2010 YES!!! The "I'm so happy" thread.

[annew]

This is the first year I didn't get round to lifting and storing my carrots. If I need one it's a major seek and find expedition.

[Paddy Tobin]

This is the first year I didn't get round to lifting and storing my carrots. If I need one it's a major seek and find expedition.

I had the carrots lifted but have failed to lift parsnips over the Christmas period as they were frozen in the ground. However, it is said that the taste of parsnips improves after a period of frost.

Happy that my water supply has returned, pipes thawed out this evening.

Paddy

[Lesley Cox]

We in the land of do-it-yourself (we're said to have a No 8 wire mentality) tend to lag our pipes with old pyjamas, sacking or similar no-cost materials though the more sophisticated nowadays use aluminium sheeting lined with wool or glass fibre to wrap round their pipes and hot water cylindars in order to save heat loss and thus save on electricity costs.

Wonder where the term "old lag" came from? I know where he's been though. 

[Paul T]

Lesley,

On the farm where I grew up we used old sheepskins on the outside taps etc to stop them freezing.  Growing up on a sheepfarm meant there was somewhat easier access to sheepskins too. 

[maggiepie]

We in the land of do-it-yourself (we're said to have a No 8 wire mentality) tend to lag our pipes with old pyjamas, sacking or similar no-cost materials though the more sophisticated nowadays use aluminium sheeting lined with wool or glass fibre to wrap round their pipes and hot water cylindars in order to save heat loss and thus save on electricity costs.

Wonder where the term "old lag" came from? I know where he's been though. 

Lesley, I think an old lag used to refer to a convict.

[Paul T]

They used convicts as pipe insulation!!  Geez, life was tough back then. 

[Lesley Cox]

Mmmm, of the kind who's been in and out several times and is nowadays friendly with the likes of Rebus, Skinner et al, in order to pass along information for a monetary or liquid consideration. Yes. But I wondered where the term originated. WHY is he called an old lag?

[Maggi Young]

My dick and harrys tell me that in the 16th Century "lag" was used as a verb "to steal" or "carry off" .... hence "old lag" for a recidivist.

[Martin Baxendale]

My Collins says it comes from the use of lag to mean to imprison, but gives the 19th century origin as unknown.

[Lesley Cox]

Oh, right, thanks to you both. I enjoy exploring the origins of words.

[Anthony Darby]

My Collins says it comes from the use of lag to mean to imprison, but gives the 19th century origin as unknown.

I thought imprisoning was supoosed to isolate, not insulate?

[ranunculus]

... And does a slowcoach 'imprison' or 'insulate' behind?   

[Maggi Young]

AT LAST!
The AGS have published details of the programme for the Eighth International Alpine Conference in 2011.
Diane Clement has posted here:
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=2751.msg130127#msg130127

Keep a look out on the AGS site for booking details because I have no idea when this information will be released to the SRGC.
I am told there will be an "early bird" booking discount and I will let you know as soon as I hear anything.  

[TC]

With nothing better to do, I dredged these up from the net.

[annew]