Steve, it is O.K., as I understand that over on the Lawnmower Talk Forum they are discussing the Battle of Arnhem. Not in any great detail regarding tactics, logistics and lines of communication, mind you. They seem to be more concerned with how the Dutch maintained their grass verges under German occupation. Simon.
Wow, must have been Katrina but forgot it was that long ago. I have a kind of interesting story concerning one of her sister ships, the Indiana. During the eighties a sales was in out office and noticed a coffee table book about Destroyers on my desk. Turned out he was a destroyer sailor who was on the USS Lansdowne when she fired the torpedoes that finished off the crippled USS Wasp. He was also part of a group of people sent from Indiana to bring back the bell and other memorabilia from USS Indiana when she was being scrapped. I've been on the USS Massachusetts and she was just as she was during WWII, unlike the Iowas. Anxious to finally visit the Alabama. Can't visit the other Alabama off of Cherbourg
Hey, y’all have the steering wheel on the same side as we do on our lawnmowers over here! Do you cut the yard clockwise or counter-clockwise over there?
For me, of course, straight lines, up and down. It’s a nice walk When we finally get our two acres in Devon, our dream which we had hoped to achieve this year by selling up and moving (then the proverbial hit the fan, of course), l shall then seek out my very own ride-on dream machine.
I have a similar dream, but am aiming for Dorset. However, having looked after 25 acres plus over the last 38 years (at work), I'm looking for a window box and watering can. Good luck finding your Devon ranch when this all blows over.
Thanks Steve, hope you realise your Dorset dream too. I can well imagine that you may be wanting a little less greenery to tend one day! We wouldn’t say no to Dorset if the right place came along, it’s absolutely beautiful there, but we’ve mainly been looking at Devon and also Cornwall. None of this, of course, has anything whatsoever to do with putting as much distance between us and the rest of the family as possible (dump the phones in the Tamar, pull up the drawbridge, sorted). I think two acres would be my limit (be careful what I wish for?) Our good friends have about that much land in Surrey, which has given me some perspective. I think any more would be a bit of a task to look after.
I thought it was all a hideous nightmare, but I woke up today and it’s still there: “hilarious” and “Lenny Henry” in the same sentence.
The Coronapocalyps in Holland: On Feb 27th, 2020, the first case of Covid19 was discovered in southern Holland. The virus was already in the Netherlands on February 15, twelve days before the first patient was officially tested positive. For several weeks it spread undisturbed, with the massively celebrated carnival in the Catholic south of our country acting as a catalyst. The Netherlands below the rivers became a true hotbed for the virus. In late afternoon of Sunday 15 March Holland went into pause: bars and restaurants were closed, social distancing, no public gatherings of over 100 people. At the time we had 1.413 registered patients and 24 deaths. The actual number of infections was higher, because not everyone in Holland is tested, only those who are "at risk of a serious disease course" - the real number of infections on 16 March was estimated at about 6000 people. Re the deaths - the real number of deceased patients in Holland, is probably higher, since only the deaths of confirmed Covid patients are registered. Since then I've been editing on a daily basis how the situation in Holland rapidly changes. These are 'only' official figures. The actual number of infections and deaths is most likely much higher: 17 March - 19 new death cases, that makes 43; total confirmed patients 1705 (an increase of 292) 18 March - 15 new deaths, total now risen to 58; total confirmed patients 2051 (an increase of 346) 19 March - 18 new deaths, total now 76; total confirmed patients 2465 (an increase of 414) 20 March - 30 people died over the last 24 hours; total now 106; total confirmed patients 2994 (an increase of 529) 21 March - 30 deaths in the last 24 hours, death toll now 136; total confirmed patients 3631 (an increase of 637) 22 March - 43 deaths, death toll now 179; total confirmed patients 4216 (an increase of 585) 23 March - 34 people died over the last 24 hours; total number 213; total confirmed patients 4.749 (an increase of 533) As of March 23rd further restrictions became effective - (an almost complete) lock down: schools were closed, no public gathering of more than three people, work at home, social distancing (these measures are effective until April 28th) 24 March - 63 deaths; total number now 276; total confirmed patients 5560 (increase of 811) 25 March - 80 new deaths, total now 356; total confirmed patients 6412 (an increase of 852) 26 March - 78 deaths, total now 434; total confirmed patients 7431 (an increase of 1019) 27 March - 112 deaths, total now 546; total confirmed patients 8603 (an increase of 1172) 28 March - 93 new deaths, total now 639; total confirmed patient 9762 (an increase of 1159). 29 March - 132 new deaths, the death toll now is 771; total confirmed patients 10.866 (an increase of 1104) 30 March - 93 new deaths, total now is 864; total confirmed patients 11.750 (an increase of 884) 31 March - 175 new deaths, total now 1.039; total confirmed patients 12.595 (an increase of 845) 1 April - 134 new deaths, total now 1.173; total confirmed patients 13.614 (an increase of 1.019) 2 April - 166 new deaths, the death toll now is 1.339; total confirmed patients 14.697 (an increase of 1.083). 3 April - 148 new deaths, total number now 1.487; total confirmed patients 15.723 (an increase of 1.026) 4 April - 164 new deaths, total now 1.651; total confirmed patients 16.627 (an increase of 902) 5 April - 115 new deaths, total now 1.766; total confirmed patients 17.851 (an increase of 1.224) 6 April - 101 new deaths, total now 1.867; total confirmed patients 18.803 (an increase of 952) 7 April - 234 new deaths, total now 2.101; total confirmed patients 19.580 (an increase of 777) 8 April - 147 new deaths, which brings the total number to 2.248; number of confirmed patients is 20.549 (an increase of 969). 9 April - 148 new deaths, total now is 2.396; number of confirmed patients 21.762 (an increase of 1.213) 10 April - 115 new deaths, total now is 2.511; number of confirmed patients 23.097 (an increase of 1.335) 11 April - 132 new deaths, total now 2.643; number of confirmed patients is 24.413 (an increase of 1.316). 12 April - 94 new deaths, total now 2.737; number of confirmed patients is 25.587 (an increase of 1.174). 13 April - 86 new deaths, total now 2.823; number of confirmed patients is 26.551 (an increase of 964). 14 April - 122 new deaths, total now 2.945; number of confirmed patients is 27.419 (an increase of 868). 15 April - 189 new deaths, total now 3.134; number of confirmed cases 28.153 (an increase of 739) 16 April - 181 new deaths, total now 3.315; number of confirmed cases 29.214 (an increase of 1.061) 17 April - 144 new deaths, total now 3.459; number of confirmed cases 30.449 (an increase of 1.235) 18 April - 142 deaths, total now 3.601; number of confirmed cases 31.589 (an increase of 1.140) 19 April - 83 deaths, total now 3.684; number of confirmed cases 32.655 (an increase of 1.066) 20 April - 67 deaths, total now 3.751; number of confirmed cases 33.405 (an increase of 750) 21 April - 165 deaths, total now 3.916; number of confirmed cases 34.134 (an increase of 729) 22 April - 138 deaths, total now 4.054; number of confirmed cases 34.842 (an increase of 708) 23 April - 123 deaths, total now 4.177; number of confirmed cases 35.729 (an increase of 887) 24 April - 112 deaths, total now 4.289; number of confirmed cases 36.535 (an increase of 806) Edit today: 25 April - 120 deaths, total now 4.409; number of confirmed cases 37.190 (an increase of 655) Holland now is nearing the end of the sixth week of the lock down, which started 15 March. This week it was announced that it will continue until 20 May. For large public events, such as concerts, soccer and other sport events, there is a 'no-go' until 1 September. Schools and day-care will reopen from 11 May on, but only for the youngest kids, the 4 - 12 years old and only in small groups. On the plus side: Though we lose people every day, it looks like the virus wears out - as do we! Overall, the steady decline of daily death rates and hospitalizations continues. The reproduction factor - the number of people infected by an infected person - remains low at 0.8. Today's hospital admissions were slightly lower with 100 . Yesterday the number was 123, the day before yesterday 137 and the days before that resp. 124, 118, 75, 110, 129, 156, 182, 188, 210, 147, 196,189, 225, 237, 308, 292, 260, 253, 336, 502, 625, 447 and 722. The limited number of available ICU-beds no longer is an issue, with the lower influx rates we will cope. But we have to be careful as we cannot handle another peek as last March. There are now 2400 ICU's available. The absolute maximum. Of these a maximum of about 1900 ICU's is available for COVID patients; the rest is taken by regular patients. We peeked at about 1.400 then ICU-numbers started to decline. Today (25 April) the number of ICU-patients again has fallen with 4 beds to 958 - a drop of ICU cases for a third day on row. Of these ICU-patients 41 are treated in German hospitals. This country generously has promised reception of 107 patients in case of emergency. The number of ICU's indicates the bandwidth within which further relaxation of the lock down can follow. We have to be careful. When we act too quickly the virus could peek again, with Italian conditions as a result, which nobody wants. The experts have cautiously announced that the ICU situation will reach acceptable levels (about 500 Corona ICU's) in two weeks when the present decline continues. On the negative side: we now officially have more than 35.500 corona patients, more than 4.150 people died from the effects of the virus (a mortality rate of 11,69%). In reality more people have become infected with the virus and died from its effects than has been measured. Since not everyone is tested for the coronavirus, not all cases of infection and death are included in the official statistics; the 'silent Covid deaths'. It gradually becomes clear that this is a substantial group - based on a study of the average death rates over the past few years in Holland, the real number of death by Covid might be higher. General practitioners have registered at least 764 people who died of a suspected corona infection without being hospitalized or admitted. This would bring deaths in Holland at 5.053 (= 293,77 per million). We have tamed 'the beast', but it is still among us and quietly waiting for a chance to lash out at the slightest recklessness. Also do not be lulled to sleep. The virus goes into 'summer-hibernation'. The experts foresaw that the epidemic would decrease as it gets warmer. Earlier they predicted that it would be much less in May. They now are hopeful that, because of everything that has been done to keep it low, we now have a chance for some quieter months. But we need the coming months to prepare for the new wave that may come in the fall. No clear view of an exit-strategy yet, other than that it will be a long-term issue in which social distancing will be the common thread, just as 'tracking apps' and facemasks ... this will not be over before we have a vaccin. The Spanish Flu of 1918 struck Holland in three waves, lasted two years and did cost 40.000 lives in Holland. For comparison the mortality rate caused by Covid per million of inhabitants: Belgium (11,4 mln) with 6.917deaths, it is 606,75 Spain (46,7 mln), with 22.524 deaths, is 482,31 Italy (60,4 mln) with 25.969 deaths, the number is 429,95 France (67,0 mln) with 22.245 deaths, is 332,02 UK (66,5 mln) this number, with 19.566 deaths, is 294,23 Holland (17,2 mln) with 4.289 deaths, it now is 249,36 Sweden (10,2 mln) with 2.152 deaths is 210,98 USA (327,2 mln) with 51.949 deaths, it's 158,77 Germany (82,9 mln) with 5.767 deaths is 69,57 Canada (37,1 mln) with 2.386 deaths is 64,31 Population numbers adapted (courtesy SteveDee) Coronavirus deaths per million by country 2020 | Statista Relatively Belgium is by far the hardest hit country in Europe (they passed the 600 mark) ... followed at a distance by Spain and then Italy (although, due to the loud whining for money by the latter, you would almost think it is the other way around); all three countries maintain a strict lock down, as do all other countries in Europe. For our riotous Uncle across the pond: this virus is lethal when not taken seriously. If the virus hits the USA as severely as it struck Belgium, the mortality in the US would be massive; deaths in the 198.500+ (with ease) .... no UV beams, bleach or other disinfectant can cope with that. It's time U fire your shaman and start listen to the doctors. It seems that Germany, where the virus spread at the same time as in Holland, is coping well ... what is their secret? They have 28.000 ICU's and also do a lot of testing. Still the Bundespresident Angela Merkel announced that she believes Germany is only at the start of the epidemic. The death rates in Sweden, the only country in Europe that adopted a unique approach by not locking down, are rapidly on the rise and significantly higher than the surrounding Scandinavian countries (Denmark has a rate of 67,93 and Finland 13,16). Some grumbling can be heard now from the Swedes.
