Many of us are aware today of yet another mass shooting in America. This time in a small Texas town and in a church. The dead include children and among them the pastor’s 14 year old daughter. The incident is sick. But what makes it worse for me were the remarks by Trump that it wasn’t gun related, and as usual that it’s too early, too hurtful to start talking about it now. Believe me it isn’t. No is the perfect time while the wounds are still raw and people will focus on them so maybe there won’t be another. This man should not have been allowed to own weapons especially of the type he used. It is time for an overhaul of the regulations- but out NRA, you don’t make the regs just purchase them. It has to be made more difficult to buy weapons. It has to be made impossible to buy assault weapons which aren’t needed for hunting. There needs to be a limit set on how many guns someone can hold. Please be sensible now, no-one is taking away your rights, just taking guns out of the hands that shouldn’t have them. Up at 2.30 am today. Breakfasted myself and drugged up before starting work. I put the laundry on and brought my coffee back. The nice young nurse ( going to Vegas) this weekend came at about 11.30 am to do my dressings and left at 12.15 pm just when Bargain Hunt started. I lunched late thanks to that so missed my kip. I worked till 3.30 pm then watches a bit of Escape to the Country. Just wait till I have the money to do that. At 4.30 I stayed for Flog It so didn’t return to work again until 9.00 pm hence the fact I’m here now doing this at 11.45 pm. I’m off to bed for a read.
Tuesday.
01.38 am this morning. Not even an hour and a half. What have I done to upset Somnos this time? Or, more to the point, what does he want.I had my breakfast at 3.00 am after taking my meds and didn’t hear from him by that time. Whatever it is can’t quash my mood. At 10.30 am Yvonne arrived with Amelie, her poor little chest sounded terrible and she was far too quiet. She stayed in to look after me while Yvonne went out to do some shopping for me. We had a look at some toys in a catalogue and then spent some time taking the money out of the frog’s mouth from my Chinese Good Luck symbol. When Yvonne returned she had sandwiches for lunch and egg custards as a pudding. I wasn’t ready for my lunch just then but it seemed Amelie was and she tore into her ham ‘samwiches’ with gusto. She wasn’t as taken with the egg custard however and poor Yvonne ended up with a half chomped pastry mess in her hand. I thought I’d try something different and got her a little chocolate Rolo pudding.Much to Yvonne’s surprise that was gone in no time at all. Judging by the smiles the old Amelie had returned too, she had energy. When it was time for them to go, Yvonne lifted Ami up to give me a kiss and keep my feet safe, she had a look of sheer delight and mischief on her face, I thought she was going to test Santa’s beard. I got a kiss and a big smile instead. I missed them once they’d gone. I worked catch-up during the afternoon then spent the evening with my feet up so my feet would be relaxed tomorrow. 9.00 pm back to work.
Wednesday.
There are only three possible positions to sleep in this bed and I favour one of them. I’d stopped reading at 12.15 am and turned my light out yet it took forever trying to find a position in which my feet didn’t hurt so I could sleep. I had been promised if I should sleep for four hours I would have great dreams, especially for the latter two hours. You don”t turn down offers like that at my age since dreams are often all you have. So, I woke up at 2..59 am with no memory of the two hours prior and with the certain knowledge that I wouldn’t experience the latter two hours. I remember that Somnos never liked me having dreams ‘like that’, but surely he wouldn’t begrudge me a bit of fun? After breakfast and meds I brought a coffee back to work and carried on working until 7.20 am when I went for a sit in my chair. I managed to sit undisturbed until 8.30 am, no dreams to accompany my Zzz’s. At lunchtime I did some baby boiled potatoes, some corned beef and some beans. After Bargain Hunt I worked again. About 3.20 pm I was just sending Yvonne a text to ring the nurses for me as I expected to be on today’s list. Just before I could press send the nurse arrived. Let’s just say it was a painful day. When she’d gone I went through to my bedroom to scream and caught Dil sneaking in quietly. I think glossing over tonight’s results is the best policy or I shall have to retire to scream again. After Dil left in gloat mode I worked for a couple of hours and went to bed at 11.30 pm.
Thursday,
I got a good couple of solid hours sleep last night. I woke at 3.00 am and immediately went through for my meds and my breakfast. The minute I started taking my meds though I had the problem of needing to take them again as they re-appeared. I may not have been pebble dashing the walls but I certainly had to mop the floor around me. The milk I was using is many times filtered and is fresh for at least another 2 weeks. Anyway you can always tell when milk is on the turn. I took the rest of the tablets one at a time and managed to keep them down. I’d made some toast for breakfast and thought it might help but couldn’t finish it. So let’s see, I’m having morning sickness and I’m off my food. Any suggestions? I may be having harsh words with Somnos before long if this is his idea of a joke. Incidentally, a message on my screen this morning advises me to invest my time in ‘small gods inc.’ A guaranteed reward for those with something to offer. So it looks like he’s making a play for the big leagues again. A nurse arrived this morning a day early and she thought my dressings were still daily Seeing the state of one of them tonight, I wish they were, It looks like I’m wearing one winklepicker. I had a nice outing with MuJo for lunch though it was a close call whether they’d let me out or not. I think the pleading on my knees did the trick. Mind you they had to help me up afterwards. After they dropped me off ( I do wish they’d stop the car first) I worked until 5.15 pm, then Mike arrived at 6.00 pm. I came through at 9.00 pm to play catch up.
Friday.
At 12.30 am I was trying to do a masterclass in sorting bandages. I’d gone to Mike’s room to ask him something and noticed a very long trail behind me as I returned unraveling. Once in bed with a pretty little bow decorating my big toe it took me a long time to drop off. That of course didn’t prevent me getting up again at 2.50 am. I took my morning meds and then filled the dishes for the next week. Weetabix for breakfast although it was a close call as I had major problems opening a new 4 pint of milk. I was red in the face and looked like a heart attack in the making. I was almost ready to wake Mike and ask him to do it before it finally moved. I worked until about 8.00 am then went to my chair in the lounge with my feet on the stool. Mike got up at 8.40 am and came through carrying a heavy glass vase and asked why he’d woken up with it on his bed this morning. I couldn’t answer the question though I clearly remembered placing it there. I nodded off and while I did Mike departed on his usual Friday jaunt. It was 10.40 am when I woke and I had to go and start work again. My feet were bad and both sets of dressings made me look like an ancient mummy (you do know I’ve been insulted in better places than this don’t you? There’s no need for that). I broke off for a little light lunch at noon then returned to work at 1.00 p,m just before Sharon appeared to start cleaning. Sharon left at 3.00 pm as the chemist delivered a new cream for my hands and then Mike came home about 4.15 pm, very early for him. I had a strip wash in the bathroom after Mike washed my hair for me. So difficult keeping the dressings dry. Mastermind and then Have I Got News For You before I came through for the final catch up and left Mike watching England play Football on TV.
Saturday.
