Famous Five Depart & The Butter Magnet

Sunday 19th April 2015

Lights off before 1.00 am this morning and I think I was quick to sleep. All the more astounding then that when I  woke and saw it was just 2.26 am, I could not get back to sleep despite trying. When I gave up, I got up. With Mike here fast asleep in bed there was no way I could practice for my role in Sound of Music, though I still think I make a terrible Maria. Instead I had to allow that all I could do was creep to the loo and back and log on. I thought that things were going well for me, I had almost finished the rest of last nights and it wasn’t quite 4.30 am. I glanced again and I’d almost finished last night’s but now it was 6.05 am. Wha? I’d completely zonked. Why it hadn’t let me do that at half past two I don’t know. I could have saved myself a stiff neck and a puzzled look.

I had considered not feeding the Famous Five this morning and leaving their light off too but I thought that might make catching them much worse than it could do as we all know how good they are at hiding,especially Harold. So, I went through for the last time and flicked the light switch. Harold was out of sight  just then but Pepper was lurking near the food flap. First in the queue again. I opened the flap and like a miracle Little Al and Bonzo emerged before any food went in. Big Al brought up the rear throwing the odd dirty look my way. The food went in and they started grazing. Harold appeared from nowhere at the back of the tank. I turned away to take a pre food tab. I needed breakfast as I had no idea how long this operation would take today or what time I’d get lunch. I put bread in the toaster, took my other meds and made myself a drink. Then I lit a cigarette and turned back to the tank to tell the guys I was going to miss them. They must be nice for the new owner as he’d look after them and I needed to explain why I was doing this, because I wouldn’t restock the tank for fear of losing more fish which might include some of them, but the tank needed to be brought back to life with some more companions. I think even Big Al looked kindly on me for a mo. I had my breakfast and left them.

I started back where I’d left off and carried on until 9.00 am when I got dressed then at half past I made a coffee and took it through to Mike. I just had to remind him ( with a megaphone) that the new owner would be here at 10.30 am and he got up all on his own. I joined him in the lounge. Last night Mike had helped me put a new keyboard on ( he did the bending for me to the base unit) as my fingernails had removed all the letters again despite the nail varnish I’d painted on. The keyboard that was on was a usb fitting whereas the one we put on was the old type. I started having problems soon after where if my computer went into rest mode I couldn’t wake it and a message appeared on screen to say no info coming through. I had to reboot the whole thing to get it going. I asked Mike to help me get a new keyboard  with a usb fitting today . He said he would. He was dressed before 10.30 am and on time I had a text to say Dai was here, what number was I. Mike went out to get him and his sin who the tank was actually for. Mike emptied the tank of all the wood and the ornaments and we bagged them for Dai and his son to run to the car then Mike caught the fish who weren’t being very helpful and I bagged and tied them. The bags went intoi a large bucket for support and Dai had brought a very large brewers bucket to take some of the original tank water back. That was good. After we’;d filled that we emptied a lot of the tank leaving a safe level ( we hoped) in the bottom of the tank covering the sand and grit. Everything went to the car and all of a sudden they were gone.

I took a little time cleaning the area where the tank had sat then moved some things around in the new found space. Mike’s watch said it had taken us an hour from start to finish. He had a coffee  and at about 12.45 pm we decided to go for lunch. The Ivy wasn’t too crowded so we got to speak to Angie and Rob before Tariq appeared and came for a hug. Even Shella made an effort to come out and see Mike. We passed over the chocolates and ordered our drinks. Sitting down we could see the specials board and both made up our minds quite quickly so that we could order as soon as the drinks came. I took my pre-food and we went out in the sunshine for a cigarette. Almost perfect timing as the meals arrived not long after we’d gone back in. After lunch we got into a conversation with Rob about fish tanks and fish as he had a few of both, but we didn’t stay much after that. A goodbye hug from Tariq and we left. Mike ran me up to Holywell and the local supermarket where I got the last keyboard, expensive but a good make. We went home and attached this one hoping the problems would go away. It seemed to have done at first so Mike felt OK about going home. I waved him off and came through to work. The computer had gone to sleep while I was outside and again I had to reboot to get it going. Still, at least I can see what I’m typing now when it is working.

At 6.00 pm I went through to turn the tank off. Oops, but I stayed there to watch Ice Age 3 , some of it behind closed eyelids. When I went back through at 8.00 pm I had to reboot again but I’ve been here ever since so it hasn’t happened again. At 10.30 I broke off to do the blog and even though I know there’s a lot of mail left it can wait till morning. It’s now 11.49 pm.

Monday.

I just made it to bed before midnight. There was time for a read and the light went out about 12.55 am. I was up again at 2.12 am but didn’t feel ready for work so lay back down and tried again. The second time was a much more acceptable 4.31 am. It was also much more necessary as I think my bladder was close to pressing against every major organ including the brain. Going to the loo brought a big smile to my face. I came back and logged on, which took so,me time while it made up it’s mind if it was going to, but eventually I was able to open my mail. It was just as well I was sitting down or I might have had to. It was 6.49 am before I did the last of Sunday’s messages. No point in starting today’s straight away I thought, as I might as well see to the fish first and maybe have breakfast. I reached the kitchen before I remembered.  I just took my meds, made a coffee and came away.

I got dressed when I came back through in case the postman knocked with a delivery outstanding from the end of last week. Also the warden is due to call. After that I faced the mail and there was a lot to face, it looks like you’re all making up for a lazy week last week. Over 100 emails between midnight and 7.00 am and I’d just got through 60+ from last night alone. I worked until 9.30 am then went to put my washing in the machine. It’s an hour and a half cycle then three hours in the drier. Once I’d loaded up I turned it on and came back. The postman brought a letter but no parcel so I’d have to query that with ebay later. Somehow I was finished at 10.38 and opened my other mail box to find a friend worried because she found her book as a download on a site she doesn’t know. It offers a choice of downloads but each one I tried just took me to a different advert for gambling or coaching you on earning your first million, and you were expected to sign up which I wouldn’t do. I’ve advised her to see if she can find out who the host is and have it taken down. That was from a simple search of her book title. I hope all yours are safe.

At 11.00 am there was a knock at the door. Logic tells me it’s the warden since the postman has already been. I opened the door to be greeted by bright sunshine and the warden in a short sleeved blouse enjoying the warmth. I hadn’t given a thought as to what kind of day it was. I had just been going to start gift wrapping so when she came in it was a welcome escape. We had a little natter about nothing of real interest but she was assured I am OK and in need of nothing. As she started to leave I passed her the usual chocolates as a thank you for her time and patience. Though I haven’t actually needed the wardens, it’s nice to know they’re there and ready to help if the need arises. In other words, probably able to tittle tattle to then doctor if she doesn’t think I’m well or ready to rat on me to Yvonne. After she’d left I only had time to wrap a couple of gifts before lunch time, shame. ( Oh pass a tissue, the sarcasm is dripping from my chin). Lunch was a fairly easy affair of cottage pie while I sat watching Murder She Wrote. Typically the sound of my snoring drowned out the exposure of whodunit. When I came to it was 1.45 pm and I still had to return to the wrapping as I hadn’t been overrun by prezzie fairies as I slept.

In the end it was getting on for 3.00 pm when I returned to work. It’s possible some of the things I said on seeing my mail boxes, had their roots in Anglo Saxon. There may have been a blue tinge to the air that wasn’t from cigarette smoke though ultimately that’s what I’d blame. It’s like everyone has something to prove today and is in direct competition with all comers. It was hard going. By the time my quiz came round at 5.15 pm I debated whether to carry on working or to take the chance on catching up later. I took the chance. I watched the first quiz then made some tea and watched the end of a second quiz. Instead of  returning to work I gifted myself with an episode of the Big Bang Theory only I nodded off before the end. Sacrilege ! And slept right past the end until  7.35 pm. I knew there would be a price to pay and refreshed the mail. No America, that wasn’t the wind you heard howling past your doors, that was me.I’m sure even Australia would have felt the vibrations of that scream. So, I’ve been trapped in this chair since that time and haven’t yet taken my meds. I made good headway but started this blog at 10.40 pm and it’s just approaching 11.30 pm. I shall have to return to the post for a while afterwards but will be sending out a plea for mercy tomorrow. Don’t make me grovel. I shall be leaving the house at 7.30 am to go see my daughter and grandson. I shall return about 2.00 pm. If you work this hard tomorrow you’ll make it impossible for me to leave the house ever again in case I hit a big backlog. Take a break, relax, sleep or enjoy some sunshine but try not to blog too much please.

I’m not always very keen on cover versions of people’s records but sometimes the versions really do complement and compliment the originals  Few people could equal Paul Young’s version of Wherever I lay my hat which was a Marvin Gaye song. Here is a song by the group Black done by Zucchero. I think it excellent. I hope you agree.

Tuesday.

I swung my legs out of bed at 4.10 am but something didn’t feel right. I’d turned my light out at 12.47 am but didn’t feel I’d slept that long. On went my glasses for a second look at the clock, 1.16 am. Beggar that for a game of soldiers, back went my legs and I slept some more. So much more in fact that I next woke at 6.16 am. I can’t remember the last time I slept this late nor the last time it was so bloody inconvenient to do so. Somnos is sniggering somewhere. I have to be out of the house at 7.30 am, preferably fully dressed and need to clear my backlog from last night and this morning by then. Not a cat in Hells chance. It pained me to do so but I concentrated on dressing first then going through to the kitchen to take my meds and get a drink. It was almost 6.50 am before I returned to my room and turned the computer on. Another quick laugh for the gods as the system wouldn’t boot up, just a message on the screen to say no info coming through. Three times I had to turn off and try again before it deigned to work. I went straight to mail and started work. In no time at all it was 7.25 am and time to get my coat on, making sure I had my bus pass this time and out the door. Then in the door because my cigarettes were lying by the computer. Then out again and up the road. One thing the gods could not control was the bus driver who stopped to pick me up well before the stop.

I scanned my pass, thanked him and took a seat to get my breath back. As soon as I knew I wasn’t about to expire I rested my chin on the arm part of my crutch, closed my eyes and avoided the world for an hour.Yvonne and Reuben weren’t at the bus stop so I lit a cigarette and waited. Moments later they appeared out of the shop behind me where they’d gone to wait for the bus ( no, they couldn’t catch one in there ). The took me back in to see something Yvonne wanted an opinion on for Reuben. I liked it. We came back out and as it was 9.00 am by then we walked over the road to the big clothes store which has a Costa coffee shop inside.I had a latte and a toasted sausage and red onion sandwich which was nice. Once we’d all finished I wanted to buy something for my next great nephew and something for my niece who’s birthday is tomorrow, the same one who will be hugging in Llandudno on Saturday.I picked up something for Reuben, Yvonne and Ugo at the same time. Yvonne says Ugo will be cross as though I care- I won’t be there. It’s her ears will suffer not mine. That took a while and once we’d paid for our purchases we headed for a supermarket to get some shopping. Yvonne wanted a birthday cake for her uncle John who’s birthday is on Friday. I needed bread a swell. Then to a £ shop where I know I spent some money but I’ve no idea what on and a card shop so I could get a card and gift wrap and Yvonne could get a card to send back with me.

Coming out of the card shop Yvonne say my bus approach so we walked a bit quicker and she asked how long we had before he left as she wanted to write the card. He waited for her. She tucked the card in my bag with the birthday cake and other bits of shopping and I boarded the bus. Magic, my seat was vacant.I waved to them both and saw Reuben waving in the vague direction off where I might be but without exactly knowing. At least there weren’t tears today. They left and started walking towards home. A minute later the bus set off and as we turned a corner I got another wave at Yvonne and Roobs, standing at the curb waiting to cross. It was time to shut the world out. When I rested my chin on the crutches I fell asleep. It didn’t help that I woke whenever we stopped and started but the journey was still over a lot sooner than usual. Coming home I was pleased to see a badge I’d,ordered late Sunday night had arrived but disappointed that my parcel from last week is still missing. My next job is to send them a message to ask about proof of postage. I unpacked and put away the shopping and came through. There were 184 messages. I started work.

It was a hard, uphill slog, no hang on, that’s the treadmill. It was a hard job. At 5.00 pm I was distracted when my brother in law, the Jo half of MuJo, skyped me to see if they could come tomorrow. It took 45 mins to ask. I knew it would throw me out tomorrow with having my games but I said OK. since they said the forecast was for a change in the weather on Thursday and it’s nicer to walk round in the sunshine. So, another day with a big backlog. I thought I’d better eat so I walked into the kitchen, fully intending to turn the tank light off. I glanced at the calendar and saw I’ve a diabetic review at 10.40 am. Bollards! I sent a text to Mu to say came a little later or I’ll meet you in town at 11.00 am. While waiting for a response I sat and ate liver and onions ( yes, and bacon too) with mashed potatoes, watching a quiz. When I got up to wash the pots I saw a response though I hadn’t heard a thing. Pardon? They’ve changed it back to Thursday again now so that should be OK.

At 6.30 pm I came back through and had another attempt at whittling things down. I’m in trouble if they ever catch me with this knife. The more I answered , the more came through. I wonder if I unanswer some, others will disappear? I think not. By 9.00 pm there were signs of daylight which were in direct contradiction to the growing dark outside. With the amount of mail I had it was a major surprise not to have any proposals  but there were 4 messages of a type today. All 4 had similar messages in the subject line to draw you in. You have won £250 of Tesco Vouchers or You’re today’s winner. They may even include your email name in that field. But when you open the message it’s blank apart from a link. Be warned this is for a variety of gaming or Bingo sites and any prize which you will only be entered for is reliant on you signing up. Unless you specifically know you’ve entered a certain competition treat these as a virus which will bring in plenty more.

At 10.00 pm I finished early to do the blog as I have no idea how much more mail will arrive. So rather than take chances, I’ll do the blog and when I finish about 11.00 pm I’ll go back and try to clear up what’s left. So, It’s on to the musical interlude. Tonight I’m going to give you the same song twice as a treat ( I hope).

Wednesday.

I stopped work around 11.30 am and for some reason went to Ancestry.com where I dealt with a couple of hints but it didn’t take me anywhere I wanted to be with a particular part of the family. I have two problems, the lack of records of a birth in Ireland, thus the lack of information on parents of that child. The second one is his wife who was born on ‘The Rock’ of Gibraltar ( I think) and was probably an army brat but I can’t access any records on her. I’m stumped. By midnight I’d had enough and gone to bed to read. My light went out about 1.00 am. It was a pretty short sleep whatever it was because I woke at 1.54 am. There seemed to be no reason as the bladder wasn’t pushing but I went anyway before trying again. It worked. I slept until 3.59 am and I knew then it was time to get up. I had to go to the loo again to pee into my little bottle for the diabetic review.Thinking about it later while down on my hands and knees, perhaps I shouldn’t have tried to do it from 6 feet away after all.

I came back and started work. The computer booted up properly this morning so no steam coming out of my ears today. Five minutes later they got a steam clean when I opened an email from Felicia    hey hey.. i kept ur email from google member a while back are you still available? lets meet up 848-two two eight-eight 3 zero 6 text me!          Where are they all finding me? Don’t tell me I have to break off the latest engagement because of another better offer. People will think I’m flighty. I worked through ll last nights remains which took until 6.20 am then decided to go and have breakfast. I can’t get used to this big fish tank shaped hole in my life which is currently filled by a wine rack which in itself is pretty weird since I don’t drink. I got through all the tablet taking etc and had a couple of rounds of toast. I didn’t even wait for it to go cold this morning. Then I went back to work. I remember seeing 7.12 am on the clock then the next thing I knew I was awake and it was 7.55 am. It was so black though, not like being asleep. Nothing I could do but shake my head and work on. By 8.50 I’d cleared quite a bit and stopped to get dressed. I needed Pauline’s for some milk and my TV mag as well as a new cigarette supply. But I had to move fast as I’d need to leave the house at 9.30 am to catch the bus to town. I did Pauline’s with time to spare.

