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Exactly the same, apparently men don't know how to pack bags despite doing it successfully for their entire lives :rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by JPPR2
Then there's the clucking of the tongue after getting back from work too, as men don't know how to unpack either by all reports.
I'm sure you're following the news Mandip, it looks like vaccinations of the most vulnerable will begin in the UK next week. Perhaps there's a chance your Mum could be vaccinated before Christmas?Quote:
Originally Posted by Mendip
I agree with Willy on this one, stay put and milk the work for all that it's worth. I, as I'm sure you have, have spent many festive periods working, either offshore or onshore. Offshore is always a write off, though onshore in more normal times can be good with parties etc (making sure you're still getting the day rate of course). My last three years working, each Christmas/New Year I was in Luanda, Angola (warm/hot), and the year before those in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Far Eastern Russia (freezing). I'm sure there will be others in a similar situation to yourself so find out what social activities are taking place, and don't stint on treating yourself.
OH Yeah. She opens up my suitcase and says "What's this, why didn't you put that in a hotel dirty clothes bag" then the "Did you wear this?" Its a complicated return process. I used to just pour it all out and toss in the dirty clothes.Quote:
Originally Posted by Headworx
I feel ya Mendip. These are not ideal times. Its not like you can just grab a flight and go home. The entire process is complicated now. I was recently asked to fly to our other factory in Malaysia. I said "No can do". The path back home is likely twice as long as the trip to go assess the issues and I would have zero patience to be stuck in a hotel for 14 days, eating Bento box food watching crap TV.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mendip
Strange world indeed. Hang in there buddy. As most know, Holiday time is silly time and many get depressed and stressed out. Never understood it but I know many that have been seriously impacted by it. Find a few activities. Taking up running naked in the park. That will get you some needed exercise and you will meet some new friends.....:rofl:
Mendip ... stay safe out there. Sweden Covid-19 cases are skyrocketing (Grey line in the middle).
Attachment 60881
... and FFS, buy some socks!
^ Yeah, Covid is definitely on the up in Sweden. I spoke to my manager yesterday who had made a rare trip into the office... and she says that people are starting to get very worried. The Swedish authorities don't make rules about Covid, they just offer advice... and make the pubs shut at 10pm. It's not working and personally I think they need a rethink.
And my sock situation is OK. To be honest in these cold climates you don't have to worry so much about personal hygiene and a pair of socks will easily last for two days... even three is no problem with an empty office to work in.
And as for packing... I often wonder how I survived all those years fending for myself.
I'm not a work lover mate!Quote:
Originally Posted by Dillinger
And thanks for the Christmas song! I thought of you today by the way... once I eventually managed to get on the Debenhams website to do my Christmas shopping on their closing down sale...
This is the sort of thing you northerners would like?
https://teakdoor.com/attachment.php?...0&d=1607021098
There's no escaping Christmas here...
Even the ferries have gone festive.
The Stena Jutlandica on her way in from Frederikshavn this morning.
https://teakdoor.com/attachment.php?...1&d=1606980289
My rough plan now is to work through to middle of January or so... if there is enough work. This may get taken out of my hands if the work dries up, but if they want to keep me busy I'm up for it. Going back to the UK doesn't seem worth it... North Somerset is in Tier 3 and the thought of isolating in a hotel room before spending a few days over Christmas with my mum isn't very appealing. One of my sisters has two kids returning from Uni over Christmas and the other is a peripatetic violin teacher and every one of the schools she teaches at has had Covid outbreaks. Neither will be visiting my mum over Christmas and we're all in pretty much agreement that with a vaccine for the over 80s just around the corner now to forget about Christmas this year and not take the risk.
But, all subject to change of course.
I had a disastrous day at work today...
https://teakdoor.com/attachment.php?...9&d=1607019502
I'm now down to my last box of Yorkshire tea but it should see me through to the end. And let's face it, doing another month or so here is an awful lot easier than travelling for a month's offshore work from Korat sometime next year, with taxis, buses, long haul flights etc etc, not to mention stopovers in Bangkok. I'm in the routine now... I'll just carry on.
I can spend January/February in the UK, renew my Non O visa and organise travel back to Thailand, all of which can be done via the internet, by which time there will hopefully be a reduced quarantine time?
It's good to have a plan!
https://teakdoor.com/attachment.php?...8&d=1607019486
And yes, I'm aware of the mirror... and noted... before I take JP's advice and go running naked in the park later! :)
I no longer even need to lay it out. She chooses what I will need to wear. And tbf she get's it right. (or even better than I would)Quote:
Originally Posted by JPPR2
You have skills in demand worldwide and a professional attitude to your employers and their employees.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mendip
There are many whose boat has been sunk and are really struggling.
Keep busy and well over Christmas and beyond.
Attachment 60907
A standup comedian from Iceland which you may enjoy.
Attachment 60936
"In this English-language special, Icelandic comedian Ari Eldjárn pokes fun at Nordic rivalries, Hollywood's take on Thor, the whims of toddlers and more."
Download Pardon My Icelandic 2020 Multisub 720p x265-StB Torrent | 1337x
Australia thanks you Mendip for standing (or staggering) in defence of wonderful western liberal democracy, upon which may the sun never set, by guzzling our lovely shiraz by the box
https://teakdoor.com/attachment.php?...8&d=1607019486
:thankyou:
^ No problem Looper, it is a pleasure to help out... although I think I'll be going back to the French wine next (despite the problems their bladdy fishermen are causing us just now).
It's now looking like I'll be here until January and there really is no escaping Christmas. I may have to give in and get meself a santa hat.
https://teakdoor.com/attachment.php?...0&d=1607106830
I doubt your missus would have packed that for a. Summer trip. I hope your daughter and her are getting on ok?
On the plus side, there's a fair chance you may see snow this Christmas.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mendip
On my only ever visit to Gothenburg it got gradually colder each day until I felt like I was about to become an icicle. And that was in November!
I thought they were handing out the vaccine next week?Quote:
Originally Posted by Mendip
You should be around family at Chrimbo mate, not lapping up Benny and Bjorn's meatballs.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2020/12/142.jpgQuote:
Originally Posted by hallelujah
I might well be making a snowmendip today,with a holey jumper and socks, with peas for teeth and swedish meatballs for eyes, pulling on a Chantenay carrot :)
Chris Rea ~ Driving Home For Christmas (1986) - YouTube
No, she forgot my santa hat... and my Christmas shirt. I knew I should have packed myself.Quote:
Originally Posted by TheRealKW
But they are doing fine thanks KW. Skype makes things easier, but I think my daughter is getting tired of me calling her as it disturbs her Roblox. She threatened to block me, the little bugger.
Aah thanks Hal, that makes me feel better. See, there's always a positive!Quote:
Originally Posted by hallelujah
What a wonderful gesture, I've never had anyone make a snowman of me before!Quote:
Originally Posted by Dillinger
But hang on... ain't Chantenays those tiny little carrots? Give it a courgette at least!
So to get a bit of christmas feeling I suggest you try some seasonal specialties:Quote:
Originally Posted by Mendip
Rödvinsglögg is red wine with christmas herbs (cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom seeds, orange peel) you can buy it on Systembolaget. Make sure you buy starkvinsglögg (the alcohol % is important)
Should be served hot in a coffe glass where you also add in raisins and almonds (boiled in order to soften them up and get the skin off).
Attachment 60964
Snacks to be served with the glögg is pepparkaka (pepper cookie) looks like this
Attachment 60966
or like this in your ICA shop
Attachment 60965
Swedish christmas buffet:
Attachment 60967
Various kinds of herring (pickled herring, onion pickled herring, mustard herring, garlic herring, tomato herring ) smoked salmon, collared brawn, head cheese/fromage, meatballs, small sausages, homemade sausages , christmas ham, smoked pork belly, spare ribs, Jansons temptation, beetroot sallad, seafood sallad and various kinds of bread to mention some of it.
I checked a few restaurants, they don't serve it as buffet this year but instead serve you at your table, I would choose Fiskekrogen (not far from The British Shop) 695 or 895 SEK. Yes I know but there's only christmas once a year.
Some restaurants have home delivery for the lonely souls but then you are not able to eat as much as you want..
Stay strong, sounds like you have it sorted. Beer and good food. TD zoom based Christmas drinks meetup? :friday:
Despite a lockdown pics of crowded stores are doing the rounds on Mongolian FB news sites. Apparently a cracking deal on apples is well worth a dose of Rona. Lawdy.
^ a virtual pub? Sounds good! I might even join, depending on the schedule. I won't be on cam, but I can be in the chat-box. I've seen it done in some YT live streams. Someone would have to be the "host" and send the link/ URL though.
There's a news article which came out here in PI that the country will still be in some form of quarantine next year. I understand the virus, the risks, the possible hyper immune response, the long covid. But yeah, oh lawdy. I'm tired of the pandemic. Cheers all!
Edit: link
Philippines likely to remain under quarantine until end-2021 —NEDA
In the new normal that does not sound bad at all mate.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mandaloopy
Latest odds in from Ladbrokes:Quote:
Originally Posted by Dillinger
All that stuff ending up on the snowman: 10/1
All that stuff ending in Dil's belly: 1/10
That' just mulled wine, aint it?Quote:
Originally Posted by lom
^^ He's welcome to eat my sweaty socks but I don't want him munching on my Chantenay carrot! :)
Thanks again Lom!Quote:
Originally Posted by lom
I was going to ban all mention of Christmas on this thread but instead I've decided to go for it and have as good a Christmas as possible. Today I'm ordering some Bluetooth speakers so I can play Christmas songs from Spotify!
I have a Systembologet run to make next week so will also pick up some of this Rödvinsglögg stuff along with my French red wine and cider, and maybe even a bottle of malt. I won't be adding any raisins mind, cos I can't stand 'em.
I'm thinking of buying a chicken for Christmas Day and having a proper UK style mini Christmas late lunch... then I can get into work in the morning and justify my day rate! :)
Maybe I should also try a Swedish style meal as well... would seem like the right thing to do.
Lom, in Norway, Christmas Day is on the 24th, is that the same in Sweden? How about the shops (ICA), do they stay open through the festive season?