Hello and welcome to my Blog, my name is Chris, a bus driver for First West Of England based in Wells, Somerset. I am Chair for the depot branch of Unite the Union. Married to Fiona, we live in Midsomer Norton near Bath, with Boots the cat. My main hobby is Amateur Radio and I hold the call sign G4KVI. I am the repeater keeper for GB3UB and MB7UB. I have a fascination for the weather and all things to do with nature and science. As a Christian I worship at St. Nicholas Church in Radstock. These are my observations on my life, both at work and at home.

16 Apr 2010

No Vapour Trails

Well what every terrorist group throughout the world has only dreamed of doing, nature has none. The volcano has grounded all jet flights in the UK and most of Europe. We do not get many aircraft over us here but what I do notice is the lack of vapour trails. It is not unusual to see at least 10 which I assume are aircraft heading to the US. Anyway sat in the 'shack' listening to the hot air balloons making their way from Bath. People have been saying their cars are covered with ash but our car has been covered in dust since last week so doubt if it that. The next event that nature has for us is due in 2012 when the sun will be at it's maximum. This has the power to destroy electronic equipment and satellites. The last time the sun was very active was in the 1980's when of course there was not as much electronic communications. This, as a radio amateur made it possible to chat to people in the US with very simple equipment. It will be very interesting to see what happens.
Update on the ankle is that it seems to have settled down and the pain is very low. Have an appointment with the company Doctor next week. I think it is to make sure I am not 'swinging the lead'! Anyway will be interesting to see if they let me do 'light duties'.

13 Apr 2010

Fourth Week

Well here I am into week 4. Things seem to be going OK and now have less pain. Very glad the weather is dry for those of you who have ever used crutches will know how slippery paving slabs can be!! Weekend was fantastic. It was my niece Leah's 2nd Birthday so off on the coach to Heathrow. My Sister very kindly picked us up and my Parents dropped us back so very little walking (hoping) to do. The party was great and it was great to see the family again. Couple of domestic issues have arisen. We have a lock up garage and just before the accident I lost all my keys (found them now) so had to go the agent to a new one cut. While I was there I told him I would be clearing it out in a couple of weeks! He has now found someone else who wants to use it so will now have to try and find a willing volunteer to come and help move some of the heavy items and bring them back home, if I can find space. The next is that our tenancy has expired and we are on to a Monthly contract. Would be good to move as the on street parking can be a nightmare. However given my current condition I cannot see me being able to do that kind a work for a while yet so looks like we will try a sign at least a new 12 month contract.  My Wife Fiona still finds it hard to leave me on my own. She worries I will fall down the stairs or something. So next milestone is the hospital visit in May which hopefully will mean I will be able to walk again

10 Apr 2010

Car Fire

As you may know we live on the main road into Midsomer Norton. Therefore on Friday and Saturday night there is sometimes noise from people coming home from the night club in town. Last night there was lots of shouting and a car parked outside. My thought was why do they do that at 0230. Anyway it all became clear when the Fire Brigade and Police turned up!! I looked out the door and saw a car well alight! I remember Fiona saying she had had to park in that area so I called her down and we walked up the road. Fortunately it was not our car put not so for our neighbour. There was not much left of the front of her car. Feel very sorry for her but not much we could do apart from go back to bed!!

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