FastFreddy2

Okay, I'll try to ignore the warming water. I may have a look at other products for the inhibitor, though it'll be used when all the rads are changed and the new boiler goes in.

Thanks for watching. I might not have bothered either, but 'a friend' had seen the shows preview and suggested I watch, and I'm pleased I did. I had purposely omitted the sexuality of the 'first date' couple that involved a man wearing heels, because I (and I do mean me - I'm not speaking for everyone) didn't feel it was pertinent except for an one particular issue that I will discuss further. (In my soapbox moment.) What got my goat, so to speak, was the initial response to the fella who said he liked to wear high heels. As a comparison, a girl turning up in 6 inch heels and a rubber dress, no problem. (Does 100% fetish outfit get any more less likely on a first date?) A man says "I wear a heel" and Armageddon has been declared. So, onto my soapbox .... Being gay in the UK, is an acceptable status to many of us here in the UK, but equally to some, it is not. In fact I would question "acceptability" has even reached 50% of the populace. Further, it isn't 'normal' or 'average' in any sense. It's still unusual. In some places in the world, being gay gets you killed, and I don't just mean the Middle East. Being gay puts you in a minority, and often, in a repressed or suppressive environment. With all these unpleasant things in mind, you would think a gay man would be capable of showing some empathy towards someone (gay or otherwise) who had left their home country because they felt persecuted? No. Without a seconds thought, 'Dilbert' says "That's weird." And when he sees the hurt in his date's eyes, he recants and says "No, I mean unusual." Then swiftly follows it up with "I could never walk down the street with a man wearing heels." Could he be more of a bigot? No wonder he's single.... Hence the heel wearer saying 'Time to get the bill.' Any further discussion would have been a waste. We weren't privy to the whole feedback, but she did say he was no different to the 20+ year olds who had asked her out, in that their main interest was sex and she had hoped it would be different with a more 'mature' man. While quite a shallow attitude on my part, she was an 8, him barely a 6. He was punching well above his weight getting a date with a looker like her. (And he turned up late!) If they had gone out on a second date, people would have wondered what she saw in such a man? Perhaps (mistakenly) thinking he had a great sense of humour, and told a good joke. I found him a bore, and very rough around the edges. He treated the date like a job interview. What he missed was her limited ability to flirt. Her repeatedly touching her glasses, was her signal she was having a good-ish time. Frankly, with her intellect confronting a 'farmer', I'm surprised they got to dessert. He another one; "That's awkward" when she left to shed a tear. They'd eaten a meal together, and he had NO IDEA how she felt. No wonder his wife had kicked him into touch. As for the "I'm good", it's on a par with "Have a great day" ... Banal and usually BS. I don't know (nor have known) anyone who could put their hand on their heart and say "I'm truly happy." It's human nature surely, to enjoy being unhappy?

Daring! Well done you. That is a bit weird .... But I would imagine it to be as exhilarating as you indicate. The look works for me. "Smart casual", with a heel. What's not to like? You definitely get the January 2016 Award for tener cojones. In my mind at least, I think I'm quite brave for wearing a heel in public, but you are in a whole different league.

The heated pipe is hottest closer to the valve, though obviously as the heated water rises, the whole vertical pipe has some heat in it. I'm pretty sure there is no heat in the return pipe. (I will check later.) When power is switched off completely, the switch returns to HW only position, which I think is the default. Manual movement of the actuator arm seems to produce some resistance (from the motor) but moves, so the valve isn't stuck. There is a plethora of these valves at not much money on the auction site (<£20), but they look to be the newer 'clip on' styles. The valve will be redundant soon-ish, but warming up water unnecessarily, is something of an irritation. It may seem worse than usual at the moment, because we've had the heating on 24/7 due to freezing conditions outside. Perhaps I should try to ignore it for a while? My system water has been changed frequently enough so there is no loose sludge to be seen. The inhibitor I use is Sentinel x100. We have around 8 rads, (and 3 missing ) so I just tip the whole litre bottle in the system. Reusing the water is a good idea, as I will be draining the system fairly frequently soon. While I could change all the residual rads (in preparation for the new boiler) in one go, there is work to be done behind the old rads before the new ones are fitted. It's a summer job really, but summer (2015) is long gone.

While shopping at Tesco a couple of weeks ago (a place I don't enjoy going to - preferring ASDA), I got talking about Green Shield stamps. In my youth, I had worked on a supermarket checkout from time to time, and was reminiscing with both the checkout operator and Mrs Freddy. I mentioned power cuts, and using the older style electro-mechanical tills with a handle when power was out. Both made comments of derision concerning my age. Mrs Freddy always makes the most of our small age difference. The portly checkout operator may well have been younger too, but her (overindulgent) lifestyle made a different inference. I've always liked the concept of the Co-Op, it being a way to get group purchasing power for the smaller trader. They used to have quite a good policy on ethical investments too, I vaguely recall. As you rightly say, been in the sticky stuff a bit more recently. I hope they survive.

I have recently become aware, the HW circuit on my central heating system is getting warm, even when CH only is selected. My 3 port (aka mid position) motorised valve, may not be sealing as well as Drayton originally designed it to. Mine is the old style, that doesn't have the 'pop-off' actuator. A complete like-for-like replacement is going to cost £53, plus I'll have to replace the inhibitor at £13-50. Usually these are in an upstairs airing cupboard. Not mine, it's less than 3ft off the garage floor, so the WHOLE system will need draining. Great job in the middle of Winter.

Had a look at the 2017 National Television Awards (Jan 25 2017) held at the O2 Arena. Tickets released, 4 days ago, for the gig that is a whole year in the future. £599+fees ... 5 Star Experience ..... Sold Out. £80+fees .... Red Carpet Experience (seat includes time standing in the open watching celebs arrive) .... Sold Out. There are some experienced buyers out there, obviously. (Touts - by any other name.) Also had a quick browse at Il Divo in May this year ...... What "service" am I getting at £23-50 for two electronic tickets, I have to print myself? Not only spiv's to content with, but bandits too!

Booking for further out than October? Jeez, I may not be here then .... Although, obviously, I hope to be. If I don't find something during the next week, I may have to have another look at the ENO production ... I had mentioned the red patent courts to my walking companion. I got a sideways glance, and what I can only describe as a 'dismissive' look. I say "look", but I really mean a turn of the head in a style normally associated with "I don't believe what I'm hearing" action.

That's not normally how I see that written ....

Translation for the ignorant please?

Nice shoes, and the legs ain't too bad either. The boots (no one wants us to see?) That is some platform .... P.S. Missed another pair of the 1969 courts tonight. What was I doing at the time? Making up custom length Cat 6 patch leads at my wealthy mates gaff, while also talking him through attaching his new 'smart phone' to his home router. There are a few more pairs of courts lined up for auction, so I'm not getting desperate yet, but completion prices are starting to creep upward....

They are quite shiny. Where from?

The Al Murray gig is 9/10 months away, and I can see (because they have each seat available marked to choose) there are only the odd single seats scattered around. If the venue can sell-out that far ahead, neither of us should be surprised I can't buy a pair of the better placed seats, with only 6 weeks notice.... Enjoy your trip on the ferry. The only way to travel on a ship is in heavy seas. You will doubtless know this, but the best way to avoid sea-sickness; sit in the middle of the ship to avoid the worst of the pitch and roll, and stare at a wall or picture with no motion anywhere in your line of sight. Some years ago I played (only the once) a networked "shoot-em-up" game while doing product support at a computer company. It involved a lot of side-to-side movement looking for 'the enemy'. After about 10 or 15 minutes of play, I had to go outside for some air. I had gone green with motion sickness. Weird, and unpleasant.

Watched >> this << last night. (Available to watch On Demand if using the link.) Don't really watch commercial TV, but was drawn to this because one of the "daters" was a man who wears heels. He didn't on the date, and in hindsight it may have been a wise move. Given the outcome, I probably shouldn't have watched this with Mrs Freddy. To those who don't know this episode, (I haven't watched any others), it is good television. It's been very well edited, and if no other episode is worth watching, this one most definitely is. It isn't serious art though .... It's entertainment. The downside ..... While some couples get on (and one or two might "get it on"), there is always going to be disappointment when people you have warmed to, are left disappointed at the end of the show. In many respects, the producers and researchers have done a fairly good job at matchmaking. Trouble is, some people are born to just wreck anything ..... Sadly, our man-in-heels was one of those disappointed, by some feckless idiot ... Rather like the feckless carpenter who was punching above his weight in this episode, but still did all his thinking with his trouser snake. (And deserves to stay single IMO.) Yes, while trying to be accurate with my critique, I still have little patience for people who work too closely to their own agenda around other people. Meaning, people who want it "their way or no way". Enjoy the show.

Mrs Freddy doesn't do the Co-op. They are really nice boots, but they do need a higher heel to become aesthetically pleasing. In fact they are so nice, if they had a shorter toe-box and a flat (manly) heel, they'd be keepers.

The going wouldn't be an issue, the venue is fairly intimate. It's getting tickets for the 'right' night. I think going to a matinee might be easier, but I'm not so feeble (yet) I need to do all my energetic stuff during daylight hours. Ordering tickets is a bit of a lottery anyway, the way it is set up on the vendors site. Instead of showing available seats, there is a listing of (say) 10 or 15 seat prices to choose from. If I remember, the 'show' is in the place that is usually described as the Arena (for ticket sales). There are some seating clusters around the stage area, but they looked a bit too close. I opted for Premium Stalls, as to be on or slightly above the stage height. While tickets are circa £95/£105, these were not the most expensive, nor the least expensive .... When I tried to purchase 2 tickets, the response was "we don't have that many - try again". I used to shop at Kensington High Street in my younger days. Parking my car back then, was I can tell you, a much more pleasant experience with no fear of rip-off charges/tickets or towing. (Yes, that long ago.) It means I am vaguely familiar with the area and how to get there. Having mentioned the ease of travelling back then, I should also mention tube and train fares were significantly cheaper too. I have in mind £6-50 -ish?

Not high enough in the heel. They would easily be an all-day-shoe for anyone. (Or should be.) "Too pointed", as in a bit long. Very comfortable for a slender foot, like mine. Modelled by the lovely Mrs Freddy, during her Renaissance "Cooperative" period, circa Jan 2016. Not unlike the Rosa/1969 toe-box styles, but sadly without the 5" heel to go with it. Had they a higher heel, they would have been keepers. They are a 'snug' UK8 and likely unsuitable for anyone with wide feet. When I first tried them on, I was sitting on the edge of bed. When I tried to stand, I couldn't because the boots wouldn't allow my knee to function. Felt delightfully weird. Leather upper, and leather lined. A similar boot from Dune or KG would be WELL in excess of £200 these days.

I do go into charity shops looking for footwear from time to time, but until recently, I'd not had much luck. But if you don't look, you'll never find anything - obviously. Walked into a charity shop a couple of weeks ago, dragging Mrs Freddy with me. (She is such a snob. ) I was actually looking for some 'nearly new' work jeans in the ladies section. I really dislike the modern trend for bleached/weathered/worn/holed jeans, why would I ever want to buy jeans that looked used? I'm more than happy to use someone else's 'cast offs' for working duties, it's eco-friendly ("reuse is better than recycle") plus I convert stock into money for the charity. But they do have to look fairly unused - and be my size too of course. Anyway, no luck with the jeans, so I looked around the ladies shoes. Unbelievably, I found some 'vintage' (10-15 years old) Faith leather thigh boots, with 4 inch heel in 'as new' (unworn) condition..... In a UK8! I didn't buy them immediately, returning some 10 or 15 minutes later, this time alone. Would have been less of a challenge at the tills if Mrs Freddy had returned too, but I braved it out. It was a busy day, with smelly people behind me in 'the queue' that looked more like a group .... With every man or women - including the lady behind the till, thinking they were probably for me. Unfortunately the heel is too low for me, and the toe box a bit long, but they are really comfy to wear. While they are loose on my legs, the leather is stiff enough so it doesn't want to sag. Bit of a result. Not that I'll be keeping them ..... They just are not high enough ...

