and needless to say everyone is moaning about the heat. The Gorse Fox does find it wearisome that people make so much fuss over a few hot days. There is nothing you can do about the weather - so just get on with it and go about your life without moaning about things over which you have no control.
The football today was a case in point - plenty of players complaining about the heat. GF played two full sessions (8 games). It was about 26C, but certainly not a major risk of heat stroke. (It does put the Qatar World Cup into focus, however, with 50C temperatures).
Not sure how many games we won today, but seemed to do all right. More to GF's satisfaction, he felt he played well and lasted right through to the end, even though some were visibly slowing.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Accelerating
The Gorse Fox is pleased to see that his Infinity service has just been turned on and internet bandwidth has increased into the the mid-30 Mbps, and should stabilise over the next few days. It's nice to start getting a more acceptable throughput.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Just stuff
The Silver Vixen was out with a friend so GF and Jasper were left to their own devices. Jasper prowled for a bit, then went up to sleep through the day. Gorse Fox cleaned up some garden chairs ready for the weekend's soiree, and distributed some menus to all of the invitees. He then settled down to do some research - why was his Gbps LAN only running at 100Mbps? which powerline adapter is best? why can't he talk to his printer from his Macbook? and so forth.
He finished the day with calls to his little sister and another to Barney Rubble.
He finished the day with calls to his little sister and another to Barney Rubble.
Happy Birthday
The Gorse Fox wishes his little sister a very happy birthday. He hopes she has a wonderful day.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Who?
GF and the Silver Vixen are thoroughly enjoying The Who at Glastonbury from the comfort of the Orangery. GF has seen them live on several occasions, and the last time (at Wembley Pool, as it was called then) he took the Silver Vixen with him. It was the mid-70s and we were both deaf for several days afterwards.
Obviously Roger Daltrey's voice doesn't have the range or the power any more - but he does all right for a chap in his 70s. (Though he's missed most of the notes in Behind Blue Eyes)
Obviously Roger Daltrey's voice doesn't have the range or the power any more - but he does all right for a chap in his 70s. (Though he's missed most of the notes in Behind Blue Eyes)
Prep
Next weekend we have arranged a soiree for our neighbours. After today's brief air and distant air display, the Gorse Fox and Silver Vixen headed for the supermarkets to top up on paper napkins, cutlery and dinner plates. It was also a chance to compare prices. This proved interesting - Sainsburys were best for beer, but Tesco for wine. As they are opposite each other, there is no hardship involved in using both.
Whilst dinner was cooking, GF went round to the Indian and Chinese restaurants to get their menus. We are not catering next weekend - we are relying on delivery of take-aways. GF will distribute the menus in advance and collect the selections together to order in advance.
Whilst dinner was cooking, GF went round to the Indian and Chinese restaurants to get their menus. We are not catering next weekend - we are relying on delivery of take-aways. GF will distribute the menus in advance and collect the selections together to order in advance.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Display
This weekend sees Goodwood play host to the Festival of Speed. This is great for the area, bringing in lots of revenue and visitors. It does mean, however, that the main east-west route becomes a no-go area for several hours in the morning and in the evening. For the Gorse Fox and Silver Vixen the main impact is the ability to stroll out to the front of the house and watch the air display from the Red Arrows whilst chatting to the other neighbours. The chat continued long after the Red Arrows had gone and we almost jumped from our skins when two Tornados flew very low and very fast over the house in close formation.
The Urban-cub came over to see us, brief us on her first week at Gatwick, and show her new car. She is obviously loving the job and has lots of studying to do in order to get through her various certifications. It certainly sounds very interesting and we suspect that she will be in her element once she is let loose on the public! Her car looks very nice also - though she is still struggling with many of the features.
The Urban-cub came over to see us, brief us on her first week at Gatwick, and show her new car. She is obviously loving the job and has lots of studying to do in order to get through her various certifications. It certainly sounds very interesting and we suspect that she will be in her element once she is let loose on the public! Her car looks very nice also - though she is still struggling with many of the features.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Hub bub
The new BT Hub arrived (as did the TV decoder). GF took his magnetic frame down from the media cupboard and unclipped the relevant cables and the old hub. Then, with the help of the jigsaw, made a few minor mods to the peg-board then started to put everything back. Cable ties were tightened and snipped, the new hub was in place and switched on.
