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TUESDAY 15 APRIL 2008
100
Unbelievably, this really is the 100th posting to the truckshunters blog since it flung its unhinged doors open in October last year. When I cranked it up 100 postings ago and launched it wheezily onto an unsuspecting internet, I wasn’t sure where it would go (if anywhere at all) and what your reaction to it would be. Needless to say, I’m both flattered and delighted by the way you have rceived my wayward meanderings. One way or another, I think the ground we’ve covered here is mind-boggling and a very great deal of the credit must go to you, the faithful truckshunter blogsters!
I think, though, that now would be a good time for me to take a break. Although blogposting is not exactly an onerous responsibility, I have decided to award myself some time off for a while in order to concentrate more on developing The Nightshift itself. So although there will be no truckshunter blog for the moment at least, listen out for changes to the programme which, I hope, will make it even livelier and more fun than it already is!
Thanks once again for your enthusiasm and participation in this great blogging experiment. Please be assured that it has not been wasted. Far from it.
IAN
221 comments:
1 – 200 of 221 Newer› Newest»Is there a word for 100 blogs?
How about a centiblog?
Anyway, it's been an experience (put your own interpretation on that!)
Ian, you sell yourself short when you say that blogposting is not exactly an onerous responsibility. You have provided the spark for many weird and wonderful conversations which, I hope, will continue sometime in the future.
Thanks a million
ps Is 'truckshunter blogster' a euphemism for something?
ian dot robinson? ive enjoyed every single minute..
you are a true star..
love as always gilly xxx
a dedicated follower of "truckshunters" always..
where ever it may go..
in whatever form..
bye bye..to the blog...x
ps can i just say a goodbye too to hildie, a sadly absent maureen..
sid.. lawrence.. kev.. pickler.. vivienne and ryan..grosvenorand hs many family and friends..
also anyone else who looks at the blog..
its been really good getting to know you all... i,ll be thinking of you....
may the days be good to you...
ps lawrence ?
if you pass mine as you tootle around our beloved north east "pip"......
i,ll hear you and say there goes lawrence..custodian of grosvenor..off to tune his pianos..
love gilly xx
aka miss be hayve standing down early retirement..
very sad..
Hi All,
Well I couldn't just disappear, could I? Sorry that I've been absent lately Miss B Hayve but I've had a lot to deal with at home and work, hopefully I can get back into emailing Ian and I hope everyone else will join me, after all he'll have so much time on his hands now, won't you Ian? I just want to thank everyone for the fun we've had and to thank Ian for bringing us together ...it was something special. I'm sure we'll all nod and smile as Ian reads out a contribution from one of us. I'd like to use a Dutch phrase...Tot Ziens! Which means to our next meeting....
Love to all of you,
Maureen
Hi all from myself and Grosvenor who is waving his tail as I type as a form of ratty-greeting.
Thanks Ian for providing this catalyst for what has been and still is a vault of inspiration, and I think through this blog comment that it will continue in this way too for a good while... the blog's still here so we can still put it to good use.
I've been absent without leave a bit recently, but still listening avidly and emailing contributions as ever, but as the old Speedway is now 7 weeks into it's season, my writing time is usually taken up with that, and in the main will be 'till October - even more so this season as apart from columns for both Berwick and Newcastle's programmes, press releases etc, I've now taken on the roll as speedway correspondent for the Newcastle Journal and taken on the deadlines that such a post dictates.
But I read this every day and listen every night so hopefully this comment thread will inspire, inform, amuse and entertain as it has since last October.
Vivienne - loved the story from April 1st, but so regret not being in a position to contribute... as I've been all written out as stated above.
Gilly - Yeah I'll toot in Meadowfield - where ever thou mayst be.
Kev - yeah agree compeltely Ian's been the spark to ignite all of this and it's not everone who could..not by a long chalk....
Why do we say... by a long chalk???
So what challenges are we going to set each other on this comment thread?
Answers on a blogspot .
Thanks Ian also for popping Grosvenor's pic in such a fine position on the top of blog 100... a fitting place for a fine animal.
Cheers
Lawrence
i have to say this but are you sure lawrence we are allowed free rein? look what happens when we are all left on our own... anarchy...
in a good humerous innocent way of course..
Anarchy - yeah a little of what you fancy does you good.
Anagrams... hmmm... BBC Presenters....
Asthma Joel inn
Pace Me Daddy
Yes we seen U
Notion a brain truss
Primark E
Metro Mannerism
My nose drip
A horniest owl
Waft parp kan
banish moon
some easy , some a little tougher.... not too tricky
enjoy Lawrence
heavens lawrence anagrams..?
i,m useless..
i,ll give it a go or as usual....watch and learn.
bye.
had to delete myself a bit,
don,t want to be on too much and get in trouble i get carried away.
soz.
by george i think ive actually got one....my first ever.. !
primark e. mike parr.
bye..
by jingo ... got another..!
our beloved...sue sweeney xx
got another.. railton howes..
lawrence you must have made them very easy for me to get any right.
I went away for a couple of days and came back to the awful news.
Where is Superman when you need him.
I am sure he would swing into action, Sid, if we really needed him! Like you, I feel all sad about the end of the blog, I will miss you people, you're like family now.
Hey Gilly,
Yep 3 correct.... keep at it. Anagrams become easier the more you do I think.
Loz
Ill try that again..... hope you like the attached pic of Grosvenor using his mate JD as a cushion for his regal head.
Lawrence
lawrence its a lovely pic... feels a bit like the marie celeste lately..
gilly
Why do I feel like I'm walking a very long pirates plank.....if this blog is going down the pan, please get on with it. This is like torture, looking to see if its still there. You must feel even worse Ian.
looking more and more like the marie celeste every day.......
metro mannerism.. ?
martin emmerson..
waft parp can ..? frank wappat..
Yep - another two crossed off the list. Keep it up Gilly.
Quiet old ship the Marie Celeste was.
Loz
aye lawrence dead as a doornail .
it,ll... be cobwebs next..
wondering did they ever find anyone from the marie celeste..
see yer..
Did you know the Marie Celeste was really the Mary Celeste, but folk think it's Marie for some reason.... me too I have to say.
She was a brigantine discovered in the Atlantic Ocean unmanned and under full sail heading towards the Strait of Gibraltar in 1872.
The fate of the crew is the subject of much speculation but the many theories range from alcoholic fumes to underwater earthquakes, along with a large number of fictional accounts.
Her first captain died at the very beginning of her maiden voyage and she also collided with another vessel in the English Channel.
However, after this rough beginning, the brigantine had several profitable and uneventful years under her Nova Scotian owners until she was driven ashore in a storm in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia in 1867.
She was salvaged and subsequently sold to American owners who made substantial changes and renamed her Mary Celeste in 1869.
On November 5, 1872, under the command of Captain Benjamin Briggs, the ship picked up a cargo of industrial alcohol shipped by Meissner Ackermann & Co and set sail from Staten Island, New York to Genoa, Italy.
In addition to the captain and a crew of seven, she carried two passengers, the captain's wife, Sarah E. Briggs (maiden name Cobb), and their two-year-old daughter, Sophia Matilda, making 10 people in total.
On December 4, 1872 (some reports give December 5, due to a lack of standard time zones in the 19th century), the Mary Celeste was sighted by the Dei Gratia, commanded by Captain David Reed Morehouse, who knew Captain Briggs.
The Dei Gratia had left New York harbour only seven days after the Mary Celeste.
Dei Gratia's crew observed her for two hours, under full sail and heading toward the Strait of Gibraltar.
They concluded that she was drifting, though she was flying no distress signals.
Oliver Deveau, the chief mate of the Dei Gratia, led a party in a small boat to board the Mary Celeste.
He found the ship in generally good condition, though he reported that "the whole ship was a thoroughly wet mess".
There was only one operational pump, with a lot of water between decks and three-and-a-half feet of water in the hold.
The forehatch and the lazarette were both open, the clock was not functioning and the compass was destroyed.
The sextant and marine chronometer were missing, and the only lifeboat appeared to have been intentionally launched rather than torn away, suggesting the ship had been deliberately abandoned.
Popular stories of untouched breakfasts with cups of tea on the cabin table, washing hung out to dry, a cat found asleep on top of the gallery locker and a bowl of a half-eaten apple pie are wholly without proof.
The cargo of 1,701 barrels of alcohol was intact, although when it was eventually unloaded in Genoa, nine barrels were found to be empty.
A six-month supply of food and water was aboard.
All of the ship's papers, except the captain's logbook, were missing.
The last log entry was dated November 24 and placed her 100 miles (160 km) west of the Portuguese islands of the Azores.
The last entry on the ship's slate showed her as having reached the island of Santa Maria in the Azores on November 25.
Crewmen from the Dei Gratia sailed the Mary Celeste to Gibraltar where, during a hearing, the judge praised them for their courage and skill.
However, admiralty court officer Frederick Solly Flood turned the hearings from a simple salvage claim into a de facto trial of the men of the Dei Gratia, whom Flood suspected of foul play.
In the end, the court did award prize money to the crew, but the sum was much less than it should have been, as "punishment" for suspected, but unproved, wrongdoing.
