Stormy Weather

[amateur51]

In Chester-le-Street, we've just had the longest and most violent thunderstorm
that I can remember. Two hours of it.

Here is a photograph of nearby Newcastle upon Tyne:

https://twitter.com/sjdavison/status.../photo/1/large

Blimey Russ!

I can offer you my plunger

[Nick Armstrong]

Blimey Russ!

I can offer you my plunger

Tell us tomorrow, Russ: was that the best offer you got today?

Hope you're dry. Newcastle looks astounding. My Aged Pa in Nottingham got soaked to the skin in his 60 second totter from taxi to front door during the Midlands '2 hour downpour'...

[Russ_H]

Tell us tomorrow, Russ: was that the best offer you got today?

I shall give some thought to the offer of a plunger!

[Anna]

Yesterday morning, 8am, thunder then rain like I've never seen. Like a hundred fireman with their hoses at max pressure. Our local weather station recorded a rate of 170.2mm/ph. Luckily, the storm quickly passed over and we only had about 20 minutes of it and only the school field was flooded. It then moved North. I spoke yesterday evening to relative in Lancs and the local out of town Tesco flooded. Surely these big retail parks, acres paved over, must contribute to flooding in some areas? Also, because of the weather this year there is a nationwide shortage of broccoli!!

[Flay]

Also, because of the weather this year there is a nationwide shortage of broccoli!!

We'll have to start growing rice!

Instead of investing billions on an unnecessary railway link, it should be spent on the general infrastructure - inproving drainage, sewerage, roads etc. That would provide widespread employment.

[Anna]

Instead of investing billions on an unnecessary railway link, it should be spent on the general infrastructure - inproving drainage, sewerage, roads etc. That would provide widespread employment.

Plus clearing ditches and culverts, sucking out drains (look through any grating and what do you see but dead leaves and rubbish?) Most of the flooding in Rhondda Cynon Taf is due to blocked culverts as the water cascades down the mountains. And not building on flood plains - why do people think they are called either that or water meadows?? I know one local example, 400 houses built despite alluvial reports (I do hope alluvial is the right word? Probably not but you know what I mean and the Council just ignored and gave consent) So anyway, built on land adjoining Watery Lane (the clue is in the name) over half of them flood. Now they cannot get insurance.

[Serial_Apologist]

Also, because of the weather this year there is a nationwide shortage of broccoli!!

What has happened to Iceberg lettuce? Normally football-sized, this year nearer that of grapefruit!

[Anna]

What has happened to Iceberg lettuce? Normally football-sized, this year nearer that of grapefruit!

Quite frankly my dear, who gives a damn? Apart from being cold tasting iceberg is pretty useless in the taste department but I guess acceptable in a burger for the crunch element. I'd rather have a soft butterhead or a little gem if we're talking lower class lettuces!

[Serial_Apologist]

Quite frankly my dear, who gives a damn? Apart from being cold tasting iceberg is pretty useless in the taste department but I guess acceptable in a burger for the crunch element. I'd rather have a soft butterhead or a little gem if we're talking lower class lettuces!

I know lettuce has few nutritional benefits, but Iceberg does go nicely in combo with rocket and/or watercress, among other things - or did once, when one could be made to last a week!

[Anna]

I know lettuce has few nutritional benefits, but Iceberg does go nicely in combo with rocket and/or watercress, among other things - or did once, when one could be made to last a week!

OMG, is this now a lettuce thread? Rocket, well, yes, terribly chi-chi, doesn't taste nice. Watercress, now you're talking, packed full of stuff which is good for you. Iceberg lasting a week - its only good point. Now, how about lambs lettuce, endive, romaine, radicchio, lollo rosso? Actually lettuce is terribly high in Vit K, no-one should ever eat it if on Warfarin. Lettuce is also terribly soporific. Anyone with insomnia, eat a whole lettuce and you'll soon be in the arms of Morpheus. Whether he likes it or not!!

[mangerton]

What has happened to Iceberg lettuce? Normally football-sized, this year nearer that of grapefruit!

I don't buy iceberg lettuce, as my views coincide with Anna's in #4463, but I have noticed this too. I strongly suspect:

(Less lettuce per purchase) + (less time to grow to that size) + (ability to plant more lettuces to the square metre) + (reduced transport costs) = increased profit for the grower and for the retailer.

[BBMmk2]

Those poor people whoi have been affected by the floods. My heart gopers out to them! Have any members here beeen affected in any way?

Been rather busy opf late, being last week of term! Always a lot to do and events etc.

Weather been a mixed bag to!

[Globaltruth]

I love those lettuce posts; not what I was expecting here, one of the reasons I keep coming back to the forum. anyone managing to grow anything is doing better than me - so cold, no veg are prospering.

Our local river (300 yards away) is four feet above normal summer levels, rain again this morning. We are at no risk as some of those yards include a vertical limestone cliff - the level subsides very quickly too (from spate back to normal given 3 days of no rain).

It's now been announced 'officially' that reservoir levels in these parts have returned to normal.

Great news...

[amateur51]

OMG, is this now a lettuce thread? Rocket, well, yes, terribly chi-chi, doesn't taste nice.

Well that's 1,000 years of Italian salads (and mine!) dismissed in a few flicks of the cursor

Love the stuff - to my mouth it tastes great!

[Serial_Apologist]

Lettuce spray...