The Birthday Surprise

29 Aug 2012

Oscar made it quite clear yesterday that his birthday was his alone. That wasn’t very kind towards the others who live here. I confess I’m not too bothered about the degu and her children as she is treated constantly to make up for feeding time, but there is me and the rest of the girls,  Penny, Bernie and Priya.

My natural inclination is not to get Oscar anything to celebrate his day, but never let it be said that I, Amy am churlish. As it happens, the human woman who lives here didn’t make a great job of locking the cage door last night so with a bit of effort I was able to extend the spring enough to squeeze out of the door. It was a short hop from there to the arm of the settee and hence to the floor. Since I know Oscar was locked in the kitchen there was no chance of him coming out to spoil our surprise.

Control is what’ s needed on an expedition like this since though we are very intelligent creatures it’s easy to get sidetracked for some. Bernie is a case in point. She’s a very friendly girl but bares around like a ‘Sherman tank’ to borrow a human phrase and she’s very inquisitive too. That was almost our downfall when Bernie jumped up on the arm of the settee after I’d released her, and tried to pull a bag of treats within reach from a side table. The treats came alright, but so did a solid ashtray that didn’t bounce as it hit the wooden floor. I hear Oscar’s claws scrabbling at the kitchen door and was worried one of the humans would come and spoil our surprise.

At last we were all out and I had us down on the floor ready to go.I’d seen the human woman put Oscar’s gifts in a corner of the room. We edged over quietly. I set Penny’s jaws to eating through the paper and cardboard until the contents were exposed. Oh YAY it was full of cat chocolate drops. We’re quite partial to those too so I pulled some out and set hem in little piles on the floor. ” Here you go girls” I said, “let’s give Oscar his birthday treat.” Without  hesitation the girls and I dug in. I replenished each pile as it got low until we were all full and the box was all but empty.

Gathering the girls and their satisfied smiles together I herded them back to the cage.
Freedom had beckoned for a moment but I knew it would be difficult through closed doors. Back in the cage Bernie turned to me and asked ” But what have we got Oscar for his birthday since we’ve just eaten his treats?”
“Ah, I answered, the best one of all. Since he’s getting larger as he’s got older, we’ve given him a diet.” With that I closed the cage door to so our little enterprise wouldn’t be discovered. and thought that maybe next year he’d learn to share.
Love, Amy.

                                                                           Kylo Ren

                                                                             The Hulk

                                                               Anyone for Tennis?

Today’s Music Treat.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsTIuNikq4w

A Message to Terrorists.

Since you have perverted the message of the Q’uran it is likely that your cowardice in purposefully targeting the innocent which includes people of what you claim is your faith means that your places in Paradise have been given to the faithful. Your places in the burning fires of hell have been reserved. Manchester and a new London attack have not changed the minds of the UK. Muslims who live here are our brothers and sisters and we shall not hate them.

A Message to my Readers.

Have a wonderful new week full of tolerance, love and Hugs. Keep in mind the courage of the three young men, two of whom lost their lives, who went to the aid of two young Muslim girls being harangued on a train by a white supremacist. Bear in mind also the courage and kindness of the people of Manchester who came out in droves to help the victims of the bombing even offering accommodation to those too shocked to get home or those waiting for information. Also the courage displayed by the people of London yesterday and today was heartening to see. Thank you.

The Party and the Punishment.

Sunday. This morning found me up early looking for suitable excuses to cancel the day or corners to hide in.  I went about my email duties as usual but flinching at shadows lurking in the corners of my peripheral vision telling me in sibilant breath that the worst was about to happen, and they didn’t mean that Mike was about to get up. Having said that, it was still daylight ( just) when he did. I made him coffee and st in the lounge waiting for an opportune moment to tell him I didn’t feel too well but every time I opened my mouth he just said ” Forget it. I was told to deliver you at 12.30 and that’s what I’m doing since I value my skin.” In a major sulk I went back to the computer to keep as up to date as possible while looking for the recipe to an invisibility potion. At just gone 12.00 Mike asked If I was ready but before I could answer I heard ” Don’t even bother, you’re going, get your coat on.” I got my coat on. Mike was carrying a small bag and asked me to remind him to give Anton ( his son-my nephew) the bag as he keeps forgetting. I suggested he put it in the boot of the car at hand for when he reaches Anton’s house later tonight. “I won’t be there tonight” he said ” I’m staying here tonight to make sure you go to your blood  test in the morning.” Trusting soul ain’t he?                                                                                                                                                   It was just 12.30 as we drew up in the car park of the Bells. As I clambered out of the car I saw Mike go to the boot and retrieve the bag he’d put there, walk across the car park and hand it to someone. My name was puzzled until I realised it was Anton standing there with his two children Sophie and Josh. I was stunned and a smirking Mike turned round and asked “Surprised??”I was. Anton and I hugged and as we all walked towards the pub Yvonne came out to meet us. At least that wasn’t a shock so I managed to stay upright. We all walked in together and my heart was now in my mouth but no sign of anything untoward. A little further in there was a line of tables together where waiting were, Ugo and Reuben, My two nieces Karen and Jo, My brother Dil, His wife Lynne and son Matthew, my nephew Lee and his lovely wife Jen. All faces I know, all faces I love but sitting at a table laden with parcels and birthday balloons I momentarily froze. The Bells is a very crowded place and today was no exception but I managed to make my seat ( hammer and nails provided) and collapse. I said hello to as many as I could reach and under instruction opened my gifts. A fantastic cardigan, some nice smellies and from Yvonne/Ugo a beautiful wooden box like a writing slope that weighed a ton. Opening it I understood why since it was packed choc a bloc with chocolate bars. Poor Karen almost lost the use of her fingers as I slammed the lid shut remembering my diet. The meal was great except for me forgetting my tablets and there was chatter aplenty but I was claustraphobic in there so was glad afterwards when it was decided to have coffee at my Ivy Emporium in comfort and space. Lee and Jen set off but Dil and family and Anton and family weren’t able to join us. We hugged goodbye with Dil reminding me I’d see him on Wednesday. Mike and I went next leaving Yvonne/Ugo to follow and also Karen and Jo. We arrived all of 500 yards away and stood outside with Lee and Jen till we finished our ciggies ( not them, they don’t smoke) and then went inside. No sign of the others in the party. The owner approached and said Mike and I should leave as we’re barred which naturally in Mike’s case I can understand. We sat and ordered but still no sign of the others until eventually Yvonne and Reuben came in and said poor Jo had changed her shoes from the boot of her car and then promptly shut her keys in the boot. An AA job ( for my US friends AA is not Alcoholics Anonymous but Automobile Association. Not that she doesn’t need Alcoholics Anonymous- just not today). The party was depleted a bit more as they waited by the car for help. Meanwhile back at the Ivy I had Reuben on my knee as the staff approached and sang Happy Birthday to me and presented me with a muffin. I’m not sure whether Reuben objected to losing his status as centre of attention or the singing but he burst into tears which wasn’t helped by us laughing. Eventually things settled and we all enjoyed drinks from the variety on offer, white hot chocolate, milkshakes and my latte. At closing time we left so the staff could get home and Mike drove home with me holding a balloon. Once there he left to visit his dad while Yvonne, Ugo and baby kept me company for a while. Once gone I flew to the computer to catch up.                         When I was up to date I went to have some tea so I could take the tabs I’d missed at lunchtime and watch a bit of TV. I gave up on a Cuba Gooding Jr film I couldn’t get into and returned to the computer where Mike found me at 11.00 when he returned. I’d hoped he’d forget and go straight home but  his memory works best when you don’t want it to. He told me of the visit with his Dad which is sometimes stressful as problems occur which he can’t deal with on a Sunday. It was a late night.

