29th July to 7th August - Not even a thought

Off to the fabled lands of Mythodea

Fingers Crossed

Next post - hopefully 8th August

Cheers !

25th to 28th July 2017 - Not even a thought

A wet trip to Bala - and not even any photos to share

Off to Germany tomorrow - so nothing now until August 8th at the earliest ...

Have fun

Cheers

24th July 2017 - A few Photos - CP3 - 2017

Thought for the day :"Its okay if you don't like me - not everyone can have good taste."


Just a thought I think - and a few photos ...  I love my hobby !

Cheers ...

23rd July 2017 - Just a thought

Thought for the day: "I am not weird - I am a limited edition"

Just a thought - Back from CP  Event 3 - Barnswood

Cheers

22nd July 2017 - Just a Thought

Thought for the day:"Instead of complaining I will just wine"

In leek - Curious Pastimes

So just a thought today ...

21st July 2017 - Radios and the Office of Constable

Thought for the day:" Sometimes you run into people who change your life for the better. Those people are called Bartenders"

The rain is pouring down. I am about to travel up to the wilds of the Midlands - Leek to be exact. Wish I had completed loading the Bothy yesterday when it was dry and sunny. Doesn't look to be much fun this morning!!

Still managed to get the radio working after almost a year. I was convinced that the fuse at the back was probably gone - but had no way to get the radio out to check. Finally decided to take it to a local auto electric specialist who looked at it - said - okay that is a post manufacture radio - and got a screw driver and promptly pulled the radio out....   changed the fuse ... and lo and behold it is working!!  So I will have music to go to Germany!!  Mind you he thinks I should get a new radio and he will fit it - but at the moment it seems to be working....

In other stories  this morning, the changes to the oath of allegiance came to my notice - with the current political correctness wording - it is not much - but I remember the old one - it is like remembering the Cub / Scout law as a child..  However there are a couple of small changes...

I, ... of ... do solemnly and sincerely declare and affirm that I will well and truly serve the Queen in the office of constable, with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, upholding fundamental human rights and according equal respect to all people; and that I will, to the best of my power, cause the peace to be kept and preserved and prevent all offences against people and property; and that while I continue to hold the said office I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all the duties thereof faithfully according to law..

So - how long can I procrastinate???

Will take my video camera and see if I can dub some songs for Germany - not much time now....

And so to Leek in the rain....
Cheers!

20th July 2017 - Newport and Invisible Socks

Thought for the day:"If I jumped in the washing machine - could I come out wrinkle free and three sizes smaller ?"

Saw this - chuckled....

*** BREAKING NEWS ***

EARTHQUAKE IN NEWPORT, SOUTH WALES.

An earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale hit Newport in the early hours, with the epicentre in the Pill area. Victims were seen wandering around aimlessly, muttering "Fuuuckinell".

The tremor decimated the area causing approximately £30 worth of damage. Several priceless collections of mementos from Majorca and the Costa del Sol were damaged beyond repair.

Three areas of historic burnt out cars were disturbed. Many locals were woken well before their giros arrived. The South Wales Argus reported that hundreds of residents were confused and bewildered and were still coming to terms with the fact that something interesting had happened in Newport. One resident - Tracy Sharon Smith, a 15-year-old mother of 5 said, "it was such a shock, my little Chardonnay-Mercedes come running into my bedroom crying. My youngest two, Tyler-Morgan and Victoria-Storm slept through it all. I was still shaking when I was skinning up and watching Jeremy Kyle the next morning".

Apparently looting, muggings and car crime were unaffected and carried on as normal. The British Red Cross has so far managed to ship 4,000 crates of White Lightning to the stricken locals.

Rescue workers are still searching through the rubble and have found large quantities of personal belongings, including benefit books, jewellery from Elizabeth Duke at Argos and Bone China from Poundland.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

This appeal is to raise money for food and clothing parcels for those unfortunate enough to be caught up in this disaster.

Clothing is most sought after - items most needed include:

Baseball caps

Full matching tracksuits

Nike Huarachi trainers

Tartan pyjamas

UGG Boots and any other items usually sold in Primark.

Food parcels may be harder to come by, but are needed all the same.

Microwave meals, Pot Noodles, Tins of baked beans, ice cream, Cans of Strong Bow or Special Brew and of course pies.

22p buys a biro for filling in compensation forms.

£3 buys chips, crisps and blue fizzy drinks for a family of 9.

£8 buys B&H and a lighter to calm the nerves of those affected.

Cheers !

19th July 2017 - Tanja's Song

Thought for the day:"Enjoying music is liking eating sweeties - first thing you do is throw away the rapper"

And so we have the next round of songs from the Love Chronicles - Tanja's Song

Now on video  and also on soundcloud...




Hopefully the Bothy will be back on the road today and I can get into the warehouse to sort "stuff" out.... Oh - and do another video tonight -- running out of time.....

Cheers
and on a gardening theme...

18th July 2017 - 12 Days and Counting

Thought for the day:"When "i" is replaced with "we" - even illness becomes wellness"

Getting a few nice reports from the posting of Valeria of Mythodea "Counting them out".
But panic started in a little when I realised that I am off in 12 days !

I really ought to make a list and check everything off ... Managed to check the passport and tickets yesterday and found that the Health Insurance Card (used to be the E111) had run out!. Seems okay as they say that the on-line system will allow replacement in 10 working days ... may have to take the old one with me just in case...  Travel Insurance and the RAC.... Bothy still int he garage having the brakes fixed to make it safe ....

So - get the boat back onto the trailer and check the bottom...
Clear a bit of space in the warehouse - possibly do some notice boards for Vollsanger - Volls Wagon could do with a new coat of polish ...   Find Costume  ... learn some songs !!!

and so - we move onto the final countdown for the CD - sadly - cannot see that I can get it all done in time yet ...

But - Black Pearl now onto Soundcloud....



That gives me 8 tracks ....
Think I may add Klabautermann - after all it is the only German Language song that I do ...
That will be another session in the studio - I wonder if I have time ....

ho hum ....

Cheers...

17th July 2017 - Who Cares?

Thought for the day:"My hobbies are over eating and complaining about getting fat"

So, Doctor Who is to be a woman. Okay - let's move on.

Actually, I don't really watch a lot of Doctor Who - it is one of those things that I can go back and have a look at every so often. Picked up the last series of Capaldi and quite enjoyed - but did the same with Mat Smith - after about three years letting the furor run away.

It is like watching someone go through the grieving process - you fall into the shock, dismay, rejection, denial, and finally acceptance... or the change cycle..

I am sure we will all get over it !!!

In other news, the Bothy is having a pre Germany check over in the garage - fingers crossed !!

And I am running out of time to get anything done before the trip ...

But why procrastinate today when I can put it off until tomorrow ..

cheers!

16th July 2017 - A Wet Sunday maybe I won't wash the car

Thought for the day; "Money doesn't talk - it just waves goodbye"

Sunday... Rain... a wet dog - she has given up in me and decided to sit in the rain anyway. And I have not even taken the hoover out!

Over 650 viewings of the Parting Glass - which is a great number... Most seem to like the version.
Put onto Soundcloud as well ths morning - which seemed appropriate.




Feeling a little medieval this morning ..
Cheers

15th July 2017 - The Parting Glass

Thought for the day:"An apple a a day keeps anyone away - if you throw it hard enough"

Worked hard yesterday - but failed to finish everything by midnight - the traditional hour for a Thynge (pronounced TING) - that time when you stand around the fire and call on Heimdall to open the link across the Bifrost Bridge - to tell Odin what has been happening during the day - a tradition that started as far as I know, when he lost one of his ravens - the ones that keep him abreast of all that occurs down here ...

But five minutes to midnight - the video was still rendering - and it took until after 1.30am to finally load upon Youtube and process...  so the Parting Glass - a tribute to Darren - is posted here instead ...

I lift a glass
to a big man
You beat me to Valhalla

14th July 2017 - RIP Darren Dale

Thought for the day:"Taking naps sounds so childish - I shall call them horizontal life pauses"

Sarah Cawkwell:
"It is no secret that Valhalla comes for the heroes. For those who die at the end of a blade, or in glory on the battlefield. When we come for those fallen warriors, we sing in exaltation. We sing of their great deeds in life, we sing of their nobility and their ultimate heroism. We gather up their vessels and we usher their souls through to the great feasting and mead halls of forever.
Those of you on the mortal plane… you remember them down the generations. They become legends. They are never forgotten. While memories linger, the fallen walk among us.

We drink to those fallen.
And then… once in a while, the Allfather, in his infinite wisdom, sees fit to take a quiet man. A great man. A man whose legend was formed not on the battlefield, not in the act of battle. But a man whose legend was forged in that he had a heart so filled with love that it simply could not be contained here. That love, that sense of joy, that very essence of infinite compassion has touched the lives of so many.
Today, we weep because the Allfather has taken him from us. We are united in grief and loss and anger and heartbreak. But I ask you, do not weep overlong, because he would only have mocked you for it.
Thane Wall, or to give him the strange, other-worldly name he took on – ‘Darren’ – will stand eternal guard over the kingdom of Norsca, his legend etched into the very ground on which you walk.
The loss of a friend brings an ache to the heart and soul that it seems can never be relieved. But memories are a balm, soothing the hurt and bringing peace. Remember the smiles. Remember the sternness. Remember the apparently infinite capacity for flirtation.
Weep for his loss. Celebrate his life. Always remember him.
And when you also step through the doors of Valhalla, he will be there with a cup of mead and that big, cheeky smile, waiting for you.
Praise be to Odin!"

Yesterday Darren Dale - a great friend for many years passed away in hospital after an induced coma, and Facebook land is full of tributes to a gentle soul... He had been a trusted member of the Crimson Moon team - indeed being the first person to whom we that we entrusted the running of a full event (Caldicot EMA) when we accidentally managed to double book a wedding..

Darren, Thane Wall, Bubba - he will be missed - he was larger than life and has now passed on...

Sad - he will be missed

I lift a parting glass...

