The All New Megathread

[garynortheast]

Morning all. Up and about early this morning as Mabel and I are heading out at 8am to join a friend and his dog for a walk. Looks like it's going to be a damp walk!

How's everyone else the grey morning?

[Sir Trev]

Oddly enough I was hoping it would rain today, to wash some of the rubbish off the roads before I hopefully get out for a few hours on Bullseye this weekend. The forecast midweek said this was going to be the case but when I checked again this morning it said nice for the next three days. At least if will be nice and dry when (if) I get out.

[redtrummy]

some off the roads round here have been freshly salted!

[Ruffy]

some off the roads round here have been freshly salted!
And others still have plenty of mud strewn all over them from loads of agricultural traffic. Or winter-freeze potholes not yet patched.

I'll probably not be riding for at least a couple of weeks yet. I guess I'm officially an old man wimp!;)

[garynortheast]

Morning all. A bright morning here. Off for a walk with Mabel before I head down to work at the Repair Cafe here at 12.00.

What are you all up to?

[Ruffy]

Morning All (just). For me it's a bit of odd-jobbing around the house, but mainly I'll be watching 6 Nations rugby.

Ireland-France then Scotland-Wales today. Should both be competitive games, hopefully. Tough to call who'll be the winners, but I probably favour the team in blue in each game.

[admin]

Lots of gardening for me. I did the first lawn cut the other day but there's still lots of autumn and winter debris lying around.

[Sir Trev]

I too got the mower out for the first (very light) cut of the year today.

Also re-errected a fence I took down before next door's builders ripped it down. Been meaning to do that for over a year... It makes that side of the house look so much neater! Need to get some more Ducksback to give it a bit of colour now to really finish it off. And a new latch for the gate it marries up to, which sounds like a great excuse to go to a DIY shop somewhere several miles away tomorrow on Bullseye. Yay.

[garynortheast]

Morning all. A bright and sunny day here, so I may abscond for a bit of a ride this afternoon at some point if anyone would care to join me or meet up for a coffee?

[Craig380]

Can't today, Gary - off out for a Sunday lunch before the football.

[Sir Trev]

Went out on the bike for coffee, but alas not in your direction Gary. Went to Ivinghoe Beacon, partly as I've never been there, and partly cos Google Maps suggested a snack wagon was usually there. But it wasnt... So I headed to H Caff just south of Oxford instead, but it seems every other biker in the area had the same idea, as the queue for food/drink was crazy. So I went home for a coffee instead. And I forgot to stop and get a gate latch while I was out :(

[Luckypants]

We took the dogs to LLyn Brenig yesterday. The new rescue hound had his little mind blown by people, dogs, birds, a lake!, children, etc. Clearly he has not been taken out much in his previous homes as it is all new to him. Having a full dog sized puppy is challenging but its just immaturity. He will mature and grow in confidence through us taking him out and socialisation. Unfortunately the cafe closed just as we got there, so Beau missed out on another new experience but worse still, I missed out on cake!

After that, it was garden tidy up duties. Even the lawn got a trim.

[Sir Trev]

My neighbour got back from her two week holiday late last night. Dominican Republic as it turned out - her face was very tanned!

She popped round after lunch to get her mail order plants that we took in for her a weekand a half ago. I did tell her that not all of them had survived, which she was expecting, but when she asked how many many of the 240 looked like they'd pull through I made a pretence of counting on my fingers before saying 239. Then I opened the greenhouse door and showed her the seven full size module trays I had potted them on into. She looked so pleased, which made me very happy. Shame one of the begonias didn't make but never mind.

[garynortheast]

Morning all. Another sunny but chilly morning here. Out for a walk with Mabel later and then it's going to be a going to be mostly a gardening sort of a day. I need to clear the grass from around the last part of my new hedge, pot on lots of the newly grown seedlings and sow more stuff to put in the propagator. Busy busy!

How about the rest of you .org folk?

[Craig380]

Waiting in for various calls with consultants. You're never alone when you volunteer for clinical trials ...

[redtrummy]

mending the strimmer. breaking open compost heap, then out to a folkclub ad a couple of pints (maybe just the one)

[garynortheast]

Morning .orgers. A duller morning than of late here today, and pretty chilly too. A walk with Mabel soon to get the day under way, and then back to the seed sowing.

Anyone doing anything exciting today?

[Craig380]

Hibernating a bit today, feeling quite under the weather, and it keeps hailing, so indoors is the best place to be!

[Sir Trev]

My car has a nice new windscreen now. Karl, the very chatty fitter, had just finished and driven off as it started to absolutely bucket down, so he timed that just right.

Been stuck doing some very boring cost reviews apart from that. Lots of our vendors seem to have only just realised their employer NI cost is going up next month so are scrambling to tell us what the new rates are going to be. And not all of them have calculated it correctly...

[garynortheast]

Morning all. Sunny and chilly morning here. I was out with Mabel at around 6.45 today, my favourite time of the morning. Got a small IT job for someone this morning, and as the weather is pretty good I'll hop on the bike to go. Looks like I could also be off out to see an early music group playing in Llanarmon DC this evening if there are any tickets left.

What's everybody else up to this weekend?

[redtrummy]

Off to the Alps later, all being well! Managed to eliminate the mole that has wrecked my lawn, hoping its the only one! Don't like killing anything (apart from slugs) nice morning here but very fresh

[garynortheast]

Morning all. Dull, grey, and chilly here today. Just been out for an early morning walk with Mabel, who is now snoozing on the sofa. Busy-ish day ahead, shopping this morning (deep joy!), blood test at 2pm, then get on with some work in the garden. I need to level the slabs I've laid in gravel where I'm building my workshop so that the wooden floor will have a flat surface to sit on.

Hibernating a bit today, feeling quite under the weather, and it keeps hailing, so indoors is the best place to be!

Hope you're feeling a little recovered now Craig.

Off to the Alps later, all being well!

Have fun in the Alps RT.

[Luckypants]

Off to the Alps later, all being well!

Skiing I assume? Be a bit of a challenge on the bike this time of year :p

[garynortheast]

Skiing I assume? Be a bit of a challenge on the bike this time of year :p

:smt046

[SV650rules]

Morning all. Dull, grey, and chilly here today. Just been out for an early morning walk with Mabel, who is now snoozing on the sofa. Busy-ish day ahead, shopping this morning (deep joy!), blood test at 2pm, then get on with some work in the garden. I need to level the slabs I've laid in gravel where I'm building my workshop so that the wooden floor will have a flat surface to sit on.





Rats and mice love wooden sheds.... If the base is on slabs and they cannot dig under they can still get into surprisingly small gaps under the shed and also chew through wood easily. The wooden base needs to be held off the slabs by something non porous like house bricks or it will just rot away, so fill any gaps with something like this mesh to enable airflow but keep the rodents out



https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C1Z8PZZQ/

[Craig380]

Plans somewhat derailed as my wife's mum (who's in a care home near us) has complained of arm and chest pains, so we've taken her to A&E for assessment. She has vascular dementia and we suspect she's had a TIA overnight, hopefully the tests will shed some light.
Unfortunately, Macclesfield A&E is the fifth circle of hell at the moment :(

[Luckypants]

My sympathies Craig, my mum had the same ailment. I hope A&E is not too terrible.

[garynortheast]

Morning all. A bit grey and chilly here this morning but with lots of sunshine forecast for the day. Heading out walking with a friend and the hounds shortly

Plans somewhat derailed as my wife's mum (who's in a care home near us) has complained of arm and chest pains, so we've taken her to A&E for assessment. She has vascular dementia and we suspect she's had a TIA overnight, hopefully the tests will shed some light.
Unfortunately, Macclesfield A&E is the fifth circle of hell at the moment :(
Hope your MiL is a bit better this morning Craig, and being looked after properly.

[Craig380]

Thanks LP & Gary: after all the tests, there were no conclusive signs of a heart attack or stroke (although smaller TIAs often leave very little trace) so who knows. She's settled back in her home, anyway, so we'll just have to carry on and see what happens ....

[Luckypants]

Those TIAs are tricky. With my mum if we noticed an increase in agitation and confusion which subsided over a day or two, we generally took it as another TIA occurrence. It's the 'seeing what happens' that can be heartbreaking. Is she at home or in a care home?

[Craig380]

That's exactly our view on things, she has episodes of confusion which last a day or two and we ascribe those to a TIA.

She's in a care home near us, they're very good and she's happy and settled there. Luckily she not having these episodes frequently, I hope that continues.

[admin]

Those TIAs are tricky. With my mum if we noticed an increase in agitation and confusion which subsided over a day or two, we generally took it as another TIA occurrence. It's the 'seeing what happens' that can be heartbreaking. Is she at home or in a care home?

They are indeed. My mother has had a couple leading to falls.

[Luckypants]

She's in a care home near us, they're very good and she's happy and settled there. Luckily she not having these episodes frequently, I hope that continues.
I'm glad for that Craig, being happy and settled while being looked after is worth a lot. My mum improved physically and mentally after going into full time care, it was like vindication it was the right decision.


They are indeed. My mother has had a couple leading to falls.
We were convinced mum had some falls due to TIA. The one where she hurt her shoulder quite badly meant we arranged for her to enter a care home 'early' as she was still capable of looking after herself day to day but a fall was dangerous.

[Craig380]

My mum improved physically and mentally after going into full time care, it was like vindication it was the right decision.


Same with my MiL, she really wasn't coping living on her own and it was making her very anxious. She loves the home as she doesn't have any worries or stress about buying / cooking food, cleaning, laundry etc, and has constant companionship.

[Craig380]

It's the Spring equinox, and a gorgeously sunny day to boot! We're having a new shower fitted, so I'm hoping the plumber gets it done sharpish and I can get out for an hour or two ...

[garynortheast]

Just on my way home from a meeting in Llandrindod. Lovely ride out there early this morning and an equally splendid ride back now. Just stopped at Hafan yr Afon in Newtown for tea and cake.

[Geodude]

Don't forget to have your favourite tipple for Reeder today. Miss you boxman :cool:

[garynortheast]

Still miss the boxman's bonker sense of humour here.

[Sir Trev]

Same here. I'll raise a glass later when I've finished work for the day.

Thanks as always for the reminders Geo.

[garynortheast]

Morning all. Early start here. Been out with Mabel already as I'm off to get the train to Brum soon. Meeting up with daughter Sioned and her boyfriend Jacob for lunch.
Bright out there, but we had a little rain overnight, although not enough to make a difference. I wouldn't be sorry to see a bit more for the garden.

What does everyone else have planned for the weekend?

[Sir Trev]

Bit damp here after overnight drizzle with more forecast all day :(

About to walk into town (easy 20 minute stroll) to get a mother's day card for next weekend and drop off some dry cleaning. Will hopefully get some weeding done between showers later.

[Luckypants]

We've had a nice morning / lunch taking Beau (new doggo) for his first visit to the park and a cafe. He did really well and handled everything smoothly. This week has seen a step change in his excitement levels and he's very much better handling new things.

A slight downer is Jack (old doggo) is under the vet for severe weight loss. He had scans and x-rays yesterday looking for nasties but thankfully nothing found. It seems his long bout of IBS has thickened his intestine wall so he is not getting much nutrition from his food. He is on steroids for the diarrhoea the IBS caused and we expected him to start gaining weight once that was under control - didn't happen. So increased dose of steroids to reduce the bowel inflammation and see what happens. If he doesn't gain some weight in the next two weeks its more vet visits.

