That’s amazing. Just as some people are susceptible to things, others must be immune. My mum’s dad was a welder and so was also constantly exposed to asbestos for decades (although not to the same extent as the guy you knew), plus he smoked 20 woodbines a day, but lived until he was 76 and died of natural causes.
Yep. Fags. I used to smoke, packed in years ago. They do some people in and, as you say, some people are immune…
Yes, I can see the logic in that. Unfortunately I don't have that sort of garden. Mine has a lot of trees, including a huge veteran oak and a sycamore and here are no handy corners I can blow the leaves into. If only I could. And gale force winds blow in off the Pennines for about six month of the year which renders the exercise a bit pointless. I saw my neighbour a few weeks ago blowing leaves off his drive onto the verges but he didn't bother to pick them up afterwards...
My dad was exposed to asbestos when he worked in the steel works back in the 60’s. He developed mesothelioma in his 80’s and was given 6 months to live. He lasted 2.5 years and died aged 86.
i'm glad you've started this and not me (re: "leaf blowers"). I would go further and say their introduction, acceptance as a "thing" and their continual and growing use is another indicator for me that we are "heading towards the end" as a general comment*. I could add so much more - i watch people using them with a fascination as i just can't believe it. I've yet to see anyone pick up their "blowage" after doing this - even saw two adjacent houses blowing leaves off their drives and was waiting for them to start a to and fro blowing war, but they didn't and just avoided each other (probably came out later when the other wasn't around). *both ridicule and comment most welcome.
@Hugo Magnus [re sycamores- can't quote] At one time I'd have agreed with you. Down south most of my contact with sycamore was in hedgrows where they are a pest. Up here they're far more common than oak or ash as stand-alone species in open ground, and when left to their own devices to grow unmolested in open space they can be truly magnificent things. The late Hadrian's wall specimen was pretty modest compared with some we've got round here. In pasture where their seedlings get grazed off and they're never provoked to invasive habits by chainsaws they mind their own business and grow into spectacular veterans. I'll try to remember to post some pics this summer.
Tips at restaurants that are on the bill. I nearly always give a good tip, and I know the tips on the bill are spread around the staff, but it goes onto their wage slip and then the f%cking government get their paws on it. Take it off the bill and let me pay cash.
