…..my trusty Stanley “Lifeguard” Tape Measure, there was nothing to stop the ruler part shooting back into the casing, at a speed to slice through anything, eg.fingers, in its path !…..
Stanley Lifeguard
…..I really thought this family “heirloom”, with its tough, solid, steel casing and chunky yellow switch, would last forever – I can recall playing with it as a kid, centuries ago, it resurfaced in my “art toolbox” the last few years, and even survived “plein air”. When it snapped, I was barely even touching it ! 🙂
Neo Watercolour by Victoria Butterell 
I just love your subject matter – and glad you kept your fingers! Don’t those things come with a lifetime warranty?
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Hi Wazeau, the fingers were close 🙂 yes, i expected a lifetime warranty (maybe back in the “old days” !) but no, all sorts of wriggle out clauses, about “how much” you’ve “used it” (??!) funny, really 🙂
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I have heard that defence so many times, V. It’s got whiskers! There’d be some who wouldn’t believe you. (I hope your Dad does).
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Hi P,
its got whiskers ! – Brilliant phrase, so made me laugh 🙂 yes, whiskers a mile long ! I think my Dad will be skeptical 🙂 but it was true, really, mind you, its had some “challenging” moments in its time. I’m amazed how attached I got to it ! 🙂 Good Luck with your exhibition P 🙂 xx
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I believe you, I really do. It is an awful thing to lose a ‘trusted (rusted) companion’. And just a tiny flaw makes the whole thing useless.
Thanks V for your good wishes.
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sad indeed 😦 Big Waaaaahh . And after the fact I remembered, its actually an heirloom on loan from my Dad, (these last 4 decades) he won’t be impressed !
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well thank goodness you weren’t holding it tightly! you’d got used to painting with those fingers. just sayin’!
that’s such a sad painting…. the **POWER**LOCK with its little end lying detached a bit away…. waaaahhhh!
that was my first tape measure too! it may perhaps be around here somewhere, tho’ it seems to disappear like a cat’s toy, then re-appear magically.
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