried to route water away, but it changed nothing. - @Cynic
Becoming the Venice of the North. Gondoliers in flat caps singing George Formby songs as they travel down the ancient canals around the town, whippets on the forecastle. By 'eck. - @fluffy2560

Bye eck, is tha trying to start a second war of 't roses?   Formby is a Lanc!!!

York the other day - @SimCityAT Happens quite often there - they tried to route water away, but it changed nothing. - @CynicBecoming the Venice of the North. Gondoliers in flat caps singing George Formby songs as they travel down the ancient canals around the town, whippets on the forecastle. By 'eck. - @fluffy2560 Bye eck, is tha trying to start a second war of 't roses? Formby is a Lanc!!! - @Cynic

OMG, I'll go to the foot of our stairs.  You're right!  Ok, I'll raise it to Vera Lynn. 

I looked up Gracie Fields but she was Lancashire as well.

I accept Vera Lynn was from London but on the grounds of solidarity and unity, she was  a Forces sweetheart in difficult times, like those being flooded.

"There will be bluebirds over, the canals of York"....etc

My Mum will be turning over in here grave (being from Ossett).

York the other day - @SimCityAT Happens quite often there - they tried to route water away, but it changed nothing. - @CynicBecoming the Venice of the North. Gondoliers in flat caps singing George Formby songs as they travel down the ancient canals around the town, whippets on the forecastle. By 'eck. - @fluffy2560 Bye eck, is tha trying to start a second war of 't roses? Formby is a Lanc!!! - @Cynic
OMG, I'll go to the foot of our stairs. You're right! Ok, I'll raise it to Vera Lynn.

I looked up Gracie Fields but she was Lancashire as well.

I accept Vera Lynn was from London but on the grounds of solidarity and unity, she was a Forces sweetheart in difficult times, like those being flooded.

"There will be bluebirds over, the canals of York"....etc

My Mum will be turning over in here grave (being from Ossett). - @fluffy2560

A safe choice would have been Jane McDonald (Wakefield lass), also known for mucking about on boats entertaining people.

York the other day - @SimCityAT Happens quite often there - they tried to route water away, but it changed nothing. - @CynicBecoming the Venice of the North. Gondoliers in flat caps singing George Formby songs as they travel down the ancient canals around the town, whippets on the forecastle. By 'eck. - @fluffy2560 Bye eck, is tha trying to start a second war of 't roses? Formby is a Lanc!!! - @Cynic
OMG, I'll go to the foot of our stairs. You're right! Ok, I'll raise it to Vera Lynn.

I looked up Gracie Fields but she was Lancashire as well.

I accept Vera Lynn was from London but on the grounds of solidarity and unity, she was a Forces sweetheart in difficult times, like those being flooded.

"There will be bluebirds over, the canals of York"....etc

My Mum will be turning over in here grave (being from Ossett).  - @fluffy2560

A safe choice would have been Jane McDonald (Wakefield lass), also known for mucking about on boats entertaining people. - @Cynic

Oh yes, I know her.  I never thought of her as being from Yorkshire. 

I guess she gets free boat rides to big up the cruise liner companies and does a bit of singing on the side. 

Nice work if you can get it.   

Wakefield is not so far from Ossett. 

Today's observances:

2.9C, occasional breeze 1.5m/s, sunset 15.53h, humidity 86%

Looking at the surrounding hills, they are mostly shrouded in mist.

The mist is making things very damp and wet.

Das Wetter:

4.6C, 0.4 m/s wind from SSE, was very foggy earlier on, humidity 90%, steady pressure with potential for sun. It's still quite foggy.  I cannot see the hills opposite.

We had a bit of sunshine earlier on for about 20m. High of 6C expected - up on the negative temperatures of late.   I was planning doggy walking but I've got a meeting at 15.30h and we have to go and get some car parts. Hungarian is a difficult language - a temperature sensor is a "Vízhőmérséklet érzékelő" (Water Temperature Sensor).  German so much easier - Wassertemperatursensor.   Easy!   Anyhoo,  maybe tomorrow the doggy gets her fix.

We had the wood burner on yesterday so that was cleaned up this morning - it's my job in the division of labour at Fluffy Towers.   That includes chain-sawing, chopping  and stacking/storage of wood. Does my back no end of good. Burned about 20kg of wood last night (~3kg/hr).  It was chopped and dried and from my MIL's old disposed of trees.  Also disposed of maybe 3kg of scrap paper.  It really piles up here - all advertising.  And we get rid of a lot of it into our recycling bin but does it keep coming!  Clean cardboard like egg boxes goes in the compost heap to add carbon. 

Het weer; that's Dutch, I didn't know the Yorkshire equivalent, so I just asked the ChatGPT thingy, apparently it's "Mek up tha bleedin' mind"; it's currently raining 9C; forecast for tomorrow and Saturday is broken clouds, but no rain.  Next week is the run-up to Christmas; no snow forecast around here, seems like more of the same as today.  The official air quality is moderate, but it's not affecting me, so I'm happy.

Het weer; that's Dutch, I didn't know the Yorkshire equivalent, so I just asked the ChatGPT thingy, apparently it's "Mek up tha bleedin' mind"; it's currently raining 9C; forecast for tomorrow and Saturday is broken clouds, but no rain. Next week is the run-up to Christmas; no snow forecast around here, seems like more of the same as today. The official air quality is moderate, but it's not affecting me, so I'm happy. - @Cynic

Or by eck, it's rain' cats 'en dogs....

Fog has massively descended on us now and we can hardly see neighbours one over   Humidity has reached 92%. Presumably when it reaches 100%, we'll be swimming.   It's 3.8C now and still.  Not a bit of wind.  Unsurprising because of the fog. Not usually windy when it's foggy. 

I cannot see any snow is likely here.   We haven't had snow for some years now.  Well, nothing substantial.   No chance of skiing.  Not that I could do it again as my back and knees probably couldn't take it.  Kids could go and we could watch them.

Looking around this morning at the weather in Ukraine (mainly to see how it is further East),  I ended up on a Ukrainian web site for a ski resort not far from the HU border.  Only 200km further on. I must say it looks quite nice there.  It's called Bukovel.  Despite the war going on, it seems like some people are very much keeping calm and carrying on.  If peace returns, maybe we'll go there for a weekend or short break.

I remember Het Weer.   I never quite got the hang of some things being Het and some being De. Like all these things, you just have to go along with it.  Rules of course can be learned.   It could have very different meanings for Het Bal and De Bal.

Update:

It's still foggy.  It's been like this for weeks.  We have no idea what is beyond the fog.  I expect the hills are still there. 

4.4C, wind 3.1 m/s from NNE (despite fog), humidity 90%, sunset 15.54h.

Just a couple of days and the days will get a bit longer each day.

I need to do some outside stuff, cut down some plants, wrap up our exotic grasses. 

Tomorrow it could be 6C. 

That seems like a good time to do things, i.e.  Mañana 

Today is the end of work and holidays for many.  Yay!

8C, mostly sunny, but windy; forecast more of the same tomorrow; good news for the solar.  Also, a bit windy out on the moors, sons-in-law flight from Schiphol had to touch and go at Leeds Bradford airport, and he's just found out his suitcase didn't make it; probably be on this afternoon's flight; they'll taxi it out to him later this evening; perhaps today is not the day for him to buy a lottery ticket.  We had fog last night; It's a family joke that regardless of where we are, it gets called sea-mist.

It's the last day at the schools around here, so peace and quiet until 6 Jan and the added bonus of reduced traffic and better air quality.

They lied!  Thick fog (or, sea mist) and 6C.  Just got back from the final Xmas shop, but there will probably be some other vital thing we've missed.

They lied! Thick fog (or, sea mist) and 6C. Just got back from the final Xmas shop, but there will probably be some other vital thing we've missed. - @Cynic

Maybe you couldn't see those final things through the murkiness?   Weather sites always lie. I got an alert this morning saying the rain will stop.  Rain? What rain?  Dry as a bone out there (except for the fog).

5.4C here, just about see the hills, humidity 86% (better visibility?), no wind to speak of.