[Sir Trev]

Oh dear. The weather was lovely until 4pm, when thunder preceeded rain. It's all my fault. I decided it was mild enough to sit outside when I got back from town so I dug the patio table and chairs out from their winter home in the shed. And to seal my fate I pulled the barbecue out of the shed aftrr lunch too and gave it a proper degrease and clean. That's when it started to thunder...

[Craig380]

Bit of a nothing day today, so we've decided to go out for a slap-up Sunday roast. I can taste the gravy already :)

[garynortheast]

Grey, damp, and chilly here. Just about to have some dinner then I'll go out and do a bit in the garden before I go for a walk with Mabel.

[garynortheast]

Morning all. Lovely sunny day here now, after some very welcome rain the night before last and yesterday. Some of the stuff in my garden has suddenly taken of in the last 24 hours thanks to the moisture.
A few small jobs to do here, but I could be tempted to head out on the bike for a while today as it's so nice out there.

What's everyone else up to (apologies to all those of you having to work)?

[Craig380]

Our daughter is 31 (thirty one!) today. How on earth did that happen? So we're meeting her for lunch and a walk in the sun.

[garynortheast]

Our daughter is 31 (thirty one!) today. How on earth did that happen? So we're meeting her for lunch and a walk in the sun.

Where does the time go? My two are 23 this year :eek:

[Luckypants]

It makes you feel old doesn't it? My daughter is now 40, officially middle aged :smt043

[garynortheast]

/yo_YsIC9jxI?si=HKZK89bVTeGykGQV

[Bibio]

Had a weekend away at lochearn in the van (converting into a camper). Campfire, campfire food, was good for the soul.

[garynortheast]

Had a weekend away at lochearn in the van (converting into a camper). Campfire, campfire food, was good for the soul.

Just what the doctor ordered! Sounds perfect Lance. :cool:

[garynortheast]

Morning all. Bright, sunny and a bit chilly here this morning. I'm heading off for a walk with a group of folks in Llandysul, near Montgomery this morning. It'll give me the chance to catch up with a few friends I've not seen for a while.

How's the day looking for the rest of you .org folk?

[Craig380]

Looking brightish here too, so we may well go for a walk across the fields and see if we can find some frogs in the local ponds. A nip out around the Derbs Dales is on the cards, too.

[admin]

A bit dull and overcast here. Got an electrical problem with the kitchen lights to fix.

[Sir Trev]

Been nice here today, which is so usual when I'm working...

Got outside after hours and cleaned the finger prints off the inside of the new windscreen of my car ready for a trip down to our Maidstone depot tomorrow. Lots of M25 to look forward to. Deep joy. At least the forecast is staying fair.

[garynortheast]

Morning all. Reasonably bright here but cool. I'm going to have a quiet day pottering I think. Mabel has eaten something which has disagreed with her and has had me up several times over the last couple of nights, so I'm feeling generally out of sorts. I was going to go for a run this morning before going off to do some gardening for an old friend, but I've now postponed both as I'm too tired. I'll get on quietly with a few jobs here instead. I have loads of potting on to do, so I'll go on with that.

How's everyone else?

[Craig380]

Hope Mabel's back to normal soon, Gary. If only they could talk and tell us exactly what was wrong!

Having a day of general quiet pottering here, the main job being changing the oil on the bike.

[garynortheast]

Hope Mabel's back to normal soon, Gary. If only they could talk and tell us exactly what was wrong!

Having a day of general quiet pottering here, the main job being changing the oil on the bike.

She's fine Craig, just a dose of the squits. We had a walk this morning, and she's eaten some breakfast, so I just need to wait for whatever it was to pass through her system.

If you fancy meeting for a coffee over at the Raven when you've done your oil change, let me know.

[garynortheast]

Morning all. Bright, sunny, and a bit breezy here after some welcome overnight rain. Off to collect daughter Sioned at Welshpool station shortly. She's coming over for a quick visit. We're heading out for a walk this afternoon and then off to a trad music session in Llynpenmaen this evening.

What does the day have in store for everyone else?

