The grumpy thread

[Zelandeth]

A smoke detector somewhere in the house has started doing the low battery chirp.  However it's only doing it like once every couple of hours which is making figuring out where the heck the noise is coming from really difficult.  They all work when tested.  It's going to take a certain amount of luck to be in the right area when it does it again!

[warch]

3 hours ago, Metal Guru said:

There’s no shortage of estate agents. Just get another one.

That's the problem, finding a decent one, most of the ones I've encountered are crap.

[Mr Livered]

56 minutes ago, warch said:

That's the problem, finding a decent one, most of the ones I've encountered are crap.

You can also use two at a time, to try to introduce a bit of competition and keep them on their toes.

They might have a sole agency clause that they try to enforce, but in my experience it's usually possible to negotiate your way out of that with a threat of binning them off entirely if they don't accept it. They're a competitive bunch culturally and there's no harm in trying to leverage that. 

[chadders]

1 hour ago, Zelandeth said:

A smoke detector somewhere in the house has started doing the low battery chirp.  However it's only doing it like once every couple of hours which is making figuring out where the heck the noise is coming from really difficult.  They all work when tested.  It's going to take a certain amount of luck to be in the right area when it does it again!

We've probably got about 15 or so, spread over 3 floors, you just need to be methodical.

Write down a list of rooms, note the ones that you know it isn't in then focus on the rest in whatever order seems best.

Alternatively ours work when tested even with a low voltage so check the actual battery voltages.

[Zelandeth]

1 hour ago, chadders said:

We've probably got about 15 or so, spread over 3 floors, you just need to be methodical.

Write down a list of rooms, note the ones that you know it isn't in then focus on the rest in whatever order seems best.

Alternatively ours work when tested even with a low voltage so check the actual battery voltages.

Found you ya bastard!

Sure enough, battery down at 2.7V.  New one fitted (alarm isn't even that old so just a duff battery I'm guessing).  

It's tricky to locate sound in our house as virtually the whole ground floor is open plan.  So trying to even tell which floor the chirp was coming from while in the lounge is hard.  I knew it was somewhere on the east side of the house though as I first heard it from the kitchen and it sounded further away then.

Just glad I got it before people started wanting to sleep!

[Neil clark]

On 25/03/2026 at 13:53, goosey said:

there’s a place in Hell for people who cut cable ties like this 

I work in aerospace, we have to file it down flush and smooth.... best way lol

[MorrisItalSLX]

On 26/03/2026 at 00:53, goosey said:

there’s a place in Hell for people who cut cable ties like this 

I like to cut them on a 45 degree angle so they are nice and pointy.

[cobblers]

I've been after a decent MWB Crafter 4x4 for a few months, they're not a common van and rare in the spec I need. I have a few saved searches on ebay / autotrader etc,

Finally, this morning the absolute perfect one popped up this morning. Right colour, 20k miles, one owner, right seats, fsh., and best of all it was about ten grand underpriced!!!!

I rang the seller - He'd only posted the advert 5 minutes ago, surprised to have someone call so soon. Seemed a decent bloke, had a good story etc. Only downside was the van is in portsmouth, a 4 hour drive.  I said I would most likely come straight down, just needed to let my wife know because she would have to look after the dogs.

So I sent her a message "Any objections if I nip down to portsmouth to look at a van?"

No reply. 

after 10 minutes I texted her "I need to let the guy know ASAP really, is it OK? can you keep an eye on the dogs?"

10 minutes later I get the dreaded: "Do whatever you want"  🙄

So obviously I had to let the seller know I was "just sorting something out" while I worked out what her problem was all of a sudden.

Anyway, I spoke to her shortly after and she apologised for being a grumpy arse and told me to go and buy the van. Which had obviously sold by this point.

 

[Mr Livered]

27 minutes ago, cobblers said:

10 minutes later I get the dreaded: "Do whatever you want"  🙄

So obviously I had to let the seller know I was "just sorting something out" while I worked out what her problem was all of a sudden.

That's not obvious to me at all. I would have replied "thanks, you're awesome" or some such and gone to Portsmouth. People should say what they mean.

[cobblers]

2 minutes ago, Mr Livered said:

That's not obvious to me at all. I would have replied "thanks, you're awesome" or some such and gone to Portsmouth. People should say what they mean.

