Sunday. What a cracking day! The sun was shining when I got up this morning like someone had forgotten to turn it off yesterday. The fish were talking to me, no unnecessary messages ( more on that subject later) , and the butter on my toast was just right. After breakfast I changed my bed, unfortunately they told me I could only exchange it for another bed but hey ho, you win some you lose some. So I put clean bedding on instead. I’d bought a new sooper-dooper mattress protector which I hope will hold my memory foam mattress topper in place for a while as the damned think keeps creasing and can be very uncomfortable.
After the obligatory half hour getting my breath back I went and got washed and dressed. Maroon jeans, different maroon shirt and a third maroon coloured desert boots. I bet you never thought there were so many different maroons in the world, well wait for it, I have another shirt which is also maroon and is different to them all. Still it gave me a bit of colour. I worked on mail for most of the morning. About 11.00 am I had a message from Yvonne to say they were running a little late due to car problems and would be there about half past. Sure enough they arrived about then and I carried the bags out to the car ready to go for lunch. Reuben was fast asleep in his seat, I really don’t think people should drive like that. We got there about 11.45 am and found my nieces sitting inside waiting. I couldn’t take my usual seats today as there were soo many of us and my usual place in for four. Still we were nicely placed and ha tables pushed together. I handed Karen and Jo the gifts I had for them and then excused myself to take sweets to Tariq for all the staff. It was an excuse to give him some money too and ask him not to allow any of the others to pay.
Coming back to my seat Karen and Jo handed me a bag which had a wonderful card in and a lovely checked shirt of a style I like. They’re amazing but never listen when I tell them s to stop wasting their money. Yvonne also handed a bag over in which there was a beautifully worded card, a nice triple photo frame and a wooden wall plaque, faded like driftwood with some very complimentary things written on it. I thought we’d done but no, Ugo moved another bag near which had a sleeveless lightweight cardie, socks, welsh tea bags, another shirt ( posh) and a new backpack. This was worse than Christmas, though actually knowing my daughter it wasn’t. I took Reuben on my knee before the girls kidnapped him and amid the biggest smiles and giggles he could muster he tried to get my beard off to try it on. Once I tired I played pass the parcel and gave him o Jo while I went and ordered drinks. Tariq brought them pretty quickly. I was disappointed to see that the sunshine had kept many people away today and he wasn’t too busy.
After a time I borrowed a pad from Tariq and Jo wrote the meal order. As I handed it over I went outside for a cigarette and Jo joined me. There, I bet you didn’t know I was coming apart did you. The warmth outside was great on these old bones and I felt OK too. We went back in and the meal wasn’t too long in coming. It was as nice as always. Afterwards Karen and Yvonne had pudding while some had more drinks. On the pretext of going for another cigarette I asked Tariq to work out if I owed any more and went through the usual song and dance of him wanting me to take money back. ” I don’t want to make money off a friend” says he. “Well, I don’t want to take advantage of a friend” sez I. I ended up taking half of what he offered back which still grated on me. I don’t want him to go kaput. Where would I eat then?
Before he eventually threw us out we left intending to nip to Abakhan to pick up some crafting stuff for Karen and as they hadn’t seen the great changed wrought in heir long absence we decided to have a drink too. There was a lovely little playground there for Reuben too. Soon enough it was time to go our separate ways so it was hugs and kisses for Karen and Jo as they left. Ugo was dropping me at home, picking up Reuben’s tent etc and going shopping ( at almost 4.00pm on a Sunday they’ll be lucky). As soon as I’d waved them off it was in here to catch up on mail. While we’d been out the subject had come up of messages being sent on Fb which you never saw if you hadn’t had dealing with that person before. That made no sense to me. Why would Fb not let you see a message you’ve received? Anyway, one of my friends mentioned she’d sent me a message so I went to Fb to look. I found nothing. Eventually I came across the ‘Other’ box and opened it. Shock, horror. There was nothing from my friend on there but there were some messages that I hadn’t seen that people must have thought I was awfully ignorant for not answering. There were absolutely tons of messages from laydeez wanting to be my ‘Friend’ though which I was glad I’d never seen.
Well, I’ve been at it fairly constantly since I came in and there’s nor sign of it slowing down. So, one last sally and then I’m calling it a night ( which it is anyway). I wish you all a wonderful new week.
With Auntie Karen.
With Auntie Jo
These were colour pictures until Yvonne played with a phone app. I think they came out well.
Monday. A most extraordinary night playing yo-yo’s meant it was 5.00 am before I got up. I turned the power on the computer as I passed by to pass water. I mention this only to prove I’m not a ghost yet since it’s common knowledge ghosts can’t pass over water. Those people who supposedly took a day off yesterday for Fathers Day have been hyper-active overnight though it seems that only 2 scammer have fathers. I can understand that as I’ve often thought most of them served drinks, ie were bar stewards. One was back to tempting me to try to log in with Santander while the other suggested my Talktalk phone bill hasn’t been paid. Tough luck guys !
After a staring competition with one of the bull nose plecs, Yeah, he knows who the boss is now. HIM. I had breakfast then for some strange reason, because the post was almost up to date, I went through to try and make a space in the big bedroom for the new bookcase when/if it gets here tomorrow. I had to move a lot of pictures and some of my certificates, great pendulous wax seals still intact. It made me laugh when I realised where these will have to go….up in the loft that we tidied so well. At least I know I have to go up there to get some of my books down.Then I had to move all Ju’s craft drawers then a chest of drawers and voila the space is there. No heart attack either. I got washed and dressed but there was a knock on the door as I was trying to get my second leg in my jeans. I had to hop and pull at the same time. I made it and there was the delivery man from the chemist with the next missing thing from my prescription. I’ve not had a new prescription delivered either for me to do my next request so I’ll have to ask the chemist to print me one off. I’m beginning to wish I lived nearer town where there are more Chemist shops to choose from. I’d just taken the medication through to the kirchen when there was another knock. This time it was the postman bearing my new Scrabble game. I thanked him and went through to the bedroom to check it out before giving feedback on ebay. The game is very tidy . The board is a similar size but coloured differently. I think there are less double word scores but now there are squares where if you place a word over them you get to pick a card which allows you to do something the normal game wouldn’t allow. Like putting a word anywhere so it doesn’t even have to touch another word. It says the cards are discarded once used and there aren’t many cards so I’ll have to check to see if they go back for other players to use or if once they’re gone, they’re gone. I shall report on the Wednesday game.
Lots of mail today and lots of blog posts to tweet and/or comment on. It kept me busy all morning so that when I went for lunch ( full of green and red stuff) I was still not clear. I watched a film during lunch and stayed till the end. So, at 2.00 pm when I went back to the computer, there was all the unfinished mail and a new batch too which was in the 70’s. That was my afternoon occupied. I had a while away between 5.30 pm and 8.00 pm before coming through to do the final battles of the day. I’m not sure of any reason to rush since I’m not actually enjoying the book I’ve just started. One of the old Flashman books. Tonight may find me changing to a different book which is rare. I usually finish what I start.
Yvonne found some more ways of manipulating photographs through an app on her phone………….
Global
Sketchbook pics
Sketchy
Teacup Love
Tuesday. It’s been a funny old day. Peaks and troughs, Ups and downs. I was up before 5.00 am and attacking the mail of which there was lots but only two silly ones. A last attempt ( I hope) for somebody to convince me they’re a bank and yet another woman with more money than sense who wants to settle it on me to disburse to charity when she most unfortunately pops her clogs. She’s heard of me through a friend but doesn’t tell me who of course. Why doesn’t she just write cheques for her favorite charities now while she can? They must think I was born gullible and just yesterday. I knocked off at 7.00 am for my daily confrontation with the fish, I swear they were all lined up near the front waiting. I must have disturbed a Union meeting when I put the light on. The way that albino cory shifted when the light came on I know who the shop steward is. I had a toasted bap, took all my meds and brought my coffee through to the bedroom.
Just after 8.00 pm I went to ebay and checked on the tracking of the bookshelves as I’m sure they said delivery today. This is what the tracking information gave me.
| Date | Time | Status |
| 17/06/2014 | 09:20 | Courier Received |
| 17/06/2014 | 04:15 | Out For Delivery |
| 16/06/2014 | 22:52 | Processed at Depot |
| 16/06/2014 | 21:39 | Receipt at Depot |
| 13/06/2014 | 09:40 | Courier Received |
| 13/06/2014 | 09:40 | Not Delivered – Large Item |
| 13/06/2014 | 05:01 | Out For Delivery To Courier |
| 12/06/2014 | 18:55 | Hub Sorter Receipt Scan |
Only the last item was not on there. So I saw that at 4.15 am my bookshelf was out for delivery. YAY A Peak. To me that seemed a logical assumption. Especially as I’d seen on 13th that the item was out for delivery to courier and again on 13th that it was courier received. So, all I had to do was wait. I was busy most of the morning transferring some pictures to my printstudio to arrange on some photo paper . I had two photo frames to fill, each with three pictures but each of a different size. I had to guesstimate the size on screen. When I was happy I printed them off and spent some time framing them and then hanging one of the frames in the lounge. That in itself was a feat since my hands shake a bit and I could as easily put holes in the wall, or broken my fingers as put the hook in the wall. But, I managed it without crying too much and it hasn’t fallen down yet. For lunch I had some of that green stuff again. A trough.
After lunch I suddenly found myself wanting to nibble on a carrot. I fought the urge and settled to watch the end of a McBride episode I’d started watching during lunch. After that I turned TV off, went and caught up with emails and then came back to the lounge for a sleep. I swear it’s chewing all this lettuce that’s making me tired. I knew if the delivery came I’d hear it. I’m not sure how long I’d been out but I was woken by a delivery van. YAY A Peak, who immediately went and delivered to a neighbour. A Trough. I ate a piece of chocolate. I heard another vehicle reversing, it was the gardeners. A Trough. Another half hour and as te gardener left I heard another one approach, surely this time……. but no, it was a supermarket delivery and that wasn’t for me either. I returned to work.
At 5.15 pm I was up to date with mail and thought I’d just check the tacking again which is when I found the last line added. A Trough. Which technically didn’t mean I wouldn’t still get a delivery but I don’t think time was on my side. Nothing came. Still, it must be tomorrow then. A Peak. My early antiques show was missing A Trough but I decided to watch a couple of quizzes instead then after a short burst on the computer my second antiques show was on. A Peak. While the programme was on I decided to let Yvonne know the bookcase hadn’t arrived. I knew she’d be cross as it’s what prevented me from seeing them today. As she responded I picked up the phone and found another message there. A major surprise, it was from Mujo asking whether I wanted to shop with them tomorrow as they’re in the area.I haven’t seen them since early in April and since all contact was quite short with no reason I felt I’d done something wrong or they had a major problem they didn’t feel like sharing. Since I’ve said I’ll be in waiting for this delivery but that the kettle is on…..I don’t know whether they’ll come or not. Yvonne was as surprised as I was.
The antique show having finished I’ve come through to take another stab at getting up to date. I’m almost there but needed to get today’s post down before I forget. Sorry, I know I should have waited.
Wednesday. First things first this morning, I went to the tracking site to see if there were any changes. None, still with the courier. Fair enough, it was still only 4.00 am but you never know. So, I went straight onto mail. I’m not sure if there are three fools out there or if it’s the same fool three times but I suspect the latter unless these days all conmen ( and women) work from a set menu supplied when they receive their certificate from the University of thievery. There were three identical messages purporting to be from Talktalk saying they were having problems with my last bill since I seem to have supplied my bank with incorrect information. No doubt that will work on some poor souls but not me since I pay by DD and it’s been going for years since Talktalk set it up. Let me repeat, IF AN EMAIL DOES NOT ADDRESS YOU BY NAME, IT’S A CON ! I sighed and reported it to the phishing section of Talktalk who have since told me they’re now in the process of shutting down the site after tracing the source of the messages. What’s the betting it’s Nigeria, World capital of connery, and if there’s no such word there should be.
