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Barry
01-07-2026, 05:40
Yesterday was a perfect day weather wise, and today is expected to turn out the same.

17C and partially cloudy, rising to 25C by mid-afternoon. Another fine day to do some gardening and to wash the car.

Pigmy Pony
01-07-2026, 06:05
It was nice weather here too yesterday. So we got a bit of gardening work done. But thanks to revised and increased blood pressure medication I've been put on, the exertion brought on a few dizzy spells, felt like fainting a couple of times. Doc said this could happen early on in the treatment, so hopefully temporary.

Grey start to the day, but dry (for now). Sunshine and showers predicted for most of the day, with a max of 19C.

CageyH
01-07-2026, 06:32
A high of 27 planned today. Perfect.

Macca
01-07-2026, 07:29
Dull here with a couple of hours of rain due, but then supposed to brighten up and get to 21C.

CageyH
01-07-2026, 14:34
A drought has just been declared.
I was wondering when it was going to happen, as the grass is mostly crispy.

Barry
01-07-2026, 15:43
It reached 25C today. Spent a few hours 'gardening', that is weeding and cutting the grass.

The grass is still green and strictly speaking didn’t need cutting, but I wanted to make things easier for the engineers when they eventually come to fit the broadband fibre optic cable to my house. I was told it would be done within 10 days. A fortnight has passed and I'm still waiting! :doh:

Pigmy Pony
01-07-2026, 16:44
It reached 25C today. Spent a few hours 'gardening', that is weeding and cutting the grass.

The grass is still green and strictly speaking didn’t need cutting, but I wanted to make things easier for the engineers when they eventually come to fit the broadband fibre optic cable to my house. I was told it would be done within 10 days. A fortnight has passed and I'm still waiting! :doh:

A word of advice Barry: The installers don't go very deep, so be sure to know exactly where the cable runs, so you don't come unstuck like I nearly did a couple of weeks ago. I had a large plant I wanted to move from a large pot to the border. I wanted the hole to be about 18" dia. and about 12" deep, and while digging I struck a "root" (only about 6" down), which turned out to be the broadband fibre optic which was fitted last year. If I'd been a bit more fierce with the spade I'd have been in a world of hurt :doh:

Barry
01-07-2026, 17:43
Cheers Steve,

I want to be at home when they start the work. I was told by the engineer who did the work inside the house (itself a task which caused great and inconvenient upheaval; a 'blow by blow' account of which I'll regale you with sometime soon), that a conduit would be laid through which the fibre optic is passed. EE seem to know what they're doing, but even so I want to be present to make sure everything works as it should.

A neighbour uses Virgin, and their fibre optic doesn't look to have much protection against damage from a misplaced spade.

Pigmy Pony
01-07-2026, 18:01
Yes the cable is protected by a sleeve, just not sure how protective it actually is, and I don't want to find out.

I've just been outside to have a look at where the cable comes up the wall and into the brickwork (only about 6"), and the bright green protective sleeve is actually pretty thick, looks like you'd have to be pretty fierce with something pretty sharp :)

Barry
02-07-2026, 06:22
18C and cloudy. Expected to reach 24C later, so another fine day.

Macca
02-07-2026, 10:00
Dull and windy. Might get a bit of sun later but only 18C max.

Barry
02-07-2026, 11:53
Washed the car a couple of hours ago. The effort had me running with sweat, so a quick cold shower and now staying indoors.

Found plenty to do inside the house: finishing putting up some shelves, then making dinner and washing up afterwards.

Barry
03-07-2026, 06:32
16C at the moment and cloudy. Forecast to reach 24C later, so it's going to be another fine day. :)

Macca
03-07-2026, 07:25
Sunny start, going to be quite a bit warmer with less wind. Felt like early autumn yesterday.

Barry
03-07-2026, 23:13
Well today (actually yesterday now) was hectic.

First I had a case of wine delivered, then some engineers came to fit the conduit for my fibre optic "upgrade". Next the window cleaner called, then afterwards a second engineer called to complete the fibre optic upgrade. Then finally, having cleared up, and sorted out the upheaval with moving the router and tidying up the cabling, I had to make dinner, wash up, and then put the LPs back in my equipment rack. It reached 26C, and I'm knackered!

Macca
04-07-2026, 06:07
Sunny start woke me up early, but wasn't forecast, supposed to be dull all day so no doubt now it's got me up the sun will vanish as usual.

Barry
04-07-2026, 06:50
18C here at the moment and sunny. It's going to be a little warmer today, reaching 27C.

Slept badly last night, it was too humid, so I set up a fan in the bedroom and then it was much better. Still mustn't grumble!



And Happy Birthday America!

Pete The Cat
04-07-2026, 07:31
Well today (actually yesterday now) was hectic.

First I had a case of wine delivered, then some engineers came to fit the conduit for my fibre optic "upgrade". Next the window cleaner called, then afterwards a second engineer called to complete the fibre optic upgrade. Then finally, having cleared up, and sorted out the upheaval with moving the router and tidying up the cabling, I had to make dinner, wash up, and then put the LPs back in my equipment rack. It reached 26C, and I'm knackered!

One of my pet hates is when having an electrical or plumbing job done somewhere in the house there's a sudden unforeseen need to access another part of the house altogether because there's a something-or-other in the wall/floor/ceiling there. Last year I had an electrician working in a room downstairs who ended up in most of the rooms at one time or other, pretty much all the furniture got moved.

rmcin626
04-07-2026, 08:07
Another wet day 15c, has been raining since the kids finished for the summer on Tuesday lunchtime.

Macca
04-07-2026, 08:47
As I thought now dull, sky is uniform old white t-shirt grey.

Heatwave is back on Wednesday, giving out 26C.

Pigmy Pony
04-07-2026, 08:55
18C here at the moment and sunny. It's going to be a little warmer today, reaching 27C.

Slept badly last night, it was too humid, so I set up a fan in the bedroom and then it was much better. Still mustn't grumble!



And Happy Birthday America!

At every birthday party there's one horrible brat who manages to put a damper on the day. In this case it's ole draft-dodger Donald, talking about brave Americans like he's one of them.

Pigmy Pony
04-07-2026, 08:56
Grey, cool and windy. High of 20C expected.

Macca
04-07-2026, 09:07
Grey, cool and windy. High of 20C expected.

The perfect day to get your new speakers set up!

Pigmy Pony
04-07-2026, 09:35
The perfect day to get your new speakers set up!

I thought so too - I just need to find someone with the muscles to hold up their end, and the gumption to understand the importance of not dropping them. I have someone in mind, I just need to get past some other things that need done first.

I've just bought another car to add to the growing collection on our drive (which I've now renamed forecourt). It's getting out of hand, we're really good at buying stuff, really bad at selling anything.

Macca
04-07-2026, 10:57
I've just bought another car to add to the growing collection on our drive (which I've now renamed forecourt). It's getting out of hand, we're really good at buying stuff, really bad at selling anything.

I thought that just maintaining your existing fleet was becoming a full-time job?

I'll get you this sign for Xmas

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/267649734838?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-153316-527457-

Pigmy Pony
04-07-2026, 15:27
I thought that just maintaining your existing fleet was becoming a full-time job?

I'll get you this sign for Xmas

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/267649734838?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-153316-527457-

:lol: It's got beyond being a full-time job, in fact I'm thinking of taking on a lad.

Alex_UK
04-07-2026, 20:34
Been a nice dry day, warm but not excessively. Had to go to the butchers first thing, realised a hundred yards down the road something was wrong and sure enough, the VW had a flat tyre. That’s ok, I’ll take the Landy and sort the puncture later - flat battery! Had to take wife’s Nissan to get the maggots for tomorrow’s fishing and it started and drove perfectly - and that’s the one I’m currently looking to replace! (Wanna buy a Qashqai, Steve? :lol: )

Tomorrow looks good for fishing, cloudy and not too hot.

Macca
05-07-2026, 08:55
Dull start here so at least I got to sleep late.

Supposed to get sunny this afternoon and 22C.

rmcin626
05-07-2026, 10:07
Another wet day and 14c

Barry
06-07-2026, 06:51
29C at the moment and sunny. Expected to reach 31C today, which is 1C above my comfort level. :(

Yesterday wasn't too bad. I spent much of the day completing my shelf fitting for my CD collection. At times I was sweating buckets, so had to make frequent 'hydration breaks'.

Today I may do a little more gardening, until I'm forced indoors. :hmm:

Macca
06-07-2026, 07:12
only 18C here, prediction is 24C later and some proper sunshine too.

rmcin626
06-07-2026, 07:41
15c and light rain so far

Barry
06-07-2026, 19:50
It reached 32C today. I was outside doing a bit of gardening, just some weeding and pruning, but after an hour I had enough. Next task was to start clearing out the garage: it's amazing just how much junk is in there, but sadly I made little progress.

Always put off to tomorrow what you should have done today. :D

Pigmy Pony
06-07-2026, 20:25
It reached 32C today. I was outside doing a bit of gardening, just some weeding and pruning, but after an hour I had enough. Next task was to start clearing out the garage: it's amazing just how much junk is in there, but sadly I made little progress.

Always put off to tomorrow what you should have done today. :D

Of course. We all need something to look forward to :)

Barry
07-07-2026, 06:36
21C with hazy sunshine. Not expected to be quite as hot today, 29C.

Macca
07-07-2026, 07:45
Only 15C here but supposed to get up to 24C by lunch.

rmcin626
07-07-2026, 09:23
A grey 15c here

Alex_UK
07-07-2026, 18:28
Hit 31c this afternoon in Bury St Edmunds which is always a tad warmer being more inland. Very pleasant, and even though we have aircon, the MD declared it was ok to dress down this week due to the heat, so no suit for me today.

Macca
07-07-2026, 19:18
Only managed to reach 23C here. Took the opportunity to clean the kitchen since it needed doing and I'm not likely to fancy sorting it once the heatwave starts.

Even then didn't get it all done. Once I start I can spend five minutes just getting one wall tile spotless.

Tomorrow supposed to be 7C warmer than today. Going to notice that.

Barry
07-07-2026, 20:18
Hit 31c this afternoon in Bury St Edmunds which is always a tad warmer being more inland. Very pleasant, and even though we have aircon, the MD declared it was ok to dress down this week due to the heat, so no suit for me today.

Yes, it hit 31 - 32C here today. Had to go into town, and it was just about bearable. On my return I had to do some work on the computer, which being indoors wasn't too bad.

Going to be similar weather tomorrow. I want to clear out the garage, but it will be too hot for that.

Pigmy Pony
08-07-2026, 05:35
A sunny 17C right now, heading for a max of 26C. Don't need it any warmer than that.

Barry
08-07-2026, 06:01
A sunny 20C now, but will reach 31C later, therefore I'm going to stay indoors as much as possible today.

rmcin626
08-07-2026, 08:31
Only 16c so far still a bit of cloud about

Macca
08-07-2026, 08:42
Blazing sunshine here - 20C now with 31C predicted.

Macca
09-07-2026, 08:50
Yesterday managed a high of 28C, today's target is 30C. Currently 22C.

rmcin626
09-07-2026, 09:00
18c so far with a bit of cloud about

Barry
09-07-2026, 09:19
29C now, and expected to reach 33C! It's going to be an unbearable day today weatherwise.

Barry
09-07-2026, 21:08
Now it is a still warm 19C, but it reached 34C for much of the day!

Today I've drunk a pint of cold milk (not all in one go), and at least two pints of cold water in an attempt to keep cool. Now after two cold showers, I'm sat here watching 'Blade Runner' on TV, with a fan blasting away.

Tomorrow is forecast to be a little cooler, but not much: 29C.

Macca
09-07-2026, 21:43
We got to 29C but it's not got above 24C in my house. Which is fine.

Pigmy Pony
10-07-2026, 06:10
17C now (24.8C indoors) with a predicted high of 26C. Should be tolerable as I have a day packed with nothing to do but sit in the garden or play some tunes :)

Barry
10-07-2026, 06:54
23C and forecast to reach 29C. A little better than yesterday, but not much.

Macca
10-07-2026, 07:23
Got to 29C yesterday so only 1C less than the prediction. Today it's aiming for 32C.

Right now it's a chilly 21C.

Macca
10-07-2026, 09:59
Just spent another hour on kitchen cleaning, feel too hot now. 24.3C in the living room so gained a degree in an hour.

Alex_UK
10-07-2026, 10:56
27.9c in the study, clear blue skies and sunshine, will get to 29c outside and stays around mid 20's with no rain for the next week. Hosepipe ban comes into force in East Anglia tomorrow, so that's washing the car stuffed, not that it was on the agenda anyway!

Macca
10-07-2026, 12:23
It's too hot to be washing cars so that sort of takes care of itself.

Barry
10-07-2026, 12:57
I use a bucket to wash the car, so the hosepipe ban won't affect me.

Pigmy Pony
10-07-2026, 14:09
I use a bucket to wash the car, so the hosepipe ban won't affect me.

I use the Romanians, I expect the hosepipe ban (if it happens here) will affect them.

Alex_UK
10-07-2026, 14:11
I use the Romanians, I expect the hosepipe ban (if it happens here) will affect them.

Apparently it doesn’t affect “commercial” users, so window cleaners etc. are ok. I’m sure the Romanians are all HMRC registered, so they’ll be fine…

rmcin626
10-07-2026, 14:24
A sunny 24c this afternoon

Macca
10-07-2026, 14:40
A sunny 24c this afternoon

Bit of a jump up in temp for you there then.

Macca
10-07-2026, 14:43
30C now. Don't think it's going to get to 32.

Just ticked over to 25C in the room but only 52% humidity so still quite comfortable.

Barry
10-07-2026, 14:44
30C at the moment, so much for it being a little cooler today.

Pigmy Pony
10-07-2026, 15:54
29.6C indoors right now. I'm off to Otterspool Merseyside shortly to try and catch some fish, hopefully it'll be a bit cooler there.

Barry
11-07-2026, 06:24
20C, expected to reach 29 - 30C. It's going to be another horrible sweaty day today. :doh:

Pigmy Pony
11-07-2026, 07:48
Yesterday we had not one but two hummingbird hawk moths feeding off our hanging baskets. They never used to come this far north, but they will become an increasingly common sight with the hotter summers.

https://yorkshiremoths.co.uk/photos/active/19840.Chris_Cox.1689534596.jpg

Going anywhere nice for your holidays?
Well, we thought we'd try Chorley this year.

Another hot one forecast today, 27.1C indoors already.