Monday. I’d got up and was having a liesurely stroll through my emails when I heard the sound. The swift shuffling of feet like a legion of the damned hurrying over hot coals. I would have died of fright had I not realised it was Mike out for his 5.30 pee. He’d come back to ensure I went for my blood tests but I had probably three and a half hours to think of an excuse before he got up to stay up. At 8.30 I saw to the fish, took tabs, made myself a coffee and then got dressed.  I drank the coffee slowly util Mike’s alarm went of at 9.00 and I had to go prepare his drink. I took it through to where he’d nodded off again as usual and placed it on the bedside cabinet will a very gentle whisper of  “Drink’s up Bro”. Unfortunately he heard me and sat up. I opened my mouth to say good morning but was beaten to the punch with ” Forget the excuses, you’re going and that’s that!” I left him to it.   ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Ouch. An Armful.

At 10.05 we left for the hospital and I suggested he drop me and started his journey home. His answer was just a vicious snigger. He dropped me by the door and went looking for a parking space. I went inside and waited to be called. They were running ten minutes late but as I got up to leave I was called and had to have half my right arm emptied It took about a minute and I was off and running again. When I got outside Mike appeared behind me as he’d been having a drink at the league of fiends stall. He asked to look at my war would as proof I’;d had it done. It’s wonderful to be trusted. Expecting to be taken home I was surprised when Mike sid he needed the garage so he’d drop me by the shops in Flint and pick me up when he’d done. You don’t need to ask twice. I got a few items and he arrived back to say they couldn’t see him just then but he’s to go back in an hour. We decided against a drink in Temptations and instea went to be tempted with lunch at Kassidy’s. We both had the all day breakfast. After wards Mike dropped me at home while he went to the garage and then headed off home. I sent him with my thanks.                                                                              Lots of messages awaited me and they took a couple of hours but I found myself falling asleep. So, taking a break I went through to watch TV and promptly fell asleep. I woke in time for an easy tea and  then spent a couple of house trying t stay awake before giving up at 8.30. I’ve spent the rest of the night catching up on messages  before heading to bed and the last 6 pages of Pratchett.

Tuesday. Up a little later than I’d like this morning at 5.30 and decided to catch the 8.40 bus to give me time with my computer and the messages from last night and this morning. I’d almost finished after the usual morning duties but left about 10 when I had to catch the bus. I was walking behind someone with a dog ho was taking up much of the pavement until they turned of into the park. As I was approaching the bus stop a single decker drew up and people boarded. I expected to miss it but he waited. I checked the front said Chester and got on thanking the driver profusely. I grabbed a seat and off we set. It’s unusual to have a single decker at this time but I thought nothing of it until I heard two girls behind me talking. “I love to catch this one” said one,” it’s cheaper and usually quicker.” That rang a bell but everything seemed OK until we reached Queensferry where instead of carrying on as usual, the bus diver took a left and I found myself on a tour of Garden City and taking the road to Chester via The Greyhound retail park. I texted Yvonne that I was on the wrong bus but would still be there on time. As I passed the Greyhound I had a reply that said she was passing a certain shop, where did I want to meet. I suggested the new Costa we’d been to last week. As my answer was being typed the driver had turned a corner and I was lost. A few more turns and nothing was familiar. Then a glimpse of recognition. I saw an Iceland store I knew. At the bottom of the road was Yvonne waiting to cross after my bus had passed her. It reached a stop and I rushed to get off and rang Yvonne to tell her to wait exactly where she was. The flaming thing went to voice mail. I galloped. Instead of going forwards, my crutches caught on the pavement and I almost went arse over elbow. I’d just about caught myself when my phone rang. I had to stop so I came to  a dead halt beside a Big Issue seller who obviously thought I was about to buy a copy. I answered and Yvonne asked where I was ” Behind you” I said, ” stop wherever you are.” ” I’m in the Costa” she said. When I got there she’d ordered my drink and some toast. I got my breath back while Reuben slept the sleep of the just. From there we went to a shop to see if they had another pair of jeans that I liked and ended up buying nothing Mike, but it was in the colour Yvonne liked for me and it was cheap in the sale. We wandered a while then stopped for another drink so Reuben could have a bottle and some food. I ha him bouncing on my knee having th giggles and he was in great humour till Yvonne tried to give him milk. No Way Jose. He did have some food though, broccoli and cauliflower cheese which sounds revolting.Another wander where I managed to get him some great clothes and Ugo a pair of shoes. Then we headed home to Yvonne’s for a cuppa. I played with the cats for a few minutes and then had lots of fun tickling Reuben just above his knee which kept him giggling. Eventually Ugo came home and after he changed we set off for my place. We stopped for bread and milk near home and Yvonne bought their baby food section out. Halfway towards home we stopped to pick up tea and took it home hot. I did the bread and butter, Yvonne plated up and Ugo kept Reuben occupied. When we finished I washed the pots and asked Ugo for help unwrapping a parcel that had come. It gave me great pleasure to see his face when he unwrapped an electric violin he’s wanted for ages that I’d been able to get on Ebay.”Why?” he asked “it’s not my birthday.” When they eventually left ( I’d hidden the chocolates) I came through to check for messages. 193 were waiting. I can still hear the echo of the screams. It’s now 12.15 and I’ve had enough. What a punishment for having a day of pleasure.

