Alfred Chow - Maker of Things

https://cupoftea.social/@Maker_of_Things

Professional maker, in wood and metal, from miniatures to museum installations. #MakersHour #ActuallyAutistic and a #Carer. He/Him/They #LGBTQI friendly.
Currently building a community workshop in Salford, and writing the story of #HarrietAndDaisy.
https://www.makerofthings.org.uk/theraton-back-story/

Married to Sue Archer (npub1mmc…suj7)
#NoBot

Harriet and Daisy: https://www.makerofthings.org.uk/theraton-back-story/
Pronouns: He/Him They/Them
Location: NW England

Public Key

npub1vlhnp5lkprpet2kmygwpheqqms8mu30u5tkm3yrgt6cpewzm2u3sy6su8z

NIP-05 Address

maker_of_things_at_cupoftea.social@momostr.pink

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsx0mes60mq3su44tdjy8qmusqdcra7gh729mdcjp59avquhpd4wgcxchg3x

Author Public Key

npub1vlhnp5lkprpet2kmygwpheqqms8mu30u5tkm3yrgt6cpewzm2u3sy6su8z

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Last Notes

2025-04-04 07:04:46

#GoodMorningWorlds
I am off to meet Sue at work in a while. After that I need to buy some nail varnish.
Then I will be mostly off line later today, for 24 hours, as I will drop off my laptop to a a friend who will increase it's onboard memory and install a version of Linux to replace Win10.
Tomorrow I have Boothstown #RepairCafe in the morning, and after that I should be learning my way around Linux and restoring all my data, bookmarks, and other software that I use.
You might see me on my phone in the meantime, but I might just take the imposed time off to do other things.
#HarrietAndDaisy
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/114/278/400/672/493/638/original/b4a25b465b680712.jpg

2025-03-31 08:30:01

#GoodMorningWorlds
Waiting brain it switched on and counting down. I have a phone call consult and assessment from the hospital for something and it is between 9 am and 1pm.
I am going to be in the miniatures workshop wiring up tiny LED 'fluorescent' tube lights into a diorama, and adding copper foil wiring to the back of the walls.
I can't think far enough forward past this phone call to work out what I am doing later.
My hands and wrists still hurt this morning.
Edit :The phone call happened at 8:45, just as I was writing this toot, and all my spoons are used up.
#HarrietAndDaisy
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/114/256/084/202/534/066/original/acb3d0bd51a4e940.jpg

2025-03-28 08:08:02

#GoodMorningWorlds
I am off to meet Sue at work in a bit, but first I have the laundry on the go, and will vacuum the bedroom and bathroom. I forgot last week so it need doing.
Later I will be in the workshop, before doing care taking and cleaning the Meeting House.
(Fake) Spam, egg, and chips tonight for dinner!
#HarrietAndDaisy
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/114/239/018/732/527/994/original/c67b22d4a4b92957.jpg

2025-03-26 19:12:53

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Maybe carpark owners should think about making the spaces wider so that people can actually get in and out of their cars with the doors wide open.
It would be a great advantage to drivers, especially those with disabilities, especially given how much bigger cars have got over the decades.
There is the added little benefit of there being fewer cars parked then.

2025-03-26 07:48:05

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So frustrating running out of meds. I'm glad you managed to sort it out.
I used to bring forward my repeat request just a few days each time to try and keep a small stock pile of meds. But I think the GP's pharmacist got wise to it over Covid lockdown.
And 👍 for the hair cut!

2025-03-13 08:00:19

#Goodmorningworlds
We are off to the community workshop this morning.
I will be repairing the gates to the Forest school, damaged in an attempted break in.
Then we have #MakersHour this evening. Not sure if I have enough borrowed spoons to get past lunch time as yet.
#HarrietAndDaisy #DogsOfMastodon
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/114/154/037/037/555/429/original/3d1b5e6f80623494.jpg

2025-02-22 08:16:22

#GoodMorningWorlds
We are heading out with the car and trailer this morning, to collect some donated timber from an allotment to take to the community workshop.
I will also finish off the repair to the rainwater collection system.
This afternoon I'd like to be in the workshop getting on with the chair repair and the oak table top, but well see.
#HarrietAndDaisy
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/114/046/516/235/813/368/original/aeef72a824db93b4.jpg

2025-02-20 13:53:14

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Oh, not your fault.
recently my notifications has been filling up with dozens of edit notifications, like with yours, one or two edits and I get loads of notifications for each one.
Thank you, I will ask Admin what is going on.

2025-02-20 12:37:28

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Hello.
Can I just check something please.
I got 8 notifications of your edit and was wondering if that was a servier glitch or if you really did 8 edits in a row.
Just wanted to be sure before I spoke to the admin here.
Thank you.
Oh, I am Cantonese, but I have no reading or writing ability in the language and only spoken vocabulary up to the age of about 5 years. It makes me speak like a child when I have to use it.

