I'd done a lot of fencing after the storms the other week. One of the fencing jobs I'd done was for a retired man in his mid eighties. He was pleased with what I'd done and so he told his neighbours. They in turn had told a friend of theirs. That friend had a sister who was married to the brother of a lady whose son was going out with a girl whose mother I worked for today who needed a new fence too.
Put another way, word gets around.
This was a slightly unusual fencing job. The larch lap fence panels were bolted to angle iron posts. Over the years the bolts had become totally corroded. I had to cut them off with an angle grinder. The angle iron posts were still good and so I got new stainless steel nuts and bolts, (dipped them in Vaseline) and bolted the new panels in place. The next person who comes along shouldn't have the same problem as I had getting the bolts out. On a nice day it would have been a good job to do. But in the wind and rain it's miserable work, and today it was windy and raining. The best part of the job was the seeming unlimited supply of homemade cakes and tea. Some people are generous. This lady was one of them.
Wednesday 28 February 2007
Tuesday 27 February 2007
Swinging the other way
Had to go back to the restaurant today. I'd noticed a problem with their front door - it was sticking and getting worse. It's no good having a restaurant and being open if the customers can't get in! The door was one of those great old fashioned shop front doors. All brass and glass!
The door had to come off, and so it did.
This is where the apprenticeships of old came to light. In my day... (No! I promised myself I would never say that. Let's try again.) Old hinge screws can be incredibly difficult to get out - but not if the carpenter had enough time to dip the screw tips in petroleum jelly (Vaseline). If that's been done, then 90 years later the screws just glide out. The carpenter who'd hung this door had done that. (Oh for the days when craftsmen weren't under the time pressures of today.)
As the door was off anyway, it seemed like a good idea to rehang it to open outwards. And so after some minor alterations it now swings the other way. It doesn't stick, and there's a sense of more space in the room. It's amazing how little changes make such big differences.
The door had to come off, and so it did.
This is where the apprenticeships of old came to light. In my day... (No! I promised myself I would never say that. Let's try again.) Old hinge screws can be incredibly difficult to get out - but not if the carpenter had enough time to dip the screw tips in petroleum jelly (Vaseline). If that's been done, then 90 years later the screws just glide out. The carpenter who'd hung this door had done that. (Oh for the days when craftsmen weren't under the time pressures of today.)
As the door was off anyway, it seemed like a good idea to rehang it to open outwards. And so after some minor alterations it now swings the other way. It doesn't stick, and there's a sense of more space in the room. It's amazing how little changes make such big differences.
Monday 26 February 2007
One of those Monday mornings
After a catastrophic morning things could only get better.
Have you ever woken up, gone to work, and wished you hadn't?
That was how I started feeling this morning.
I was scheduled to fit a round top gate, but first I had to collect it from Wickes. The lady had seen an advert in one of their brochures for a 6' x 3' gate priced £35. That should have sounded alarm bells straight away (Good thing no cheap, cheap thing no good!). Did they have the item? Yes! The only thing was, it was in bits, a flat-pack, in kit form, ready to assemble. Call it what you will, it wasn't a gate. It was a pile of wood that needed to be assembled, screwed, and cut to size!
Thirty five pounds for a gate is cheap. Thirty five pounds for a heap of white wood is not. Now add to that T-hinges, Suffolk Latch, Breton gate bolts, wooden posts, and some door stop and the Wickes bill was way past £35, in fact it was over double that. Assembly of the "gate" is simple enough. (Best ignore the instructions). Normally, I would be able to assemble and install a gate in about an hour. This morning wasn't normal - it was one of those Monday mornings. The brickies who built the house were good. The brickie who threw up the garden wall was not.
He was probably from Pisa. He was very probably Pisian when he built the wall. No big deal. We can compensate for that. Just offset the posts to compensate. Compensate an inch and a half over six feet! Then the drill bit broke. Then the chuck seized. Then the Torx driver sheared. Then I spilled my entire screw box in the grass. Then I drunk a freezing cold cup of tea. Then I felt like giving up! Needles to say I soldiered on, and eventually the job was done, the lady was happy, and I was glad to be on my way.
Onwards to Shinewater and install a blind in the living room. That one went without a hitch, and by then I'd gotten (what a horrible americanism!) through the morning and the sun was shining again. One of those mornings was over.
In the afternoon I had to build a windbreak and seat in a restaurant. Those who know me know I generally have a plan before I start something, but rarely follow that plan if a better idea comes along. Planning is for people who do not want to work but want to make themselves look busy. General Eisenhower had a famous quote. "Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field." Very country boy, but he does make a good point.
The client had a vague idea of what they wanted. I like vague. It leaves plenty of room for me to fill in the detail. I asked if they minded if I made some suggestions, and they agreed with them all. So off I went to Howdens for a door, and then onto KB Glass for some, wait for this.... glass. Howdens is primarily a kitchen supplier to the trade, but also has a vast range of doors in stock. I get most of the doors I fit from there. KB Glass is a third or fourth generation business run by Keith. He is friendly (I don't deal with unfriendly people), and knows a whole lot about glass. If its glass he can do it. Visit his website here. When possible he will cut and supply while you wait. He's reasonably priced and good advice is freely available.