Wednesday. Standard morning. Up, messages, fish, drink, wash and dress. Then I needed to go out for cigarettes and my next TV mag, talking of which it’s time to watch some TV so I must practice turning on the new box using the all-in-one remote control. It was a case of just keep pressing buttons till the right combination brings a picture up. I managed it but for some reason I had to use the old remote for volume. I watched an antiques programme at lunchtime while the microwave worked on my baked potato. I had a slice of boiled ham, some coleslaw and a small tin of beans with it. It was very nice. Being afraid of what might happen if I tried to turn the TV off I left it on as I came back to the computer to catch up on messages and blog comments. When I went back through later I times it nicely for a short film with Kevin Sorbo as a rancher in battle with another when his unknown bounty hunter son comes along to help. After this I had my tea, a cheese and onion bap with some pineapple pieces to follow. A quiz show came on as I washed the pots and I was enjoying the questions when movement to my left made me glance out of the window. Dil and Matt were on their way. I got their drinks started.  They came in shouting their usual Hallooos  and said they’d seen me jump up. Drinks done I set up the table and brought out the scrabble. It was a hard fought game in which I was disappointed to find the scrabble dictionary doesn’t have doxy as a word. Bang goes my triple word score but I still managed a win. Lee arrived towards the end of that first game and was talking about a  conspiracy theorist he works with. Today’s subject had been the moon landings, real or not?I was saying a fellow author and friend had sent me various things last week from Youtube which included a quite feasible account of Hitler’s escape to and life in, Argentina after the war. The photographs were quite convincing. In the second scrabble game I was demoted to third place and I went to the kitchen to make another brew and sulk. It was also the ideal opportunity to smoke. Loo break over I passed Matt and envelope of 20 dice I’d sent for because I feel guilty that he’s been learning my games but I haven’t learned his. So, it was time for two games of Liar’s Dice which I hadn’t heard of before. Given that I lost both games I don’t care if I don’t hear about it again either. It was a very noisy game too with 20 dice being slammed on the table at the same time. For the last half hour or so we had a game of Crazy 8’s during which at one point they made me pick up 11 cards as someone went out. Needless to say I didn’t win that either so I threw their coats at them , turned out the lights and shouted goodnight. When they’d one I found my A Person of Interest was on though it was half over. If I could work this damned remote I could go back and watch it from the beginning. It refused to co-operate so guess what I’ll be watching with Mike this weekend. I gave up in disgust and came through, It’s taken from 9.45 to midnight to clear the mail and write this so now I’m off for a read. Short stories from Pratchett should put a smile back on my mush.

Thursday. I was twirling Yvonne round in one of those aeroplane lifts, you know, where you hold one hand and one foot and spin. I was throwing her into the sea. The thing I didn’t understand was she was no longer the little girl I’d do that too but a full grown woman. Anyway, I don’t know what woke me, but perhaps the splash. It was 4.45 and I’m not sure I was really ready to get up but my bladder said  I better had. I made it in time thankfully. Now awake I thought I’d check my bank account. Something was due to go in there this morning. I signed in as usual but the message came back I had to do it again. I’ve had so many fake ‘There are problems with your account’  that I’m becoming paranoid and I needed to check this wasn’t some app designed to copy my passwords so I had to sign out and start again. No problems this time and the money was there.I can afford beans again this week. Mujo haven’t been in touch so they won’t be coming today. I can stay scruffy and work on my messages. By 8.00 am I was yawning so I went through to get a caffeine fix and see to the fish. While there I took the last of my meds from the container and wasted a half hour filling it up again. Just as well I’d remembered to restock. Going back through with my coffee I decided to look at Amazon.co.uk nd see if there’s anything I fancy with the gift voucher my nephew Lee and his wife Jen gave me for my burpday. I was attracted to a double skinned cafetiere with a matching teapot but can’t make up my mind. It’s only because I’ve been bought ground coffee a couple of times recently and only have a one cup cafetiere. I also found myself looking at a tablet with books can be read on. Why? It’s not long since I gave Ju’s away. The thought of maybe being able to skype someone from the bus appealed but what would be the point of that since I don’t use voice and video? I might as well stick to texting on my phone. I also had a few minutes (30) on Ebay chasing up Twining’s Christmas Tea since the one MuJo want isn’t on their site and I can’t remember where I got it from. Back to the mail and I worked until 9.50 before getting washed and dressed and dodging raindrops to get my lottery tickets. Some weird intuition made me buy four scratchcards, nada, zip, nothing. Stupid intuition. The same for last night’s lottery too. Time I muttered a quick prayer to Saint Cayetano or Cajetan Catanoso, the patron Saint of Gamblers.  ………… ……………………. ………………………. ……………………….. …………

Saint Cayetano

At 11.00 am I gave up on the computer and went to relax with Jessica Fletcher before making my lunch. Yes, another baked potato and beans day. I took my after lunch tablets, allowed myself 4 Liquorice Allsorts and returned to work. It really doesn’t take long for the queue to mount up again. There were only 53 and I wasn’t in a rush as I had decided to be very decisive with some and send them to the rubbish bin straight away. Especially anything that mentions a bank.That took care of a third and another third went on those that just indicated further comments on those posts I’d seen and commented on already. I had no need to read other people’s comments today. Ruthless I am. I worked till 4.30 then went to watch my Antiques Road Hunt. I had a banana sandwich for tea, something I’ve not done for years. For pudding I had two dark chocolate ginger biscuits as the ginger has to be healthy and the biscuit is made of good things. We’ve already established that chocolate must be a fruit  and a vegetable so I’m being healthy. Eventually I went back to the computer for a while but I needed to be free by no later than 8.30. I made it by 8.10 so got most of an Episode of Big Bang Theory before watching a full and new one. Then it was a forensic science drama I’ve started to get hooked on which took me to 10.00pm. I rattled of the last of my mail and was able to get this post done on the right side of midnight.