2025-02-18 10:04:49

Stuff happening in the world is really hurting my head and my heart to know about.
I have tried and failed to express how badly I am feeling about everything right now, but I know you all understand that feeling too.
I just needed to say, as I am reading less about what is happening, and looking at more photos of dogs and cats, pretty crafts, and other nice things.
And I am struggling to hold onto the point of it all, which is to not give up, and not succumb to the badness and hatred.
Love to you all. xx

2025-01-16 08:45:37

#GoodMorningWorlds
We are off to the community workshop, hopefully to start putting up the wood store framing.
We have big screws, big bolts, and a big nail gun.
But we also have tea and biscuits.
After lunch I am picking up my new glasses in the hope that I will be able to see better with them.
And, of course, this evening is #MakersHour.
#HarrietAndDaisy
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/837/151/388/391/647/original/9730793f972eaa99.jpg

2025-01-02 08:35:32

#GoodMorningWorlds
Up a bit earlier today as the doorbell was rung. Homecare couldn't work out the keys apparently.
Today's bins have been emptied. Last week's bins still hasn't been touched yet.
Not going to the community workshop until next week, but will be going for an eye test later. Hopefully that will mean new glasses and better assisted vision.
#HarrietAndDaisy
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/757/805/749/246/784/original/80cda29df1fadedc.jpg

2025-01-01 09:24:23

#GoodMorningWorlds
Happy new Earth year from those of us who use this measure and calendar.
I don't know what to do today, so I will just hope you all have a lovely day, and wish you all a safe 2025.
Love to you all. xx
#HarrietAndDaisy
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/752/366/258/151/404/original/b35af2e9c3abe2c4.jpg

2024-12-08 21:55:47

Today we had eggs for breakfast,
As is tradition.
Then we plastic sheeted the bedroom carpet,
And started stripping off plaster.
Put all the waste into the skip,
And then went out on the scaffold.
Did a tidy up of loose stuff,
And removed wind blown waste.
Cleared the shed and conservatory roof,
And all the ground around the house.
Trying to keep the site a bit tidier,
As the mess and building work is stressing me.
Watched TV and videos,
Needing to relax.
Tired now,
So off to bed.
#NightAll
#Sign
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/619/418/267/324/987/original/da5d0ddf49d2ccec.jpeg

2024-12-06 07:48:07

#GoodMorningWorlds
I am up early, woken at 6:30am with a coffee when Sue went to work.
I will join her later.
The roofers have just arrived. Hopefully, they will have enough of the roof pinned down before the storm this weekend.
It's a day of cleaning. We clean the Unitarian church this morning, and this afternoon we clean the Meeting House.
In between I want to clean inside our bedroom and bathroom, and get the bedding laundered and changed.
I am not coping with the mess, dust, or smells from the work going on.
I really want to stay in bed today.
#CatsOfMastodon
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/604/756/195/409/265/original/e8ab4f7d9a24e1dc.jpeg

2024-12-05 20:01:54

Q1: @npub1q3r…v6fy
Evening Everyone. Please introduce yourself and your making.
A1: Hello, I am Alfred, maker, carer, caretaker, and miniaturist story teller.
My making has changed over the decades. From making bicycles to unusual road vehicles, designing and making furniture, designing and making museum and visitor centre installations, to making dolls house scale miniatures and writing a supporting back story.
I don’t make so much now, but do more repairs for Repair Cafe. Many repairs involve making replacement parts for furniture and ornaments, and the careful reassembly of broken and much loved items.
Tonight’s soundtrack is: Regae classics compliation Vol 1.
#MakersHour

2024-12-05 07:56:51

#GoodMorningWorlds
We're not going to the community workshop today, as no one else is going to be there either.
We were awake at 4:30am because the new Velux windows are leaking. We have buckets and towels out.
I am not impressed with the roofers so far. None of the four Velux windows, the cheap skylight, or the roof hatch, I fitted ever leaked.
Not sure what the rest of the day will hold, but I am tired.
I had wanted the scaffold gone as soon as the roof was done, but now I will be grateful for it to stay through the winter so the roofers can come back to fix leaks later on.
#InstallingWindows
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/599/118/383/596/481/original/9114d03c010d4cad.jpg

2024-12-02 22:03:42

Today I packed some tools,
And shuffled cars about.
Then we drove into Manchester,
To do some maintenance work.
Repaired a roller blind,
And renewed a broken socket outlet.
Then cut the castors off six tables,
And fitted new ones.
Home to see that we have Velux windows,
The roof is progressing well.
There are a few issues,
Hopefully they will be ok.
Trying to replicate the car towbar socket,
Roughing out a design in Tinkercad.
Not sure if I will print in plastic,
Or carve it in wood.
Fell asleep on the sofa,
Completely exhausted.
Busy tomorrow,
Goint to bed now.
#NightAll
#ModelRailway
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/585/455/384/882/496/original/4a9a3f1c7dcc7702.mp4