[Luckypants]

The rain was welcome but I discovered this morning that the pipe to our water butt was blocked, so we didn't get the full benefit. Its been so dry recently that we need a fair bit more rain to top up the rivers and streams.

Half day for me today, so that's put a smile on my face!

[garynortheast]

The rain was welcome but I discovered this morning that the pipe to our water butt was blocked, so we didn't get the full benefit. Its been so dry recently that we need a fair bit more rain to top up the rivers and streams.

Half day for me today, so that's put a smile on my face!

I was listening to the welcome sound of my water butts filling this morning. What's the blockage on yours Mike?

[Luckypants]

It drains off a north facing roof that gets mossy. This finds its way into the downspout and can block my feed pipe. I have a Guttermate diverter that has a filter but seems more effective on leaves than moss. So the pipe from the diverter to the water butt had mossy/soily debris in it. I cleared it without any hassle, but it would have been nice to get the butt re-filled.

[admin]

Just picked this air pump up from Lidl. Neat enough to carry around.
https://www.lidl.co.uk/p/crivit-premium-cordless-compressed-air-pump/p10026654?pageId=10067768&tabCode=Current_Sales_Week

[Craig380]

@ Gary & LP: do you like big butts, and you cannot lie?

[garynortheast]

I cannot lie - I like big butts but I only have small butts. I do however have three small butts.
Fnarr!

[Sir Trev]

Just picked this air pump up from Lidl. Neat enough to carry around.
https://www.lidl.co.uk/p/crivit-premium-cordless-compressed-air-pump/p10026654?pageId=10067768&tabCode=Current_Sales_Week


Looks useful, and not much bigger than the mini (manual) pump I take with us if were out for the day on the e-bikes.

[garynortheast]

Well, that was a hectic 24 hours! Time to slow down a bit now I think.

[Sir Trev]

I'm having a hectic few days, so I feel your tiredness Gary. Headed to Maidstone for a meeting on Thursday, overnight there for a team dinner (and a few Jamesons), home Friday morning, irritating remainder of the day arguing with vendors who cannot add up and send us duff invoices, early start today for the three hour slog to Norfolk, was thankfully helped by my cousin's builder husband to drag mum's old chest freezer our for collection, followed by several trips to the loft to bring down armfulls of the stuff that's been up there for years for sorting/binning. Will be walking to the village chippie soon, which will cheer me up, but I'm looking forward to getting home for a rest tomorrow afternoon before I start month end on Monday...

[garynortheast]

That sounds very hectic Trevor. My 24 hours pales into insignificance by comparison!

[garynortheast]

Morning all. A retiree's day of smug, self indulgence for me today. Been out for a walk with Mabel and I'm shortly getting kitted up to ride the bike over to the Raven in Whitchurch. I had a full day in the garden yesterday so I'm on top of things there for a few days. Hoping the sun is going to put in an appearance soon.

My sympathies to those of you having to work. How's the week shaping up for everyone else?

[admin]

Weather looks good for a ride. Might venture out myself this afternoon.

[Luckypants]

We've got the day off, so going to Bodnant Gardens to see the spring flowers. Plus an experience day for Beau! He'll be trying to be good in the cafe later.

Yesterday's "Beau Experience " was a first visit to the beach. He made lots of new doggy friends and we learned he has good dog manners meeting other dogs. Meeting people is still a work in progress as he's still jumping up to people

[garynortheast]

Back home after a cracking ride out to Eglwyswen/Whitchurch and back. Great to have a long overdue catch up with you Craig380.

Weather looks good for a ride. Might venture out myself this afternoon.

How was your ride John?

[Craig380]

Likewise, Gary, great to catch up. A bit warm riding home, too many layers on ...

[admin]

I went out after lunch. Route was via Roden and the Newport. Then used some back roads back to Shrewsbury via Atcham.

Maybe we should meet up at the Raven with Craig one day.