Friday ( at last). Rising at a very leisurely 5.55 am I decided no point in hurrying. No Mujo, No Mike till late and nothing expected. I still managed to finish my post just before 8.00am and the fish were delighted at an early sunrise. I have just six fish now a large harlequin guppy with a beautiful tail, an albino cory, 3 plecs of varying sizes and an angel fish that was expected to die about 12 months ago when we found him swimming in circles with what we thought was a swim bladder infection. He’s still here and still quite happily swimming in circles. Less pleasing is the colony of snails I can’t seem to get rid of no matter how many I pull out. From 7 tanks with everything from a large pangasius and some oscars it’s amazing to be down to just this. I admit I give little thought to the majority of fish we had but Zippy the pangasius, Olive my Oscar girlfriend and Stan a large and beautifully moustached catfish I often think about. I even remember putting videos on Fbook of them( in the days I still used Fbook)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Pangasius.

Oscars

That’s another change I suppose. At one time I was on Fbook a lot but after a few attacks I left for a couple of months and then was much more wary of people’s intolerance when I went back. These days I rarely have time to get there though I’m still in contact with some friends from then.  Anyway, I stopped musing and brought my coffee back through where I refreshed my post and spent a while catching up. At 9.15 there was a knock on the door and I’m still in my dressing gown. From the orange I can see through the door it’s either the postman or a runaway prisoner from an American jail. I trust my instincts it’s the former and turn out to be correct- who knew? He had a parcel for me that I didn’t even know had been posted yet. A collectors Tea Caddy made for Twinings I bought to make up for the fact I’m too mean to buy one of the teabag boxes at over £30.00. What I paid for this I should have worn a mask and called myself Dick Turpin. Once the post man had gone I thought I may have pushed my luck as far as I could and got dressed.  I texted Joanne to ask how Penny, Amy and Priya are. I actually had tears in my eyes as I thought about poor Bernie. Joanne came back to tell me that Penny’s not herself, Amy is just cheeky and Priya is as round as ever.  It’s not that I don’t understand pets die but I usually show my feelings for them more openly than I can for humans which I suppose must make me seem cold.                                                                                                                                                          Lunchtime came round and yes, it was baked potato again but this time with 3 rashers of bacon and coleslaw. I really enjoyed it. I watched an old Sherlock Holmes before going back to work on some tweets.  Not long after 1.30 my phone beeped and there was a message from Mike, ‘On Way’. I texted back ‘To Dad’s or here?’ to which he replied ‘To yours’. Messages flicked between us for 20 minutes until I realised I was just delaying his journey and could have asked everything on arrival. Duh! I managed to write two more poems bringing the score to 24 if two iffy ones are to be allowed. The final decision won’t rest with me.  Mike arrived about 4.15 pm bringing some bread I’d asked for. No doubt he’ll blame me for his tardiness in getting here finally. I made coffee and we chatted till the Antique Road Trip came on and we both watched to see if one of them could end the week with a profit for charity. The answer surprisingly was no, whereas the other one much to our surprise had a healthy balance at the end. I left Mike to watch a quiz while I caught up on mail so I’d have no nasty surprises tonight then back through for the US version of Law and Order. At 7.00 I went for a shower while Mike got to grips with the TV and watching a programme he’d missed yesterday before it finished tonight. He seemed to have no problems with the Devil remote that defies me. I made some tea and I promise I had nothing but tinned fruit. We saw Big Bang Theory then caught up with the second half of last night’s Forensic drama. At 10.00 Mike asked me for the time which he’s done after every programme tonight, I finally snapped and asked him to turn his wrist far enough to look at his watch. I also told he he never listens to me as he continually asks me to repeat myself ten seconds after I finish speaking. If anyone could hear us they’d have thought us an old married couple. If we were I’d have killed him years ago….or he’d have killed me. Darby came through for my last blast on the computer and left Joan watching TV. I have chance to write  this before daring to refresh the mail again. If I don’t manage to post tomorrow night please send cakes with files in to the nearest prison.

Saturday. I go through phases with waking up. For a very long time it’s been around the 4.00am mark but just recently I’ve had a couple of much later starts about 6.00am and thought a new temporary phase was starting. I don’t know what the heck happened today though as I was woken at 6.58 by the sound of Mike’s alarm. I wake up all the way down the passage way and he turns it off and goes straight back to sleep.  I dragged myself to the kitchen and turned the fish tank light on. I don’t feed them on a Saturday though I couldn’t follow their sterling example of self-deprivation myself. I made us both a drink and took his through letting him know it was there. It’s true, the neanderthal communicates with grunts. At least I think he was communicating. I took my drink back to my room, ignored the computer- yes, you read that correctly- and went to wash and dress. I drank my coffee and went through to put the mug in soak and started to empty to swill bin. I heard Mike’s alarm go off a second time but amazingly he moved. I was just taking the rubbish out when I passed him coming through with his drink. Head down, no doubt searching the ground for something edible, or hi slippers, nothing was said. I took the main bins out to the front and then did the same with my recycling bags. They never seem to get very far, ha ha. No? Well suit yourselves, it is early you know. Back inside I wash my hands and head back to the lounge. This time I pass Mike going the other way to get dressed. He’s much more awake and alert with head up. This time I say nothing because if he’s awake he’s on form. It’s already well past 7.30 am as he comes through and starts my checklist, spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch or rather, keys, wallet, parking pass cash card? I have everything and get my coat on as he collects the shopping bags and we set off.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We have the usual discussion about where to go before the end of the road and we’re still doing so a mile or so later but eventually we make up my mind. We arrive, get cash and start. Not too much today but looking for toenail clippers takes forever. They don’t have any. They have cuticle clippers which wouldn’t cut my eyebrows never mind a toenail. Shopping done we have a coffee, one of which is free as I have a full loyalty card. Then we head off on a fruitless mission to another big store for the clippers. Still no but I did manage to but a few things I didn’t know I wanted till I saw them. A lot of my shopping is like this. Time then for Flint where another fruitless search sends us scurrying to Temptations and our usual duel of wits with Ceri. “I’m going to call you Cinzano from now on ” he tells her. “Why?”she asks, despite me praying she wont, “Anytime, anyplace, anywhere the boyfriend says” he quips. Ceri bursts into laughter and I can sigh with relief, I’ve not been banned. After hugs we leave for lunch. Mike says it’s a long time since he’s had a piece of fish until I remind him of a previous girlfriend but we settle of the fish and chippie anyway. I have steak pie and chips. This is some diet I’m on.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Back at home we take the shopping in to put away and I bring in the recycling bags. The bins are safely back where there should be. I leave Mike to watch TV and come to sort the mail. 108 which I must do before relaxing as I probably won’t come back through here until late after going to watch TV. It’s getting on for 6.00pm when I finish and go to join Mike and Make a light tea. A ham sandwich each and a chocolate eclair. I honestly have no idea what we watched up until a Cold Case serial came on at 9.00. By 10.00 I was hooked but knew I had to leave or I’d be working on messages and the blog until the wee hours. Mike has had to nip though each adverts to let me know how the story is going but I’ve managed to catch up. He hasn’t been to tell me how it finished, he’s probably holding the ending to ransom. Now I think he’s watching an episode of Sharpe’s Rifles, or perhaps not since I can hear a car and I’m sure Sharpe didn’t have a licence.

