What significant things have I done today?

[Griffin NoName]

As long as the chtulhus don't use banking, you should be fine.

[Darlica]

I bought a new cellphone.

I've been on my way to do so for the last year at least but always ended up looking for something better or cheaper or whatever.

However last week my trusty old Ericsson K750i showed alarming signs that its end is nigh, not much time to ponder about what things now...

I ended up chucking all ideas about a smart phone specifically an HTC overboard and went with a Sony Ericsson Zylo because. How that turned out I guess I'll tell you about later.  

[Swatopluk]

Not actually today but I use my vacations to tour the local museums.
'Local' in this context sounds os provincial Berlin has 'some' museums of a certain 'reputation'
Well, there is also a museum of 'certain' reputation, if you know what I mean (not visited it yet, just walked by numerous times)

[Aggie]

Meant to do that this summer, but never did - the plan was to hit the Torrington Gopher Hole Museum, the Big Valley Creation Science Museum and the (world class, I think) Drumheller Museum of Paleontology in the same day.

I may get around to the two latter at some point soonish (have been working near Big Valley), but the one with the prairie dog taxidermy is closed in the winter.

[Opsa]

I love museums! You should rush over and visit all the free museums on the Washington DC National mall quick before they decide to start charging for them. We have a free history museum, nature museum, technology museum, space museum, several art museums, native american museum, african museum, asian museum, indoor botanical garden and a zoo (uptown) to name but a few. Th'Opsalette has seen more world culture here than many kids in cities with expensive museums.

The community theater I founded this year finished our first run this past weekend. I'm bushed! But now I have a break and the community has a theater, so that's good.

[Griffin NoName]

I worked in a museum for seven years. I got to go on "conferences" at lots of other museums so saw behind the scenes of many. It's a fascinating world, which I miss.

[Sibling DavidH]

The community theater I founded this year finished our first run this past weekend. I'm bushed! But now I have a break and the community has a theater, so that's good.

Well done, that lady!  That is a significant and lasting achievement.   

[Darlica]

Yesterday a colleague and I stopped a man from jumping down on the underground tracks to get his dropped wallet. Today he sent us flowers!





(He did get his wallet back too, but only after they had stopped the traffic, cut the power and sent a person with track clearance to pick it up).

[Opsa]

OMG- Darlica, you saved somebody's life- I'm so proud of you!!!!

[Sibling DavidH]

Today we did a good deed at very little trouble to ourselves, though it made us feel sad.

Just as the family were leaving for home, we got a call from a lady we know who has a miserable life at the best of times.  She's divorced, has one 'adult' son who is an irresponsible idiot, cannot find work and lives in a rented house with no heating at all, except electric fan heaters which she can't afford to use much.  Her solid-fuel stove has been condemned and the landlord won't pay for any replacement.

Now here it's been well below freezing for a week so finally her pipes have frozen up and she has no water.  So we put 10 gallons of water in the car, and one of those electric heat guns you use for stripping paint.  Also a load of festive food, which we can well spare.  I tried to thaw out the water main, with no luck.  Mainly we just sat and chatted in the one room she's heating.  That is still pretty chilly although she spent £20 on electricity in the last two days.

After 2 hours she was much more cheerful and we went home after telling her to call us if she needs anything.  At least she's now got 10 gallons of drinking water, and the weather is set to get a lot warmer from tonight.  So we were able to help her a bit, but we feel so sad for her.  We'll ring her tomorrow.

[Opsa]

How wonderful of you.     You warmed my heart!

[Griffin NoName]

David, that's terrbile. Can she get winter fuel allowance?

I fear I shall go the same way as time moves on. Hoping it is merely fear and does not come true.

[Sibling DavidH]

No, you won't, Griffin - you're too good at plumbing! And too canny.

The lady's house is now unfrozen and she's much happier.  We'll go and see her again when we get back from Exeter, where we are now.

I don't know about fuel allowance.  She's nowhere near pension age.  I know that an organisation is bending the rules to help her, but I can say no more! 

[Griffin NoName]

I think fuel allowance is only post-pension age. You can freeze if young and poor apparently.

I am glad she is unfrozen and hope the rules bend.

[Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith]

T Her solid-fuel stove has been condemned and the landlord won't pay for any replacement.

Unless she's behind on rent?  Her landlord does not seriously have a choice, here-- unless that stove was a portable one.

In that case?  Her landlord is obligated to keep the house livable, which includes both running water and heat.

At least, that's the rule here in the USA... you could call the local social worker in your area, who might be able to assist.

In any case?  Woop! for you, for being willing to go out on a limb-at least a little bit.