More Overtime

Still at the bottling plant - still hard and horrible work ! - Had to work to 2030 again
Very tired and dispritied - had a reply from a job that we had both applied for and provisionally been accepted. "due to oversubscription etc.,etc., we have more than enough persons at the moment - if you want to stay on the list we may have vacancies in 2009 etc.,etc.," Was really looking forward to this - ah well it always rains on me !
cheers
mog

Flashius Triumphantes !!

Was very tired last night so gave it a rest - Went to the Southern Border Terrier Championship show at Cheltenham Race Course. We had entered Flashy - but as we are novices at showing, and had not really got him into "prime" show condition (Borders need constant stripping and trimming to be in good show condition) we did not expect much. His breeder Julie was there and was not too disparaging of his basic condition - So in to the show ring I went - He showed his little head off and the judge appeared to be more interested in the basic configuration than his slightly scruffy coat ! WE WON !!!!!! A first at a Championship show - Yipee ! This, of course,
qualifies him for Crufts next year (He got a fourth in his class at Crufts last year - he qualified first time out (being shown by one of the "established" BT breeders and having just come from being tidied up by his breeder) Julie rushed over and mugged us for him to show in the Challenge - grabbing the stipping comb etc., and really going over him ! Unfortunately he did not win this one - but - what the heck - "she who must be obeyed" is over the moon and, I must admit - I'm quite chuffed
cheers
mog

Tyres

Was going to put Big Ange back on the road - but discovered she needed a new MOT - which necessitates at least two new tyres. Ange has 18 inch wheels which means tyres cost an arm and a leg (was quoted £175.00 each !) So have bought a set of 16 inch wheels from a friend and took the afternoon off so as to go to the local tyre places to see if I could get them cheaper (part worn or whatever) No luck but the dealer thinks that he might get some next week - Ah well an afternoon taken off work - and I get little of that - so wait and see
cheers
mog

Overtime

Has to work overtime till 2030 tonight ! - Each pallet of bottles contains 1805 bottles - today I cleared 8 pallets - taking 6 bottles a time and putting them on the conveyer belt for filling - on the other side of the filling line is the completed line - where the bottles come out packed in shrink plastic in cases of 24 - I filled 6 pallets today - I am so tired I canot stay awake much longer and have a very sore back !
cheers
mog

Under Water - Glub Glub !!

Most of Oxfordshire appears to be under water today - Took dogs out at 0630 and, as appears usual these days, it was either persistently raining - or hissing down ! = Small sod dog looked particularly fetching in his water proof coat - the only way I could get him out of the door. Decided that discretion being the better part of valour I would take she who must be obeyed's car to work at the Palace ! instead of the scooter. Took over an hour to get to Woodstock as traffic was almost gridlocked due to the floods. Leaks in the roof of the bottling plant (Old converted barn) meant that I either got wet and stayed cool or put on me waterproof and got hot- but stayed dry ! Another great day putting bottles on the conveyor belt - I always said that I would do any sort of work to keep us fed but this is getting near the bottom !
cheers
mog

Treadmill

Rang the Agency this AM - telling them "I'm available"!! (also cheeeep) An hour later they rang and sent me to Blenheim Palace no less (unfortunately tradesman's entrance at the back please)
So 2 miles later round the back of the house to one of the farms where I am to help out in the bottling plant (Blenheim Palace Mineral water!)Spent all day and now apparantly the rest of the week putting bottles from a pallet onto a conveyer belt - Nice people working there but the job is purgatory !
cheers
mog

Jobless - Again !

The blody pub that I have been working at is now closing for a complete re-fit - We were told it would be in June - but I thought it would be end of June (Wrong !!) So today is last day !

The manager has told me that He hasn't enough cash to pay me for this week so I will have to ring the Brewery on Monday - Great - So back on the scrap heap

cheers

Mog

Dog shows

Went to Newbury to a Dog Show today - Not showing Flashy as did not enter = However his brother Glebeheath "Johnny the One" was on show - only got a third - Julie - his (and Flashy's)breeder was not best pleased but as she is a good loser did not show it too much !She did let her 4 year old daughter use the back of the Prize Card for drawing on though spent a fortune which we don.t have on a grooming table with stringing up pole - So we can get him into the peak of sartorial elegance for his next show - today week at Cheltenham - If we got enough cash we'll take the caravan to the club site for the weekend - bit of a break

cheers

Mog

Bumble Bee in jam jar ?

