The Grand Cafe

There’s no doubt times are challenging for many, and the pandemic has bought many issues to the fore. We are applying out moto of independence and resilience as best we can.

Anything in particular reason why these words of reflection arose today Pete?

Meanwhile, I’ve dismantled the CD player. Fuse looks okay, but I can get one for 85c at out local electronic shop, so will try that first. Otherwise a transformer replacement might be in order, but probably not worth the hassle of sourcing it and mucking around……

No, just noticed people seem under the pump. I’ve given up watching the news it’s just depressing.

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Yes, it’s a massive issue in my profession. Getting stuff done is really difficult due to ever expanding bureaucracy, which is increasingly frustrating, as I went into the profession to get stuff done for the common good. Add to that a reducing number of skilled engineers and under resourcing and it’s become somewhat demoralising to be honest. It’s one of the reasons to moving into part time work and being very selective about what I’ll do, and with whom.

We don’t watch mainstream news, it’s not healthy to be exposed to the constant negativity.

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I had a good win with the local council today, I received a bill for development/water contributions of over $8k. Decided to go and see them, after going through it with a very helpful council employee I now have a credit of $250.00.

Just goes to show you just can’t pay an invoice on face value these day.

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Yes, it doesn’t really install confidence in them though, does it?

No it was my architects fault. They asked them a question about the use of the existing site which they never passed on to me, they instead just sent me the invoice that was the result of them not replying.

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I haven’t watched the news in six years, too many unchecked untruths.

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My grandkids stopped believing me for the same reason :grin:

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Can you have them adopted , and replaced with ones that do believe you?

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Yes, but…

Problem is when they get about 7 or 8 they can see through my BS. When they’re young you can tell wonderful stories that obviously aren’t true but they love them, there’s a sense of Poppy knowing everything then they find out I know nothing.

From that you can make thing up and call it artistic licence.

Or you can make thing up and test them and you’re on the way to science.

Or you can make thing up and offer fight anyone who disagrees and you’re heading into things we can’t discuss here.

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@Rafael how is the Sake?

Sorry no sake yet (landed yesterday), but I will remedy this distraction and report to you. In Hachinohe now.

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Have a good time Rafael. One of my ex-bosses lived 2 years in Japan, he considered it the loneliest years of his life (he was from north-Sweden which is not the liveliest place either).

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Reporting to @Ardbeg10y:
First sake a few minutes ago, followed by Japanese W. I send pictures. Next meeting on Thursday. I will report accordingly.


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Off to pick up Mrs Pete’s new car tomorrow then back to Newcastle to spend a night in the “big” smoke for her birthday. Have a nice little restaurant booked for Sunday lunch and our second eldest granddaughter is making a surprise visit, her and her boyfriend having touring Aus and she’s flying back from Adelaide to surprise her.

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Enjoy the pick up day should be fun. When i logged on this morning you almost had a full house with the whole page of threads lit up with Pete the Painter on all but a couple of threads😂

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It’s been raining and I’ve been playing music all afternoon, however we’re just to go out for dinner with friends.

Someone has to keep the place ticking while you guys are sleeping. :grin:

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Thankless task :wink: