Thursday, 23 April 2026

23.4.2026.

Sorry it's been so long since my last post, will have to put it down to writers block!.

I had a nice Easter, but when you'r retired all days are a holiday so it's not much different for me, though I did have an invite out with the family on Good Friday to the Royal George in Mosely which was very nice, fish and chips for me!.

While there, we were talking about jigsaws, and I mentioned my puzzle table is mottled black, so hard to see dark pieces, Son John came up with a roll of Wood effect Fablon, which I fitted the next day!.

Matches the floor too.

That's a lot better isn't it!.

After a trip to The Windmill a couple of weeks ago with friend Jean, we carried on to Sainsburys to check out the new Costa Café that had opened there the previous week.

It was very nice there but a bit pricey, but it's nice to go when you've finished your shopping or trip to SpecSavers.

Been doing a bit of gardening in the front, my fuchsias are coming up well again this year, as is the Hydrangea I planted last year, so added a few bits in the corners to add a bit of colour.

Had visit over to the Debdale ressers last week to see if the Great Crested Grebes were mating, and I wasn't disappointed.

Nice sunny day with the school kids on the water.

There they were, her on the nest and him bringing her nesting material and little tit bits of food!.

I know one isn't supposed to disturb they whilst nesting, but I was quite a bit away from them with my Nikon P1000 with a big zoom on so I'm not that close really.

Only about six feet away was this Coot nest

There is the father to be, he's going too be worn out by the time the babies are born and feeding themselves.

The male swan was about, but didn't see where his mate has her nest that day.

Usual Squirrels about for the peanuts.

On a run back from the Bridge café the other day called at the Nottcuts garden centre and bought a couple more hydrangeas', a Red one,

And just had to have one of these, believe its a new type of pink Hydrangea, with pink variegated leaves!, in a pot for now to see how big it gets!.

On a shopping trip to Lydl last week bought these standard fusia, one in the front.

Another in the back

Bought some slide transfers from Amazon and put them on the front porch glass, I think they look alright and that's what counts isn't it!.

Next door, my mate Chris was having work done on his gable end, Facia boards and gutting, so I joined in and had mine done too, and what a fabulous job done by the Pakistani family that live opposite, can highly recommend them!. You only have to see the beautiful job they have done on their own extension, to see the type of work they do!.

I think it's always nice to have the names of people that you can recommend to do a nice job at a fair price!.
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Monday, 23 March 2026

Steam Punk at the Bridge view café, 21.3.2026

On Saturday, me and my friend Jean went to our usual venue, The Bridge view café, in Ashton and to my surprise and delight it was the annual Steampunk event there.

The Ashton branch is held there a few times a year, there seems to be a few groups round the country, so we are lucky to have one in our area. It gives me plenty of opportunity for my photos.

They had their own band as well.

Not sure that Steampunk is about?.

Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that imagines a world where steam power remained the dominant technology in the Victorian-aesthetics powered by steam machinery. It blends 19th-cenury industrial technology with futuristic invention, often featuring gears, brass and clockwork.

On the day, here are the people that attended, some entered into the spirit of it more than others.

Looks like he's got a steam mobile!.

Can't miss this one can you.

This one was pretty.

This was her partner.

Think it's a chance for old men to dress up.

Ladies seem to like the era for the dresses.

There was even a stall to buy some of the gear, if you were just starting up.

Not sure about this one

Think someone just sat their granny down here!.

Another pretty one.

Think the guy in the shorts was an ordinary customer that was surprised by it all.

The weather was even kind to them so they could dine out El-fresco.

Back inside.

They were saying on morning telly that instead of sitting alone at home you should join a group for mental health and stimulation, not sure this is everyone's cup of tea though.