Back at the restaurant I built the windbreak from the door, glazed it, and made the bench from materials the client had saved. The results can be seen by visiting the restaurant here. Pop along and ask them what they think of it. All in all it was a good day -once the morning had passed.
Have you ever woken up, gone to work, and wished you hadn't?
That was how I started feeling this morning.
I was scheduled to fit a round top gate, but first I had to collect it from Wickes. The lady had seen an advert in one of their brochures for a 6' x 3' gate priced £35. That should have sounded alarm bells straight away (Good thing no cheap, cheap thing no good!). Did they have the item? Yes! The only thing was, it was in bits, a flat-pack, in kit form, ready to assemble. Call it what you will, it wasn't a gate. It was a pile of wood that needed to be assembled, screwed, and cut to size!
Thirty five pounds for a gate is cheap. Thirty five pounds for a heap of white wood is not. Now add to that T-hinges, Suffolk Latch, Breton gate bolts, wooden posts, and some door stop and the Wickes bill was way past £35, in fact it was over double that. Assembly of the "gate" is simple enough. (Best ignore the instructions). Normally, I would be able to assemble and install a gate in about an hour. This morning wasn't normal - it was one of those Monday mornings. The brickies who built the house were good. The brickie who threw up the garden wall was not.
He was probably from Pisa. He was very probably Pisian when he built the wall. No big deal. We can compensate for that. Just offset the posts to compensate. Compensate an inch and a half over six feet! Then the drill bit broke. Then the chuck seized. Then the Torx driver sheared. Then I spilled my entire screw box in the grass. Then I drunk a freezing cold cup of tea. Then I felt like giving up! Needles to say I soldiered on, and eventually the job was done, the lady was happy, and I was glad to be on my way.
Onwards to Shinewater and install a blind in the living room. That one went without a hitch, and by then I'd gotten (what a horrible americanism!) through the morning and the sun was shining again. One of those mornings was over.
In the afternoon I had to build a windbreak and seat in a restaurant. Those who know me know I generally have a plan before I start something, but rarely follow that plan if a better idea comes along. Planning is for people who do not want to work but want to make themselves look busy. General Eisenhower had a famous quote. "Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field." Very country boy, but he does make a good point.
The client had a vague idea of what they wanted. I like vague. It leaves plenty of room for me to fill in the detail. I asked if they minded if I made some suggestions, and they agreed with them all. So off I went to Howdens for a door, and then onto KB Glass for some, wait for this.... glass. Howdens is primarily a kitchen supplier to the trade, but also has a vast range of doors in stock. I get most of the doors I fit from there. KB Glass is a third or fourth generation business run by Keith. He is friendly (I don't deal with unfriendly people), and knows a whole lot about glass. If its glass he can do it. Visit his website here. When possible he will cut and supply while you wait. He's reasonably priced and good advice is freely available.
Back at the restaurant I built the windbreak from the door, glazed it, and made the bench from materials the client had saved. The results can be seen by visiting the restaurant here. Pop along and ask them what they think of it. All in all it was a good day -once the morning had passed.
Sunday 25 February 2007
Sunday Lunch
It's Sunday afternoon. Trish and I have just got back from the Compton Lounge. (Tel: 01323 731662). It was as good as I expected. It rates as one of the best lunches I have had anywhere. Four courses of absolute heaven. The food was much better than excellent. The desserts nothing less than sublime. The total bill including a generous tip came to just £30. Currently the Compton doesn't have a license to sell alcohol. If we had wanted wine, Jo was happy for us to bring our own. It's hard to find somewhere that is truly individual. This is one of those places. It's like walking into a family home - and you're a part of the family. During lunch we had a great chat with the couple on the next table. He'd just finished running in the Eastbourne half-marathon; had gone home, showered, changed and was now enjoying lunch at the Compton. I felt quite exhausted just contemplating what he'd done. I wish Peter and Jo the very best of luck in their venture. I cannot rate this place highly enough. Try it. Even if it's for a cup of tea. You'll love it.
Ceramic Tap Washers
I was reading Bruce Greig's excellent 0800Handyman Blog and came across a very interesting post (it was interesting to me because I agree wholeheartedly!). For those too idle to click the link "under blogs I like", I reproduce it here.
