Preparedness for when

westcoastscot

Bluebag & Thriftwizard, hadn't thought about population density - I do appreciate that more people are affected when disaster strikes. Hadn't appreciated the real issue of diseased trees, and certainly hadn't thought that you're still at the end of the summer there - it's really wintery here - hail/sleet showers all day and not many leaves left on trees. Native trees here are small/stunted, or caledonian forest which is natural to us and hardy. Forestry Commission trees are more shallowly planted but tend to be in blocks away from buildings.
It's a different world isn't it? I lived in London as a young woman, but that's 35 years ago!!!!

GreyQueen

When I lived in Scotlandshire as a student, I was poorer than a church mouse and didn't have any heating in my bedist. Even as a young adult, that was tiresome. I did have access to an art house cinema with films at 50p so used to spend some of my free time at the weekends there.

It was mostly Chinese films for some reason and, even with subtitles, the different dramatic conventions made them hard to follow. I just used to snuggle down in my seat and enjoy the action and costumes and scenery and not worry about the plot. I'd ususally be the only non-Chinese person in there and used to get some bemused looks from the other patrons, but hey-ho, my back is broad.

Libraries are great places to hang out reading if your home is too chilly. If you're gonna be reading anyway.......

ETA, re trees in storms in the South, we have quite a few being called into the Council days after the storm. Some have split in situ but are still standing - the winds have revealed rotten trees which would have stood quite happily but for this weather.

I recently read Richard Mabey (he of Food for Free fame)'s book Beechcombings and he has a lot of how this very common species is mainly kept up by its sheer weight. Beech and oak are large trees with shallow roots and if caught in full leaf, can go over with a wallop. There's nothing at all unnatural about this but it becomes problem when there are homes, roads, vehicles in the way.

There may also be the issue that the age of some suburbs means that the street trees in them are become mature and weakening. Merry hell ensues if our Council has to trim or remove street trees because they are dangerous or diseased. The way the public react, you'd think we were barbarians. Most of the arbi-wotsits would rather demolish a house than cut a healthy tree, but diseases, damage and plain old age affect trees as well as everything else in nature, inc us.

westcoastscot

Hi GQ, never read anything by Richard Mabey other than food for free - shall look out for it.
Well that's me back at work tomorrow - have a great week everyone and stay safe and warm
WCS

[Deleted User]

Just heard a meowing, and buggalugs was sitting at the front door.

She doesn't look half starved so, either someone has been feeding her, or (not that likely at this time of the year) she's been feeding herself, on the local wildlife.

She was also quite warm and dry, so I'm guessing she has been under shelter, somewhere fairly local.

jk0

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

Just heard a meowing, and buggalugs was sitting at the front door.

She doesn't look half starved so, either someone has been feeding her, or (not that likely at this time of the year) she's been feeding herself, on the local wildlife.

She was also quite warm and dry, so I'm guessing she has been under shelter, somewhere fairly local.

Arr. May we see a picture of Buggalugs, Bob?

[Deleted User]

I'll see what I can do, but she doesn't like cameras, and runs away when you point one at her.

esmf73

siegemode wrote: »

Has anyone else encouraged their elderlies to sort out, plan and organise things ? My side has done what needs to be and mum has decided that she wishes her body to be used for medical science and wants no fuss and minimum spent. She thinks funerals are a rip off and would rather any money go to me and my bro as we are both struggling somewhat. All her affairs are documented and organised and in one place along with her will and details of her wishes. Wish I could say I was as organised.

Not meaning to be morbid, but also write down who is to get what and try to have unnecessary items removed. Can't tell you of the horror when we had to empty MILs house and the amount of stuff she had that was never used or hadn't been used in the 15 plus years I'd known her. Just makes it harder to grieve when you have to empty things to be able to sell a house.

[Deleted User]

Woke up to frosted cars and gardens this morning.

Despite it being 30f (-1c) outside, my living room is still a respectable 58.6f (14.5c) right now.

And, shock of shocks, the LED Lantern is still lit.

[Deleted User]

She's just bailed out of the house again.

She must've seen jk0's request for a photo, and thought "sod that for a game of soldiers".

GreyQueen

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

She's just bailed out of the house again.

She must've seen jk0's request for a photo, and thought "sod that for a game of soldiers".

Sounds like the parental mogs. Had them 8 years, have about 3 pix, and ususally them heading away from the camera at speed. Next door neighbour came into the house for a week to feed them and never even saw them (she should've looked upwards, they're normally on a roof somewhere).

I reckon all cats have a secret life and are in some kind of feline protection programme, which is why they are so fey and camera-shy.

Or maybe Buggalugs is worried you'll show her mugshot around the neighbourhood and out her to her second owner...........:rotfl: