Come a Cropper

I have got a bit stuck and am going to have to start again on the hull I still want to do it the same size and may still be able to use the base plate.
The problem is going to be housing the internal workings and being able to put the internal details in as well.
The batteries and running gear is going to take up approx half the length which will help with ballast but the motor and steering gear is going to sit to high not allowing me to put any detail inside.
So the plan is to lay it out and build up from the floor similar to the real thing and try to if poss build the hull out of ally plate but for now its back to the drawing board and I am going to do this project cos its got me a bit hooked now.

Boat update

Well I have been searching for an engine to power my little project and seem to heading towards a graupner all in one motor this seems to be the best option.
I have been looking at fittings and may have to scale down a wee bit but am going to sort the engine see if it will control the hull ok and then go from there.
So am making the outside hull with 3/4 mill marine ply to allow me to shape the bottom as it should be representing the original hull as close as i can.
A cahnge of job this week will hopefully allow me a bit of time to really crack on with the construction of the hull and controls.
Pics will follow soon as I have shaped the hull.

New project

I have decided to start a new project as I use to love making models mainly trucks and cars I thought I would attempt fromscratch a 1/16 scale model of My brothers boat DERWENT 6.
I have cut her the floor plate and the middle plate will be cut out to make the insides correct size as well.
I may make it radio control yet but it will hopefully have lights etc that work.
The baseplate is 12ml marine ply as is the middle plate for extra strength The sides will be a thin marine ply on the base and probably balsa or thin ply for the cabin roof and top.
I am planning to make it as accurate as poss and will blog every time I add bits so the progress can be seen.
Also I want to see how long she takes from start to finish so far this little bit has taken about 2-3 hours.
As I now need to go for the wood I packed up for the day and am looking at tools as I want a dremel or similar to do the small details and am scouring the net for parts etc to help.

Got normal broadband back

At last I have got landline broadband back so will get some new pics of the birds on asap.
now the clocks have gone forward I am able to get out and give Abbot his daily flying session.
His weight is still slightly over his ideal but that will come down as he gets daily (not weekly ) flying sessions I am going to try and get him to chase a dummy bunny to see what he will do it has been a waste last couple of times as he looks at me like I am a nutter(he knows me so well) thinking why chase that bloody thing you will feed me if i come sit over there anyway.
So we will see I am going to enroll one of the boys as flying photographer so be prepared for pics of half a wing the sky and some horse pooh......................

Appologies for slow blogging

Sorry been a bit busy not had time to update much although not a lot going on at the moment just getting Abbot flying fit he is a tad heavy at the mo so on a diet not that it bothers him he just loves company and getting in and cleaning out and doing bits in his aviary is fun as he tries to interfere or just wants to play.
Brian and Chelsea on the other hand is a different matter I think I will take a leaf out of eagle heights book and invest in a riot shield its like trying to past the whomping willow, wings and feet everywhere slapping and scratching and if he gets a chance a choice bite or two.
Just if you want to know a slap around the face off of him(his wing span is about 4 to 5 feet) is worse than a hard slap of the missus and it bloody hurts if he catches you just right.
I am hoping the devilish behavior is a good sign that they may be looking to breed so fingers crossed if that,s the case I can put up with it for a while.

A nice Pic

while sorting the cupboard out I came across this pic.
Taken last year at Lou's birthday we went to Tiffins in Cranbrook for a meal and it was a lovely evening.

Samuel is 4 today..........

Seems impossible but my little man is four time just flies by.
He was pleased he got a kitchen for his birthday seems to be taking after me on the cooking front soon I might get Sunday's off Samuel can cook.
We just have to make sure Ella does not help him we will all get Sam & Ella poisoning(sorry had to do it)

Kids and cameras

We bought the kids all cameras for christmas as you can see Thomas got the hang of it ok (Ella) and Jack(Amber) seems to but Matthew may need some practice god job I have 320gig on my hard drive to keep all the pics on.

Mery Christmas and a Happy New Year

Hi hope everyone had a good xmas got all the pressies they wanted we loved it with the kids it was a good day.
Happy new year to everyone and I will get some pics and new posts on as son as I can work out uploading on my mobile broadband connection without it timing out.
All have a good one and we will see you in 2009

BBQ and Fireworks Night

Hope all enjoyed it last night few good fireworks good company and of course a bbq.
As you can see it was see how many people you can fit in a 6 x 4 shed converted to a bar I think 8 was the last count think it was quite cosy in there but bloody hard to get a drink.
The dogs look like they have decided who's boss Amber stole Jessies bed so jess curled up in the little one.
And of course Ella who is one this week how time flies.

