New beds arrived late today, a pair of wooden single beds finished in white. Tomorrow I will assemble them and make them up. Looking forward to it. Nudging closer to completing the spare bedroom.
Thursday, 12 February 2015
Monday, 9 February 2015
Honda XL700VA-A Transalp - uodate 4
Saturday I took my Honda Transalp back to CMC at Daybrook, Nottingham, for it's annual service. When I phoned to book the service I reminded them that they had said the air filter would need changing this time. However, on arrival they had no record of my request and said that it was a 12,000 mile service item so I pointed out that it was them that said it wasn't done at the last service and would need doing this time around. Soon after the bike was up on the ramp I am called over to have a listen to a ticking noise which they said was the plug caps tracking and breaking down - so I said that it was the same noise (only louder) that they had concerns about at the previous service but were then unable to explain. So it needed new plug caps, but they didn't have any, nor did they have an air filter - do you notice a pattern building here?
Next up, I am advised that at 20,000 miles it should have the valve clearances checked and a full fluid change - estimated at £350. Had I been advised of this when I booked the service? Er, No! And I didn't have the budget to do it this visit. So they set about the rest of the service, with one spark plug removed the bodywork all has to be removed to remove the other (front cylinder). I checked the plug and said to leave it and I'd do it when the plug caps and air filter were done as it was in fine shape and not in need of replacement.
I went for a walk up to their showroom and finding a quiet spot I rang Bob Minion Motorcycles, my local Honda dealer in Derby. Yes, they had plug caps in stock. Returning to the service side I then had to wait while a guy took longer to clean my bike that the service monkey had taken to perform 'the service'. On the way home I called into Minion's and got the plug caps and had a chat with Gavin who runs the workshop - the brake fluid change is a 4hr service item, the valve check isn't really necessary and the air filter is something they change every 8,000 miles because of the fuel savings a clean filter returns. Anyway, once I have found out how to remove the bodywork, me and my mate Phil will be doing the valve check, replace the ari filter and spark plugs and their caps. Gavin gets to do the brake fluid change.
Am I going to use CMC servicing again? In a word, No!
Next up, I am advised that at 20,000 miles it should have the valve clearances checked and a full fluid change - estimated at £350. Had I been advised of this when I booked the service? Er, No! And I didn't have the budget to do it this visit. So they set about the rest of the service, with one spark plug removed the bodywork all has to be removed to remove the other (front cylinder). I checked the plug and said to leave it and I'd do it when the plug caps and air filter were done as it was in fine shape and not in need of replacement.
I went for a walk up to their showroom and finding a quiet spot I rang Bob Minion Motorcycles, my local Honda dealer in Derby. Yes, they had plug caps in stock. Returning to the service side I then had to wait while a guy took longer to clean my bike that the service monkey had taken to perform 'the service'. On the way home I called into Minion's and got the plug caps and had a chat with Gavin who runs the workshop - the brake fluid change is a 4hr service item, the valve check isn't really necessary and the air filter is something they change every 8,000 miles because of the fuel savings a clean filter returns. Anyway, once I have found out how to remove the bodywork, me and my mate Phil will be doing the valve check, replace the ari filter and spark plugs and their caps. Gavin gets to do the brake fluid change.
Am I going to use CMC servicing again? In a word, No!
Thursday, 5 February 2015
Bedroom redecorated
Yes, the job is done, redecorating is complete.
Final jobs:
* Put up curtain pole and hang curtains
* Buy furniture
* Build beds and other flat pack furniture
* Make the beds ready for guests
Looks good, I am well happy with the result, as is Suzie.
Final jobs:
* Put up curtain pole and hang curtains
* Buy furniture
* Build beds and other flat pack furniture
* Make the beds ready for guests
Looks good, I am well happy with the result, as is Suzie.
Tuesday, 3 February 2015
Honda XL700VA-A Transalp - 2 years on
Yup, its two years since I took ownership of my Honda XL700 Transalp. To mark the occasion the dealer who sold me the bike, CMC in Daybrook, Nottingham, sent me a reminder that it was due an annual service which is now booked for this coming Saturday morning. Also, the lender has written to advise me that the final payment is due on 7th February - after which it will truly be mine and I will be debt free. That is a great feeling.
Now some friends have suggested that I should trade the Transalp in for something newer / bigger / different / whatever saying that as I have been paying out monthly and I am used to servicing a debt of that nature, that I wouldn't notice it if I continued as I have been. My response is that I am happy with the Transalp and don't see a need to replace it and that I want to enjoy being debt free for a while. Maybe next year I will change, maybe.