Captain Morehouse was awarded one fifth of the ship and cargo.
None of the Mary Celeste's crew or passengers has been found.
It is unlikely that the events leading to their disappearance will ever be known with certainty.
In early 1873, two small wooden rafts made from timbers lashed together were reported spotted offshore by fishermen from Spain.
One contained a body wrapped in an American flag, and the other contained four bodies.
It has been supposed that these were remains of the crew of the Mary Celeste, however, the bodies were buried in a single grave without being identified positively so it means nothing definite.
lawrence? what can i say?
fascinating stuff ive sat enthralled reading your post,i love a good mystery....
i,m thinking they must have all drowned,
maybe a freak tidal wave..
washed most of them overboard but that begs the question how did they manage to find time to launch the life boat..?
what of the empty barrels of alcohol?
i just hope they had time to sup it all before perishing
well done.. must have taken you ages..
it hasnt gone un noticed..
ten out of ten..or gold star..
and no i didnt know it was the mary, but marie pronounced marry i think sounds much better..
gives an air of sauve-ness..
theres a word, only one i could think of ive just made it up in my head i think..
see yer...
Suavernosity is always a good thing as is inventing new words...oh...Suavernosity.... there's another.
And thanks for the comments, my reference library behind me here is always handy.
Loz
sauvernosity sounds like something to do with nostroliums thats the nose i think
...or it may be just be a word my dad made up...
lawrence ? i clicked on the pic again thought it might be a new one see you enjoy reading harry potter is he dead or alive ?
i dont think its such a big secret anymore i remember listening to book launch night and couldnt winkle it out of anyone.. i know i should have just bought the book..
I'm still not happy.
Lol..... you know what Gilly, that's the book, or Beuk to give it it's Geordie slang, that I have yet to read so I ain't got a clue yet.
Just looked at my profile myself.... strewth I like the horror films, and hadn't realised just how much,
But..... as Truckshunters, Sid, until the resumption of the Blog's main pages, we have the material and enthusiasm to perpetuate it here and develop the comment page for a bit?
aye my granda would say beuk..
sid ? i darent ask so its best i dont..
ps my uncle would say to dad..
i,ll see you the morn..
Bonny lad was my Dad's phrase... a phrase you hear very rarely these days.
New picture here..... do you know where it is?
Loz
we say bonny lass and lad here all the time... and no i dont know where it is never seen it in my life but its lovely looks a bit like a pepper pot...is it st marys lighthouse.. ?
no that would be too easy ..uumm
i love a good horror as if lifes not scary enough..safe scary i call them cos you know the spooks cant really get you..
if it had a handle and a different color it could be a beer stein cant remember the correct name..
those german.. tankards..
souter lighthouse?
I'd love a beer stein that size and no not St, Mary's nor Souter.
It IS North Eastern though and I took that pic on my phone yesterday.
Loz
well its a beautuful pic to have been taken on a camera phone..
i may have to cheat...
T'is you perogative.... cheat away Gilly.... not sure how mind :-)
and I'm impressed with the standard of phone cameras now, some are really god in decent light.
I,ll never get it in a month of sundays..the only thing id be sure of is ... its beside the sea....
berwick...
alex sidey & sons..
i had to turn it upside down.
that phone is better than my camera.. fuzzys the word..
Berwick it is.... yes, gorgeous Saturday with great lighting and a perfect day fopr a walk up the pier before speedway.
Gold star to Gilly.
ta ! it looked a lovely day with no wind how i know that lord knows but its just a thought, yet the water looks choppy.....
Michael Poulter?
Anybody know if Ian is okay?
With love from 'Worried'
of Dipton.
Pass.
Hadn't heard anything but that's radio, I'm sure Ian will be back soon.
Sooner the better please boss.
Loz
Sometime last week I'm sure I heard Ian say that he would be back on Tuesday morning.
missed everything asleep early..
Hi everyone,
it will definitely be Ian on 'The Nightshift' tonight ..... I heard it from the lovely Gilly Hope.
How often have you written something here, looked at it, then decided to delete it. It happens to me quite often (chuckles). Mainly because I don't want to get Ian into more bother than he is already. (wink).
Hildie, you are a star, thanks for letting me know about Ian.
hiya everyone.. just to wish you all the best rita with your blog, sadly i won,t be able to join in at least for now as my healths not good and ive been told i need tunnel vision if i,m ever to recover,.. so writings on the back burner ..but i,m sure you,ll have many bloggers joining in..
best regards.
thankyou rita..
bye.
Hi All,
writing this in the hope that some of you check now and again. I keep looking at that 66comments and hoping that someone has added something. I just wanted to say that I miss you all and hope that you are all well, especially you Gilly as you sounded a bit poorly on your last postings. It would be nice if someone added something now and again...maybe just to keep us in touch? Love to you all Maureen
Hi Maureen,
I keep checking too, 'though I found your posting in my Hotmail inbox, as I must have ticked the box letting me know when entries have been posted.
I've been concerned about Gilly too, and hope she is feeling better.
I've started keeping a photograph blog of places that I've visited. I take my camera with me every time I go for a drive, which I've been doing quite a lot since I retired last year. I'm regretting buying a diesel car, to which I treated myself with my retirement/ redundancy package, as the fuel costs have escalated so much since I bought my car in September!
You are welcome to view my photos if you wish.
Love Vivienne xxx
Hi Vivienne,
I was thrilled to see that you had replied to my posting, maybe we can revive the blog if others check it out? I don't think Ian would mind.
Your photos are lovely,thanks for showing them, funnily enough, I carry my camera with me all of the time now, it's surprising the opportunities that arise. I was at work one day when a cavalcade of vintage vehicles passed by, I would have been mad if I'd missed them!
Another coincidence is that I asked Ian if he would consider publishing those amazing stories that he reads during the night. Maybe accompanied with a local view. (I'm sure that we could keep him supplied with them.) It's such a shame that they don't reach a wider audience, I know that I would welcome a chance to read them again, maybe to pass them on. I haven't heard him mention it so maybe he didn't like the idea. I'm sure it wouldn't take long and it would keep the blog going.
It would be nice if some of the others joined in. Sid's tomatoes must be flowering by now and Hildie must be getting near to school sports day, or am I ahead of myself? Please join in if you are reading this any of you,
Cheers, Maureen
Who mentioned tomatoes, I was just nodding of. Must be boredom. You are right in your assumptions Maureen, the toms are about 4ft tall. Lovely flowers, some are now carrying fruit, about an inch across.
I often pass this way on an evening, glad to see the old 66 postings had moved on.
I hope everyone is keeping well.
If anybody finds a lonely 'f' it belongs on the posting above, it must have fallen off when I knocked the screen.
Welcome back Sid! I was hoping that you would pass by, didn't know how to contact you otherwise. The sunshine must be good for those moneymakers or are they ailsa craigs? See, bit of a gardener too, although I'm in a flat now, but still know enough to get by in the pub quiz! What do you reckon to reviving this blog while Mr Robinson is otherwise occupied? It always felt more fun when we weren't being supervised. Sorry Ian, (better keep in with him in case he pulls the plug!)
Hello Maureen, I think your idea is a good one. Have tried without the truckshunter blog but still had the feeling something was missing.
Perhaps Ian might be feeling the same way, it would be lovely if he came back on it, even if it were only from time to time.
The toms are Shirley, Oberon and Sugar Pearl. All very nice in their own specific way. At the minute the only thing ready in the garden is Rhubarb. The spring cabbage has been eaten over the last couple of months. If we listen carefully we might hear the cavalry coming to our rescue. (how that chap can play the bugle at full gallop, without getting a note wrong, still remains a mystery to me ).
Yeah agreed, have to say without the blog's activity it feels as if a large part of the show's missing even though the show hasn't changed - this was a sense of the show's community however and I think important to perpetuate what it gave us.... .somehow.
There is a definite place for a blog within the Nightshirt - with no blog it does seem empty.
Lawrence and Grosvenor who is THRIVING!
For the word NIGHTSHIRT above please replace with the word NIGHTSHIFT.
I thank you.... freudian slip i feel :-)
Loz
I rather like Nightshirt. It seems more intimate than Nightshift!
Maureen, thanks for your kind words about my photos. It's funny that I posted photos yesterday of vintage vehicles at Beamish before I read your comments about the cavalcade you saw. I've posted another today.
Now that I'm getting into 'blogs' I realize that they have a limited life span. I've used one-tenth of my blog allocation with the photos I've posted since I started my blog on 21st April. Ian has posted quite a few photos on this blog, so I'm wondering how much space he has left. Perhaps we should set up a new blog before either Ian closes this one down or we use up all his space? Perhaps we could call it the Nightshirt Blog?
Loz, I was facinated to read your information about the 'Mary Seleste.' I had heard some of the facts in the past, but you furnished so much more detail. I didn't know about the bodies being found on rafts.
Best wishes to all of you.
Love Vivienne xxx
Hi again,
I've just received the email below about the Red Arrows being banned from appearing at the 2012 Olympics. I feel very strongly about this, as they are great embassadors for the UK, and they fly all over the world. In June they are performing twice in Canada and various times in the USA. In July they are booked for Begium, Wales as well as the Sunderland Air Show and September they are appearing at air shows in Malta, Monaco, Isle of Wight, Jersey, Guernsey, Northern Ireland, Scotland.