Our Family

A couple of pics we had done on holiday...

A Good Holiday

Here are a few pics from our hols sspent at the welcome holiday park in Dawlish
What a great week we had the kids loved it.
Me Dan and Darren won 2nd in he fancy dress for our version of little britian.
The kids won second with the wizard of oz and tom and brendon won first with an alien costume they made up themselves.
The glitter tatoo was on my arm which like a wally I scrubbed off and burnt my bloody arm...
We will be going back next year hopefully April and October.

A Well Earned Break

A holiday at last going Saturday 11th to Dawlish Warren Devon for a week as we have no managed a full weeks holiday for the last 18 months we are taking a week off and I for one am bloody well looking forward to it.
So 5 am start saturday 4 hour trip then a weeks r & r on our favorite holiday camp the Welcome at dawlish.
As there is 17 of us going in total its going to be a good one will puts pics and bit on when we return.should be fun have kids and adults fancy dress sorted and several wind ups planned for our mates dad.
So cheers will have a beer or two and enjoy our week.

Ella found the Chocolate Fondue

Ella seems to like chocolate fondue as you can see.

Kite Festival

On sunday we went to margate as they had a kite festival on some of them were huge.
As it was a lovely day we had a wander round then went up on the cliffs and had a picnic.
We did purchase a kite not like these but a small octopuss shaped one which we managed to get flying after lunch.

The Puppy gets a name

After much deliberation it has been decide that Amber will be the puppies name.
And as you can see Jess is getting used to her now.
We have had a busy week this week we are now fostering a cat that is about 12 years old and has had to have an ear amputated due to having cancer.
He is white and fairly friendly he dislikes having to wear a lampshade on his head (mind you I do not blame him)but it has to be there he looks a bit odd with a hole in his head covered by a tiny flap that is left of his ear.

New Addition

We have a new addition to the family she is 7wks old and is a jack russell cross terrier.
As you can see from the pics she is smaller than my cats thats my hand next to her just to give you an idea of her size.
Jess seems to have taken to her ok and the kids love her to bits.
As usual with most of our pets Lou cannot decide on her name as yet so will let you know when she finally decides.

What we have been up to

Sorry for slow posting had a hectic couple of weeks been away to Whitstable for a week for a break a nice week it was to.
Had to clean out the hermit crab tank completely today as sorry to say but we have now lost both of them although they did well survived the fire but have never seemed the same since they would not let you handle them just hid in their shells when you picked them up.
Thomas was a bit upset as lost one two weeks ago and the other yesterday so rip little fellows.
Cracked on with the garden have done some more to the aviaries now need a nice weekend to get the third section finished off need to clear the ground and extend the framework onto the shed which will become Chelsea and Brian's house will then have three sections so I can move them into the spare bit to clean and do any work required and hopefully this will be the aviary that if they successfully breed I can use to house the youngsters so fingers crossed.
I have started a new website about the birds that is a work in progress at present but take a look any comments will be gratefully received.
http://owlexperience.web.officelive.com/default.aspx
That's all for now.

Chessington Day Trip

Monday we all went to Chessington thanks to our clubcard vouchers 12 of us got in and only had to buy one child ticket.
What agreat day it was fiarly busy and apart from queing for twenty minutes for the dragon ride to be told it had broken down most of the rides were only 10 to 15 minutes waiting so not to bad.
The zoo and sealife areas were brilliant and the tigers cubs we running about though it was a bit hot for them.
Will definitly go again the kids enjoyed it we even got Lou Mum Dad and me on the vampire it was excellent had it been earlier in the day we would have qued up again.

New location for BBQ and Bar

Been busy all day moving the bar shed and building a slabbed area for the BBQ so all the bits are up by the patio.
Have bought a new metal gazebo to go permanently on the patio it should arrive Monday hopefully then will have to build it and anchor it down.
Pleased so far now got to sort the rest of the garden out.

Back to School

I may noy have been at work for a couple weeks now but I have been busy I was lucky enough to be able to go with the boys school to the Kent County Show on Friday.
I went with Matthew's class we only had about four hours up there so really did not get to see a great deal but what we did see was worth it, Last time I went I was at school myself so that must be twenty years ago(scary that) well Ihave stuck a couple of pics on.
On the Saturday I was asked if I could take the owls to the school fete which I gladly did.
Due to Abbot being slightly overweight 3lb 10oz he would not do a flying display so I took him and Chelsea and some of the equipment.
I was truly amazed how many people (kids and adults) that had never seen an owl and some were not even sure what they were.
I find it great to be able to show these birds and explain how they live in the wild.
Chris a friend of ours took some lovely close ups so here are some up to date pics of Abbot and Chelsea.