Don’t you just hate it when your expectations are foiled?Last night I had visions of a decent night’s sleep, which was to include an appropriate lie-in this morning. I’d got to bed at 11.30 pm last night and felt I deserved a read. Light off at 12.05 am didn’t seem bad but in actual fact though finding a comfortable position to sleep in while keeping my feet out of the bed was very difficult. I was very surprised to find myself wide awake at 1.48 am not even 2 hours of sleep. Still nothing from Somnos to say what he wants. I hope I’m not blaming him unfairly. Took my tabs and had breakfast then carried my coffee through to work. By some miracle there was still some in the cup when I got there. The shakes were there with a vengeance. At 5.00 am I had a lull in proceedings so went to my chair in the lounge where I settled for 40 winks. I knew I could rely on Mike’s alarm to wake me at 6.00 am. The big question was could I rely on it to wake him? I made a coffee and called him, he allowed the alarm to go off four times and then he just turned it off. At 6.30 am I had to go through with a crow bar. I got dressed and strapped my slippers on and took the food waste bin out. We went out at 7.00 am and with Mike making me sit in the wheelchair stayed out until 12.50 pm. Annoyingly the nurse had been at 12.30 pm despite having been told we were out till 2.00 pm to be on the safe side. When Mike go her on the phone she refused to come out again. No idea now if she’ll want to come tomorrow or Monday which would be the next due day. Mike went out to visit an old friend until very late tonight. Just as well he doesn’t need the alarm tomorrow.
Sunday.
Mike had returned from his outing about 11.30 pm last night. I was reading in bed. He came through to talk about how the afternoon had gone and he was still rabbiting at 12.30am when I called time. Out went my light and after a few spins I found sleep. I woke at 2.24 am and very gingerly made my way to the loo not quite fully awake.. I coughed, which I tried to keep quiet and I almost had a cleaning crew accident when a voice not very far away asked if I was OK. I was now fully awake and the little voice announced it was going to try to sleep now. Once I was up to date about 7.00 am I went to have a nod off in my chair in the lounge. I decided not to get dressed early so if the nurse came the trouser legs would be nice and loose. When Mike got up later he rang the Nurses office to see if they would be calling today. No answer, so instead we left a message asking if they’d call after 2.00 pm. I asked Mike if he’s mind having lunch very locally just in case. We went out about 11.40 am and returned about 12.30 pm. Bloody typically there was a not to say they’d been at noon. Still no answer on their office phone. I shall have to cross my fingers they come tomorrow before these bandages disintegrate totally. We watched War Horse before Mike had to start the journey home and in good conscience I could go to work. Once I was back up to date I went back in to Joey and fell asleep. I woke to find I’d burned a hole in my chair.I shouldn’t smoke when I’m tired.
Sleep soundly, dream happy, wake healthy. A smile on the lips for all who want one and a hug from the heart for all who need one. Let’s turn the world round.
Once I finished breakfast at 3.45 am ( 2 Weetabix) I took a coffee back to the office in my dressing gown. No I don’t have an office in my dressing gown but I just love the way some things read occasionally. Bureau for sale by Lady with big drawers. Marble top table for sale by man with wooden legs. I’d always picture a long John Silver type. The English language can be such fun though it wasn’t this morning as I struggled to get up to date before I got dressed and went out. In the end I decided to get ready at 6.00 am complete with shoes in case I had to leave quickly as time gets away from me sometimes. Well, time didn’t get away, I was on the ball and left at 7.00 am to catch the 7.15 am bus. Poor Joey was still in his cage as it was too dark to risk opening it without a light. I caught my bus and had a good journey with my eyes closed to discourage conversation though not many people were aboard at that time. A few more by the time we pulled into Chester about 8.40 am. I was too late to catch Reuben before he went into school but I saw Yvonne and Amelie coming towards me across the playground. I got big smiles from both of them. We stopped for coffee and Ami came out of her buggy to give me a big hug. We did the usual round of a few shops to get Halloween stuff for the kids and just spent the morning nattering on. Ami helped me walk a few times by holding one of my crutches. It’s fun trying to keep the pace she wanted to set. Soon enough it was time to walk to the bus stop ready to come home. Big kisses all round and then waves as the bus drew out. My next hard job was not to fall asleep past the the bus stop at home. I managed fine, got in and let Joey out amidst a terrible telling off, had a quick lunch and started work. I nodded off between 8.00 and 9.00 pm when my favourite programme was on.
Halloween preparations
Tuesday.
Up at 2.22 am this morning and spent what felt like the next hour standing over the loo having one of the stop-start wee’s that come with age. It was probably no more than 5 minutes really but just feels like a huge waste of time, though to be fair, it does keep the floors dry. I went back to my room and powered up the computer to start the mail. I worked till just gone 3.00 am then went for my meds and my breakfast. Toast and jam for a change. I came back to work and was clear by about 6.10 am so I skived off and sat in my chair in the lounge. I woke at 7.20 am and it being still just before dawn Joey was not awake to disturb me. I gave him fresh water and seed then came through to start again. There was not too much but one was along message I’d hoped to see. It took me until gone 9.00 am to finish that one and then longer to finish the others that had come. Because of that, and finally getting dressed I did not get to see the start of Homes Under the Hammer but I did get to see two of the three. At 11.00 am I went back through and did what I could with the mail until almost midday. At that point I slammed my shoes on (no socks- I live on the edge) and went to the chippy arriving back just in time to eat with Bargain Hunt. When that ended I shut my eyes for two minutes that turned out to be 95 minutes and woke refreshed. Back to work. As usual I worked till 4.30 pm and then didn’t go near the computer again until 9.00 pm. There was plenty of work waiting when I did which took me until 11.00 pm when it was time to wrap up and go for a read.
Wednesday.
2.10 am this morning and I got up willingly enough, I thought I’d wet the bed. It appeared I’d had my knees bent so my feet were up around by bum. My big toe had been leaking quite a lot and I hadn’t had a dressing on so I didn’t make it sweat. It makes it look like I’ve been in a bath too long, all white and wrinkled. I struggled into my slippers and made my way to the loo. Coming back I loaded the email and started work until 3.00 am when I went for breakfast. Jam on toast today but I got a little carried away so I ended up with jam on three quarters instead of just two. I brought coffee back and worked until 4.15 am. I placed a bid on some plasters due to finish today then went to my chair in the lounge. I nodded until about 6.40 am then went back to my room stubbing my toe on the way. Joey told me to stop screaming and let him get back to sleep. There were a couple of times I ran out of work for a short period so I went to ebay and tried to get ideas for Christmas presents. Not easy this year I’m finding. The work kept filling up again and it was 11.45 am when I decided to go make my lunch and take a proper break. I sat down to watch Bargain Hunt and enjoy my food. I had chance to wash my pots before the goods went to auction so that when the programme was over I just turned the box off and snuggled down in my chair. I was away for an hour and a half. At 3.45 pm I’d reached the end so went through ready for Dil arriving around 4.30 pm. He was there in time to watch The Antique Road Trip which we both enjoy. We gamed afterwards and for a change it was my night two games to one, I must remember to swap the dice back again. Dil left at 9.00 pm so I wished Joey a goodnight and came through to work.
Thursday.
1.56 am and I’m pretty sure I didn’t want to get up but needs must and my eyes are wide open. My big toe is throbbing. I dressed it before getting into bed last night and the dressing has stayed on. It’s a little damp though. A visit to the loo and then an hour on emails until breakfast time. Back to look at my bank to see if I’m putting Christmas on hold this year or not then back to emails until 3.45 am and the last one is done. I went to Ancestry.com and added my new great nephew, his Pops (Dil) said he’s a beautiful baby. Another search on Ebay for birthday and Christmas ideas took me until 5.00 am and a break in my chair. Back to work at 6.20 am and somehow there was enough to keep me in business until 9.10 am when I hobbled to Pauline’s for my lottery and some bread. She told me she’s sold me the winning tickets this week. Hard luck the rest of you. At 10.00 am I watched Homes Under the Hammer before a last pre-lunch attack on the mail. After a very uncomfortable walk this morning my toe is still throbbing. Yvonne has arranged for the district nurse to come and re-dress it later. I had a bing meal for speed (any excuse) and though I longed for an hour in my chair, I couldn’t because Sharon was due to titillate me with her dusters. She arrived at 1.00 pm and left at 3.00 pm. It was a big shock to have the doctor turn up instead of the nurse but I wasn’t told off today. She’s put me back on strong antibiotics. She didn’t dress the foot though and said the nurse will be here tomorrow? Help me, my foot’s leaking. I saw my antique programme but some time after 5.00 pm I must have nodded off in my chair. When I woke it was 7.15 am and what was on screen was not what I’d have expected. I wonder if Joey’s making his own choices now. I took my meds at 9.00 pm, said goodnight to the gang and came through to work. 11.05 pm and it was time to have a read.
Friday 13th.
It’s been blowing a gale out there since I got up. That was 1.50 am today. I went through a little early to take my meds about 2.45 am so that once done I could immediately start doing my tablet trays for the next week as that takes a while. It was about 4.00 am when I went for breakfast knowing more than an hour had passed since the antibiotic. Hobbling back with my toe stuck to the inside of my slipper I cleared my regular mail and started on one very long one I receive. It takes forever but is well worth it in snark alone. By 7.45 am I’d dealt with that and cleared the rest of the incoming. I got dressed not knowing when the nurse will be arriving and went to wait in the lounge surrounded by all the wildlife. By 8.30 am I was bored and went back to work. The nurses arrived at about 11.15 am. I felt like Royalty as my foot was given a little wash then stinging iodine dressings were applied and then no less than three bandages to pad it and ensure it stays clean. It cost me a box of chocolates to get her to stop below the knee. I was part mummified. After they’d gone it was getting on for midday so I struggled into my slipper and did myself some beans on toast. After lunch I came back to work until 3.00 pm then gave myself a break to see Escape to the Country. Not only did I not see the end of it but I didn’t wake until 4.10 pm. At 4.30 pm I got a message from Mike to say he was on his way so I guessed it would be about 6.00 pm before he arrived if the traffic was OK. At 7.00 pm I went for a shower with a plastic bag over the offending foot. I sat with Mike until 9.00 pm then carried on working until I was clear to have a read.
Saturday.
Up at 1.50 am so I cheated and had the antibiotic at 2.00 am so I could have my normal breakfast with my main meds as usual at 3.00am. Mike’s alarm went off at 6.00 am and we left the house at 7.00 am. It seemed to take an hour to reach the car and then at least that to get into it. At the Supermarket I had to use an electric wheelchair to get round though Mike whinged it wasn’t the electric chair he had in mind. We delivered my present to my new great nephew and his Mum brought him out to the car to meet me. He’s beautiful. Apart from the difficulty of getting in and out I was a little afraid of going into the house where his brother can be a bit boisterous ( but lovely). Back on the road again we went to collect something for lunch and went home. The nurses came this afternoon and no joke, the leg is now wrapped fully to the knee. One of them didn’t know her own strength or didn’t have her caring hat on because she really hurt me. ( sob). A lot of work to catch up on with my left leg up on the bed while I work next to the bed. Than a bit of TV with Mike and that’s another day over. Nice day for sunshine.
Sunday.
2.50 am this morning which for some reason left me in a panic. I went through and took my meds including the antibiotic then for some reason took the first two diabetic tabs even though I hadn’t eaten. I managed to stop myself from taking the other two until 4.00 am when I went back to eat. In the meantime a wraith in Red Dragon pyjamas passed beneath the gaslit lamp whose light pooled in the courtyard and delivered a birthday card to my neighbour. I then worked on mail until it was time to eat my Weetabix. Mumford and Sons were striking up merry tunes in my earhole while I worked. I know I saw 6.00 am come and go but the next thing I know it’s 7.30 am and Mike’s waking me up asking me if I want to stay asleep (he’s perverted). I told him no, I’ll get up.He left and the next thing it was 7.45 am and a case of deja vu. I got dressed but could only put one shoe on and then a slipper on my most recent bad foot. At 8.15 am he helped me out and we drove to the car boot. It was terrible and I was so glad it was small. The pain was bad and my crutches were being caught by the grass, I even had a man with a trolley run over my foot. I had to keep stopping and then making myself go a little further. When it was time to stop to take my antibiotic we gave up. At least I had a few books. We drove to Prestatyn and sat in the car for a while before going into The Cookhouse and grabbing a table (quite a surprise to the couple sitting there I think). We had our usual carvery and the beef was lovely. Normality returned. After lunch we came home as my leg was tired and sore and it needed elevating. Mike left early and I came through to my room to work before the nurse came. That was about 4.30 pm and she kept asking about me elevating the leg, I kept crossing my fingers and saying “Of course, all the time.” It’s even worse than it was yesterday and the dressings got thicker. I can’t even get the slipper on now. I guess I won’t be going out anywhere this week. I worked a while longer when she left then returned to the lounge to sit with Joey at about 6.15 am. I kept nodding off, waking and nodding off again. I couldn’t tell you the storyline of anything that was on TV. 9.00 pm it was tablet time plus the antibiotic, a quick goodnight to Joey and then time to work again.
Have a grand week. Share the smiles and hugs with anyone in need in case that anyone is you someday. Love you all.
This progress report is nothing more than an excuse to post a few pictures and try and wriggle my way out of trouble where possible. Round about my Plas Teg post I explained the cellulitis and what was happening to my right foot and the lower leg between knee and ankle. Well, that first week I was visiting the surgery to undergo one of my regular reviews and it was to be done by a new Sister. (Nursing not familial). She decided after seeing my foot that I needed to see the doctor and somehow she managed to slot me in after this appointment was due to end. Accordingly I found myself sitting in the corridor waiting for the doctor to finish with her last patient. I saw another patient going in and realised she was running late. I took the chance and did a runner, though I did get the reception to cancel my appointment. The next morning the doctor got in touch with my boss (Yvonne) and a third batch of antibiotics was on it’s way to me.
This last week it was coincidental that the antibiotics finished and that I was due for another review for a different complaint. This time it was with my favourite Sister. I was fairly sure I’d be in and out in no time and that I could count on her especially as it was a day my own doctor wasn’t in. Anyway, review done she asked to have a look at my feet even though I said things were improving. She took a look at my leg also at which point she excused herself and darted off to have a word with someone. That someone turned out to be another doctor whom I didn’t know and who wanted to see me. Drat. I didn’t get chance to do a runner this time even though the situation was stressful. I hate afternoon appointments as there are always more people about. I hate leaving the house at all. She saw me quite quickly and offered her opinion which matched the Sister’s, then gave her instructions as to what was to happen at which point I was doing a lot of nodding and edging towards the door. I got out and got home. One thing she suggested was getting the foot dressed. I was due for blood tests last Friday morning so Yvonne arranged for me to attend the dressings clinic. Mike came over on Thursday night and took me to both appointments on Friday so once my foot had been dressed I was able to go home quite quickly.
Three weeks after turning 4 he’s off to school. At least I had 8 months after my birthday before I went (1955) and I’ll bet I wasn’t this calm. So, it’s been quite eventful. My right leg is still very swollen but I think this last lot of concentrated antibiotics have turned the foot round (no, I’m not walking backwards to Christmas). Another week and we’ll see if the cracking to the skin has gone. Maybe if I still have fat leg in a few weeks I’ll rethink things so that it doesn’t interfere with the Christmas shopping. ( stop that crying now, it’s only 11 weeks away I’m told, that’s not a lot).