Hope you all have a wonderful week. Hugs………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Chillin’

                                                                         

Risking one eye and a Turn of the Cards.

Sunday. It was a late night last night so I felt great to stay asleep till 6.22 this morning. We’re setting records here folks. Talking of records I opened my mail today to find three offers from ladies who think their pictures will convince me there’s a life I’m missing out on. I decided to risk an eye. What I got was an eyeful. I’m guessing I was being shown part of her anatomy but all I could think of was, I don’t want to meet the horse that wears a horse collar like that. Another email swiftly sent to spam which was fairly appropriate for the amount of meat I’d just seen. I’m still shaking and believe me without spell check I’d be in trouble now.                                                                                         I had to be careful how much food I put in for the fish my hands were so bad and I wouldn’t have needed my new toy to do a milkshake. I sat in the lounge with two coffees and tried to get my eyes to refocus. Shock isn’t good at my age. Honestly ladies you’d have to be desperate to chase me in the first place but if you’re that hard up for clothes I’ll send a donation. I heard Mike moving just after 10.00 so I made him a coffee. I hadn’t realised all he was doing was turning over so my call of “Coffee’s up” right down his earhole may not have been welcome. Luckily he rose a few moments later. After coffee and two cigarettes and a visit to the loo it was possible to speak to him and I asked if he’d help me with Ju’s old printer. First thing we noticed when we brought it through is that it’s wi-fi and a much better model than mine. Three years it’s been lying in a corner and the bloody thing printed first time without having the ink changed though I can see the black is due soon. That took us up to lunch time. Mike packed his cade and we got ready to go. He put his case on the doorstep and locked up. I remembered I had something for a neighbour so he nipped back inside for me. He locked up and headed for the car while I knocked at the neighbours house and then followed him. We went back to The Blossoms this week as the owner and family are well and cooking again. We had a fabulous roast lamb dinner unusual only in that we were offered pickled red cabbage with it that we both jumped at. It was a lovely meal.I must have confused poor Kev the barman by having a coffee instead of my usual lemon and lime drink. Mike drove me home, dropped me off and I waved him goodbye as he set off for his dad’s. I just got to my front door and there was his suitcase still on the step. I quickly texted him and back he came though he rushed past me and sprinted for the loo. He hadn’t got my message. Amazing.                                                                                                                                                                       Once he’d departed and I’d locked the door to stop him getting back in I divided my time equally between messages, TV and nodding off until the final episode ( I think) of the Sherlock Holmes series came on. I’m enjoying them but they can be quite bizarre in parts. I now have  less than two minutes o get to bed while it’s still Sunday.

Monday. It was eerily quiet when I woke this morning, almost like being in the eye of the storm. I realised I couldn’t hear rain for the first time in I don’t know when. I smiled to myself and the quiet was broken as I stubbed my toe. I had successfully avoided the bags of Christmas gifts around the perimeter of my room but walked blindly into the corner of the stick stand in the hallway. Who was it made me buy the darned thing anyway. Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, I hopped to the bathroom and turned the light on expecting to have to be rushed to hospital with a broken toe………not a mark, except for an eency weency chip in the edge of a toenail. Is that all I have to show for this pitiless pain?  Hmph, no point in hopping now either, anyway it’s hard to take a pee and keep it in place when you’re hopping. I finished up and returned to the bedroom to turn the computer on. Sure enough my distraught friend in Burkina Faso  who’s husband died still has her 6 million plus and since she’s not expected to live for long wants me to accept 40% to spread the rest round the churches she favours. Trouble is I’m so oversubscribed to my honesty mission and have so many millions due that I’m not sure I can handle 40% of this wee drop in the ocean. I’m afraid she should have become ill much earlier if she specifically wanted my help. There must be a poor person out there who needs the work. Actually from what I’ve been hearing about the TV show Benefits Street perhaps there isn’t anyone who wants a job and wouldn’t take this money in case it stopped their benefits. I’m never sure who has these bright ideas that reality shows are a good thing. They rarely show the nice side of people. A group of deadbeats and scroungers are hardly likely to be taken to the nation’s heart except for the few who think this way of life enviable and those featured in the show of course. I may be taken as a prude here but I don’t have the patience to watch a show where people don’t have the imagination to use the rich language we own instead of a plethora of swear words and curses in every sentence.                                                                                                                                               After dealing with the rest of the early messages I made myself a cuppa, took my tabs and fed the fish. I took the drink back to the bedroom and after getting dressed enjoyed it while going through Ancestry.co.uk  I’m not strictly doing people in a direct line at the moment as I hit a dead end. But, some of the families of people who have intermarried with mine are throwing up some interesting facts. There are more from Yorkshire than I thought and a few from Gloucester, it’s quite interesting trying to find out why they moved and eventually married someone from my family. Was it the industrial revolution throwing them off the land? I have two annoying blocks,  family member born about 1774(?) in Ireland and his wife born about 1794(?) on Gibralter. they married in 1819 in Scotland by which time he’d been disabled out of the army after being wounded a couple of times in 1812-1815 in Spain. Neither Gib or Ireland have all their records available online. Back to messages trying to sort out with Yvonne an appointment to have my bloods done again, I swear I’m the sole support of the B neg vampires in the area. Turns out next Monday morning is the first one. I also tried to get her to make a decision about what w’re doing tomorrow. Her allergy must still be in place because she won’t make a decision. I’ve decided on a sort of part-way compromise so I’m near enough the shops for my strawberries, bananas and fresh bread. I’ve decided to eat healthy meals between my chocolate breaks for a while. At lunchtime I made two ham salad rolls and followed up with four jaffa cakes. For tea it was two small slices of malt bread, a piece of Christmas cake   ( finished now) and a yoghurt. A little later I may have had 4 dark chocolate fingers. A little later still there may have appeared in my hand in a wonderous fashion 4 liquorice allsorts. I hate the little men they put in the box and this time there has not been a single piece of ordinary liquorice at all. I watched a little TV including an old Poirot before coming through to find my message box full. Now it’s time for a bit more Pratchett.