When my parents were alive they were always keen to see them perform at Sunderland. I also took my Mother to see them at Kielder and Bowness on Windermere.
'Please forward this to as many people as possible!!! (British Citizens)
The world-famous Red Arrows have been banned from appearing at the 2012 London Olympics because they are deemed 'too British'. Organisers of the event say that the Arrows military background might be 'offensive' to other countries taking part in the Games. The display team have performed at more than 4000 events worldwide, but the Department of Culture, Media and Sport have deemed the display team 'too militaristically British.' Red Arrows pilots were said to be 'outraged', as they had hoped to put on a truly world class display for the Games, something which had never been seen before. Being axed from a British-based event for being 'too British' is an insult - the Arrows are a symbol of Britain.
The Red Arrows have been excellent ambassadors for British overseas trade, as they display their British-built Hawk aircraft all over the world.
The Arrows performed a short flypast in 2005 when the winning bid was announced, but their flypast at the Games was to have been truly spectacular.
It is to be hoped that common sense prevails.
If you disagree with this decision, sign the petition on the link http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RedArrows2012/?ref=redArrows2012
Forward this on to everyone you can.
What the hell is this country coming to?'
Love Vivienne xxx
Hi everyone,
I'm so pleased that others feel the same about the blog. It's nice to be in touch again, hope others come back.
Vivienne, you are so right about the Red Arrows. My sister lives in Cyprus where they practice and she said it makes her feel in touch with home when she sees them. I will certainly pass your comments on. I'm sure that family in Canada and New Zealand will feel the same.
I didn't know about the limitation of photo publishing on blogs. I was inspired by Ian's blog to start a family one and hope I don't suddenly find I've used up my allowance! Can anyone advise?
Thanks Maureen
ps. I think the nightshirt blog would be a good idea if Ian objects to us using this one. Wonder how long before he realises?!
NIGHTSHIRT????? That is truly AWESOME.
Oops! Hi Ian, wondered how long it would be before you caught on! Sorry, but we missed each other....
Hiya gang,
Hiya Boss.
Hi Vivienne,
glad you liked the in depth info I found on the Mary Seleste - a real mystert if ever there was one.
Nice to see the blog threads are creaking back into action too,
As for the ban on the Red Arrows cos' they are too military... GRRRRRR.... how ridiculous. Whenever I've seen the Arra's fly I never once thought "Oh don't we have a superior Air Force ready to go into battle" no, not once.... i marvel at the pilots' skill and derring-do with their magical performances so this crackers decision by the politically correct government.... and there's an oxymoron if ever I heard one, has got to be reversed.
Nightshirt.... ever had a bat up yours?
I bet the Tipsey Duchess has.
Lawrence
Footnote on the Red Arrows...sent it to elderly aunt and uncle in Montreal. Reply came today that they didn't really keep up with the modern groups!
Hi Folks!
Thank you Maureen and Loz for your support re the Red Arrows. I also campaigned for the return of Concorde. I can't understand any Government which would sanction spending millions on Concorde's safety, following the horrific loss of life and one of the Concorde fleet in France, only to pull the plug on the entire fleet a few months later! Concorde,'though built in partnership with France, and the Red Arrows made me proud to be British. (Maybe they thought Concorde was too 'Military' too?)
Love Vivienne xxx
Loz,
I am very sorry to hear about the dreadful accident at the speedway last night. I heard you being interviewed on Radio Newcastle. I hope the two young people who were injured recover quickly, plus the riders, and that you are not too shaken as an observer. I appreciate how much you love the sport, and it must be terrible when a this type of accident occurs. I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of all of you.
Love Vivienne xxx
Oops! Sorry about the extra 'a.' I think Sid's lost 'f' turned into an 'a' and lodged itself in my text!
Hi Loz,
I'd also like to send my best wishes to all concerned. What can you say? Vivienne put it so well, take care, Maureen
Hi all..... thanks for your good wishes and comments on the awful crash at the speedway.
Glad to report both kids that were hit are making fine progress and the two riders will just be taking a little time off and then back to the skids again, so it's all turing out ok
Thankfully.
Loz
Loz,
I'm glad to hear that everyone is recovering from the accident.
Love and best wishes,
Vivienne xxx
Thanks for letting us know Lawrence, sounds like it was one of those chance in a million occurences, glad to hear that everyone is making a good recovery.
Can I ask you all a question? What did I miss early this morning? I'd heard Ian say on Monday that there'd be a mystery guest presenting the first two hours of Tuesdays' programme and, of course, I fell asleep. I woke up to hear Ian reciting the Lady Of Shalott and heard the rest of the programme. He thanked someone for presenting the first two hours, but I missed the name. So PLEASE what did I miss?
Oh dear, listening to Paddy and he seems to be having problems with the computer ...hope this doesn't mean that we could have problems with Ian's programme later. It's the BBC for goodness sake, I don't mind if they use my licence money to call the repair man in! Fingers crossed....
Hi Maureen,
I heard a little of the guest presenter, 'though didn't know what was happening at the time. I'm afraid I wasn't impressed, so didn't continue listening. I thought Ian was having a night off. I think it was Hildie who asked Jonathan Miles where Ian was last night. Jonathan explained that she, the new presenter, was a trainee and that Ian would be back as usual tonight, thank goodness!
Love Vivienne xxx
Hi all,
Recovery going well for the Speedway kids.... phew.... and it was a lass called Sarah Millican who was doing the first two hours on Tuesday morning.
A south shields lass who lives in Manchester.
Cheers
Lawrence
Thanks for the info both of you. That's what I like about the blog, I knew someone would know.
Nice to hear Ian read a text this morning from Ryan,saying that all was well in Alton, Hampshire. Remember he moved at the beginning of March and Ian used his lovely Angel picture on the blog? I wondered if he ever checks the blog as he did contribute a few times. If you're out there Ryan please let us know....
By the way, Ryan mentioned the bluebells blooming down there. I love bluebells, they're just so ... natural! They're also in bloom up here. We visited a lovely bluebell wood last weekend (top secret location) and they were absolutely beautiful. I didn't take any photos as the sun had disappeared by the time we got there. Better luck next time!
I was just sat here having a cup of tea and wondered if anybody was playing out. (now when was the last time you used that expression).
Hi Sid,
Good to know you are still around. I enjoyed reading your contributions to the Famous Five story and miss your creativity. I miss hearing from Gilly too. I hope she's ok.
Love Vivienne xxx
Yoo hoo! I'm here! Sorry Sid, just got round to checking emails. (Picked that trick up from Vivienne, ticking the box in the comments form. Before that I always had to check the blog. Much easier!)
I've been wondering about the others too. We haven't heard from Kev, hope he's fit and well, maybe he just doesn't check the blog at all. I heard Sue Sweeney mention Gilly on Saturday, although I didn't hear what she'd sent in. I'm thinking should I post something on her blog? She was always so entertaining, I miss her, and Hildie of course. I did send an email to Hildie when I contacted Kev and hope she does join in, we had a good team...
Hope that early frost didn't get to your toms Sid, apparently it was very cold early this morning!
Are you still out and about Vivienne? We had a day out yesterday to Wynard Woodland Park near Stockton. It used to be known as the Castle Eden Walkway and has a lovely old railway station which has been renovated to provide coffee and cakes to the weary travellers. (Well, we walked all of the way from the car park!) Worth a look on a nice day. (No, I'm not on commision!)
Hi Maureen,
Yes I'm still enjoying jumping in my car on sunny days and seeing where I end up! On Monday I headed up to Scotland via the A1. Holy Island looked very inviting, as the sky was really blue, and the colours were so vivid. There is usually a heat haze, which isn't good for photographs. I hadn't checked the tide times, so I continued North and over the border.
I stopped at Dunbar, then North Berwick, then over to Dalkeith and returned down the A68 & A697. However, by the time I reached North Berwick I found the heat haze, but it was still a lovely day and a delightful run. I love this retirement lark, 'though don't like refueling my car with diesel. I think I made a huge mistake opting for a diesel car last September, when I retired!
I haven't been to Castle Eden Walkway. It sounds lovely. I must
go there sometime.
Bye for now,
Love Vivienne xxx
Sorry, messed up the previous comment.
Sounds like a lovely day, Vivienne. We like to make the most of it and have an 'awayday' whenever we can manage it. I know what you are saying about the fuel prices. You have to think twice don't you? But life's too short. We don't often get time off together so if we get the chance it's nice to go for it.
We're so lucky to live in such beautiful area. I would love to work in the tourist information service, but the other side of me wants to keep it a secret! I thought you might be interested in seeing the Wynyards website: www.wynyardwoodlandpark.org.uk. There's quite a lot of local history and folklore on it, including mentions of the Vane Tempests and Londonderrys Ian! I wish we'd checked out the website first as we missed a lot and will have to go back for a proper look. It all seemed pretty new to us and it used to be signposted Castle Eden Walkway from the A19. (Easy to find once you know!)
Have a good day whatever you are all doing.
Hello everyone
it's so lovely to see that the blog is picking up again! I hope you have all had a really nice Bank Holiday weekend. I have missed you all and would be willing to write a little something most nights of the week .... it's a case of "I will if you will!" Do you think we could manage to revive things?
Love to you all.
I have a couple of anagrams for you ..... they are the names of famous people.
That great charmer.
I'm a jerk but listen.
Answers tomorrow night.
Mind you, I much prefer anagrams of North East placenames if anyone has any to offer.
Did Ian ever settle on a theme - tune for The Nightshift?
Also, has he ever had another go at reading "Secrets of the Sea" on air? I know me and Sid were wanting to hear it. It was such a shame the computer messed up that time Ian did try to do it.
Hello everyone, I'm going to get something off my chest that has bothered me for ages. I think this blog has caused unknown problems for Ian. So many things have been left undone, or perhaps unfinished, that I think our friend, and leader, has been dragged over the coals for it. Ian is such a bundle of fun, he would never say things, and then leave them undone, he's not that kind of bloke. He's been got at, and I feel sorry for him. Now tell me I'm wrong....but you will all still be my friends.
Sid, I don't know what you mean... though I hope with all my heart that I have not caused any problems for Ian.
Sorry Hildie, its not us who contribute to the blog who is at fault, somebody doesn't like the concept of it. That's where I think the problem lies.
Sid, thanks for that, at least, and apologies for my naivety. Listening to Ian is a hobby, I love his zest for life, his knowing about all things, his trivia, his sense of humour, as well as that mellifluous voice of his. I wish him well in all he does. I am still perplexed and wondering if you think we really shouldn't be here on the blog at all.
Being part of the Truckshunter Blog was something I really enjoyed, I liked the interaction between us all, it was lots of fun.
Sending you my best wishes.
Hi all,
I'm still here.... lurking... but always here.
You know I have a funny feeling there may be some truth in this blog becoming "too popular" for some to accept, which is a major saddness to me as this was an excellent way to gel a programme's listenership together and encourage a vibrant discussion group.
Maybe it was jealousy, maybe it was insecurity, maybe something else, but whatever it may have been the worries were in my opinion, unfounded for this blog was just that a blog where ideas could be exchanged and discussed by people keen to discuss.
Whatever the truth we'll never really find out... but it is a shame the blog might have been seen as dangerous.... lol.... as if.
As for us not being on this blog... nope I disagree I think we should be here for as long as its available to us as Ian provided it for us and its still here so let's use it..... no harm I think, so I suggest don't feel like we have to vacate this and so long as we can get access to it... lets make the most of it.
Cheers Truckshunters.... here's hoping we here the Theme Tune (s) soon, and maybe one day here this as a form of contacting the show again as I miss the list of contacts... email.... text and post but ommitting this great media,
Lawrence.
Oh.... incidentally I do know the aural verson of the word that sounds like "Here"... it "Hear".... despite the last para of the above... its just been a loooooonnnngggg night.
Loz
Morning folks, I'm glad to see so many still pass by our blog.
Hildie...I've worked out the first one of your anagrams, its Margaret Thatcher.
I'm trying to work out the one with the 'jerk' in it....why is my wife smiling at me like that?.
Hi All,
Lovely to see you all back. Maybe we should meet in the school yard at break? But enough of that. I DO miss Miss B Hayve!
Just to let you that I have posted a comment on Viviennes blog and wondered what your thoughts are? Ian... help!
Sid ... it is Margaret Thatcher, well done! The other answer is
Justin Timberlake. I see you've still got your sense of humour!Wondering if Ian will be doing The Nightshift tonight, because often on a Bank Holiday it's someone else. Hope he didn't hop off to London again - it's been pretty wet down there. I wonder when Maureen's coming out to play. Maybe she's gone to the bluebell wood again.
Hi All,
Had a busy day, just got home. (Dirty stopout!)Couldn't resist checking for emails ...honestly, I'm addicted to this thing!
Hildie, Ian should be on. He said his first live bit would be on Tuesday morning, so lets' see what treats he has in store for us. I'm afraid I'll miss the first bit as I'm absolutely shattered, but find that I wake up about four o'clock every morning. It's funny tho' when Ian says and heres a piece that was on earlier I often think 'Oh yes I remember this' So I wonder how much sleep I really get!
By the way, did you know that depending on Ians' settings we could get up to 500 postings on one days blog? Now there's a challenge to beat Sheffield Town Hall and the highland cow.....You all know that we can do it!
Sorry will have to get to bed. I notice that some of you post during the night. I always check first thing in the morning to see what you've all been up to. I would love to join in but 'him indoors' thinks I'm mad already, sleeping with ear plugs in so that I can hear Ian!
Nite Nite all, Maureen
Good Morning All...
I think we ought to have a stab at that , Maureen - beating the number of postings that we put on
the Sheffield Blog and The Highland Cow one, though we may need to call out the troops.
I don't know if any of you heard, on The Nightshift last night, me texting Ian to tell him that he had played "So Macho" one night last week .... and that it had got on my mind, so much so that I was singing it all day. Anyway, because the song was mentioned last night, it has happened again! I'm having another day when I keep unexpectedly bursting into "So Macho"! Taking into account that I am a 59 year old widow, and absolutely cannot sing, it's a bit of a problem!!
Hi Hildie,
Nice to see that someone is up and about! I know what you mean about the music, although I must say some of them are played over and over again. I know Ian said that he chooses the 'special ones' which are lovely, you never know what is coming next.But honestly, Ian, do you think they could have a 'whip round' in the office and buy a new box of records for the others? I'm sure we could all list the most played ones off by heart! I know I'm not the only one who is saying this as a friend text in to a certain presenter who agreed. Sorry, but I've been dying to get that off my chest. Please don't take it as a personal criticism Ian as it's certainly not meant as one. As Loz said we are here to discuss....
Congratulations Maureen, you're the second one to get something off their chest this week, it must be catching.
Hildie, you little tinker you, have the neighbours put their houses up for sale yet?. If they do...we all know why.
I hear Ian during the night in about 30 sec snatches, that's how long it takes me to wake up and listen intently....then zzzzzzz.
My toms are doing well, the early Shirley should start to ripen in about 3 weeks if the weather is kind to us.
Mind you if the price of fresh veg keeps on going up I may have to sleep at the allotment!!
Its nice to come back to our blog and just have a chat. Bye for now, Sid.
Hello again!
It is nice to come here for a chat , I've really missed being in touch with you all. I'm glad to hear about the early Shirley , Sid, but it would be better for me if you folks could move in next door, then you could pass the early Shirleys over the wall!
What I forgot to tell you before is that Ian said it's called a SOUND WORM - when something like a song gets into your head and you keep singing it, so that's what's the matter with me today. See, it's quite educational ... listening to Ian, I mean.
You are right Sid, it's sometimes nice to clear the air. Quite theraputic. I did think of deleting it, but I shan't!
Lovely to hear from Murphy and Dora this morning, apparently they are in Kos. I wonder if they are visiting family? They sent their best wishes to you Hildie. Don't know if you heard Ian this morning but he thanked you for the jam. He's possibly having some on his toast as I write!
Lovely name for the toms Sid, I used to work with a Shirley ... she was always late!
Posting early this morning, heading to York for the day, taking an umbrella, don't care, I just love an awayday!
Have a good 'un everyone.
Ohh! missed all that this morning, but thanks for letting me know about it, Maureen. The Nightshift last night was very fishy indeed ... it seems we have a fish tank now - a Truckshunter Fish Tank .... it was all very exciting .... we are into the age of aquariums it seems! Ian is dead excited about it but he was asking for help and advice. I'm afraid I don't know anything about keeping fish. My kids once had a goldfish and that's the limit of my experience, incidentally they called it Michael Fish !
And I missed the bit about the fish tanks....tell me more. Love the name of the pet fish. My son had a favourite basset hound soft toy which we called Shirley Basset. I seem to remember our goldfish being Bit and Bot! Just thought...I hope Ian keeps the cats out of the aquarium!
Hello everyone, keeping a fish tank can be very time consuming. Even the humble goldfish has to be cared for. I had a tropical tank for years, they need to be cleaned regularly, and an eye kept on the fish for disease. Every time I cleaned the tank out I remembered that the fish do their...er.. bodily functions in the water. But that's enough of that. How was your day at York Maureen, any bargains?.
Hi all,
Can't sleep ..... coughing for England at present! Hildie, Ian mentioned receiving your box of goodies again. I think he must have used the same recording as last night, as it sounded as though he had just received your gift. Ian spoke of Murphy & Dora, and it sounded as though John wasn't going to have the chance of sampling your jam!
Maureen, if we fill up this posting with our comments we'll have to work backwards through Ian's postings. There are only 3 comments on the previous page. We can keep going for years!
Did you take your camera to York? I managed to get some lovely pictures at Gibside on Saturday. My sister was staying with me for a few days and she hadn't been to Gibside before. We caught sight of a couple of Red Kites, but I wasn't able to take their photos.