This morning (Sunday) we’d hoped to get to a car boot sale and the forecast had been good. The reality was different. Mike’s prayers must have come true when his alarm went off and I went through to tell him to turn it off and go back to sleep. He never needs telling twice. About half an hour later I was working on emails when the who system went down. I knew it wasn’t a power cut as my lights were still on. Checking the house it was clear the ring main which controls the plug sockets was down. I tried rebooting the trip switch in the fuse box to no avail but the noise from the alarm system hiccuping was disturbing Mike so he got up. We spent most of the morning pulling every plug out and putting them in one by one until we came to one that caused the system to go down again. By the time it had given three different answers we were tearing our hair out and gasping for breath after climbing under beds and over bookcases etc. Eventually we had an electrician. It took until 1.00 pm before we had the likely suspect(s) maybe my fridge, or maybe the socket I’d had my fridge plugged in. The fridge is plugged in elsewhere now so I can keep an eye on it. So after my keep fit morning we finally got to go for lunch later than usual. Not a problem, our table wasn’t in use. A beautiful roast beef dinner made the world OK again.
I wish you all a wonderful week filled with smiles and Hugs. Fill as many lives with the same as you can.
It was a 3.28 am start this morning which was just as well since there had been a fair amount of activity by the scribes overnight. I was quite happy plodding along bringing the numbers down until I realised that they were all being replaced at the same rate so I had to up my pace. My Sunday morning body and brain weren’t keen on this idea and made me feel tired. I decided I’d lie down for a while once the fish were seen to at 7.00 am but it seems Somnos had other ideas. I’d been through and faced some kind of lecture from Big Al. The other fish carried on with what they were doing but Al parked himself at the front of the tank and mouthed off at me. It’s his own fault if the food landed on his head when I opened the flap. Oddly enough, just as the food hit, Big All jumped like he’d been shocked and I swear I caught a glimpse of Porcinus rushing off on his tatty cloven little tootsies.
I took my meds ( maybe they’ll clear up the visions) and made myself a coffee which I took through to the lounge. I often have more luck nodding off there than in bed. I was trying to nod off but every time I shut my eyes the sight of a young child, a baby almost in a formal 3 piece suit appeared behind my eyelids. He was smoking a cigar which you just knew had last been touched by a dusky maiden as she rolled the tobacco on her thigh (sigh) and he was enjoying every draw. I tried to open my eyelids to banish the sight but he just clicked his pudgy little fingers and they stayed shut. I was sort of getting an idea who this was but why should a god of lovers and wishes be dressed like some mafia lawyer, and what could he want with me? The answer was forthcoming as he spoke in a Texas drawl with a baby’s voice. It sounded a bit like an accident with the helium. The party of the first part (Somnos) wanted his contract fulfilled ( I said he looked like a lawyer) and he , an interested party in this contract expected to see it expurgated forthwith or even fifthwith.( Lawyers humour there). He had some growing to do and was anxious to start. “Oh, and by the way, as I’m the god of lovers” he said, “make sure you paint my image with lots of pastel colours.” While I was still trying to work that one out, he vanished.
I decided to go back to work for a while and catch up on anything new in . I was obviously delirious. At 9.05 am though a wave of tiredness came over me and I did one last message then lay on the bed and was gone. Next thing I know I hear the loo flush. I came awake with a start and went through to the lounge. Mike was up and drinking a coffee he’d made himself ( and I’m sure I never showed him how). It was 9.30 am. I asked how long he’d been up and he told me since 9.15 am. He’d seen my light on and stuck his head in. According to Mike I was laying on my back, mouth wide open and snoring like mad. I was an idle beggar still being in bed at that time.
We really took our time getting ready and it must have been 11.00 am before we were on our way out. We headed for Prestatyn where I got a plumbing pack with a radiator key in it. Considering I’d gone into the £ shop just for that I came out £9 lighter. From there we headed for Rhyl and after parking up on the street and finding it had gone midday we went for lunch to a place all locals call the Red Caff on account of the internal colour scheme and red plastic seating. It was OK. After that we had a general mooch looking for a case for a 10″ tablet and finding another pack of radiator keys for me. We ha a look round a store looking for a car coat for Mike without success but I fell in love with a jacket down from £75 to £30 in the sale. No I didn’t, I behaved. Last stop of the day was the aquarist shop where Ju and I used to buy a lot of our fish and our tanks. I got my Pangasius called Zippy from there. Today Mike saw a couple of fish he wanted for his tank and I saw some synodontis I couldn’t resist but I only bought two as it’s almost my birthday and I’ve been promised fish then. Anyone who knows fish will have seen a pattern emerging here. I just adore catfish.
Aren’t I beautiful.
We shot off home so I could start preparing them for the tank, 20 minute in their bag in the tank water, 20 minutes with some tank water added to the bag and then gently release them. Mike loaded the car, strapped his fish into the front seat and set off for Rugby to do the same with his fishy friends. It was just 3.40 pm so I was set for the first 20 minute stage. I started to work since I’d been away from my screen for almost 7 hours. There was just so much of it. At 4.00 pm I went through and added some tank water to the bag to acclimatise my new pals and then went back to work. I remember seeing 4.15 pm then nothing. at 5.05 pm I woke up.I knew I’d been to sleep as the imprint of the keyboard was in reverse on the palm of my hand. Fortunately my forehead had been resting on my arm. The screen was just filled with pages of capital G’s. OMG, the fish! I dashed through and released them. They were fine of course just having had longer to adjust than usual. I returned to my screen and started deleting all the G’s so I could get back to where I’d left off. Thank heavens I hadn’t sent it to someone. I wasn’t sure if the sleep was a present, a punishment or just a reminder from Somnos so to cover myself here is my promotion.
Fed up with your old household gods? Need a new breed for the New Year? Say hello to the bright young things of today who can serve you for tomorrow too. Start saying your prayers to the leader of the new Pantheon, Somnos. Offspring of an older god and who knows what, Somnos is the bright star in the heavens and can turn his hand to anything. A young master of life’s mysteries. Give it up for his brothers, young Porcinus who is god of household and not so household animals and Brother Jake who though the youngest is still a bit of a bright spark. Apart from being responsible for lovers he is also responsible for wishes.Not worth asking for Lottery Numbers he tells me, the elder gods have that tied up for years.
I had to take a half hour break to get something for tea as I’d only had one set of tablets today but after that it was right back nose to the grindstone ( it’s OK my beak can afford it). I’m making real headway now and hope to be in bed by midnight.
Monday.
Negotiation can obviously be rewarding. I was allowed until 4.47 am this morning. It was a bit of a blow to find no-one had arranged for their to be no post during the extra period so I could wake up relaxed but I suppose it’s my own fault for not getting the i’s dotted and t’s crossed. I’ll know for the future and squeeze harder than a lemon press. Once I’d come back from the loo and switched on I’d been disappointed but what the heck, I had time. I worked till 7.00 am and went through to the kitchen. I had to be quiet, my new catfish are very small and quite shy often hiding away during the daylight hours. I turned the light on and there they were enjoying the extra space in this tank. Where the others came flying over when the food was in they didn’t of course but I’m sure they’ll soon learn. That’s if Sharkey behaves anyway and he certainly wasn’t this morning. He was trying to chase everyone away from the food and even managed to startle Big Al this morning. It couldn’t happen often though as nothing can move the tank that Big Al is. He seemed in better humour today and didn’t even glance in my direction. That could be a bit worrying as though an event is due to happen and he’s distancing himself from it for when he secret police arrive…..and that’s despite the fact he probably orchestrated the whole thing. I may need a word with Porcinus to see if fish come under his purview.
I watched for long enough to see my two synodontis disappear inside an upturned ship and stay there. I decided there and then whatever I have for my birthday will be bigger…too big for holes like that. Maybe too big for Sharkey too. A couple of real battleships. I took my meds to get me down from this high and mad myself coffee to take back. I couldn’t be bothered getting dressed as I wasn’t going anywhere. By about 9.45 am I was happy with what I’d done and where I was so took a few minutes to head to the lounge and my chair. The first thing I aw was my repeat prescription request from Friday. Damn. I had to get dressed after all. It was such a pain getting a tiny sock on this big fat leg that when I was dressed I slipped a pair of summer deck shoes on. Even that was a small problem but I managed it and getting my jacket and crutches went out, locking the door behind me. I had to manage like Long John Silver, just putting one foot to the floor and swinging along on the crutches. It works well but is tiring.I got there and back without problems. Back inside I slipped off the shoes and put my slippers on and dealt with the actual mail from the postman.
Back to work. Still not too much in but enough to keep me going until lunchtime. I broke off at 11.45 am to start lunch and then found a Time Team to watch while I ate my shepherd’s pie followed by chocolate cake. At 1.00 pm I went back to work until 2.15 pm when the new series of Father Brown started. I have vague recollections of having enjoyed the books as a child and wanted to see what they were like. Not bad really. Then back to face the afternoon rush until 6.00 pm when I had Eggheads.( no, not personally, it’s a programme not a disease). After that I just had to shut my eyes as they were closing anyway and I stayed that way for 35 minutes before coming back through. Since then it’s been a slight struggle to keep up to date because certain personal messages I save till this end of the day to deal with and sometimes they’re long. But, I shall manage an early night I hope as I want to see my beautiful daughter and my grandson tomorrow. She’s threatening the doctor on Thursday.
Tuesday.
I had a 2.51 am start this morning. That’s approximately two and a quarter hours sleep if I slept the minute I turned the light off. I didn’t. Whatever AC Flory says,I’m not prepared to go down the photograph of a chocolate cake yet. And don’t even suggest prayer, I already feel preyed upon. Maybe I should have had a closer look at the small print in the contract. My leg was painful when I put it down so I hopped to the loo, reminded myself I’d made a mistake buying the Loo purple instead of the Loo Bloo, resolved to correct my error, and hopped back. There was quite a lot of mail to be dealt with and I’m currently open to suggestions as to how to cut it down. At 6.00 am I’d reached the end of the main ones and also of my tether. I felt tired. I needed something to brighten me but the buses weren’t running yet and my daughter wouldn’t be up. I settled for second best and went through to the kitchen. When the lights went on I was delighted to be able to see the new fish flitting back and forth. They have real speed and really are beautiful with their streamlined moustaches.
Morecambe and Wise came to the top to await their flake and most of the others moved into position ready for the pellets. Sharkey was being very annoying and I had o speak sharply to him but as usual I was ignored. Big Al was a worry though. No insults, no tellings off, no glaring. He sat towards he back of the tank , little gimlet eyes as wide as they’d go and looked shell shocked. I have no idea what- or who- happened to him. I did in fact feel rather sorry for him as I think he’s getting old now and I’m sure the synodontis won’t be interested in his lectures. I get the feeling they’re all rap and hip-hop. After watching the activity for a few minutes I fed them and left them to eat in peace. I did see Big Al move towards the food area before turning away. I took my sprays then put milk in my mug and took the tablets, leaving enough milk for my coffee. I sat and drank that in the lounge and considered shutting my eyes but was afraid of missing the bus.
I washed the now empty mug, picked up the gifts for Yvonne, Ugo and Reuben, switched the lights off and headed back to my bedroom. I got washed and dressed and started on the lesser messages and notifications until 7020 am when it was time to get my shoes on and prepare to leave. I allowed time in case I had problems finding the right shoes. At the moment I could do with a pair belonging to a clown though I dare say Mike would say I already have. I left the house at 7.30 am and started walking toward the bus stop. It started raining and then the bus went right past me. So that was the way the day was going to be. I reached the bust stop and climbed aboard. The driver, my regular, said “If I’d known it was raining I’d have stopped for you back there.” Luckily I hadn’t quite got my breath back so just said “Thanks.” On the bus Yvonne sent me a text to ask if I was coming and let me know she was waiting for young sleepyhead to wake up. That’s a first. I just sent a text saying I was on the bus.
When I got to Chester I saw Yvonne pushing the trolley out of a shop towards me. The plastic cover was down because of the rain and she was just telling me that Reuben wasn’t very well when he started smiling and pointing at me. I guess I had something stuck in my teeth. The joy didn’t last long and tears accompanied the siren as we walked round the first shop. It improved a bit when he was given a book to read and we headed for the coffee shop in the next place. Yvonne fed Roobs his breakfast which he took well. He did feel a little warm. She passed him the books I’d bought while she checked out the other gifts and loved the cardie and little jacket I’d got him. While we were having coffee she told me that Ugo is having Reuben confirmed in Church soon. I just nodded as this is their child and my opinions won’t count on this subject. But, I always thought a confirmation followed a Christening/Baptism and was for the subject to agree to follow the life of discipleship? As far as I know he hasn’t been baptised or if he has I wasn’t invited ( probably for good reason) and I’d say since he can’t talk yet, he’s far too young to be making any commitments. As I say , it’s their business, their choice but for me, I’d much rather this kind of malarkey was left until a child is old enough to know what they’re doing and can make an informed choice. Some people seem to need the community of a church but it’s not for everyone. CORRECTION. with apologies, I’m now innformed it’s a dedication and not a confirmation. This just welcomes him into the church and his parents and god parents attend to confirm they’ll teach him about god.Personally I’d rather he was just tauiught about people and how he should treat them. How he should protect the vulnerable regardless of race, colour,culture or creed.Humanity is One and we need to work together without divisions to learn tolerance. Rant Over.
We left the coffee house and headed for another shop but Reuben was obviously very unhappy. Neither books nor looking at his favourite toys would stop the siren in my ear. I suggested as it was 11.30 am Yvonne should take him home. Se said once we finished this last shop she’d do that and cool him off and let him sleep if he needs it. Lucky for me, this last shop was close to my bus stop and there was a bus due at noon. We said our goodbyes and she apologised. There was no need. I knew she needed to settle Reuben down and be happy that he’s OK. As for me, I get home an hour early and can start work again that much sooner. I’d have been out almost 6 hours by then.
When I got off the bus I dropped into Pauline’s for some supplies and my next TV mag. I found some chips in a mild and fruity curry sauce which I decided to have for lunch. It was lovely.I had bread and butter to make sure I lost none of the sauce. I did half an hour’s work then skipped off to watch an episode of Father Brown again. When that was over I piled into the work like a madman. After a while I must have looked like one too as I kept yawning so my eye were watery, they kept closing in an attempt to grab an after-food sleep and my head looked like either a nodding dog or one of those Ostrich things that used to dip their beaks in your drink. It got to the stage I had no idea what I was doing so I allowed it to happen. When I woke 25 minutes later all I had was a stiff neck. By 7.50 am I’d finally caught up and had an hour with the TV watching a celebrity quiz show for charity. They put up a good show but didn’t win.
9.00 pm meant back in here again and another session of catch up before I was able to start the blog. I will be in bed for midnight.
I keep seeing an advert on TV which has someone driving an elephant like a car. The tune keeps popping into my head so tonight I’m going to play it on here an hope it gets out of my head completely. Sorry about that, I hope no-one catches it.
Wednesday.
I made my midnight bedtime last might- just. I couldn’t cope with reading for very long and so the light was out by a quarter past. Sleep came quickly, and having delighted me with whatever dream left me smiling, it left just as quickly as well, at 2.38 am. You know at the time if you’ll get away with just snuggling back under the covers or whether you’re really awake and ready to create a new formula for world peace. I swear the powers that be keep sending the wrong people to do that job. Anyway, once up I did the Olympic Hop to the loo and the Olympic hop back afterwards. Times almost took a turn for the worse when the first hop was taken on the wrong leg. If anyone asks later whether I heard that strange sound I’ll just say no, what strange sound? I settled in my seat and turned the computer on. Straight away I wished I’d taken the other option which was packing my hankie and running away to parts unknown with no computer access. Actually I suppose I could just go camping up the road and have that happen. Warmer climes appealed but where? It has to be somewhere that isn’t trying to kill me from the moment I arrive via snake, spider or even mosquito. One of the South Sea Islands maybe. While waiting for my ticket to arrive I might as well do some work.
First job is to check my lottery ticket. I know things are looking grim when I see it’s a further rollover. Grimmer still when I see that damned machine didn’t even give me one number let alone the Millionaire Maker code. Ah well ( big sigh) maybe the weekend. I worked until 6.00 am and cleared both talktalk and gmail addresses. In celebration I decided to feed the fish a bit early again. I turned the kitchen light on followed by the tank light. Big Al blinked and as I opened the hatch he flew over and stationed himself underneath. No-one was getting food before him today. I dropped in some pellets. He wiggled his moustache, perhaps in thanks and tried to pick up one of the pellets whole. Others came to join him now including Sharkey who was trying to grub for food and chase everyone else off at the same time. The was no sign of my little synodontii though.( my guess for the plural as synodontisses doesn’t quite have the same ring), they were having a lie-in it seemed until suddenly I spotted a head moving about on the underside of the pump. Of course, these are often known as upside down catfish. I replaced the flap and left them to it.
I decided to have breakfast today so the first thing i to take a pre-food tablet then mess around for 15 minutes before eating. I had my sprays then took half my tablets and lit a cigarette. Then I took the rest of the tablets, took an empty plastic bottle to the recycling bags, took a book to the bookshelves in Mike’s room before returning to the kitchen to put some bread in the toaster, put my cigarette out and made a coffee. I got the butter and a knife out and a plate to hold the toast which soon signified it was ready by shooting a couple of inches in the air. As soon as breakfast was eaten it was time for the post-food tablets and I returned to work. Only about ten piece of post which were soon dealt with so it was time for 40 winks in the lounge with my foot up.I slept for an hour and found I’d been reading at the same time, or at least turning the pages of my book without taking anything in. To be honest, I wasn’t taking in much when I was awake either. This book hasn’t gripped me yet. That could be because there are a couple of books in my pile that I really want to get to grips with one of which is a John Grisham.
I returned to work and found a message telling me a doctor would be coming out today. If it’s my own doctor it will probably be after lunch. That was fine, I sent a message back thanking Yvonne only to get another requesting I let her know everything the doctor says and not just the finer points. She’s most untrusting. I grabbed some carpet fresh for the hall and then hoovered the lounge and lit a febreeze candle to overcome (?) any smoke smells but I should be OK as I’m never in there long enough to smoke much. After my mini work-a-thon the postman arrived bringing with him a request to write to one of the House of Lords about the Dignity in Death bill due later this month. I did that with pleasure. One piece of mail from my Causes group was from Portugal asking for some computer equipment for a Breast Cancer Support Group. It seemed little enough to ask for so I did a small blogpost on it.I’m hoping as people spread it, maybe it will just hit the right person who can donate the equipment needed. I’m not sure it’s something one individual can do unless they have the money to donate for buying fromnew. But there may be a firm out there who could sponsor such a cause and if so, I’m sure one of my friends will know. Otherwise I may have to see if the request can be given to one of the larger computer manufacturing companies. Any bright ideas would be welcomed.
I worked up until midday but didn’t eat in case the doctor came. I watched my antique show and made every effort to stay awake. Eventually at 1.45 pm I saw my doctor approach. I stayed where I was as she let herself in and came through. Out of manners I raised off my seat but she waved me down. he spent a few seconds playing with my upper leg to see if there was any pain ( no, but there was pleasure) in case there was a blood clot. Instead it appears I have cellulitis which is a deep infection of the soft tissue, usually strep. It started like gout but has stayed hot and swollen for far too long. To cut a long story short, I have to look out for other problems which might result in hospitalisation, but otherwise four to five weeks of antibiotics should do the trick. Next week we have to phone and describe the foot/leg to see if the swelling has gone down. If so, she’ll prescribe the next batch of antibiotics, if not she’ll come out to assess it again. At least my body temp and my blood pressure were good. She left me a prescription when I assure her I had someone to get it then she left. I put socks and shoes on an went out to pick it up. You might know there was none at the chemist but it was due in so they’d deliver it later. I went home again. I reported to the boss and she let me know poor Reuben’s problem on Tuesday was Hand, Foot and Mouth disease which I’ve never heard of before now. Poor little mite has a rash.
Back at work I tried sitting sideways on to the computer and stick my leg up on the bed. That was very uncomfortable so I had to make do with the floor. I worked until 4.30 pm them went to watch the Antiques Road Trip which I missed when they took it off over Christmas. After that I sorted the mugs ready for the appearance of Dil and Matt. I’d just sat down again and lit a cigarette when they walked in so I had to ‘Hop It’ again and make the drinks. As usual we watched the end of a quiz before getting the games table out. Yahtzee first which was a resounding victory for Dil tonight. Matt and I won just one each of the six games. We were going for Nomination next but delayed it to play the new game I got for Christmas. It seems everyone likes it despite us teasing Yvonne about buying it for her old dad. Matt won that and had a really good laugh at the same time. Then we played the Nomination whist. Things were going really well for me, I was well over 100 when Dil was just under 100 and Matt was struggling in the forties. As things carried on Dil won a few, I lost a few and Matt more or less stayed put. The poor lad could not win a break. It looked like this was going to be my game though even though Dil edged nearer. Then the last hand Matt shouted 4 and got them, Dil shouted 2 and got them and I shouted 3 and got 4. Dil and I were even so I was even deprived of a game in my own house by my guests.
They left at 9.35 pm and after clearing up, washing up and taking the night meds I came through. There were over 120 messages of which I only managed half before giving up to deal with the blog. The rest will have to wait for morning if I want to get to bed tonight.
Thursday.
It’s been a funny old day. I got up at 4.13 pm, almost luxuriously late and after the long haul one legged to the loo I came back prepared to face the hell on the computer. I didn’t, it was way worse than that. There were 87 pieces of yesterdays post to deal with before I got to today’s stuff. Have you people nothing better to do with your time? What made it worse for me was that most of it was interesting so I couldn’t be smug and just delete it. There were no attempts to part me from my money either so I can’t even try and entertain you.
Given the way my days are the best way I’ve been able to break down times to toke these new antibiotics are 6.00 am, 11.00 am, 4.00 pm and 9.00 pm or thereabouts. So 6.00 am saw me creeping into the kitchen so I didn’t disturb the fish (??? lunatic) and then creeping out again capsule in hand to take it from my drink in the bedroom. At 7.00 am I went back to the kitchen turning the lights on at the wall and at the tank too and chatting to the fish as I dropped food in for them. Big Al was boycotting me, Little Al was dithering between that and missing the food. Sharkey was his annoying self. Morecambe and Wise came for a chat as they like the timbre of my voice ( or is it timber as it’s wooden?) The plecs were happy climbing walls as usual but of my two new friends there was just an occasional glimpse as they darted from hiding place to hiding place. By 9.00 am I was up to date with last night’s post but decided to get dressed before doing any more. Needing a break I sat in the lounge for what I thought was a minute but in fact turned out to be 11.40 am. OMG, I’ve been abducted by aliens, but perhaps not as I hadn’t unlocked the front door this morning. I quickly checked my phone in case Lis and Charlie had been in touch about a visit but even though my phone was for once fully charged, there were no messages.
I hadn’t put socks on today but had to quickly slip some soft shoes on and go for bread so I could have lunch. I’d decided upon bacon with chips and bread with butter. That was very enjoyable and was over and done with by 1.00 pm. Time to stop skiving and get some work done. It was almost as bad as at the start of the day and I now have my proof that neither you nor I can find anything better to do. At 3.30 pm Mike sent a text to say he was on the way to me so I expect between 5.30 – 6.00 pm and then Lis sent a text at about 3.45 pm to say they’d be here about 4.30 – 5.00 pm. I ceased work at 4.30 pm to be ready ( and also to see my antiques show I admit) and they arrived at 4.45 pm. Hugs and kisses all round thoroughly enjoyed by me, so much so I went back for seconds but they beat me off. I got to hear all about Christmas and the New Year and Charlie had made me some dark chocolate gingers. Mmmm. They had to leave at 5.35 pm and not because I couldn’t keep my hands to myself. More hugs and kisses ensued. YAY. I finished watching one quiz and started watching another. Mike arrived about 6.15 pm after some annoying and typically expensive car troubles. We sat and chatted after I’d made a drink then watched an episode of Big Bang.
I made us both some tea an hour after my last antibiotic and then stayed with Mike a while until it was time to come to work. He’s watched an episode of Endeavour, the young Inspector Morse. I’m finally up to date (for now) but will check again once this post is finished. Who knows, I might make it by midnight again.
This song is a recommendation by my nephew Matt. I found myself enjoying it.
Friday.
This morning was a joyous 5.12 am, but only because I threw a real strop at at 2.08 am. Admittedly I enjoyed a cigarette at that time and made sure my rant lasted long enough but I absolutely refused to get up at that time again. I put my foot down with a very firm hand. The deal was off if I was going to be treated in such a cavalier fashion was rapidly followed by begging “Please let me have an extra couple of hours and I’ll mention all three of you tonight”. So, to show that I haven’t broken faith, allow me to reintroduce the Great and Uppity Somnos, his mediocre, but animal, loving ( and smelling) brother Porcinus and the almost nonentity Brother Jake. Follow them at your peril, admire them if you must but be sure to go through any contracts with a fine tooth comb.
The mail first thing wasn’t too bad after I’d caught up a little more before bedtime last night. It was still 1.00 am before my light went out though. I remembered to break off for my 6.00 am antibiotic. Talking of which. To remind me when to take them i’d written on the box, 6.11.4.9. When Mike came into the kitchen ( don’t be daft.it was never going to happen at that time this morning) last night he asked me why I’d written it and when I explained he said “Don’t you realise, you’ve written my birthday.” I don’t know how I hadn’t seen it. Plus it was confirmation that he admits to being 14 months older than me. I returned to work after the pill and carried on until 7.00 am.
Big Al had the weight of the world on his shoulders this morning. He was mooching round the front of the tank and kept throwing glances at me. I’m not sure If I was supposed to feel sorry for him. I decided to let them have one of the algae tablets this morning so after giving Morecambe and Wise their flake, I broke a tablet up and scattered it. Big Al latched his mouth on to the biggest piece as it hit the bottom leaving everyone else top find their own much smaller pieces. I’m not sure if it’s a perk of size or seniority. I left them gobbling and turned to take my own meds and prepare my drink. Once that was done and my tablets taken it was time for the weekly filling of the boxes and refilling of the drawer from my new drugs stash. That took a good half hour and so it was 7.45 am before I made the drink.Then I decided it might be nice to have some breakfast this morning so took a pre-food tablet, got the after food ones out ready and lit a cigarette. It should have been an extra five minutes but I went ahead anyway. A small pack of Frosties, just right with a piece of toast. Once finished my coffee was cool enough to take the two tablets with. I returned to work again. By 8.45 I’d done and got myself washed and dressed. As 9.00 am arrived I made a coffee and took it through to Mike who sat up and thanked me. I told him I was going to Pauline’s and wouldn’t be long.
At Pauline’s there was quite a queue. When it came to my turn I had quite a few lottery tickets to buy so I let a few people behind me go with just one or two items. When one elderly woman with a newspaper and a pint of milk appeared I told her to go because I needed a few tickets. She lay down the paper and milk and then rummaged in her handbag and preceded to bring out a winning scratchcard for her son who then wanted lottery tickets with the winnings and a winning scratchcard for herself and she also needed lottery tickets. I thought this was just enough cheek and took my turn straight after. She never even said thank you for the courtesy. So, it was 9.20 am when I got back home. I took my own milk to the kitchen and was surprised not to see Mike in the lounge. He was still in bed asleep. In a tone that implies deep disappointment I woke him to say he’d forgotten his coffee and reminded him what time it was. He shifted himself.
Sitting in the lounge with Mike I started to feel tired so when he went to the loo I just settled back in my chair for a minute.He decided he might as well get ready to go. That woke me of course, not that I’d done more than relax for a minute and I said goodbye noticing that he’d got up later but left on time compared to previously when he’s up on time and I can’t get the beggar out. Anyway, I went to see what messages had come in. One was an invitation to have a free birthday meal at The Bells of St Mary’s ( with another paying customer) which sounded good but I had the devil’s own job trying to print it out. There was no print option, just one to scan by phone. After a very long time I managed a screen dump of the part of the page showing the code. Then came three or four emails with Yvonne trying to figure out where to eat for my birthday. Despite it being my day, it looks like the options aren’t mine whether we go or not. She”s trying to work her way up to a biggie next year which I’m determined to have at home. I hate it when people are invited to meals like that and feel obligated to buy a gift and have to buy meals on top.
At 11.00 am I took my next antibiotic then carried on with the mail until 12..00 am when it was time for lunch. Another one of the infamous shepherd’s pies. I’d just finished when there was a knock on the door. It was the warden come for her weekly check on me. It was lashing down outside and the wind was picking up. Just as well she was wrapped up. We talked about the forecast of snow for tomorrow and she wasn’t keen on that at all. She gave me company for about 15 minutes then had to go to her next call. I didn’t envy her that rain. Worse still, I didn’t envy her the wind which was picking up in speed. I watched the remainder of the antiques show and shut my eyes for one of those thirty minute minutes. So it was 1.30 pm before I got back to work. That meant working hard in order to see the last episode this week of Father Brown. I was five minutes late. When that finished at 3.00 pm I made Mike’s bed before coming back through. Whatever happened I was determined to be done by 4.30 pm so my bed can wait.
At 4.30 pm I was temporarily up to date and went through to watch the Antique Road Trip’s last episode of the week. It had just started when my phone burped. I expected a message from Mike to say he was on his way back. I was 50% right, it was Mike only he was in a hospital in Manchester with his dad, just where he’d been 2 weeks ago on Christmas day. His wrist is broken after the fall after all. Today he’s having temporary strapping and has to go back Monday afternoon to have the job done properly. Mike needs to stay over Sunday night now. Oh good, an extra day’s B & B from him now. He’ll be back late tonight as he’s having a mel with his sister once he’s fed his dad and seen him off to bed. His carer will be with him for breakfast.( Dad not Mike ). At 6.00 pm I went through and made my bed then went to take a shower. After that I put in a little,work until an episode of Who Do You Think You Are with Gary Lineker. A fascinating programme. I wish we could all get that kind of help with our family trees. Having said that, if you need help try WWW.CT-RESEARCH.COM (lower case) . Connie and Tony are two of the most competent and helpful people I know. They’re good with puzzles and are really friendly.
I took my next antibiotic at 9.00 pm and realised somehow I’d missed the 4.00 pm one. I thought I might as well take my evening ones at the same time. I stayed in the lounge watching a comedy just in case Mike arrived back but at 9.40 pm as there was no sign I came to make up for all my skiving. I’m sure no-one heard me scream. There were quite a few in both mailboxes and it was difficult to catch up. But, being a veteran of these wars now, I gave it my best attempt. I an knocking off at 11.50 pm and Mike has just returned.
Saturday.
I went through to make Mike a cup of coffee and get the full saga of his day. And what a day it was too with carers, doctors, x-rays, bone settings and throughout it all having to deal with his dad whose mood was not the most helpful. The story took a while and I went to bed at 1.00 pm and Mike headed for his bedroom still jumping with adrenalin. I’m not sure when I went to sleep but 2.24 am was today’s prize time for getting up. Granted my bladder wasn’t helping much either. As I went to the loo I noticed Mike was still awake and reading. Once the deluge had finished I went through and we talked for a few minutes until I actually saw him yawn. I left and came through to the computer. At 3.00 am more than a little frustrated I went to get some painkillers and noticed sleep had claimed Mike.
When I got back to the computer I turned off and back on to start afresh. Every time I’d tried to like something so far, or pressed comment I’d been taken to the Blogs I Follow, WordPress page. I’d had to do a search on each blog to enter it and do what I intended. It was just taking an age doing it that way. The reboot worked and I sailed through the remaining posts finishing at 4.45 am. I celebrated with a drink of squash in the kitchen then a prowl through ebay at the catfish available there. I was so surprised to see small pangasius there ( Like my favourite fish ‘Zippy’) since anyone taking those was going to need a massive tank since some can soon grow to a metre. They’re known as shark catfish because of their look but I found zippy to be intelligent and to have a very passive nature.
Beautiful Pangasius. shark catfish.
I think I’m attracted ( in the right way ) to these fish because of their spectacular moustaches. At 6.00 am I went through to take an antibiotic and though I crept very quietly I felt eyes on me the minute I walked into the kitchen. It’s not even as though I turned the light on , my torch stopped me needing to do that…………. I gave in and turned the tank light on. Morecambe and Wise were watching me from the top of the tank, with Big Al, Little Al and one of the plecs watching me from below like the Codfather and a couple of wiseguys. If I’d have seen a violin case at that moment I’d still be running. Though officially it’s non-feeding day I was taking no chances and just tipped a full box through the hatch. Mind you, they’ll have the devil’s own job of getting the lid off. Hah.! I took the antibiotic and went back to my room. Another 30 minutes saw me up to date and I was feeling cocky enough to re-approach the kitchen. OK, I’d taken my dressing gown off hoping they’d think it was someone else. This time I took my normal morning meds , prepared a cup for my coffee and started to get the rubbish and the recycling waste ready to go out. Trouble was it was persisting down and blowing a gale out there. In the end I took it out and planted the food waste bin on top of the recycling bags to try and hold them down. When I came back in. I was amazed to hear Mike’s alarm go off. To be honest I fully expected him to turn it straight off but I saw him sit up. I asked “Are you going back to sleep bro, or do you want a drink?” He told me he’d have a drink so I put the kettle on while I made mine and when it was ready I made one and took it through. He was asleep again. “Coffee’s up” I called not really caring if he stayed asleep. I went outside and added something to the rbbish and when I came back in he was actually up. Honest, really, and he was awake and actually hitting his mouth with the drink.
It was a later start but not by much really as we left the house at 8.10 am. We were at the Supermarket by 8.30 am and in shopping mode. Within the first ten minutes I’d got some potatoes, Ju’s flowers and some clothing from the sale for myself. Well, you can’t NOT get a cardigan and a pair of jeans at £4 a peace can you? Please don’t answer that. OK, OK, there was a shirt too at just £3 but that’s it honest. After that we honestly put some food in the basket. Mike was doing some shopping for his dad today, washing powder etc so if there wasn’t as much room for food in my trolley ( technically his I suppose as he paid for it) as usual it’s all his fault. After going through the checkout we went for coffee.
When we’d packed the car and had a cigarette it was decided we’d go to Flint but on the way there was a slight detour via Pets at Home so I could see the pet rats and we could both view the fish. We didn’t buy anything and resumed the journey. Today Mike needed another coffee before anything else so we went in and had a Happy New Year hug from Ceri, had a laugh with Sian and tried not to upset Kyle’s hangover. Mike had his usual teasted toecake then threw the biscuit from his saucer straight into his coffee to soften. Oops, error, it was a change of biscuit this week and was already quite soft. It almost disintegrated in the fumes before it touched liquid. He had to fish it out in bits. He didn’t make the same mistake with my biscuit. I thought we were going to check one shop out for an ice pack when we’d done, but it turned into two, three, four as well as a minor detour inside the pet store to look at, you guessed it, fish. Tonight I’m writing begging letters to the Gettys, The Gugenheins, Bill Gates and Madonna to see if they’d like to buy me a 12 foot tank so I can keepadopt some large homeless catfish.
We realised it was now gone 1.00 pm and I’d forgotten to take my 11.00 am antibiotic and also I needed some food so we headed straight off to the Ivy. Angie gave us a kiss (each) and got me a glass of water so the first problem was solved. We had to share our seats today as interlopers had dug themselves in despite the reserved sign. Angie had got our drinks so we ordered lunch and I was able to take my pre-food tab. Young Rob came over to say hello as he passed by with some food deliveries. It was fairly busy again. We took the opportunity to nip out for a cigarette and moments later Tariq came flying out to say hello. He knew who it was as soon as he got the food order, double bacon sandwiches with a bucket of chips between us. After we’d gone back in, lunch wasn’t long in arriving and then Shella came out to say Hi too. It’s like coming to eat with family. He’s even given up arguing with me over payment these days.
Lunch over and hugs goodbye out of the way we headed for home. One we’d put the shopping away, I was allowed on the computer, well he is OLDER than me. In what I thought was a gross mistake I found 144 outstanding messages. I was within about 25 of the end when he called me through to watch TV with him. It had taken from 3.15 to 5.25 pm to get this far, and that was more luck than judgement. I stayed until 8.40 pm then he saw me twitching and let me come back. It’s been another long haul but I think I’ll make it before midnight- just.
barsetshirediaries 