I have full blown 'tism but even I know that disappearing at short notice to spend £thousands on a van on the strength of a "do whatever you want" is a "Really Fucking Bad Idea™"

[Mr Livered]

4 minutes ago, cobblers said:

I have full blown 'tism but even I know that disappearing at short notice to spend £thousands on a van on the strength of a "do whatever you want" is a "Really Fucking Bad Idea™"

Well if you're a grown-up, you want to buy something, and your partner has been given the chance to object but not taken it, I can't see the problem. But every relationship is different, you do you.

[cobblers]

12 minutes ago, Mr Livered said:

Well if you're a grown-up, you want to buy something, and your partner has been given the chance to object but not taken it, I can't see the problem. But every relationship is different, you do you.

I wish it was that simple but it never is really,

She's OK with, but not enthusiastic about me getting another van so I have to tread carefully. It's a lot of money, there's man maths involved and she's nervous that I'll disappear for 4 months like I did when I built my last camper, despite my reassurance that this will be a few weeks work because I'm just going to buy a kit. She's quite accommodating of my continual churn of various projects and I'd like to think that me being tactful (where I can, within reason) has some bearing on this.

"Yeah no problem" was the answer I was looking for and she knows that. "Do whatever you want" was more of an accusation than an answer to my question 😅

[Sheefag]

On 23/03/2026 at 11:18, Bren said:

The one he has seen has over 200k but has been in the same family nearly all of it's life. It's also had the belts done.

I don't want him to buy it and realise he's made a mistake - and then he can only sell it for buttons.

Nobody likes a bent eight more than me but the way the world is now I don't think I could stomach the fuel and tax for something like this as a daily.

 

See if you can wedge him into this.
Call it LS400 Apprenticeship or something.

 

[High Jetter]

31 minutes ago, cobblers said:

I wish it was that simple but it never is really,

She's OK with, but not enthusiastic about me getting another van so I have to tread carefully. It's a lot of money, there's man maths involved and she's nervous that I'll disappear for 4 months like I did when I built my last camper, despite my reassurance that this will be a few weeks work because I'm just going to buy a kit. She's quite accommodating of my continual churn of various projects and I'd like to think that me being tactful (where I can, within reason) has some bearing on this.

"Yeah no problem" was the answer I was looking for and she knows that. "Do whatever you want" was more of an accusation than an answer to my question 😅

It does sound as if even had you left straight away it would have been sold before you got down to Pompey, unless I've got the timeline wrong?

[artdjones]

It will always be the fabled perfect item that got away.

[cobblers]

1 hour ago, High Jetter said:

It does sound as if even had you left straight away it would have been sold before you got down to Pompey, unless I've got the timeline wrong?

Bloke was happy to hold on to it while I got there (for some reason!) 

[BorniteIdentity]

3 hours ago, cobblers said:

I've been after a decent MWB Crafter 4x4 for a few months, they're not a common van and rare in the spec I need. I have a few saved searches on ebay / autotrader etc,

Finally, this morning the absolute perfect one popped up this morning. Right colour, 20k miles, one owner, right seats, fsh., and best of all it was about ten grand underpriced!!!!

I rang the seller - He'd only posted the advert 5 minutes ago, surprised to have someone call so soon. Seemed a decent bloke, had a good story etc. Only downside was the van is in portsmouth, a 4 hour drive.  I said I would most likely come straight down, just needed to let my wife know because she would have to look after the dogs.

So I sent her a message "Any objections if I nip down to portsmouth to look at a van?"

No reply. 

after 10 minutes I texted her "I need to let the guy know ASAP really, is it OK? can you keep an eye on the dogs?"

10 minutes later I get the dreaded: "Do whatever you want"  🙄

So obviously I had to let the seller know I was "just sorting something out" while I worked out what her problem was all of a sudden.

Anyway, I spoke to her shortly after and she apologised for being a grumpy arse and told me to go and buy the van. Which had obviously sold by this point.

 

Can fully sympathise on this one. Both of you will probably feel awful for a few days now. Then somecunt will come along and tell you “what’s meant to be will be” and I give you full consent to kick his fucking brains out. 

Sorry dude. I’d love to say stuff like this is easier when you’re divorced but the reality is you just agonise over stuff internally and stuff still passes you by. 

If one pops up my way I’ll gladly play custodian for you until your ducks (and dogs) are in a row. 

[Spiny Norman]

I have lost my favourite screwdriver.
I had it just the other day and now I can't find it, even after looking for far longer than was really worthwhile for something I can pick up at work tomorrow for a couple of quid, but it's the principle of the thing. 