Ian, I'm enjoying listening to Cliff's, 'We Don't Talk Anymore.' It's my favourite Cliff Richard song. The first record I bought was, 'Please Don't Tease' then I went on to collecting Helen Shapiro's records. Like you, I've still got all my old 45s. Well I'll stop my ramblings now and treat myself to a Lemsip!
Morning Everyone,
Vivienne, I hope you are feeling better though it didn't sound too promising, bless you! I heard Ian last night mention the goody bag and the postcard from Kos ..... but he doesn't remember who Murphy and Dora are. They'll be upset!
Not so much talk about the fish either, for a while there I thought we were off the fish idea and that we were adopting a donkey instead! But , no, I think we are doing both!
Hi All,
Had a lovely day in York yesterday thanks, weather wasn't too bad at least it stayed dry. Him indoors was official photographer yesterday, taking arty shots of the Minster etc. I just ploughed on, he catches up when he's ready. The beauty of mobile phones. They do have a place although I wanted to be the last one in the world to own one! Once I get in the bookshops I have to be pulled out, but he's the same so thats ok. Just one book Sid, new diet book, gonna try again. Fruit for breakfast this morning. Watch this space....
Just popping in to say I remembered something Ian said about the fish tank .... it is small compared to the Sea Life Centre at Tynemouth, but big compared to a goldfish bowl! Hope this is helpful! As for the donkey , I can't help with that. I wonder what it's name is.
I am having awful computer problems, hope I don't just disappear.
Hope everybody is well, poor Vivienne wasn't too good last time we heard from her.
Hi Everyone,
Thanks Hildie, I think your good wishes have helped. My cough seems to be disappearing. I've been much better today, or rather yesterday.
Ian has just given you a mention - your animal trivia. I hope you've conquered your computer problems. They can be a nightmare when they misbehave.
Sid, I've a sister called Shirley, but she doesn't look like a flowering tomato plant!
Morning all, its raining here in Gateshead, (cheers loudly) I can hear my veg going ahhh.
Hildie I to am having PC problems, it crashes for no apparent reason, then I get a message that its due to a recently installed driver...but I haven't done anything to it for months, next time it crashes it gives me a different reason. Good job I like a challenge. (and have a sense of humour).
Hi everybody, hope you are all enjoying the sunshine. That's what's happening with my computer, Sid, Internet Explorer keeps closing down on me saying it has found a problem. It tells me that an Adobe 9 flash player was being used and that that is what has caused the problem. All I have been doing is sending an email - so it is blatantly telling lies! Did anyone hear Michael Poulter?!
He knows as much about the Eurovision Song Contest as Railton Howes knows about The Titanic! They should both go on Mastermind - if it still exists! Ian is looking for new ideas for quizes ... any suggestions anyone?
Hi All,
Yes I heard Michael Poulter. The question that springs to mind is WHY anyone would want to know so much about the Eurovision, but I suppose that's what makes us all different. I wonder what it is that sparks an interest in different subjects? We go to a pub quiz where one of the team knows such a lot about films old and new. Another is such a genius with astronomy and science. We have a retired seaman who's a great help on the geography questions. (Although a lot of names have changed since I went to school) I'm happy to just 'have a go at anything.' It's all taken in good fun. I wonder what your subjects would be everyone? I can imagine me on Mastermind, 'and here we have Maureen whose special subject is The Bunty'
Speaking of 'brain things' we haven't had a teaser for a while how about this one?
– Cassie doesn't like to say her age. When someone asks, her mother answers for her. Cassie's mother says, "I'm seven times as old as Cassie now. In 20 years, Cassie will be half the age that I will be then." How old is Cassie now?
Answer tomorrow ...
Did anyone hear Ian talking about sponsoring an animal over the last few days? I've sent him a link to a wildlife website where you can: Protect a Puffin, Defend a Dormouse or even Support a Sheep!
I thought it would be nice to adopt a Barn Owl, what would anyone else suggest?
I hope your computers are feeling more cooperative tomorrow, Hildie and Sid. How did we ever manage without them? Nite Nite.
Hi Everyone,
Maureen, well, you had me thinking and I've decided Cassie is 4yrs old. I'm sure there's a way of working out the answer mathematically, but I'm afraid I used trial & error. I tried age 5 first then realised she had to be an even number so it could be halved eventually. I then tried 4yrs and bingo, it worked!
I like your idea about sponsoring a Barn Owl. It seems appropriate for Night Owls like us.
Ten out of ten Vivienne! You're spot on. I know what you mean about trial and error. I kept doing that on the anagrams, even resorting to checking out a map eventually.
Miserable morning isn't it? Good for Sids' veg. I planted a flowering cherry yesterday, should think it can do without a drink this morning. I had lots of outdoor plans for today. Never mind, I can always do the ironing....sigh!
Morning folks, good job I keep a few greenhouse tasks to one side when we have a few wet days like this. No point in being idle just cos its raining.
When working indoors I find a comfortable seat is very important, as is keeping the fire ready to light. A few dry logs to one side also adds to the enjoyment.
A good supply of coffee, now thats a must... I find those 'gold blend' (other coffee is also available) 10cups for a £1 are wonderful, no washing up, and you are left with a small plant pot.
My wife thinks I have it easy at the allotment, don't know where she gets that idea from.....If only Ian was on during the day, or even on 'listen again' it would all be so perfect.
Sounds like you've cracked it Sid.
I have an 'office' he has a 'studio'... result? Domestic harmony, although we do meet up now and again for coffee! Enjoy.
Maureen .... have you any more of those little, puzzling questions?
I reckon that Ian would like some of those.
Sid ..... I reckon he'd like that little, contented sentence of yours too ..... about the coffee cups - so succinct - loved the plant pot bit! As Maureen has said, you've pretty much cracked it!
Hi Folks,
I'm pleased with myself for managing to get the correct answer to your puzzle Maureen. You've prompted me into action, so I've been playing around with the Scrabble letters. I've come up with the following anagram
UK STRETCH URNS
I'm sure you'll get it immediately when I say it's one word.
Hi All,
I think the weather has kept us close to our computers today! I'll have to think about that one Vivienne. I read Hildies' comments earlier and came up with this one:A farmer has to transport a fox, a goose and a sack of grain across a river. The boat is so small that there is room only for him and one of the others at a time, but if he leaves the fox and goose together the fox will kill the goose, and if the goose and the sack of grain are left together the goose will eat the grain. How does he get them all over? I think there could be a few different answers to that one,and there's more ...
I've already sent some things into Ian this weekend Hildie, but I'll send them later in the week, maybe he can use them for his 'mind manglers'!
I'm sure he'll get a 'big wadge' of emails for Tuesday morning as many of us have been 'confined to barracks!'
Well Maureen the only answers I can come up with is the farmer puts the grain in the boat and the goose chases /swims after the boat to get to the grain, and the fox swims after the goose. The farmer rows like mad to reach the other side before the goose gets to the grain and sinks the boat, or the fox eats the goose, or they all drown! Or the farmer could put the fox in the sack with the grain to stop the fox from eating the goose and the goose from eating the grain. He puts them all in the boat and swims across the river pulling the boat after him???
Think 'Nightshift' for the anagram.
Vivienne - not many vowels in this word, I thought. You stumped me at first but, after a bit of shuffling around, I saw the word Truckshunters.
Maureen - I'm having no luck with the fox or the goose, but Vivienne's doing well.
Well done Hildie! Yes not many vowels in Truckshunters, so it took me a while to construct the anagram.
I'm still pondering over the farmer et al. Maybe the farmer lets the goose eat the grain, then the fox eat the goose, then he'll only have to carry the fox in the boat. They will all reach the other side of the river, but not in their original condition. Does that matter?
Good Afternoon Truckshunters!
This is just an up-date on what we are going to adopt ...... the latest news is that it's going to be a bat and a Moon Bear. I'll keep you up-dated if I hear any more.
Strangely enough, I am doing a Moon Walk on 22nd June. Well, it's on a Sunday, not sure if I've got the date right. It is a sponsored walk in aid of Marie Curie - it happens at 10 o'clock at night, hence the name - didn't think I'd be walking on the moon, did you?
That reminds me, Ian was asking about that man called Michel Fournier, who was going to try to break the freefall diving record on 26th. May. I saw on television how he had watched his plans just float away - when the balloon he was set to use broke from the capsule it was attached to on the ground. That was on 27th. May. Weather conditions had forced him to postpone his attempt the day before. So, he has had no luck so far.
Let me try this again, ahem...
Hello everybody, sorry about that, me PC thinks its boss!
Hildie you are such a laugh, I had visions of you doing a Michael Jackson thing backwards or something.
That free falling chap must be a right plonker. If that was me I'd have had a knot in the rope as big as the Big Blue Bus. I bet his wife doesn't let him wrap the christmas presents.
I'll have to look up 'Moon Bear'.
Maybe its a bear that sticks its backside out of bus windows, who knows. The Bat sounds safe enough.
Bye for now.
Hi All,
Liked your answers both of you, much more original! I said there were a few different ones didn't I? I thought that he could have tied the goose to the boat and made it swim back and forwards, whilst keeping an eye on it. But this is the official answer:
1st journey takes goose only, leaving fox and grain. Returns leaving goose on other side.
2nd journey takes fox over, leave fox on other side, returns with goose.
3rd journey takes grain over leaving on the other side with fox. Returns and picks up goose again taking it over on the 4th journey.
I think I need a lie down in a darkened room after that...
Sid, I think we must have been trying to post at the same time and confused the blog pixie! I thought mine had caught whatever you and Hildie have!
(Hope it gets better soon. Have you tried some magic cream?)
Maureen this PC is just irritating me a little bit, starts up ok, then crashes within minutes. Second start up and its fine, I wish it would just go fzzzzzz altogether, then I could justify buying a new base unit.
Would you keep me a bit of your magic cream, I might just need some for when I stop hitting my head off the wall.
Sid - funnier still if you could only see me!! Maureen - thank goodness he got them all over to the other side, i couldn't work it out at all!
Try this at your house you two ...
I've just sent it to Ian today -
Sit down first, then lift your right foot off the floor and move it in clockwise circles. Then, while you're doing this, draw the number 6 in the air with your right hand. Have fun!!
Morning everyone, I've just tried that Hildie, the woman across the road waved back!
Hi Folks,
Maureen, I should have known how they all got across the river as I'm sure I've heard your puzzle before. Having said that I never remember jokes, except... What are you when you have jelly in one ear and custard in the other?........
A trifle deaf!
Sid, all this talk about tomatoes has prompted me to buy a few 'Shirley's,' which I've potted on and placed on my window sill in my spare bedroom. My father was a great tomato grower. He used to have a double allotment with a very long greenhouse. He grew tomatoes during spring & summer, then huge chrysanthemums during autumn. When we moved and he had to give up his allotment, he grew tomatoes against a south facing fence in our back garden. He used to collect sack fulls of leaves from the trees along our street, to compost for his tomatoes. He kept our neighbours entertained and the Council gardeners, i.e. when he asked them for the leaves they had collected.
Hildie, I haven't heard of moon bears. Are you sure they exist? As for bats, my sister had 60 pregnant bats in her loft last year! Maybe they enjoyed sniffing the fumes from the Glenlivet distillery, which is across the valley from her cottage.
Hello everyone, I have just looked up Moon Bears and wish now that I hadn't been so flippant with my comment on an earlier posting. The treatment that some of these bears endure in China is appalling and should be stopped.
Vivienne I'm sure Shirley will do very well for you. I also collect the leaves from the cemetery next to our allotment, one woman thought I worked for the council and declared it a disgrace that I was doing it on my own.
Hi Sid,
It sounds as though you and my dad would have got on well together.
Hello Everyone!
I checked out the Moon Bears too, Sid. It's dreadful what they endure
..... hunted for the bile from their gall bladders, which is used as a form of Chinese medicine.
Did any of you see the BBC News tonight? That story about the orphaned heron (named Dude) in Cornwall ..... it was the lovliest story I have heard in a long time. I do hope Ian was watching. I have just been on the BBC news website and tried emailing the story to him directly from there. Hope he gets it.
Thanks Hildie for sharing the story about Dude. I've just viewed the video and it is a lovely story.
Hi All,
Hildie, don't know if you heard Ian this morning but he said he had had four attempts to read your letter without laughing ... most amusing. He's more of a giggler than me and that's saying something. I love it when he cracks up. Weather's been a lot better today hasn't it? Emptied about 5 inches of rain out of a bucket left out yesterday, how I love the vagaries of the English weather!
He also read out one of Kevs maths illusions... I got it after a bit of thought. C'mon Kev, where are you? We miss your brain workouts.
Evening All
Vivienne, I am so pleased you had a look at that video. It was made for sharing. The heron was just so cute - and so too was the man who taught him to fly. I have another little animal tale - this is just something I glimpsed today when I was in school. There is a field next to the school that has goats in it. I once told you about the kid goats squeezing through the fence and coming onto the playground at morning playtime. Anyway, I was looking out of the staffroom window today and saw a black horse lying down in the field, and cosily stretched across his back was, would you believe it, one of the goats!! I wish you had seen it. One of the other teachers told me that it often happens, and the horse can't stand up when the goat is sitting on it!
Maureen, no. bless him, I didn't hear Ian this morning. I had my alarm set for seven as I had a morning at school. It's a shame .... I love to hear him giggle too! And, I second your appeal for Kev to come back on the blog. Sid needs someone to have a kick-about with at playtime.
Sid, I don't think you're taking it seriously enough .... 'the wiggling about of the foot' business .... are you?! At least it's something to do in the greenhouse when you have your coffee break.
Rather than spotting trains, a man in Yorkshire spends his time spotting cement mixers.
Just thoughtyou people might like to know that! Night, night.
Hi Hildie,
If you could get a photo of the goat and the horse maybe Ian would post it for us??? Good luck.
Vivienne xxx
Hi again Hildie,
Ian has just read out your email and tried out your leg & number 6 exercise on air! He wants a witness to anyone who says they can do it!
Morning! Isn't it lovely out there? Vivienne, I heard him, he was funny, wasn't he?!
I would love to get a photo of the horse and the goat!
My computer is still driving me crazy. Hotmail was in such a mangle last night and I can't even get signed into it this morning. I don't have a computer expert to hand, that's the main problem!
But, I won't give up until it totally dies on me!
Where is everyone, I wonder?
Must be all watching Big Brother.
Two horses and three goats were in the field next to school yesterday. All standing up.
Hi All,
He's done it again Hildie! Ian played 'Seven Tears' (have fallen in the river, remember?) last night and i can't get it out of my mind. Bloomin' soundworms! (I've sent it back as he was asking if anyone had any info on them, serves him right!)
Thought I'd slip an easy mindbender in since it's the weekend ....
Which English place name (also the name of a London tube station) contains 6 consecutive constantants?
Enjoy, Maureen
Hi Maureen and our absent friends!
Fortunately, I have no recollection whatsoever of having heard 'Seven Tears' ever in my life ..... and I am trying at the moment not to even try to remember it!! I've just got over my sound worm - which we won't even mention by name - and am very much hoping not to get another one! With a tiny bit (!!) of help from Wikipedia, I have arrived at Knightsbridge. Been to Consett today with my sister. Weather was lovely, which was just as well .... because every Saturday I have an awful lot of time to spend sitting on a wall while she is in the X-Catalogue shop. I go in too, have a whizz round, see if anything different has come in - usually there hasn't - then out i go to wait for her. She must look at every single thing that is in that shop ..... without a word of a lie , she was in there for one whole hour today - so, if any of you catch a glimpse of me, you'll know where I got my suntan!!
I know you will all groan in disbelief when I tell you this but I am a Big Brother fan ..... so I am off now to see what's going on.
Au revoir. x
Hello everyone, isn't the weather great for a change. I miss this blog of ours when I'm at our caravan. So much so that I entered into a two year contract with '3' for a Mobile Broadband device. I knew it was a bit of a gamble, the caravan park is in the middle of nowhere....and that's exactly where I'm getting with the internet connection.
Mind you it does work in the car park of Morrisons in Hawick, but thats a good 15 miles from the caravan. So let that be a lesson from me to all of you.......let somebody else buy one first.
Hildie, my wife jean is also a fan of BB. Is the wedding doomed....
Anyway must dash to me allotment, haven't spoken to Shirley since Thursday. Must also say a few words to The Duke of York as I pass.
Hi Folks,
Did you hear that Michael Poulter is covering the Nightshift tonight?
I think I've missed something Sid. The Duke of York??? Carrots? Cucumbers? Lettuce? Peas? Beans?
As for Hawick and Bonchester Bridge, I often drive through both on my trips up to Scotland, or rather my return journey. I drive up the A68 to Jedburgh, call in at the Woollen Mills, then on to various places, returning via Hawick and Bonchester Bridge. I pass by Morrisons but haven't yet called in.
Morning everyone, hope you are all in good shape.
Vivienne, the Duke of York are spuds. They can be bought as either Redskins or the traditional type.
Maureen and Vivienne, you must both have driven past our caravan site on many occasions, its the Jedwater site, about 4 miles south of Jedburgh itself. Used to be a 'Little Chef' type cafe at the turn off for our site. The cafe is now a home for some lucky people. (mind you it must have constant traffic noise).
Now I must go, our Gillian wants to go to her day centre, I can tell the way she's looking at me.
Morning All ....
very unusually, I was awake at a.m. today - and Ian wasn't on the radio. That too was Michael Poulter, so I am wondering who will do The Nightshift? I don't think it will be Ian ..... if anyone knows can you let me know? Last time I was puzzled about Ian being missing I contacted Gilly Hope on a special form on the BBC website. Not only did she send me an email - but she rang my mobile phone and left a voice message to tell me Ian would be back that night. I thought it was beyond the call of duty and I was thrilled to bits. Wasn't it good of her? Thing is, I don't want to trouble her again.
Sid, we won't worry if you go missing again as we now know where you're popping off to! I'm glad I've got another Big Brother fan in Jean!
Hope you are all enjoying the lovely weather while it's here!
Vivienne, it looks like you'll have to call in at Morrisons - see if you can spot Sid doing the blog!
Hi All,
Sorry Sid, jumped to the wrong coclusion about The Duke Of York... but maybe it wasn't such a bad idea? (Thought it was your local!)
Don't panic everyone Ian's back tonight, he said he was having Monday off. I think we'll have to start asking him to put a note in!
Hope everyone's enjoying the fine weather. I've been cleaning this morning. Time for a break...
Sorry, that should be conclusion, I knew I should have previewed it, getting lazy.
Hildie, I sympathised with you and your shopaholic sister! I have a friend who doesn't like the heat when it's sunny and always asks to go to the galleries at Washington. Usually it's my day off and my only chance to get some sunshine. (good point is that we've realised no one else wants to be there when it's sunny so no problem wth the parking!)
And you were right with Knightsbridge Hildie, I didn't know that wikipaedia helped with that kind of thing. You always learn something on this blog.
Hi Maureen, did you spot my error as well? It wasn't deliberate! Ian wasn't in at 6 a.m. - that's what I was meant to be saying. Don't know what I did with that number 6. I just asked Wikipedia for a list of London tube stations and then perused it, looking for the answer. I had a map of the tube stations in my diary, but the writing was too small for me to read! You know how it is!
I made a banana loaf today, not like me at all. Awake at 6 o'clock, making a banana loaf - it's all quite worrying!
It's good to see Sid and Vivienne back, isn't it? Anybody know how to contact any of the others by any chance?
Hi Folks,
What lovely weather! I used my bus pass for the first time today! While my car was having some replacement parts fitted, I took the bus into Durham and showed myself up by not knowing I had to collect a ticket! The driver called me back!
Fortunately I'd taken my camera with me,'though I'm having problems downloading the photos, as I've just about used up all of my laptop's memory.
Tonight I went to see The Blaydon Races - 'on the nineth of June.' I found myself standing next to Brendon Foster, so I asked if I oould take his photo and he very kindly posed for me. I saw Paul Mooney in the distance. He seemed to be broadcasting with a camera-man.
I used to work at the day centre in the car park, next to the end of the race. The event organisers often asked if they could leave the trophies in the day centre prior to the presentations being made. One year Kathy Secker was broadcasting for Radio Newcastle, and she called in for a hot drink and to use our facilities.
Sid, I've visited the Jedwater site! My younger sister and her family were staying there many years ago. They keep changing their caravans. They've had static's too. Currently they have a small mobile home. Before this they had a very large mobile home, which broke down 20 mins after disembarkng in England from France. The vehicle was too big to be transported on a standard pick up, and it took them all day waiting for lifts before they arrived home.
Sid, I'm guessing that Gillian attends a day centre in the Team Valley? I'm concerned about the future plans for my day centre. It's designated to be reprovided when Blaydon Shopping Precinct is eventually upgraded. The centre has lovely peaceful grounds, with a patio, grassed areas and well established trees. I've been posting photographs of the grounds on a blog, blaydoncentre.blogspot.com, in case they suddenly disappear when the builders move in. In the interest of confidentiality/ data protection, I have not displayed any pictures of staff or service users.
I'm planning to add tonight's Blaydon Races photos to my blog. Pictures of the runners and supporters are in the public domain, so I'll be able to publish them.
Hildie, how's Big Brother? I can't get into it this year.
Vivienne .... it always takes a while to get into it, don't you think?
Sounds like you had a good time at The Blaydon Races and that you got to see some famous faces.
Sid ...... the Shirleys must surely be ready by now.
Maureen ...... you're having a long break!
Ian ..... could we put The Invisible Man into the Truckshunters' Big Brother House?
I saw something on the News tonight about photographs of Easington, dating back up to a hundred years, going on display somewhere - but I didn't catch where they were being displayed, so I can't very well tell Ian about it, can I? I'm sure he'd love to see them though.
An afterthought ....... Ian said to send in emails/ texts/ letters "TO TELL ME SOMETHING I DIDN'T KNOW" ......
now there's a challenge!
Morning folks, I had been expecting to see rain this morning so resisted the urge to water some of my veg at the allotment last night.
Shirley is doing fine, although it looks like Peron will beat her into the salad bowl.
The Wheelers Imperial are ready, and will go very well with a bit of beef this weekend.
I'm having to stand guard over my Early Onward, my pals keep on coming into the polytunnel and tell me how good they look.....and that they taste lovely. In reply I add that they would be even better on MY plate.
This gardening lark is a world of its own, and provides many laughs. A pal of mine sold some bedding plants to a woman last year. After she had gone he couldn't find a tray of cabbage plants....should look nice in her borders.
Our Gillian, ( also known as 'Her Royalness') attends a small day unit in Whickham. She attends four days a week (sometimes), and loves it. It looks as though today she prefers her bed, I'll give her another 10 minutes and then I will be of to.....answers on a postcard please.
PS. Hildie who do you reckon will be voted out of the BB house, its got to be 'Mario' hasn't it?.
Good Afternoon Folks!
I've been busy uploading photos onto my blog this morning, which has been difficult as my lap-top keeps telling me it's out of memory. Join the clan, that makes two of us!
Strange, but when I made my last posting I provided my blog address, so you could look at my Blaydon Centre & Blaydon Races photos. For some reason it did not appear! However I've signed in from my Blaydon Centre blog this time, so you can use this link to view my blog. See Paul Mooney trapped!
Sid, I haven't visited the day unit in Whickham, but I've heard very good reports about it. Good to hear your allotment is doing so well.
Maureen and Loz where are you? Have you both gone into the Big Brother House?
Hildie how are the goats and horses, or are you too busy watching BB?
Ian,
I've just viewed my Hotmail messages and found my full 'Comment' for 10th June. I'm guessing you edited out almost a full paragraph from my original comments. The information I'd included about the Blaydon redevelopments was public knowledge. Had the the proposals been implemented following the Public Consultation 2-3 years ago, Blaydon Centre would now no-longer be standing.
Several of the partners concerned in the redevelopment site opposed the proposals, and to my knowledge, the redevelopments are still under consideration.
Our service users and staff love Blaydon Centre and its lovely grounds. I want to capture some of Blaydon Centre's images before they are no-more. I'll allow you to form your own conculsions about our proposed alternative site, which was to be on a first floor, above offices, accessed by a lift, with a roof garden. Our service users include people with mental illness, Alzheimer's Disease & dementia and people with physical disabilities who have mobility problems. Although I retired last year, I still want the best for my ex-service users & staff.
Oops! Sorry about 'conculsions' I meant conclusions!
We seem to be having problems with our conclusions don't we? Strange coincidence! Viivienne, I'm sorry if you having problems with 'editing' I'm sure you were very careful. But it is kind of comforting to know that Ian is still involved and reading our comments...I wish he would reply sometimes. I'm afraid I'm a bit 'in the dark' about all of this. I would just like it back the way it was. Gilly, where are you? I'm sure she must read this sometimes and we used to get such a laugh with Miss B. Hayve and Kev is still sending 'bits' to Ian.
Hildie I've just risen to the challenge and sent him a picture of a fire rainbow, apparently the rarest natural phenomena, asking if it was something he didn't know!
If you are having problems with memory (and who isn't?) I found that downloading all of my pictures on to disc or memory stick helped a lot. Listen to me sounding like I know what I'm talking about!
Big Brother, reckon that leaves you and I Sid, have never seen the fascination. I once put it on and it showed a lot of people asleep, then another time, they kept blanking out what people were saying. Sorry, maybe you have to watch it a lot ....
Hi Maureen,
Glad to know you're still out there. Ian has been talking about Moon Bears tonight and I'd like to add my vote to sponsor them.
Ian went on to read out an email of mine, then described your photos! I don't know whether you heard him. Ian wants to share your photos online, but needs to know where you obtained your pictures - I guess for data protection etc. Please will you pass on the info to him as I'm looking forward to viewing a fire rainbow.
Mornin, I heard Ian mention the icebergs on the previous night Vivienne and through doing some detective work found what I think are the original sites which I've sent to him. I've since checked them out on snopes.com, a great website for checking out if email rumours are true or false. (Sometimes picture are photoshopped or warnings of viruses are made up.) It's certainly worth a look, I found the iceberg ones under their fauxtography, natural phenomena section in which they are given true status. You'll also find the fire rainbow there. I find that I wander from one section to the other and could spend hours on it!
I agreed with your email wholeheartedly. My son was once given a torrent of abuse when he offered to help a lady off the bus with her shopping. He put it down to the fact that he was wearing a baseball cap, but it shouldn't be like that should it?
Hi Gang,
No I'm not banged up the the Big Brother house, just tuning and listening to the radio as ever but not as the same time.
Grosvenor lost one of his little pals yesterday as Zookie, a large male creamy-beige coloured rat passed away in my arms at 8.30pm, and is such a loss to us all.
Grosvenor is in good health and loving every minute with his cagemates and is keen to make a visit to see Ian as soon as possible.
All the best gang hope you are all well... and keep shunting those trucks.
Lawrence
Hi Loz,
I'm so sorry to hear about Zookie. You must be feeling really upset. Pets are part of our families and we can feel their loss as much as we would for any family member. Zookie must have felt comforted by your loving care as he left this world.