21 February 2007
Ceramic tap valves
Seamus, our General Manager, was talking to me yesterday about the problems we have fixing ceramic tap valves. Most modern taps use ceramic quarter-turn valves instead of rubber washers. Ceramic quarter-turn valves last much longer than rubber washers, and the taps are much more pleasant to use as you only have to twist the handle a quarter turn to get full flow, rather than screwing it around and around like an old-fashioned tap.But when a ceramic valve tap plays up, it is a mission to fix. The quickest (and therefore cheapest for the customer) solution is to replace the valve. But few valves are the same, so you have to identify and supply a matching valve. If you know the manufacturer's name, and even better the tap name or model number, it is easy. But how many people know who made their taps? Not many.Plumbers merchants seem to hold only the slimmest range of replacement valves, and in our experience we can only source a matching valve from someone's stock in about 50% of jobs. How do we deal with the other 50%? Our handyman zaps a photo over to the office, and Seamus uses Google Image search to find one that looks to have the right parameters and we order a few in.So we can usually do it, but I have to say it is never very convenient for the customer, often requiring two separate visits (just to fix a tap!). A rubber washer tap would rarely take more than half-an-hour to fix, if that. But it can easily cost £100 to source and replace a ceramic tap valve, and you can buy a very nice brand new quarter-turn tap for that. Of course a specialist plumber with a van full of spares might be able to solve this problem more easily, if they keep a large stock of different tap valves in their van. But if plumbers merchants don't even keep a wide range, seems unlikely that a plumber would. I would be interested to know.Our aim is to identify a set of valves which will cover 100% of replacements. For a while Seamus had thought that three particular ceramic valves would cover all eventualities, but it had just been lucky that those three worked in a long run of tap-fixing-jobs. We soon found a whole load of taps for which our magic range of three valves didn't work. He now has a range of 10 different valves which, since a renewed effort to solve this problem, have worked in all cases.Still, having every handyman carry even just 10 different valves around is not very efficient. Each handyman probably only does one tap job every couple of weeks (I'm guessing here, haven't checked the stats), so it would take at least 6 months to turn over that stock of 10 valves, not very efficient from a stock-holding point of view.(Astute readers will be thinking, why replace the valve at all? Why not just take it apart and service it, that should get it working again. Correct. But that also takes a lot of time, and if after cleaning it up (including leaving to soak in a descalant) it still doesn't work you've wasted a whole load of the customer's time. Our view is that it is better to replace to be on the safe side.)
Posted by Bruce Greig at 16:46
21 February 2007
Ceramic tap valves
Seamus, our General Manager, was talking to me yesterday about the problems we have fixing ceramic tap valves. Most modern taps use ceramic quarter-turn valves instead of rubber washers. Ceramic quarter-turn valves last much longer than rubber washers, and the taps are much more pleasant to use as you only have to twist the handle a quarter turn to get full flow, rather than screwing it around and around like an old-fashioned tap.But when a ceramic valve tap plays up, it is a mission to fix. The quickest (and therefore cheapest for the customer) solution is to replace the valve. But few valves are the same, so you have to identify and supply a matching valve. If you know the manufacturer's name, and even better the tap name or model number, it is easy. But how many people know who made their taps? Not many.Plumbers merchants seem to hold only the slimmest range of replacement valves, and in our experience we can only source a matching valve from someone's stock in about 50% of jobs. How do we deal with the other 50%? Our handyman zaps a photo over to the office, and Seamus uses Google Image search to find one that looks to have the right parameters and we order a few in.So we can usually do it, but I have to say it is never very convenient for the customer, often requiring two separate visits (just to fix a tap!). A rubber washer tap would rarely take more than half-an-hour to fix, if that. But it can easily cost £100 to source and replace a ceramic tap valve, and you can buy a very nice brand new quarter-turn tap for that. Of course a specialist plumber with a van full of spares might be able to solve this problem more easily, if they keep a large stock of different tap valves in their van. But if plumbers merchants don't even keep a wide range, seems unlikely that a plumber would. I would be interested to know.Our aim is to identify a set of valves which will cover 100% of replacements. For a while Seamus had thought that three particular ceramic valves would cover all eventualities, but it had just been lucky that those three worked in a long run of tap-fixing-jobs. We soon found a whole load of taps for which our magic range of three valves didn't work. He now has a range of 10 different valves which, since a renewed effort to solve this problem, have worked in all cases.Still, having every handyman carry even just 10 different valves around is not very efficient. Each handyman probably only does one tap job every couple of weeks (I'm guessing here, haven't checked the stats), so it would take at least 6 months to turn over that stock of 10 valves, not very efficient from a stock-holding point of view.(Astute readers will be thinking, why replace the valve at all? Why not just take it apart and service it, that should get it working again. Correct. But that also takes a lot of time, and if after cleaning it up (including leaving to soak in a descalant) it still doesn't work you've wasted a whole load of the customer's time. Our view is that it is better to replace to be on the safe side.)
Posted by Bruce Greig at 16:46
Thursday 22 February 2007
Build me a rabbit hutch run !
I've never built a rabbit run before. Because I've never done it before, sourcing the mesh seemed a bit of a problem. I did the usual rounds of the superstores but was met with shrugs and dunnos (I can't believe I expected to find what I was looking for there). Chicken wire was everywhere, but this mini horse can eat chicken wire. Garden wire fencing rolls looked dreadful and even this buck would pass straight through that mesh. Builders merchants, tongue in cheek (I think), suggested reinforcing matting. I thought of going to an agricultural supplier. I was starting to flounder. Go to my mates at Alsford Timber I thought. They'll know. Well, I needed timber anyway, so off I went. "Phil, my good man" I cried "Where can I get some heavy duty meshing that can stop a tank" I asked. Phil scratched his head, let out a big sigh, humphed a bit, sniffed, scratched the other end, and then the lights went on. "Try Cavendish Iron Workers" he mused. "If they don't do it -they'll know where to get it he beamed". "Phil, I could kiss you" I said.
"Steady" said Phil.
Cavendish Iron Workers is at Unit 12, Birch Road. (Tel: 01323 730 523). Its tucked away at the far corner of the industrial units. Dark and interesting as only an iron works can be. They could not have been more helpful (Moral: Save time. ALWAYS go to the professionals, NOT the superstores. They know what they're talking about and they're cheaper in the long run.) After a couple of minutes my prayers were answered. I now had mesh on order and wood in the van.