We know what's going to happen here, don't we?

[chadders]

2 hours ago, cobblers said:

I wish it was that simple but it never is really,

She's OK with, but not enthusiastic about me getting another van so I have to tread carefully. It's a lot of money, there's man maths involved and she's nervous that I'll disappear for 4 months like I did when I built my last camper, despite my reassurance that this will be a few weeks work because I'm just going to buy a kit. She's quite accommodating of my continual churn of various projects and I'd like to think that me being tactful (where I can, within reason) has some bearing on this.

"Yeah no problem" was the answer I was looking for and she knows that. "Do whatever you want" was more of an accusation than an answer to my question 😅

"Do whatever you want" to me means a very strong no unless you want a world of pain. Anyway, that's my experience after being married for 35+ years.

[Zelandeth]

Apparently I can add high blood pressure that's about 1% away from full hypertensive crisis to my list of maladies.  Yay!

Blood pressure has always been a little on the high side since the dawn of time, but today's measurements are a bit silly.

I guess it might actually be something that gets my GP to actually take me seriously... though given that I still need to actually contact them in the first instance which is the nigh on impossible part.

[High Jetter]

4 hours ago, Spiny Norman said:

I have lost my favourite screwdriver.
I had it just the other day and now I can't find it, even after looking for far longer than was really worthwhile for something I can pick up at work tomorrow for a couple of quid, but it's the principle of the thing. 

We know what's going to happen here, don't we?

Yup. The only way to find it is buy another. (Which will never be as good)

[Pieman]

If someone tells me to "do whatever the fuck you want" I do whatever the fuck I want, and if said person doesn't like it, they can fuck off.

[New POD]

6 hours ago, cobblers said:

I wish it was that simple but it never is really,

She's OK with, but not enthusiastic about me getting another van so I have to tread carefully. It's a lot of money, there's man maths involved and she's nervous that I'll disappear for 4 months like I did when I built my last camper, despite my reassurance that this will be a few weeks work because I'm just going to buy a kit. She's quite accommodating of my continual churn of various projects and I'd like to think that me being tactful (where I can, within reason) has some bearing on this.

"Yeah no problem" was the answer I was looking for and she knows that. "Do whatever you want" was more of an accusation than an answer to my question 😅

I think the conversation needs to be along  lines of.  "Are you happy with me spending £x on a van? Yes or No" 

If No: "what are your reasons?"

If Yes: "This is the spec, I'm looking for. Are you okay with that spec?"

If Yes: "Okay, well, as soon as I see one advertised, I will drop everything and immediately go and buy it, if it meets that spec and that budget. I won't need to discuss it because you are happy with the plan as it stands" 

Obviously if it's a no, you need to find out why and get her to understand that it's not her decision to make but you want her to respect your decision. 

 

I say this like the snivelling hypocrite I am obviously.  

 

[Wibble]

14 minutes ago, Pieman said:

If someone tells me to "do whatever the fuck you want" I do whatever the fuck I want, and if said person doesn't like it, they can fuck off.

I think he wants to stay married.

[Wibble]

3 hours ago, Zelandeth said:

Apparently I can add high blood pressure that's about 1% away from full hypertensive crisis to my list of maladies.  Yay!

Blood pressure has always been a little on the high side since the dawn of time, but today's measurements are a bit silly.

I guess it might actually be something that gets my GP to actually take me seriously... though given that I still need to actually contact them in the first instance which is the nigh on impossible part.

I was told I had hypertension last August. Total surprise as I felt fine and I’m a skinny sod. Stress of unemployment probably a significant factor but I’m now on meds for it. They do take it seriously, GP called me back to the surgery with no appointment when she saw my readings. I hope you get seen asap.

[Zelandeth]

1 minute ago, Wibble said:

I was told I had hypertension last August. Total surprise as I felt fine and I’m a skinny sod. Stress of unemployment probably a significant factor but I’m now on meds for it. They do take it seriously, GP called me back to the surgery with no appointment when she saw my readings. I hope you get seen asap.

The problem is making initial contact.  It all has to be done through a web portal.  They only take a set number of enquiries every day and they open at 0800 and have run out by 0801.  There is no option to ask in person or phone.  The website is it.  I could schedule an appointment - but waiting 8 weeks for an appointment (that will probably get cancelled anyway, sending me back to the end of the queue) seems I'll advised for something like this.  

I will give AXA a ring on Monday as well, see if that's something I can get them to see me about without a bloody referral that I need for the other issues.