Sunrise was 07.28h and sunset will be 15.55h.  By Monday we should see longer days. 

I wonder if the PWS (Personal Weather Station) knows about the solstice.

HU:

Only 2.4C today, slight drizzle, 0.2mm since midnight, 0.4 m/s wind NE, still foggy.

I am pleased to report that sunset is later by 1 minute!   Now it's 15.56h than from 2 days ago when I posted it was 15.55h.   The solstice is working!  The planet is moving through space as normal.   

I just wonder how Santa will make deliveries what with the continuous fog.  I suppose he's got reindeer radar.

8C and cloudy; forecast high of 9C, before it falls back to 8C overnight.  Sunset here is 15:45 local time, not something I usually track since I retired; we have a south facing bedroom, when the sun comes up, it's time to get up.

Looking at weather trends around here; the only significant change is the windiest month has swung from January, back to December.  Somebody is forecasting that next year is going to be great for the UK, they are basing this on the premise that somebody saw a black cat at Stonehenge during the Winter Solstice, this must be true because I just read it on the Internet and can even provide a link to this earth-shattering news.  Further weather related news (link), all the recent rain in the UK has caused a sinkhole to form under a canal!

8C and cloudy; forecast high of 9C, before it falls back to 8C overnight. Sunset here is 15:45 local time, not something I usually track since I retired; we have a south facing bedroom, when the sun comes up, it's time to get up.Looking at weather trends around here; the only significant change is the windiest month has swung from January, back to December. Somebody is forecasting that next year is going to be great for the UK, they are basing this on the premise that somebody saw a black cat at Stonehenge during the Winter Solstice, this must be true because I just read it on the Internet and can even provide a link to this earth-shattering news. Further weather related news (link), all the recent rain in the UK has caused a sinkhole to form under a canal! - @Cynic

Wow, I liked that canal story.   We're in the right time to be "silly season" with human interest stories.  They'll have to get a crane to get canal boats out of there.

We've got a  totally black cat we see every day.  I always thought black cats were lucky but others inform me they are not.  I've seen it walk under a ladder and nothing happened.  Maybe they cancelled each other out.

Now I do not know what to believe so I'll need to contact GB News or Donald Trump or Nigel Farage or even Orban Victor.  One of these will know for sure.

8C and cloudy; forecast high of 9C, before it falls back to 8C overnight. Sunset here is 15:45 local time, not something I usually track since I retired; we have a south facing bedroom, when the sun comes up, it's time to get up.Looking at weather trends around here; the only significant change is the windiest month has swung from January, back to December. Somebody is forecasting that next year is going to be great for the UK, they are basing this on the premise that somebody saw a black cat at Stonehenge during the Winter Solstice, this must be true because I just read it on the Internet and can even provide a link to this earth-shattering news. Further weather related news (link), all the recent rain in the UK has caused a sinkhole to form under a canal! - @Cynic
Wow, I liked that canal story. We're in the right time to be "silly season" with human interest stories. They'll have to get a crane to get canal boats out of there.

We've got a totally black cat we see every day. I always thought black cats were lucky but others inform me they are not. I've seen it walk under a ladder and nothing happened. Maybe they cancelled each other out.

Now I do not know what to believe so I'll need to contact GB News or Donald Trump or Nigel Farage or even Orban Victor. One of these will know for sure. - @fluffy2560

Now, I'm not so sure about your black cat story as you failed to provide a link to prove its authenticity; however, in an effort to help a mate out, I can provide an authentic black cat in Hungary story link.

Now, I'm not so sure about your black cat story as you failed to provide a link to prove its authenticity; however, in an effort to help a mate out, I can provide an authentic black cat in Hungary story link. - @Cynic

I did not provide a link as I don't remember where I saw the black cat and Stonehenge story. Meanwhile, my nephew is telling me the UK press is full of stories about the weather turning and a massive snow dump is coming the UK's way.  I've heard nothing about this on my usual news sites.

That missing panther story from Hungary is quite old.   I don't recall if this was ever solved.  But it wouldn't surprise me if some a*****e in HU was keeping such an animal at home.  People here have been known to do that.  They flout the rules and see it as prestige possession along with nasty dogs, bling and pimped up cars.  Things don't change.

Meanwhile, extremely sunny but a bit hazy, only 3C, cloud expected, mild breeze 2 m/s from SW.  It'll be freezing cold tonight (-4C maybe) due to the lack of clouds.  Sunset is at 15.59h which is several minutes longer than before.  It's all uphill from here until 21 June whereupon we slide back down.

Now Xmas is over, I expect the shops will be busy.  Best steer clear of any of that! People here don't have buffers/stock to see them over to Monday.  And the logistics chain is terrible here. Fresh stuff will be in short supply until maybe Tuesday earliest.   Fireworks are however be on sale ready for NYE.

Just got in from the outdoor market.

Nice and sunny out but still freezing to me.

Not very busy there, half the vendors were not open and a good 75 percent less shoppers.

My cousin is going to send over a 12 page letter from my brother.

Gosh, sort of not looking forward to reading it.

It must be terrible to spend holidays in lock up.

His son,s GF has not contacted us for almost a month. Hmm, did she drain his bank account and skip town?

I hate to think about it, nothing for me to do but worry and worry is not my thing.

If I could change or do something , I would.

Looks like duck again tonight!

Have to finish it off.

Nice to have a dog who would enjoy some left overs.

Spaniel dogs, IDK anything much about them.

Lap dogs, I thought.

Golden,s are about the 3rd smartest dogs. Even slightly smarter then a Doberman.

Dobermans are easy to train because they want to please their family but sometimes they can outsmart people by doing something their own way.

I would get a Doberman again in a heart beat if I was up to it.

They are not aggressive if they are not bored and are well trained;

One moment they are jumping around like a loon and the next they are a huge lap dog.

Lots of energy, need allot of time with their family. Not the type of pet to be ignored.

Think the I.Q.of a Doberman was 91 and a Golden 93.

Have known people who were running on 80!

My sister had a Great Dane, name of Patrick.

Super laid back dog, until he was not.

Once she had him and her Black Lab in the back seat of her Camero.

She got petrol at the station and the guy put his hand inside her car to hand back her money.

Before anyone knew the Dane was in the front seat holding the guys hand in his mouth.

Protection dogs.

Now, I'm not so sure about your black cat story as you failed to provide a link to prove its authenticity; however, in an effort to help a mate out, I can provide an authentic black cat in Hungary story link. - @Cynic
I did not provide a link as I don't remember where I saw the black cat and Stonehenge story. Meanwhile, my nephew is telling me the UK press is full of stories about the weather turning and a massive snow dump is coming the UK's way. I've heard nothing about this on my usual news sites.
That missing panther story from Hungary is quite old. I don't recall if this was ever solved. But it wouldn't surprise me if some a*****e in HU was keeping such an animal at home. People here have been known to do that. They flout the rules and see it as prestige possession along with nasty dogs, bling and pimped up cars. Things don't change.

Meanwhile, extremely sunny but a bit hazy, only 3C, cloud expected, mild breeze 2 m/s from SW. It'll be freezing cold tonight (-4C maybe) due to the lack of clouds. Sunset is at 15.59h which is several minutes longer than before. It's all uphill from here until 21 June whereupon we slide back down.

Now Xmas is over, I expect the shops will be busy. Best steer clear of any of that! People here don't have buffers/stock to see them over to Monday. And the logistics chain is terrible here. Fresh stuff will be in short supply until maybe Tuesday earliest. Fireworks are however will be on sale ready for NYE. - @fluffy2560

Mmmm.  6C and overcast, looking to stay that way until New Year's Eve.  Just got back from picking up my new specs.  Will have to remember to get the paperwork sent off to our Insurers;  bizarre that my wife gets Medical Insurance as part of her NHS salary.

Not had a White Christmas in years at home in Austria. So the first time we go to Wales and have a Christmas in years. Of course, home in Austria get a lot of snow. Arrived on Boxing day, and its nearly all gone. I got home (to my house) at 2am this morning. (Lots to say, but will say all on the general chat.)

Just got in from the outdoor market.
Nice and sunny out but still freezing to me.
Not very busy there, half the vendors were not open and a good 75 percent less shoppers.
My cousin is going to send over a 12 page letter from my brother.
Gosh, sort of not looking forward to reading it.
It must be terrible to spend holidays in lock up.
His son,s GF has not contacted us for almost a month. Hmm, did she drain his bank account and skip town?
I hate to think about it, nothing for me to do but worry and worry is not my thing.
If I could change or do something , I would.

Looks like duck again tonight!
Have to finish it off.
Nice to have a dog who would enjoy some left overs.
Spaniel dogs, IDK anything much about them.
Lap dogs, I thought.
Golden,s are about the 3rd smartest dogs. Even slightly smarter then a Doberman.
Dobermans are easy to train because they want to please their family but sometimes they can outsmart people by doing something their own way.
I would get a Doberman again in a heart beat if I was up to it.
They are not aggressive if they are not bored and are well trained;
One moment they are jumping around like a loon and the next they are a huge lap dog.
Lots of energy, need allot of time with their family. Not the type of pet to be ignored.
Think the I.Q.of a Doberman was 91 and a Golden 93.
Have known people who were running on 80!
My sister had a Great Dane, name of Patrick.
Super laid back dog, until he was not.
Once she had him and her Black Lab in the back seat of her Camero.
She got petrol at the station and the guy put his hand inside her car to hand back her money.
Before anyone knew the Dane was in the front seat holding the guys hand in his mouth.
Protection dogs. - @Marilyn Tassy

Your posting prompted me to check the intelligence of Spaniels - particularly the English Cocker Spaniel or the Welsh Spaniel - and they are pretty smart but not as clever as Goldies.   They seem to need a lot of attention, 2 walks a day and plenty of engagement.  Be like having a boisterous kid on our hands and I am wondering if it would be too much.  And it seems, they need to be fully engaged and trained early to ensure they are properly socialised to ensure they know who is the boss.  They can get bored and therefore naughty.  They seem possibly a little bit behind the Goldie but they can do plenty and are about half the weight.  That's 20kg which is medium I'd say.  Our Goldie is 40kg and is not fat (not much anyway).   I think if I am retired - probably by the time I am 70, I will have time for it.   Once again, me discussing Spaniels with others here has brought complaints of my pushing our existing Goldie into the grave.  I wondered if we have 2 dogs, they could benefit from each other.  Apparently Spaniels readily join families and are very happy to be part of it.   

Right new, we've got visitors - again.  I am not particularly engaged with them.  It's once again all Hungarian. I am doing duties like filling up and putting the dishwasher on.  I think they will go soon.  Luckily, that will be it for this year.

Is your cousin going to just scan you bro's letter or photo it and share it?  That's the way forward, not normal post.  It's dire here if one gets letters - takes weeks. 

I bought some electronic bits on Alza on Xmas Day and they were in the Alza box for collection this morning.  That's mega fast.  Wasn't a complicated thing but I was amazed it was in there so quickly.  If only Magyar Post had the same work ethic.

Mmmm. 6C and overcast, looking to stay that way until New Year's Eve. Just got back from picking up my new specs. Will have to remember to get the paperwork sent off to our Insurers; bizarre that my wife gets Medical Insurance as part of her NHS salary. - @Cynic

I've heard about that NHS scheme.  Just weird.  But I suppose it's the same as any other employer.  My bro took early retirement and I think he's still in their scheme for several more years.  Jumps the queues!

Mmmm. 6C and overcast, looking to stay that way until New Year's Eve. Just got back from picking up my new specs. Will have to remember to get the paperwork sent off to our Insurers; bizarre that my wife gets Medical Insurance as part of her NHS salary. - @Cynic
I've heard about that NHS scheme. Just weird. But I suppose it's the same as any other employer. My bro took early retirement and I think he's still in their scheme for several more years. Jumps the queues! - @fluffy2560

The Cynic in me can't help but compare which services the GP surgery charges for, with those available on the staff medical insurance list, then look for the triple whammy on the QOF list of services; nothing else to do on some days and I just know where to look.