Projects

[guest7]

I have been stuck into renovating a room here in Castle Carrick (3rd floor east wing... as if!)

It occurred to me that a project is a project, be it building or bike.

I thought I'd save time by only removing the plaster from the two worst walls and 'fannying' the other two. Of course I've spent way longer making the two original walls good than I would have if I'd rendered and plastered them. The two that did get the new plaster look miles better and show the others up.

Isn't that much like renovating a bike? You 'save' time on a component only to find that what looked good on an unrestored bike looks tatty next to a freshly painted frame rail, etc.

The other day I saw a newly restored Suzuki GT185 and it was restored to the last nut and bolt. It was beautiful. Never mind all my objections about over-restoration and bikes that need obsessive cleaning, this thing just looked superb.

This GT struck me as possibly too good. I can't say I remember seeing them that clean and shiny from new. In the same way, my newly plastered chimney breast is obviously 'modern' to a tradesman's eye (sharp metal beaded edging instead of rounded wood beading). All these considerations are the devilment of any project.

At least with building work I know what I'm doing and I don't get bored 

GC

[Bill Rutter]

At least with building work I know what I'm doing and I don't get bored ...........

......I wish I did, the thing is everything is coming at me at once. The bike needs a service and MOT but I've just spent a shedload on the car, plus the insurances are due...grrrrr. The house needs untold amounts of fettling too.
                                          Somehow though I am optimistic that things will work out. Bring on Summer.   

[guest7]

Yeah, things always work out in the end eh? Although I bought this house to do up and I've done one room in four years    But like you I know I'll get there (the last house took 14 years).

Thinking about you last week, what with the 'Three and Out' row and all that. I was just hoping that was all behind you.

GC

[Bill Rutter]

Thanks Graham, that was very thoughtful of you. Yes I am fine now. I had to visit the Coroner's assistant just before Christmas to tidy up a few loose ends as I was the only witness to the event. I could have got some background into the deceased but decided against that as then he becomes "a real person", if you know what I mean. There was some CCTV footage of the seconds leading up to him going down onto the track and disappearing into the darkness. The assistant, Kay, said that it was unlikely that I would be called to give evidence in person at the inquest as they try to avoid  that now, if possible. I was pleased with that, but was shocked when told that she thought it was unlikely that the boys' relatives would show up either as they were "one of those families".
So all in all it seems this young man was up to no good, and just got unlucky. He must've known the risks but still took them. I don't worry about it anymore.
Thanks again mate.

[guest7]

One of those families...

I knew a nurse who had to take a family into the bereavement suite because they had just lost their son in an RTA. Several minutes later they were stopped by security as they were walking out with the telly, video, kettle, etc.

Funny world innit?

GC