Wednesday 23 April 2014

In praise of the those with practical skills

Lord Finchley

Lord Finchley tried to mend the Electric Light
Himself. It struck him dead: And serve him right!
It is the business of the wealthy* man
To give employment to the artisan.

15 comments:

  1. We're not handy either, so rely on others who have the skills we lack.

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    1. We would be sunk - probably literally - without them, Patsy.

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  2. If you have trouble imagine what it is like for people up here or in the South West. Neither population has words for urgency or punctuality. In Devon they do say that they will be round Drektly. That can mean anytime within the next few months.

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    1. Ours say they're coming "somwhen", Adrian . I love that word (if not the implication).

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  3. It sounds as though they could team up and make a fortune. On second thoughts, maybe they are already doing nicely.
    ps. my version of Drektly would be Dreckly. I have that sign in my California office. "I'll do it Dreckly"

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    1. Dreckly sounds like something to do wiht weather, ER. It's been pretty dreckly here, this last week ;(

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  4. We are not handy and the smallest job calls for new tools which never go back to the very large tool box which takes up a whole shelf - and then we call in a man/woman who can.

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    1. Oh, we to have a rusting tool box, which seems to be full of the wrong kinds of tools. I use a potato peeler as a screwdriver, and the rolling pin as a hammer.

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  5. To know someone who is not only handy but also trustworthy with such jobs is priceless!
    My husband was very handy - he could do and fix nearly anything, from computers to plumbing to TV antennas to cabinet doors. I am not entirely daft that way myself, but I have too much respect for electricity to touch the socket of the kitchen wall lamp that needs fixing (and has been in that sad state for at least a year).
    There's a reliable plumber nearby whom I email when I need something done, but he's good and he knows it, which shows in his prices. Thankfully, it is not often that I need help with jobs around the house. Not having grandchildren who can create such jobs out of the blue probably helps :-)

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    1. I wouldn't touch electricity either, Meike. It terrifies me.

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  6. 'Not entirely accurate'? Nor is the poet's name. Of course you meant Belloc; but I'm sure it was just a typo. He just happens to be a favourite.

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    1. It wasn't exactly a typo, CM, since I copied and pasted it, and didn't even notice the misprint! Thanks for pointing it out (now corrected). I too love Belloc.

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  7. We are very un-handy too and would be living in a tent if it weren't for these marvellous men.

    I managed to knock the innards out of our grandfather clock, trying to move him single-handed from a room with a highish ceiling to a low one complete with clock-disembowelling beams. Even worse, I tried to mend him and dropped the weight on my foot. Why do I even attempt these things?

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    1. Joanna, you should have phoned R. The foot sounds painful!

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  8. I almost feel guilty when I say that I can tackle most jobs around the house having, inter alia, plumbed, wired and rebuilt several kitchens and a pottery and rebuilt an old car. I earned my living with what I pretend is a brain but for the most part I got my enjoyment out of DIY. It is the old story: jack of all trades and master of none.

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