Just before having breakfast at 7.00 am I rechecked the tracing site, no change so I went off the face the fish and their breakfast. As I opened the section of lid used for feeding, the little fantail came shooting to the top, mouth open. As it broke the surface a bubble seemed to form which popped, I listened carefully to see if any words floated up like, “Help me, I’m really a Princess in the thrall of an evil witch”………..Nada. So I counted my fingers as I withdrew them, just in case. I shut the lid, washed my hands and got on with taking my meds and having some breakfast in the form of a toasted bap. Then back to the grindstone. At 8.00 am, 9.00 am and 10.00 am, I checked the site but it still read that my shelves were Courier Received. I found that niggled me a bit with Muriel due to text me to see whether I could come out to play. I was half convinced I should give up and stick a sign on the door saying to leave it with a neighbour and just go out. Anyhoo, a knock on the door at 10.30 am revealed the courier with a remarkable short parcel. After signing for it and thanking him I went to the big bedroom and opened it. Let me clarify now that I’m an idiot, there’s never been any doubt about that. So, this should not surprise you. Before buying the unit, I checked the width to make sure I could create a large enough gap, I could. And knowing it was a four shelf until I was happy. But, I never checked the height !!!!!!!! It’s very pretty but only stands 44” high.
Be fair, they look quite spacious don’t they? In reality you can just about get a paperback to stand on three of the shelves and on the top one you can have what you like. I will say they’re unobtrusive. So, it was a case of having made my bed I’d better lie in it. I unfolded them properly , stood it in place and started loading them. I have an idea that at some stage I’ll be replacing them with something taller and little more roomy. I’d got about the first 4 Pratchett hardbacks on when the door went again. When I got there it was Mujo. 10.45 am and I was still waiting for a text. In they trooped and while I was making drinks the conversation flowed as though they’d seen me last week. No mention of any gap in or problem with our relationship. I passed John his birthday gifts that had been waiting since April and he loved them. We had lunch at The Bells because it’s a favourite of theirs then shopped in Flint for Muriel to get some Jeggings and price up some microwaves. Then a small detour via Holywell on the way home to shop at Lidl which was a surprise but which enabled me to get more coleslaw. Once they’d dropped me home they didn’t stay long as they’d bought frozen food so an ice cream and a small drink and they were off. It was now just gone 4.00pm so I couldn’t afford time for the books and flew straight to work. 107 messages while I was out. By 5.15 pm I had to leave them and go wash the pots from breakfast time before Dil arrived. I made it by the skin of my teeth as they walked in at 5.25 pm. There was a text on my phone from Lee saying he had a late meeting and couldn’t make it but would try for next week.
I made drinks while Matt and Dil had a look at the rules for the new Scrabble and then it was into battle. OMG it’s evil. You gain a lead with a good word and someone steals the score when it’s their go and they get to play as well. You play a great card which entitles you to treble your score even when it’s on a treble word score and then some evil devil plays a card which negates yours. And on it goes, you certainly find out who your friends are- there aren’t any. Dil won both games and also went on to slaughter us at Nomination. By this time it was 9.00 pm and we just had time for a quick Crazy 8’s which Matt won. I was a win virgin and they were going home. I was bereft.
Back to work to finish he last of the previous messages as well as the 82 new ones. It’s late and I need my bed. Night all.
Thursday. Well, such a boring day for you today. I was up at 3.55 am, worked on messages until breakfast and the annual fish staring competition which you can’t win when they send a plec into battle. After that I managed to put the rest of the loose books on the new bookcase but it does look diminutive there. I didn’t go into the loft to get my Pratchett books down as I have stuff to go up so I may wait until Mike comes and have him pass it. I’m a little afraid that If I bring the books down some of them will end up stacked somewhere as there won’t be room on the bookcase. I think a trip to a charity shop may be in order soon.
I ordered an outfit for Reuben online from Asda ( Walmart in the U,S,) and also a pair of jeans for me. It was only after I paid for next day delivery- thankfully inexpensive- that I thought, What the heck do I need another pair of jeans for, Mike will probably start counting those next and telling tales like he did with my shirts. I confess, it’s more than 7. Still, if they arrive before he does I can hide them away . When I wear them I’ll just say “New?, nah, had them for ages” and keep my fingers crossed behind my back. If I believed in Heaven I know I’ll never get there.
Maybe it’s the summer months or maybe they’re just doolally tap but I had another two offers of marriage today. Are these women blind? Are these women even women? I also just had the one woman with a fortune to give away and I’m the target of her generosity. It strikes me that if there’ s ever a genuine woman with a fortune who wants to share it with us mortals I’ve no chance as I just send them to the dead file now.
I hope you’ve all had a nice but less boring day than me. Perhaps tomorrow will be better.
Friday. 4.17 am.I got up. I wended my way in a weary way to wee. I came back and turned on the computer. First job, check the bank. Is there any money there for shopping this week or is that hollow laughter I hear really the bank manager and his staff? There was money, I can afford another lettuce yay. There was a lot of mail today which is probably a message from the great creator ‘ Mike Rowsoft’ telling me I shouldn’t have knocked off before midnight. Drat!! We interrupt this progamme for a News’Flash’. Mike has just informed me that it’s the Summer Solstice tomorrow. I’ve put in a request to go to one of them orggys I keep hearing about with knaked women. I’d hoped it was knackered women so I could catch one but he put me right, it’s them in the pink and crinkleys wot need an iron. I of course don’t need that since I’m so fat these days my skin is stretched making my smile look like rictus.
Back to the story. I dealt with a fair bit of mail and needed a break so went through to the big bedroom and made a pile of all the things I wanted in the loft. I remembered that both Mike and Yvonne had expressed concern about me trying for the loft on my own in case my legs were shaking and I vibrated holes in the flooring. Instead I went to get dressed and went out to get some baps in case Mike was hungry when he got here. There was a text just after I got back at 9.30 am to say he was on his way. I didn’t think he’d be dressed yet. I said I’d hang fire on my lunch till he got here. The washing machine went on and I returned to the mail for a while. My search on the trace for the clothes said it was waiting for a courier collection so it would be a while before they arrived. Hope fully before Mike lands on the doorstep though.
About 11.00 am I’d had enough again so went for a doze in the lounge. The Zzzz’s were just starting to buzz merrily when Mike arrived. The kettle wen on an I made him a coffee while he told me all about his last two weeks and I filled him in on mine. Mine didn’t take long. We’d just settled in our chairs when the bloody delivery van drew up. Mike offered to go to the door for me. He came back in holding the parcel. “What’s this then” he asked. I opened the top and drew out Reuben’s outfit. “Wow that’s great” he said ” really nice, I haven’t seen that one before.” I tried to move the bag away as though empty and put it in the kitchen where he might think it had gone in the bin. No chance. “So what else?” he asked and I was forced to confess. I might have got away with it by changing the subject and mentioning lunch. It’s fortunate he chose to tell me about a special picture that had been damaged in the move. He knew Tariq had replaced the glass on one for me and thought he might repeat it for him. I said it was highly likely but he could fight his own battles about payment.
Coffee finished we set off. The Ivy wasn’t very crowded and it’s easy to see the sunshine hasn’t been good for business. We sat and Tariq joined us for a minute then went to make the drinks. On his return Mike told him what we wanted to eat and asked the favour. No hesitation on doing the job but Tariq stipulated he didn’t want payment. Not my problem I thought. Lunch was fantastic and as we were finishing off Tariq disappeared with the frame. Mike and I went out for a cigarette ( each, we’re not that poor) then Mike went in to go to the loo. I followed and sat at the table as Tariq came out and brought the picture with new glass, a new back and fresh pins. A great job. As usual he disappeared again, to chat to another customer I think. Perfect, Shella came out from the kitchen to the counter so I went up and laid money down for the lunch. “Sorry, I don’t do the till” she said knowing full well the fight I always have with Tariq and loving every minute of the battle of wills. Mike reappeared and was delighted with the limited edition picture now behind glass again. As he’s just finished his drink he stuck a £5 note under the cup. As Tariq came over he took the cup from my hands ( how the hell had it got there?). I was afraid of no-one noticing it so as we moved away I told him to check the saucer. He tried to give it back then decided to accept it if we called it quits for everything, two meals, two coffee’s and the framing work. Yeah Tariq, that’s going to happen. We got close to the door before I told him the money for the meal was behind the counter and then we ran for it, or limped for it in my case. Another victory.