Alex_UK
11-07-2026, 07:51
It's supposed to be 21c but is very cloudy and just been out to sort a few bits in the garage and it actually felt a bit chilly in shorts and T-shirt. Supposed to clear and get up to "only" 26c - about the perfect day for me, and the perfect day for another fishing session with Will. :) How did you do, Steve?

rmcin626
11-07-2026, 08:19
A cloudy but dry 17c so far this morning

Macca
11-07-2026, 08:22
Got to 31C here yesterday. Currently 20C predicted to reach 27C.

Drops off a bit next week. Monday will only reach 22C which is a disgrace, frankly. They get us used to this warm weather then cut it off.

Hummingbird moth will be buzzing off back down to the south of France, thousands of brand new Chorley sun loungers will be without towels.

Barry
11-07-2026, 08:57
Next week is supposed to be a little cooler, but I'm becoming distrustful of weather forecasts, so we shall see.

Macca
11-07-2026, 09:21
25C in room I'd be fine with this all year round. Plus I'd save about a grand on heating.

Pigmy Pony
11-07-2026, 09:27
It's supposed to be 21c but is very cloudy and just been out to sort a few bits in the garage and it actually felt a bit chilly in shorts and T-shirt. Supposed to clear and get up to "only" 26c - about the perfect day for me, and the perfect day for another fishing session with Will. :) How did you do, Steve?

We did exactly the same as our three previous forays, ie caught bugger all. Cost 15 quid in diesel to get there, and another £12 for bait. Be cheaper to just go to the Asda to buy some fish, but I suppose that's not the point. But it was a nice spot, easily accessed, and plenty of space. Once you get used to all the passing joggers loudly talking out-of-breath Scouse :) We'll return December for the winter cod.

In the meantime I'm looking at river fishing options. Obviously there's some start-up costs (suitable rod, reel, end tackle, rod licences, fishing permits), but the idea does appeal, so we'll see.

Good to see you and Will sticking with it, these memories will stay with you forever.

Pigmy Pony
11-07-2026, 09:33
Got to 31C here yesterday. Currently 20C predicted to reach 27C.

Drops off a bit next week. Monday will only reach 22C which is a disgrace, frankly. They get us used to this warm weather then cut it off.

Hummingbird moth will be buzzing off back down to the south of France, thousands of brand new Chorley sun loungers will be without towels.

We may still have a few German moths - as you know they can't fly past a sun lounger without chucking a towel on it.

Macca
11-07-2026, 10:08
We may still have a few German moths - as you know they can't fly past a sun lounger without chucking a towel on it.

Yeah show them a sunbed it's like a moth to a flame.

Pigmy Pony
11-07-2026, 10:25
:lol:

Alex_UK
11-07-2026, 11:14
We did exactly the same as our three previous forays, ie caught bugger all. Cost 15 quid in diesel to get there, and another £12 for bait. Be cheaper to just go to the Asda to buy some fish, but I suppose that's not the point. But it was a nice spot, easily accessed, and plenty of space. Once you get used to all the passing joggers loudly talking out-of-breath Scouse :) We'll return December for the winter cod.

In the meantime I'm looking at river fishing options. Obviously there's some start-up costs (suitable rod, reel, end tackle, rod licences, fishing permits), but the idea does appeal, so we'll see.

Good to see you and Will sticking with it, these memories will stay with you forever.

I spent £100 or so on a very basic kit from Amazon and an extra rod/reel, already had camping chairs, so apart from the maggots (£4 for half a pint) and a bit of bread and sweetcorn from the freezer, it's been cheap so far, so it needn't cost a fortune to get going. Speaking of which, we must get going - had to wait in for a DPD parcel - new skins for Will's drums, which he is equally excited about, so tomorrow's dad/son bonding will be be ending up in A&E after shoving a screwdriver through my hand trying to fit them! Now that will be a memory for him! :lol:

Macca
11-07-2026, 11:40
A pint of maggots costs more than a pint of Guinness? How can that be?

Pigmy Pony
11-07-2026, 12:07
A pint of maggots costs more than a pint of Guinness? How can that be?

Yeah, sounds like a hard sell. But leave them for a few days and they'll be flying off the shelves. Sorry, I'll get me coat.

Macca
11-07-2026, 12:11
lol.

You came in a coat? In this weather?

Macca
11-07-2026, 12:14
Guninness production process

Guinness is produced through a meticulous brewing process using malted and roasted barley, hops, water, and a unique yeast strain, with nitrogenation giving it its signature creamy texture.
Ingredients and Malting
The foundation of Guinness begins with high-quality barley, which is first malted by soaking in water, allowing it to germinate, and then drying it. This activates enzymes necessary for converting starches into fermentable sugars. A portion of the malted barley is then roasted, a critical step that imparts Guinness’s dark color, coffee-like aroma, and characteristic bitterness. The roasting is carefully controlled to achieve the desired flavor without burning the barley



Mashing and Wort Preparation
The malted and roasted barley is milled into a coarse flour called grist. This grist is mixed with hot water in a mash tun, a process known as mashing, which converts starches into sugars, producing a sweet liquid called wort. Hops are added during this stage to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor. The wort is then boiled for about 90 minutes to sterilize it and extract additional flavors

.

Fermentation and Yeast
After boiling, the wort is cooled and transferred to fermentation tanks, where a special Guinness yeast strain is added. This yeast converts the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, creating the beer’s base. Guinness has maintained a proprietary yeast strain for generations, ensuring consistency in flavor and quality



Maturation and Nitrogenation
Once fermentation is complete, the beer is allowed to mature, developing complex flavors. Guinness uses nitrogenation, mixing nitrogen with carbon dioxide, which produces the beer’s thick, creamy head and smooth texture, distinguishing it from beers carbonated solely with CO₂


Filtration and Packaging
Finally, the beer is filtered and stored in conditioning tanks to stabilize flavor and carbonation. It is then packaged in kegs, bottles, and cans, undergoing rigorous quality control to ensure every pint meets Guinness’s high standards



Maggot production process:

Leave something dead out in the sun for a few hours.

Pigmy Pony
11-07-2026, 13:03
lol.

You came in a coat? In this weather?

Did I say coat? I meant speedos.

rmcin626
12-07-2026, 08:58
Another cloudy day and 17c but dry.

Barry
12-07-2026, 20:08
It's 23C at the moment with a cooling breeze. Were are sat out on the terrace with a glass of wine. Perfect! :)

Tomorrow is expected to be a little cooler than today: which was better than it was yesterday.

Macca
13-07-2026, 06:43
Bit nippy here, only 14C. 25C forecast for later.

Barry
13-07-2026, 08:09
20C, reaching 27C later today.

Macca
13-07-2026, 08:32
Clouded over here! Yes, clouds, remember them?

rmcin626
13-07-2026, 09:28
Cloudy morning and 16c

Alex_UK
13-07-2026, 09:48
Clouded over here! Yes, clouds, remember them?

Cloudy here so far, took dog for a walk in T-shirt and shorts and it's bordering on cold - 20c's not cold, but it is when you've been used to late 20's for days! Only supposed to get to 24c today, and brightening up late afternoon/evening.

Off to Snape Maltings tonight, Will's school are performing in the annual "Celebration" week which brings schools from across the County together to perform in the rather spectacular Concert Hall. The thought of kids singing used to send shivers down my spine but I guess you get over it when you become a parent and your own little "darling" is doing it! Will is only drumming, which is acceptable behaviour.

Macca
13-07-2026, 10:47
Windy here and the wind is quite cool, plus the sun is only in and out from the clouds. Pretty much what would be a decent summer day here most years but not warm by comparison to last week.

Long range forecast is rainy and unsettled for the rest of the month so make the most of this week still being dry and sunny.

Barry
13-07-2026, 12:08
Cloudy here so far, took dog for a walk in T-shirt and shorts and it's bordering on cold - 20c's not cold, but it is when you've been used to late 20's for days! Only supposed to get to 24c today, and brightening up late afternoon/evening.

Off to Snape Maltings tonight, Will's school are performing in the annual "Celebration" week which brings schools from across the County together to perform in the rather spectacular Concert Hall. The thought of kids singing used to send shivers down my spine but I guess you get over it when you become a parent and your own little "darling" is doing it! Will is only drumming, which is acceptable behaviour.

Doesn’t your dog find it too hot to be walked wearing shorts and T-shirt? :D

Alex_UK
13-07-2026, 12:44
Doesn’t your dog find it too hot to be walked wearing shorts and T-shirt? :D

:lol:

Macca
13-07-2026, 13:09
Maybe it had tattoos when it was younger that it now regrets?

Alex_UK
13-07-2026, 13:22
If I’d got him a hat maybe he wouldn’t have got a grass seed stuck in his ear on Thursday, and I’d be £287.50 better off… (That’s after he ate half a pot of crispy onions last Tuesday and had to have an out of ours visit and an injection to make him throw up and charcoal medicine to soak up the toxins (another £283.70…) so no, no budget for doggy tattoos or canine clothes this week…

Barry
13-07-2026, 13:44
Maybe it had tattoos when it was younger that it now regrets?

That's one undesirable aspect of the hot weather we're having - people wandering around half naked, displaying their tattoos if they have them.

Personally I find tattoos on women particularly difficult to deal with, as most of them look like someone has just taken a ball-point pen and daubed graffiti; badly drawn motifs; Chinese ideograms, or the names of past or current lovers on their neck, arms, lower back and legs. IMO they look a right old mess!

Macca
13-07-2026, 14:08
most of them look like someone has just taken a ball-point pen and daubed graffiti; badly drawn motifs; Chinese ideograms, or the names of past or current lovers on their neck, arms, lower back and legs. IMO they look a right old mess!

Pretty much although I can live with it - I have much more of a problem with blokes wearing shorts and, worst of all, sandals/flip-flops.

Pigmy Pony
13-07-2026, 14:48
Pretty much although I can live with it - I have much more of a problem with blokes wearing shorts and, worst of all, sandals/flip-flops.

Yeah, dogs have the same problem, which is why they give postmen such a hard time.

Pigmy Pony
13-07-2026, 14:56
If I’d got him a hat maybe he wouldn’t have got a grass seed stuck in his ear on Thursday, and I’d be £287.50 better off… (That’s after he ate half a pot of crispy onions last Tuesday and had to have an out of ours visit and an injection to make him throw up and charcoal medicine to soak up the toxins (another £283.70…) so no, no budget for doggy tattoos or canine clothes this week…

Maybe you could put your dog in some of your kids' cast offs? What make of dog is it?

Macca
13-07-2026, 16:10
? What make of dog is it?

Something foreign going by the size of the repair bills.

Barry
13-07-2026, 16:46
Vet bills are expensive regardless of whether the dog is a pure breed or a mongrel.

Pigmy Pony
13-07-2026, 17:03
Vet bills are expensive regardless of whether the dog is a pure breed or a mongrel.

Yes but size is a factor when it comes to treatments. Our past dogs (bullmastiffs) were pretty much double price on a lot of things, including cremations.

Pigmy Pony
13-07-2026, 17:14
an injection to make him throw up and charcoal medicine to soak up the toxins (another £283.70…)

Would have been cheaper to stick a bag of charcoal briquettes in front of him and tell him not to eat them.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71BAMIkJbLL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

There you go, 15 quid for a big bag off the Amazon. You're welcome :)

Barry
13-07-2026, 17:21
You might end up confusing the charcoal briquettes with the dog's stools after he had eaten the briquettes. :D

Pigmy Pony
13-07-2026, 18:18
You might end up confusing the charcoal briquettes with the dog's stools after he had eaten the briquettes. :D

I was never a big fan of barbecues anyway, but that's just put me right off.

Barry
13-07-2026, 19:16
I'm not that keen on barbecues either: half the food is under cooked and the other half is overcooked.

(I should have added that my 'off-colour' scatological comment was due entirely on seeing your picture of a bag of charcoal briquettes.)

Barry
13-07-2026, 20:13
It's 22C now, so we're sitting outside with a post prandial glass of wine. :)

Alex_UK
13-07-2026, 21:32
Maybe you could put your dog in some of your kids' cast offs? What make of dog is it?

He’s a cockapoo (I think that’s how you spell it) half cocker spaniel, half poodle. Or, on Tuesday he was a cock and on Thursday a shit.

I think poodles are originally French, so that probably explains the repair cost, Martin’s right.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Pigmy Pony
13-07-2026, 21:47
He’s a cockapoo (I think that’s how you spell it) half cocker spaniel, half poodle. Or, on Tuesday he was a cock and on Thursday a shit.

I think poodles are originally French, so that probably explains the repair cost, Martin’s right.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Yeah, so he's not likely to want Will's cast offs, these French dogs are all about the fashion, despite the curly hair which hasn't been a thing since the days of Kev Keegan.

Pigmy Pony
13-07-2026, 21:52
What colour's his hair anyway?

Alex_UK
13-07-2026, 22:05
He’s black, with a tiny white patch on his chest. He is starting to get a few grey hairs - not as many as me with the vet bills though.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Pigmy Pony
13-07-2026, 23:02
Ok then, here's another father-and-son bonding hobby for you and Will, when the weather's too rubbish for fishing - a bit of animal topiary :)

https://i.discogs.com/9wqmZIumfGANGy_44FEfkRBIxooT2nrl6gagSdc9iYQ/rs:fit/g:sm/q:40/h:300/w:300/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9BLTE4MDk0/NS0xNjA1NjEzOTI2/LTIzODIuanBlZw.jpeg

You just need to let the dog's hair grow a bit first. And buy him a football. And some Brut.

Barry
14-07-2026, 05:27
17C, reaching 29C later. These weather posts are becoming tiresome!

Macca
14-07-2026, 06:59
13C, today's target is 24, which it just about managed yesterday.

rmcin626
14-07-2026, 09:56
15c so far but should be higher later

CageyH
14-07-2026, 11:04
High of 37 today.
Yesterday was a little cooler at 34. The problemmis the temperature does not drop below about 23 during the night.

Barry
15-07-2026, 07:42
20C and cloudy. Expected to reach 27C later today.

Macca
15-07-2026, 07:45
A chilly 13C here, 24 is forecast. No sign of the sun yet, must have worn itself out.

Pigmy Pony
15-07-2026, 08:01
According to BBC Weather, we currently have 18C and full sun, no mention of all this cloud. Supposed to reach 27C later.

rmcin626
15-07-2026, 08:09
15c so far, should be 25c this afternoon

CageyH
15-07-2026, 09:40
Currently 30°C rising to 34 later.

Macca
15-07-2026, 10:06
According to BBC Weather, we currently have 18C and full sun, no mention of all this cloud. Supposed to reach 27C later.

Likewise - according to the Met Office we have full sunshine but it's actually heavily overcast.

Maybe they just left the forecast on repeat and went on holiday?

Macca
15-07-2026, 12:45
Sun is out now went for a quick walk. It's a bit windy.

CageyH
16-07-2026, 04:13
06:10 23°C. High of 32 forecast today.

At last, it is getting cooler.

Pigmy Pony
16-07-2026, 05:17
Only 14C right now, set to reach about 27C later. Hopefully not before I leave the house to survey a job in Preston - my lad is driving me as I've got a one-month ban to get through :( I don't know if I can be bothered, I've got used to doing nothing now.

Macca
16-07-2026, 08:09
19C aiming for 27. Only managed 24 yesterday.

Barry
16-07-2026, 09:06
Similar to yesterday: 21C now and will reach 28C mid-afternoon.

Barry
16-07-2026, 09:09
Only 14C right now, set to reach about 27C later. Hopefully not before I leave the house to survey a job in Preston - my lad is driving me as I've got a one-month ban to get through :( I don't know if I can be bothered, I've got used to doing nothing now.

Have you thought about retirement Steve, or are you not ready for that yet?

rmcin626
16-07-2026, 11:37
22c now that the cloud has cleared

Pigmy Pony
16-07-2026, 12:57
Have you thought about retirement Steve, or are you not ready for that yet?

All the time Barry.

I'm sort of semi-retired now, maybe averaging one or two days a week. Where possible I'm passing jobs onto my lad (Anita's son actually), but when one of my long-standing customers calls, I'm not comfortable with 'fobbing them off'. So I do get involved, but as little as I can :)

Also, my pensions don't add up to very much, so the odd bit of work tops it up. I might have to knock it on the head though, if my month-long no driving stint turns into something more permanent. The next few days should provide the answer, but the wait is doing my head in.

CageyH
16-07-2026, 19:17
For the first time in my life, I am disappointed to see a storm roll by not far away, without raining on my house and garden.
I was hoping for the nice cooling affect that rain can bring.

CageyH
17-07-2026, 06:26
Still no rainfall.
However, cooler today with a max of 30°C forecast today.

Barry
17-07-2026, 07:12
16C and clear, reaching 28C later.

Alex_UK
17-07-2026, 07:20
Cloudy and “chilly” at 18c currently, expected to clear with a high of 25c predicted. Noticeably lower over the weekend at 20/21c but normal service to resume later in the week back to 27/28c from Thursday/Friday and no rain predicted until the 28th. Great, I’m off for 3 nights camping with the kids ffrom the 23rd for our now customary annual trip to North Norfolk and the weather looks like it will behave. [emoji846]

Macca
17-07-2026, 07:26
Chilly and overcast 16C right now, I opened the window when I got up but had to close it again after twenty minutes.

26C predicted, yesterday it just about got there.

rmcin626
17-07-2026, 08:05
Another cloudy start to the date and 15c

Barry
18-07-2026, 06:39
16C, clear and sunny. Not expected to be quite so hot today; reaching 24C later this afternoon.

rmcin626
18-07-2026, 10:14
Nice clear day and 18c so far

Macca
18-07-2026, 10:33
Overcast and a bit chilly, might get to 21C later.

Pigmy Pony
18-07-2026, 12:06
Was spitting for a few minutes in Leyland, didn't amount to anything. Back in Chorley now, where we have a sunny 21C. Some rain forecast later.

Barry
18-07-2026, 15:15
Been back about an hour, having returned from London where it was bright sunshine and 24C. Here it is overcast and 20C, with a breeze that is quite chilly. What a difference 40 miles makes!

Macca
18-07-2026, 15:32
weak sunshine here, and a 20% chance of rain. First time it's been over 5% in weeks.

Pleasantly warm outside.

Pigmy Pony
18-07-2026, 16:32
At last, the kind of sunshine that doesn't have you seeking shade. The predicted rain hasn't materialised yet.

Macca
18-07-2026, 16:44
It's been that long that a bit of rain would be a novelty.

Pigmy Pony
19-07-2026, 05:03
Pleasantly cool start to the day, thought it would be a good time to start doing a daily walk. It was less than a mile, but seemed like more. I really need to get a dog for this, walking round here this early for no apparent reason I just look like I'm up to no good.

Barry
19-07-2026, 07:09
13C at the moment, with a clear blue sky. Not expected to get any warmer than 20C, so quite a change from yesterday.

Alex_UK
19-07-2026, 07:39
Forecast says it is cloudy and 15c - it probably is that chilly, but there's hardly a cloud in the sky and lovely sunshine. 19c maximum for us predicted - gardening day is on the cards methinks.

rmcin626
19-07-2026, 07:39
A cloudy 14c so far , should become brighter and warmer

Macca
19-07-2026, 08:44
14C, today's target is 22. Only managed 20C yesterday.

Barry
20-07-2026, 06:07
12C, blue sky with bright sunshine. Expected to reach 24C later today. :)

Macca
20-07-2026, 07:34
Bright here but not properly sunny. 24C predicted. Yesterday it got to 21C.

rmcin626
20-07-2026, 07:48
A bright 16c so far

Barry
21-07-2026, 05:37
14C and cloudy. Expected to reach 24C later today.

Pigmy Pony
21-07-2026, 07:25
A grey start, 17C. Sun should come out later this morning, and head for a pleasant 21C.

rmcin626
21-07-2026, 08:10
A bit more cloud about today and 16c so far.

Alex_UK
21-07-2026, 08:12
Thick clouds and 17c, not expected to brighten up until after lunch and “only” 23c. North Norfolk forecast is predictably deteriorating for my weekend camping trip with light rain now forecast for Saturday and Sunday.

Macca
21-07-2026, 08:15
Aiming for 25C here on the Stoke Riviera, although it's going to be cloudy until tea-time.

Barry
21-07-2026, 08:42
It's downright chilly today - I had to put on a jacket when I went out to do some essential shopping.

Marco
21-07-2026, 12:53
Aiming for 25C here on the Stoke Riviera, although it's going to be cloudy until tea-time.

Pretty much the same here, mate. Sun's out now, though. Just in from enjoying lunch al fresco:cool:

Marco.

Marco
21-07-2026, 12:56
It's downright chilly today - I had to put on a jacket when I went out to do some essential shopping.

Shorts and t-shirts weather here, mate, in sunny Wrexham. I could quite easily get a tan, if I wanted to!:D

Marco.

CageyH
21-07-2026, 15:04
Fark me. Chief daftee is back.

Good to see you posting again. :thumbsup:

Pigmy Pony
21-07-2026, 15:10
Shorts and t-shirts weather here, mate, in sunny Wrexham. I could quite easily get a tan, if I wanted to!:D

Marco.

Well I seem to get a tan whether I want to or not. And it's not good - my head and face are what a dermatologist would call 'a right mess'... good job I'm past caring what I look like :)

Marco
21-07-2026, 16:27
Fark me. Chief daftee is back.

Good to see you posting again. :thumbsup:

LOL... Glad you noticed!

Hope all is well in your world.

Marco.

Marco
21-07-2026, 16:37
Well I seem to get a tan whether I want to or not. And it's not good - my head and face are what a dermatologist would call 'a right mess'... good job I'm past caring what I look like :)

Nothing a good buff with a scrubbing brush won't sort out!:D

I suit a tan, as it goes with the Italian thing, and I have olive skin, which tans in no time, and within reason doesn't tend to burn.