Due to our current financial state (flat broke!) I am having to work when and where I can - currently in a Pub - more of which another time. But the main thing is, I cannot at present, afford to run "Big Ange", the Range Rover. So to get to work I bought a little 50cc scooter. Very sophisticated these days. Electric start, disc brakes, properly working indicators, brake lights on both brakes etc., etc. It did about 100kms to the 5 ltr (not quite sure what that is in old money) but quite a bit ! About 70 kph or 45 mph and sounded like a "bumble bee in a jam jar" or infuriated wasp ! The only problem is that to get to work I have to go down the main A40 - not too bad on the dual carriageway Witney Bypass - but as you approach Eynsham it goes into single carriageway. When I used to ride motorbikes I last had a 750cc which went like "greased weasel s**t"So I was not used to having 38 ton lorries right up me chuff - then overtaking so close that I was thrown about in the displaced air !! So it had to go - I now have a 200cc "Joy ride" scooter - which feels a lot safer. Have only just filled it for the first time (it is also a 4 stroke rather than a 2 stroke - so no messing about with separate oil etc) also water cooled so does not overheat in traffic) so not sure how many kms to the ltr etc., but interestingly it cost no more to insure than the little one ? - I ran out of street cred years ago but at least it is much quieter than the "Bumble bee!!"
cheers
mog

Whistling in the Dark

During my "Depressed" period (a bit like Picasso's Blue period - but darker!) I often wondered about the whole blogging community. Why would someone want to write things - mostly about themselves on a world wide media platform ? Are we all self-obsessed ? Any one seen Echo about recently ?? Unable to figure it out I could not summon up the energy ? Possibly could not think of anything to write about - lost all sense of self worth - dunno - but perhaps did not wish to share it with the world - Albeit with an inflated belief that someone out there WOULD read it ! As I gradually get back into blogging - I now believe it's a bit like whistling in the dark - keeping one's spirits up - Hoping that someone will pick it up and comment - I remember it took several months of "pecking away" before anyone picked up my mad musings - Lots of help from Scary Duck - He even e mailed me in person no less ! So I shall continue to whistle in the dark and keep "Up Spirits" ("Stand fast the Holy Ghost" - for those Ancient Mariners)
cheers
Mog

Sewage Woe part the Second

At this point I rang the Water Board again and they said that we were responsible for the pipe right up to the main drain (again). Rang the Insurance Company - "Read the small print - only responsible up to the edge of the property". Now rapidly losing temper. Neighbour whinging on as if it was my fault ! We then get a formal letter from - guess who ? The Water Board - "It has come to our attention that the sewage outlet pipe from your property is damaged - Under law it is your responsibility to maintain it - It will require replacement as you have not got the correct standard of pipe fitted (tried to explain that the pipe WAS the standard when the house was built - to no avail!) Also as it will require digging up the road only the specialist contractors the Board has certified can carry out the repair. Please contact "Nabitt and Scewt" our authorised contractors ! - Heavy sighs - they send out survey team and cost will be near enough 5 grand !
Spoke to neighbours and they will pay half - Was trying to borrow our half when Mother in Law (God Bless her) came up with the necessary. Eventually team arrive - work one day - leave "Things" sticking up out of the trap and one empty tea mug ? - Several days pass - Ring the company "Oy where's me repair man? Sorry - he was taken off to hospital and won't be back for some time. Only got one team then says I - "Yes" says they - Will get a team from another area when we can - upshot being it was some days (and the trap was filling up again!) before the new lot arrived - was at work so did not see the results at the time. Came home - large new patch of tarmac in road - trap re-fitted and all right with the world . Since then the Company have sent us back a cheque for thirty some odd quid as we over paid !! - The lorries have continued to queue up down the road - and I have now noticed "Dyno rod" type vans further down the road - so I think there is more to come - Today I notice the road repairers are down the street and putting new tarmac down - and guess what ? the patch put in by the drain people has been "chalked " for repair already !
God Help us
Mog