GF then went round all the various devices in the house resetting their WiFi settings. Everything is up and running again and with luck the Infinity service will commence on Tuesday and we'll be moved into the fast lane.
GF then went round all the various devices in the house resetting their WiFi settings. Everything is up and running again and with luck the Infinity service will commence on Tuesday and we'll be moved into the fast lane.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Result
The travel agency got back to the Gorse Fox. Despite all of the internet claims of best prices - they have managed to book the same flights and the same hotel with all of the same parameters and offer it to us for a couple of hundred pounds less than the GF had expected. This is a good result as it has not only saved us money, but gives us cover if there are any unforeseen problems. Oh yes, and it looks like we will be flying in the A380 super Airbus. It seems a bit early to get excited, but let's just say that the Gorse Fox is animated.
Worrying
It is always a bit worrying when you have contacted BT to change or upgrade your service and on the day before the equipment is scheduled to arrive, three Openreach vans turn up outside. The Gorse Fox's curiosity got the better of him and he went out to ask what was going on. It turns out that they have a job on the development laying services to new builds, but the location isn't clear and they are just parking up whilst contacting their schedulers to get details.
GF sighs with relief.
GF sighs with relief.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Better and better
The football this morning was much better. It was quite warm and GF managed to work up quite a lather. He defended well and his passing was back on target again. After an hour it was honours-even at 5-5.
Gorse Fox was amused by a new player. He arrived early and introduced himself and went on to explain that he was going to "give it a try" but suspected it wouldn't suit him as he was "still quite fit". GF grinned and wondered what his assessment would be at the end.
By half time, he was gasping for breath and asking to go in goal for the second half. At the end he was bright red, sweating profusely, and wondering what had just happened. A lesson, perhaps, for anyone that thinks walking football is a gentle, pedestrian, pass time.
Back home, GF got back to plans for the Thailand trip. Having done all the basic research he called the agents that he has used in the past. The same agent was there that he dealt with two years ago. GF gave him the parameters and asked if he could equal them - or at least come close. GF would prefer to use the agency as it gives some degree of cover should anything crop up. (Like a delay due to volcanic activity - which is what happened during our first trip in 2010). We await his response.
Gorse Fox was amused by a new player. He arrived early and introduced himself and went on to explain that he was going to "give it a try" but suspected it wouldn't suit him as he was "still quite fit". GF grinned and wondered what his assessment would be at the end.
By half time, he was gasping for breath and asking to go in goal for the second half. At the end he was bright red, sweating profusely, and wondering what had just happened. A lesson, perhaps, for anyone that thinks walking football is a gentle, pedestrian, pass time.
Back home, GF got back to plans for the Thailand trip. Having done all the basic research he called the agents that he has used in the past. The same agent was there that he dealt with two years ago. GF gave him the parameters and asked if he could equal them - or at least come close. GF would prefer to use the agency as it gives some degree of cover should anything crop up. (Like a delay due to volcanic activity - which is what happened during our first trip in 2010). We await his response.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Plans
The football was fairly intense this morning; GF was not at his best. Though he defended well, his passing and shooting were off target for most of the games.
Back home, GF spent the whole afternoon buried in spreadsheet and analysing the various options available for a holiday in Thailand later in the year. Flights look pretty straightforward, car rental looks easy enough and quite reasonable. The real issue is getting the right accommodation. Do we choose an hotel, or a villa of some description?
We have looked at The Houben an the Rawi Warin - there's little difference in price - but one is closer to Cousteau-cub. GF is also looking into the villas that are available... and should we look at 2 weeks or 3. At this point three weeks looks the favourite.
Back home, GF spent the whole afternoon buried in spreadsheet and analysing the various options available for a holiday in Thailand later in the year. Flights look pretty straightforward, car rental looks easy enough and quite reasonable. The real issue is getting the right accommodation. Do we choose an hotel, or a villa of some description?
We have looked at The Houben an the Rawi Warin - there's little difference in price - but one is closer to Cousteau-cub. GF is also looking into the villas that are available... and should we look at 2 weeks or 3. At this point three weeks looks the favourite.