[garynortheast]

I went out after lunch. Route was via Roden and the Newport. Then used some back roads back to Shrewsbury via Atcham.

Maybe we should meet up at the Raven with Craig one day.

Good idea! You have quite a good piece of road to Whitchurch from Shrewsbury.

[garynortheast]

Morning all. Yet another sunny day (lovely) but still with no prospect of any precipitation for my garden (not so lovely).
An exciting day looking at shower cubicles to replace the vile half door and curtain setup in my bathroom, and some proper bathroom paint to replace the emulsion that the contractor used prior to me moving in.
I have another rideout and a catchup with a mate on the cards tomorrow.

We've got the day off, so going to Bodnant Gardens to see the spring flowers. Plus an experience day for Beau! He'll be trying to be good in the cafe later.

Yesterday's "Beau Experience " was a first visit to the beach. He made lots of new doggy friends and we learned he has good dog manners meeting other dogs. Meeting people is still a work in progress as he's still jumping up to people

How was Bodnant Mike. They are fabulous gardens. I bet Beau loved the beach!

[Luckypants]

Bodnant was excellent Gary. The magnolias are almost over, but plenty of rhododendrons and azaleas in bloom. The last of the daffodils were putting on a show too. It's sad to see two more great trees brought down by winter storms though. It was explained that as trees get damaged / removed by the storms, more vulnerable trees are left exposed to the winds. They seem to be worried for future losses.

Beau did really well, meeting more dogs and lots of people. Only one jump up, so progress. We then went for fish and chips at The Arches in Conwy (dog friendly, free doggy sausages and gluten free), where Beau was an absolute star! Taking him to cafes will be no problem in future.

[garynortheast]

Morning org, another day of wall to wall sunshine is the forecast. I shall make the most of it and ride up to Betws-y-Coed. I want to take my old Karrimor rucksack up to the Alpkit shop to see if their repairer can mend it. It's one of the proper Karrimor packs from the days when it was a family run business before that ratbag Mike Ashley at Sports Direct bought them out. It's a really well made 65ltr pack and worth repairing.

Sounds like Beau is coming on really well Mike, you must be so pleased.

How's the day ahead looking for everyone else?

[Craig380]

Shaking off a cold so only just woken up! Will get out and get some UV on the old pineal gland later.

[garynortheast]

Rucksack delivered to Alpkit for repair. Very pleased as the guy there said he can do the job and has quoted just £38. It'll take about 3 weeks as he has quite a backlog of stuff to work his way through first.

Lovely ride up here, and now just had lunch in my favourite pizzeria, Hang In Pizza. Lots of bikes on the ride. I suspect most of the riders are of...er...a certain age given that it's mid week. I followed a guy on one of the new BSA Goldstars through Penybont Fawr and over the pass at Llangynog. He wasn't hanging about either, and when he stopped on the top I stopped to chat and ask him what he thought of the bike. He's delighted with it.

Time to head home now.

[Craig380]

I love that route over the pass at Llangynog. Such beautiful views and a fantastic sinuous road (and the odd suicidal sheep)

[Sir Trev]

Month end for me and year end for my customer, so lots of stressed out people to deal with. Looking forward to the weekend, especially as the weather forecast remains very good!

[garynortheast]

The whole route there and back was great.

Journey out: Llanfyllin, Penybont Fawr, Llangynog, Bala, A4212 by Llyn Celyn, B4391 to Blaenau Ffestiniog, A470, A5, Betws y Coed.
Journey home: A470 south, Blaenau Ffestiniog, A496 to Maentwrog, Harlech, Abermaw, Mawddach estuary, over the toll bridge, Dolgellau bypass, Dinas Mawddwy, Mallwyd, Llangadfan, Pont Llogel/Llwydiarth, Llanfihangel and back to Llanfyllin.

[Craig380]

Now that's a cracking ride. The couple of times I've done the Oswestry - Penybont Fawr - Llangynog - Bala - A4212 - B4391 into Blaenau route have been biking heaven.

Concluded by a drink and a slice of cake at Porthmadog station overlooking the Cob, while the Double Fairlie engine gets its steam up :D

[Luckypants]

The whole route there and back was great.

Journey out: Llanfyllin, Penybont Fawr, Llangynog, Bala, A4212 by Llyn Celyn, B4391 to Blaenau Ffestiniog, A470, A5, Betws y Coed.
Journey home: A470 south, Blaenau Ffestiniog, A496 to Maentwrog, Harlech, Abermaw, Mawddach estuary, over the toll bridge, Dolgellau bypass, Dinas Mawddwy, Mallwyd, Llangadfan, Pont Llogel/Llwydiarth, Llanfihangel and back to Llanfyllin.
Jealous... great riding in the weather we've been having

[garynortheast]

Month end for me and year end for my customer, so lots of stressed out people to deal with. Looking forward to the weekend, especially as the weather forecast remains very good!

Get yourself up here for a ride in Wales Trevor!

[garynortheast]

Jealous... great riding in the weather we've been having

If you're up for a rideout up that way Mike, let me know.

[Sir Trev]

Get yourself up here for a ride in Wales Trevor!

When time permits, I certainly will. As there is a possibility of voluntary redundancy following our contract going to a new provider later this year I'm sitting tight for now, although I'd dearly love to retire right now! Once I do I'll glady head out your way for a trip or three.

Had to content myself with a ride out to a couple of localish bike shops to suss out possible new rides for Lady Poppy, followed by a stop on the way home to get some more seed modules to kick off a few more of this year's crop. So many bikes at both Aylesbury Ducati/Kawasaki and Woburn Triumph. And it seems everyone and their dog at the garden center...

Sitting out on the patio recovering at the moment and I can smell barbecues all around me.

[garynortheast]

Sitting out on the patio recovering at the moment and I can smell barbecues all around me.

And the sound of lawnmowers?

[Sir Trev]

And the sound of lawnmowers?

The lawnmowers were out on Sunday mainly, with me joining in.

Every year I swear I am not going to be a slave to my lawn, and then I go and do this...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54437234510_2d0c3b4622_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qWr4fN)20250406_121605 (https://flic.kr/p/2qWr4fN)

The scarifier is the white handled thing by the shed. I only used the spring rake to help gather the pile together, although that was hard work on what's left of my where my abs used to be. Didn't post this up yesterday as I was, er, recovering.

[garynortheast]

My first thought when seeing that picture was "Look at all the veg beds I could fit in there".

[garynortheast]

Morning all, another sunny day here. Little gardening job for someone today, then getting kit ready this afternoon for a day hiking in the mountains tomorrow.

What's everyone else up to?

[Craig380]

Probably going to potter over to Buxton for a wander, as it's always seen at its best advantage in the sun. Will stop on the way and look for lapwings and curlews over the top, too.

[garynortheast]

I haven't been to Buxton for years. Maybe I should have a ride up there at some stage.

[admin]

Definitely a day for riding. I'll be out on the TA this afternoon but I haven't worked out where yet.

[Craig380]

I haven't been to Buxton for years. Maybe I should have a ride up there at some stage.

Pro tip: check the weather forecast before setting off. Buxton has a micro-climate all of its own, as this report notes: a county cricket match was snowed off on 2nd June 1975. (https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/jun/01/weatherwatch-freak-snow-stopped-cricket-on-2-june-1975)

[Sir Trev]

My first thought when seeing that picture was "Look at all the veg beds I could fit in there".

It seems the local badgers heard you and made a start on the digging last night...

The mess is just unreal. They've caused damage in the past, usually when we have an abundance of cockchafer grubs or similar, but the scale of this attack is way worse.

[garynortheast]

Morning all. Chilly start here this morning with a frost on the roof of the car. Heading off to meet a friend in Bala shortly for a walk up Arenig Fawr. Views from the top should be pretty good in this weather.

How's the day shaping up for the rest of you?