Marco.

hifi_dave
21-07-2026, 17:04
HALLELUJAH - the leader has returned. You have been missed..:lolsign:

Marco
21-07-2026, 17:54
Hi Dave,

Thanks. I've missed you lot, too!:)

Marco.

Tim
21-07-2026, 18:00
Well hello schweetee

:bum:

Marco
21-07-2026, 18:14
Yo Timbo,

I shlipped on that little shkirtee earlier!:eyebrows:

Have you washed that Babygro yet?

Marco.

rmcin626
21-07-2026, 20:28
Yo Timbo,

I shlipped on that little shkirtee earlier!:eyebrows:

Have you washed that Babygro yet?

Marco.

You and Martin O’Neil back should be fun

Tim
21-07-2026, 21:58
Have you washed that Babygro yet?


Yeah, it's very tight now as it's shrunk :lol:

Barry
22-07-2026, 05:50
14C and cloudy. Forecast to reach 23C later today.

Macca
22-07-2026, 06:45
Same here the target is 24C, only managed 22 yesterday.

Rain is forecast for Sunday!

Pigmy Pony
22-07-2026, 07:04
Same here the target is 24C, only managed 22 yesterday.

Rain is forecast for Sunday!

We're getting the rain on Saturday here, around dinnertime. The downside of living in a tropical paradise.

rmcin626
22-07-2026, 07:28
15c and bright so far

hifi_dave
22-07-2026, 08:27
Bit on the cool side and cloudy but still no rain. Our garden is suffering.

Macca
22-07-2026, 09:25
A couple of months back they planted a 'wildflower meadow' (translation - it's a grass verge with some weeds) outside the Sainsburys. It was doing quite well but I don't think they planned for a month without rain. I mean you wouldn't would you, in Stoke?

When they built the Sainsbury they planted lots of bushes and that ivy stuff that covers the ground but that got infested with rats so they cleared it all and left the bare earth. But then people started pitching tents on it. The 'meadow' is the latest solution.

Before the supermarket that area of ground was just concrete and tarmac, that worked quite well regardless of the weather, and there was never any camping out.

Pigmy Pony
22-07-2026, 09:33
A couple of months back they planted a 'wildflower meadow' (translation - it's a grass verge with some weeds) outside the Sainsburys. It was doing quite well but I don't think they planned for a month without rain. I mean you wouldn't would you, in Stoke?

When they built the Sainsbury they planted lots of bushes and that ivy stuff that covers the ground but that got infested with rats so they cleared it all and left the bare earth. But then people started pitching tents on it. The 'meadow' is the latest solution.

Before the supermarket that area of ground was just concrete and tarmac, that worked quite well regardless of the weather, and there was never any camping out.

An 'urban campsite' sounds like a great way to encourage tourism, especially if it's handy for the shops. How much are the site fees? Do they have electric hook ups, or do you just plug into a nearby lamp post?

Pigmy Pony
22-07-2026, 09:39
Bit on the cool side and cloudy but still no rain. Our garden is suffering.

Same here. Anita has taken to spending an hour out there with the hosepipe each evening, which has helped a bit. We don't have the hosepipe ban here (yet).

We also had Greenthumb (other lawn treatment bandits are available) round the other day, doing something, I don't what for. What I know is it was a quick visit, I'm sure they left the van running while they did their thing. But for 30 quid we can't really expect them to spend long talking to the grass or playing classical music to it.

Macca
22-07-2026, 10:44
An 'urban campsite' sounds like a great way to encourage tourism, especially if it's handy for the shops. How much are the site fees? Do they have electric hook ups, or do you just plug into a nearby lamp post?

No leccy and you have to use the toilets in Sainsburys. Plus eventually the cops will move you on. On the plus side, it's free.

There's a 'wildlife reserve' (translation - some scrappy trees on the side of a hill) half a mile away; personally if I was going to camp, I'd camp in there. Used to cut through it on my way home from work, never saw a soul and the cops won't bother you as they can't get their cars in there.

Marco
22-07-2026, 12:09
You and Martin O’Neil back should be fun

Hi mate, nice seeing you again:)

Yeah, it will be if they open up the biscuit tin and bring in some new players!:doh:

Fancy starting a football thread for the new season?

Marco.

Marco
22-07-2026, 12:17
Duller here today, but still warm enough to eat outside in short sleeves.

Camping? UGH... Maybe when I was younger, but these days I like my creature comforts! We're thinking about getting a camper van to tour Europe - one of these bad boys: https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/gsl-results.html?---=%7B%22gsl-results_featureappsection_18%22%3A%22%2Fsearch%2Fc ar%2FR0JSMDA1OTIwMTg2NDQ4MjAyNg%3D%3FpageIndex%3D1 %26t_manuf%3DBQ%26t_cartype%3DN%26sort%3DDATE_OFFE R%26sortdirection%3DDESC%22%7D

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
22-07-2026, 13:00
Duller here today, but still warm enough to eat outside in short sleeves.

Camping? UGH... Maybe when I was younger, but these days I like my creature comforts! We're thinking about getting a camper van to tour Europe - one of these bad boys: https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/gsl-results.html?---=%7B%22gsl-results_featureappsection_18%22%3A%22%2Fsearch%2Fc ar%2FR0JSMDA1OTIwMTg2NDQ4MjAyNg%3D%3FpageIndex%3D1 %26t_manuf%3DBQ%26t_cartype%3DN%26sort%3DDATE_OFFE R%26sortdirection%3DDESC%22%7D

Marco.

:eek: What kind of money would that be after shelling out for conversion? The idea does appeal (and we've thought about it too), but the logical part of my brain is thinking about how many touring holidays that kind of money would buy me, staying at some of the nicest hotels in Europe. And getting round them in comfort with the Brabus (you still got it?)

Worth doing a bit of research before pressing the button.

Like this place in Switzerland. Even at 300 quid a night for the two of you, that would be a three-week holiday at similarly priced hotels for the next 15 or so years for the price of a well-spec'ed van.

https://content.skyscnr.com/available/2676274092/2676274092_960x576.jpg

Just a thought.

rmcin626
22-07-2026, 13:12
Hi mate, nice seeing you again:)

Yeah, it will be if they open up the biscuit tin and bring in some new players!:doh:

Fancy starting a football thread for the new season?

Marco.

Good to see back as well, I was a bit lonely on last season’s football thread plus we were crap didn’t post much, took awhile to get over the Russell Martin nonsense.

Marco
22-07-2026, 13:21
And a very good one at that, mate. Lovely hotel, just our cup of tea!:)

It's too late now, but I'd loved to have moved to Switzerland. It's a beautiful country and so centrally located to the likes of Italy, Germany and France. Not that far from the UK, either.

Points taken, I think the idea is to be driving along in some idyllic scenic wonderland and just stopping there for the night and enjoying it under the stars, then retiring to a decently comfy bed.

Plus, Del's got the notion of taking the cats with us, lol! I'm not so keen, but she WANTS them to come along, so that's that.

Yes, still got the Brabster. It needs some work doing to it, though.

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
22-07-2026, 15:42
Ah, the cats. I forgot about them. So you might want one of these:

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR1mEknsqp65Dlm-h_-RQyVBv7TeYBEutIVGnsXGbouEfIPGsHleQcN6DaP&s=10

Marco
22-07-2026, 16:22
Lol... Gotta keep yer pussies happy (all resident felines):D

Marco.