Tuesday. Early morning. Post dealt with. Argument as to who goes where with Yvonne and she won’t make a decision so coat on and off to meet her. She and Reuben were there before me, not that Reuben has much choice since she always pushes him around. We had a look round the children’s clothing sale and were surprised at how little there was. Reuben was a little restless so we went for a coffee, or rather I did as Yvonne didn’t want a drink. The lady who served me kindly brought it to the table for me and I was able to hold Reuben for a while, he was full of smiles. After my drink we went downstairs to do somee food shopping, starting with strawberries and bananas ready for Diet Day 1 tomorrow. A milkshake for breakfast I think, followed by ham salad baps for lunch ( with maybe just 4 dark choc fingers for pudding) If I feel peckish at teatime I can either have another milkshake or maybe a yoghurt. I also bought some ice cube trays as this machine is supposed to make short work of them so perhaps I can indulge in a slush-puppie at some stage if I get the sauce.                                                                                                                                                                                          We wandered slowly round some other shops then as lunchtime approached for Reuben took another coffee break. Yvonne changed him afterwards ( got a lousy swap) and off we went again.  Eventually my stomach started growling and since we were quite close to a cafe ( what a coincidence) I was able to get something to eat. Yvonne had something that resembled a toastie but I think may have been a panini while I had a jacket potato with beans, it was very filling. One more shop, the last and I’d about had enough so Yvonne walked me to the bus stop though I wanted her to catch her own bus and she wanted me to go home with them  saying Ugo would be disappointed not to see me. I know I’ll be seeing them this weekend but to be honest I’m not in birthday mood at the moment. Plus I want to go somewhere on Sunday and they want me to go somewhere else. Yvonne’s insistence on it is worrying.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         I got home safely and spent most of the evening in here with messages since the one foray into the lounge for TV resulted in me sleeping most of the way through a French film. Shame, it seemed to be quite funny on the occasions I was able to feel my eyelids apart. Time now to relax I think and perhaps have a few pages of my book before sleep.

Wednesday. I was having one of those real ‘I can’t be bothered mornings’. I’d got up early and done the messages. I’d taken my meds and made a coffee, done a bit more on the computer and finally got dressed. A short walk to the corner shop for some fresh baps, cigarettes and my TV magazine saw me knackered when I got back. Putting the bread away I found I’d forgotten the fish this morning and had to grovel an apology as I turned their light on and fed them. It was Time! I unpacked the box and set my new toy up. I put in loads of strawberries, a little strawberry milkshake liquid and a bit of milk.  About twenty seconds of ‘whooshing’ and it looked like I had a milk shake in one of my new beakers. I drank it as I answered the next batch of emails and also bid on something on Ebay. I had intended to do a couple more poems but there just didn’t seem to be time. The post van brought a parcel which turned out to be the new TVbox so that I can catch up on programmes I missed. I didn’t open it as there are some wires still to come and anyway, Mike is the one to put this together for me without putting wires in the wrong holes like I do. I finished the milk shake but it was very thick so I need to add more milk next time, maybe some crushed ice too, it was definitely very fruity though.                                                                                                    Lunch time arrived and I made two ham salad baps with plenty of onion. I was too full after one and a half to finish. I stayed in my armchair afterwards and nodded off for a half hour or so. Most of the afternoon was taken up with a bit of polishing and hoovering but in truth it was half-hearted. For tea I managed a bag of crisps and a banana. Then just before 6.00 pm  Dilwyn and Matt arrived. I made drinks then set up the table and got the Scrabble out.Two games with a few attempts to create words the world isn’t ready for yet. I managed to win both but the margin was small on the first and devastating for them on the second. Getting a seven letter word out and gaining the 50 point bonus was a great help. Next came cards and as promised I set up to teach Matt how to play Nomination Whist. He picked it up very quickly, unfortunately for me he picked it up too quickly and though Dil was the winner, Matt pushed me to third place. The language was atrocious and theirs wasn’t too good either. Still a bit of time left we launched into a game of Crazy 8’s or as I’ve mentioned before AKA Friendly Enemies. For a while I thought I was paranoid about them teaming up on me till I realised it wasn’t paranoia but fact. I still managed to thrash them. I reminded them afterwords that sticks and stones may break my bones but…I didn’t get any further before I was attacked with sticks. They left just after 9.30 and headed home for poor Dil to get his tea. I confess to being really grateful he comes here after a days work to give me some company and Matt joins him. I tidied up, turned off the lights and came through to finish the days messages. 98 waiting but I did win the Ebay item. I just have to get the seller to add postage now as it’s too far away for collection. Time for some sleep now.

Thursday. It was another early rise day which surprised me as I’d read quite late last night. I’m always reluctant to put a Pratchett book down and he always makes it hard by not having chapter breaks in his books. The mail was dealt with quite quickly as it’s getting very easy to recognise the wild women, psychics and crooked bank managers and just delete them these days. Easier still are the number of banks I don’t have accounts with telling me there are problems. It’s funny, but I showed Mike one of these last week and that the logo at the bottom took you to the site of the real bank. He was surprised at how sophisticated these con-men are. If they don’t carry your name and account number, DUMP THEM.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         I did have one fun message I’d like to share a part of which you might enjoy while I just go and get dressed……………………………………………………………………………………..

Time to get your socks off!

