Thoughts – Page 5

Brothers Memorial Day

My dear brother John succumbed to the “Bastard” that is Cancer ten years ago.

He was a lovely guy, fun to be with and the family compared him to a character who used to be on UK television called “Arthur Daley”. Anyone who knew that character would know why we made the comparison with John, as he’d be involved in everything all totally Kosher of course….cough,cough.

A decision was made at his wake that we’d have a family day, once a year at one of his favourite spots, Cassiobury park in Watford. And yesterday was the tenth anniversary meeting, it was a lovely day, however the weather didn’t really behave itself. Despite Watford have plus 30 degree days for getting on for a week now, yesterday the rain decided to hit in near biblical quantities. But did it dampen the day? No, we all had a great time and it was great to see everyone.

I lived for 54 years in Watford and never really liked the place, I really dislike going there but sometimes you just do what you have to do. It’s no big sacrifice is it? But there is no doubt about it that the park at Cassiobury is one of the finest, most beautiful public spaces I have ever visited in this country, it really is a stunning well kept and huge piece of parkland that you really should visit if you are ever in the area.

The normal agenda is for us all to meet at a local hotel and then wander off to the park with a picnic, seats and numerous bats, balls, frisbees and whatever, to have a good afternoon of laughter and sporting activity, that normally results in aches, pains and strains for the older participants that I can truly relate to as I write this post this morning.

There were 21 of us on this on this occasion, from all around the country, Southampton, Leeds, Wales and everywhere else in between. It really was a superb turnout and just shows how much John was loved.

A good turnout, the weather held out for a while

I often like to have a wander, and as I previously stated it’s a massive park and deserves to be explored so here are a few pics to show it off

About 5pm the weather was drawing in and we decided to move out of the park, however we weren’t quick enough, the rain hit – heavy, and we were caught out. Thankfully we had some umbrellas ☔️ and we made our way back towards the hotel. Myself and my wife were bringing up the rear and we stopped under a tree, in the park and just watched the rain. It was beautiful, a calm and lovely moment in a world of total chaos, the only two people in our own little world, it was just one of those photographic moments that your mind creates for future reference.

The rain hit, and created a beautiful memory

Back to the hotel to dry off, and then we were out to a local eatery for a meal, 21 people into a restaurant is a feat of organisation itself, and thanks go to the ladies in the group for doing that without a hitch.

We left Watford about 10pm for a drive back to the East Midlands, we said our goodbyes, made arrangement for a couple of other gatherings that are on the horizon, and had probably our best run home up the motorway that we’d had in many a year.

A superb day was had by all, it reminds me of a picture that was displayed at Johns funeral that made everyone laugh.

Sums him up perfectly and had everyone who knew him smiling and grinning whilst nodding in agreement. It was him. And this is how we remember him.

We have a date for next years gathering, and I can’t wait.

Memories, there is nothing like creating wonderful memories. People may physically be gone from our lives, but they are never, ever, forgotten.

Thanks for reading. Have a super day.

Monopoly, darts and cards

What’s your favorite game (card, board, video, etc.)? Why?

For me my favourite board game has always been Monopoly. Over the years I have had numerous versions and this is what I like about the game, it has developed and changed with time.

The old original game will always be the best version, but I like how the makers have also created regional versions or versions that use a credit card payment system, there are so many versions out there.

I currently have two versions at home and that is one based around the city of Leicester, as well as a version that incorporates electronic banking – yes you get your own credit card!

I know a lot of people don’t like this game just because the time it takes, and sometimes people get so frustrated with it that you often see them “flipping the board” in anger and frustration. We have none of that here and it has been known for the wife and I to have a game go on so long that we’ve stopped one evening to continue it the next day. It’s a game that the wife and I really enjoy. We’ve also both been known to play the online version, against others around the world with varying degrees of success.

Other games we really enjoy are plain old card games and a good session of darts in the garden “Pub”

Why do we enjoy it? Because it’s fun and a wonderful way to spend some quality time together, and to switch off from all the other nonsense going on in the world. It’s lovely at home when things are getting a bit hectic to just say, “Fancy a game of darts” and then off we go. It’s a great break from the norm and something else to give your attention to for a few hours. And who doesn’t like a bit of friendly rivalry?

I like games. They are a superb way to break the ice and relax. Something we all need in today’s manic world.

Have a super day 👍

Nikon 28-100mm AF Zoom Nikkor Lens G AF-D

What the listing stated:

Nikon Nikkor 28-100mm Zoom Auto Focus Lens F3.5-5.6 G

It will autofocus with: Df-D1-D1x-D1H-D2-D2x-D2xs-D3-D3x-D3S-D50-D70-D70s-D80-D90-D7000-D100-D200-D300-D300s-D600-D610-D700-D750-D780-D800-D810-D850-D7000-D7100-D7200-D7500 & Fuji S1, S2, S3,S5

This lens will not autofocus with : D40-D40x-D60-D3000-D3100-D3200-D3300-D3500-D3600-D5000-D5100-D5200-D5300-D5500-D5600 as these cameras do not have integrated autofocus motors in their bodies, but it will still work with manual focus and auto exposure as it has a “chip” mount.

It will also work Nikon 35mm AF film cameras: F80, F90/90x, F75, F70, F65, F60, F55, F50, F80, F90/90x, F101, F100, F401.

Comes with front / rear lens caps

EBay

Anyone that has followed my recent repair of the camera: Fujifilm Finepix S2 Pro will be aware that I purchased a lens as a test lens for working on some stock that required a Nikon mount. I went cheap and purchased a lens that was so badly affected with lens fungus that it will require a deep clean and some TLC. Anyway, it allowed me to test electrical contacts and all the menus, and that was about it, it served a purpose there, but taking a picture was like looking into a deep fog, it was hopeless. Anyway that lens is now set aside and will become one of those projects to dig into on a long winter evening…or two, or three.

As I have a number of Nikon based cameras needing assessment on the horizon, some with sensor issues, i have made the decision to pay a little more for some quality, from a company called AP photographic who specialise in quality used equipment, a company that is based close to where i used to live down in the south. This Lens has cost me £58:95GBP including postage, a fair but good price for some peace of mind. This post will not be a repair post as there is nothing wrong with this lens, it will be more of an assessment of the lens when used with the Fuji S2 pro i featured in a previous post.

Nikon Nikkor 28-100mm Zoom Auto Focus Lens F3.5-5.6

I’ve put this post up to show the difference in the pictures taken on the S2 with both the old lens as well as this lens. I think the results will show quite a noticeable contrast and confirm just how restrictive a lens is when it is infected with a fungus problem.

Assessment:

The lens arrived within a couple of days and is in perfect condition. It has a lens cap and bayonet cap so is perfectly protected against dust dirt and damage from foreign objects. And when the lens cover is removed there is another little surprise, a post it note saying “Filter is a free gift” that just happens to be attached to a daylight filter. Nice little touch 👌

Lens is a perfect fit, no aperture ring on it as it is fully automatic, full autofocus. I’m not sure how the flash will work with this lens though when I use the Fuji S2 Pro, as that body works best with a fully closed lens aperture, but I’m sure I’ll be able to work it all out and get it functioning as it should. And I did, i played with the Aperture settings in “A” mode and it works just fine. It’s faultless.

That said on the S2 it not only looks good, it takes good pictures. Compared to the lens I last used this one is crystal clear, not a bit of fungus no aberrations and not a speck of dirt. This is a good lens and will serve me well for the purpose of testing other equipment I have awaiting attention. I think I’ve purchased a good example here.

Result:

I can confirm that the Fuji S2 Pro does not have a thing wrong with it and is working perfectly. All modes, all conditions are performed just as they should be. This lens is gorgeous as it is so clear and has been so well looked after. I believe this whole unit will be the one I wander about with when i go out on my walks. I can’t wait to take some serious photos to post.

A quick comparison fungus lens v clear lens as seen on the camera LCD screen

I took some pictures just randomly around the home setting with the old lens to show how foggy things were with the lens fungus. I have tried to take some more photos of the same locations with the new lens as well to just show how they compare and these can be seen in the pictures grouped below.

Before and after pictures, what a difference the fungus has had on the results.

All these pictures are on an old CF card so it is a bit of a palaver to get them on to new technology, but it is doable, it just takes a little time, and this gadget allows me to load numerous card types even the CF cards direct to my iPhone via a lightning connector. It also has a USB-C connector for other phones. It works really well as you can see in all the pictures in this post.

Multiple media cards direct to my iPhone

And below are a few random photos taken on the S2, it has a good black and white mode but is quite heavy on contrast. Post editing would probably be recommended, but to be honest I really love its moody appearance.

4 random photos in and around the house. And Tabs the feral cat popped by

This camera and this lens have proved fantastic. I know you can get far superior picture sizes and quality on a basic mobile phone, but where the heck is the fun in that? This camera cost me £8:00GBP. Just £8:00. And it is a superb camera that will be going on many trips with me as I just love it and how it looks. I now know it intimately after reading up on it and testing it, and cannot wait to put that knowledge to use.

Cameras are better than mobile phones. Old ones like this are fun, and an absolute privilege to use. It’s not all about the Megapixels, just remember these old cameras were the ones taking high quality professional pictures back in their day. Just because time moves on, and just like an elderly old lady or gentleman, they should not be discarded because they no longer serve a purpose. Respect the older technology, learn from it and you will ultimately become a wiser person yourself. Oldies rule! Never forget it. 👊

Thank you so much for passing by. It’s always very much appreciated.

A trusted and loyal companion

Dogs or cats?

I must admit my wife and I have been loyal supporters of the dog breed of “Bichon-frise”, for the last 35 years, basically all of our married life. My wife and I first came across this beautiful breed of dog when we were first holidaying in Devonshire way back in the late 80s early 90s.

We were living in a small one bedroomed flat, and as a result of not being able to have children, we were looking at another option of being able to give love and attention to an animal that required our unwavering care. And to top it all this breed did not moult, it was kind of hypo allergenic and that was good as the last thing you want in a small home are loads of dog hairs, oh, and it would also be beneficial to my asthmatic conditions. It’s true to say we really did our homework before getting our first dog.

We’ve had three of this breed accompanying us throughout our married life, Muffin, Digger and Alfie and they were all such beautiful little souls with such wonderful characteristics, each one different from each other but such wonderful company. We lost Alf about 11 months back due to illness and we still miss him so much, it’s raw. Is there a cure for a broken heart 💔

So in theory we are very much dog people. However….

When we purchased our current home we also inherited a Feral cat that we have named “Tabs”. Tabs was in all the original sale pictures but no one owned her, we brought her property and she still lives out there and guards it with an intensity that only ferals have. We were worried about how she’d get on with Alf, but he was so soft that they developed a lovely friendship, they got on so well.

Tabs remains to this day, she still patrols her domain and allows us to live there. She’s fed and watered daily and is a major feature of our home now. We love her and remain very supportive of her, and are always worried for her welfare when she disappears for a day or two. But she knows we will always feed her so she is never gone long.

So we are also cat people. But for me it’s at a distance…as I’m allergic to them.

It doesn’t matter what you prefer to be honest, they all crave our love and attention and will always give you the same in return unconditionally. They deserve our love and we all become better people for having an animal to care for. It always amazes me how creatures from different species can become so dependent upon each other.

Pity some humans can’t treat those in their own species the same way.

Have a wonderful day.

Losing track of time

Which activities make you lose track of time?

There is no doubt about it, that when I get involved in anything, one thing is guaranteed and that is, that you are going to get nothing but a full commitment of time and attention from me.

My main problem is that sometimes I immerse myself so deep that I sometimes struggle to get back out of the situation. Sometimes it maybe just be a helping hand that is needed and not a full scale immersion, and that’s where I sometimes struggle to find the fine line, it’s a personal issue I have always had.

I’ve learned a few harsh lessons in the past where a helping hand was all that was needed. The people I have been helping were either more than capable at completing the task, or had people with them that would have benefited more from participating in the task, rather than having me jump in and take over. I think I have become more aware of this now and even though I always wish to see a task through to its conclusion, I reluctantly stand by and am instead happy to offer advice if necessary. I just find it hard to take that step back occasionally.

I’m generally a busy person, just of my own making. I may not appear busy to the person passing by, however my brain is in overdrive keeping me busy or working something out within.

So in conclusion I’d say that pretty much all activities make me lose track of time. In some people that would probably make them bad timekeepers I’d guess, however that is again a problem I do not have. I like to help, though I guess my help may not always be appreciated, I just like to get involved, and I can be relied on to be there on time.

It must be horrible to have a wasted lazy lifestyle, however I do appreciate this is not the way everyone operates.

Maybe I need to lose track of time more often, just taking it easy. But hey, that’s just not me I’m afraid.

Have a super successful day folks

WP bothers me today

What bothers you and why?

At the moment, the only thing Bothering me is WP. When I view my site in mobile mode it has gone all skewiffed with the photos looking mahoosive. Only happened in the last 24hrs but all they can say is, “We haven’t done anything?” You most definitely have as my settings have pretty much remained the same since I started this site.

C’mon, be fair, you know you have tampered with things.

I suspect an app update is on the horizon, but they haven’t done anything wrong!

We’ll take yer money, we will tamper with your settings, and deny all knowledge. But we still want yer money you weedy little peasant.

And this evening I was on a chat forum to talk to a specialist for nearly two hours, well it was mainly an AI bot, when the questions I asked got too difficult I was handed over to someone at WP who after another hour did not even answer back. I ask you, I pay good money to this bunch of arses who just couldn’t give a toss about you.

In the end, i sorted it myself. Yes it was their issue and i had to reinstall their crappy app, that the latest update had corrupted.

Edit:

Two days later they come back to me, telling me they have viewed my site and there seems to be nothing wrong with it.

I reply back simply, “I know, because I fixed it”

The reply to that was quite amazing,”Excellent that you fixed your issues with your site, if there is anything else we can help you with in the future, then please reach out to us”

Please pass me that sick bucket 🤮

Have a good day y’all

What a beautiful noise..

Just as Neil Diamond serenaded us in 1976 in the middle of a summer heatwave, it was the first song that came to my head when I awoke around 06:30 this morning.

It was raining. The UK, or at least our little bit of it up here in the East Midlands has been under heatwave conditions for a few weeks now. We haven’t seen a good rainfall for a couple of months now, only the occasional spot of rain, but not sufficient to fill a hollow tooth….of a mouse.

It has been proper raining today, and it reminds me that in one of the upper gutter systems i have a joint that needs attention as it leaks a constant metronomic amount of water on to the downstairs conservatory roof, giving a constant, tap, tap, tap that is somewhat comforting to listen to. My water collection butts around the house are all nicely filling as a result with good fresh water that the plants and baskets love and crave.

It’s a beautiful sound.

I know there are parts of the world that probably only hear or feel this kind of weather on very rare occasions, and for those people, when it does finally arrive it must be super special and spectacular.

But they manage.

Where as here in the Uk or any other part of the so called developed western world, a week without rain and the whole nation starts to panic, water companies that are ripping us off with their inflated prices are telling us to cut down, and then the nanny state kicks in with its list of things you must and mustn’t do. It’s crazy, we’re in a crazy world.

But my part of that world just lays here quite content, I have my metronomic drip to comfort me, I have a cup of tea beside me, and my whole world lays beside me in a comfortable and cool slumber, totally unaware of the weather situation developing around us. She will be happy when she awakes. The plants are happy, the birds are content and for a brief moment the world is good.

Then the weather report comes up saying we are in for another heatwave next week. Oh well, that didn’t last long did it. A brief reprieve from the intense heat was nice, but I can’t complain at seeing the sun, as to be honest that will soon be gone and we will go through a long autumn and winter all praying for its swift return. We can’t have it all, can we?

But it is an absolutely beautiful noise isn’t it?

Have a super day, enjoy the rain, sun or whatever you have in your region. Just stay safe.

Pointless activities

This is another post based around the current circus that is the selling of our house.

The estate agent tourist fiasco goes on despite us telling the agent that no one comes into our house without having the available funds, or proof that their own house is on sale. I thought we’d finally broken through the thick skull of our agent when we had an appointment for one gentlemen on Monday earlier this week. The cameras on the house told a different story when 8 other people went traipsing through our property.

I have duly phoned the agent and burned him another asshole. I don’t think he will be sitting down for a while. But this seems to be the way it operates in the East Midlands, and I don’t like it, in fact I bloody hate it. These charlatans that hide under a cloak of professionalism will do anything to appease the viewer, rather than abide by the rules and instructions of the seller.

And then they have the cheek to send feedback a couple of days later. Why?

I’ve told them in the past to forget feedback. I’m not going to change anything because someone doesn’t like something. You want to change things? Buy the bloody house then and you can change everything. Totally pointless.

Feedback on house visits, about as pointless as the person who installs indicator units into BMW motor cars. They’re never used.

Apart from that life is extremely busy, all my work stuff is packed up so the tourists have a nice view of tidiness, and that’s why I have posted very little lately. I have a mahoosive back log of stuff but at the moment it’s a very much, I don’t give a hoot attitude as I take some well earned R&R.

Have a pleasant day, and don’t let the B***ards grind you down.

Thanks for that

How do you express your gratitude?

First, what does the dictionary say:

noun

the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Before all the posts start appearing from the do as I say but not as I do, positive thinking brigade, it’s a quite simple response to be honest.

As it says, it’s a “Quality “ and not everyone possesses that quality. A rapid change in mindset will normally suffice.

Just be appreciative of what you have whatever that may be, a loving relationship, maybe someone has done well or made you feel a million dollars, with just a simple compliment you pay them back. Just be appreciative. Use the words please and thank you a little more, it will always go a long way. And always offer assistance. Just be nice and stop being an asshole.

Simplistic attitudes prevent the negative outcomes.

Sermon ends.

Have a good day. Stay safe.

Weird names for businesses.

There’s a hairdressers that I drive past pretty much everyday whilst negotiating the traffic mess around the city of Leicester. I’m not knocking them, I wish them well and from what i can see, they do seem to have some high profile customers from the local community/football club. But whatever made them name their business Suez Canal barbers?

Anyone else have some strange names businesses in their area as I’d be interested to know?

This one caused me confusion when I moved to the area as I didn’t know whether I was getting a haircut or a chicken dinner.

Another Barbers shop, when I used to live in Watford, was a barbers called Bhatti Barbers. Nothing too sinister there as it was probably named after the owner

All the same it always made you look up and notice it, and maybe that’s the point of it all.

Have a pleasant day all. Take care.

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