The Retirement Thread

[rustybolts]

Windier than the hubs of hell here today...won't drop below 30 mph until late this afternoon. Pulled a muscle or pinched a nerve in my right leg, but annoyingly I can't figure out how I achieved this.
For several years now I've used a Stanley travel mug as a French press after finding out a Bodum plunger fits perfectly. However, it does get hot when I pour boiling water in it, and being bored I twined and shellacked it. Still is a little warm, though. Unlike the glass carafes, it can't break, so when View attachment 564243

we travel I like to bring it along to make coffee in the mornings.

nice job on the twine ! hope your injury heals fast

 

[PaulSB]

Wahay... I think I got it!

Spoiler

Re-belle-d!

Correct! ✔️

 

[PaulSB]

My dad was a crossword fan, he always said the more you do in a publication the easier they get because you get to know how the compiler's mind works.

Yes, I'd fully agree with this. I don't do crosswords often enough these days for that to work for me but it definitely was the case when I was a regular.

Crossword solving has given me the ability to solve many different types of language based puzzles. When we do a quiz that part always gets handed straight to me. Anagrams are a speciality.

Codeword is my current favourite. The Guardian one takes me 25-40 minutes. Problem is I have a system which largely removes the challenge and it becomes more about speed than solving the puzzle.

 

[PaulSB]

Well I've had a brew, read the paper and it's time for more sleep.

One news item caught my attention. Germany has banned travel from the UK till January 31st. Our next door neighbour, the one who ignores all the rules, has her son home from Germany. He hasn't self-isolated for two weeks since arriving.

Now he can't return to Germany for six weeks. Four weeks longer than planned. I can't help but feel there's some natural justice going on here.......

 

[Mo1959]

and it's time for more sleep.

Have some for me!

Had my coffee and wondering how far the legs are up to this morning. Should probably just do the bare minimum and give them a rest.

 

[PaulSB]

Have some for me!

Had my coffee and wondering how far the legs are up to this morning. Should probably just do the bare minimum and give them a rest.

I'll get you a brew later if you're around......

 

[screenman]

Enjoyed Countryfile. Most of it was from around here.

It was on but I slept all the way through it.

 

[screenman]

Morning all, off for a swim this morning, well at least that is the plan.

 

[Mo1959]

Morning all, off for a swim this morning, well at least that is the plan.

Wish I liked swimming as it's supposed to be a great exercise but never enjoyed it and actually quite scared of water. I can just about manage a breadth of breast stroke at the shallow end!

 

[Mo1959]

Well after running over 40 miles last week I appear to have put on a pound.....what's that all about? Maybe it's muscle

 

[Tenkaykev]

Well after running over 40 miles last week I appear to have put on a pound.....what's that all about? Maybe it's muscle

Morning Mo, yes, it’s muscle which is denser than fat. You’re transmogrifying into “Wonder Woman” 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😁

 

[Tenkaykev]

Yes, I'd fully agree with this. I don't do crosswords often enough these days for that to work for me but it definitely was the case when I was a regular.

Crossword solving has given me the ability to solve many different types of language based puzzles. When we do a quiz that part always gets handed straight to me. Anagrams are a speciality.

Codeword is my current favourite. The Guardian one takes me 25-40 minutes. Problem is I have a system which largely removes the challenge and it becomes more about speed than solving the puzzle.

You definitely become familiar with the individual compilers style, with some I’ve been in awe of the artistry and on occasion thought “ you devious b***ard”😁
I used to have the newspaper on my work bench, open at the crossword page. I’d look at a clue and leave my subconscious to work on it while I got on with other tasks.
It’s often the case that a solution will pop into your head when you return to the puzzle.

 

[PaulSB]

It was on but I slept all the way through it.

Snap

 

[PaulSB]

You definitely become familiar with the individual compilers style, with some I’ve been in awe of the artistry and on occasion thought “ you devious b***ard”😁
I used to have the newspaper on my work bench, open at the crossword page. I’d look at a clue and leave my subconscious to work on it while I got on with other tasks.
It’s often the case that a solution will pop into your head when you return to the puzzle.

Yes, @ColinJ I meant to say this to you. One of my tactics is to run through every clue quickly, the obvious ones usually get answered straight off, then go back to those which now have letters and finally put it down for a while. Poring over an individual clue can make it harder.

 

[Tenkaykev]

Yes, @ColinJ I meant to say this to you. One of my tactics is to run through every clue quickly, the obvious ones usually get answered straight off, then go back to those which now have letters and finally put it down for a while. Poring over an individual clue can make it harder.

“Can you help me out with this crossword clue?”

“ What’s the clue?”

“ Eggs on, five letters “

“Urges?”

“ I wondered why my answer “toast” didn’t fit”

😉