I’m not used to going out and travelling when there ate so many people about so I had to force myself a bit but I made it. I caught the bus and was in town by 9.45 am. I took a couple of minutes to walk round the supermarket that had defeated me last week to see what specials they had and to pick up brochures ready for the next batch tomorrow. I was able to have a cigarette and take a slow walk towards the surgery then though my appointment wasn’t until 10.40 am. I made every effort to bend my body towards the ciggie today so it didn’t look like I was waving my stick at anyone. I popped a cough sweet in my mouth and went to log in. That bloody machine hates me, yet again it said there was a problem with my appointment, please report to reception. That meant either 15 minutes stuttering or, if you;re a genius like wot I am, I stuck my appointment letter over the counter and said I’m here. I was logged in. I was called at 10.30 am so it was good I was there, no change in medication which I know isn’t good. My blood test last week showed I’m still 59 (points not years) and my range is 49 to 59 so I’m still on the top despite my fantastic diet. This Sister S ( sorry, a different one) checked my feet and was even kind enough to trim my toe nails despite the risks to her health. I was just about out of there when I was due in. Time enough for a cigarette as I walked into town to the bus stop.

I was home for 11.15 am so there was chance to do a little more work before lunch. The first one I opened started “My Dear Beloved in Christ” nothing is more likely to turn my stomach than something like this where someone would take for granted her beliefs matter and so I must follow them. Her message was tucked up as a  link and since I didn’t want to open a virus it went straight in the bin. Even if this was a genuine message I’d say a religious opening like that is most inappropriate unless you know the recipient is a Christian. What happens if it’s a Jew, Muslim or even a Buddhist that opens it? A couple more messages brought me close enough to lunch time that I could happily break off and eat. I really fancied my chips in curry sauce but Pauline hadn’t got any in this morning so I settled for a lamb hot pot. I think I’d have settled for anything as long as it involved bread and butter. As usual I watched an episode of Murder She Wrote or truth to tell, that was my intent. I saw the murder, I saw the Indian take the blame and that was it until 1.35 pm. That hour seemed to make me worse rather than better so I went back through to my room before I nodded off again. I really worked hard all afternoon and even stayed awake.I contacted the seller of my last ebay item to let him know it hadn’t arrived and he promised to sort it with the delivery people. He uses a private courier firm. I intended to knock off at 5.00 pm in time for my fellow gamers arriving. I actually finished at 4.55 pm as in I caught up with myself. I had a wander through to get the mugs ready.

I’d just put sugar inn the mugs when I heard an Hello and in walked Dil sans son. It seems Matt had forgotten and had booked himself a driving lesson. We knew Lee wouldn’t be coming because of the impending birth though he still sent me a text. So it was to be just Dil and I. I put the TV on so we could watch the quiz that’s usually on when they arrive only this week he’d see it from the start. He made me laugh that he has problems seeing the questions on my 32″ screen in a small room because he has a 55″ one in his that’s all singing all dancing. Once it was over Dil got then table out and I got the games. We played Yahtzee first and I was lucky if I threw a pair never mind anything else. It was almost a whitewash with Dil winning 5-1. We played Nomination Whist next which has always been my game- until tonight, nuff said. Battered and bruised I opted for Chase the Lady next ( Hearts of a computer) and played with a dead hand. That at least went my way and I had the joy of ‘Lotting’ twice thus dumping 300 points on his score which ended up with me on about 120 to Dil’s 560. I started to feel a bit better, especially when I won two games of Cribbage and then I beat him in the last game of Crazy 8’s as well. I have to say that winning aside I had a fantastic evening. Though we play to win it’s never taken seriously and there’s banter throughout. He’s quite a funny fella my brother and he does make me laugh which is good because I’m probably far too serious most of the time when I’m here alone.

Dil left at 9.35 pm I had he usual tidy up and washed the pots then took my evening meds and came through. Like last night I didn’t want to spend to long on mail and miss the blog so I worked till 10.30 pm, did the blog and am about to return to the post a little after 11.30 pm.

 

Thursday.

I probably gave up a bit before I should have done last night but I was in bed by 12.05 am. I wanted to read but not for too long so the light went out (years ago) at about 12.45 am. That was it until 4.34 am when I woke ready to go. Naturally I visited Piddletown before booting up and for the second day in succession it came on no problem at all. I hope it’s cured itself of the hiccups it’s been having. Working through last night’s stuff I came across a message like the ones from yesterday but with a notice from TalkTalk to say a virus had been removed. I still can’t get my head round why someone would want to deliberately infect someone’s system. Naturally I didn’t even read it, just binned it. As I started today’s mail one of the first ones was yet another of those with a file attached you have to open to read the message. ‘Hi’ is all you get otherwise. I think my bin must be pretty full by now.

At 6.10 am I went for breakfast and consciously tried not to look at the space in the corner. It was no good, my eyes are drawn to it after so long. Dai, the new owner has actually posted a thank you to Mike and myself on Freecycle and said the fish are doing well. I’m pleased. I put bread in the toaster but what a struggle to get in in. I should have cut the top off it first. Then it was sprays and tabs before going through to the lounge with a cigarette. As soon as I finished smoking I went back to butter the very creased toast and eat it. I have to have a tissue handy as my moustache seems to be a butter magnet. If I try to kiss anyone I just slip off now so the tissue is needed to get rid of the excess. I brought my coffee and the after meal tabs back through to take. I was liking a photograph of my eldest grandson on Facebook and decided to print it off but my fingers were crossed the yellow ink would last out- it did. By 8.50 am I was actually up to date and decided to get dressed if I could first decide what to get dressed in. I settled for  brown slacks ( with a natural shine ) and a brown/white striped shirt. I can wear my brown bomber jacket on top when I go out. I’m looking forward to the arrival of MuJo today as I want to see his face as he opens his birthday gifts. John is like a child, full of excitement and really effusive in his gratitude. It makes all the work worthwhile.

Once I was dressed I sat back at the computer to check the lottery- really, why bother? To see if anything important is coming up on ebay I want to bid on and generally to make sure you sneaky beggars don’t pile up the post unnoticed. I stayed there until 10.30 am  then knowing they’d be there before long I set some drinks out so I didn’t have to faff when they arrived. About ten minutes later they arrived. I pulled the kitchen door too so they wouldn’t see the fish had gone. Once settled I brought the cake Yvonne had bought through for him. His face lit up. Mmmm , cake. Then I brought the basic gifts and let him open them, a badge, some of his favourite sweets and two teeshirts. When I thought he was bored enough I got the main gifts. He opened the walking stick and really liked it. I had to explain how it had arrived broken and I repaired it as no replacement was possible, as neither of them could see the break in the carving he didn’t mind and at least wouldn’t feel guilty if it happened again. Next I gave him a small parcel to open and he found the hand painted Napoleon I’d sent to France for. That was another hit, I was so pleased. Lastly the bigger parcel opened to reveal the tall, antique Nelson toby jug. I’d been so pleased to win that on ebay and was even more so when I saw his face. Finding the right thing for someone for a birthday is important to me. I’m not always this lucky.

By the time I’d got rid of all the scrap paper it was time to go out. We settled on going to The Bells of St Mary’s and the run wasn’t too bad. Windows open because of the heat of the day. Ha, I can never get used to  saying that in April. We were a few minutes early arriving which meant no queues. I paid for the drinks and the carvery tickets and we put the drinks on out table and went to collect the food. Needless to say I had roast beef. John wouldn’t have a pudding as he was the only one wanting a bottomless ice-cream. But he said he’s have a cake when we went for coffee and then some of his birthday cake when we got back. Once we finished there Muriel drove to Flint managing to find every pot hole in the road so my attempts at nodding off weren’t successful. We went to ALDI for some shopping and I managed to get some chocolates for Temptations and a strawberry and rhubarb tart for myself for later. Temptations was next where Muriel got me a latte and I handed over the chocolates and blew Ceri a kiss. It was nice and cool in there but the need for a cigarette sent me out into the sunshine soon enough.

When MuJo joined me outside we took a walk round the usual shops to pick up a few items. Mu bought us an iced lolly each which we ate before leaving. Then back home again, John demolished a big wedge of his cake with his afternoon tablets, he said it was lovely, before they decided it was time to go. If not, I risked John falling asleep on the sofa . Once they’d gone I flew through here to work, it was already 4.05 pm. I worked till almost 5.30 pm then went through to prepare Mike’s mug and to have a piece of my now defrosted strawberry and rhubarb tart. I turned the TV onto a quiz and sat back to wait for Mike who arrived not too much later. We watched the show together, talked for a while then I came back through admonishing him not to let me miss my 8.30 pm Big Bang Theory. He forgot but luckily I didn’t. I stayed in the lounge until 9.30 pm before heading back here for the last time with just a minor detour to the kitchen to take my meds. I was getting fairly close to catching up when I broke off at 10.40 pm to do the blog. An hour and I’m ready to call it a night and maybe leave the rest till tomorrow morning.I ‘ll just see how bad it’s got first.

Serenade on a Bus.

The Bus Ride

For my friend and author Mary J McCoy-Dressel

Friday.

Well, I might have had a look last night t how bad the mail was after doing the blog but it made no difference. I decided to leave it anyway. So I was in bed by 11.45 pm and only read until 12.15 am. I was tired and sleep came easily but not rest as my brain decided to start showing dream on a loop like my thoughts sometimes go. At 2.04 am I was up again but still tired so I sat with a cigarette in my chair in the lounge. Once the ciggie was done I nestled in and tried for sleep. I was there till an amazing 6.43 am. As far as I know no dreams just a wonderful sleep. Of course by then my bladder was suggesting if could hold yacht races so I paid a visit. There was no point in going to the computer afterwards to read all your work as on Fridays I have to do my weekly drugs and prepare a new prescription request for next week. Taking my morning meds and then replacing everything in the trays for the week takes some time so it was almost 7.30 am before I could grab a coffee and bring it through to my room.

I booted up and signed in. By 8.40 am I’d stopped crying and started work. I’d finished with last night’s work and started on today’s. I paused long enough to get dressed. At 9.00 am I went through to make Mike a coffee which I took through and woke him for long enough to acknowledge the drink was there. I did a couple more messages and then ignored one with a business opportunity ‘Just for me’ that needed an attachment opening for further details. Nope, just not that daft, in the bin it went. It was now 9.15 am and I thought I’d left it long enough for the Mother’s Mafia to have departed Pauline’s. I woke Mike again to tell him I was leaving the house and not to worry if I wasn’t there when he got up. He told me he understood and I left. MuJo had made mention of a murder locally which I hadn’t heard about ( how would I?) so I decided to buy a paper for once. Pauline wasn’t there but her husband Jim did my lottery tickets, sorted some cigarettes for me as well as selling me the paper and some Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles ( bet you can’t just suck them either ). I came home, dropped one of my crutches on the floor saw Mike shoot out of bed, took my coat off and joined him in the lounge. The paper said nothing about a murder at all.

I came through tot he bedroom to run a search as I was puzzled and actually found a piece about a bod being found but there was no mention of a murder. It did say that a second person was taken to hospital to be checked out. Since an ambulance was called at 2.30 am in connection with this I’m guessing it will be drug related. I shall have to keep my ear to the ground for more news. I let Mike know as he was checking the paper to see if I’d missed anything then went back to work. Mike came through at 10.20 am to say goodbye as he was leaving to see his father. From then on I worked and worked a bit more but only until 11.50 am when I stopped for lunch. That was a fine affair with my cottage pie and bread and butter. Naturally while I ate Jessica Fletcher was solving a crime in the background but after I’d washed my fork in the adverts I came back and missed the ending as I slept. I was asleep until 1.15 pm which wasn’t long.It’s surprising how tired I’ve been today given the sleep I had last night. But I shifted my bum back to work before I nodded again.. As always a fair bit had accrued while I was away, when I added it to the outstanding ones from the morning I started looking round for a suitcase to pack. Conscience got the better of me and I started trying to whittle it down instead.

It was a very long afternoon but the promise of quitting about 6.00 pm when Mike returned kept me going. The more the afternoon wore on,   the less well I felt so that when Mike walked in at 5.20 pm I was really glad. Maybe the change of position would improve things. As I joined him in the lounge I noticed my stomach appeared to have grown and was definitely uncomfortable, painful even. I always took precautions so pregnancy shouldn’t be an option. I began feeling sick but was pretty sure  almost 7.00 pm didn’t count as morning sickness. I thought maybe a shower would help but Mike thought I was a bit wobbly and helped me towards the bathroom where I promptly started throwing up.

I suppose that hour was in reality a couple of minutes. When it seemed to have settled I prepared for the shower but this time Mike made me sit on the shower stool while he washed my hair  and then proceeded to wash everything except the family jewels. ( probably because they’re in hock). He helped me into clean tee shirt and lounge pants, Minions this time, and I went back through to the lounge. At some point I fell asleep in my chair waking at what I thought was about 3.00 am but which Mike explained away by saying he wouldn’t be watching Persons of Interest at that time of the morning. Things began to clear a bit and I noticed it was 11.15 pm on my watch so I said I needed to do the blog before bed. “Just the blog” he said. It was only when I got in here and noticed the clock said 10.15 pm that I realised what a lemon I am, unable to tell the time at my age. My watch was in agreement with the clock. There might be time to do a few messages when I finish here. I needed a puff of my inhalor and saw it was on the red line so went to get a new one from the kitchen only to find I don’t have one and can only order it on Monday for Tuesday unless the chemist is in a good mood and lets me have it on Monday. Mike reminded me to take my meds while I was in there which I did before coming through again.

At the request of my friend Suzanne Joshi, something from the late 50’s early 60’s when she had such a great time.

        From 1960

       From 1960

Saturday.

I got to bed at about 11.45 pm last night which as pretty good. I knew I was tired but I couldn’t sleep straight away as I had the sneezes and Mike kept shouting Bless You. The light went off about 12.30 am though I think before that it was a case of the lights are on but no-one’s home. I got up to go for a pee at 6.51 am and can’t understand what’s happening. That’s two days on the trot now where I’ve slept like a normal human being. It’s also the one day I didn’t want to as I have to start getting Mike up at 7.00 am heaven help me. I went through to the kitchen and put the kettle on. While it was boiling I took my meds and prepared to make my own drink. The kettle boiled just as Mike’s alarm went off. Naturally he ignored it but maybe, just maybe it had brought him to the surface enough to make it easy for me. I called “Coo-ee, coffee’s up. Yes, it’s here, finally arrived on a table near you. Can you hear me Mike”? There were enough jungle sounds to make me believe he had. I went back tot he kitchen and set the Tassimo to make my drink. While that was happening I took the waste food bag to the bin and ran both bins down the path to then front. The Minions lounge pants hiding this sylph like figure from the world. The pert bottom and nice pins kept away from a possible legion of female fans. ( If I find out who shouted Dream On then you’re in trouble Michael).

I came in and saw Mike still in his pit so called him ever so gently to remind him his coffee was going cold.( Shift yo ass unless you want iced coffee). The alarm went again. As I took the recycling bags out he was moving. A=2 C=2. I washed my hands, picked up my drink and went to join him. Eventually it was time to get dressed. Mike suggested I put my dressing gown in the wash which meant I had to find the new one I bought a few weeks ago. By the time I’d done that some sneaky article was already dressed and came to my room to ask why he was still waiting. Some deep breathing exercises stopped me from hitting him, well that and the fact he moved out of reach. I dressed quickly and we left.It was 7.55 am. At the supermarket Mike got a trolley while I got some cash from the machine then off we set. I was lucky enough to find a coat for Reuben in the sale and a really nice tee shirt. While we were going round I also got some newborn nappies for my soon to be great nephew. Eventually we worked our was round to getting some food too so I’m OK for next week and 30 cans of Pepsi Max because they were a real bargain, only about £1 more than 16 can’s in 8 packs. We went through the tills and stopped for a coffee. I nipped to get my cigs and made the woman on the till’s day when I noticed a change of hairstyle. Mike said I probably stunned her.

We left there with the intent of going straight to Flint but ended up with a detour to another Surpermarket to try and get some Ferrero Rocher at a bargain price. That special was over but I did get other sweets. We headed for Flint. When we arrived and parked up I wanted to go to my favourite shop first then have a coffee, a bit of a foot stamping tantrum and a quivering bottom lip got me my own way. Mind you, I was told I’d have to have an early night and miss telly for that. I got what I needed, looked in another shop for something but didn’t find it and then agreed a coffee would be nice. I put in our order than moved away so Mike could trade insults with Ceri and then get a welcome home kiss. I think I saw his tongue in her mouth checking she didn’t have appendicitis as well. We left and had a look round the new £ shop which opened this morning. Mean beggar wouldn’t let the lady give me a balloon. I found I didn’t have my food tablets with me so we had to go home to collect them. Didn’t stay long enough to unpack the car. As soon as I had the tablets we headed for lunch. Unusually we headed for the Bells today for a proper Sunday dinner and yes, we did know it’s only Saturday. It was lovely but very filling.

We needed to be home as Yvonne had said they may visit this afternoon to return my laminator and pick up some gifts for tomorrow. Something My sister in law and brother in law have bought for Reuben and also my birthday present for niece Jo as well as Jo’s and Karen’s Easter eggs as they’ll see them tomorrow and I won’t. We got home and unpacked the car. Almost before we’d had chance to put anything away Yvonne sent a text asking if we could meet them in Temptations at about 2.30 pm. It was 2.00 pm then. We flew round the kitchen putting food away and I packed Reuben’s coat etc and some new books in a bag, grabbed the gifts and set off again. Just as we arrived there another text from Yvonne, delayed because of Reuben’s need for the loo. We went inside and ordered and just waited. Two visits in one day but not two sets of chocolates for the girls I’m afraid. We were forgiven. Yvonne arrived and hugs all round then a few minutes later Ugo and Reuben joined us. I was hugged and kissed again. I passed Reuben one of his books to read while we sorted a drink (and cake) for Ugo and a drink for Reuben. Yvonne didn’t want one at that point. She was pleased with the bag of goodies I think. Eventually we had to go our separate ways as they were expecting guests tonight.Hugs all round and Mike and I came home.

Back at home it was about 4.00 pm and Mike let me come on the computer to answer certain emails with a promise I wouldn’t stay too long. I knocked off at 6.00 pm and stayed there to make something to eat and watch a bit of TV including a film which finished 11.00 am. Quite bloodthirsty too about a young Columbian girl who loses her parents to the mob and becomes an assassin to avenge them. Not my usual cup of tea, though anything longer than about 15 minutes fits into that category, but not the worst film I’ve ever seen.So I had to come through to do the blog hen with the promise that’s all I’ll do. The way I feel at the moment that promise will be easy to keep.

I hope you’ll all forgive me but next week I think I shan’t be around to deal with messages, retweets  or any queries. I’m also not sure about a Blog next week either as I may be on holiday or something. I hope to see you all soon.

How to look suspicious Lesson 1

Solving the mysteries of life.

 

 

Piratical Birthdays , Duvet really cost that much? & The Robbery

Sunday.  5.08 am today.These lie-ins are becoming a bit of a habit again. There’s no mad rush this morning so I should easily have had time to bring the emails up to date. I was a good half way done when I went through to see to the fish who were in quite docile mood . I was suspicious but nothing I could see gave me cause for concern. I turned to my tablets and a drink just putting the makings in Mike’s mug as I knew there was no chance of a Christmas miracle in August.

I went back through and continues with my messages making sure I was very careful what I opened after nearly going blind the other day.Yvonne blushed when she read that account, Mike of course laughed and said even at my advanced age I should recall what one looks like and what part goes where when the occasion arises….. to coin a phrase. I was within two or three messages of finishing when Mike’s alarm went off at 9.00 am so I made him a coffee and took it through. I was devastated when my ‘Coffee’s Up Bro’ received a “Fine, thanks very much” instead of the usual startled -deer in the headlights- response..I went and finished the last few messages and got myself dressed then sat with Mike in the lounge.

At 9.45 am Mike was dressed too and ready to go out. He’d promised to take me to pick up some choc ices and maybe have a coffee. I’d just put my coat on when he decided I needed a shave and I had to take the top half off again. Because my hands were shaking he took delight in doing the shave and making not too veiled threats with the razor.It didn’t take too long and we were on our way again. He even let me get dressed again first. Getting the shopping took no time at all but it was a big disappointment to find Temptations wasn’t open until 10.30 am . As we had to get ready for the party we didn’t have time to wait. So, back home again and I made Mike a drink while I checked my messages and cleared as many as possible. At 10.45 am we were on our way.

In Chester we drove down to the quayside of the River Dee but there was no parking free so we had to drive up the hill again and I took him to a little out of the way parking place that only charges £4 per day. Then of course we had to walk down the hill again to go to a cafe for something to east so I could get my tablets out of the way.It was pleasant enough. That done  I took him through the lower reaches of the park until we found the party in full swing at the top.There were a lot of people there but Yvonne saw me and put me a chair out of the way by my nieces. It was nice to see so much of my family there, and Reuben was in full form with beaming smiles as people called for his attention. He did have some time for his Pops though and didn’t even assault me once.

The Mystery Welshman Presents…..

 

 

Pirate King

Left to right…
Stacey (Danny’s partner)                                          Danny ,eldest grandson
Reuben, Me, Ugo
Karen, Mike , Jo
Yvonne, Jen & Lee

The weather stayed fair for part of the afternoon but at 3.00 pm you could see the rain was due. Most people decided it was time to leave  and started to pack up. One or two hadn’t made it at all and missed seeing the children rush off with their little goodie bags and blow up swords. The cakes were packed and I moved the chairs under the canvas out of the rain then Mike and I said our goodbyes and left for home. We had a quick stop on the way to buy a blow up bed.                                  Once indoors I made a drink and left Mike playing with something, (I’ve warned him he’ll go blind) on his phone while I attacked the emails again. I stayed there till 6.00 pm then went and joined Mike in the lounge. I managed to force a bit of BFG down for my tea but poor old Mike wasn’t sure his stomach would take it (I hope mine isn’t like that at HIS AGE). At 9.00 pm a car programme came on which bores me to tears so I was able to escape for another try. I’m doing well.

Monday. 5.01 am And all’s well. I saw the emails and nearly went back to bed. I would have done too if I hadn’t realised the mail would still be there but a darn sight bigger when I got up a second time. I bet Gypsy Rose bloody Greta or whatever her name currently is couldn’t forsee that. By 7.00 am I was barely halfway  but the fish were rehearsing The Indian Love Call from Rose Marie, I cold hear the delicate strains of When I’m Calling You  drifting out each time a bubble broke on the surface of the water. When I’m called, I go. It didn’t take me long to feed the smug little beggars and I thought while I’m feeding them, I might as well feed myself- just not to fish food thanks. I took all I needed to take and smoked the timing cigarette ( I suppose it would be easier to get a kitchen timer just not as much fun). At the right moment I put the toast in and brewed my coffee. Just for a Bank Holiday Monday treat I had jam on my toast today. I really know how to live. After I’d taken the two after meal tabs I carried the coffee through to the bedroom to carry on working.

I was coming towards an end about 8.30 am and I heard Mike groan so I thought he was awake. I went and made him a coffee and took it to him. He was fast asleep again. I did wake him but not for any sadistic purposes ( for a change) but because he was going to his Dad’s today to do some shopping. He did get up and soon enough he was on his way. I decided to finish the mail before doing anything else. Ha, finish the mail, not a cat in hell’s chance. I took my place before the monitor again and ploughed in. I broke off to rest my shoulders and watched an episode of Big Bang Theory then got stuck in again until 11.45 am when I broke off to see to my lunch. I took an hour’s break and watched my antiques programme then headed back to my room again. It was a real stop-start time nodding off and forgetting where I was so I gave in and went through to the lounge for a nod off. No sooner had my eyes closed than the phone started.  I went and unplugged it and fell asleep in glorious silence. I enjoyed a really nice hour or so before waking and deciding to enjoy an iced lolly while I worked. An iced lolly when I’m freezing? I wasn’t expecting to put the heating on yet.

About 5.00pm I’d had enough. There weren’t too many left but I needed a break. I found the last part of the film Zulu Dawn on and was able to see the Zulu nation showing guns don’t always make you a winner.Then at 6.00 pm  there were 2 short quizzes on which I enjoyed. Halfway through I went to get something from the bedroom and found a message from Mike, “On way”. As succinct as usual. At 7.00 pm I started to clear some more accumulated mail  and at 7.15 pm in he walked so I had to stop and make coffee and hear his news….only after I was told what a lazy beggar I am for not getting dressed all day. He’s had a successful expedition anyway and found all the things his Dad needed. We chatted until University Challenge came on and followed that up with a programme on Scotland’s Independence with a debate between Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland and Alistair Darling the ex Labour Chancellor and a Scotsman to boot, and after watching most of it I wish someone would. I really dislike those debates where one person decides that attacking the person is a good policy. My opinion, if the people of Scotland want independence, let them have it. They want to continue using the same currency which is fine despite what petty David Cameron says, and they’ll be better of than they will be if Labour get back in here next year and run the country into the ground again or under the Tories who want to take benefits off everybody and buy shares in the privatised health industry. I had to leave at 9.30 pm as I was getting cross and also because I needed to get to work.

Here are two pictures I was asked to provide by Roughseasinthemed of the new curtains and my bookshelves.

New Curtains

 

 

New Shelves

Here’s the obligatory picture of my grandson playing in part of my birthday present to him…The Ball Pit.

 

Tuesday. Back to 4.34 am today but hey, Mike was saying we’d go out today since he’s going to be returning home to get the car M.O.T.d, this gives me plenty of time to catch up before we go out. I wasn’t sure what time he’d set his alarm for ( hopefully before noon. lol) but I went through to the kitchen at 6.30 am to make some toast, after the fish had been fed of course. I’m not stupid enough to put them in second place. After dealing with all the usual jobs I went back to carry on and became quite distracted by some of the mail. Kindness can catch me unawares sometimes. Before I knew it I heard the alarm go off, it was 8.30 am. That doesn’t mean he paid any heed to it of course other than rolling over and sleeping on his other side, but at least it gave me time to make his coffee. I took it through with a cheery “Morning Bro” then headed back to my desk knowing that was only the first of multiple calls. I only had a couple of messages to do so finished those before going back to ty again. The beggar was up and drinking his coffee already. I wonder if this is operant conditioning at work.

There was a brief discussion along the lines of “Where do you fancy going”?- “No, where do you fancy”? Repeat chorus a few times before we decided on the coastal town of Rhyl because Mike decided I might be able to start my Christmas shopping and find some of the more unusual items there. We left about 9.30 am and had quite an easy run without too much traffic on the roads. When we arrived in Rhyl we parked on top of a store in a car park that had an overhead covering of netting to discourage the seagulls which can make rather a mess of a clean car. We entered the precinct itself by way of a lift (elevator) and started looking round one of the larger shops. There were plenty of nice-but ordinary gifts around and nothing appealed.We left there and went to the covered market for a cuppa and a look round. Some dragons but nothing Mike liked enough to buy. The same problem in the next shop and the one after that was closed anyway. Mike needed the loo so I showed him the way. When he came out I was grumbling about a public loo that you have to pay to use. I don’t like that idea at all and was grumbling all the way to the next shop I showed him.

This time there was a dragon that interested him and I was able to get him a belt and a dragon buckle too. We did a couple more shops and still I was not inspired to buy anything except chocolates so we headed back to the car and left Rhyl behind us as we headed to The Ivy for a late lunch. It was very quiet in there when we arrived and we were able to talk to Tariq quite a lot. He made our drinks and tried to animate me with a double shot then took the order through to Shella who was cooking. No sooner had he done that than more people came in. Once they were sorted we carried on chatting until the meal came when he left us to eat in peace. As we finished Shella came through and she and Tariq stood and chatted with us for ages. It was as well the other guests were drinks only and not food. Eventually the time came to go and we headed home though we stopped outside Pauline’s first while I got milk and bread. Once home I made Mike a coffee and left him playing games on his phone while I came to do the mail which took until almost 5.00 pm. As I went through to the lounge there was a decidedly sarcastic cheer. He told me he’s here till the weekend as the car is booked in on Monday now.

It seemed to be quizzes, quizzes and more quizzes followed by 2 episodes of M.A.S.H. then a murder mystery starring Diana Rigg as the Investigator set in the 11920’s I think. At 9.00 pm there were moans as I deserted him to come back through here to deal with the accumulated mail and the blog. I hope to be in bed by midnight.

Wednesday. I think it was about 12.30 am when I turned my light off last night. I don’t suppose it was too long before I got to sleep having felt tired all day. I’m not sure how tired I was but I didn’t open my eyes this morning until..WAIT FOR IT…07.55 am. I knew I was in trouble and grabbing my dressing gown, just flew out of the bedroom. My bladder was reminding me how close I came to wetting the bed. As I reached the kitchen I saw the top of the tank begin to wobble and I could see all the snails formed into a pyramid with the sharp end at the bottom. the upper end was preparing to move the lid. Directing operations was the albino cory. I fumbled with the lid of the fish flakes and threw a couple of flakes in for the fantail and threw some plec food in for the rest. The pyramid slowly collapse without it’s grip upon the lid and the cory swam about trying to look innocent. It didn’t work. I knew who my nemesis was now.

Mike’s alarm went off a few minutes later and though I boiled a kettle up I didn’t prepare a drink. Instead I quickly rammed a pre-food pill down my throat and took the rest of my meds to keep me from being paranoid about the fish.I quickly ate some toast  and just as I finished, in walked Mike and handed me his dirty mug from the bedroom then headed for his chair. I went back to making his coffee and placed in in front of him where he could grope for it with his eyes closed and then went back to my bedroom via the loo. For the first time in living memory it was past 8.00 am and my computer wasn’t on. This could spell disaster for Western Civilisation (I use the word loosely ) this sudden breakdown in communication. Mind you it keep doctors in work as I’m liable to have a massive heart attack when I see how many there are. In actual fact there were only 68 at that point. I started to work while Mike gained consciousness and we got to debating the day’s itinerary. By 9.00 am the conversation had reached the same standard as yesterday’s. MIKE. ” Where do you want to go?”  ME “No, where do you want to go it’s your holiday?” When it comes down to it we spend so long arguing we never have time to go anywhere. In the end after remembering he promised we could go for a roast beef dinner today and me reminding him that Wednesday is games night we had to settle on just going in to Flint. Mike was looking for a mandolin but not of the musical variety unless there are some very adept chefs out there. I wanted a fold up chair I could use on games night when there are four of us playing. I at least was lucky though Mike did find some mandolins on ebay at my suggestion. We had a coffee at Temptations which was nice then came home to let me work for a while before lunch. He’s lucky to have got me out of the house really.

I worked till 12.30 pm then we set off for The Bells of St Mary which is a carvery I’ve mentioned before, usually before the Ivy opened though as we’ve not been there since then with the exception of my birthday when I had no say in the matter. We had a really nice dinner in there and came out full. Straight back home so I could carry on working at catch up, though I stood no chance. I worked from about 2.00 pm to almost 5.00 pm then went to watch TV with Mike till Dil and Matt arrived just before 6.00 pm. When they came I made drinks,  put the table up and brought out Balderdash as the first game. Some people’s ability to lie under pressure is immense which is why I lost by one point to  my own brother who deceived me. Next I brought out the Yahtzee  and that was an unmitigated disaster as Mike managed to get three in one game alone somehow giving him a score of 500+. There was no way I could compete with that and I think the Devil must have bought the souls of Dil and Matt too since I lost that too. Finally I got the cards out and set up for nomination which I actually won. YAY.

Dil and Matt left a little later than usual at almost 9.45 pm so Mike and I tidied up and I washed the post. I grabbed some biscuits and left Mike to make his own supper while I came and attacked the post. 131 pieces. Ouch. It took absolutely ages so I’m late doing this now. One piece was a real treat which I will share with you. It came top me under the heading ‘I will never let you down. you need help’ which was enough to ensure I opened it.

Dear David,I have sent you 5 or 6 mails proposing that you accept my totally free help without any commitment, but I have still not received your request and I will not deny that I am really beginning to worry.I feel that you will deprive yourself of my help when you really need it.  You are aware of the fact that I have enough experience to tell you that in life there are ups but there are mostly downs.  I myself have gone through tough times and I can quite understand why you are hesitating about accepting outside help to improve your life!However; you must understand that when a real opportunity to improve your life comes your way, you should not ignore it.   I am here to help you David, and to offer to you what no one else has ever been able to offer you: FAST, PRACTICAL AND EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS!I wish I could prove to you that all my years of experience are able to make all the difference and to help you effectively in all the areas of your choice (LOVE, HEALTH, MONEY, LUCK, SUCCESS, HAPPINESS… etc. .) but for that you must agree to my request free help by READING HERE!I am counting on you to ask for my FREE HELP WITH NO OBLIGATION before I can no longer accept any new requests for help (do not forget that I am working with a very limited number of people so that I can focus totally on the quality of my services!)READ HERE TO RECEIVE MY FREE HELP, TO BENEFIT FROM MY ADVICE AND MY EXPERIENCE, TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE! Sending you a big hug,

Your dear and loving Granny Annie

Why aren’t you all in bed?

Thursday. I’m really without any explanation of what’s happening at the moment. Today I woke at 7.04 am and cold panic got a grip on my heart, at least I think it was cold panic and not a bucket of water from the fish. Conscience got the better of me and I wandered through to feed them leaving scorch marks on the carpet.  I was sure they’d forgive me five minutes. As I turned the light on two of the heavy mob were attached to the glass no doubt watching me woith their beady eyes before reporting back to their boss’The Albino’. I wasted no time in feeding them. Backing away rapidly I took my tab and made myself a coffee. I didn’t feel like hanging around to make breakfast today somehow.

I went to work on the computer till 8.00 am coming across an even worse letter than yesterday…..

Hi dear,
It is my pleasure meeting you,
I am Ann Ben, I am a United State Army officer, from united state of America, am supportive and caring, looking forward to get a nice friend, I read your profile here in and pick interest on you,
Here is my email address I will introduce myself better and send you my picture as soon as i receive your mail
Ann

This leaves me very worried about the standard of Officer in the United States Army from the United States of America since English ( even the American way) doesn’t seem to be her first language. Is this bulwark against the rising threats against the World’s safety really in the hands of this woman. Personally I have an idea that a shock might be in store for me if I answered this and my poor shattered mind couldn’t cope with more explicit photographs. The real, thing maybe, but photographs NO. It probably took me a long time to do few messages because of laughing at this poor attempt to ensnare me. I wonder what would happen if I tried to say I was gay, would she/he pretend to be a man or be a man maybe? Maybe I should try asexual.

It was just gone 8.00 am and I heard Mike padding about. When I checked he’d gone to the loo so I went and put the kettle on. As soon as It boiled I nipped to his room to ask if he wanted it in the lounge or the bedroom ( his coffee I mean) and the beggar had gone back to sleep.Shrugging I went back to work and by 8.45 am I was actually up to date ( as long as I didn’t refresh). As I went to take my cup to the kitchen for washing Mike got up so I finished the coffee off and put it on his table in the lounge and came through to get myself ready for the day. Once I’d dried my eyes from checking the lottery I put my new jeans on and put fresh tears in my eyes as I leaned over with my new belt buckle on. ( Not the one I bought Mike on Tuesday). Back in the lounge we discussed where to go and settled on The Tweed Mill. Partly because it’s within the area so I won’t be too late and partly because Mike bought shoes on his last visit there and wanted to see if they still had them in red. Also, I wanted some new duvets and Mike suggested they’d be better sewn in squares so that the filling doesn’t disappear from the ends and The Tweed Mill sells bedding.

We were on our way about 9.45 am and arrived just after 10.00 am. We had a lovely surprise to see we’d chosen sale time to get there and a bit of a shock to find the red shoes were there but not in the sale. We had a general look round the gents section as the choice of clothes though expensive is great. Real Huntin’, Shootin’, Fishin’ stuff. I took a look at the bedding and found a nice quilt set for Yvonne, I’m fairly sure she’ll like it but the jury is still out on Ugo. Mike and I had a look at the duvets and many of them appeared to be channel sewn except for those at the £100 mark which were either duck or goose feather. I prefer something anti-allergenic. Finally we explained to the lady what I wanted and said I needed a double and a single. She came up with a single which was in two pieces for Summer or Winter weight and had the squares. It was £60 but in the sale TODAY, and the LAST ONE was £35.00. I don’t know what came over me but I agreed. The double which would be feather was £110. HOW MUCH???? I managed to refuse that on the grounds of it being feather so my bank manager might still talk to me rather than shout. We went for a coffee and a bacon sandwich to calm down. Then, because the building has changed a lot since our last visit decided to go upstairs ( The Ladies Dept) to see what they’re doing with all that space. Answer, they need more space because women always have more choice ! Though having said that there were some men,s jackets up there which Mike took a fancy too and chose one. Then I happened to see some shoes down from £60 to £10.99 that I quite liked ( didn’t need but quite liked) and some green shoes that Mike might like ( he did) so I bought my shoes and Mike left with shoes and jacket. I don’t know if he’ll ever forgive me and I think I now have more pairs than my niece Karen who has the reputation of being a shoe-aholic- she even had to have a cupboard specially built.

We left there and drove to The Ivy for lunch. Tariq had given Shella the day off and was doing the cooking and Angie was serving. It was quiet enough when we got there to be able to talk with him but as usual more people followed us in and he was banished to the kitchen. Mike was able to tease Angie as usual which made his day. When we’d eaten I left the money on the counter and we departed for home. Mike went on his laptop for something and I came to deal with mail. Curiosity made me look at ebay and I typed in the name and make of duvet that I’d bought and started running down the list of doubles. Mike came running when he heard the scream. Anything from £18.00 to £30.00 for the same thing in anti-allergenic 10.5 tog to 13.5 tog. If I’d had any tears left from the morning I’d have cried. I started work and stayed there until 6.00 pm when I went through to watch a quiz with Mike.He’d been on the phone with his daughter and then with his son so had missed the Antique show Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is. Lucky for me he knows how to work my catch-up box and we were able to go back and watch it. Not quite as good as a time machine, but close. I stayed until my usual 9.00 pm with him then came through to work on my messages.One from my friend Laurie showed what a genius he is behind a camera and also in charge ofa bucket at a sapphire mine where he did very well. It’s another late night so we’ll see how I get on at getting up tomorrow. Night all.

Addendum. Well, shock , horror. It’s now 2.35 am and I haven’t been to sleep yet and the paramedic has only just left. Not for me though but for Mike. We wuz robbed. It happened about 12.15 am when I had gone to bed to read and Mike was watching the TV in his bedroom. I heard a lot of shouting and swearing. Mike was obviously angry and upset. He was shouting “Get out” and “What d’you think you’re doing you b***ard.” I thought he was having a nightmare but then there was a lot of crashing about. Maybe he’s seen a mouse I thought, knowing he’s fixated on rodents. From Mike’s point of view, he’d just been watching Brother Cadfael when a hooded monk walks into the room. At first he thought it was a ghost and then decided it was me winding him up. It took moments for him to realise it was a very cheeky burglar and for the burglar to realise he’d walked into a hornet’s nest.As Mike started to get out of bed the man ran knocking over a few things and grabbing a couple of jewellery boxes, one of which he dropped. I flew in to make sure Mike was OK as the runt disappeared through the window in the lounge.

Mike had to call the police who sent someone round including a dog handler and a helicopter overhead. I checked the losses. For sure he’d stolen the silver piggy bank I deposit my loose silver in for Reuben but luckily there’s probably about £20 in it.He stole my watch box with five watches and a couple of medals but to be honest that was the most upsetting loss as it contained my favorite watch, a Fossil which Ju bought me in America, irreplaceable. He may have taken a few Crowns too but it looks like he missed Reuben’s coin collection. I can’t look until SOCO have been tomorrow. So, back to Mike, as I said he was obviously upset and his breathing was ragged and rapid which isn’t good. The Police took the details and sent for the paramedic. As it took nearly two hours before they arrived and the police had to go away to a disturbance elsewhere, we managed to get the breathing under control, and Mike fairly calm. They were thorough in checking him and said he was OK at home with me. Of course they couldn’t see me since I can’t talk to strangers. I seem to be beyond sleep at the moment and have been to trim my moustache twice. I have to try and tell Yvonne without upsetting or worrying her and she’s not the only one who I don’r want to tell either. I’ll fill you in on further developments tomorrow.

Friday. Well, I managed to sleep from 4.00 am to 6.00 am this morning. It took a long time for the tension to die down and poor Mike was reacting to every sound. He only slept from 5.00 am to 9.00 am though that may be partly my fault. When I got up I fed the fish early so they’d be in my debt and then made myself some toast after taking my meds. Since it was the day to fill my medicines up for the week it as almost 7.00 pm before I got back to start on the mail. Luckily it wasn’t too bad a I’d had a go at it at 2.00 am as part of my anti-sleep campaign which was quite a success. I was roughly up to date by 8.30 am so I got washed and dressed. As soon as 9.00 am arrived I went out to post the last post card to a friend and visit Pauline in the corner shop. I was surprised she hadn’t hear anything so I said nothing. Last night we were told SOCO or CSI as they’re now known don’t start work until 9.00 am so I was sure I’d be OK out at this time. However when I got back there was a man dusting the front window already. It seems he’d arrived early and had managed to waken Mike with a knock (on the door) and when I went in  Mike was with two police persons being interviewed again.Personally I think they suspect him and if it comes to that so do I. After all, I never saw the burglar. The male left to speak to my neighbours leaving the female Inspector behind. of course Mike was in his element now and no-one noticed me in my bedroom working.

Someone or other was there most of the morning so it was late before we were able to get out. I needed milk which I’d forgotten at Pauline’s and also a claim form for the insurance. They had no forms in the office in Holywell so they were going to arrange for one to come to me direct. I got some money from the bank (the legal way) and we went for lunch in town. I shan’t want to repeat the experience in that place and will go to Kassidy’s in future. When we headed for home I forgot the milk and had to call in at Pauline’s for it anyway. She still mentioned nothing and I was amazed. As we parked up two of my neighbours came up to chat then once in the hose two more visited in turn. One is going away and wanted to give me a kiss and a hug, the other, Bert, came to talk to us about the visit the police had made to him. Neither Mike nor I was too clear if he’d seen someone hanging around. ,Mike and I are sure now that there must have been two of them for the goods to have gone missing as the one he chased didn’t have time to stop and pick anything up. I wonder to if it wan’t a spur of the moment crime as it was so early but Mike thinks the police disagree and that someone has scouted the place and seen the lounge in darkness early because I am usually on the computer by 9.00 pm.

Visitors gone I left Mike in the lounge where I hope’s he’d sleep while I went to work for a while. Someone was coming at 4.15 pm to fit window alarms. On Monday they’re fitting window locks so they can be safely opened so far. I went through to the lounge about 3.00 pm and Mike was awake but after about ten minutes I wasn’t. I did revive for the visit to fit the alarms though.Mike and I had an antiques show and then some quizzes before I wen to get a shower at 7.00 pm. Mike had one after me and it was back to the quizzes again and a programme about a brewery. As usual at 9.00 pm I deserted him and came through to work. It’s been hard going today and I’ve an idea I might sleep tonight at the expense of the fish and my usual early start for shopping.  See you tomorrow.

Saturday. Isn’t it ridiculous. The times I’ve slept in this week and now I need it after Thursday night’s debacle I wake at 3.15 am. Still, as we’re shopping this morning maybe it’s as well to get my mail down to the minimum. During this batch I had a man who knows more about my life, especially my future, than I do and wants me to ask him for help. If he knows something really important why not tell me when he wrote? He could have saved a lot of faffing about. After much deliberation lasting oh, all of half a second, I won’t be writing to him. To be honest, and you may not believe me here,, but I wont be writing to ‘My’ Granny Annie either, since I’m well into my 60’s she’d have to be one of the undead to be my granny.

I’d actually finished (without refreshing) by 6.45 am and went through to the kitchen. I put the light on in the tank and even though it’s Saturday threw an algae wafer in for them. I took my meds, made myself a coffee and put some water in the kettle ready for Mike’s alarm. Second thoughts made me turn the kettle on and as I hadn’t heard the alarm when it boiled I took a drink through to him. I’d asked last night if he’s prefer to lie-in but he’d said no so I made sure he heard me announce the coffee was there. I received a very small groan. I’d gone back to working when I heard the alarm go off at 7.20 am and it rang and rang before being finally turned off. There was still no movement though so at half past I called out that the coffee was getting cold. The reaction was better but it was still a couple of minutes before I heard him go to the lounge. I finished up where I was and joined him or what there was of him because at that point he was definitely not all there. We were out of the house at 8.00 am after I’m made sure his eyes were actually open.

The shopping wasn’t too bad as I didn’t spend any time on children’s clothes this time, though I did check out the duvets. All of them seemed to be the channel sewn ones and Mike is adamant that it would be better to have the square sewn which keep the filling in place much better. Shopping done we were heading out of the store when Mike, who had just bought me a phrenology bust, also tried to pay for my cigarettes which resulted in a tussle at the till to the amusement of the staff. I won in case you’re wondering. We headed for Flint where I checked out some more bedding shops and also got some chocolates before we went for a coffee. We knew Ceri was still off so Trudy and Sian got our attention today. We had teasted toecakes so I could take the food tabs I should have taken if I’d eaten breakfast. Very nice they were. From there I picked up some ice-creams from the freezer shop and a couple of BFG’s one of which I thought we’d have eaten tonight but didn’t so I’ll ask Mike to take it home tomorrow. Just don’t tell him OK? At home we unpacked and Mike defrosted the freezer (with an axe) and put the stuff away which had conveniently landed by his foot. Then he did Julia’s flowers for me while I came back to the computer.

At about 1.00 pm there were just a few messages left when Mike stuck his head in to see about lunch. I came away, picked up some chocolates and we left for The Ivy. Tariq was actually in the carpark when we arrived putting new posts up so we had a chat before going in to see everyone. Angie made us drinks and introduced us to a young man who is working as a waiter. We ordered lunch had a great conversation with Angie as  we ate then Shella came out to see us. She handed me a piece of paper and I thought she was politely asking us to leave ( Mike’s fault of course) but instead it was an invitation to a party and their home address. The conversation got round to the burglary and we had to recount the comedy for them all. To be honest it’s not easy applying humour to the situation as Mike is quite badly shaken and I’m not as confident as I seem.

We were home about 3.45 pm  and it was back on the computer for me trying hard to catch up before 6.00 pm so I could sit with Mike for a few hours. I made it with ten minutes to spare. It was during our viewing that the adverts came on and I saw someone using a tablet. I immediately wondered how much charge was on mine and went to pick it up. Of course that’s another item he waltzed off with on Thursday night the little toerag.I’d not long had it and fitted a memory card to it too. I’m steaming about this. At 9.15 pm I came through for the last assault on the mail and to clear the blog. I hope you’ve all had a good week with a better one to come. Hugs all round.