2024-11-25 07:38:20

#GoodMorningWorlds
We are back from visiting MiL. Came back yesterday afternoon but I was to tired to say anythign about it.
We should have a roofer starting work today, also a decorator for the wetroom, and the OT to see what aids are needed for Mum in the wetroom.
I guess I had better take the car and park it at work again. Probably that will be fine given I am back at work this week!
#Tractor
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/542/421/938/468/277/original/e58b9137a3c65477.jpg

2024-11-23 09:10:55

#GoodMorningWorlds
The lethargic, slow brain, after effects of eating gluten free bread isn't worth it. We think it is the yeast causing the problem, as well as the gluten in normal bread.
If I was going to feel this slow and useless I might as well have had a packet of jam doughnuts and enjoyed them, for all the personal cost.
Ho hum.
We're off to have a fancy breakfast at the garden centre cafe.
Then I need my head functional to work out landline phone contracts and options for MiL
#Rose
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/531/476/822/303/427/original/256e35c95b87ae8d.jpg

2024-11-21 08:13:13

#GoodMorningWorlds
We are off to the Community Workshop this morning. We haven't been there for a few weeks and we miss it.
We still have an IBC water butt to finish painting and then the cage and rainwater plumbing to set up.
But that will be next week.
This afternoon, we'll probably do nothing in particular, except pop into work to take the bins back in.
Work are asking what size branded tee shirts staff want. I hate wearing other people's branded tee shirts and work uniform. I wonder if I can explain that to them.
I guess that is another thing I have in common with Murderbot. @npub1u99…gfp5
#Rottweiller #Mollie #DogsOfMastodon
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/519/915/531/501/488/original/d57a796eaf979733.png

2024-11-20 09:19:28

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It isn't even 9am yet!
I have done our bins, and Mum's bins.
I have put laundry on to wash.
I have put a heater in the car to defrost it.
I have broken the lid on the food waste caddy.
I am now waiting for the glue to cure on the lid.
#Winch
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/514/453/957/646/141/original/b71d2d4801c2e268.jpg

2024-11-20 07:38:41

#GoodMorningWorlds
I got up early today, no idea why.
It is bin day:
Pink - food and garden waste
Brown - bottles, cans, and food tubs
I will be taking Mum to the hospital this morning.
Dressings and physio.
It is very cold and frosty outside, I am going to put a heater in the car for a while before we go out, it will defrost the windows and warm the cabin a bit.
Then, who knows. Still on holiday from work, but no roofer until Monday.
#Winch
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/514/125/658/299/391/original/04edc072f160e562.jpg

2024-11-17 21:27:59

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Today we had eggs for breakfast,
As is tradition.
I checked on Mum,
And let her know we'd be out.
We had decided to run away,
And have a normal day out.
We drove down to Dagfields antiques centre,
And started with a coffee.
Then we mooched around the stalls,
And laughed at a few odd items.
We had lunch there,
Chilli and chips for me.
Then more mooching around.
And the rain came down.
Sue bought some haberdashery,
While I bought some big rivets.
We headed for home,
In horrendous weather.
It's been a good day off,
And we relaxed for the evening.
Now ready for sleep,
So off to bed.
#NightAll
#EdwuffWoofwuff
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/500/403/636/496/450/original/3c6cdec71e19f6d4.jpg

2024-11-17 19:59:08

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I am exhausted. I think the last few weeks are still catching up with me.
I have lost a bit of driving confidence, but it will return, it has done before.
I've done laundry in the meantime, I know where my skills lie. 😉
So nice to just laze on the sofa without needing to do anything. Mum is fine, she has full use of her wetroom now. Her left hand is improving after the operation, and she is doing more with it.
I am trying not to plan car stuff for now, but will probably go out to buy a satnav tomorrow.
But for now, I am going to rest, and think about which book I will start reading tonight, probably an old favourite.
#EdwuffWoofwuff
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/500/049/339/831/722/original/0c5dd8313f862b58.jpg

2024-11-17 16:57:39

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We decided to go straight out to Dagfield antiques centre this morning.
We had coffee, a mooch around, then lunch, and more mooching around.
The drive back was in appalling driving rain. I don't know why thay call it 'driving rain' no one in their right mind would choose to drive in it!
There were also a lot of stupid drivers who think taking the slip road on the left should be done from the right hand lane at the last moment!
The car is a pain. The rear wiper squeeks. The satnav didn't work on the way out, and the screen was tempermental on the way back.
#EdwuffWoofwuff
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/499/336/326/680/608/original/d0cd6eaef9d68e5e.jpg

2024-11-17 08:38:27

#GoodMorningWorlds
It's a Sunday, a normal ish Sunday, where nothing much is happening.
We could go car hunting, or runaway for a antiques centre mooch and a coffee, or we can sit at home and look at the scaffolding.
I suspect we will just run away for a 'normal' day out as we are too tired to put work or stress into anything.
Also I could do with a drive for my confidence after the crash.
(Can all the bad drivers just give us some space for a while (for ever?) please.)
#EdwuffWoofwuff
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/497/367/825/963/970/original/e7e888fc0bc0a0ad.jpg

2024-11-15 07:53:09

#GoodMorningWorlds
Today, I have no idea.
Electricians should be coming to second fix the wetroom, I think.
No idea when the roofers are due.
I am deciding that I really don't like the car we bought, and I miss the one we lost.
Last night, in the shower, I suddenly burst in to sobs of tears over an abuse that happened 27 years ago. No idea why that happend.
I am still reeling from the after effects of that memory today.
Oh well.
#Bears
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/485/865/288/857/043/original/2eb33c0df12c7a09.jpg

2024-11-14 20:25:12

Q3: @npub1q3r…v6fy
What’s the biggest, and the smallest, thing you’ve ever made?
A3: The biggest is an 11 metre by 5 metre 1940s war time, ‘Dock Lane’, street scene at Western Approaches museum in Liverpool.
https://liverpoolwarmuseum.co.uk/visiting/explore/
The smallest things would be some of the accessories for @npub1wkg…lggr.
https://www.makerofthings.org.uk/harriets-new-workshop/
#MakersHour

2024-11-05 07:37:20

#GoodMorningWorlds
Up early to meet today's builders and see what job they are doing today in the wetroom.
Later, a friend will be taking us across to Yorkshire to see, and hopefully buy, a car.
Last day at caretaking work for 2 1/2 weeks now, while the roof is being done.
We'll still go and take the bins out as it is less stressful to do that than to worry about the state of them after three missed collection days.
#Fungi #Mosstodon
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/429/207/798/841/644/original/02ef51e842a76e9d.jpg

2024-11-04 08:10:10

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I used to into off road and ex military vehicle events so have had the chance to drive or ride in a few extreme vehicles.

2024-11-04 07:51:12

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I have had a drive of a Thornycroft Mighty Antar Mk1. It has a V8 Meteorite petrol engine that was 2/3 of a Rolls Royce Meteor tank engine.
Four carburettors the size of buckets, a gallon to start it and 2 gallons to the mile when driven light.

2024-11-04 07:38:48

#GoodMorningWorlds
Waiting in, again, for scaffolders, but also expecting the builders to come to start the wet room conversion for Mum.
I'll go and help her clear out the last of her things from the room in a bit, and to make sure things are ok for her in her temporary wash area.
I am also doing laundry and bedding today, and phoning the insurance company about the next lot of cars we'll be looking at.
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/423/527/428/775/016/original/1d206c78dd3fac2c.jpeg

2024-10-27 13:43:54

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We often get to 'race the train' when we drive along side the track on the M602. The trains often win as they have a 75mph speed limit, and we don't.
@npub1mmc…suj7 @npub1l67…p8ws

2024-10-27 10:03:19

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Thank you.
I can feel that the emotional part of it all is due to kick in soon. 😢

2024-10-27 08:19:35

#GoodMorningWorlds
All our house clocks are telling the right time again!
We are going to walk to the shops to get a bit of shopping in, spread the load over a few days while we don't have a car to get it all in one load.
I am going to look up prices for a hire car, and think about options for getting mobile again. All the potential 'For Sale' cars seem to be further away than a bike or bus ride for inspecting.
Still wondering about the scaffolding that is supposed to be going up tomorrow, and what might still be in their way that we need to move.
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/378/398/534/361/632/original/95eac34180cf8903.jpg

2024-10-25 20:57:05

We're ok, that's the important thing.
The car is a write-off.
Shunted from behind by a van into the car in front.
https://cdn.cupoftea.social/media_attachments/files/113/370/054/241/730/383/original/3e60032497e4d46b.jpg

2024-10-20 09:59:33

This current, now four weeks, of gout in my right foot has left my right toe joint much bigger than my left.
Measured across the joints at the widest part:
Left foot 100mm
Right foot 110mm
Measured the height of the big toe joint:
Left foot 40mm
Right foot 45mm
No wonder I can't get my work boots on!
I wonder if I can 'stretch' the boot leather a bit, without damaging the boot, or having issues with the steel toe cap?
#Gout