Thanks for the 'heads up', sounds like just the place I want to avoid. My walking friend came up with Cirque Du Soleil: AMALUNA at the Royal Albert Hall. Spent 90 minutes trying to book suitable (expensive) seats, eventually giving up as 'paired' seating does not seem to be available any longer. I even went as far forward as October, and an Al Murray gig. Same thing, only a few 'single' tickets left. I trawled through the Barbican listings until June/July when they dried up. Nothing of interest there. I'll give the O2 a try later, but it looks like the English Opera or stay home.

You're creative aren't you? I suppose what I'm looking for, is an informal slightly "upmarket" gig of some sort. An ideal night out would be the black tie do at this years BAFTA's, but even if I was a member, I think tickets are in the four figure range. Black tie and red patent stiletto courts. Would anyone notice with all that glitterarti about? "I have a dream" ....

Yep, done that. Looks like they work by charging a percentage for a successful bid. The first one I looked at gave the first 3 bids for free as a trial. On other news ..... Got a reply back from 1969 this morning ... "We are not interested." Oh well. I offered a higher price, and there would be no selling fees either. I'll have to do better with the auctions if a pair turn up I might want, with or without a sniping tool. The frustrating thing is, I'm only after some courts as a cheap (ish) way to make sure I get the right size in a boot. The Renzi's at a EU42 felt like they might have been two sizes too large, so I'm not convinced a 41 will be the right size either. Better I buy/sell the courts at £50-£60 than have to do the same with some boots at £115-£125 or more. Or I just might not bother at all. Sometimes, it's wiser to 'read the writing on the wall' ("smell the coffee") etc etc. I don't after all, need any more shoes or boots.

London and the West End tomorrow night. Got some returns to do. Sales are likely over, and temperatures will be low so no long walks at the moment. December was the wettest on record, and pretty much replicated the 'wet Winter' of 2012. We've had so much rain in the Home Counties, it's starting to feel like Manchester. We are currently in a brief cold but dry spell. Warmer and wetter by the weekend .... Global warming means more moisture from the oceans, and more rain for cool land next to them. That would be the UK ....

Historically, I have never enjoyed particularly good terms with any parents of girlfriends. At one time I even decided 'acceptance' would be a bad omen... I was never seen as anything close to a "good catch", so I can understand why I seldom felt welcome. The single exception was my "walking friends" father, who was a pleasure to be around. Lovely man who wasn't dealt a particularly good deck with his wife (walking friends mother) getting dementia a bit early in life. I enjoyed many Sunday roasts as their guest, and he never got a handle on me not eating dead mammal with it. A story for another day. Thank you for your good wishes, but sadly, we've had about the worst news we could get. A second CT scan tomorrow will reveal just how bad things are. My condolences to you both for your loss. Good friends are hard to come by, so I've no doubt the truth in your words. i had, but thought they were a thing of the past? Maybe not? Since I had not seen any reference to them for some time, I had -perhaps wrongly- thought auction sites had found a way to make them redundant or unusable. I will look again. Having had some contact with them already, I may contact them again to see if they want to sell a pair of shoes at a price that matches an auction price on a particular style. I will not offer the cheapest price I have seen, maybe the highest. I am wondering if these discounted bargains are offered to keep a workforce employed during a slow part of the year? Better to make no profit, or even lose a little, to keep employees on the payroll in slow times as long as it doesn't bankrupt the company.

I had a look at going again to see Ludovico Einaudi as he is touring this year. Nope. Not only are tickets for all the UK appearances "sold out" (some standing tickets available at the rear of the stalls or circle at £35), but some of the better tickets are being offered at £300!! My tastes are so limited, I've no idea what to do by way of an adventure ..... Any ideas?

Well, guess what .... Missed at least one pair tonight, same situation. Been thinking all day I mustn't miss the last knockings of an auction, and where am I when it closes? Driving. (Bolaux .) Of course I could have bid early, and hindsight is a wonderful thing..... I had already bid once and that had been surpassed, so it may have come to last minute 'tactical' bidding to ensure I won. What I am loathe to do is put some ridiculous amount in, to ensure I pay as much as possible. The next two pairs are patent, and I'm out tomorrow night anyway, so no further bidding.