It's a Changing World

[planenut]

When I can, I go out for what I call a trek, a mile of the route follows a public footpath edged by trees and shrubs on one side and a grass verge separating the path from a bypass on the other. The plant life including the verge is tended to about once every four years, therefore, especially now, in places the width of the tarmac path is reduced to about a foot wide. Many nettles, brambles, hawthorn, blackthorn and longthorn encroach and the local Council just state that "it's on the schedule".
For the past few years, when I get fed up with the lacerations and stings, I take it on myself to do some chopping back. I take gloves, secateurs, and two long "weed slashers", along with a file to sharpen them if they need it. So, I knew it might rain, but I was wearing shorts and tee shirt, carrying a backpack, wielding one of the scythe like tools in each hand.
I didn't realize I'd been out there for over five hours, until one of the Police Officers who attended in answer to a call alleging that some guy was out there "hacking at weeds with two machette" told me the time.
As a result of their investigation, they have requested that in future I notify the station if I am to go weeding, yes.
I did express my disappointment in them allowing me to almost finish my task before questioning me.

[Teflon]

Good on you for doing it Fred.

Reminds me of an occasion some 24 years back when I was working at Farnborough. I used go running most lunchtimes 'round Fleet Pond, Basingstoke canal etc and had the same experience regarding overgrown footpaths. Like you, I decided to sort things myself, so went into work equipped with a sythe etc.

Lunchtime came around, so off I went in shirt and tie (well, I was at work, afterall) carrying my gear. I set to at the brambles and nettles, and spent a happy hour hacking away. It was only when I stopped to return to the office that I realised how hot I had actually got. My shirt was absolutely wringing wet, as was the top of my trousers . Walked back to the office looking more than a little dishevelled, and was actually thanked by a couple of walkers who passed by. On this occasion though, no police were called .

Had to go straight in to see my boss to explain why I needed the afternoon off, as my condition really wasn't very "office friendly" .

It seemed such a good idea at the time, and at least future runs were a little less of a battle.

Cliff

[planenut]

Originally Posted by Teflon

Good on you for doing it Fred. .................

Reminds me of an occasion some 24 years back when I was working at

Had to go straight in to see my boss to explain why I needed the afternoon off, as my condition really wasn't very "office friendly" .

It seemed such a good idea at the time, and at least future runs were a little less of a battle.

Cliff

No cutting remarks from the boss then?

[Teflon]

Originally Posted by planenut

No cutting remarks from the boss then?

I think he may have had a few choice words at the time!