Proceeding Along the Balls Pond Road
Policemen always used to proceed rather than walk. A policeman friend, explained it was a steady gait, that allowed you to observe what was happening as you patrolled.
A few days ago, I was walking along the Balls Pond Road in a westerly direction and was surprised to see two people in high-visibililty jackets in the top front seats of a number 38 bus. It struck me as unusual as those who wear these types of yellow jackets seem to be rarely seen on buses.
When the bus passed me, I saw it was two police officers and they were observing all around from their high perch.
So are the Metropolitan Police saving money by using buses? It sounds a good idea to me, as high up as they were, they would be getting an execellent view of the traffic and the people on the street. They also had just crossed a junction, where a pedestrian had been hit by a car, which had then driven off.
The Good News on the Weather
The Times today, has an item entitled, If you thought winter was dull, you were right.
The South East of England suffered its gloomiest winter on record, the Met Office said. The region received 40% fewer hours of sun than usual between December and the end of February. London was particularly grey, with only 98.2 hours of sunshine at Heathrow – its darkest winter since monitoring began in 1957.
In a reversal of the usual winter pattern, the North West was much brighter than usual. Northern Ireland received 223 hours of sunshine, 62% above average, while Scotland was 20% above average. However, those sunny skies were accompanied by high-pressure systems and freezing weather. It was the most brutal early winter since 1890. Temperatures plunged to -21C (-6F) at Altnaharra, Highlands, for example. But while most winters grow colder this one turned warmer and February was remarkably mild.
Another surprise was how dry the season was. Despite the snow, precipitation was 22% below normal. “This is typical of cooler winters, when the weather becomes blocked by high pressure, which brings cold winds but little precipitation,” said Barry Gromett of the Met Office. “Snow doesn’t actually contain as much water as you think; a 10cm snowfall is equivalent to 1cm rain.”
So this is good news for me, as it explains why I’m feeling so lousy. No sun! My cardiologist, who said I needed two weeks in the sun, was right.
Paper Bin Bags
I’ve started to use paper bin bags to line my useless bin.
Paper Bin Liners
I got mine from a company called Healthy Planet Bags.
They work pretty well, although I think I’ve bought the wrong size. They are 100% biodegradable too!
But then the bin manufacturer wouldn’t want the bin to fit any bags other than their own expensive ones.
I also think that the best option would be the standard American grocery bag that doubles as a rubbish sack.
Surely someone must sell them in the UK!
Sorting the Wall-Mounted Vegetable Rack
As you’ll see from this photo, I’ve now got a proper wall-mounted vegetable rack courtesy of IKEA.
Wall-Mounted Vegetable Rack
When I bought the Bygel wire basket, I thought it needed to be hung on a rail, but you can take the handle off and screw it directly to the wall. They cost only £1.52 each, but I did need to supply my own screws and washers though.
So it cost a lot less than the one I found from Trovit homes at £229950.
When Is It Going To Get Warmer?
I’ve just watched the weather forecast and although it might be sunnier today, it is unlikely that the temperature will make double figures.
But at least my house is warm!
One problem is that I took my warm coat to the laundry because it was so filthy and I haven’t got it back yet.
I don’t think I have ever known such a period of wretched weather in the UK.
The weathergirl on BBC London also appears to be trying to warm, at least the males up, by wearing a short dress with a low neckline, dark tights and high heels.
The Rebuilt and the New
I took this picture on Bishopsgate in the City of London today.
St. Ethelburga’s and the Gherkin
In the foreground is St. Ethelburga’s Church, which was rebuilt after the IRA bombing of 1993. The Gherkin is shown behind the church. That building was built on the site of the Baltic Exchange, which was also substantially damaged by the IRA in 1992.
Lots of Naff Lighting
Jerry used cheap and nasty light fittings in this house and I’ve looking for something more stylist.
Yesterday, I walked round several shops in Central London and didn’t see anything that was in the least bit inspiring.
I’ve found this one on the Internet and it looks promising, but I’d like to touch and feel one before I buy.
Ftustrating IKEA
I need some rails and drawers for two built in wardrobes. At present they have some useless fittings that were built by Jerry, the builder.
IKEA do some nice standard fittings, but they don’t come in a width to fit my wardrobes! They are just five centimetres too wide! They make them to fit a range of heights, but why not widths?
It is all so frustrating as getting ones made to fit will cost a fortune and probably won’t be as nice as those from IKEA.
Junk Through the Letter Box
Every time I get letters out of my box, there are at least four copies of leaflets there, which have been left by restaurants that don’t do gluten-free, mini-cabs that I won’t use etc.
When are these people going to learn something about marketing and target their junk? At least it’s recyclable!