Monday, June 22, 2015
More digging
The Silver Vixen was out for the day. The Gorse Fox spent most of the day with his genealogical research. Now he is delving into the Silver Vixen's maternal line. What was very clear, again, was how amateur much of the online research has been. As the GF digs through online records he finds one anomaly after another - and researcher claiming ancestors that clearly do not fit their family parameters. GF now has over 1600 people in the family tree - and includes nobody unless there is documentary proof of their relationship.
Urban-cub called to tell us all about her first day on the new job. It certainly sounds as if she is excited and her induction is clearly quite thorough. The only cloud on her horizon was the fact she couldn't pick up the new car today as the money hadn't come through - but that should be ok tomorrow.
Urban-cub called to tell us all about her first day on the new job. It certainly sounds as if she is excited and her induction is clearly quite thorough. The only cloud on her horizon was the fact she couldn't pick up the new car today as the money hadn't come through - but that should be ok tomorrow.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
More digging
There was no football today - we didn't have sufficient numbers due to various other commitments. The Gorse Fox made the most of the time delving further into the family history. He has now re-directed his efforts at the Silver Vixen's maternal line.
After lots of digging and mining through the data, it became clear (once again) that you can't always rely on the information that you have been given - even by those who should remember. It was soon evident that the GF had information about Thomas, but the information matched that gleaned from the records for Richard. Indeed, there are no records for Thomas. This meant a lot of data had to be shifted around to ensure everything is now correct.
Mid afternoon GF was delighted to get a video-call from Cousteau-cub. She had been out diving; indeed she is getting a lot of diving at present as the only underwater photographer currently on the island. She has acquired a new puppy, so is a bit sleep-deprived at the moment. Then, to complete the set, Urban-cub popped in also. GF had spoken to her this morning, but not expected to see her until tomorrow. So that was a nice surprise.
Hay fever is a bit troublesome today.
After lots of digging and mining through the data, it became clear (once again) that you can't always rely on the information that you have been given - even by those who should remember. It was soon evident that the GF had information about Thomas, but the information matched that gleaned from the records for Richard. Indeed, there are no records for Thomas. This meant a lot of data had to be shifted around to ensure everything is now correct.
Mid afternoon GF was delighted to get a video-call from Cousteau-cub. She had been out diving; indeed she is getting a lot of diving at present as the only underwater photographer currently on the island. She has acquired a new puppy, so is a bit sleep-deprived at the moment. Then, to complete the set, Urban-cub popped in also. GF had spoken to her this morning, but not expected to see her until tomorrow. So that was a nice surprise.
Hay fever is a bit troublesome today.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Roots
Most of today was spent buried in roots. For the Silver Vixen, this was planting up some of the plants she had bought for the planters out the front. For the Gorse Fox, it was family tree research and writing.
Out the front the Silver Vixen chatted with a neighbour, who had had a recent scare when her husband had a fit of some type. Ambulances were called and he was taken to hospital for a check-up. It was a bit of a shock, but he seems all right now - though cannot drive for a year. He seemed quite sanguine about it - despite having to cancel a cruise scheduled to depart this weekend.
Gorse Fox continued his research and came across Speculum Gregis. This is an account of the inhabitants of the village of Croydon-cum-Clopton in Cambridgeshire, the village from whence his mother's maternal line hail. The account was written by the Rev. Fulford who became vicar for the village in 1841. This was a very useful source, providing a further insight into the ancestors... which, on that side of the family, have now been driven back to the 1720s or 1730s (some 11 or 12 generations).
Having completed a draft of his write-up on that part of the family, Gorse Fox passed it on to various cousins for comment and additional information. He eagerly awaits any new data.
Out the front the Silver Vixen chatted with a neighbour, who had had a recent scare when her husband had a fit of some type. Ambulances were called and he was taken to hospital for a check-up. It was a bit of a shock, but he seems all right now - though cannot drive for a year. He seemed quite sanguine about it - despite having to cancel a cruise scheduled to depart this weekend.
Gorse Fox continued his research and came across Speculum Gregis. This is an account of the inhabitants of the village of Croydon-cum-Clopton in Cambridgeshire, the village from whence his mother's maternal line hail. The account was written by the Rev. Fulford who became vicar for the village in 1841. This was a very useful source, providing a further insight into the ancestors... which, on that side of the family, have now been driven back to the 1720s or 1730s (some 11 or 12 generations).
Having completed a draft of his write-up on that part of the family, Gorse Fox passed it on to various cousins for comment and additional information. He eagerly awaits any new data.
Retirement Lunch
A taxi to the station and the two-hour trek to London formed the opening act of a very nice day. Arriving in London and making our way to Covent Garden we sat and had a coffee and tried to warm up a bit - the temperature was noticeably cooler than it had been back home.
We moved on to Maxwell’s in James Street and sat at the bar to await the arrival of the various invitees. GF’s old manager arrived (which was good as he was picking up the bill), Simon, the Mighty Atom, Deep Blue, Jean-Luc Picard, Nick, and Applecore-Phil. The following couple of hours were spent chatting, reminiscing and being reminded why retirement has no regrets. Well, none other than the fact that Gorse Fox so rarely sees these old friends. As the meal was drawing to an end the Abbot arrived and joined us for a drink (he had been involved in a recruitment event and couldn’t get away earlier).
A splendid lunch, good friends, and a good chin-wag.
When we left we decided whether to hang around or head home, and being Friday (with the legendary risks of Friday-disruption to trains) we headed back to the station. It was an uneventful trip home, and we were in before seven.
Meanwhile, the Urban-cub, who starts her new job on Monday and has just had significant car problems arise, managed to negotiate the replacement of the car with a newer model (in exchange for some coin of the realm)… so she is a happy bunny, though unlikely to have the car until Monday evening.
Friday, June 19, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Speeding up
The morning, interrupted by the Ocado delivery, was spent working on the "Law" branch of GF's family tree. This now covers 11 generations and stretches back to the 1720s or 1730s. Most satisfying to get some decent updates done and with a little fiddling around he managed to reformat and rewrite a lot of the family story for that branch of the tree.
The doorbell rang. It was neighbour Ian. "I've just ordered BT Infinity" he started to explain. He had been checking daily and it has just been shown as available for our location. He started to explain further when Trudi interrupted to point out that they had just had a new grandchild delivered this morning. (Ian probably should have started with that bit of news).
GF phoned BT. Thirty minutes later he too had BT Infinity on order. Equipment should arrive next week, and service should commence on 30th June. It will be nice to leap from 3Mbps to nearly 40!
The doorbell rang. It was neighbour Ian. "I've just ordered BT Infinity" he started to explain. He had been checking daily and it has just been shown as available for our location. He started to explain further when Trudi interrupted to point out that they had just had a new grandchild delivered this morning. (Ian probably should have started with that bit of news).
GF phoned BT. Thirty minutes later he too had BT Infinity on order. Equipment should arrive next week, and service should commence on 30th June. It will be nice to leap from 3Mbps to nearly 40!
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Drinks
Nice football session this morning. Lots of players and great fun.
When GF got back he got round to a bit of yard-work as the Colonials call it. The strimmer tidied up all of edges and round the walls and fences and then the lawn mover took over. GF won't miss this little chore as he spent the following 60 minutes sneezing and rubbing his hay-fevered eyes.
Our neighbours, who have just had their garden landscaped by the same company we have contracted with, were eager to show us the finished garden. As it was such a lovely afternoon, we sat out on their patio chatting, discussing the planting, and drinking beer and tea. It was a very pleasant hour or so.
When GF got back he got round to a bit of yard-work as the Colonials call it. The strimmer tidied up all of edges and round the walls and fences and then the lawn mover took over. GF won't miss this little chore as he spent the following 60 minutes sneezing and rubbing his hay-fevered eyes.
Our neighbours, who have just had their garden landscaped by the same company we have contracted with, were eager to show us the finished garden. As it was such a lovely afternoon, we sat out on their patio chatting, discussing the planting, and drinking beer and tea. It was a very pleasant hour or so.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Tight
After six games of Walking Football this morning, the Gorse Fox's hamstring was beginning to feel tight so he sat out the last game, rather than chance another pull. Just proves the brain can overrule the heart - even for someone as competitive as the GF.
The Silver Vixen was out with he coven for the day, so GF had an afternoon looking into some new genealogical information received from cousins.
The Silver Vixen was out with he coven for the day, so GF had an afternoon looking into some new genealogical information received from cousins.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Friends
One of the great things about friends is the way in which time can go by between meetings and yet when you do meet, everything carries on as if you saw them yesterday. So it was with Mrs Tiggywinkle and Badger. They arrived late morning, came in sat down with some tea and biscuits and we seemed to pick up from where we left off last time we met.
Time whizzed by, and by mid-afternoon we headed off to have dinner with them. We went to The Old Stables at Fontwell. The food there is reliable and there is a good choice. Also, the restaurant is effectively on their route on to Winchelsea where they are staying for a couple of days before heading on to Waterloo for the anniversary of the eponymous battle.
Time whizzed by, and by mid-afternoon we headed off to have dinner with them. We went to The Old Stables at Fontwell. The food there is reliable and there is a good choice. Also, the restaurant is effectively on their route on to Winchelsea where they are staying for a couple of days before heading on to Waterloo for the anniversary of the eponymous battle.
Passing through and away
Looking forward to seeing Mrs Tiggywinkle and Badger today. They are en route from Somerset to Waterloo, and decided that a huge detour was in order to break the journey.
On a separate subject, GF heard last night that a dear cousin is in her last few days. She has received the Last Rites but is not expected to survive more than a few days. She was very instrumental in GF's late teenage years, introducing him to folk clubs, to Cream, The Doors, and the cutting edge music of the late 60s.
On a separate subject, GF heard last night that a dear cousin is in her last few days. She has received the Last Rites but is not expected to survive more than a few days. She was very instrumental in GF's late teenage years, introducing him to folk clubs, to Cream, The Doors, and the cutting edge music of the late 60s.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Cleaning up
The football went well this morning. Gf is slowly getting back into it after his lay-off. He still seems to lack power in his left leg. No doubt it will return with practice. The Gorse Fox was victim of a rule change today. After seeing a gap open up in front of him, he fired in a shot from the edge of his own goal area. The goal counted, but it was then decided that you had to be in the attacking half in order to score. Gf didn't score any more, but assisted several in our 9-7 win.
The Silver Vixen had got spring clean fever. GF got back to find her going through the house like a white tornado. He helped where he could with some shifting and washing... but knows that when in this mode it is best to make space.
GF chatted with Cousteau-cub this morning. Good to know all is well out there. He was explaining that a social evening with the neighbours is scheduled, and she pointed out that it was on GF's retirement-versary; one year to the day since he retired. What better excuse to have a bit of a do? So far all the neighbours are up for it... but there are still a couple GF hasn't had a chance to talk with.
The Silver Vixen had got spring clean fever. GF got back to find her going through the house like a white tornado. He helped where he could with some shifting and washing... but knows that when in this mode it is best to make space.
GF chatted with Cousteau-cub this morning. Good to know all is well out there. He was explaining that a social evening with the neighbours is scheduled, and she pointed out that it was on GF's retirement-versary; one year to the day since he retired. What better excuse to have a bit of a do? So far all the neighbours are up for it... but there are still a couple GF hasn't had a chance to talk with.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Text
The Silver Vixen finished her planting this morning - though further plants are required. Then after a quick change she was up and out to meet with a friend for some lunch and tea. The Gorse Fox has been left to his own devices. Jasper roams the corridors seeking the Silver Vixen. Jasper will have to wait.
The Gorse Fox has been working on the genealogy of the Law side of the family and working out how best to tell their story on the website. He has been digging out some additional photos that were not previously featured and ensuring they were all resized to provide some consistency in the way they were displayed. Links have been sent to a few cousins to see if there is anything that they can add (or, indeed, correct). Changes are hidden from the main site for now, but once the drafts have been checked, GF will move on to the next family.
The Gorse Fox has been working on the genealogy of the Law side of the family and working out how best to tell their story on the website. He has been digging out some additional photos that were not previously featured and ensuring they were all resized to provide some consistency in the way they were displayed. Links have been sent to a few cousins to see if there is anything that they can add (or, indeed, correct). Changes are hidden from the main site for now, but once the drafts have been checked, GF will move on to the next family.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Garden centres
With the slate laid in the front, it was time to get the plants, the compost, and the containers to complete the plan. Several hours later we had the compost and the containers and plant... we also had rain setting in. The Silver Vixen wasn't troubled. After a quick lunch she headed out and started the planting. It won't be finished until the morning, but is looking good already.
Got it
The Gorse Fox has tracked it down. It was there all along, but not visible. It appears that the Joomla editor can be configured as simple, advanced, or extended. GF's default setting was Advanced. Changing this to Extended revealed the cut/paste option he required.
Little victories.
Little victories.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Upgrade
A morning spent with the normal household admin and then some more work on the web site. The slight irritation he has is that when copying and pasting information into the web site editor, it seems to insist on inserting its own html. The GF wants the text copied, not the formatting. GF will have to experiment some more as it takes a long time to strip out all of the unwanted tags.
The formal gardens outside the house are looking particularly nice at the moment, but much of the afternoon was spent at the Nissan garage. The Silver Vixen's car was booked in for some diagnostic checks. After about thirty minutes the mechanic came to say that he would be installing two software upgrades - one to the engine management system, and one to the gearbox. It took a while for the code to be downloaded and installed, but eventually it was complete and GF headed home.
Our neighbour works repairs minor dings and dents in cars. He had noticed we had a tiny ding on the door where someone has clearly opened their door against us. He offered to fix it. Thirty minutes later, he had to postpone the work. It was clear that the ding was in a location that could be reached by any of his standard tools or jemmies. He resolved to make a new tool and try again next week. This seemed beyond the call of duty, and warranted a trip to the local pub as thank you.
Our neighbour works repairs minor dings and dents in cars. He had noticed we had a tiny ding on the door where someone has clearly opened their door against us. He offered to fix it. Thirty minutes later, he had to postpone the work. It was clear that the ding was in a location that could be reached by any of his standard tools or jemmies. He resolved to make a new tool and try again next week. This seemed beyond the call of duty, and warranted a trip to the local pub as thank you.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Slated
A win
We played, as laid out in the rules, 20 minutes each way. By the end of the game, Eastbourne were looking a bit weary and trying very hard to keep us from scoring into double figures. They managed. We ended up 8-0 winners.
Most satisfactory.
Tuesday, June 09, 2015
Keeping an eye on Jasper
Well, it seems that Jasper may be smarter than we thought - The Gorse Fox has discovered that he has started his own blog: The Journal of Gaspard le Chat
Hidden
The Gorse Fox and Silver Vixen had lunch planned. We were to meet up with the Hobbit and the lovely Lynda, and another couple from the old Starfleet days. It would be a lovely chance to catch up. The trouble was that whilst we were ready to go, Jasper (the cat) had disappeared. The door had been left open, and he had gone walkabout. We checked all his known hiding places in the house and round the garden. He was gone. Time was getting on, we had to go. We locked the back of the house, but left the Orangery door open so he could get back in. We left him water in case he was thirsty. Bases were covered.
We headed out, and despite the delay, arrived at The Thomas Lord in West Meon right on time. We then proceeded to enjoy three hours of exquisite company, chat, humour, and reminiscences whilst devouring a superb meal. It was such a pleasure to catch up, particularly as the hobbit has now left the Shire and is living on the West Coast of the one of the old colonies. We ranged through the living, the dead, the various locations we had been with Starfleet, the pleasure of retirement, music, family, football, ownership of (and by) cats, and everything in between. It was a joy.
We headed home. As we opened the door, Jasper was sitting there. Now, as he doesn't have a) an opposable thumb, or b) his own key, one can only conclude that he was inside all along. The trouble is that he has obviously found a new hiding place that haven't yet discovered. GF thinks he need to implant a transponder so he can be tracked by NASA or failing that, an iPhone.
We headed home. As we opened the door, Jasper was sitting there. Now, as he doesn't have a) an opposable thumb, or b) his own key, one can only conclude that he was inside all along. The trouble is that he has obviously found a new hiding place that haven't yet discovered. GF thinks he need to implant a transponder so he can be tracked by NASA or failing that, an iPhone.
Knock
A truck turned up with the slate chippings... and tomorrow they plan to spread the landscaping fabric and the slate.
At first GF was concerned that the slate chippings were the wrong colour (i.e. grey rather than plum) but once washed and compared to a neighbour's greay slate, it is clearer that the colour is right.
At least there is no more grass to mow at the front!
Monday, June 08, 2015
Cracked it
The Gorse Fox has finally cracked it... or perhaps he would be more accurate if he said he has finally understood it well enough that he can now use different templates for different parts of his genealogy web site. Now the problem he is facing is the selection or generation of a suitable set of alternative templates for the various sections. So many of the templates actually charge you for their use, and though there is a large selection of free templates, GF hasn't settled on any he likes.
GF has also been doing some admin regarding Wednesday's Walking Football Competition against Eastbourne. The third team has dropped out, so it's just the two of us - but GF still needed to check the venue was ready and the arrangements were confirmed with all parties.
GF has also been doing some admin regarding Wednesday's Walking Football Competition against Eastbourne. The third team has dropped out, so it's just the two of us - but GF still needed to check the venue was ready and the arrangements were confirmed with all parties.
Sunday, June 07, 2015
Slow start
GF was a bit slow to get started when the football kicked-off. He was still nursing his hamstring - not because it was sore, but he worried that he might tweak it. After about 10 minutes or so he began to relax and he started to enjoy the game much more. Though on the weaker team, we had a good couple of games, losing the first, but winning the second.
Back home the hamstring is a little hot, but seems all right.
GF is now watching the Eire vs England friendly... and reckons most of them would not get into our walking football team, the way they are playing today.
Back home the hamstring is a little hot, but seems all right.
GF is now watching the Eire vs England friendly... and reckons most of them would not get into our walking football team, the way they are playing today.
Saturday, June 06, 2015
Kit
Once the lawns had been attacked with the mower, Gorse Fox returned to the website changes. Finally, he had worked out what he wanted to do, but was still having problems working out how to switch the templates for different parts of the site. Most of the morning was spent working on that (and GF thinks he now has a solution, even if he hasn't actually tried it yet).
The Gorse Fox is looking forward to tomorrow's football. After ten days or so without a game, he is itching to get back into it. We heard that Arun DC has awarded us a grant of several hundred pounds. This should allow us to get our own kit (rather than continue to borrow Littlehampton's).
The Gorse Fox is looking forward to tomorrow's football. After ten days or so without a game, he is itching to get back into it. We heard that Arun DC has awarded us a grant of several hundred pounds. This should allow us to get our own kit (rather than continue to borrow Littlehampton's).
Friday, June 05, 2015
Changes
GF got an email to remind him that it was time to pay for another year of email services. No, no, no, not the Gmail service he uses, but an address he has had for years at usa.net. Reviewing its value and use, GF decided that it was time to let it go... and cancelled the account. This, however, had some knock-on effects.
Gorse Fox's apple account was based on the defunct address, as was his Facebook account. These needed to be reset and that was where the whole afternoon disappeared. It wasn't simple, there were rescue addresses to change, primary addresses to change and all the various automatic logins that are set on phones, tablets, and laptops.
GF also spent a couple of hours on YouTube refreshing his understanding of Joomla. He used it earlier to change his genealogy website, but it is time to start changing his own family website - and he needed to get back up to speed before he actually changed anything.
Gorse Fox's apple account was based on the defunct address, as was his Facebook account. These needed to be reset and that was where the whole afternoon disappeared. It wasn't simple, there were rescue addresses to change, primary addresses to change and all the various automatic logins that are set on phones, tablets, and laptops.
GF also spent a couple of hours on YouTube refreshing his understanding of Joomla. He used it earlier to change his genealogy website, but it is time to start changing his own family website - and he needed to get back up to speed before he actually changed anything.
Thursday, June 04, 2015
Musical Soiree
The Festival has just begun and tonight was first night of a short run for a musical based on a P.G.Wodehouse play. GF likes his work and his witty writing, so thought it worth a try.
"Damsel in Distress" kicked off in front of a packed house. The first ten minutes reinforced to the GF why he hates musicals - all squealing, tap-dancing, over-acting, and nonsense. Then, it became clear that this was almost a play within a play, and it lifted itself into the actual story. Much to his relief, GF found himself starting to enjoy it, and in the end admits it was a very good evening. The plot was a bit predictable but the songs were ok and some quite witty.
(It won't compete with Eric Clapton, but then it was only 10 minutes from home - and a fraction of the price).
Digital mining
GF has had a day of concerted effort mining the various digital archives for new or extended information to update the the family tree research. It's been very successful so far, but as usual, he can find tons of information for every part of the tree except his own family name.
Pah!
Talking, yesterday, of coincidences. This morning GF phoned a company complaining he had not received payment information from them regarding an overdue bill. They promised to send out a new set of details. At lunchtime, details turned up in the post... less than an hour after his call!
Taking this further, the Silver Vixen is due at the dentist this afternoon. When cleaning her teeth this morning a chunk of tooth broke away... spooky!
Pah!
Talking, yesterday, of coincidences. This morning GF phoned a company complaining he had not received payment information from them regarding an overdue bill. They promised to send out a new set of details. At lunchtime, details turned up in the post... less than an hour after his call!
Taking this further, the Silver Vixen is due at the dentist this afternoon. When cleaning her teeth this morning a chunk of tooth broke away... spooky!
Wednesday, June 03, 2015
Co inky dink
GF is not a great believer in coincidence. However, now and again something happens that makes you go "hummmmm?"
After doing all his email this morning, the Gorse Fox thought it was about time he checked with BT regarding the availability of high-speed (Infinity) broadband. He went through the various web pages and it concluded that it was now in the exchange and the local cabinet, but not yet available to him. He sighed, and thought no more about it.
At lunchtime the post arrived. In it was a one page leaflet from BT. The leaflet said they had been work on the fibre in our road and GF should phone to see if it was available to him. Astonishing coincidence. As there are only 10 houses in the road he thought the chances must be fair. He made the call... and coincidentally BT Infinity is NOT yet available to him.
Oh well!
After doing all his email this morning, the Gorse Fox thought it was about time he checked with BT regarding the availability of high-speed (Infinity) broadband. He went through the various web pages and it concluded that it was now in the exchange and the local cabinet, but not yet available to him. He sighed, and thought no more about it.
At lunchtime the post arrived. In it was a one page leaflet from BT. The leaflet said they had been work on the fibre in our road and GF should phone to see if it was available to him. Astonishing coincidence. As there are only 10 houses in the road he thought the chances must be fair. He made the call... and coincidentally BT Infinity is NOT yet available to him.
Oh well!
Tuesday, June 02, 2015
Second Backup is back up
After the second failure of his secondary backup yesterday, GF ordered a new NAS drive from his friend Amazon. A sparkly new 3TB drive turned up at lunchtime, is already connected to his network, and the backups are re-silvering the images. No issues so far (indeed, none really expected).
Confirmation came through at lunchtime that next week's Walking Football Tournament (part of the National competition for 2015) isn't so much of a Tournament - more a one-off match. The team submitted by B&HA AITC for Portslade never really existed and they were essentially a place-holder... and the place was never filled. GF is just hoping his hamstring is sufficiently healed by next week to allow him to play.
Confirmation came through at lunchtime that next week's Walking Football Tournament (part of the National competition for 2015) isn't so much of a Tournament - more a one-off match. The team submitted by B&HA AITC for Portslade never really existed and they were essentially a place-holder... and the place was never filled. GF is just hoping his hamstring is sufficiently healed by next week to allow him to play.
Monday, June 01, 2015
Roots
We had arranged for a local charity to come and collect some furniture and standard lamps that we no longer need. Well that was the theory.
In fact, they wouldn't take the chairs as they did not have adequate fire safety labels. Having said that, we did convince them to take some other stuff. When they left, GF opened up the back of the Silver Vixen's broomstick and managed to get one of the chairs in there. Fifteen minutes later the local recycling centre was up one chair, and we were down one. A quick reload and GF managed to get two chairs in. Fifteen minutes later we had divested ourselves of all the surplus. Most satisfactory.
The afternoon was spent with GF's nose stuck in the interweb catching up on some genealogy research.
In fact, they wouldn't take the chairs as they did not have adequate fire safety labels. Having said that, we did convince them to take some other stuff. When they left, GF opened up the back of the Silver Vixen's broomstick and managed to get one of the chairs in there. Fifteen minutes later the local recycling centre was up one chair, and we were down one. A quick reload and GF managed to get two chairs in. Fifteen minutes later we had divested ourselves of all the surplus. Most satisfactory.
The afternoon was spent with GF's nose stuck in the interweb catching up on some genealogy research.
Blast
Gorse Fox's secondary backup drive seems to have failed again over night. Looks like a replacement is called for.
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