Barry
22-07-2026, 16:53
Won't there be quarantine problems with the cats?

Marco
22-07-2026, 17:45
Don't think so. You can get animal passports, which before obtained animals require all necessary vaccinations, so I don't foresee any issues:)

Marco.

Barry
23-07-2026, 06:08
14C and partially cloudy. Will reach 25C later today.

rmcin626
23-07-2026, 07:11
A cloudy 15c this morning.

Macca
23-07-2026, 08:31
Dull again and a bit chilly. Temp in my living room is about to drop below 22C for the first time in a couple of weeks. Could really do with some sunshine today to warm things up again.

Marco
23-07-2026, 09:16
21C here and cloudy. Can't say I find it cold at all.

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
23-07-2026, 09:17
22.5 indoors now and sun has just come out.

I'm bored! It's been fifteen days since my diagnosed TIA, so at least another two weeks before I'll be allowed to drive or ride my bike again, assuming nothing else happens in the meantime. I'm not exactly housebound, but having to be chauffeured everywhere is the next best thing :(

Could be worse, could be peeing down outside. No sign of that any time soon.

Barry
23-07-2026, 09:40
I think rain is predicted sometime over the weekend.

Macca
23-07-2026, 10:06
21C here and cloudy. Can't say I find it cold at all.

Marco.

No it isn't cold cold but there was a nip in the air at 0800 when I went out to get the milk off the step.

After three weeks of California-style weather fact is I've developed a taste for it!

Marco
23-07-2026, 13:41
Lol, no worries... I was still in bed at 8am:eyebrows:

No, you can keep yer super-hot weather - all I do is sweat!:rolleyes:

You guys who shun the rain obviously don't grow anything or have a lawn. Our garden is in a right state! So... I say bring on the rain!! :exactly:

Marco.

Macca
23-07-2026, 13:45
I've no objections to a bit of rain provided it happens at night when I'm asleep ;)

Rain forecast here for Saturday evening right through to Sunday lunchtime.

Marco
23-07-2026, 14:05
Lol, glad to hear it, as no bugger thinks of the farmers!

Marco (likes the rain).

Barry
23-07-2026, 16:42
It's going to rain here all day on Sunday starting around 02:00 and finishing 19:00. I've checked three weather sites, so it must be true!

Alex_UK
23-07-2026, 16:43
Tent pitched in North Norfolk, took twice as long as normal as the ground is like concrete. Currently sunny and 21c but feels warmer in the sun. 25c tomorrow, planning on a bit of fishing at Blicking Hall (National Trust, they allow it.) Off to Holt for dinner this evening.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260723/be702401740c9e7ca397c04447c3527d.jpg

Pete The Cat
23-07-2026, 19:49
Long drive today, from 21C Northumbria to 28C Essex.

Makes you realise how varied the temperature can be in England.

Back to having the fan on overnight...

Barry
23-07-2026, 20:11
Long drive today, from 21C Northumbria to 28C Essex.

Makes you realise how varied the temperature can be in England.

Back to having the fan on overnight...

28C? It's 23C here. Must be a local microclimate!

Barry
24-07-2026, 07:41
19C with a hazy blue sky. Maximum of 28C today.
I shall be down the pub lunchtime for a few beers and a catch-up with some retired work colleagues who I haven't seen for a while. So we shall be putting the world to rights; solving global heating; the war in the Middle East; the cost of living, amongst other things!

rmcin626
24-07-2026, 08:15
The rain has arrived, overnight and this morning , 16c.

Macca
24-07-2026, 09:05
18C here with a bit of weak sunshine. 23C is the target. Indoors is only 21.9C which is still comfortable but I like it a bit warmer ideally.

hifi_dave
24-07-2026, 09:38
Same ol', same ol' - hazy and sticky hot. Not pleasant sitting out unless you are on the coast or somewhere with a breeze.

Marco
24-07-2026, 10:32
21C here, with the same hazy sunshine as others. Perfectly pleasant:)

I'm ok with anything up to 25C, after that I struggle.

Alex, that looks like a mega tent! Hope you guys have a good time.

Barry, enjoy:cool:

Marco.

Macca
24-07-2026, 11:15
Had a walk over the hill to the Aldi to get a steak, thus combining exercise and foraging.

Got a punnet of strawberries for £1.19 which is half what Sainsbury are asking for theirs.

Still not sunny but it is a bit warm and sticky, air quality is really bad too.

Pigmy Pony
24-07-2026, 12:32
Good price on the strawberries. We get through quite a lot of them, I chop 'em up to put in me muesli.

I too decided to get out for some fresh air. Got as far as the bottom of the garden with me posh coffee. No sun, and quite a chilly breeze compared to what we've got used to.

Off to the pub shortly for a drink and some nosebag - we got a money off voucher from them in the post. They do nice food so a no brainer really.

Marco
24-07-2026, 14:07
Had a walk over the hill to the Aldi to get a steak, thus combining exercise and foraging.

Got a punnet of strawberries for £1.19 which is half what Sainsbury are asking for theirs.


Nice one. Sainsbury's fruit and veg is overpriced. Aldi is excellent for both, and the quality is there, too. We use Lidl, simply because it's closer; we get 80% of our fruit and veg from Lidl, and the rest from a local farm shop.

Marco.

Marco
24-07-2026, 14:11
Off to the pub shortly for a drink and some nosebag - we got a money off voucher from them in the post. They do nice food so a no brainer really.

Hope you enjoy yourself, Steve. Let us know what you had when you get back:cool:

Marco.

Macca
24-07-2026, 17:38
Nice one. Sainsbury's fruit and veg is overpriced. Aldi is excellent for both, and the quality is there, too. We use Lidl, simply because it's closer; we get 80% of our fruit and veg from Lidl, and the rest from a local farm shop.

Marco.

There's a big Lidl right round the corner from me but not so much exercise going there. Only go in for tea bags as they're the cheapest for that.

Pigmy Pony
24-07-2026, 18:22
Hope you enjoy yourself, Steve. Let us know what you had when you get back:cool:

Marco.

Chicken, ham hock and leek pie with seasonal veg I could actually taste for me, scampi for Anita as she wanted something light. Cost £40, but with 40% off voucher came to £24. With those prices I could go every week.

https://www.hoghtonarmspub.co.uk/

Barry
24-07-2026, 18:40
You put strawberries in with your muesli, I put raspberries or diced up banana on mine. Different folks, different strokes! :)

The chicken, ham and leek pie sounds good.

Pigmy Pony
24-07-2026, 21:05
Bananas in muesli, I'd never considered that... I'll give that a go, we usually have bananas knocking about. I wonder if I should try blackberries, we've got loads growing over the fence, they all look healthy too.

Marco
24-07-2026, 21:18
There's a big Lidl right round the corner from me but not so much exercise going there. Only go in for tea bags as they're the cheapest for that.

I get the exercise thing (I use an exercise bike, lol). Lidl's a great store. Anything from their Deluxe range is worth eating or drinking, with real gems to be found during their themed weeks, such as Italian. Spanish or Greek. It caters for foodies like me who like quality, but also value for money.

Marco.

Macca
24-07-2026, 21:24
I get the exercise thing (I use an exercise bike, lol). Lidl's a great store. Anything from their Deluxe range is worth eating or drinking, with real gems to be found during their themed weeks, such as Italian. Spanish or Greek. It caters for foodies like me who like quality, but also value for money.