Now some friends have suggested that I should trade the Transalp in for something newer / bigger / different / whatever saying that as I have been paying out monthly and I am used to servicing a debt of that nature, that I wouldn't notice it if I continued as I have been. My response is that I am happy with the Transalp and don't see a need to replace it and that I want to enjoy being debt free for a while. Maybe next year I will change, maybe.
Progress update 2
Time for another progress update against my targets for 2015:
1) The decorating - have now fitted the light switch and wall power sockets (x3 twin plug). Edging strip for the laminate floor has been bonded to the skirting board. Just a 2nd gloss coat to go onto the window sill (probably later today) and the curtain rail to be fitted. That's it, job done.
2) Renewed my passport in readiness for our trip to Italy. It came through in just 2 weeks which really surprised as we had heard some dire warnings of it taking 3 months - Oh no it doesn't.
3) Canada trip - our itinerary is looking pretty good and very close to being finalised, just need to pre-book a couple of ferry crossings and some excursions/activities.
4) New entry - IDP (International Driving Permit) - I've decided that I'll get one of these 'just in case' so a trip to the Post Office is called for. Should be fairly straightforward.
Other things on my original list like new shed, garden path in back garden and front rockery have all been sidelined while the weather is typical British winter with zero degrees centigrade, snow and ice. It can wait until spring gets here. Likewise, planning for a trip into Europe has seen no real progress, but there is plenty of time to sort that out.
How are others doing? Well Andy has passed his Motorbike Theory Test so is one step closer to getting a motorbike license. Mark has been decorating their 'study room / office' so that Eleanor has somewhere to study and Mark somewhere to 'work from home' should the need arise but no progress on the water supply, kitchen / bathroom remodelling.
So that is it for this update, back again soon.
1) The decorating - have now fitted the light switch and wall power sockets (x3 twin plug). Edging strip for the laminate floor has been bonded to the skirting board. Just a 2nd gloss coat to go onto the window sill (probably later today) and the curtain rail to be fitted. That's it, job done.
2) Renewed my passport in readiness for our trip to Italy. It came through in just 2 weeks which really surprised as we had heard some dire warnings of it taking 3 months - Oh no it doesn't.
3) Canada trip - our itinerary is looking pretty good and very close to being finalised, just need to pre-book a couple of ferry crossings and some excursions/activities.
4) New entry - IDP (International Driving Permit) - I've decided that I'll get one of these 'just in case' so a trip to the Post Office is called for. Should be fairly straightforward.
Other things on my original list like new shed, garden path in back garden and front rockery have all been sidelined while the weather is typical British winter with zero degrees centigrade, snow and ice. It can wait until spring gets here. Likewise, planning for a trip into Europe has seen no real progress, but there is plenty of time to sort that out.
How are others doing? Well Andy has passed his Motorbike Theory Test so is one step closer to getting a motorbike license. Mark has been decorating their 'study room / office' so that Eleanor has somewhere to study and Mark somewhere to 'work from home' should the need arise but no progress on the water supply, kitchen / bathroom remodelling.
So that is it for this update, back again soon.
Tuesday, 20 January 2015
I was/am a winner
After getting the Mazda 6 last year I joined the UK's owners club/forum ( see ) and at Christmas they had a give-away draw. Originally there were to be 3 prizes, but at the last minute a 4th prize was announced. Well I got the 4th prize, £40 to spend in the clubs shop on merchandise. I opted for a T-shirt and fleece and I am highly delighted with them, so here are some pictures...
Excuse the glum expression - I was concentrating on taking the selfie with a newly acquired selfie stick.
So why is this 'big news'? Simply because I never win anything of note. I remember winning a Scalextric F1 set when I was about 10 years old, and have had x3 wins of £10 on the lottery and that is about it. So I am chuffed to Larry with my Mazda6 Owners Club T-shirt and fleece.
Anyway - I promise no more selfies for a while...
Excuse the glum expression - I was concentrating on taking the selfie with a newly acquired selfie stick.
So why is this 'big news'? Simply because I never win anything of note. I remember winning a Scalextric F1 set when I was about 10 years old, and have had x3 wins of £10 on the lottery and that is about it. So I am chuffed to Larry with my Mazda6 Owners Club T-shirt and fleece.
Anyway - I promise no more selfies for a while...