After a couple of hours the result was a rabbit run fit for a horse. See pictures. Let's see him gnaw his way out of that one!
For more fun rabbit facts, click here.
Asda advertises Tesco
Trish sent me this audio
I think it's funny
CLICK HERE to listen
It's amazing what people will do if you just ask.
I think it's funny
CLICK HERE to listen
It's amazing what people will do if you just ask.
Flatpack - simple doesn't mean easy.
I like doing flat pack. It's fun. Over time I've found it's best not to look at the instructions too much --the given instructions only serve to confuse. Most are written in gibberish, in poor photocopy quality, and very often don't even relate to the actual article to assemble. For me, by far the best way forward is to look at the finished picture or exploded diagram and work it out from there.
What's even more fun is putting right a customers attempt at assembly.
Why?
Well, generally, the customer is just grateful that their treasured lumps of chipboard will finally be able to be used for the purpose they were bought for. I've seen highly articulate lawyers and doctors reduced to gibbering wrecks by wonky, ill fitting joints, torn out fastenings, and the sight of a dozen screws left over and no holes to put them in. One of my customers had fled to Curacao (the island not the drink) (just off the coast of Venezuela, which is in the north east of South America, which is beneath Mexico, which borders onto the USA, which is over the other side of the big pond that is to the left of Lands End, which is along the coast from Eastbourne.
I don't know how many weekend warriors have succumbed to a life as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder invalids by the horrors of trying to assemble items from IKEA, MFI, and Argos. But I do know this. I don't practice medicine (apart from the odd plaster) and I don't practice law. I know my limitations (which are precious few). Why should a brain surgeon or barrister think they can follow instructions in chinswedeengrish without adequate training? That's like me believing I can represent myself in court because I like to argue.
When my customer eventually comes back from the other side of the world he'll find his sideboard assembled and no one, not even his wife, will ever need to know that he didn't do it himself. I love flat pack -- it's fun. If you need help give me a call -- I won't tell anyone.:)
What's even more fun is putting right a customers attempt at assembly.
Why?
Well, generally, the customer is just grateful that their treasured lumps of chipboard will finally be able to be used for the purpose they were bought for. I've seen highly articulate lawyers and doctors reduced to gibbering wrecks by wonky, ill fitting joints, torn out fastenings, and the sight of a dozen screws left over and no holes to put them in. One of my customers had fled to Curacao (the island not the drink) (just off the coast of Venezuela, which is in the north east of South America, which is beneath Mexico, which borders onto the USA, which is over the other side of the big pond that is to the left of Lands End, which is along the coast from Eastbourne.
I don't know how many weekend warriors have succumbed to a life as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder invalids by the horrors of trying to assemble items from IKEA, MFI, and Argos. But I do know this. I don't practice medicine (apart from the odd plaster) and I don't practice law. I know my limitations (which are precious few). Why should a brain surgeon or barrister think they can follow instructions in chinswedeengrish without adequate training? That's like me believing I can represent myself in court because I like to argue.
When my customer eventually comes back from the other side of the world he'll find his sideboard assembled and no one, not even his wife, will ever need to know that he didn't do it himself. I love flat pack -- it's fun. If you need help give me a call -- I won't tell anyone.:)
Wednesday 21 February 2007
Malice in the loft
I was up in three lofts today changing ballcock valves. Two of them were simple. Turn off the water, undo two nuts, change the valve, reconnect, turn on the water, check for leaks and function, job done. Nothing challenging about that is there? Ten minutes, and you're on your way. Normally that's the case. Simple job, simple transaction, everybody happy.
But not if one of THOSE tradesmen installed the cold water tank.
You will seldom hear me talk badly of others - I don't like to do it. It's just that sometimes, just sometimes, I believe that the occasional tradesman(?) has an ignorant streak. Either that or they're just plain stupid. Imagine if you will, a 50's build house with classic timber cut pitched roof, a loft the size of a tennis court. An old, disconnected, galvanised cold water tank, lies empty and discarded to one side. At some time in the late 90's a plumber ( so the old lady home owner informs me) of, I believe, dubious parentage had installed a clean shiny black plastic cold water tank. So far so good. Now remember this loft is almost the size of a tennis court. Over in the corner, as tight under the rafters as is humanly possible, the tank has been installed. No real problem just strange. But now comes the crunch... It had been connected with all connections on the the roof line side. In order to get to the ballcock the tank had to be moved!!!!! Yes, in many lofts there is precious little room to move but in this one there was loads of space. It wasn't as if
they had taken the shortest horizontal route. There was no apparent logical reason to have done what they did. To me it seems as if it was just pure malice. Ignorant, or stupid you decide.
Ignorance is man made and to be despised, stupidity is God given and therefore no fault of their own. I still don't know if they should be despised or pitied. What do you think?
But not if one of THOSE tradesmen installed the cold water tank.
You will seldom hear me talk badly of others - I don't like to do it. It's just that sometimes, just sometimes, I believe that the occasional tradesman(?) has an ignorant streak. Either that or they're just plain stupid. Imagine if you will, a 50's build house with classic timber cut pitched roof, a loft the size of a tennis court. An old, disconnected, galvanised cold water tank, lies empty and discarded to one side. At some time in the late 90's a plumber ( so the old lady home owner informs me) of, I believe, dubious parentage had installed a clean shiny black plastic cold water tank. So far so good. Now remember this loft is almost the size of a tennis court. Over in the corner, as tight under the rafters as is humanly possible, the tank has been installed. No real problem just strange. But now comes the crunch... It had been connected with all connections on the the roof line side. In order to get to the ballcock the tank had to be moved!!!!! Yes, in many lofts there is precious little room to move but in this one there was loads of space. It wasn't as if
they had taken the shortest horizontal route. There was no apparent logical reason to have done what they did. To me it seems as if it was just pure malice. Ignorant, or stupid you decide.
Ignorance is man made and to be despised, stupidity is God given and therefore no fault of their own. I still don't know if they should be despised or pitied. What do you think?
Tuesday 20 February 2007
The Compton Lounge
If you're working , living, or travelling ANYWHERE near the Grand Hotel for ANY reason, I'd like to make a suggestion to you. Visit the Compton Lounge in the parade behind the Grand. It's located where the old Greasy Spoon cafe was, and there, ends ANY similarity.
The Compton Lounge (01323 731662) opened five months ago and is an absolute gem of a tearoom-cafe-restaurant. The chef, Peter, has cooked for the absolute highest of the business, social, and celebrity aristocracy. His wife Jo is the perfect "Front Office" and is utterly charming. Decor is definitely NOT greasy spoon. At first I was taken aback, the place has real style, and resembles a fine West End bistro. Linen tablecloths, fine china and cutlery, it all adds up to a fabulous ambience. Now you have to remember I went into the Compton Lounge for a cup of tea and a sarnie. I was in my working clothes but Jo insisted that I sit anywhere I wanted. Peter and Jo want to make this an all comers cafe. From builder to banker, salesman to solicitor, retiree to rapper! If like me you're a tradesman wanting a good breakfast or a golden oldie looking for a slice of cake and good coffee this is the place to come. Jo and Peter serve a four course Sunday menu for £11.95!!!!!!!!!!!! Trish and I are having lunch there this Sunday. As you might have guessed by now - I like the place. While I was there today I made a short video of Jo introducing the Compton using my mobile. You can view it by clicking HERE.
To get in touch with Jim'll Fix It
My email: handyman@seehawk.co.uk
My mobile: 07930 335 937
Monday 19 February 2007
Just a couple of doors
It seemed it was going to be a nice easy day today. Two exterior doors to hang, and an empty house to do them in -- and so it was. Take out two 1960's doors (back and front) and hang two new doors. The front door went in so easily it was almost frightening. The back door was a whole different ball game. The frame was twisted every which way but straight. The original door had been an inch and three eighths thin, the new door was an inch an three quarters thick. Put another way -- it didn't fit! After a lot of moaning, groaning, and grinding of teeth on my part, it was made to fit. The frame was routered out to accommodate the new door thickness, and voila a silk purse was made out of a sow's ear. Sometimes I amaze myself. Today was one of those days.
Sunday 18 February 2007
Free Online Courses
I've taken the following from the dumb little man blog.
Take a look at his blog it's full of interesting articles.
Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
I'm a big fan of online courses. I'm an even bigger fan of free online courses. Not many people know that iVillage offers a wide variety of monthly courses on anything from Digital Photography Basics to Entrepreneurship 101.
Unlike some "free" online courses, these do not require the purchase of books or other materials in order to follow along.As a past online student, I receive monthly newsletters with the new available courses and start dates. One in particular caught my eye this month, and I thought I'd pass the tip along.How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
"In stimulating lessons packed with fun exercises, you'll explore the seven da Vincian principles: curiousity, experience, sensory refinement, ambiguity, whole-brain thinking, physical fitness, and connection."Not bad for an online course. A free one, at that.You get the option to follow the course week by week, in this case it's an 8-week course, or you can download the entire course for reading at your leisure. This option does usually require that you agree to share you email address with a sponsor, though I have done this twice, and have yet to be contacted by the named sponsor, Sony.The main lesson is taught by Michael Gelb, and the course is based on his book and companion workbook.How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Everyday Genius
Take a look at his blog it's full of interesting articles.
Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
I'm a big fan of online courses. I'm an even bigger fan of free online courses. Not many people know that iVillage offers a wide variety of monthly courses on anything from Digital Photography Basics to Entrepreneurship 101.
Unlike some "free" online courses, these do not require the purchase of books or other materials in order to follow along.As a past online student, I receive monthly newsletters with the new available courses and start dates. One in particular caught my eye this month, and I thought I'd pass the tip along.How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
"In stimulating lessons packed with fun exercises, you'll explore the seven da Vincian principles: curiousity, experience, sensory refinement, ambiguity, whole-brain thinking, physical fitness, and connection."Not bad for an online course. A free one, at that.You get the option to follow the course week by week, in this case it's an 8-week course, or you can download the entire course for reading at your leisure. This option does usually require that you agree to share you email address with a sponsor, though I have done this twice, and have yet to be contacted by the named sponsor, Sony.The main lesson is taught by Michael Gelb, and the course is based on his book and companion workbook.How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Everyday Genius
Friday 16 February 2007
Enthusiasm
I'm a Quaker, and I love to watch boxing! Yes, I know that Quakers are supposed to be all peace and deep thinking, but if that's true, then I suppose I'm a poor Quaker. Anyway, the reason for me telling you that is because today, I was working in a house in Hampden Park putting up surround sound speakers. Not exactly taxing work, but work none the less. Both father and son are keen sports fans. The son is a martial arts expert, and the father an ex-boxer. The father, who is now a pensioner, was watching a boxing match on the television. It was a re-run of a 90's middleweight match between Sugar Boy Malinga and Nigel Benn. I used to love to watch Nigel Benn box because he was such a powerhouse. His fights against Chris Eubanks were spectacular. He attacked each fight with boundless enthusiasm. I was a huge fan of his.
While watching the match the father told me that he'd been a boxing contender in his youth, and wanted to pursue a professional career but was told that starting boxing at 22, he was already too old to have a real chance, and so he married his wife instead. It's amazing how a chance remark like that, can affect what we do in life. The remark changed the course of that man's life. He stopped pursuing his career in the ring, but to this day, still retains the enthusiasm for boxing after all these years.
It occurred to me afterwards, that seemingly inconsequential remarks have altered my life, often for the worse, but also, sometimes for the better. But whatever direction I took, I took it with enthusiasm. What chance remarks have altered your life? Have you lived your life adventurously?
I have no idea what Nigel Benn is up to nowadays, but I am sure that whatever it is, he will be as enthusiastic about it as he was then.
To this day I attack everything with enthusiasm. It's the only way for me to be.
While watching the match the father told me that he'd been a boxing contender in his youth, and wanted to pursue a professional career but was told that starting boxing at 22, he was already too old to have a real chance, and so he married his wife instead. It's amazing how a chance remark like that, can affect what we do in life. The remark changed the course of that man's life. He stopped pursuing his career in the ring, but to this day, still retains the enthusiasm for boxing after all these years.
It occurred to me afterwards, that seemingly inconsequential remarks have altered my life, often for the worse, but also, sometimes for the better. But whatever direction I took, I took it with enthusiasm. What chance remarks have altered your life? Have you lived your life adventurously?
I have no idea what Nigel Benn is up to nowadays, but I am sure that whatever it is, he will be as enthusiastic about it as he was then.
To this day I attack everything with enthusiasm. It's the only way for me to be.
Little Foxes B & B
I've done a lot of work at the Little Foxes B&B in Wannock Road recently. Chris Smith is not only the proprietor, but also a very nice lady. It's has two guest rooms. Decor and fittings are pretty standard, but it's the warmth and enthusiasm of Chris that's the ingredient that so many B&Bs lack. She loves what she does; she does it well; and it shows. It's a three diamond guest house with a five star heart. Many, many, guest house proprietors that I've known, would do well to stay at Little Foxes to see how its supposed to be done.
Thursday 15 February 2007
Paul Green - Landscape Gardener
I was working in Langney today, and met a really interesting guy, Paul Green. He's a landscape gardener, and has worked as head groundsman for both Stevenage FC and a very well known public school. He told me he'd trained as a fine turf technician, and up until then I never knew grass could be so interesting. At 36 he has now set himself up in business so that he can work the way he feels it should be done rather than working in the confines of a "big" business. I was so impressed that I suggested he might like to join us at Jim'll Fix It. If you need help and advice in any matters gardening give me a call and I'll give you his number. Watch his introductory video here.
Wednesday 14 February 2007
Valentines Day
Why? I hear a dozen people scream.
Quite simple, I was fixing yet another ceiling rose. If my wife was distrustful of me, this job would be impossible to do. I can write this, knowing full well that it will be misinterpreted by many -- but not by the only one who matters -- my wife!!!!
Happy Valentines Day darling.
You are the true love of my life.
I never forget what you mean to me.
I love you more than life itself.
Tuesday 13 February 2007
On my knees again --- Laminate flooring
I wrote the other day that I love doing the "No job too small stuff".
Well here's a case in point...
Last Friday I paid a visit to a house in Stone Cross. The couple had bought some stick-on tiles and wanted me to lay them in the en-suite. I suggested to them that the tiles might not be in keeping with the quality of the rest of the house! Yes , I know what you're thinking... I should have kept my nose out of it and just done the job. The trouble is, I like quality, and to be honest, cheap vinyl tiles are very practical in a utility area, but no matter what the surroundings, always look like cheap vinyl tiles. I made the suggestion that in such a small area (3' x 9') laminate flooring might look better. Yes, it would cost more, and yes, it would take me longer to do, but the cost of doing it right, once, would be significantly cheaper than living with a bad descion, that would need to be put right very quickly! The en-suite was the lady's boudoir, and I don't know any lady who wants to have a cheap boudoir. In an instant I was now going to be laying laminate not vinyl tiles. As we were about to go down stairs, the man decided we might as well do the main bathroom too. No problem, said I. We arranged to meet on Monday at the supplier to pick up the flooring. By now we are in the entrance hall, and I was saying goodbye when the subject of the downstairs cloakroom was raised, and now three rooms were to be floored. and so I went on my way. Monday, came and I spent the day on my knees laying flooring in the three rooms. But wait, it doesn't end there... Before I had finished laying the first room, the couple had decided that they would have the hallway done as well. Cutting in at doorways takes a good bit of time, and so this "No job too small" turned into two days on my hands and knees.
Here is a flooring company that delivers quickly and is inexpensive (relatively). Flooring Direct
Well here's a case in point...
Last Friday I paid a visit to a house in Stone Cross. The couple had bought some stick-on tiles and wanted me to lay them in the en-suite. I suggested to them that the tiles might not be in keeping with the quality of the rest of the house! Yes , I know what you're thinking... I should have kept my nose out of it and just done the job. The trouble is, I like quality, and to be honest, cheap vinyl tiles are very practical in a utility area, but no matter what the surroundings, always look like cheap vinyl tiles. I made the suggestion that in such a small area (3' x 9') laminate flooring might look better. Yes, it would cost more, and yes, it would take me longer to do, but the cost of doing it right, once, would be significantly cheaper than living with a bad descion, that would need to be put right very quickly! The en-suite was the lady's boudoir, and I don't know any lady who wants to have a cheap boudoir. In an instant I was now going to be laying laminate not vinyl tiles. As we were about to go down stairs, the man decided we might as well do the main bathroom too. No problem, said I. We arranged to meet on Monday at the supplier to pick up the flooring. By now we are in the entrance hall, and I was saying goodbye when the subject of the downstairs cloakroom was raised, and now three rooms were to be floored. and so I went on my way. Monday, came and I spent the day on my knees laying flooring in the three rooms. But wait, it doesn't end there... Before I had finished laying the first room, the couple had decided that they would have the hallway done as well. Cutting in at doorways takes a good bit of time, and so this "No job too small" turned into two days on my hands and knees.
Here is a flooring company that delivers quickly and is inexpensive (relatively). Flooring Direct
Saturday 10 February 2007
When a client becomes a friend
This week I was working in the house of an octogenarian. Unsteady in movement, gentle in speech, back bent with age, and hands distorted with arthritis. For some the image of Eastbourne is that of "God's waiting room". Eastbourne abounds with the sounds of creaking bones and groaning muscles. It can be easy to dismiss much of the population as "over the hill". In fact many can be considered to be over the hill, down the valley, and half way up the other side. Being a handyman, I am in their homes, sometimes for hours on end, and so I get to know a lot of these old timers. It never fails to astound me , the rich and varied lives they have led. I have yet to find one that has led a boring life. They have all, in their own ways, lived life adventurously. My octogenarian client is old and slow ---- until he starts telling me of his life as a professional classical musician. You have to understand, I have not no interest in music, and even less ability. I detest piped music in shops and restaurants, and if the radio is on, I always prefer to tune to a speech programme (generally Radio 4). However when this man started talking about his life in music he made it come alive. He came alive, and this old man's eyes lit up again. He talked of the places he'd been, the people he'd played with, and the orchestras he'd conducted. In his minds eye he is was at the top of the mountain, and could see the panorama of his life. He talked of his wife, whom he had been happily married to for fifty-five years. He talked of his children, and the love and pride he felt for them. He talked of the death of his wife, and how he had nursed herin the last years of her life. He talked of the emptiness and loneliness he now felt.
In the couple of hours I was there, I saw an anonymous old man turn into a person who I both liked and respected. This is no isolated incident. It has happened many times before, and will no doubt happen many more times. I don't know if my listening helped him, I know it helped me.
In the couple of hours I was there, I saw an anonymous old man turn into a person who I both liked and respected. This is no isolated incident. It has happened many times before, and will no doubt happen many more times. I don't know if my listening helped him, I know it helped me.
I have to hope that when it is my time to be old, someone will listen to me.
Thursday 8 February 2007
Seized stopcocks, horrible doors, and knackered taps
It's Thursday.
February is already a quarter gone!
Before you know it, it will be Easter.
Focusing on all the small jobs, as I do, very often, in fact more often than not, it leads to bigger jobs. I cannot recount the number of times that I've gone to a house to do one tiny job
(today for instance, it was change a couple of light bulbs), while doing that one small job, a number of other "quickies" came to the client's mind, and before you know it a long list was put together. This sort of scenario happens again and again and again. Very often the client, who is by this stage delighted that all the little jobs have been done so quickly, says can you do this, that, or the other, and then the talk turns to hanging all the doors in the house, building a deck, re-jigging the kitchen, or... well the list goes on and on. When asked if I can do something my answer is almost always YES! Although I can do most things, I now choose to limit myself to the small stuff and introduce them to other good trades people. Because if I don't do the job, I know a man who can.
Plumbing has been high on the agenda this week.
I've done four seized stopcocks,
one leaking toilet cistern ball valve,
two changes of monobloc kitchen taps,
and fixed two washing machine connections.
These tiny jobs have, this week, led to Norman painting several rooms in two houses, a couple of additional plastering jobs for Graham, and the replacement of a leaking immersion heater cylinder by Jeff. I've replaced a couple of doors, rebuilt a garden gate, and been asked to build a custom rabbit hutch and run! Boring this work is not!
Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
February is already a quarter gone!
Before you know it, it will be Easter.
Focusing on all the small jobs, as I do, very often, in fact more often than not, it leads to bigger jobs. I cannot recount the number of times that I've gone to a house to do one tiny job
(today for instance, it was change a couple of light bulbs), while doing that one small job, a number of other "quickies" came to the client's mind, and before you know it a long list was put together. This sort of scenario happens again and again and again. Very often the client, who is by this stage delighted that all the little jobs have been done so quickly, says can you do this, that, or the other, and then the talk turns to hanging all the doors in the house, building a deck, re-jigging the kitchen, or... well the list goes on and on. When asked if I can do something my answer is almost always YES! Although I can do most things, I now choose to limit myself to the small stuff and introduce them to other good trades people. Because if I don't do the job, I know a man who can.
Plumbing has been high on the agenda this week.
I've done four seized stopcocks,
one leaking toilet cistern ball valve,
two changes of monobloc kitchen taps,
and fixed two washing machine connections.
These tiny jobs have, this week, led to Norman painting several rooms in two houses, a couple of additional plastering jobs for Graham, and the replacement of a leaking immersion heater cylinder by Jeff. I've replaced a couple of doors, rebuilt a garden gate, and been asked to build a custom rabbit hutch and run! Boring this work is not!
Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
Wednesday 7 February 2007
The Amazing Seehawk Door Viewer
I was at a trade fair not so long ago and saw an amazing door viewer. After a lot of thought (0.05 seconds) I realised that it would benefit so many people.Let me ask you a question...
How many times have you gone to the door, opened it -- and wished you hadn't.
There in front of you is somebody you really didn't want to deal with. Double Glazing canvasser, Charity collector. Long lost, better forgotten, friend or family member. Political Candidate. Religion touter. Nosey neighbour. Police. Bailiff. That's if your lucky. It could also be con man, mugger, or worse. You never know until its too late.
Many people have a tiny inadequate peephole; the greatest majority never use it.
Why?
Too small to use comfortably, narrow view, distorted image, plus the other person knows you're there when you use one of them!
The Seehawk door viewer is COMPLETELY different. It is like having a small television screen at the front door. From up to 6'-7' you have a super wide angle view of the other side. It's clear and it's undistorted. Its so easy to use especially for the elderly, infirm, or disabled. Without getting anywhere close to the door they can see trouble coming.
I am so impressed with the quality and ease of use that I have decided to offer it on a supply and fit, as well as a supply only basis. It costs £5 to buy for self fit. It will fit the vast majority of wooden, plastic, or metal doors. If your intrigued to see one for yourself call me and Ill show you a demonstration model. I'm sure you'll be as amazed as I was. Call me on 07930 335 937 or email me at doorviewer@seehawk.co.uk or go to the website www.seehawk.co.uk/sdv
Monday 5 February 2007
All in a days work
Wow, what a day!
I hit the ground running and didn't stop all day:
Renew fascia and guttering on a double garage, Fit five venetian blinds, make a lot of shelving in two cupboards, remove mildewed silicone and reseal, Remove wind damaged fence panel, fit new fence panel, repair and adjust gate, completely renew all fittings on a standard lamp, and fit a water butt. By the end of the day I am utterly bushed.
I hit the ground running and didn't stop all day:
Renew fascia and guttering on a double garage, Fit five venetian blinds, make a lot of shelving in two cupboards, remove mildewed silicone and reseal, Remove wind damaged fence panel, fit new fence panel, repair and adjust gate, completely renew all fittings on a standard lamp, and fit a water butt. By the end of the day I am utterly bushed.
Friday 2 February 2007
Be nice
In the 80's I was living and working in Germany. One of the most fascinating stories I’ve ever heard comes from that time. Idafehn is a small village in Ostfriesland, Northern Germany. When Hans Bergen died the villagers were astonished, because he left an estate of over £20,000 to a young girl named Antje Martin. She, of all people, was the most surprised of all; she had never spoken to Hans Bergen.
How could such a thing happen to her?
Hans Bergen’s Will told the story. It seems that one day Anne Martin smiled at him. It was the only smile he'd ever received in his lifetime. Grotesquely ugly, Hans had lived a lonely, affection-starved life. His ugliness frightened and repulsed the villagers and they avoided him like the plague. Perhaps the young girl Antje Martin, saw the loneliness in Hans and gave him the only thing she could — a smile.
It’s amazing how much we can do for others when we invest a little of ourselves in them.
Thursday 1 February 2007
How to build a bird table
2007 is already one month old!Where did January go?
The Christmas break seems like a lifetime ago.
I built my first ever bird table today! It was great fun. Strictly speaking, I have to say it was more a refurbishment. The post, and remnants of the old table were already there. It didn't stop it being any less fun. Most people know that over one third of our lives are spent at work. What we do for work in life should be fun. If it ain't fun don't do it. Unless you want to spend a third of your life being miserable. But, if you want some fun, do something you enjoy like build a bird table. If you'd like to build a simple new table click this link Bird Table.
My first call of the day had been to a block of retirement flats (that narrows it down to half of Eastbourne). It was a simple job. The lady had a bun in the oven, but no heat. To be more specific, she'd had a power cut, and now her kitchen oven wouldn't heat up. The oven was an old AEG from 1987, and still going strong. Why do designers make so many appliances that function only after you set the clock. Can someone please explain - I can't think of one good reason to do it. When you buy a cooker or a microwave you want to cook or microwave. If you want to tell the time you buy a clock. Why does it have to be so complicated? To set the clock, even I had to refer to the instruction manual (Yes, she still had it from 1987, along with the original colour brochures, and the invoice, and delivery note!!!!!!). The whole process took about 20 minutes, a nice cup of tea, a friendly natter, and I was on my way. Life's too short to be miserable.
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