A shopping expedition to Flint followed to price up TV’s and for me to restock the ice lollies. Coffee with Ceri then home again. I had a session with my mail before joining Noddy in the lounge for the evening quizzes. Time for the ritual hairwash followed by a shower then the Antiques Road Trip. I would have come through into battle if buggalugs hadn’t found another quiz so I was delayed by an hour. It’s going to be t’other side of midnight tonight so Mike Rowsoft will be appeased. Hugs All.
Saturday. I had no problem getting up this morning. MY first bout and first refresh of mail were finished before 6.15 am when I decided to turn the fishtank light on. And, because this is the no feed day it was like light the blue touch paper and retire. When I thought it was safe I went back and had my breakfast and took my meds.I ‘m sure there were beady little eyes following each mouthful. As the time approached 7.00 am I made Mike’s coffee and took it through, waking him up with the usual endearment “Coffee’s up Bro.” He did stir and a horrified voice acknowledged me. It was evident that this first foray wouldn’t be successful but maybe while I got washed and dressed his alarm would do the trick. I was having a giraffe (laugh) . I was washed, dressed and most of the way through the second refresh before his alarm went off for the third time and finally shifted him. I think we left the house at half a minute to eight today, and yes, I did let him dress first.
The shopping itself didn’t take long today as it seems I had to buy most of my food from the vegetable counter, lucky for me, most of the sweets were elsewhere. We were both pretty astounded to buy a pair of trousers each in the sale at £2 a pair, a pair of socks costs more than that but I didn’t buy any shirts this time since the tell tale was with me. I did get a pair of lounge pants though. I wanted a pair with Animal from the Muppets on but Mike insisted a pair with Grumpy from Snow White and entitled Grumpy pants was much more appropriate. Once through the tills we went for a coffee then headed out to Ellesmere Port in Cheshire and Cheshire Oaks Clearance Village where our young friend Daniel from Temptations has gone to work. We took a bottle of wine and a good luck card only to find he’s on a day off.
Leaving Cheshire Oaks Mike asked what I wanted to do. When I replied I didn’t mind he suggested we head for the seaside town of Llandudno to visit our mate Brian who moved there a few months ago. He’s now recovered from his latest heart attack and is awaiting an operation to have the first of two stents fitted. So retracing our earlier path and then flying in the other direction we took the hopping on a trip. When we arrived and gave his dog it’s hugs, strokes and ear rubs, the three of us piled back in the car and went in search of food. Llandudno has many good cafe’s and restaurants but hidden away at the side of the town hall is the Cocoa House which is the oldest such establishment in the town and dates from I think the 1700’s. They do a wide variety of lovely food and it’s not too expensive. We took a slow walk round the town afterwards, the day was glorious and warm. Mike had forgotten to bring his hat and needed one but his heart was set on a specific type. We were spectacularly unsuccessful. He decided anything would do as long as it fit which is a challenge in itself as he has a small head. After a stop for coffee after completing one side of the street we set off to try the other. Still no joy but I suggested trying some shops on another street where we’d parked, blow me, the very last shop produced just the thing. I can’t get it to stay down over his face but at least it shut him up.
We dropped Brian back at his flat and headed home to unpack whatever shopping hadn’t melted in the heat. It took nearly an hour so it was approaching 5 o’clock before we got in. We put the shopping away and while Mike topped up Julia’s vases with fresh flowers I went to work on the computer. It was gone 6.30 am before I could join him in the lounge and we laughed or way through the Big Bang Theory. I made tea after that and then we watched a programme on Stonehenge. It was quite interesting but as soon as 9.00 pm came I left Mike to Hunger Games and came through to work. I’ve finished this a little earlier than usual as I’ve no idea how long the mail is going to take. I hope everyone is having a Great Weekend. Hugs.
Happy Smiley People
Just Hanging Around
barsetshirediaries 