[Pieman]

19 minutes ago, Wibble said:

I think he wants to stay married.

I learned some time ago that most people would rather fake their own death than get that close to me, so there's fuck all chance of me being in that situation.

[Wibble]

6 minutes ago, Zelandeth said:

The problem is making initial contact.  It all has to be done through a web portal.  They only take a set number of enquiries every day and they open at 0800 and have run out by 0801.  There is no option to ask in person or phone.  The website is it.  I could schedule an appointment - but waiting 8 weeks for an appointment (that will probably get cancelled anyway, sending me back to the end of the queue) seems I'll advised for something like this.  

I will give AXA a ring on Monday as well, see if that's something I can get them to see me about without a bloody referral that I need for the other issues.

That is shit. I had to complete an “E-consult” form on line about my inability to eat much. This got me a phone consultation and she asked me to use the BP machine in reception, as they had no records for me for 20 years. This is when I got called back. Where abouts are you? You can’t leave this, I know A&E is terrible but might get you some help more quickly.

[Zelandeth]

16 minutes ago, Wibble said:

That is shit. I had to complete an “E-consult” form on line about my inability to eat much. This got me a phone consultation and she asked me to use the BP machine in reception, as they had no records for me for 20 years. This is when I got called back. Where abouts are you? You can’t leave this, I know A&E is terrible but might get you some help more quickly.

Milton bloody Keynes.  Right in the middle, which is the biggest issue.  The CMK surgery had an utterly diabolical reputation 15 years ago and it's only got worse since.  Sadly as all the surrounding ones are also over capacity noone else will take us on.  They're at least three or four times over capacity (probably even more now to be fair as they've built a good few hundred more houses around here since then).  So they've just taken the approach of fastest finger first to limit the rush.  When you could get on the day appointments in person the queue at 0730 would always be the whole way around the outside of the surgery and into the car park.

MK Hospital has about as good a reputation.

I do have private cover, just been zero help so far with other issues as they need a referral from my GP - which I've been trying to get for something like four or five years now.  Basically I ask to book an appointment, wait eight to twelve weeks for the telephone appointment which they then cancel the day before (and still send me the angry "how DARE you miss an appointment?!?" letter, and I go back to the start of the line.

Our actual pharmacy (on other side of town as it took five years to find a good one!) are really good, and I need to pick up a prescription on Monday anyway so I might pick their brains and get them to do a test on their proper machine while I'm there.  They've saved our bacon a bunch of times managing to either get or find out who has my other Half's epilepsy meds which keep becoming difficult to source due to supply chain issues.  Would help if we could order them more than a week before running out, mind you... especially as it takes the surgery a minimum of three or four days to approve it and send it to the pharmacy...but that's a whole additional grump in itself.

[Wibble]

4 minutes ago, Zelandeth said:

Milton bloody Keynes.  Right in the middle, which is the biggest issue.  The CMK surgery had an utterly diabolical reputation 15 years ago and it's only got worse since.  Sadly as all the surrounding ones are also over capacity noone else will take us on.  They're at least three or four times over capacity (probably even more now to be fair as they've built a good few hundred more houses around here since then).  So they've just taken the approach of fastest finger first to limit the rush.  When you could get on the day appointments in person the queue at 0730 would always be the whole way around the outside of the surgery and into the car park.

MK Hospital has about as good a reputation.

I do have private cover, just been zero help so far with other issues as they need a referral from my GP - which I've been trying to get for something like four or five years now.  Basically I ask to book an appointment, wait eight to twelve weeks for the telephone appointment which they then cancel the day before (and still send me the angry "how DARE you miss an appointment?!?" letter, and I go back to the start of the line.

Our actual pharmacy (on other side of town as it took five years to find a good one!) are really good, and I need to pick up a prescription on Monday anyway so I might pick their brains and get them to do a test on their proper machine while I'm there.  They've saved our bacon a bunch of times managing to either get or find out who has my other Half's epilepsy meds which keep becoming difficult to source due to supply chain issues.  Would help if we could order them more than a week before running out, mind you... especially as it takes the surgery a minimum of three or four days to approve it and send it to the pharmacy...but that's a whole additional grump in itself.

That is absolutely ridiculous and sad to hear. I applied for a repeat prescription for my meds, we are told to do it two weeks in advance and it was ready to collect within 2 days.

Our chemist is also excellent and I hope yours helps in getting this sorted.