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AJ

1.99K followers

In

Mid-Knight Falls

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AJ

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Nov 2

I Wasn’t Crazy: Proving My 1970s Meccano Motor Was Actually Blue

After I began doubting my childhood memory, a rare auction listing brought a piece of my past back to life

A blue Meccano Junior Powerdrive motor, with the instruction manual open in the background showing how to build the ‘flying jets’ project. In the instructions, the motor is yellow, not blue.

AJ

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Nov 2

Cake Gate: A Lesson in Getting Involved

How an awkward experience taught me to think twice before offering help

An assortment of cakes and pastries in a display cabinet.

AJ

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Oct 30

The AJ Chronicles: 30 October 2026

University move; closed on Thursdays; son’s new job and car renovation; DIY drudge; editing every story; Hindley Street Country Club…

Collage showing afternoon tea, a canal, a sign showing opening times, a car boot that is very full, and a series of DIY-related photos. These include an extractor fan, a dust mask, an air purifier, pieces of wood with curves cut into the edges, and some filler being mixed with a cordless drill.

In

the Challenged

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AJ

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Oct 17

AJ’s Answers to Lynn’s Offbeat October Questions

From horse vs. tortoise to childhood memories in Great Yarmouth

A playful, autumn-themed scrapbook collage titled “AJ’s Answers to Lynn’s Offbeat October Questions.” In the center, the title is on crumpled paper surrounded by falling leaves. Diverse illustrated doodles represent AJ’s (a man) answers: a horse at a laptop next to a tortoise, a parrot saying “Ecky thump!”, a man hosting a “talk show”, a vintage airplane, a jet and pilot cap, a dental chair and MRI scanner, heated socks, a bubbling Jacuzzi, and a bowl of fruits and vegetables.

In

Mid-Knight Falls

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AJ

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Oct 12

I Was Only Asking for What I Paid For (Or Was I the Customer from Hell?)

How a quick £200 frame replacement at the optician’s turned into an uncomfortable battle of wills

Two pairs of glasses and a pair of nose pieces. One pair of glasses has a broken frame with no lenses.

AJ

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Sep 29

The Ford Fiesta Is 50: Personal Memories of 19 Cars in 38 Years

Four decades with the iconic small car, including shared moments with my late wife and passing the torch to my son

AJ

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Sep 25

The AJ Chronicles: 25 September 2026

Fewer writing platforms; fewer podcasts; renovation update; Stephanie's health; an unusual birthday; son’s job loss and car purchase…

A collage of 7 photos. The first three show plastering tools and a drill with a wire brush attachment to clean them, a full bucket of plaster being mixed, and the empty bucket in which the remaining plaster has set. The next four show teapots and cups on a table in a cafe, the Anderton Boat Lift and a boat on the river, a swan flapping its wings, and a pylon amongst the trees, through the window of a boat.

In

Mid-Knight Falls

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AJ

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Sep 22

AJ’s Answers to Lynn’s Spunky September Random Questions

I’m still struggling with subtitles, but at least I know which sandwich to avoid. 🥪

AJ’s Answers to Lynn’s Spunky September Random Questions

AJ

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Sep 20

A Quick Trip to York, Part 5

Our final evening was a quiet one — until just after 10 pm

Entrance to Q Park Shambles car park in York

In

Engage

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AJ

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Sep 4

A Quick Trip to York, Part 4

Walking the city walls

York Minster Cathedral in the distance, viewed from the city walls.

AJ

1.99K followers

Electronics engineer turned writer. @messingwithwires. Straightforward, heartfelt stories on life, nostalgia, grief, & more. Formerly Autistic Widower / Alan AJ

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