Progress update
Been busy trying to make things happen so thought I'd share my progress to date against my targets for 2015:
1) The decorating - a job I hate, but walls sanded and filled, 3 coats of white silk emulsion applied to ceiling and all walls. That has been followed up by Primrose White silk emulsion applied to all walls. All of the 'cutting in' on corners and wall to ceiling is complete, just a short bit to do on wall to skirting board. That leaves finishing off round the window (the recess) and all the gloss work. Ceiling rose and light fixture to stay, have purchased but not yet fitted the light switch and wall power sockets (x3 twin plug).
2) A new entry - we have decided to go to Italy for a short break at the end of March to celebrate our birthdays. Flights & hotel all booked and paid for so Lake Garda here we come.
3) Canada trip - deposit paid on flights and car hire. Of the 13 nights over there 12 are accommodation booked with just one night on Vancouver Island to be booked.
4) In order to make both of those trips I have had to renew my passport. Why do passport photos make you look so damned ugly? Is it because I am so damned ugly? No comments please.
So that is the update, back again soon.
1) The decorating - a job I hate, but walls sanded and filled, 3 coats of white silk emulsion applied to ceiling and all walls. That has been followed up by Primrose White silk emulsion applied to all walls. All of the 'cutting in' on corners and wall to ceiling is complete, just a short bit to do on wall to skirting board. That leaves finishing off round the window (the recess) and all the gloss work. Ceiling rose and light fixture to stay, have purchased but not yet fitted the light switch and wall power sockets (x3 twin plug).
2) A new entry - we have decided to go to Italy for a short break at the end of March to celebrate our birthdays. Flights & hotel all booked and paid for so Lake Garda here we come.
3) Canada trip - deposit paid on flights and car hire. Of the 13 nights over there 12 are accommodation booked with just one night on Vancouver Island to be booked.
4) In order to make both of those trips I have had to renew my passport. Why do passport photos make you look so damned ugly? Is it because I am so damned ugly? No comments please.
So that is the update, back again soon.
Tuesday, 6 January 2015
General Election - May 2015
Already there's a lot of media attention of the next General Election even though it isn't until 7th May 2015. This is focused on trying to decide which of the 2 main parties is 'telling the truth'.
My view is that the government will always be composed of self serving, power and wealth seeking liars who twist words and meanings. We, the voters, must stop having short term memories and must force change so that the national government make better decisions for us, the voters, the tax payers, the people of this country.
It doesn't matter who you vote for, it matters that you vote. Vote for any political party that is NOT Labour or Conservative. As long as either of those two parties are in power there can and will be NO CHANGE. People vote for the 2 big parties not because they are the best, but because they are afraid of CHANGE. Many people say they want change but they are just sheep staying within the flock. Labour got us into this mess and brought on the recession. The Tories don't care for anyone that earns less that £100k per annum, is influential in business or banking or contributes massively to their party funds. They are happy to pay nurses 1% and take 11% for themselves funded by robbing firemen's and NHS staff pension funds. Vote for change, vote for another party. Just vote.
Some will have it that this approach is just a protest vote and advocate voting for UKIP. My view is that it is only a protest vote if it is a small percentage of the voters. It is a real vote for change, and a vote of 'no confidence' if the majority of voters participate. Imagine how change proactive the 2 main parties would become if they both ended up behind 1, 2 or 3 other parties. I am not advocating UKIP. I am advocating change. But at the end of the day what is most important that people vote. In some countries it is illegal to not vote, they should introduce that to England/UK. Millions dies in 2 World Wars so that we could vote - so just do it!
My view is that the government will always be composed of self serving, power and wealth seeking liars who twist words and meanings. We, the voters, must stop having short term memories and must force change so that the national government make better decisions for us, the voters, the tax payers, the people of this country.
It doesn't matter who you vote for, it matters that you vote. Vote for any political party that is NOT Labour or Conservative. As long as either of those two parties are in power there can and will be NO CHANGE. People vote for the 2 big parties not because they are the best, but because they are afraid of CHANGE. Many people say they want change but they are just sheep staying within the flock. Labour got us into this mess and brought on the recession. The Tories don't care for anyone that earns less that £100k per annum, is influential in business or banking or contributes massively to their party funds. They are happy to pay nurses 1% and take 11% for themselves funded by robbing firemen's and NHS staff pension funds. Vote for change, vote for another party. Just vote.
Some will have it that this approach is just a protest vote and advocate voting for UKIP. My view is that it is only a protest vote if it is a small percentage of the voters. It is a real vote for change, and a vote of 'no confidence' if the majority of voters participate. Imagine how change proactive the 2 main parties would become if they both ended up behind 1, 2 or 3 other parties. I am not advocating UKIP. I am advocating change. But at the end of the day what is most important that people vote. In some countries it is illegal to not vote, they should introduce that to England/UK. Millions dies in 2 World Wars so that we could vote - so just do it!
