Doug Tait

Not what I'd usually be interested in but I like. Think Mark J posted the one I've quoted here a while back.

I don't doubt that lockdown would've been a negative influence for some kids but I'd think that for others it could be a positive. There are a lot of individuals that don't derive great mental health from 'normal' childhood life, and being away from school, socialising and other pressures of living in society might have been a happier time. They could have struggled just as much with lockdown ending, but the headlines wouldn't focus on that. Personally, I thought much of the restrictions imposed did go too far, but lockdown itself was not a negative experience for me as an individual. In the longer term I suspect some kids will have issues because of it but the majority will learn from the experience at an emotional level and may gain some resilience. I can't think of a generational event before that caused ongoing, widespread mental health problems for kids that experienced it. A lot of kids had WW2 in their childhood and it didn't lead to a generation of fuddled adults. Social media and junk food too, like most things in life have good and bad points, depends what you take from them. I wonder how many young girls will be unhappy in their bedroom this weekend due to their use of social media, and how many will be excited and dreaming for the future following The Lionesses on social media instead.

Apparently calling someone the c word isn't acceptable, who'd have thought. I don't know much about trolling but as far as the arbtalk league table of trolls goes I reckon hedgy ranks low, second division or pub league. Steve's report card to Mr and Mrs Mong should read needs to concentrate, must try harder.

You're at the forefront of this industry down there Will, we're still taking a fistful of 'concealer' up in our pocket, or if we're really lucky and see a squirrel go up it lets us know which is the back side!

L and R is the only marking on mine, no brand or anything.

Don't think many others will be able to give an opinion based on such rigorous testing!

Pfanner Zermatt I've got just now are pretty rigid, ankles well supported in them.

Wisely indeed, like the velcro top strap with buckles on bottom.

They've been kicking around the truck forever and I started using them a while back and really like them. Very comfy and suit me well but no-one at work knows where they came from or what brand they are. Just curious really, anyone recognise them?

I only use ladders when the customer has some I can borrow. You'd be a fool to waste money on buying them, they only get you up or down, rip off.

How many tree work customers actually agree to uninsured work though? More often than not there's a target of some kind of value, if I was the customer I wouldn't take the risk that the cheap guy with no insurance is skilled and experienced enough to guarantee no mistakes.

Sorry I can't remember, maybe stubby will.

They are, and the 500 is lovely too. That comes from someone who identifies as a husqy lover, but often accused at work of being bi as I do love using these Stihl offerings, the little 194t is lovely too.

On a serious note. The new battery saws we got have found themselves all back in the workshop as the boss and yard guys find them handy for stuff, although apparently they're being recalled due to a switch fault? We have some new saws for the truck instead, another 261, another 500i, and a 400c arrived today. Really like it, a range of saws to make cutting fun again!

Small hedge job on this morning. Had an up and coming contractor insert himself into the clear up, think he's hoping to make a name in the industry but he'll need to up his productivity to make it pay, he only got a couple of loads away. Nonetheless, he was keen, didn't chat too much and was always smiling so good luck Rupert (aged 5).

Fantastic.

The third Jedward!

No use to you now Hairy but you can replicate the tattoo well enough to fool Steve that it's real using a Spruce needle from Latvia (Sviatoslav Tulin knows a guy), the blood of a broken groundie and just a few drops of pee from a dehydrated climber.

I agree with the sentiment completely but the way it seems to go in practice is the people that take risks on the road and break laws would break new laws just the same.

It's too vague in the memory

je ne suis qu'un instituteur monsieur, je voyage pour voir ma mère

Probably make it 12 in case the first 10 need sharpened.

Out and about late afternoon/early evening there's a lot of chimneys smoking, 12c and heavy showers.

I've only driven hers on the drive so haven't experienced it myself but she's had a few frights on the road.

The oh went to London recently, said I'd wash her car while she was away and had a similar experience to you. I'd barely closed the door and it automatically put me in her driving position, folded me up like some mediaeval torture chair! And when I eventually moved it (thankfully without having to phone her for advice) and started washing it I realised it's huge, the roof of my L200 is easier to wash than her 'little' car.