European open Golf

On Thursday we went up to the Europeqn Open First round.
It was a cracking day and well worth going the course was in excellent condition and we saw some brilliant shots.
Got a little bit sunburnt I have a bright red face and my forehead is blistering but I won't complain (to much).
As you can see from the pics it stayed nice all day we found the bar(surprisingly we did not use though) and the BBQ but at £6.50 for a gourmet cheeseburger I was glad we took a picnic.











































This is Darren Clarke coming up the 18th which was a good hole to watch as it caught several players out including Montgomerie seen here in the bunker and not happy wit his out shot(still it was better than I could have done)
































































And here is the two old ones discussing how the holes should have been played
Thanks Del,Alf and Dad for a brilliant day.

In the drink AGAIN

As promised a couple of videos of attempted canoeing I am pretty sure that this canoe is not the right way up. But gladly me turning it over was missed by my cameraman.(again)
Still at least I can swim and that is good exercise and I need all the exercise I can get.


As you can see from this clip Thomas is better at this than me( but that can't be hard) he managed about twenty mins in the canoe without getting wet also got in and out and stayed dry I must be doing something wrong?????????

In The Dog House(sorry cat house)

At present we have a mum cat and four kittens in one of our pens they are only three weeks old.
Lou came down the garden with me last night to feed the cats while I fed the birds.
She asked me to do the cats water while I was there so I did passing the bowl back in then closing the pen door using the outside bolt.
I went indoors started playing on the PC when an hour and a half later she did not reappear I decided to go and see what she was up to only to find Thomas and Lou shouting to be let out.
Now I am not allowed to go near the pens while she is there just in case I feel the need to do it again(believe me my life would not be worth living if I did)
SORRY LOU & THOMAS

First Trip Into the River(literally)

Well as promised above are the photos taken by Simon of our first trip into the river Medway at Maidstone (Teston).
As you can see I got in no problems......
Then got out into the river ok so far....................
Then attempted to turn around but turned over instead ??????
Had to push the canoe over to the side to climb out as attempting to right her in the water only succeeds in half filling it with water(which although gives good ballast makes it more wobbly than me after ten pints).
All in all it was a bloody good day enjoyed by all can't wait to go again.

New Toy

Last weekend I gained a 17ft river canoe,It was in need of a clean up and a coat of paint but all seemed intact.
Well worked hard all week and saturday getting it ready to plop in the water today.
She did not sink no leaks apart from me going a@$e over tit out of it three times all went well.
Only problem is it sits to high in the water thus making it very unsteady will have to work on some form of ballast to see if that works.
Could not resist the sticker for the bottom and am waiting for some more decals to go on the top.
Was a good day managed to get two of the boys out in a friends canoe they both enjoyed it so will be looking for a couple more for them.

Bird Update

Morning all have been working hard to get the house straight and garden sorted.
Have been trying to get abbot fighting fit again but he gained a few ounces over the winter he is just over 5lb am slowly getting him down will hopefully fly this year at around 4and 1/2 lb.
Have done a beaver visit with Abbot and Chelsea he had no intention of flying that night just sat and looked at me (owls can be so frustrating).
Chelsea keeps attempting to make little hollows in the quiet corners of the aviary so fingers crossed she might lay.
Am working frantically to get the new shelter added to the aviary asap as this may encourage her.
Will keep you posted.
Just had arrive ( Saturday ) a cat and four 1 week old kittens will post some pics later.
So will have them for a few weeks till old enough to be rehomed and then hopefully mum will also find a good home.

We Are Back at last

Well got back in about two weeks ago bought a new pc so will start blogging again each week will get the birds sorted hoping they wll settle down to breed this year but will see but its good to be back

Sorry going to be a shortage of updates:

Blogs are going to be a bit slow over the next few weeks due to a house fire on sunday 16th dec we are not able to use pc etc I will try and do updates as I can when I have access to a pc.
Belive it or not the fire was caused by some clothes I took from the tumble dryer and left on a chair as we went out the combusted and this resulted in a gutted living room and smoke throughout the rest of the house.
Thankfully we were not in at the time but our dog had to rescued by the fire service the cats legged it out the kitchen door.
Keeping doors and windows shut has proved they do there job as the fire damage is limited to the one room but smoke gets every bloody where.
Its going to be a long clean up job awaiting new doors and windows before anything can start and now they think there is asbestos in the ceiling so that will take at least three weeks to do if this is the case.
So its christmas with the mother in law (good job we get on).
So hope all have a nice christmas and a good new year will post again as I can.

