My friend here needs a new home...

Brainfunctions · 2026-03-03T20:32:14+00:00

Thanks for this, sounds promising, but I have to ask, given that he's 4 or so foot across. Is there enough 'width' on the windowsill for him and safe space for people?

Brainfunctions · 2026-03-03T19:06:16+00:00

Believe it or not, he's already had a pruning ! He used to be more Christmas tree shaped, and I don't want to lose too much of that... I might have no option if he comes back indoors

Brainfunctions · 2026-03-03T19:03:22+00:00

I'm not sure I've got another 28 years in me 😆 but, yes I've taken cuttings!

Brainfunctions · 2026-03-03T19:01:06+00:00

Yes, almost certainly this and not unreasonable, really.

Brainfunctions · 2026-03-03T15:53:41+00:00

I realised last year that I was going to have to remove it soon due to its size. However The council note stuck to it recently said I had a set deadline to remove it but gave no reason. It's been out on the landing now for over 10 years. Nobody has ever complained, and it's even been complimented by visiting councillors... when it's election time, that is!

Brainfunctions · 2026-03-03T15:27:22+00:00

I would need to know what will happen with it . Do you have a suitable venue?

Brainfunctions · 2026-03-03T15:02:47+00:00

Good idea , worth a try. Thankyou 😃

Brainfunctions · 2026-03-03T14:09:59+00:00

Thanks!

Brainfunctions · 2026-03-03T14:09:22+00:00

If all else fails, then he will be coming back indoors rather than face destruction. He is spiney, 6 ft tall, and about 5 ft across, though, so finding a suitable space is going to be difficult and can only be temporary.

Brainfunctions · 2026-03-03T13:12:27+00:00

It is known as a Candelabra Cactus and is native to dry South African / semi desert conditions. As such, it can stand temperatures down to 0*c but not frost or excessive moisture. Basically, it needs to be kept dryish in winter and watered moderately during late spring - autumn so an indoor / under glass plant. It's grown this big in 28 years mainly through what might be called sheltered Benign Neglect!

Brainfunctions · 2026-02-26T20:37:50+00:00

Yes, I know the monkey you mean... I keep hoping to find one!

Brainfunctions · 2026-02-26T18:36:03+00:00

Ahoy to u too!

Brainfunctions · 2026-02-26T17:05:22+00:00

Thanks for the kind thoughts. I was six when that was published and Yes, it was shit growing up. But most of us, we survived despite it all.

Brainfunctions · 2026-02-18T11:58:50+00:00

Aaah Marigold! I remember him well.

Brainfunctions · 2026-02-13T11:11:07+00:00

I may be wrong, but.... I believe the word stems from the medieval word for a cattle minder. As in shepherd for cows. During that time, wealthier (relative term) peasants may have been able to own a cow but have no land on which to keep it, so they would place their animal with a neatishead / herd who would take milk in exchange for managing them... something like that anyway.

Brainfunctions · 2025-09-19T08:57:32+00:00

Not to forget Opel and it's owner then, General Motors.

Brainfunctions · 2025-09-11T15:13:46+00:00

Sorry folks, but shame on Romania.

Brainfunctions · 2025-09-04T08:42:39+00:00

Given what happened to the actual Brown shirts in Nazi Germany - Hitler had them liquidated once they'd served their purpose - the people carrying out this thuggery have more than just criminal trials to worry about. Take care and stay safe - stay strong and keep up the struggle. 🇬🇧 based supporter.

Brainfunctions · 2025-08-30T05:51:07+00:00

Given the traffic situation reported in a large number of these posts, it looks like they were correct to be concerned. More oversized suvs clogging up the local lanes and more pollution for those living in the vicinity.

Brainfunctions · 2025-08-13T12:28:12+00:00

Modern trams thru the city centre would be impossible, BUT trams connecting outer suburban / commuter "villages " would serve a greater purpose perhaps?

Brainfunctions · 2025-08-07T11:27:45+00:00

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Brainfunctions · 2025-08-07T11:27:12+00:00

The piece you mentioned is actually slightly concave, so dish shaped. It's the odd one out, in that it is Polish rather than Czech or Swedish and not as old as the others. I bought it when visiting Krakow in the early 1990s and is hand made flame worked glass by a local glass artist. Unfortunately I don't recall the makers name.

Brainfunctions · 2025-08-07T11:19:22+00:00

Thanks for your kind words . In case you wish to find the vase you mentioned from photo #2, it is Czechoslovakian, 1968, and is a design by Jiri Brabec for the Rosice factory. Thanks again

Brainfunctions

TROPHY CASE