Sewage Woe

We used to live in a very nice, quiet, residential neighbourhood. Our house was built on the corner of an enormous plot by the owner of the plot who just happened to be a builder!. So, last year he decided to sell his entire plot getting planning permission for a development of 23 bijou dwellings (2 to 4 bed executive houses!) He published the planning permission on page 34 of the Asian pig breeders gazette (american edition) or some such well read publication !! So the first thing we know about it is the arrival of several huge trucks containing demolition equipment totalling blocking the road ! Most neighbours turn out to see these behemoths and try to tell them this is the wrong road - No they say - order to demolish dwelling at no 40 and clear plot prior to building !!! Cue a vast parade of 38 ton lorries - We happen to share a drain with the neighbours - with the main traps on our drive. One Morning Her next door bangs on our front door (door bell disconnected to stop dogs barking house down) "Did you know that the drain is blocked and the sewage is now 3/4 up the trap in the drive" Says she. We go and inspect trap - and sure enough "S---t" almost to the top. Out with the drain rods. Poke poke poke - gurgling sounds but no "whoosh" of emptying drain trap! Go indoors and find insurance policy. Ring them and sure enough - for once a straight answer (Ho Ho) - Man with gear will be out shortly (don't call me Shortly !! - sorry wrong film!) Main in bright orange van arrives and wheels out all sorts of gear including tv scanner - Go indoors to make tea for said man - Go out clutching mug (with three sugars mate) and find him packing gear. Slurping tea he exclaims "Rodded right out to the edge of your property mate - even went 3 feet out into road" "and" says I for want of witty reply "Well that's all the insurance covers, the blockage is not on your property, so that's all I can do" "Great" says I - "Now what" - "Ring Water Board" Says he - looks like their problem". Soooooo ring water board - "Will have to charge you £60.00 for call out fee" Says they. Sewage now rising to within 3 inches of top of trap and smelling not unlike the bogs in the local pub ?? "Send them soonest please" says I - negotiating with the next door neighbour who promises to pay half bill. Enter White van man with similar equipment to man in orange van (are they in league ??) Unpacks gear and rods, jets and shoves away. "Definite blockage there Sir"(more polite than orange van man - obviously cause I got to pay him) At this point yet another convoy of 38 tonners turn up for what has now become the noisiest building site in Christendom. "Ah", says he "That's the problem" pointing at the trucks ! "When your houses were built they used a Fibre type pipe, as this sort of traffic was not expected" "No" says I - "We didn't expect it either !!" "What has happened is that the lorries have compacted the road and the pipe has literally become squashed" "What now ?" says I "Best you ring Water Board again, and that's £60.00 before you forget!" he says . Ring water Board - tell them that the blockage is out in the middle of the road - not on my property. Now this is where it gets downright bloody annoying. "Did you not read the small print on the documents when the drains were put in ?" "No, I bought the house second hand !!" "Ah - the fibre pipe was the one specified by the Water Board when the house was built, but specs have changed since due to the fact that heavy traffic can cause the pipes to fail" = "Rightamundo" says I, We got 38 tons trucks arriving by the minute here - "What steps do you intend to take" ('kin great ones in the direction of Jerusalem - sorry wrong joke again!) "Ah", again says official - "Read small print again - You are responsible for the pipe right out to the main drain - which is on the far side of the road"
more tomorrow !!"
cheers
Mog

Raincoats for dogs

Continuing the Wimp dog theme - We bought him a "Doggie Raincoat" when we first had him stripped (removal of excess hair) for show purposes - Was too big for him then - will dig it out and try and get him into it - will take a piccy and publish - that will embarass the littke sod
cheers
mog

That will teach me !!

Having just blogged about the small sod dog - saying what a brave, courageous, and dumb! sort of dog he is - It was raining this morning. He woke up at his usual time of 0530 ish and began his morning "I wan't to go out chorus" - interspersed with "I WILL PEE ON THE FLOOR IF YOU DON'T GET UP AND LET ME OUT RIGHT NOW", whines and very sharp barks. Groans from the other side of the bed (She who must be obeyed will NOT get up and take him out in the morning !) Staggered down stairs in dressing gown - meaning to just take him out to the end of the drive for a pee - pulled curtain from across door and = lo and behold its either persistently raining or hissing down (to quote another euphemism!) - harnessed him up and opened front door - he peers out and digs feet in "IM NOT GOING OUT THERE - ITS RAINING" You are a brave and stupid Border Terrier -all the other ones I've ever seen delight in getting wet and muddy - says I - NOT GOING says he ! Listen small sod dog - I'm in my dressing gown and I am going out - look - end up dragging him out of door - he hugs side of house and pees quickly, turns round and paws at front door - THE BLEEDIN DOG'S A WIMP !
After a quick towelling down he regains normal humour and sits in front of the Patio doors watching the birds on the feeders and jumping up and swearing at them. - Opened door and he shot out in the rain ! Too interested in chasing birds round patio to realise it's still raining. Birds fly off (as they do) and the little light bulb appears above his head "DING" looks up - gets rain on face and obviously thinks - "This ain't too bad" and nonchalantly strolls back in ! However he did not really want to go out for his morning walk after brekkies - So still not sure ??
cheers
mog

Small Sod Dog

We are the proud owners of a small and pugnacious little dog ! A Border Terrier ! - As can be immediately guessed from the name the breed originated from the English/Scottish Border country. The breed were originally to follow horses out hunting and follow the quarry to its lair - keeping it there and indicating its presence to allow the hunters to catch up and do the business ! Flashy (pet name given to him as he has a small white flash on his chest) - AKA "small sod dog" (not so pet name - as in "What the hell has that small sod dog done now !!!")or to give him his full title "Glebeheath Robin the hood" Has no idea that he is only 18 inches tall and about 15lbs (approx 7 kilos) soaking wet - which he usually is ! He is convinved that he is a fully grown Grizzly Bear - albeit in a very small suit. He is quite gregarious and likes other dogs of his own sort of size - but show him your Rottweiler, Ridgeback, Great Dane etc and he raises himself to his full height and starts shouting the canine equivalent of "Let me at him, I'll soon sor him out" Most owners think this is cute behaviour (But believe me - he is deadly serious and we have to drag him away kicking and swearing - and that's just me !!) I've tried talking to him, showing him how big he is in the mirror but he don't believe me either - The only way to dissuade him is the other great Border Terrier trait - Food ! - They have only two real cogs in their brains one to "attack mode" and the other to stomach ! So you have to bribe him with "Scrunchies" - sure enough that attracts his attention long enough for the 2 stone Akita to escape with its life ! - His is a "Small Sod Dog" but we love him to death !!

There is no Dog !!

Before descending back in to the doom and gloom of the last year ! I noticed on the "header picture" of me blog, if you look carefully you can see the back feet of our old cross breed "Cecelia" ! After our German Shepherd Shadow (AKA Darth Vadog!) died, Cecelia was happy to be an only dog and was really relaxed and laid back. She who must be obeyed does not like to have just one dog as she thinks it will be lonely ? (No sign of this I could see with Cecelia - AKA "Waltzing Matildog") So after much thought we decided on a Border Terrier. The reasoning being that they are small dogs - good for caravanning. Bright and cheerful sorts - have seen many of them whilst we were up in the Dales etc., leaping about all wet and filthy and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Sooooo! we went to a Border Terrier Dog show - with the idea of "just looking" (fat chance) and came away contracted to buy "Flashy" AKA "Small Sod Dog. Anyway - to get to the point (as Ronnie Corbett always says!!) We get him home and introduce him to Cecelia and she then imitated Merlin's Owl in the cartoon Disney "Sword in the Stone"
(Who insisted "There is no Boy") Cecelia insisted "there is no dog" and totally ignored Flashy for some time - until pushy little bugger that he is - he kept jumping on her till she "put him in his place" - Lovely photo - if I can figure out how to put it in ! - Anyway (again to the point!) that's why you can only see Cecelia's feet in the header photo
So there !!
cheers
mog

Civvies ?

It takes longer to adjust than you realize. For the first few months I just sat about and became a vegetable. We had enough in the bank to be able to caravan to our hearts content and became "ralliers" most weekends - a change from having to carefully plan which ones to go to due to working week ends - she who must be obeyed had a Monday - Friday 9 to 5 job (finish at lunchtime on Friday) It was really nice to be able to book up a site for Christmas and New year too. I have never really had any thoughts or regrets about leaving the job - just an overwhelming sense of relief !! Having been a member of the local Golf Club for some years I joined the "Seniors" Section and played golf on Tuesdays and Thursdays - really nice bunch of guys, I even bought one of those electric trollies.! Slowly unravelling into the sunset years !

Cheers
Mog

The times they are a changing

Having got very depressed I took some sick leave and went off with she who must be obeyed, in the caravan. At this point I was not using the "pump" to control the sleep aponea and not using the puffers to control the asthma either - in short I was a real mess. This all came together when we were at Stowford Meadows in Devon (near Ilfracombe) I got extremely short of breath, and even passed out, as I was at this point afraid to sleep (in case I didn't wake up). We went to a very good local doctor who sorted the problems with the asthma which helped to sort out the sleep problem which also helped with the depression. Realising that this could not really go on as I had been off work for a couple of months and was not really concentrating on it when I was there ! I spoke to the Boss and decided to retire. So after 30 years with Thames Valley Police, and before that 12 years in the Army, I found my self unemployed for the very first time !! The relief was immense - All the weight of the world removed from my shoulders
For the first time I felt free. No uniforms, no 12 hour shifts, no having to do personnel reports, and be polite to an awful lot of people I didn't really like or respect in some cases - Look out Golf course hereI come !!
Cheers
mog

Return of the Mog

Very long and involved story ! Short version - decided whilst on hodilades in Norfolk that having got old and embittered and feeling very "gray" about life decided that enough was enough and retired in September '06. Couldn't face the computer to blog and try and explain that I was not only tired but dispirited etc., etc., so feeling sorry for myself gave it all a miss!
Got back on line today and found my web browser had changed ?? Thought Google was fairly standard ?? However one of the new "tags" was a blog searcher ! - logged on and had a quick look at Scary and my boyfriend is a twat (my erstwhile favourites) still going strong - Found my old blog and thought - "Can't be doing with this" I've escaped the Pigeon loft so I'll start again - slowly at first just to get my feet wet ! - So here we are again
xx
no longer quite so Mystic
mog