Baby Ella

Ella arrived on the 13th November at 23.58 weighing 9lb 3oz

Mum and baby are both fine she is doing really well we even get four to five hours sleep a night.

Hermit crab pics

Sorry there not brilliant but I think my camera is giving up the ghost.

Hermit Crabs

Strange name for a post but its our newest additon to the pet zoo we have made a crabitat and bought a couple of hermit crabs.
They are great little things(about the size of a golf ball) altough about a week after getting them it appears they had a fight and one lost we found it in the morning with all its legs off.
The one left is quite friendly but will need another one or two for company.

Still Awaiting Baby

Sorry no posts been trying to sort the house out for our new arrival although now the baby is 6 days late we are getting impatient will get pics on when its born to keep all posted.
Hopefully in the next couple of days Will See ...................................

Flying Again

Well got Abbots weight about right now 4lb 1oz he still sits on the perch looking at me but will do a few passes to get his tea.
Gave them all rabbit last week abbot thought he had to kill it and spent half an hour throwing it around the aviary the other two just tucked in happily.
Found out though rabbit adds loads of weight so will be treats for him during a moult & mainly and in the winter when its difficult to get out in the evenings.
Will get out today or tommorrow (both if I get time) am going to see if any chance of getting Chelsea to free fly doubt it but no harm in seeing how she responds.
She is good on the glove and with people just never been flown to my knowledge.
Will have the aviaries swapped ready for breeding next year so will keep fingers crossed for some little ones.

Sorry for slow posting

Sorry been a bit hectic last few weeks been decorating like mad and working will get a proper update on this weekend.
Have been trying to get Abbots weight below 4lb 2oz to get him flying well again but he sees a mouse and gains 6oz then don't bloody take it off again and although he flys overweight it makes him lazy and slow so I try and keep him round about 4lb which is a good weight and he responds well.
Chelsea and Brian are both doing well am going to try them on rabbits this week she is starting to try and make small nesting hollows so fingers crossed they will breed, I am hoping over next two to three weeks to get there new shed sorted but with baby due 1st november may be a bit tied for time still will see how I go.

LEGOLAND

Not been able to get out much with the birds to bloody wet. Will get some more bird bits on soon as poss.

Did go to legoland though and what a good day we all had boys loved it could have done with another day really but as the new ride is now open may have to venture back again soon think will go later in year when the ques may be a bit shorter.(two hours for the waverunner did not que for that one)

Flopsy

Not been a good day got home this afternoon to find the boys rabbit Flopsy had passed away.
Just had to bury him and give him a good send off Bless Him.

Pics & Bits

Abbot Sitting soaking up the rain

This is Chelsea trying to hide from me

Well its been a quiet week have managed to paint one bedroom(just the floor to sort now)

The weather has been a real pain its been difficult trying to get out with Abbot I don't mind the rain but as he sits in getting soaked its hard to get an accurate weight and he just looks at you when you take him out to fly(strange bloody animal)so I thought I would get some pics instead.

Have managed to put Chelsea's split ring on this morning she was not bothered by me doing it but Brian kept attacking my hands and going for my face if I got to close still he never managed to get me.

New Aviary Design

Well having now got a breeding(well hopefully)pair of turks I am going to redesign the aviaries.

I have a 6 x 4 shed which I am going to add on one end of the aviary extending the aviary by three foot plus the shed. I will remove half of the front to allow them access and put a full width half length shelf in the covered section and touch wood they will settle and maybe lay eggs.

the other aviary will now have a 5 x 4 x 3 nesting box (an rabbit hutch that was used for 3 giant english) this also will have the front mesh panel removed to allow abbot access it will be raised off the floor about two foot and put into the side section of the front aviary.

well that the next few weekends planned also while trying to redecorate all four bedrooms as we are having a room shuffle to accomodate the new baby ( weel at least I have till 1st November to do the rooms unless it arrives early).