Sunday, 4 January 2015
New Year resolutions
I am not one for making and then breaking new year resolutions, however, I do like to set some targets for the year. So here are some of the things I'd like to see done / achieved in 2015:
1. Our second bedroom has been vacated by Andrew moving out into his own home. Having cleared it out (all bar the central light fitting and switches) it was re-plastered just before Christmas and now needs completely finishing including: painting the ceiling, painting / papering the walls, gloss painting the skirting boards, door frame, door and window sill.
2. I need to purchase and erect a new garden shed / workshop as the old one is over 20 years old and past its best. The base is already laid for a 12' x 8' shed. Once up the contents of the old shed have to be transferred into the new one and power run up to it from the house to facilitate the use of power tools, security system and lighting.
3. Get the car finished - it needs some paint on the front where there are loads of paint chips. Also needs a little work to the driver's seat.
4. Holiday in Canada - 13 days at end of June - 4th July. Just found out that we will be in Vancouver for Canada Day. That should be entertaining.
5. The rockery in the front garden has slumped due to the rain in 2014, so that needs sorts out. Rear garden will need finishing with a path to the new shed and flower beds between path and fence. Path cannot be laid until old shed has been removed.
6. A motorcycle trip into Europe, possibly with my son Mark and / or other friends. Pyrennees or Alps is the first decision, then some route planning.
Other 'family' things:
Andrew asked for (and got) money towards getting his motorbike licence so it would be good to see him achieve that goal.
Mark & Eleanor really need to get the plumbing sorted in their house as the pipes are so furred up as to be a real problem. Then they need to have both the bathroom and kitchen ripped out and completely re-done - that'll cost but they are busy saving and have been for a while now.
Oh, and I intend to get back to more frequent blogging as I seem to have slipped a bit over the last few years.
1. Our second bedroom has been vacated by Andrew moving out into his own home. Having cleared it out (all bar the central light fitting and switches) it was re-plastered just before Christmas and now needs completely finishing including: painting the ceiling, painting / papering the walls, gloss painting the skirting boards, door frame, door and window sill.
2. I need to purchase and erect a new garden shed / workshop as the old one is over 20 years old and past its best. The base is already laid for a 12' x 8' shed. Once up the contents of the old shed have to be transferred into the new one and power run up to it from the house to facilitate the use of power tools, security system and lighting.
3. Get the car finished - it needs some paint on the front where there are loads of paint chips. Also needs a little work to the driver's seat.
4. Holiday in Canada - 13 days at end of June - 4th July. Just found out that we will be in Vancouver for Canada Day. That should be entertaining.
5. The rockery in the front garden has slumped due to the rain in 2014, so that needs sorts out. Rear garden will need finishing with a path to the new shed and flower beds between path and fence. Path cannot be laid until old shed has been removed.
6. A motorcycle trip into Europe, possibly with my son Mark and / or other friends. Pyrennees or Alps is the first decision, then some route planning.
Other 'family' things:
Andrew asked for (and got) money towards getting his motorbike licence so it would be good to see him achieve that goal.
Mark & Eleanor really need to get the plumbing sorted in their house as the pipes are so furred up as to be a real problem. Then they need to have both the bathroom and kitchen ripped out and completely re-done - that'll cost but they are busy saving and have been for a while now.
Oh, and I intend to get back to more frequent blogging as I seem to have slipped a bit over the last few years.
A cold start to the year
Awoke this morning to a heavy overnight frost with a white-out almost as complete as if it had been a repeat of the snow we had between Boxing Day and New Years day. On the plus side, the sun is out bright in a clear and cloudless sky.
Friday, 2 January 2015
Retirement planning
Well.... in 15 months from now I will hit 60 so "retirement planning" has been on my mind for a while. Made a mistake in bringing all my small pension contributions into a single SIPP and then falling for a scam that creamed off just shy of 30% of the pot. Result being that I will need a small regular income to prop up the pension income, so looking around for something that sparks my interest.
Having been "in the computer IT services industry" for the last 25 years I don't really want to continue in that vein. Web site builders are springing up everywhere and many don't last long so I see no point going down that route, and just becoming a 'data entry' bum for some big faceless corporation... Nah! Not for me.
Several folks around here do part time courier (local multi-drop) and taxi driving. Then there are those in supermarkets and DIY stores....