We have reached a crisis point. Mrs only has one bottle of white wine left. I need to protect my supply of red. I'm sure I have some barbed wire and claymores lying in the garage. Must just remember "front towards enemy". Hate to have a lot of broken bottles.
You should be here. In my area it is actually far, far easier to get same day delivery of booze than of food.
Would like to tell you of superior leadership or similar crap, but it´s plain and easy predisposed obedience: The government thinks loud about a neccessary lockdown and – woosh – most of the country voluntary performs strict lockdown measures. Same of course for any other official "proposals"...JAWOLL! And also we have approx. 30.000 IC stations, this helps A LOT.... Speaking of german traits: There is a regulation who says you may buy an ice cream but have to maintain 50m distance from the shop until you may enjoy it. And as we´re thorough an official implementing statute was inavoidable: "The application of the regulation can be pragmatic in that the first quick licking of an ice ball while quickly moving away from the ice cream parlor can prevent the ice from dripping onto clothing or the floor. However, the distance of 50 meters applies to the consumption of the residual ice cream."
Now that wearing a face mask in public places becomes mandatory in your country it will be even more ... different?
When I cut the grass, the style of the cut varies from place to place. At my house and my Mom's, it's clockwise all the way. Read once somewhere that alternating between clockwise and counter-clockwise is good for the grass. Maybe so. I tried it a few times, but just couldn't get exactly use to it. Felt like I was doing something wrong. It's the mild un-diagnosed OCD in me I guess. Either that or I get into a real comfy comfort zone, and doing some things differently feels just too "un-comfy". Who knows. Now about the only time I go counter-clockwise on purpose is when I don't get it cut in a timely fashion and have to hit it twice to make it just right. No rows of mulch between rows allowed. Raking is out of the question. At the 2 acre lot across the river in Iberville parish, I go up and down the length of the ditch when it's dry, then back and forth for about 20 rows, then I go in a huge U shaped pattern for the rest of the time. The reason for not making a complete box is that one end of the box is so rough it just about beats me up traversing that stretch, hence the U pattern. U this way, then U that way and so on for about 3 hours, including taking breaks to take a wiz and fire up stogies. I usually go park under a shade tree to stretch a bit, light stogies and chug some water. Now at the other 2 acre lot in St. Gabriel where the den for my Mardi Gras krewe is located it’s a little different. A den is a large warehouse where the krewe keeps their floats and tractors, or where float builders refurbish floats to get them ready for the next Mardi Gras. First I cut the ditch, then the small piece of ground in front of the den, then I make several loops around the building, then I make several big squares until the job is done. All clockwise of course. Normally it's about a 3 hour job, but last Saturday it took me 6 hours and 40 minutes. It was 6 weeks since the last time I cut it, and it was a jungle. My beast and I tamed it. So it's styles of cutting the grass we've been reduced to now. What's next? This will be my theme song once this quarantine business is over and done with. Usually I go for a week in Panama City Beach, Florida with friends and stay at the Sandpiper Beacon Resort. There's anywhere between 40 and 80 or so in our group in attendance, so there's always something going on. Really looking forward to it. The timeframe is 17-25 July, and I hope we'll be able to make our annual pilgrimage. Pretty neat song.