Well its been fairly quiet this week had one small crisis early on this week Chelsea managed to get some aviary wire wrapped around her foot,(made repairs to aviary not sure how it got damaged)
We managed to get it off ok but not before Lou copped one of Chelsea's feet grabbing hard into her hand (not much damage done cut palm two dinks in the back of her hand and then one in her arm for good measure)and Chelsea is no worse for her ordeal.
This coincided with taking the birds to a local Beaver Colony so We only took Abbot as not fair on Chelsea.
The Beavers loved seeing him, was not able to fly him as it had rained hard all day and he was soaked so getting a good reading of his weight is neigh on impossible as he loves sitting in the rain and getting soaked.
One thing to note is make sure none of the kids have a yellow bobble hat or a coat with a fur collar.

A mornings work

Well a normal Sunday morning with these fellas is cleaning day.Normally they have water changed daily and a quick tidy up of the aviaries but Sunday mornings(rain or shine) I strip out the aviaries disinfect the baths rake all the floors and collect any bits of rubbish that should not be there.
All there equipment is sterilised (its washed after every use) to ensure its all safe as the main food is chicks so I take no chances.
the aviaries are also sprayed with a disinfectant solution( the birds are boxed whilst doing so) to minimise any chance of infections.
I always check the birds right over for any signs of damage or injuries that I may not have noticed during the week.
Then weather permitting I go out flying for an hour or so.
That is my Sunday mornings mostly taken up but its well worth it to see them free flying it give me a great sense of satisfaction and pleasure to watch him fly and he really seems to enjoy himself as well.

School Trip

Well nice start to the weekend taking Chelsea and Abbot to our local school.
Abbot did attempt a couple of trips up the hall but kept veering off to sit behind the kids.
All seemed impressed with the birds and asked some really sensible questions.
I will have to work on my speech bit to go with the demonstration though.
Will try and put the newsletter clipping on when I get it.

Never work with kids or animals

Well as the saying goes never work with kids or animals.
Having taken two owls a harris hawk and a barn owl to the local cub troop I now know why they say this.
We got Abbot out it was very hot in the hall and he refused to fly got him to go from end of the hall and back well sort of back he found the ceiling and then sat next to one of the parents.
Boris(the harris hawk) then decided to fly up into the rafters sit on a windsurf board for ten mins then move to the other end and do the same, Much to the amusment of the cubs.
Blueberry(the barn owl) and Chelsea(the turkmenien eagle owl) were shown to the cubs and all had a chance to ask questions and have photos taken.
All in all a good evening even if they thought it amusing to do their own thing and not fly.
Will try and get some photos on when I get them.

Derwent6

Check out the links added at bottom of page And DEL WHAT DO YOU MEAN MAY HAVE TO DO AWAY WITH BIG PC AND SURROUND SOUND I IS SHOCKED !!!

Owl Walking

well got a couple of flights on Sunday but not to keen is getting better took him to Hamlet Woods scout campsite Monday evening it was lovely spent a couple of hours in the woods getting him coming from trees to me he did ok but took a keen interest in the wood pigeons and a dog which he managed to scare (seeing a large dog run from a bird is quite amusing) He has got two displays next week so will keep all posted.
The picture is Matthew with one of Neils barn owls taken last year at the Whitehouse my local and flying grounds.

Young Abbot

Morning hope you have recovered from last night still stuffed though hope all enjoyed.
Anyway this is a very young Abbot about twenty weeks old will have him out flying this afternoon if he feels like doing anything he weighs in at 4lb 1oz this morning his normal flying weight is 3lb 12-14oz and Monday he just sat on his post in the field and looked at me for half an hour he can be very frustrating at times but whatever he does its still a pleasure to take him out flying(or walking in some cases) right got bits to do more later.

This is Abbot about two years old in this pic he is a male european eagle owl one of the largest species of owl in the world.
I have had him from a baby (about 16 weeks old) he is now three and weighs just over four pound. He is able to be free flown and is excellent for doing small displays.

This is Chelsea and Brian (Brian on the right) They are a pair of turkmenien eagle owls we believe they are about thirteen years old but not a lot more is known about them.
she is very friendly and Brian is sort of but he protects Chelsea and lets you know if he does not want you there.

Had a few of these Sunday !!!

Hello

Right after much bugging thought I should set up a blog So here it is !!
Not much on here yet but will get there.
Thanks to everyone who came to Sundays BBQ hope all enjoyed and no one got food poisoning (as if I would allow that)
Right will leave it there by next week will try to get some owl pics and info on here and then start using this properly.