Current thinking has been sparked by a local chap (ex-cpper) who buys, restores, sells on, high end restorations of classic air-head BMWs, specialising in R800 models and the GS in particular. He has so much work on he is looking at the possibility off-loading some of the specialist services stuff that he does - could be interesting little earner (if only I could bring myself to work on BMWs).
That has lead me to thinking about adopting his business model but specialising in another marque ... Suzuki GT750 or Honda 400/4 for example. It has to be one where there is lots of interest, rarity value and money to be made. There are too many people doing old Brit bikes as it is, ditto Ducati bikes. As a "home based worker" I'm used to my own company so a 'garden shed' based business kinda appeals right now - so much so that I have lain the base for a new, larger, shed in anticipation. I already have a good selection of (mainly metric) hand tools so financial outlay would be modest. Still in the gestation stages, but it has legs (as they say).
Like many, the 'dream' is to turn a hobby into a business without losing the love or interest that is the hobby. My trouble is:
1. I've been so engrossed in earning a crust to pay the bills/mortgage/etc.. that I have never really had a hobby, just multiple interests (i.e. motorcycling in general, amateur photography, reading),
2. I have a short attention span,
3. I've never run a business large or small.
Still, 15 months to go before I need to make the decision, so suggestions are welcome.
Having been "in the computer IT services industry" for the last 25 years I don't really want to continue in that vein. Web site builders are springing up everywhere and many don't last long so I see no point going down that route, and just becoming a 'data entry' bum for some big faceless corporation... Nah! Not for me.
Several folks around here do part time courier (local multi-drop) and taxi driving. Then there are those in supermarkets and DIY stores....
Current thinking has been sparked by a local chap (ex-cpper) who buys, restores, sells on, high end restorations of classic air-head BMWs, specialising in R800 models and the GS in particular. He has so much work on he is looking at the possibility off-loading some of the specialist services stuff that he does - could be interesting little earner (if only I could bring myself to work on BMWs).
That has lead me to thinking about adopting his business model but specialising in another marque ... Suzuki GT750 or Honda 400/4 for example. It has to be one where there is lots of interest, rarity value and money to be made. There are too many people doing old Brit bikes as it is, ditto Ducati bikes. As a "home based worker" I'm used to my own company so a 'garden shed' based business kinda appeals right now - so much so that I have lain the base for a new, larger, shed in anticipation. I already have a good selection of (mainly metric) hand tools so financial outlay would be modest. Still in the gestation stages, but it has legs (as they say).
Like many, the 'dream' is to turn a hobby into a business without losing the love or interest that is the hobby. My trouble is:
1. I've been so engrossed in earning a crust to pay the bills/mortgage/etc.. that I have never really had a hobby, just multiple interests (i.e. motorcycling in general, amateur photography, reading),
2. I have a short attention span,
3. I've never run a business large or small.
Still, 15 months to go before I need to make the decision, so suggestions are welcome.
Goodbye 2014 & Hello 2015
We saw the old year out at Morley Hayes Golf Club, Roosters Bar buffet and boogie. We were Suzie and I, Sue and Norman Peace and Carole De Martino (on her own as her husband Giuseppe was working).
It's a very good location to relax, the food was excellent, drinks reasonably priced (but not cheap) while a "disco" was included in the ticket price.
Then there was the fireworks display, which was just so good considering it was a 'private' event funded by the Golf Course and the entry fee to the buffet / dance. Again, it was a shame that there was a strong side wind but it did very little to diminish the crowds enthusiasm. So 2014 ended with a party.
January 1st saw us at Carole & Giuseppe's place for their annual party - so 2015 started with a party. Lets all just hope that 2015 is a good year for one and all, only 134 days to a general election and less than 6 months to the longest day of the year.
A happy and prosperous new year to you all. May your bits never freeze and you blood never boil.
It's a very good location to relax, the food was excellent, drinks reasonably priced (but not cheap) while a "disco" was included in the ticket price.
Then there was the fireworks display, which was just so good considering it was a 'private' event funded by the Golf Course and the entry fee to the buffet / dance. Again, it was a shame that there was a strong side wind but it did very little to diminish the crowds enthusiasm. So 2014 ended with a party.
January 1st saw us at Carole & Giuseppe's place for their annual party - so 2015 started with a party. Lets all just hope that 2015 is a good year for one and all, only 134 days to a general election and less than 6 months to the longest day of the year.
A happy and prosperous new year to you all. May your bits never freeze and you blood never boil.
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