Of all the money that e'er I spent
I've spent it in good company
And all the harm that ever I did
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

If I had money enough to spend
And leisure to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in the town
That sorely has my heart beguiled

Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips
I own she has my heart enthralled
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

Oh, all the comrades that e'er I had
They're sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be with you all

13th July 2017 - One Video Down

Thought for the day:"I wonder if clouds ever look down on us and say - "Hey - that one looks like an idiot"

So - I may have done a thing ..
Waiting for approval from the various persons included in the video - the Valeria of Mythodea is in Video Form and thought currently unlisted can be included here

Love Chronicles of Mythodea - Valeria

Quite pleased with the mix...
Off to get the boat trailer re-welded, do some visiting, finish some editing, busy day ahead.

Cheers...

12th July 2017 - 1984 - ain't it the truth !!!

Thought for the day: "I've just.started a new job making chess sets ...it's shift work ..I'm on Knights next week.. "

Found a nice little quote running around in Facebook Land - seems it is legitimate and was written by George Orwell back in 1948 - (you can't trust most quotes on the internet these days without double and triple checking)  - I thought I would share it ...


The whole quote is :

“We are so busy Facebooking, Snapchatting, Tweeting etc that we are missing what is happening in the world,” he said.
He pointed to a quote from the production he said not only sticks out to him every time, but one that he think will challenge audiences to really think about the world they inhabit and how they chose to be a part of it.
The line is from one of the characters that works for the Government, otherwise known as Big Brother. He says: “The people will not revolt. They will not look up from their screens long enough to notice what’s happening.”
Orwell didn’t have a crystal ball, what he did have was an understanding of the human condition and its weakness. Apathy.

can't say that I disagree with the comments....

Cheers !!!

11th July 2017 - Back Home to wales - Must be raining

Thought for the day; "Oh dear - I think my train of thought left the station without me"

Used to tell people that it never rains in wales - it is only a ruse that we put out to keep the English away from the Country - but today the trip from the Toll Plaza (as they call the payment area at the Severn Bridge) to Newport tunnels and almost to Cardiff was a continuous rain storm and traffic jam - apparently due to Coldplay having a concert in Cardiff this evening - took me 5 anda half hours to get home from the South Coast...

So - will enjoy the rest of the evening
Cheers - and a scary thought!!

10th July 2017 - Just a thought

Thought for the day:" I want you to know that someone cares!  Not me - but someone!"

I still hate this lack of mouse !! Screen jumping all over the place and Cortano popping up and saying "tap here and ask a stupid question" - it's no good tapping - it is not a touch screen !!

Bah Humbug!

9th July 2017 - Just a thought

Thought for  the day:"Life is not a fairy tale - if you lose a shoe at midnight - you were drunk "

a day on the lap-top - not a personal favourite as I did not bring a mouse and I hate the lap top thingie mouse....

so just a thought

8th July 2017 - Just a thought

Thought for the day: "I am not weird - I am a limited edition" 

Just a thought - a day of Athelstan and then travel to the South Coast

7th July 2017 - On time and Pizza

Thought for the day:"A pizza is a real time pie chart of how much pizza is left"

Another day in the studio and working the masters...  Sent off to Crete for more QA this morning so we will see the results later ... 

Updated the Mark Website with a couple of pictures and getting ready to go and face the warehouse - and see what can be done about the boat and trailer tent ...

Installed Board for St Teilo this evening, it is amazing how quickly the year has come around.

And on the subject of time flying...

I thought about procrastinating - but I thought I would leave that until tomorrow  

Cheers !!

6th July 2017 - Past Provincial Grand Sojourner - I'll drink to that

Thought for the day:" Not bragging - but I don't even need alcohol to make bad decisions"

Was Provincial Grand Lodge today for West Wales Province and in the morning I received promotion to Past Provincial Grand Sojourner - which is nce if you know what I am talking about.
I enjoyed the day out and despite the heat managed to last the day and support the other members of the Province who also had promotions and appointments...

And so I found a wonderful picture of a choir which I shamelessly linked to my wife's Choir - I am not sure she has seen it yet !!

I will find out when I am thrown out of bed later tonight !!

Meanwhile

 of course
alcohol also has its down side

But if you are into marketing then honesty is the best policy ...

seems legit

Cheers !

5th July 2017 - Maths Destruction!!

Thought for the day:"If you can't laugh at yourself - call me - I'll laugh at you"



BREAKING NEWS !!
Teacher Arrested
A public school teacher was arrested today at John F. Kennedy International airport as he attempted to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a compass, a slide-rule and a calculator.
At a morning press conference, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said he believes the man is a member of the notorious Al-Gebra movement.
He did not identify the man, who has been charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction.
...Al-Gebra is a problem for us', the Attorney General said. 'They derive solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in search of absolute values.' They use secret code names like "X" and "Y" and refer to themselves as "unknowns" but we have determined that they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country.
As the Greek philosopher Isosceles used to say, "There are 3 sides to every triangle."
When asked to comment on the arrest, President Trump said, "If God had wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, he would have given us more fingers and toes."
White House aides told reporters they could not recall a more intelligent or profound statement by the President.

cheers