Maureen, I hope your son hasn't been marred by his experience on the bus. Maybe the lady had been attacked in the past, or she may have been very independent or bad tempered and could have been abusive to anyone who offered to help. I've worked with people who hate being treated as though they are helpless. They say that if they need help they'll ask for it. I hope his experience won't deter him from offering to help others.
When I get the chance I'll look up snopes.com. It sounds a really interesting site.
Hildie, Ian has just read out your tale about the woman with four husbands. Who do you think will be evicted from the BB house tonight?
Hi all,
Cheers Vivienne, yes it's been another upsetting time, possibly more than normal as Zookie was 100% ok on Tuesday, and died within an hour on Thursday which was all shockingly quick.
Zookie is the good looking rat in the picture above this posting... he's the lower one, the two tone fella.
He did indeed leave this world a happy rat.
Grosvenor's doing fine and waves to all the Truckshunters...
Cheers
Lawrence
In the above replace Thursday with Wednesday... cheers... it's been a confusing week
Loz
Hi Loz,
Thanks for sharing your photo of Zookie and his pal. His unusual markings made him a very handsome and special rat.
I'm waving back to Grosvenor!
Love, Vivienne xxx
HAILSTONES!!
Paul Mooney kept very quiet about that! Liam and I have just been caught in the big hailstorm on the way back from Consett. Liam is my son, he took me shopping after I'd been helping at the school Summer Fair. Vivienne, I was impartial about who left the BB House last night, but PLEASE somebody come and take Alex out next week! I cannot imagine what it must be like to know someone like her.
I missed the lady with the four husbands, Vivienne ..... in the land of nod - had to get some sleep before school on Friday. Only work part-time doing supply work at my local school but I have a contract for Fridays, at the moment anyway. Meant to tell you all about something Ian mentioned one of the nights this last week. He requested that you let him know the title and author of your most favourite book ever. He has been sent some forms from Berwick Library and would like us to help him fill them in. You just need send him your Christian name and the information about your favourite book. Hi Loz... lovely to see you back!
Did you see that very sweet, saddle-back piglet on the BBC television news the other night? He wouldn't walk in the Yorkshire mud with his brothers and sisters, so his owners have bought him two pairs of wellies, and he is happy as a sandboy now! They said that he suffers from fear of dirt - Mysophobia. Not good, if you happen to be a piglet!
Hi to Maureen and Sid. Hope all is well with you.
Hi Everyone,
Sorry if I go absent now and again, I'm trying to keep up! Nice to see you back Lawrence, so sorry to hear about Zookie, I hope Grosvenor is a bit of a distraction.
I heard Ian mention that favourite book title last night Hildie, the trouble is I'd find it so hard to decide. Would you choose something from your childhood or something that actually made a big impression on you as you grew up? I really don't know what I'd choose. That kept me awake for quite a long time during the night. Thanks Ian!
Vivienne, thanks for your kind words about 'the baseball cap' incident, it's just that, as he said, if he'd been dressed for work, in a suit, it probably wouldn't have happened. I try not to make assumptions now, although it is hard not to judge on first impressions.
Hildie, I can't believe it ...hailstones! I put off hanging washing out all day because they forecast showers. Rubbish! not a drop, my washing could have been dried with a good stiff sea breeze. (they smell lovely, who needs smelly conditioners?) So maybe we should ask Ian to take Paul to task! Or maybe I should send him a fresh piece of seaweed?
Just a little note, I've just checked and the most comments posted previously was Lawrences' Blog on the 6th March with 191 comments. Mine makes 189, so who's next?
Hi all,
Thanks for all the comments about the Zookmeister, former rat of the parish of Fenham, they all mean a lot... cheers and Grosvenor is as ever a good distraction... as are the rest of the 14 rats who need the very best care administered to them.... the pampered bunch.
Cheers again..... back to write more of my Speedway press release... late night scribbling... again.
Lawrence
Hi Everyone,
I hope Ian's ok as he wasn't well enough to do the live slot this morning. I hope you are better soon Ian.
Maureen I've sent Ian an email about my favourite book. I selected my first favourite book, which was about a little girl who lived on a tropical island, who was given a new doll by a sailor. The idea about living on a tropical island captured my imagination as a young child. The book came back into my thoughts in 1998, when I visited Barbados and became friends with a young Bajan woman. She'll thank me for calling her young, but she is to me!
I mentioned other books to Ian which meant a lot to me, Famous Five, Lorna Hill's ballet books & Harry Potter. I even sent Ian a photo of me dressed as a witch! I could have selected other books I've read as an adult, but it seemed more difficult to choose only one. I've still kept my first favourite book, so I guess it does mean a great deal to me.
Hope you are all keeping well.
Love Vivienne xxx
Mornin All,
Hope you are feeling better Ian. Jen Bartram said you'll be back tomorrow morning. I sure hope so!
Vivienne, I'm glad I'm not the only one to find it difficult to choose one book. I know I've mentioned 'Mr Blossoms' Shop' before. My favourite childrens' book. I've only recently found out that it was written by Barbara Euphan Todd, who went on to write the Worzel Gummidge stories. I've been looking under Enid Blyton ... no wonder I couldn't find it!
We've had thunder earlier this morning, hope it dries up later. I don't mind if it rains through the night. Saves a watering job. All of my plants are in containers and therefore depend on me!
Have a good day everyone.
Hi, anyone else having problems leaving a comment? I'm just trying this as the verification box doesn't seem to be appearing. Here we go....
Hi Folks,
Maureen the verification box has been appearing ok for me. It's currently showing asda with a j in it!
I was thinking of you and Sid today. I decided to follow the sun up to Scotland after I received a text from a friend to say our dinner date had been postponed. I drove up the A68, then took the Hawick road at Carter Bar. I drove through Bonchester Bridge, called in at Hawick - but didn't see Sid outside Morrisons! I was planning to drive on to Peebles, but missed the correct turn at a roundabout near Dalkeith. By then I was hitting the evening rush hour, so decided to keep to the road I was on and returned via Coldstream. I only drove into rain on my return journey, as I neared Tyneside. I love putting my foot down on an open road, and at last having a car which has the power to overtake slower moving queues!
Vivienne, I have to say I admire your stamina. All of that travelling and posting at 3am ...I'm impressed! We went out for a meal last night and I asked to go home at 10 as I couldn't keep my eyes open! Sounds like you had a lovely day. I have a friend who is retired and keeps saying that she's bored. I certainly won't be. It must be lovely to have that freedom of waking up and saying 'what shall I do today?' Good for you! (At least I caught up with my sleep last night with Ian being off. Lovely to hear him back at 6. Welcome back Ian. (Little note: couldn't 'they' insert a little message now again saying that it was just going to be music all night? I keep thinking of those people who must switch on and just wonder what has happened to you?)
Busy day ahead, have a good one,
Maureen
PS Verification seems to be working again Thanks.
Hi everyone
I've been having computer problems all this week (love them and hate them, do you?!) - it seems now to be sorted - for the moment at least. It was good to hear Ian back this morning .... did you hear him getting Paul Mooney to speak in Queen's English? Only Ian would dare!
Mornin all,
I've just written to Ian to thank him for his rendition of Grace Kelly this morning. For anyone who missed it you missed a treat. Hopefully he'll include it in listen again over the weekend. This is why we love you Ian, we never know what's coming next. He's such great fun isn't he? Certainly started my day with a smile!
Have a good day, Vivienne I'm off on one of my jaunts, might see you on the A1. I'm thinking Sid must be at the caravan again...
Ahh, Maureen .... I'm sorry I missed that, would love to have heard him! And you're right .....
HE IS SUCH FUN .......
I hope you enjoyed your little jaunt yesterday. I bet you're glad you didn't go today! It's officially summer today then, though no-one would ever guess.
Have any of you heard any predictions about what kind of summer it's going to be weather- wise? I do keep wondering!
Sid must be on his way back from the caravan by now!
Hello everyone, my ears were starting to get a bit warm so I thought I had better check in.
I have peeped in from time to time but didn't have much to say, (probably still haven't if the truth were known).
Like Hildie I to have had PC probs and have been trying to find out what is causing it. I have the side off my PC as I write, and earlier today I gave the inside a good telling off. It'll know better now than to wind me up!.
The allotment is doing fine, had my first Shirley's a couple of days ago.
Hildie it'll be wet all this week...the Hoppings are on. As for the long range guess it is supposed to be a wettish summer, so there's nowt new there then.
Is this the place where we declare how little we hear Ian, for if it is then surely I must be the biggest offender. I have such good intentions...but always fall asleep. Sorry Ian
Hello everyone!
That's not good news you had for me about the summer weather , Sid. Is Jean glad that Alex has left the Big Brother house? It is such a relief! Oh, and Mario is a pain, isn't he? He has been everywhere, done everything and got the t-shirt! Guess what? It's the Moon Walk tonight at 10p.m. until about midnight, it's the sponsored walk i'm doing for Marie Curie cancer care ...... think about me - it's sure to be raining. Ian was asking on the show last night if a Nit Nurse still goes in to schools these days. No, Ian, there's no such thing anymore .... it isn't P. C.
The world gone mad again!
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