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I’m back, and before you ask it seems Greek and Celtic are mine. About 9.00 am I dashed to the shops for my lottery- no luck again last night- the Weekly newspaper and some milk. I’d not been long back when MuJo arrived. It was announced they’d come to take me for a birthday dinner and to shop for a gift/gifts. No wasn’t an acceptable answer so after drinks and a long chat about how much we’d enjoyed Christmas and loved the gifts we’d exchanged we set off for lunch. I loaded myself up with sweets for lunch at Kassidy’s and apres lunch at Temptations. So the new diet is going really well. MuJo had roast chicken dinners while I had bacon, egg, beans and chips. Don’t worry, I’ll smack the back of my own hand. Ouch!                                                                                                                                                                                                                       After lunch I suggested a quick trip to Lidl where I found they still had some coin cases which are really inexpensive and got MuJo to buy it for me. I thought we’d both be happy now. We headed for Flint next but instead of going for coffee straight away John suggested we tour the shops first. Until we hit the first one and he followed me round asking if I’d seen anything I liked, I didn’t realise we were still birthday shopping. I had to keep telling them I was really happy with the gift already bought. Half a dozen shops later and we went for coffee and a sit down. The girls were grateful for their sweets. After coffee there was one last shop to go into where I bought myself…..please don’t tell Mike, a new shirt…AND  a pair of trousers. I mean the sale prices were ridiculous. Muriel bought me a fleece in a similar colour so I hoped that was it. In the car on the way home, John asked me what I really want for my birthday, with emphasis on want not need. I kept trying to explain I’m more than happy with my gifts but I’m told it’s not optional. I’ll receive a surprise one when I see them next. They left to go see John’s mum who is becoming more bed bound by the day. There had been a package delivered while I was out which turned out to be the wires/plugs for the new catch-up TV box. I turned on the Antiques Road Trip and opened a tiny tin of peaches and sat and enjoyed myself.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Back to work after that as there were 104 messages in my in-box again. It took me till almost 7.000 pm to deal with those after which I went through to the lounge to tidy up a bit and waste some tome before 8.00 and my Big Bang Theory. Two episodes, the last of Season 6 which I’ve seen and the first of season 7 which was hilarious. It was all messages up till bedtime then and at 11.30 of to bed with the book. I’m getting close to the end now.

Friday. I heard the lark coughing this morning when I got up. It was just turning over in it’s nest for another hour or so. I’m not sure Mrs. Lark was too thrilled as she was already on the edge. I worked on emails till 7.00 and hen decided on an early coffee today while I finished off. At 9.00 I went out for a packet of cigs and was amazed to find that somehow a KitKat must have fallen into my hand in the shop. It’s lucky that I found she’d charged me for it anyway. Not wishing to see any waste I reluctantly ate it. Mmmm chocolate.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Most of the morning was spent on the computer. Two more poems for Reuben’s book and mail kept up to date. About 11.00 my phone buzzed and I was expecting a message ‘On way’ but it was my friend Lis checking to see if I’d be in this afternoon. She wanted to bring my birthday prezzie. It was quite handy for me as I had some gifts waiting for her too from my little forays into the sales. She said she’d be here around 2.00 pm. At 12.00 I got a message to say Mike was on his way. I didn’t reproach him for his late start as I wanted to save the sarcasm for when I could see his face. I expected him around the 2.00 mark as well. I had my lunch which was two ham baps with tomato and coleslaw. I behaved afterwards mainly because my biscuits had run out. At the appointed hour Lis arrived and I had her coffee pouring as I answered the door. The hug and kiss were delightful.  We put my gifts to one side until tomorrow ( I can be trusted not to prod and poke) and I handed Lis her bag. First she found the teaspoon with half the bowl cu away so she can have half a spoon of sugar at home. Then came the wine holder which was a metal Father Christmas (who looked like me) and who’s head served to sit on the top and neck of the bottle. Lastly came the bottle, well no use giving half a gift is there. I owe Lis so much more than this for her support during Ju’s illness and last days. I’m going to miss Julia this weekend. Actually I’m not too well and wonder if cancelling might not be a good idea. Lis left about 3.15 and amazingly Mike still hadn’t arrive to schmooze her. He came about 3.30 and I’d just boiled the kettle. The reason for his lateness….he put his stomach first and stopped on the way to eat. Some priorities eh? He let me do a little work while he drank his coffee and filled my ears with his doings over this week.                            At 7.00 he offered to trim my hair and beard and accidentally let slip that Yvonne has asked him to since I hadn’t been happy at how I looked in some photographs on my last birthday. After that he helped me shave and washed my hair for me. By the time I got out of the shower I was cruppered and short of breath. Quite a few pains today whinge whinge moan. We chatted and watched TV until 10.00pm when I came through to 102 messages that have taken till now to clear. In two minutes time it will be my birthday. Far too old for a woman which is just as well as I’ve forgotten what to do with them. One minute to go so I’ll say goodnight and try to finish my book.

Saturday. The Official Birthday. It’s very important that any of you suffering from heart conditions, distended hemerrhoids or shock related alopecia take a seat before reading this.

1) I got up at 6.28 am today!!!!!!

2) When I went through to make a coffee ( without looking at emails) I found a card waiting, it was soft and nicely worded without an insult in sight even though knowing it was from Mike I turned it upside down, shook it and heated it with the steam from the kettle.

3) When his alarm went off at 7.00 I took a coffee through and asked him who he was and what he’d done with my bro. He did grunt a bit but was actually up at 7.05 without me resorting to violence.

I dealt with the bins and assorted recycling bags, opened some cards and gifts, drank my coffee, washed and dressed then worked on messages until a voice asked if I was ready to go out. It had only just gone 7.30 and despite my reluctance to leave 64 messages not dealt with I threw my coat on and we left. We drew up to the Supermarket at 8.00 and the place didn’t collapse. I managed to clear the food shopping quite quickly but a fair bit of time was spent looking for a picture frame for some artwork and a couple of other items. No joy so we had a coffee and left. We went to a retail park called The Greyhound and chased through a few shops till loo break called then we resumed the search. Still no joy. As time was getting on I suggested lunch and we found ourselves in Frankie & Benny’s. The prices were steep paying nearly £25 for two breakfasts and two drinks, but the service is always good there. On leaving I asked if we could nip into the pet shop where I wanted to look at the baby rats. They’re so pretty, Mike looked at the fish instead suggesting rats were only good in a sandwich. The box of dog food I threw missed and we were evicted. There was one shop left on the return journey to the car and I nipped in on the off chance. Not only did I get a picture frame but Mike found a box that may be suitable for something I want.          Before we could go home we had to pay a visit to Temptations so off we went to Flint. I got some chocolates from the car boot and followed Mike inside. As I reached the end of the shop where the cafe is I heard “Hello beautifuls” from Ceri before the staff started singing Happy Birthday. You could have warmed your hands on my cheeks and my face was warm too…… We ordered and the coffee came but no money was accepted, the speed of putting that cash back in my wallet would have delighted a racing driver, it was so fast Queen Victoria hadn’t had time to blink in the light. Mike and I sat at our table and he bantered with Ceri as she worked. Once the queue had gone she disappeared to the front of the shop and Helen came to give me a hug and kiss.Moments later Ceri reappeared with a card, a helium balloon which was attached to one of my crutches and a beautiful pen nicely wrapped. It was from all the staff there. They’re a wonderful bunch and there’s no doubt why the place is so popular. Leaving was fun as the balloon was bobbing about my head to the amusement of the other patrons. I’m surprised I didn’t need an entertainment licence. Behind me all the way to the car was this vague suspicion of a snigger. The snigger drove me home. One of the neighbours came out to bring a parcel the post van had left and commented on me having a birthday  she didn’t know about. No chance of hiding it today. Mike and I put the shopping away and I left him fitting the new TV box while I came through. It took a couple of hours to get rid of the 64 messages left this morning. Time for a break so I made tea and we tested the ‘catch up’ capabilities of the new box by watching an episode of The Tomorrow People we’d missed. It worked fine. Just a bit of a film later and the lure of the computer took over and I had to leave. I had countless Facebook messages and 142 emails. The screams echoed off the walls. So far it’s been three and a half hours  and I’m close to quitting only we’re well into Sunday now and maybe if I sleep late enough I won’t have to go out.  For the first time I am not looking forward to meeting up for lunch with the family as I don’t know what to expect. When I have no control it worries me. Don’t get me wrong, I love them all but I don’t like surprises much  and there’s been such insistence I go to this place  it makes me wonder why.  Wonder if I can do it by phone call?

Anyway, I wish you all a happy week. Be safe. Hugs x…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Happy Man

 

Snug Man.

Happy Birthday.

Well, the big day was yesterday. The 60 something birthday and the day the snow was predicted to arrive. Isn’t that typical, you sit here Christmas day hoping for a blanket of white and it arrives in mid January when you don’t want it.

Ju had tried the sign of the cross to ward off the evil of an early start but as I was expecting a flood of visitors laden down with gifts I wanted to get back from the shopping. The reason for shopping on a Friday, blame Ju since she decided to start horse riding on a Saturday at one stage. OK, I admit that’s changed now but the shopping expedition seems to have stuck.

I woke her at 7 am with a cuppa, a warning that we had half an hour before leaving and that there was a smidgeon of snow on the ground. I backed out of the bedroom to ensure I could see any missiles heading in my direction. My coffee was in the lounge where I’d given all the girls a yoghurt drop as a treat. Ju cowered in her bedroom afraid to venture out in case she had a fit of conscience at not giving the girls their early morning outing on the settee. In fairness, I’ve told her if she wants to do it I’ll get her up at 6.am

I gathered the shopping bags, my list and the all important lottery pouch., brought Ju’s handbag through to the hall and said goodbye to the girls. Off we set. The winds of Siberia were howling around the front door and the smidgeon had become a couple of inches and it was still coming down. After what felt like a three mile trek to the car which is 50 feet away we hauled ourselves in and set a’shivering while waiting for the heater to kick in. The wipers took the worst off the screen and away we went.

Living by the coast has it’s benefits one of which is that snow rarely sticks here. I guess no-one was listening as I shouted a reminder to the gods. The coast road was still fairly clear and it had obviously been salted. We made good time to the supermarket arriving just before they opened at 8.am. The heater hadn’t done a fantastic job as some fool had opened the window to smoke. ahem. moving rapidly on……. I got out and walked stiff-legged to where the shopping trolleys were parked. I put in my £ coin and tried to pull mine away from the rest. After a few minutes trying I went to borrow an ice axe to separate them then shot into the warmth of the store.

Our routine is that Ju goes off to buy the lottery tickets and her paper then while I go round the store to shop, she sits and has a coffee till I’m in the queue at the till when she comes to help me pack.(If she sees me. I have pointed out that she stands a better chance if she actually faces the tills). Three quarters of an hour later I’m done and ready for a coffee and a diet conscious, diabetic, toasted sausage sandwich with brown sauce. Mmmmmm. As I’m sitting there Ju tells me Yvonne has phoned and won’t be able to get through because of the white stuff and her sister has phoned and said the same. Heavens above, what’s the matter with these people. Mu and John only live 40 miles away at the bottom of a valley with about 4 mountains between us. No-one makes an effort anymore. Looking out the window convinces me that maybe the gods are making an effort because the car is fast disappearing.

We’re on our way home when I remember that I promised to visit ‘our’ cafe Let me Tempt You, to take a pair of earring to one of the girls. When I mention it to Ju her lip seems to curl. I think it must be the cold contracting her muscles. We arrive home safely and the snow is sticking . We unpack and I say ” would you like a coffee sweetie”?     “Yes please babe” is the response. “Grab your coat then and let’s take these earrings to K….”. I hear a growl and almost think there’s a dog handy but my beloved knows it’s my birthday and is humouring me. Borrowed tennis racquets on our feet we struggle back to the car. I try breathing on the lock to getthe key in but my nose sticks to the side of the car. Afraid Ju will drive off with me in this position I tug and take the skin off the tip off my nose. Oooh, that stings.

The Coast Road is still accessible and we make it safely to the cafe. K… looks up in surprise and said she didn’t expect to see us in view of the weather. I just say a promise is a promise. I’m renowned for my wisdom. Ju makes a comment about buying me my birthday drink and she head off to order while K… selects the earrings she wants. Leaving K… smiling happily I go to join Ju who has found us a table…….ha, 40 tables, 3 customers, how hard that must have been, and sit. I am no sooner ready to take my gloves off than the tray arrives with two of the staff who start to serenade me “Penblwydd Hapus i chwi. penblwydd hapus…..Dear David……..” I’m cringing and trying to crawl into my boots as everyone is looking and of course the next four customers in sat just behind me. I’m given a lovely card and a sweet little gift as well as a free coffee. Ah, and Ju must be warming up since the mouth seems to be grinning.

We came home about 11.30 and spent the rest of the day wrapped up warmly indoors. It carried on snowing.

Poor Ju was unwell and had to go to bed about 4.pm but it was not snow or shopping trip related. This morning she seemed a little better and the snow has stopped. They say we’ll have another little flurry than it should clear over the next few days but it’s going to be cold, verrrry cold with icy blasts in the minus. Maybe we can hibernate for a while. Oh, a phone call to say my next birthday is tomorrow when Yvonne and Ugo are going to come then another early next week when Mu and John come. Then the following Sunday when my nieces turn up. I quite like the idea of Official Birthdays and unofficial ones to follow.