Marco.

Tell you the other thing about Lidl and Aldi - every time I go to either, because I'm only buying a few things, everyone insists I go in front of them in the checkout queue. Every time.

The staff always seem quite cheerful too.

Marco
24-07-2026, 21:26
Chicken, ham hock and leek pie with seasonal veg I could actually taste for me, scampi for Anita as she wanted something light. Cost £40, but with 40% off voucher came to £24. With those prices I could go every week.

https://www.hoghtonarmspub.co.uk/

Looks like a nice place, good value, too. This is our local, within walking distance from our house: https://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/pantyrochain/

The food is excellent and they do a good range of local real ales:cool:

Marco.

Marco
24-07-2026, 21:30
Tell you the other thing about Lidl and Aldi - every time I go to either, because I'm only buying a few things, everyone insists I go in front of them in the checkout queue. Every time.

The staff always seem quite cheerful too.

I know. It's happened to us too, when we've just popped in for a few things. The staff are cheerful because it's a good place to work and they're also paid more than staff from other supermarkets.

Marco.

Barry
25-07-2026, 06:14
15C with a hazy sky. We're at a boot sale at the moment: I'm not interested in anything they have there these days, I'm just the driver
Will reach 28C later.

Barry
25-07-2026, 06:16
I know. It's happened to us too, when we've just popped in for a few things. The staff are cheerful because it's a good place to work and they're also paid more than staff from other supermarkets.

Marco.

How do you know that?

rmcin626
25-07-2026, 07:16
After a wet night, 15c and still a bit of rain about

Macca
25-07-2026, 07:57
Sunny start here but still giving out rain for this evening.

Pigmy Pony
25-07-2026, 08:20
How do you know that?

It's all there online Barry. Aldi and Lidl are the highest payers, though there really isn't much in it. But I read also that Aldi stand out as the only major supermarket that gives their staff paid breaks, worth around £1,500 a year.

Cotlake
25-07-2026, 08:39
Lidl and Aldi also offer the best post-grad packages for entry into retail trade management.

Marco
25-07-2026, 10:50
It's all there online Barry. Aldi and Lidl are the highest payers, though there really isn't much in it. But I read also that Aldi stand out as the only major supermarket that gives their staff paid breaks, worth around £1,500 a year.

Indeed. We also know someone who works for Lidl, and has also worked for some of the other supermarkets. and he says the way staff are treated by management in Lidl is a different ball game. They're more valued, and genuine team players. That makes a big difference.

The other reason we use Lidl (and Aldi) is, unlike other supermarkets, they don't fanny-arse about putting your shopping through the tills. It's done rapid-style!

Marco.

Barry
25-07-2026, 10:53
I hear that one of them, or maybe both, are already selling stuff for Halloween, and believe it or not Christmas wrapping paper and ribbons! :doh:

I'll stick to shopping at the Co-op; a good socialist emporium :)

Marco
25-07-2026, 11:10
Haven't seen that, Barry, but then we don't really do the 'middle isles' where such things are usually kept.

Co-op is great, again quality produce, but round here there are only mini stores, not enough to do a full week's shopping. Do you have a larger store near you?

Marco.

Marco
25-07-2026, 11:13
21°C here, and cloudy. No sign of any rain yet.

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
25-07-2026, 12:08
Finally started raining here, might put off the hosepipe ban for a bit.

Macca
25-07-2026, 13:08
According to the radar it doesn't get here until gone 1900. Looks like the whole Northwest and North Wales will get a welcome soaking for a good 12 hours.

Heatwave is back on Tuesday. 28C!

Marco
25-07-2026, 13:19
We await the precipitation with much anticipation:exactly:

Marco.

Barry
25-07-2026, 13:38
We await the precipitation with much anticipation:exactly:

Marco.

Nicely put. )

Pigmy Pony
25-07-2026, 13:38
We await the precipitation with much anticipation:exactly:

Marco.

So you'll be down with the pee-down, me too :)

Marco
25-07-2026, 13:43
Defo, bro:grouphug:

Marco.

Marco
25-07-2026, 14:46
You can feel the rain in the air now... Looking forward to getting the garden back to this:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq70/922/iygeB1.jpg

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
25-07-2026, 15:00
Not seen grass that colour for a while. Mine looks like the stuff they used to fill mattresses with in the olden days. But we've now had two hours of that fine stuff that wets you through, so here's hoping :)

My mate's lawn has stayed green, because it's that synthetic stuff. With the advantage that he just runs a hoover over it occasionally. Disadvantage is that it looks shite.

Marco
25-07-2026, 16:34
It's not that colour at the moment, mate. It's going to take 2-3 days of decent rain to sort it out.

No, I don't like synthetic grass either. I'd rather have no grass.

Marco.

Macca
25-07-2026, 20:04
Still no rain but according to the radar it's only 30 minutes away and closing.

Barry
25-07-2026, 20:48
The rain here is forecast to start around 07:00 Sunday and finish around midday, which is much shorter a period than was forecast on Friday. We shall see ....

Marco
25-07-2026, 21:07
Feck all here at the moment. It'll likely do the usual and rain overnight...

Marco.

Alex_UK
25-07-2026, 22:00
We had about an hour of quite heavy rain here in North Norfolk around 6pm, then a few spots here and there but dry at the moment. Typically it’s supposed to bucket down in the morning when we’re due to pack the tent up. Another heatwave back home next week - 31c predicted for Wednesday.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Macca
25-07-2026, 23:04
We had some drizzle for about ten minutes, maybe not even that. So we got the warm, wet cement smell, but that was about it.

Looks like the main aquatic action will be tomorrow morning now.

Barry
26-07-2026, 06:06
18C dull and overcast. Some rain showers expected between 08:00 and 10:00 today. Won't be enough to resurrect the grass! :doh:

Marco
26-07-2026, 06:32
17°C dull and overcast. Next to feck-all rain fell overnight... There's more wetness in the armpits of my t-shirt during a heatwave than there is on our lawn!!

Marco.

Barry
26-07-2026, 06:45
Ugh! Not a very pleasant, despite possibly being an accurate, analogy. :rolleyes:

CageyH
26-07-2026, 06:49
I am happy.
It rained last night, and quite a bit.
High of 26° today. A very pleasant change, and a very short break from the heatwave.

Marco
26-07-2026, 07:01
Ugh! Not a very pleasant, despite possibly being an accurate, analogy. :rolleyes:

Tee-hee...

Marco.

Marco
26-07-2026, 07:04
I am happy.
It rained last night, and quite a bit.
High of 26° today. A very pleasant change, and a very short break from the heatwave.

Good stuff, Kev. I presume you'll be putting the pool to good use during the next heatwave?:)

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
26-07-2026, 07:06
We got plenty of rain yesterday, and woke up to more this morning. 15C outside, 21.5C indoors.

rmcin626
26-07-2026, 07:21
Another wet night and 14c, more rain this morning due.

CageyH
26-07-2026, 07:45
Good stuff, Kev. I presume you'll be putting the pool to good use during the next heatwave?:)

Marco.

The pool has been in daily use this year.
It is actually warmer innthe pool than the outside air temperature, so it would be weird getting in it right now.

Barry
26-07-2026, 07:50
Not a drop so far ..... :doh: