Jo’s Party & Attempted Murder

Sunday 24th April.

I managed bed by 12.10 am last night, I didn’t dare go anywhere near the inbox though. I finished reading at 12.45 am and settled for sleep. I think I had time to blink once and open my eyes before I was up again. It was 2.06 am. It was 5.43 am before I had emptied the mail box and decided to go have my meds, some breakfast and then an investigation of my inner eyelids in my chair. I was awake again before 7.00 am and wandered back to my room after opening Joey’s cage. I did the loose post and then worked on the main post as it came in. It took till 9.43 am to clear that lot.

I took my mug through to wash and then prepared Mike’s mug and put the kettle on. It was about 9.55 am I took his coffee through. He;d been asleep since about 10.30 pm the night before. We got ready and left the house at about 11.00 am so I could go round a couple of shops before heading for Jo’s birthday meal. I bought myself another head, in red this time. Mike suggested I should try buying one that worked for a change so I could swap it for the one on my shoulders.                                                        We arrived at the pub at 12.20 pm and I hadn’t realised so many people would be there. It was lovely to see Dil of course and there was my great nephew Taylor with his Mum Deb, ex partner to my nephew David. There was Jess, Dil and Lynne’s daughter and her young son Rylan with whom I had some fun. Lee, Jen and Nathan and of course Jo and Karen and a surprise to me, Jo’s boyfriend whom I knew nothing about.

The birthday girl and boyfriend, Karen and Amelie

 

Jo creating a fire hazard

It was a nice enough meal but the wait for food was terrible.  The atmosphere on the other hand was brilliant. Rylan and Reuben played and though noisy they played nicely. Amelie was in good humour and Nathan was as full of smiles and waves as always. I think Lee and Jen liked the picture of Nathan I’d had put on a canvas and I think Yvonne liked the jumper I’d got her and the outfit and stuff I’d got Amelie. Reuben liked his toys. Karen and Jo seemed to love the big shoe lamps I’d bought them yesterday ( pre-birthday pressies) and they liked their canvasses. Jo liked her birthday gifts but I was devastated when opening the Tattoo Phrenology Head I’d bought of which the first one had arrived smashed, to find this one broken but not smashed.She’s going to try to glue it but I’m ready to get yet another.

When the party broke up we headed for home. I made Mike a coffee then we did Ju’s flowers before I fell asleep in the chair about 4.00 pm. When I woke up at 4.30 pm he’d gone. I started in on the day’s work and carried on until 7.00 pm when I went to make a sandwich. At 8.30 pm I took my meds, locked Joey in ( his lawyer lost a last minute appeal) and came through to carry on. I finished the mail at 10.40 pm and started straight in on the blog which should be done by 11.40 pm with luck.

Jen, Amelie, Nathan and Lee. ‘Cuzzins’

Monday 25th April.

Bed.11.30 pm                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Read till 12.20 am. quickly to sleep.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Up    4.28 am. It feels pretty good.  I worked on mail until 5.00 am then decided to get my meds and have some breakfast, only a toasted bap but that’s plenty. I got back at 5.40 am and carried on with the post, gathering more as I went. It was 9.42 before I could shout PARIS !. It didn’t mean anything but I wanted to shout something that began with a capital. My mailbox was empty and I quickly dressed and got my shoes on to take my prescription request to the chemist.                                                                         On the way back I made a quick call at Pauline’s before heading home. I was back in time for HUtH.

As that programme came to an end Bev knocked on the door. I opened it and she came through to do a test call on the intercom using the pendant which I’m supposed to wear all the time when I’m in but which I had to go and get from the hall where I hang it. She stayed for more than half an hour chatting, mainly about diabetes this week. When it was time for her to go it was approaching lunch time and she’d given me pause for thought about food. I decided against a liver and onions meal and settled for a chips with curry sauce and two buttered baps. Fair play, I did have a healthy rhubarb yoghurt afterwards though.                                                                                                                  After Bargain Hunt I was going to have a power nap but I’d just got my head down when my phone went. It was a text from Jade to check Wednesday at 10.00 am would be OK. Since we missed last week altogether except for what I did, I said that would be great. Awake now I went back to work. What was there kept me going until almost 3.00 pm then I went to watch Escape to the Country. I expected to close my eyes then but somehow didn’t. However, I did straight afterwards and didn’t wake until 4.40 pm, ten minutes in to my PYMWYMI antiques programme. I watched the rest of it then came back to work for 50 minutes before going to have a light tea and watch Without a Trace. SG1 followed and then Sanctuary.

I turned the TV off, locked Prisoner 99 up and said goodnight to him then went to the kitchen for my meds. Finally I headed for the bedroom/Office/Pit. Plenty of mail waiting for me which took me until 10.37 pm to deal with before I could do the blog. I will be in bed for 11.30 pm and ready for my trip out tomorrow.

Running riot at the park.

Terrible Twosome.

Tuesday 26th April.

Bed 11.27 pm last night.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Read till 12.25 am. Lights out but sleep took a short while.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Up at 2.39 am. Not as happy as I could be. A visit to Loo Loo Land and then back to open my gmail box. 37 showing at the moment. I was done at 4.53 am and went through to the kitchen for my usual. I had some toast while there. Coming out I went to the bathroom to trim my moustache before going out. I think it must be the fastest growing hair on my body. Cleverly I snipped my top lip at the same time but it seemed to be OK. I took my coffee to the bedroom and went back to work. I lit a cigarette and was distracted wondering when I’d bought red filters. It sunk in, I hadn’t. It took a while to stem the flow of blood, not helped by the occasional sip of warm coffee that set it off again. I finished the coffee, decided I didn’t need a blood transfusion so went back to work. Or I tried to, everything I tried to open wouldn’t. The little icon spun the wrong way and the message came that they took too long to respond. I kept trying and eventually it seemed to be OK again. I stopped work at 6.00 am to get dressed.

At 7.30 am I walked over in the freezing wind to get the bus. An hour of eyelid inspecting and I was there. Unfortunately, no-one else was. I had chance to smoke a cigarette and take a walk round a shop while I waited fr them to catch up.Reuben chose a good time to have a lie in, he must have known how cold it was this morning. We met up just in time for a visit to out usual watering hole and just in time for me to rid myself of the morning coffee voluntarily rather than the way that has me slinking home in shame. Yvonne ordered my new coffee while I got rid of the last.                                                                                                                                                                                                    When we’d finished in there and I’d had my hugs with Amelie it was time to shop. Reuben is going into his ‘big boy’s bed’ and though I’d bought him a duvet cover a few weeks ago, he needed sheets, pillow cases and their protectors plus pillows. I have a new duvet he can have. I managed to load myself down with everything and make a bolt for the counter even picking up a jumper for Ugo and one for myself on the way past. Not too much in the way of argument today. With the bags hanging from the trolley it made Amelie’s ride very much like that of the Bumper Car and she was riding into them as they passed.

We had a look in a new jewellers then waltzed round to the supermarket for a pizza for Reuben as that’s what he said he wants for his lunch. There seemed to be plenty of other things needed when we got in there and also one or two things we didn’t know we needed like a rhubarb pie for me. We moved on to a shop where Yvonne could look at the things she’d like to decorate Amelie’s room with ( if we ever win the lottery). Eventually all good things come to an end and it was time to head for the bus stop which coincidentally was just outside this shop. I’d barely got there when we saw the bus coming. I got a rare kiss from Reuben and a nice hug and kiss from Yvonne. Amelie was asleep by then. I got on, waved and the bus pulled off.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     With no need to stop at Pauline’s I was soon home again. Joey seemed pleased. I made lunch and at 1.45 pm went back to work. There was a lot waiting. I was just getting into it when the sneezing fit started. You know the old rhym, One for Sorrow, Two for Joy, well 36 is redecorating your computer screen. Three packets of tissues later and someone has given me a tap on the head which had been left open so my nose is constantly running. It’ got a lot more energy than it has a right too. I have a cold.

I worked until 4.30 pm then watched my PYMWYMI through blurry eyes. Pointless I saw except for the last few minutes as I was helping myself to rhubarb pie and custard in the kitchen. At 6.00 pm Without a Trace came on and like a switch had been thrown I was asleep. I woke up for part of SG1 and for some of Sanctuary then I was gone again until about the last ten minutes of Sanctuary. I should probably add that to whatever sleep I get tonight now. At 9.00 pm I locked Joey up, took my meds and came through to start again. Mail took me until 10.57 pm and then it was time for the blog. Midnight is my target for bed.

Playmates and competition for food.

The Cisco Kid.

Wednesday 27th April.

Bed at 11.55 pm.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Read to 12.40 am as finished the third book and I’m bereft. Nothing to read now.                                                                                                                                                                                    Up at 2.32 am.   Not exactly raring to go but decided I’m willing to return to bed at any time the fancy takes me. I made a flying visit to the Kingdom of Looe and then came back to sign into my mail. Over the last few days I’ve been going into the blogs I follow and changing them back from daily to immediate which is making a great difference. Firstly it seems to be working again, a problem that had prompted a change to daily in the first place. And Secondly, the deluge is much more a dignified trickle now and easier to cope with. There are still blogs I need to change back from daily but there’s no rush. Everything else is coming to me as it’s being sent and though it spreads it out more over the day there are less to clear at any one time. So, I might have been tied to the desk until 8.52 am but at least the numbers never looked overwhelming.

I had an argument with myself about whether to go to Pauline’s or not. I won. Just as I was getting my socks on I overruled myself and couldn’t go. That left me sulky and grumbling for ages but I knew I’d need lottery there tomorrow and my TV mag so better stay in the warm today and pick up a few more card tricks and learn some more Trivia answers before Dil arrived this evening. The postman came and brought a letter to say no increase in my private pension this year. THANKS Government !! At least it makes notification to the benefits people easy. He also brought me a voucher for £10 from the Government for answering questions on the survey I did. No wonder there’s no money for pensions. Before Jade was due at 10.00 am I received a message to say she was running 20 minutes late. Not a major problem really as I’m here all morning but it was actually almost 11.00 am when she arrived. As usual I just left her to it.                                                                                                                                                                                Marta Beaman, a lovely lady from  https://plainandfancygirl.com/2016/04/27/all-creatures-great-and-small-the-power-of-pets/  did a nice post on animals /pets and made mention of Oscar and his winning ways as my alarm clock. As it’s been a long time since he’s been mentioned I thought I’d share a photograph of him occupying my chair to make sure I don’t get to sit there.

Oscar takes a chair

And a subtle reminder of his book.

There are old posts from me going back into pre-history describing the cruel and unjust methods he used to get me out of bed.                                                                                              When Jade left I was able to make lunch which was two beef salad baps and a yoghurt today. I sat and ate watching snooker as my Bargain Hunt was over  I suppose I could have watched the end of it as she left at 12.40 pm but I was starving. At 2.00 pm I returned to work and stayed here until 4.10 pm. I’d only been in the lounge ten minutes watching a little more of the snooker when Dil arrived. I made him a tea then turned over for our Antiques programme.                                                                                                            We chatted about Sunday and seeing everyone. We’d both just had texts from Jo to confirm we were going to meet again on 22nd May for the next batch of birthday celebrations. I must check though as I don’t think she mentioned where.

When the quiz was over the TV went off and battle commenced. The Yahtzee was a draw at 4- 2 then 2 -4. The Trivia which was the longest and most drawn out game we’ve had in a long time ended in a worthy win for Dil after answering How do you write 99 in Roman numerals. It was time for him to go after I threw his coat at him and ordered him to ‘Begone’. I locked the front door and drew the curtain against the cold. Joey had just gone in so I locked the door then went into the kitchen to wash the pots (which I dirtied by eating the rest of the rhubarb pie) and taking my meds.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By 9.45 pm I was back in my room with the ton of mail that had arrived. It took until 10.55 pm to clear what there was then so I could start the blog. I shall be getting my beauty sleep about 11.45 pm ready for an outing with MuJo tomorrow.

Face off

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here under sufferance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know some people have wondered about the gift I got for Joanne that got broken twice. I’m waiting to find out if she managed to glue it before ordering another.

Tattoo Head

Thursday 28th April.

Bed 11.50 pm                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Read till 12.25 am as I just had a brochure to read. Lights out and sleep not far behind.                                                                                                                                                                            Up at 2.18 am.

First of all was the inevitable trip to the loo then I came back and signed on. I checked the bank and then wrote out an email to the Benefits section at the local authority to let them know there is no increase to my private pension but that I am not now paying tax. I gave them the new figure to recalculate benefit (if any) from. Once hat was out of the way I concentrated on my emails. I worked until the box was empty at 5.02 am and then headed for the kitchen to take my meds and have some breakfast. When I returned at 5.30 am I carried on working  until the box was empty again at 8.42 am. A perfect time to get dressed ready to go to the chemist and chase up my missing drugs and to Pauline’s for my TV mad before I forgot it. I thought I might as well do the lottery while I was there. It actually looked beautiful out there but I wasn’t going to trust the temperature. On went the woolly jumper.The chemist was having a problem getting one of my drugs and it would be next week before they did though there were enough to tide me over. I asked if I could take the rest but no, as the chemist wasn’t on the premises they couldn’t release them. I was so cross I didn’t even bother reiterating that I always ask for my drugs to come when they have them an anything missing can come later. I don’t want to leave it till the last thing is in. I think they’d have made me wait until next week so I arranged for everything else to be delivered after 4.00 pm today. The chemist should be in when the shop is open but I know he travels quite a  way. The jumper was a good idea as the sunshine carried no heat this morning.

Before I reached Pauline’s I saw one of my neighbours  stroking a dog, I called “You never stroke me like that”, so she did. Shame she had to call me Good Boy too though. I wasn’t long in Pauline’s and got everything I wanted except some Liquorice Allsorts . I knew Mike would want to eat his if he came tonight and would hate for him to eat alone. I also asked Pauline for the winning Lottery tickets, so who knows. If you hear a shout of ‘Ey up’ outside your house, it may well be me. Don’t throw shoes ( unless they’re a very stylish size 10 ). I returned home at 9.25 am and did a little more work but stopped at 10.00 am to watch HUtH with Joey but I think he was in a mood because I’d hardly seen him this morning. Also I had to put his millet in his food tray as the stalk wasn’t strong enough to hold it.  I relented and got a fresh one out.                                    MuJo arrived at 10.00 am which is very early for them. I saw to the drinks and we chatted a while but at 10.30 am they were anxious to go. I pointed out the time as being far to early for lunch but they said Muriel needed the bank and the Post Office first. Given that I asked if it was OK if I made a quick nip to Home Bargains. It was. What a success that was. I practically flew round the store but I knew where I was looking for what I wanted. Yvonne is going to be doing up Amelie’s bedroom and had seen some nice lights for the wall when we were out on Tuesday. I was pretty sure I’d seen some at this branch of my favourite shop. I had, and what a bargain.

I was just walking out with my purchases when I met MuJo who’d come for a look themselves. Great, I got to go round again at a more liesurely pace and picked up some gifts for my Great Nephew who will be One next week. Muriel managed to find a few things there and I know John got something too. When we left it was straight back to the car and then off to lunch. It was pre-decided today that a return to The Bells of St Mary’s was on the cards. We were there only minutes after they started serving. The till area was almost free and we could quickly order but the line of people waiting to get their meal was massive. I was disappointed that when I got my meat there were hardly any boiled onions, very few carrots and scrappy roast potatoes. If I waited there for new dishes to be brought everything else would go cold. Still what I had I enjoyed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After lunch MuJo asked if I’d mind going to Abakhan for my coffee. I didn’t mind. It’s an old mill where they sell material and everything related to fabrics even to wedding gowns and those funny little hats women wear for such occasions. I know of old they also have a good craft shop, a wool shop and a gift shop though that is very expensive. We enjoyed our drink and a look round the various departments. It was still pouring down as we headed for home. We were back by 2.30 pm which was unusual and because of the weather they weren’t too long before leaving to travel home themselves. Once they’d gone I saw a text from Mike to say he was on his way so I started work. I broke at 4.30 pm. I was watching PYMWYMI when Mike arrived so I made him a coffee while he dropped his luggage in his room. Then my drug courier arrived just before 5.00 pm so I c0uld stop worrying about that.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       When the quiz Pointless was on I made Mike something to eat. We watched Without a Trace but think I may have nodded off towards the end, either that or they now amalgamate part of SG1 into the story because when I opened my eyes that’s what was there. I was out a good hour and yet still somehow managed to miss a chunk of Sanctuary as well. At 9.00 pm I took my meds, locked Joey away and came through t work. It ook until 11.00 pm to finish the emails and start the blog. It’s going to be close to midnight I think.

Nursery play.

Dig that rhythm n’ blues man.

 

Friday 29th April.

Bed 11.58 pm                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Read to 1.15 am Couldn’t sleep.

I got up again at 1.45 am and started to read again being prepared to fall asleep reading if I must, which I did sometime after 2.05 am which is the last time I remember. I was up again at 4.00 am. After a trip to  the loo I went straight to the kitchen and took my meds then brought the drawer through and replenished the drawer from the stuff that arrived yesterday then replenished the drugs tray for the next week. I returned with a coffee and set to work on my mail at 4.35 am. I finally got clear at 6.56 am so I was able to have a short break before it started coming again, That lasted for just a couple of minutes and then I was at it until 9.00 am.

I’d gone through to the lounge and was relaxing with Frasier when Mike walked in about 9.10 am. Not bad for someone who’d slept from before 10.30 pm last night. I only know as I turned his TV off at 10.30 pm. I made his coffee while he struggled to raise the venetian blinds on his eyes. I stayed in the lounge with HUtH till 11.00 am and Mike only moved long enough to make himself a second coffee.As I went back to work Mike went to his room to get dressed ready to go out.                                                                 The mail was going down OK when he came in to say goodbye, he’d see me tonight. I carried on until 11.35 pm then decided to go peel my sweet potatoes for lunch. Once that was done I took my pre-foodies, put the sausages on the grill and cut the potatoes ready to be boiled. My potatoes were mashed, peas were in the microwave while I dished up the sausages then prepared the chipshop style gravy before adding the peas and putting the gravy on. I was ready to eat at 12.05 pm. After Bargain Hunt I was ready to return to work. I just didn’t know it would keep me occupied until 4.30 pm. At 5.15 pm I returned to it until 5.50 pm when I was pretty clear. I needed to be as I wouldn’t be returning to it until at least 9.00 pm.

I was watching Without a Trace when I got a 6.30 pm text from Michael to say he was on his way back. I saw SG1 then at 8.00 pm went for my shower. When I cam back to the lounge Michael still hadn’t arrived but about 8.30 pm he walked in. I made a coffee and he told me how bad the traffic and the weather had been. At 9.00 pm Have I Got News For You came on so I decided to stay for that too. When I’d taken my meds and finally came through there were 51 messages waiting with more coming in. Sometimes you answer one at one end of the list which generates a new one at the other end. I worked until 10.45 pm then started the blog. I intend to be in bed by midnight as it’s shopping day tomorrow and I have all my early morning duties with the rubbish, the recycling and turfing Mike out of his bed.

Sunshine, in case you don’t remember it. Not today though.

Exotic colours.

Saturday 30th April.

Bed 12.01 am after doing a little more mail.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Read to 1.05 am Last visit to loo.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Up at 2.21 am first visit to loo .

I put myself straight to work on ebay ordering what I’d decided I wanted for Lee’s birthday. Though his lovely wife Jen says not to get him anything I find I can’t do that. Lee has been important to me for his whole life. I have to think hard about Karen now to find something special .                                                                                                                       I worked on the mail until 5.00 am then went for my usual jaunt to the kitchen.I had toast with lashings of butter and by 6.30 am felt sick. But, after breakfast I’d seen to the kitchen bin and the food waste bins. I’d taken them outside but left the bins on the step to take down when we went out.  After washing my hands I’d returned to work   on the emails taking delight in the fact that I had time to enjoy some of the stories, especially the Guitar Mancer serial by my friend Teagan.                                                              https://teagansbooks.com/2016/04/30/guitar-mancer-episode-6-audition/                                                                                                                                                                                             At 6.00 am Mike’s alarm went off so I finished what I was doing and then went to the kitchen and made a coffee. One more alarm had gone while I was in there and then the third just as I took his drink in. After the alarm going off I expected a better response than Uh Uh when I said the drink was there. I returned to ework but there was no movement from there until after the fourth alarm. At least I’d only made the one visit.

I went through to the lounge to open Joey’s cage at 6.45 am  and was surprised to find Mike awake rather than sleeping in the chair. We decided what flowers we’d want for Ju’s vase this morning. Somehow we were on our way at 7.00 am. We parked up and I got cash while Mike grabbed a trolley. Inside the store I went to get my spuds while I asked Mike to choose the flowers. Then in tandem we went round the rest of the shop getting what was needed.Towards the end of the supermarket I asked Mike to pick up my pop while I got some milk. There was one of the large carts they use to transport the milk in the aisle and I had to go behind it to get the milk. I was just leaning over to get the milk when I felt a thump on my right hip and I started to topple . “Murder” I cried and two heads came round  the end of the cart. One was a member of staff who’d been using an industrial floor cleaner  and had gone into the front of the cart with a real wallop which had then sent it into me. He grabbed my arm to pull me upright as I tried to get my crutches into a position to support me, The second face was Mike who was trying to get the crutches back on the ground since he felt there was more support that waving over my shoulders like a paralytic spider. The accident prone polisher who tried to polish me off was very apologetic and offered to get me a chair so I could sit a while. I said I was OK.

Mike and I moved off though I was moving quite gingerly since the floor was wet and slippy where the machine had been. I have to admit my hip hurt and I said to Mike that I should maybe faint now and then sue the store. He suggested I might get my shopping for free at least. I suggested he run back and pick up a 55″ screen TV first.  When we finished in the supermarket we headed to Th Range again for bacon baps for breakfast. Don’t blame me it’s all his fault. I’ve bought great salad stuffs this morning again. There’s another good shop close by where I managed to get a few things I wanted  before we got in the car again and headed for Flint.                                             When we parked up we stopped to have a cigarette and walked to a shop I needed before we went fore coffee, His mouth opened in a big drool when he saw it was Sian on today. He almost behaved himself when he saw her son was working with her, but not quite. Coffee was nice but it was time to move on again. Next door as it happened. Mike found a nice picture frame he wanted.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Finally it was back in the car again for a ride up to Holywell where I managed to get just what I wanted to complete my gift for Amelie’s room. After that I left Mike the choice of where we lunched. He decided on The Dragon’s Rest just off the A55 at the Holywell exit.

After lunch it was time to come home. We made it for 2.00 pm. We unpacked and put away the shopping then I came to work. I stayed until almost 6.00 pm then leaving just a small amount in my inbox I headed for the lounge and some relaxation. To make life fun, despite being hit inthe left hip, my problem all evening has been my chest , the left side of which has been very painful, almost like it felt when I had pneumonia. But I’m still breathing much to his disgust.  We were watching a programme that didn’t finish until 9.30 pm so I was later coming through than usual. total mail at that point 63 so it took me until 11.05 pm to finish and that was while I was being ruthless ( It’s true, I haven’t had a Ruth for ages) having to ignore some posts that have been reposted a lot or if people have sent multiple messages. I shall post at midnight come what may and then I’m in bed toot sweet!!

Am I next on the menu?

I’m amazed, dumbfounded , shocked!

 

Sunday 20th December 2015

Sunday 20th Dec

Well, just 5 more days to go. Everything goes up a gear now, well except me. Last night was almost totally sleepless except for small spurts and I still managed to get up before 5.00 am albeit to rest in my chair. I leaned over to get a drink last night and nudged my lamp. The bulb blew. That was about 12.15 am. I thought it a sign so I put my book down , turned on to my left side and tried to relax into sleep. Right side, back and sitting soon followed but it was an age before anything worked.                                            It was about 2.00 am when I went searching for another bulb. No joy I seem to have most bulbs in except the thick screw in ones that this lamp demands. I’ll have to try and get out today to find some or crawl around trying to connect a  different lamp. I apologised to Joey for disturbing him then and later at 4.20 am for the same reason, so I could read my book. I took it through to the lounge and read there instead. I only wanted it to make me tired.                                                                                                                            I read till I was tired and then nodded in the chair for a while. At 6.05 am I took my meds not forgetting the ones for my current chest problem then took a coffee through and signed on. There was no way I could do all the mail but I could cherry pick some to reply to. I managed as many as I could before the lethargy hit again. I tried to hit back but the scream was piercing. I went through and put the washing machine on to do the bedding. Then it was time for the chair again and another nod.

Mike came through at 9.05 am which was another unwarranted attack on my system. I saw to his coffee and then sat talking to him until I realised he was asleep. He actually gets up for a nap??? I tried a coughing fit and he did wake up if only to complain about the noise. I got him to agree to take me to town t 10.30 am when the washing was dry and folded. Long story short, we got my bulbs and forgot the bag he wanted, I got my own way where we had lunch and Mike who was insisting he was taking me out for Christmas Dinner at £40 a head was told in no uncertain terms to forget it, but to ask in the place we were if they were still doing Christmas dinners which we could collect on Thursday to eat Friday, answer yes. We chose the two course option and it was £7.99 each. A bit of a saving and I said it suited me fine that way. Even coffee and a mince pie after the pudding thrown in.

After lunch we came home to be in for our visitors. I was delighted to have one extra, There was David my nephew and his wife Gina. There was his youngest daughter age 7 Hollie, his son by another partner  Taylor 18 who’s a really nice lad I rarely see and his daughter by yet another partner his eldest at I think 24 Marissa. Then Marissa’s partner Paul and their 2 year old my great grand nephew Kayden. Being on the ball I had all their gifts bagged ready. After sorting drinks out my poor nephew had to stand by the front door because he’s allergic to Joey so I had to watch and Mike had to watch that Joey didn’t get the chance of his big break (out). Lovely to see them but by the time it was goodbye my eyeballs were spinning in their sockets. Mike left a few moment s later when I said he couldn’t watch Pinochio. I came though for a few minutes but at 6.15 pm I’m going to go back to bed for a while so I need to lock the doors. Typically I couldn’t sleep so I went back through and put Hellboy on. I swear, withing ten minutes I was zoned out and only came to  ten minutes in to War of the Worlds. Time to tidy up ( is that for the bogeyman?) and wish Joey a good night.

I’m supposed to be having a MuJo visit tomorrow but haven’t heard anything for a few days so I’ll have to wait and see.

Monday 21st Dec.

Although I read in bed, my light was still out well before 1.00 am last night. It was a tossing and turning night though and I was still awake at 2.03 am when I nipped to the loo ( being awake on those occasions certainly helps). I probably drifted off soon after that.                                                                                                                                                                   It was 5.14 am when I woke so I’ve nothing to complain at. I’m still weary though and may just keep company with Joey in my chair after taking my meds and a hot drink. First though I checked my mail while I still had the energy. Some beautiful wishes from my friends for Christmas. I’m a truly lucky man. Some very entertaining blog posts also showing the never decreasing talent available out there. Some very perceptive pieces too as always. I worked until 6.15 am then went to feast on all the tablets and have a coffee. I nodded off in my chair.

I had no choice but get dressed today as I had to get my repeat prescription in. So, at 9.15 am I took chocolates for the Post Office and the Chemist and handed it in. The drugs will be brought round on Wednesday afternoon but I hope not to be here then. Stuffing my face with a Titterton’s Pork Pie doesn’t come along very often. There’s been no word from MuJo this morning so looks like no visit again. But. The Postwoman (from the post office) came round with more mince pies she’d made me and then my warden came round to visit and warned me she’s away for the next two Monday’s so I can get up to whatever I like. The rest of the day I relaxed with Joey, still  trying to make up to him for Sunday’s traumas.

It was a quiet afternoon and I slept a lot. I stayed away from the computer and just rested as much as possible. Since there was no word from MuJo I sent them a text this evening but have had no word back.I left a note on Skype too but that’s hasn’t garnered a response either. I’m getting a little worried about John now. Tomorrow will be a strain as Yvonne has spoken to my nurse who wants to see me tomorrow morning, they’re so busy this near Christmas I’ll need to see her. I know it’s won’t be easy with distances and breathing so I’ll leave early. About 8.00 am tomorrow morning. After that I’ll rest as much as possible ready for my outing on Wednesday. I’m sorry, I really am trying to get back to work before Christmas but this is a bad bout.

Tuesday 22nd Dec.

I don’t know who put what in my Pepsi Max last night but my light was out a few minutes before 1.00 am and I didn’t open my eyes until 6.17 am this morning. What’s more, I hadn’t wet the bed. It’s a bonus not having to paddle to the loo. Not having been all night the urge was upon me so I skedaddled in that direction. I can see from the water level that the wind is fierce this morning. I hope it drops before I have to go out. After the loo it was straight to the kitchen to swallow the pills and potions and to eat a little breakfast, a toasted bap today. Then it was time to get dressed and I was able to open my bank info and check my money had gone in and finally to open the mail. I’d already worn myself out so no way had I chance of doing the mail and anyway, I’ve no time since I’d be out at 7.50 am.

At 7.50 am I pulled the front door shut and locked it. It was very windy and I just had to grit my teeth and walk facing it. Two steps forward one step back up the hill. I wa in time for the bus and in town before I knew it. In  fact I was seated in thew surgery trying to get my breath back at 8.30 am. When I was called at 9.00 am I had my breath and was able to smile for the delectable Sister S. I was given a prescription for more antibiotics and steroids in case this first lot don’t do the job totally. I was also told that in the New Year I can have the drug to help me stop smoking. In my case the contra-indicators say I need to be monitored closely but we settled on once a week visits yo the surgery.

I caught the bus down, visited Pauline’s and then made my way home where I flaked out in my chair. Judging by the noise Joey was happy.  The only other time I had to move was when my drug runner arrived. It was unexpected today. I’m looking forward to tomorrow when Dil comes and takes me round to see my nephew Lee and his family before games night.

Wednesday 23rd Dec.

I must be getting better. 1.00 am light out and settle for sleep. 4.17 am up again. Back to normal sleeping habits must be a good sign, unless of course my body dexcided to try and sleep the day away. That might prove a little awkward (and rude) today as Dil is coming this morning for our outing before games night. We’re going to see his eldest son and family where I might even show I love someone enough to part with a pork pie. Since it’s never happened before we’d see if I could actually go through with it. ha ha. At 6.00 am I turned to breakfast and taking my meds for the day.Back to my cold toast for breakfast and managed OK today.

After breakfast and before I could find an alternate excuse I went to Mike’s room and started wrapping again. I managed all of Reuben’s prezzies before thinking of a reason to stop. There are just two to go now. Maybe Mike and I can take one each tomorrow afternoon???? Provided he’s here of course. If not I shall be looking at a way of collecting the dinners before lunchtime is over. By 8.30 am I was dressed and sitting with Joey. Dil arrived at 10.15 am and we set off firstly to deliver a sputum sample to the hospital and then on our way to get Titterton’s Pork Pies. We arrived at 11.30 am and put in our shipping orders then went for a drink.  I needed a cuppa in order to take two pre-foodie tabs. As soon as I’d done so, I was able to walk through the town precinct with my mush wrapped round a medium pie. I finished it as we reached the next shop I wanted which was to buy a pair of jeans for Christmas day. I did that quickly so I could get out and take the two post-foodie tablets.

We headed back to Wales and spent the afternoon with Lee, Jen and Nathan. Nathan was in very bouncy mood and full of smiles which was great. As evening approached we came home ready for games night which started as soon as the quiz was over. 6 games of Yahtzee each tonight. Mike arrived before the Trivia started so he was able to join in, never again though as he won. I don’t know why I made him something to eat afterwards and included one of my precious pies.

I remained up and chatting until 11.00 pm but needed to rest as I was tired out. So, a few fast words to you all and I’m retired for the night. More fun tomorrow.

Thursday 24th Dec. Christmas Eve.

As usual the light went out at 1.00 am. It was 5.16 am before it came on again. I must have been tired last night, but right now…..I needed the loo and it was almost tippy-toes time. The sigh of relief echoed down the empty passage way almost loud enough to wake Mike. OK a slight exaggeration on my part there, but it certainly made Joey blink. Once ‘d looked at my mail 6.00 am arrived and I went to take my meds and get my breakfast. I was surprised to hear Mike’s alarm start at 7.10 am so I made him a coffee and then left him to it for the other 4 alarms. He got up at 7.40 am when I had to wake him in the chair and remind him coffee was there. Somehow we still managed to get out for 8.00 am.

We went to our usual Saturday supermarket. Mike wanted trousers for his Dad and I wanted some last bits of food and some flower for Ju. We whizzed round quite quickly both fairly lucky in our tasks. Then after the till it was McDonalds where I drank a cup of mud that I didn’t enjoy a bit and it didn’t even remove my thirst. Back home then to start putting things away and to have a short breather. Then it was up to town to buy some mince pies and go for lunch. After eating we collected tomorrow’s meal which had been prepared ready for us by the Bells Cafe. Back home again it seems I fell asleep and Mike later took great pleasure in describing how I was with that. I watched the Original Scrooge with Alistair Sim and enjoyed every minute of it. There were quizzes and comedies on and pure laziness while I brought my chest under control.

I came to the computer late to record this and just check any urgent mail. It’s well gone midnight and I need to be asleep before Santa comes.

As it will be gone Christmas before you see this….

Friday 25th Dec, Christmas Day.

It was late before I managed sleep,perhaps because I ‘accidentally’ ate Santa’s mince pie. I know I saw 1.00 am come and go. I got up at 5.04 am and he’s been. Unfortunately he revenged himself by eating one of my pork pies which I obviously hadn’t locked away securely enough.This could mean war. I busied myself getting my meds and deciding against breakfast today. I moved Mike’s gifts to the couch and sat opening a few of mine that had been left before the day. I left Mike’s gifts to me until he was up and we could open together. I needed to wait till he was up before being able to start on MuJo’s too as they were in his bedroom.

Mike’s alarm went off at 8.30 am and I took a coffee through. So I didn’t come back empty handed I brought a pile of my MuJo gifts asking mike to bring a big box I couldn’t carry. He did. I had a splendid time opening them to find some beautiful gifts. The big box held a fantastic tealight holder with tulip heads to hold the tealights. There was a lovely figurine of children p;laying leap frog, a beautiful old tig and a swirling snow led Christmas Tree. John and Muriel have my taste off pat. Mike bought me a waistcoat, a cardigan and a beautiful ring which was a major shock and a real delight. Fortunately he seemed genuinely pleased with his watch, a hat that fits and the other items he found.

For lunch all we had to do was reassemble the meal and microwave it. I confess I’ve eaten worse meals. I’d even have it again rather than pay to eat out. Especially given the fact that neither of us even bothered to get dressed all day. Early evening I had a shower then relaxed with Mike in front of the TV. I am feeling better but just not quite there yet.

Discovery

Opening

Wonderment

Saturday 26th Dec. Boxing Day.

I gave myself a little time looking on the posts for yesterday last night and then found it was almost 2.00 am. I still needed to read my book-which I finished- so I could be ready to start my new one.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         I got up at 5.44 am, took my meds and had a toasted bap. I was able to return to work until 7.30 am when Mike’s alarm went off. He ddn’t rouse quite as quickly today so it was 8.45 am before we were on the way out. Boxing Day found us hitting the sales, only what a disappointment we found it. Just as well we’d actually gone there for food to take with us to Yvonne’s. With just a couple of days to go, she’s not in the best condition to be catering a party, but a party there must be as we have our get together with my nieces. Once we’d picked up a variety of meats and cheeses, fresh bread and butter, biscuits and pop we went to have a coffee. I went for a latte today rather than the mud I had last Thursday.

At 10.30 am we were on the road again on the way to Yvonne’s. Surprisingly parking was quite easy outside the house. We carried everything across from the car and knocked on the door. Ugo answered and took some of the bags from me. I didn’t realise at that point that my two nieces had already arrived, we took the food through to the kitchen in readiness for the buffet. We gathered in the lounge and started giving out the gifts. I had some wonderful things like a homburg, shoes, slacks and a shirt as well as some Bazinga teeshirts and some humorous gifts. Mike was over the moon with a gift from Yvonne, Ugo and Roobs of a red fedora. It was fun watching Reuben with his gifts but he was really slow.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Eventually we were all done and the paper cleared for recycling. It was time to eat. Karen and Jo hid their Titterton’s pies just in case we ate them by mistake. Drat! It was a lovely buffet and the fresh bread I’d bought went down very well. Afterwards when we were back in the lounge, in the warm and with TV on the inevitable happened.

Why is there always a camera about?

My Monster Friend.

 

 

 

 

Watching Katie Hepburn, I wish!

Sunday 4th October.
I made it to bed by midnight though it meant typing with one hand while undressing (and redressing) with the other. I did have a short read and my light went out about 12.30 am. I think sleep came quickly but so did dreams. They were unpleasant and woke me in a sweat at 1.20 am. I had a cigarette and went to my chair in the lounge to try and nod off again there. Next thing I know it’s 7.44 am and I’ve just had my longest sleep for months. Maybe I should dream more often.
As I was already by the kitchen I went to take my morning meds and make a coffee to bring back to my room where I could start work. Power up, log on and into battle. Plenty of mail being a Sunday morning and as I worked I realised just how many of my friends are still missing comments as I’m not getting their posts. I don’t know how to fix it.

I was working when I heard movement . It was 9.30 am and Mike had just got up. I nipped through to make him a coffee and ask for an extra ten minutes indulgence while I just completed a few more messages. I went through when I was clear and he suggested I have very stretchy time periods in Wales as it was now 10.20 am. I bullied tempted Joey out of his cage so I could see to new millet and change his seed and water. I wish I’d got him back in the cage so I could clean the mirror. I went through to get dressed. Mike did the same and kindly stripped his bed for me and put the bedding by the washing machine. I thought it was a bit much that he didn’t carry on and actually do the washing but it seems I expect too much.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We left the house at 11.15 am and headed off for Prestatyn. We were there about 11.40 am and as we parked up saw Karen not too far away. Mike beeped the car horn and she turned round. Out of all the tens of people in that area, how did she know it was her we meant? Anyway, she explained Jo wasn’t coming as she has fleas………..or more to the point her cats currently do. She’s in the middle of a big clean up operation. Karen walked off ahead of us so we had chance to get out of the car and bring in the prezzies for the youngest kids.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When we were catching up with Karen we could see she was talking to someone over a low fence by the playground of the carvery. I was delighted to see Dil and his wife Lynne were there as were two of their children. Matt and Jess plus Jess’s partner Paul and her son Rylan whom I’m sure I last saw on the maternity ward. He’s 3 now.              Just a few minutes later Yvonne, Ugo and Reuben arrived. Yvonne looks quite large now, it must be uncomfortable in today’s heat. It was hugs all round.

We went inside and I saw my brother had been crafty and already got drinks and ordered meals for them all. That meant he avoided an argument with me when I wanted to pay. Luckily I was able to bully everyone else to list the meal and drink they wanted including Dil’s oldest son Lee, his wife Jen and their  baby Nathan. OK ,Nathan didn’t exactly list anything but the offer was there. I went up with Mike to place the order and we felt redundant when the staff offered to bring the drinks over and deliver the non carvery meals when they were ready. Mike and I thought if we got our carvery’s now, we could taunt those who had to wait. It was a very long and very pleasant mealtime and I was able to persuade 4 people ton have a pudding afterwards, granted in the case of the 3 year old and ice cream not a lot of persuasion was needed.                  Finally at about 2.45 am we all had to bid each other farewell though Yvonne came to the £ shop to pick up a drink and a trolley full of other stuff. She had a bottle of Lipton’s lemon tea, I had a cold Pepsi Max.

Mike brought me home and I expected him to leave straight away to visit his Dad but before he left he insisted on helping me make his bed ready for my visitors. Soon enough he was on his way leaving Joey and myself alone for the evening. I worked hard until 6.10 pm when I was pretty clear and decided to go and have some tea.I watched nearly two hours of Come Dine With Me and suffered badly especially because the contestants were Welsh and two let the side down badly.                                               I was then fascinated until 9.00 pm by a programme about the tomb of Cleopatra. A South American lawyer and amateur archeologist has a theory about where the tomb might be. And despite excavations having taken place in the same area in the past for different reasons the area has been written off as unimportant. This girl is a genius as the longer she’s there, the more possible her theory becomes though when first given permission to dig the archeological community and the Egyptian authorities are skeptical to say the least. I believe 2015 was about her tenth year, dring that time she found a stone very like the Rosetta stone but which predated it by at least two years and she’d recently found a new and very deep passage.The problem was, the programme came to an end with the end of this digging season and I have to hope that her progress continues to be filmed next year, and that there’s still something to be found. After all her hard work I wouldn’t like someone else to take over from her for the sake of a major discovery.

At 9.00 pm Joey had already gone to bed. I tried an Adam Sandler film against my better judgement, That’s My Boy. I didn’t even last ten minutes this time. Ben Stiller is another one that leaves me cold but there’s no accounting for taste. I could happily watch Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy films all day long though. I turned to work for solace and then to the blog.

Cousinly Love. Reuben and Nathan.

Monday 5th.

I was in bed before midnight again and despite my long sleep of last night I was still tired. It must be because there was no power nap. I read till 12.30 am and turned the light out. I was up at 3.46 am and felt great. Rested with no disturbances. I beetled to the bathroom and then came back to power up and log on. By 5.50 am I was up to date with my mail in both accounts and with the comments on my blog. Keeping pace from this point should be easy so I went to take my meds and have an early breakfast.  After breakfast I put the washing on then brought my coffee back to the bedroom. Talktalk had logged me out (naturally) and when I signed in said it couldn’t connect to the right server and to check my account settings. Ridiculous since I’ve already been in there once this morning and if I don’t have an account how can I sign in? I just took a deep breath and carried on with my gmail instead. It wasn’t long before an email had me scuttling to ebay though. Yvonne had found a sheepskin muff that attaches to the handle of a pushchair or pram to make sure hands don’t get cold.

I took a break to see to Joey then worked until 9.45 am, took a birthday card to my neighbour Dorothy then settled to watch Homes Under the Hammer.Darren came and brought my latest parcel and thinks he’ll be bored over Christmas with no deliveries here.  It was just before the end that the knock on the door came and there was the lovely Val, my warden. She came in to say hello to Joey and find out how things are with me. It’s only while chatting to her I realised I was actually shaking. I was obviously not in a people kind of mood this morning. Once she’d gone I went back tot he computer to deal with the mail, looked on ebay for stocking gifts then finally went to empty the drier and put the stuff on the airer. Time for lunch before Bargain Hunt starts. Beef in ale with mashed potatoes. I’d be surprised if the alcohol didn’t send me to sleep. Well it did, but during the programme and not afterwards, though I was awake for the final auction so it can’t have been for more than about 5 minutes.                                           I did quite fancy another little sleep but I fought the urge and came back through to check the mail. There was quite a bit including one from my daughter three times. I’m not sure whether she thinks I have a memory retention problem. My response was the same each time anyway, I am buying you a bl**dy coat for Christmas !! Her Christmas suggestions are about £5 a go as though I’d let her get away with that.

After working I couldn’t help but do another trawl on ebay where I ordered the pram muff Yvonne had pointed out. I ordered a couple of other things at the same time.As far as I can gauge I need Yvonne’s coat and one more major prezzie before having just stocking presents to get. I shall have to keep an eye on finances now but at least I’m not under pressure. I suppose the worst part of this is that I still have 11 weeks left to buy more things as I see them and poor Santa will get backache delivering them. Maybe I should start a Santa franchise and deliver them myself. I refuse to buy a sleigh though just in case it doesn’t snow. Maybe I can persuade Mike to get an all-terrain vehicle.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               I went through to the lounge at 4.30 pm to watch The Antiques Road Trip and to have some tea. Since I’d already had my pre-foodie tabs for the day I had two crumpets with jam (jelly for my friends in America) on. I might have followed up with a few jaffa cakes.                                                                                                                                                                 I returned to the messages at 6.30 pm  after Eggheads which had a surprise ending today when just two people beat 4 Eggheads to win £12,000. It was unexpected because they’d lost three of their team and I think they were all over 70.

At 8.00 pm I watched a programme where they were trying to find the site of an ancient battle in Gotland near Sweden and prove or disprove it had taken place. It seemed the battle had taken place where the Danish army attacked and slaughtered the villagers in order to win a wealth castle for trading purposes.                                                                 At 9.00 am I watched a fascinating programme about the Celts. It seems that maybe we didn’t come from Central Europe to Scotland , Ireland, England and Wales after all. The new scenario is that we may have come from the Phoenecians trading and perhaps adapted culture from their goods. Then it looks like Middle Europe may have become Celtic from Britain as it seems early grave goods there were based on a leaf blade design from here. It also seems that the Roman’s portrayal of the Celts as savages was just propaganda and that we had an ordered society with sophisticated tastes. The Celts sacked and burned Rome when a chief was killed by a Roman ‘Diplomat’ and the Romans wouldn’t hand him over for punishment. I loved a side story that the Romans paid a vast weight of gold to rid themselves of the Celts in some kind of peace but that the Celtic leader used fake wights to up the ante.

Tonight’s music is a request from my friend Suzanne at apuginthekitchen.                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Tuesday 6th.

Light’s out 12.50 am. Suddenly awake 1.35 am. In chair at 1.45 ac (after ciggie) and slept till 6.44 am. That settles it, I sleep better when I’m upright. I really must give up drinking!(joke). Joey is amazingly well behaved. He doesn’t utter a peep during the time it’s dark and I never have to cover him up. No unwanted alarm calls from him. So much better than the four legged pet that used to own the place. Not that I’m getting the idea I’m in charge here, just that there’s someone like Mike who could sleep for Britain should it ever become an Olympic event.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             As I was already close to the kitchen I went to take my meds and make a coffee . I happened to glance at the calendar while I was waiting for the machine to finish and realised I’d taken Dorothy’s card a week early. I must hold back on one for another neighbour I was going to post on Thursday as she’s three days after Dorothy.                      It seems I’ve woken up in a bit of a low mood this morning. I’m going to Pauline’s to restock my cigarettes this morning ( and other things but I thought I’d mention that one) I have no idea what to say if she asks how Kelly is working out as my cleaner. She’s known both of them and is going to find it a bit strange that both have just walked with no explanation. Will she believe I’ve done or said nothing to cause it?

Taking my coffee through to the bedroom I logged on and started on my mail. I worked until 8.45 am when I got dressed and went to Pauline’s. She asked me about Kelly and all I could say is that I liked her but I haven’t seen/heard from her since she left on Thursday. She thinks it strange that Kelly should leave without a word too. I’d love to be there when she sees Kelly and asks why, maybe it would answer my query as to what I’m doing wrong.                                                                                                                                     Back at home again I put my shopping away then scrubbed the bars in Joey’s cage and changed the sandpaper at the bottom. Then I had to sweep the carpet and floor below his cage to make the place look respectable. As soon as he moved back to the cage I cleaned the mirror above, where he likes to park his bum. After   that he went and sat on the mirror again and seemed hell bent on making it s dirty as before. I reckon it’s all to do with the budgie on the other side teasing him. Once  I’d finished there I left him in peace for a minute and went to answer the door to Darren. Two more parcels today, I had to open them to see what they were so I could leave feedback later. I’d tell you what came but it’s a secret.

At lunchtime I couldn’t be bothered and just stuck chips and curry sauce in. I didn’t really want it but had to eat to take the diabetic controls. I watched Bargain Hunt but since the one ‘expert’ I really can’t stand was on didn’t pay close attention. Joey was quite entertainment enough fitting himself through the hoop of one of his toys, then battering his little mirror as though announcing the end of his race. Talking of mirrors, the main one above the cage upon which he rests his posterior is as bad as before I cleaned it thanks to is beak battles with his mirror image.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           At 1.00 pm I struggled back to the bedroom instead of taking my nap. I started to catch up on all the messages I’ve neglected today. I need to shake this current mood off and do some work. I stayed until 3.00 pm  then escaped to Escape to the Country where someone was looking for a property £900-950,000 in West Sussex.Some beautiful places there and it seems the best weather in the UK which title I always thought belonged to Cornwall. The show didn’t manage a success today.                                 Back to work from 3.45 pm to 4.30 pm at which time I decamped for my Antiques Road Trip, and quiz, and quiz then work and film and search for the Holy Grail all of which brought me to 10.00 pm and my final goodnights to the faithful (choke) budgie.                                                                                                                                                                               I started the blog first and will move to the mail afterwards time permitting which it will of course.

Nathan my great nephew
Lee, my lovely nephew and Jen his lovely wife.

Last night’s request reminded me just how much I loved the fantastic Simon and Garfulnkel.  This is for you Suzanne for the reminder. Thank you.

Wednesday 7th.

Lights out 12.25 am lights on 2.42 am. The loo, the kitchen for a cold refill and then a cigarette before trying my chair again. I woke at 5.42 am. I’m no accountant but I reckon that’s getting on towards the five hour mark. Result!  Maybe I should use the bedroom as just the office and stick to my chair at night. Mind you, if I woke up in my chair middle of the night, I wonder if I’d have to try my bed next? Joey as usual didn’t utter a sound which was very considerate unless he’s such a heavy sleeper he didn’t notice.

So, at 5.42 am when I got up I wandered trough to the kitchen and took a pre-foodie followed by the rest of my morning meds. I put some bread in the toaster, had a cigarette timer then enjoyed creating a series of mini-Alps in butter on each slice before eating it. I took a coffee through to my room and then went to wash off the excess butter from my moustache for when I kissed Muriel today. Yes, today was a MuJo visit as well as games day so I’m sure you all felt my panic as the post increased and I wasn’t able to touch it. Telling myself not to worry, there’s always tomorrow doesn’t seem to work. Tomorrow brings it’s own post.                                                                                     I kept things up to date as much as possible until MuJo arrived but had to break to let Joey out and replenish his food and water supplies. I also had to clean the floor area around the cage again and did so by crawling around on my hands and knees with a dustpan and brush rather than use the hoover and upset Joey. I did a little dusting too. I found the time at some point to get dressed as well.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Darren knocked on the door about 10.15 am with two more parcels for me. One in particular I was very pleased to get. I’d just turned Homes Under the Hammer on so was trying to watch, listen to Joey and open the parcels at the same time.One house was massive and had last been used as a day nursery. It hadn’t been left very tidy but at least no heavy structural work needed. I think it was a couple of friends bought it but I couldn’t hear too well over Joey’s argument with his reflection again. Anyway, they turned it into a superb 5 bedroom house very much in an Edwardian style but with modern fixtures. As we were getting to the point where they get valuations from two estate agents to see if there is a profit to be made, MuJo knocked at the door and came in. I had to go and see to drinks.

I dragged my feet a bit when Muriel asked if I was ready to go and eat. It was too early for me at 11.00 am So I managed to make us leave at 11.20 am instead. We were still entering the chippy at 11.45 am even after having gone round a couple of charity shops. We had a nice meal though I’m concerned that Mu isn’t eating enough at the moment. After lunch we took a walk round another shop then walked up to the new Homies. It’s quite a hill and obviously had an adverse effect on John as he had to leave to sit in the car. We went with him.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By the time we reached Flint John was feeling better. Muriel and I went round the ALDI supermarket where I bought some bread and found some chocolates for the girls in Temptations. That’s where we went next and Muriel passed them over to Sian as she ordered drinks. We did a couple more shops afterwards before John felt the need to sit down again. I bought Christmas gift wrap??                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We arrived home at 3.45 pm and Muriel asked if it was Dil’s car parked outside. “Never” I said, “far too early” . But of course it was. He’d been working locally and it wasn’t worth him travelling all the way back to work only to come back here again. MuJo said their goodbyes and left with my thanks ringing in their ears. Dil and I were able to sit and chat about how nice Sunday had been and how his grandson, my great nephew Nathan is growing. We watched part of a programme about swapping homes for a break then the Antiques Road Tip and finally our Quiz.

The moment I clicked the TV off Dil put the card table up and I got the Yahtzee out. It was a very tense, give and take session for the first 6 games and ended 3 all so Dil said there was no need to destroy the papers. He got fresh papers out as we can’t play that  game and end up even. More nip and tuck, Dil won one then I did, then I did then Dil did then it was me again The last one should have been Dil’s and he started well but it’s all about finishing and I’m sure they heard his howl of dismay in Flint as I pulled the bird from the hat to win 7-5 overall.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was feeling guilty then. Out came the Trivial Pursuit and I started well getting 3 segments in quick succession including the hated sports category. But he soon caught up. I did manage to be the first to get all six segments but he was giving nothing away.As Dil finally got his last segment we were both heading for the middle and the deciding question. Time was getting on and I’d failed to answer his choice about 3 times so had to go out and come back in again. He finally made it to the middle and I just asked the first question on the card. No hesitation he gave me the right answer and could go home a winner. After he left I tidied up and washed the posts before wishing Joey a good night, taking my meds and coming through to start work.124 messages, and still nothing like I’m used to getting when WordPress notify me of posts by my friends. It still took me until 11.24 pm to get clear and be able to start the blog. It’s a late night tonight so I’m hoping for some unbroken sleep.

Thursday 8th.

It was a late night work wise but because I didn’t read my light still went off around the usual time at  12.50 am. I also got my wish of some unbroken sleep as I was up at 4.16 am. Still in my bed too. Once I’d done my trip to the loo I knew I was fully awake and not ready to go back to sleep. Before dealing with mail I powered up the computer and headed for my bank account  just in case the DWP (Dept of Works and Pensions) had performed a miracle. They hadn’t.                                                                           I logged on to talktalk first to deal with the mail, and then at 5.30 am onto my gmail account for a catch up there. At 6.15 am I was able to go and have breakfast and take all my meds having temporarily got up to date.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    After eating I filled up some small pop bottles from larger ones as I keep the small ones beside my chair, beside my bed and beside the computer. Plus decanting it into smaller bottles releases some of the fizz so it’s more or less flat when I come to drink it and I don’t sound like the bullfrog chorus. At 7.15 am I went to sit in the lounge waiting for it to be light enough to open Joey’s cage door. The earlier I do it the less of a roasting I get. Naturally having just eaten I nodded off before I opened the cage. I woke at 8.05 am mid-bollocking. He was not a happy bunnie budgie. I did his food and water but he wouldn’t exit the cage so I could replace the millet spray. I’ll have to catch him later.

I dressed and did a catch up on the mail till 9.00 am when I went to Pauline’s to renew the lottery. I was a little worried as she said she hasn’t seen Kelly (cleaner) which for her is unusual as she’s usually in 3-4 times a week.(Oddly enough Kelly does work in a very similar shop directly opposite Pauline’s called the One Stop that I occasionally drift in to. I also bought the local rag this morning to see if they have any adverts for cleaners. There were none I could see. I was trying to watch Homes Under the Hammer and double check the paper when my postie came with two more parcels. One was actually a free razor from Wilkinson to try. I think it may have to wait till Spring now.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The other parcel was more of a puzzle in that it contained what I’d ordered (baby related) but also contained a free gift because I’d ordered two of the original item. But, no-one told me what the free gift was. It’s certainly not the fingerless gloves their packing note seems to indicate. I think it could either be seat padding for a car seat or perhaps for a high chair. At least that’s what I’m going to tell Yvonne and just hope she doesn’t come back and call me an idiot because it is fingerless gloves after all. The main gifts are quite clever. An attachment to a pram or pushchair handle that allow the pusher to tuck their hands into a sheepskin lined interior for warm fingers. Of no benefit to the pushee though.

After my programme, paper checking and parcel probing I returned to work and the little pile-up of messages accumulated in my absence. Now there’s a thing, why is there always a pile waiting when I go away, but very little when I actually sit here? I think there’s a little gremlin inside my desk top that holds back armfuls of mail until I leave the computer. The moment I do, it’s all released to wait for my return. At 11.50 am I dropped it all in favour of lunch. I put some Irish sausages under the grill while I quickly peeled some sweet potatoes and an onion which I then put in the microwave for 7 minutes. I kept the sausages turning and once the 7 minutes were up I put some beans in the micro, removed the onion and put it on my plate then drained and mashed the sweet potatoes with some butter.They joined the onion and I added four of the sausages. While the beans finished I mixed a small amount of onion gravy. I added the beans and purse the gravy over the sausages and the mash. It was a feast and if you’re hungry now I’m sorry.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   I watched bargain hunt and managed to wash up before the teams went to auction. What an unmitigated disaster. None of the items chosen made a profit and the only reason one team took some money home (£27) was because one expert made a huge profit of £120. That gives you the scale of the losses. Once Bargain Hunt was over I made a move. I wriggled my bum into a softer spot and nodded off for almost an hour. At 1.50 pm though I suppose conscience got the better of me (chortle) and I returned to work.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Fair play, there was work waiting to be done and I needed to get down to it. I spent until 4.30 pm and the start of The Antiques Road Trip catching up and trying to remember what the heck I wanted to do an ebay search for, that I’d thought of either last night or early this morning. I should carry a pad and pen with me all the time as I’m getting very forgetful. Maybe I was going to look up a pad and pen?                                                                                                                                                                                                             I enjoyed the Road Trip and the quiz that followed. I also enjoyed Eggheads before nipping through to see if I could catch up before 7.00 pm when I noticed a film I fancied. I couldn’t catch up fully but I did make a huge dent in it for later on.With Mike due (I think) there was no telling when I would get back to it of course.                          The message from Mike came at just after 8.00 pm and said he was on his way. That meant an arrival somwhere about 10.00 pm. I watched the film ttill 9.50 pm, ran into my room to do a couple of random messages then went back to catch WDYTYA (Who Do You Think You Are) until 10.00 pm which also gave me time for some supper and to tame my meds. Mike arrived almost on time and wasn’t very happy as he’s had a week rushing back and forth to Manchester to his father. He didn’t know my visitors hadn’t come or he’d have stayed here.

His dad is back in hospital again for various reasons and Mike, never the most patient of people finds himself getting annoyed at having to fill out questionnaires for admission to hospital when he was there so recently. He’s fed up of answering questions that he feels should be a computer click away. He was even more vexed to be asked to sign for an MRI scan when his father has had two so recently. They shouldn’t be asking if he has dementia in the hospital where the dementia was diagnosed just a couple of weeks ago. When he saw him late yesterday he’d just been transferred from A & E to a ward. Mike had gone up with him and waited in a side room as asked and been forgotten about so that when he came out to see if his Dad was ready, no-one knew he was there. We’re very lucky a large mushroom cloud didn’t appear over Manchester last night. From what he says,his Dad may be returning to the nursing home tomorrow. Watch this space.

Sunshine in the Park.

Friday 9th.

My skiving last night made it a late one. After doing the blog I didn’t get to bed until 12.35 am and after a short read my light went out at 1.15 am. It was fantastic to have a disturbance free night and not to wake up until 5.17 am. After skipping to the loo, hey ho, I came back and logged into my talktalk mail. There was no way I could finish it because at 5.45 am I went to go and deal with taking my morning meds and doing my supplies for the next week. It also mean preparing a prescription request ready to take in on Monday for another 4 week supply on the half of the drugs I run out of before next Friday. So far I’ve never been able to get all the dates to coincide on the one prescription but at least I’ve got it that I apply for a different half every two weeks . I also decided to have breakfast so part way through filling my drug tray I took a pre-foodie and stuck a piece of bread in the toaster.

It was almost 6.30 am when I left the kitchen.Still too dark and too early to open Joey’s cage. Even replacing my drug draw in the cabinet near him didn’t seem to disturb him and my presence didn’t bother him either. In the light he’d have been trying to hide behind his mirror if I got that close. Strange, you’d have thought he’d have been more alert to possible danger in the dark.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       So, I took my coffee back to my room after taking my two post-foodie tabs. I carried on with my talktalk mail and at 7.20 am when that was clear, changed to my gmail account. That was temporarily empty at 8.05 am. I took my empty coffee cup back to the kitchen and then opened Joey’s cage door. If I was expecting a grand entrance from him I was to be disappointed. He sat on his perch un-moving and ignoring the open door.                                                                                                                                                              I turned the TV on as it was too early to wake Mike and my interaction with Joey was zilch. I couldn’t turn up the volume while Mike was asleep but oddly enough Joey’s volume control worked on the up and seemed to stick. It’s just as well I wasn’t really watching what was on. Eventually he came out, flew one circuit of the room and landed on the mirror. What a row he had with his opponent. It gets so bad I’m sure he doesn’t like him. I’ve no idea why he keeps going back.

I’d no idea what Mike’s plans are today regards timing so I took a coffee through at 9.00 am and woke him. Then I went back to work on my mail. A knock at the door 9.20 am and there was Darren with another package. This time a remote control light bulb that changes colours to suit moods. I know the one I bought MuJo brings a lot of pleasure.I’m afraid quite a few of us males are gadget mad. Mike got up while I was opening my package in the bedroom. I put that away and left feedback then went to warn Mike to ignore any strange noises in the next few minutes s I cam through and jumped on the bag containing all my plastic bottle waste. I needed more room having not put it out last weekend.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I finished off the last couple of pieces om mail then went through to the lounge. Frasier was on and Joey was still trying to talk over it. I tolerated the noise until Homes Under the Hammer came on then I started tapping my knee. It distracted him and the movement kept him quiet without it creating any noise of it ‘s own. The times I forgot to do it he started again.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             As the programme finished I said I was coming through to get dressed (at10.00 am !!) and left the room. Mike decided to do the same and called after me to see whether I wanted the TV off. I answered “Yes please”. Perhaps that shut Joey up having no competition. Once dressed I concentrated hard on work. Mike came through to say goodbye as he trotted off to see his Dad. I worked until 11.55 am then gave thought to going to the chippie for lunch. Instead I had one of the chips and curry sauce packs I get from Pauline’s followed by the last of the rhubarb and strawberry tart from ALDI. I just hope Mike doesn’t want it tonight.

I washed up during a lull in Bargain Hunt which was quite handy as had I left it there’s a chance the tray would have slid off my knee the minute I fell asleep which was the moment Bargain Hunt ended. The noise would no doubt of woken me and I’d have been even more grumpy old man than usual. The sleep lasted until 1.35 pm and was invigorating. I was ready then to come back to work until 3.00 pm when I had a small break and until 4.30 pm when I knocked off for my usual programmes. Once the Antiques Road Trip was over I kind of lost interest and took to inspecting the inside of my eyelids intermittently. At 6.15 pm I came through to catch up on emails.  I showered at 7.00 pm so I’d be in time for Would I Lie To You.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I made it in time for the programme and just a few minutes into it Mike sent a message to say he was on his way. I also saw Mastermind and considered going back to work but just after I’d put the kettle on and done Mike’s mug in he walked. I listened to the latest part of his saga with some disbelief. His Dad is still in hospital because the home he was in has had an almost total change of staff- from the top down- in the few days he’s been away. They insist on reassessing his needs before allowing him back. The new assessment is on Monday.If all is well he can move back to the home and complete his respite/convalescence/holiday whichever it’s necessary to tell him at the time. And just to prove me wrong about saying how antisocial he is, Mike saw him eating with the other residents last Sunday. It’s now a case of seeing whether he adjusts to the thought of full time care or is unhappy if he can’t leave when the holiday is up.

I put the England match on for Mike at 9.30 pm and came through to work. It took some time to deal with the mail and some time to show Mike the contents on an online magazine that fascinate me ( No madam, it’s NOT that kind of magazine at all). Finally I was able to get at the blog and I’ll still be in bed for midnight.

Gruffalo love

Count the fingers Gruffalo.

Saturday 10th.

I made the midnight deadline with minutes to spare. I was tired, and though reading a book I really didn’t want to put down ( The Right Wrong Man by Pamela S. Wight) I had to force myself to read two short chapters and turn the light off at 12.25 am. Waking up was at 2.17 am and it dawned on me dawn was along time off. I knew I was still tired and decided to try my chair in the lounge. Bingo, I fell asleep again until 4.46 am, a much better time. Too early to start putting the rubbish out maybe but just right for getting up to date on the mail. So, after the obligatory diversion to the loo I reached the bedroom to power up and log on.                                                                                              A slightly silly post I’d done on the Buthidars blog had received a few likes but attracted no comments thus far. Maybe I sounded too serious which beneath the joke I suspect I was.

Once the talktalk lot were out of the way I opened the gmail and started on those. By 5.50 I was clear on both and able to go have some breakfast and take my meds. Somehow I also remembered to refill my outside pill container in case I ate out. An improvement on Wednesday when I forgot it altogether but still filled my face with sausage and chips.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         As soon as I’d finished eating I emptied the food waste bin and put a new bag in and took the contents outside to the bin for collection later. Then I did the main bin , remembering to empty the bathroom and bedroom bin into it before taking it out. Now it’s just a case of remembering to take the paper waste and plastic waste out when we go. The glass and the tins can wait another week or so. As I came back in it was time to put the kettle on for Mike’s drink. When I took it through and woke him it was about a minute before his first alarm went off so I hoped the combination of the two together would have worked. Not a chance. I determined not to go and remind him about the coffee until I’d finished work on the emails but I heard the alarm go off twice more before he moved. Today’s score. Calls 1-Alarms 3, Winner-Mike.

Despite the late start we were still out for 7.30 am and shopping by 8.30 am. There were a few little extras I needed today but even so  I knew there would be tears before bedtime when I found how much I’d spent. Mike was delighted of course and told the lady on the till it put me nearer the heart attack than before,Yay. I have no idea at all why I bought him a coffee.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       We packed the car and headed towards Flint making a slight detour to a shop called Charlie’s to get ideas for gifts and just to generally see what was around. After we’d been there we continued on to Flint. We went straight for our coffee and his teasted toecake  and waited till we’d come out of there to go round the shops. Naturally I forgot I needed pillows at Asda, Charlie’s and all the Flint shops despite having it written on my list.                                                                                                                                                                    As the morning drew on we decided to headed to the Dragon’s Rest for lunch and then go to The Tweed Mill. The food in the Dragon’s Rest was good and in my case very welcome not least because somehow bacon had made it to the plate. It enabled me to have my second set of foodie tablets anyway. The Tweed Mill was full of so many things I’d like in country clothing and full of excellent gift ideas too. We had a coffee before Mike tried on some shoes. He has a problem in that he has small feet for a man. Today he managed to find a men’s size 6 to try but it rattled about on his foot. That left me with a sinking feeling which needs explanation.                                                                    I wanted to get him something nice for his birthday and chose some shoes I was sure he’d like. I took a chance on a man’s size 6 which is a 40 rather than the continental size 6 which is a 39 (also a ladies size 6). After the performance today I thought the shoes I’d bought would be too big. So when we came home I knew I didn’t want to disappoint him on his birthday, I got them out for him to try. At least if they were too big I could find an alternative. As luck would have it, I’d chosen a winklepicker toe and with a little insole he said they were fine. I was prepared to let him have them now but he insisted I take then back and he’ll try to forget about them for November.

We’d obviously put the shopping away before I passed the shoes over. Once they were away again I was able to work from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm on some of the mail. I joined Mike in the lounge, technically I suppose I joined Joey as Mike was asleep. The minute he heard the start of the quiz he usually calls me for he woke.                                               I stayed until 9.00 pm then came back on the attack again. Things went well and I rejoined Mike for  another show we generally watch together. At 11.00 pm though there was no choice, I had to work. I concentrated on the blog and have left the mail for either Tom or Ron.(TOMorrow or lateRON). This brings me nicely to the point where I add my final music of the week. This time I’m finishing with a Motown record as I’ve always been a big fan. There are some fantastic artistes like Smokey, Four Tops, The Supremes and many others but this man had such a talent especially with duets but this is one of my favourite songs by him.

Have a wonderful week full of dreams come true. Don’t forget to  HUG, make the Buthidars proud.

Reuben blows out candles & The TV lets me down.

Sunday 23rd August 2015.
Apart from one blip at 1.58 am when I fell over a candle stand and woke both Mike and I think myself, the night was reasonable. I had to sit with a cigarette to prepare myself for going back to bed at that time but in the end I didn’t get up until 5.52 am. That’s getting on for the four hour mark again.After a visit to the loo I fired up the computer and sat while it ….did nothing. For some reason I had to restart and then try three times before the net came up. I started catching up on emails and posts as well as comments on last night’s blog, I accepted I wouldn’t get too far. At 6.30 am I went to take my meds and to have some breakfast. I know what time we’re supposed to arrive at Yvonne’s but no idea what time we’re eating. At 7.00 am I gave my face quite a surprise by taking it for a shave. It’s been so long since I looked at it there were one or two nicks on unrecognised wrinkles. I returned to work after that as it provided the sit down I badly needed.

At 8.30 am I went to the kitchen and made Mike a coffee which I took through. I had a very one sided conversation reminding him he was next to have a shave. When I thought I’d done enough to ensure he was awake I left. A few minutes later I heard him get up and go through to the lounge. I finished a couple more messages and went to join him and to let Joey out of his cage. When Mike was ready to go for a shave I nipped back to work for a few minutes. At 9.30 am we had to get dressed and I got Mike to help me on with my shoes, I was wearing jeans I could barely bend in to keep my legs hidden. We left at about 10.00 am and the journey only took around half an hour. When we arrived there was no answer at the door and I was worried I had the wrong day. My  nieces arrived minutes later to say they were all at the bus station seeing off Ugo’s sister, the lovely Janet. The girls had they key but as Mike and I went to the car to get the gifts, Ugo, Yvonne and Reuben arrived. My legs got a lovely hug from Reuben when he saw me. I was able to give Yvonne her shoes which she said she loved and looked forward to wearing them. In the lounge we all gave Reuben his birthday presents and he was a little overwhelmed.He did seem to love looking through all his new books and he certainly knows some of the stories. we had lunch and Reuben went for a sleep. The girls went for a quick wander round Chester leaving us with the Belgian Grand Prix. When the girls came back Reuben was up so we had birthday cake. He made a great job of blowing out his 2 candles.

Soon it was time for us all to go. With hugs from the girls they left for home and then Mike and I did the same. We could hear Reuben’s displeasure as we walked down the street to the car. It was pouring with rain the whole journey but nothing holds Mike  up so we flew past other traffic. By flew I mean the tyres didn’t connect with the ground. Once home I let him settle in front of the TV ( and face the displeasure of the bird) while I started playing catch-up with my mail. After an hour and a half I was able to join him for two hours then back here for an hour. I joined him towatch part of a film then dedicated the rest of the time to work and the blog. It’s going to be an early night.

Monday 24th.

It was almost 1.00 am when my light went out this morning after a trip to the loo. I noticed Mike still gaming on his pad. It probably wasn’t to long before sleep came as I’d missed my naps yesterday. There were tips to the loo at 1.56 am and at 2.32 am and at 3.38 am which is when I got up after being unable to settle after yet another visit. At 5.30 am after dealing with my gmail I was thinking I was sorry I hadn’t tried harder. At 6.15 am when I brought my talktalk mail under control I did try again. I lay down on the bed and slept until 7.50 am. That brought me almost to the four hour mark.For once I didn’t need a trip to the loo so I was able to go straight through to the kitchen and take my sprays and morning tablets. I decided against breakfast and just made a coffee to bring back where I spent another hour catching up and a little time on ebay where I’d missed another buy last night by forgetting to go through and bid at 8.15 pm. I missed an item that ended up going for £22.00 that was worth more. Rashly I bid on another item that was more expensive for 5.27 pm tomorrow. I expect to lose that one so was searching for an alternative for today. No joy.

Mike got up at 9.30 am so I went through to make him a drink. At 10.00 m we watched Homes Under the Hammer and it was only when it finished he decided to ask what was planned for today. I had no plans but said I’d fall in with most anything he wanted. I know better than to offer carte blanche. As he came up with the suggestion of going to Wrexham I came up with the idea of going to an antique centre outside Wrexham that he’d enjoyed. I wish he’d stay out of my head. We settled on that and as I went off to get my socks and shoes on, Mike went to get dressed. It was 11.30 am before we rolled out of here.  As we were getting close he decided to check out jewellers in the town centre so we parked up. It was great to find that in some places we could park on double yellow lines for 3 hours using my card. We parked outside a cafe and as it was 12.30 pm went in so I could take my tablet and eat. It was quite basic but clean and pleasant. It turned out the food was good too. We tried 4 jewellers but had no luck after lunch. After so much walking around I was glad to get back in the car for the antique centre. There was a little cafe inside where we had a drink to fortify ourselves then we started going round all the sections. Some very interesting stuff but no jewellery of the type Mike wanted. It’s back to the internet I think unless he has more success in jewellers when he goes home on Wednesday. We drove home.

It was 4.30 before we got in and I had to go straight to work. Only until 6.00 pm though when the second lot of quizzes were on. I ended up staying until 8.00 pm when one of Mike’s programmes came on and I was able to come back to work.Even that only lasted until 9.00 pm when Hellboy came on. Mike hadn’t seen or heard of it before. I enjoyed seeing it again though I regretted doing so as it didn’t end until 11.15 am. I came through at the gallop to do the blog and if I have any stamina, the messages after.

Tuesday 25th.

It was 1.15 am when the light went off last night. It was a real fight as I’m getting close to the end of my book and wanted to carry on reading. I know if I so so that it means buying more books though. Maybe I’ll stop being such a neanderthal and try my tablet in bed. There’s just something special to holding a physical book in bed though. I paid one last visit to the loo and found Mike was going to sleep though he did ask if I was OK. This morning I was up at 4.07 am and after the first visit of the day came back to sign into the computer and my gmail. I was up to date just before 6.00 am and went to get some breakfast and take my tablets. After that I returned to work with a coffee until both my email accounts were clear, about 7.00 am, then I went to sit in the lounge to shut my eyes for a while. It worked. I woke at 8.10 am and felt much better though I was reminded I need a pouffe or something to raise my legs…..or I suppose I could just recline the chair? Mike came through at 8.30 am which gave me quite a shock though he also promptly fell asleep in his chair. I turned an episode of Frasier on and Mike slowly came round after I’d made him coffee.

We were expecting a visit from Mike’s daughter, my niece Lisa today so no plans had been made to go out. It was only at 10.30 he found out she wasn’t coming We continued to watch Homes Under the Hammer and Mike saw no need to get dressed. At 11.00 am I came through to see to mail and Mike decided at 11.30 am to have a shower. Then we decided what to do with the day. Mike had a fancy to eat at the CookHouse in Prestatyn and I certainly wasn’t going to turn down a carvery. I suggested walking up town and looking at the jewellers there. We set off at about midday and parked up near M & S then walked over from there. The meal was delicious and I ate till I was fit to burst. Then we walked up the High Street. We found a small jewellers neither of us knew about and we had a look at a few rings though none were what Mike was looking for. Unfortunately, one was just what I was looking for and Mike was not impressed that I’d been lucky AGAIN. He went into three places but had no luck. I think we’re going to try my suggestion of finding the ring he has which the stone went missing from, and buy a London Topaz of the right size to replace it. One of the jewellers actually said they’d do that for him.

We came home. I immediately started catching up so I’d be in time to watch the quizzes with Mike. I made it bar the first minute or so. It was pretty much a repeat of the early viewing of last night. 3 quizzes followed by two MASH episodes before I came back through at 8.00 pm to catch up again. When I did I rejoined Mike for an old episode of Jonathan Creek. After that at just 10.15 pm I called it a night to come and do the blog. I might check any emails later given time though I’m still not happy with TalkTalk who’ve done anything but improve the experience for me with their changes. I’m lucky when I log in if I don’t get a message that they can’t log me in to that server and to check my account settings. It’s also prone to signing you out very quickly and with no warning. Just awful.  I may take to just using gmail.

The drop off centre.

It wasn’t me Lemme out !

Wednesday 26th.

I finished one book and started another last night, finally turning my light off around 1.15 am. I woke up for trips to the loo at 2.55 am and 3.40 am both times finding Mike was still wide awake gaming on his tablet. Sometimes being awake is self fulfilling if the mind is stimulated which is why it’s better to try relaxing instead. I was determined to go back to sleep on both my trips and managed to easily the first time. When I was finally ready to get up it was 5.14 am at which time I didn’t need the loo so don’t know if Mike was asleep by then. I know after a few minutes I was wishing I’d stayed asleep. I powered up the computer and logged into  my talktalk mail. It came up this morning and allowed me to deal with one message but then wouldn’t allow me to delete and move on. It said I’d timed out and so I had to log out again. So frustrating. It worked fine before they decided to improve things. More frustrating is that you can’t email the problem as they have phone lines for problems which of course I can’t use. I am going to change to my gmail account only. The major frustration of having to deal with Indian call centres for problems with the internet and phone lines means I’ll be looking to change my ISP soon too.

At about 6.00 am I went to take my meds and saw that Mike was still awake. I asked if he wanted a coffee in the hopes that the warmth might encourage some sleep. Since he was travelling home today I didn’t want him driving while tired. Once I’d taken my meds I took a coffee back to my room to carry on with mail. That carried me through until 8.10 am. When I went to take my mug back to the kitchen Mike was at last asleep. It was going to be a peaceful morning and my best excuse yet to tell the housework to take a hike! The peace only lasted until 10.15 am for two reasons. my set top box suddenly decided to stop working thus taking the TV off during Homes Under the Hammer meaning I was left cursing, and also Mike got up despite having had so little sleep. In some ways his arrival was fortuitous as he was able to disconnect the box and set the TV to work back on my old Sky box, unfortunately not until after my programme was over. I was still huffing and puffing a bit when lunchtime approached. I took a pre-foodie and set about making sausages with sweet potato mash, baked beans and onion gravy for lunch. Mike and I watched the Bargain Hunt while we ate and since he was with me I didn’t dare fall asleep before the end.

I did however nod off for a few minutes only not long afterwards. On waking I came through to do some catching up on the post as I don’t want a big backlog when Dil is here. I rejoined Mike in the lounge about 2.45 pm just before he chose to get dressed and pack his case. He left about 3.20 pm and I was quite worried about him driving that distance on just a couple of hours sleep. Last thing he said when he left was “Text you later when I’m home bro.” I came back to the computer and stayed here until 4.00 pm dealing with mail and having sneaky looks on ebay. Being of a very well behaved nature (ahem) I didn’t buy anything….but only because I was outbid. Dil arrived at 4.30 pm and it just happened I was in the kitchen so his cuppa was almost ready before he got to say hello. We nattered a bit about our week and also watched an antique programme before our quiz started. At 6.00 pm prompt I managed to find a way of turning the TV off using the correct remote and we got the games table out. The first 6 games of Yahtzee it was 3 all so we had to go again. I ran through to my room to print off some more sheets.The second six games went to me 4-2, one of them even upsetting him when I got 3 Yahtzees in the same game. Out came the Trivia. He was four pieces in before I got my first though we arrived at the sixth not far apart. He reached the middle and answered a question correctly to win the game though. It would have been honours even had it not been we had some time in hand. We chanced a game of Cribbage and I was lucky enough to win that. He didn’t even slam the door on the way out. It’s a great night for me when he comes.

At 9.45 pm I decided I needed something to eat and my second set of diabetic tabs so I had a curry sauce and chips. It went down well. I washed up, took my evening meds and came through to work.It was 10.10 pm . I did mail to half past then turned to the blog. I ca catch up  on the mail in the morning if needs be. Mike won’t be here until late evening probably.

Playing with water.

Out for a drive.

Thursday 27th.

A surprisingly restful night with no unexpected trips to the loo. I was up at 4.09 am and quickly ready to make up for that lack. On return I signed into my bank to make sure the DWP had no more surprises for me, they didn’t but nor have they yet returned to me the money they owe me. Next I started on my gmail which proved to be quite easy going. As I had sent out an email telling some people of my new email address I also checked there were no important messages on talktalk before deleting them all. Naturally, doing that, everything worked OK today. The first set of mail  took until 6.10 am and I chose that point to go and have breakfast and to take my morning meds. When I returned I found the mail had been busy while I was away. There was also an excellent post about a true hero. A black American who fought in France in WWI and was wounded and yet carried on and trained as a pilot in the French air force as the U.S. Air Force wold not accept black people. In WWII he was a spy in Paris and yet he remains largely unknown. This was a definite reblog. The new batch of post kept me occupied until 8.05 am. I went through to feed and release Joey.

Once done I sat down for a while to talk to Joey. I’m determined he’ll land on me one day. But, it didn’t take long before I nodded off even though it was for less than 15 minutes. At 9.00 am I came through to get dressed. I couldn’t bear socks though and even put my shoes on without which did actually make it less of a struggle to get them on. I took a walk over to Pauline’s for my new lottery tickets and some fresh bread. Somehow some jelly beans also slipped into my bag and Pauline had charged me before I could put them back. Never mind, I’ll force myself. On return I did a few more emails then went to watch Homes Under the Hammer which of course I missed yesterday when the TV went Kaput. I talked to Joey continually and I got the occasional reply but said in a voice that made me quake. I wasn’t in favour. I saw the problem, his millet had fallen out of the clip and Joey was too idle to climb down his ladder to eat it.  I slowly put my hand in the cave and was nearly shaved as he shot past me. I clipped the millet back up and hoped I’d be in favour again. At 11.00 am I left to come back to my messages and hopefully to catch up by lunchtime. I finished at 11.55 am.

Lunch was an easy affair with just a corned beef hash being thrown in to the ‘Bing machine’. I watched Bargain Hunt while I ate and once the washing up  was done I settled in the chair and Bingo, the programme was over and I’d missed the last auction. I didn’t sleep for more than ten minutes and woke to Joey doing a war dance and giving his little mirror hell. The millet was down again. I think he’s doing it on purpose now. I came back to work at 1.00 pm and stayed until 4.30 pm when there was an antiques programme on. I stayed there straight through until 7.00 pm. Mike sent a text to say he was on his way back so I knew to expect him about 9.00 pm unless of course the flight paths were clear. I even left the room with Joey chunnering at me because the millet was down below again. It would have to stay there for now as he was back in the cage and showing no signs of budging. I’ll see if he’s out a little later on. At 8.45 I left to go and put the kettle on ready for Mike’s arrival, and to prepare his mug. It was 9.15 when he walked in. Having seen him coming I was ready for him. We talked about the latest threat from his doctor over his smoking and it made me so grateful I rarely see mine. We watched a fascinating programme on some mass burials found in the catacombs of Rome, discovered after a water main had burst and brought down the roof of one tunnel. They were from the period 1st to 3rd C  AD. Not victims of violence it was a puzzle why there were so many interred in an unusual way. It seems they were probably hit by plagues. There were also women there and tests showed they came from all over, not just Rome. In the end it showed that they were the special Cavalry who protected the Emperors who held high status because of their skills and were buried with their wives. Constantine wiped them out in the 3rd C so there were no burials after that date. After watching Law and Order  (Special Crimes Unit) I came through at 11.00 pm to do the blog and any mail I could manage.

Little boy lost.

Conwy quay looking towards Deganwy

Friday 28th.

Because I started late last night I didn’t get to open my book until 12.15 am. I still closed it at 1.00 am to get some sleep. It took a while to drop off with my legs itching. I woke again at 2.57 am and this time with a raging toothache which the clove gel fought a losing battle against. Still, being up at that time meant I had a heads up on my emails after a trip to the loo. At 5.20 am when the first batch had been dealt with I was able to go through and take my morning meds and prepare my meds for the next week. That took until 5.55 am. No way was I going to have breakfast today though. For a change I sat with my coffee in a darkened lounge watching the outline of Joey sleeping on his swing.Naturally enough I nodded off until 7.10 am at which time it was light enough to follow Joey’s hints and let him out. The moment he left the cage I was able to retrieve the millet again and hang it back up. It was funny watching Joey circle the room but not have the courage to land anywhere unfamiliar. Instead he returned to the mirror and his argumentative companion.

At 8.30 am I took a coffee through to Mike. I wanted to give him the chance to move earlier. He came through to the lounge about 8.50 am and we talked for a while about his meds and what the doctor had said. We watched a couple of episodes of Frasier and I was about to turn the TV off and miss Homes Through the Hammer when he said “I suppose I’d better make a move”. I agreed and carried on watching. When he was dressed and ready to go I told him to drive carefully. I didn’t want him rushing because he was late to pick up his sister. I did another hour on messages before making my lunch at midday. When I say make, I mean bung in the microwave . I watched Bargain Hunt while I ate and managed to see the auction part without falling asleep. However, that happened withing 5 minutes of turning off. Joey woke me at 2.05 pm and I came back through to work. I stayed until 4.30 pm when I was almost clear.I stayed away until 7.00 pm then after Mike had texted to say he was on his way back, I had a catch up on the computer. I was really cross with myself for not coming back through to bid on a ring that was due at 5.27 pm. It would have made a great Christmas present . My memory is awful, I’d swear I have one of the elderly diseases if I could remember any of them……..and if I were elderly.

At 8.00 pm I locked the front door and went for a shower. I’d only been in the bathroom for two minutes when I heard Mike come back. He came straight into the bathroom as he was desperate for the loo. Then he obligingly washed my hair and half drowned himself in the process. I finished my shower and went through to make him a coffee all the time asking how his day had been with his Dad and his sisters, the youngest being over from Canada today. Then we sat  and watched Would I Lie To You and the latest episode of Ripper Street before I came through to catch up and do the blog. I left Mike laughing his head off at some comedy/news show.

Saturday 29th.

Loaded with painkillers I put my light out at 12.30 am last night. I managed to sleep until 3.54 am when I woke up needing my early morning trek and also some more painkillers. As well as some co-codamol after an hour I’m topping up with Disprin Direct which having seen them on the shelves of the local £ Shops for a period I’m guessing have stopped being made. I’m devastated if that’s the case as I think they’re not just a great painkiller but are fantastic in that they’re chewable and need no water. So it doesn’t matter where you are, you can always clear a headache. Another bonus is the taste which is a little like lemon so no disgusting aftertaste. Anyway, the adverts are now over, I signed into my emails online and started clearing them. I’d finished the first lot by 5.30 am and moved to my other mail account which only took 40 minutes. So, at 6.10 am I went through to the kitchen to take my meds for the day and to make myself a coffee. I also prepared Mike’s mug ready for the 6.30 am wake up call.

When his alarm went off I took the coffee through and woke him. After that I forgot about him while I concentrated on the bons, the big one for household rubbish and the smaller for food waste. When I came back in the house I was drinking my coffee and by 6.50 am realised Mike had disabled his alarm. I went to give him another call. He was disorientated when he woke but recognised the words cold coffee easily. He got up. I suppose it’s 1 A 2 C today though really I feel cheated as there should have been another ignored alarm in there somewhere. He sat with his drink while I went to get dressed and to catch up with any post (8) that had come in since I’d gone to wake him. It was definitely a slow start this morning but we were actually on our way out at 7.30 am with all the rubbish bins and bags out ready for collection.

When we got to ASDA Mike went for the trolley while I raided the cash machine. When the sledgehammer didn’t work, I used my card. We made a start. Mike went to get my pop from a display nrar the door while I went to get sweet potatoes. We arranged to meet by the flowers. We found 3 bunches of flowers that should go together well and make a nice display for Ju. Next I splashed out £2 on a teeshirt in the sale. I’m now a Tonka man. For some reason at that point we both decided we were dry. That meant flying round the foodstuffs and then heading for the cafe . While Mike ordered the coffee I went to get my cigarettes. When we’d finished the drink, Mike went for his cigarettes. We loaded up the car and headed for Flint. After parking up outside Temptations we walked over to Homie’s so I could get a LooBloo and a couple of other things. Then we went to the pet shop so Mike could get some fish food and I got Joey a seed bell in reserve. He’s nearly done with his current one. We moved on to B&M where I can’t remember what I bought and then onto Temptations for a drink and Mike’s teasted toecake breakfast.

After bidding the girls and Kyle goodbye, we searched a couple of shops for some tablets I needed. Though I’m taking the painkillers I also wanted some Disprin Direct as a top up about an hour behind the main tablets. It seemed to work yesterday. Not so much today as the pain is constant. I’m pretty sure there’s an abscess there. As Mike is still in search of his ring, we decided to make a trip to Rhos on Sea today. The drive there was quite nice using back roads and having the windows open. I wasn’t ready to trust the weather and have the top down. We had lunch at a well established place on the sea front and from there wandered round 2 antique shops that deal in jewellery  and 2 jewelers. No joy still but he was advised to buy an old solid ring with something like a garnet in and then have a jeweler replace the garnet with his London Blue Garnet. I reminded him while we were looking that there are two other choices of stone he can have………just in case he really gets desperate.

It was about 4.00 pm we moseyed home again and unpacked the shopping to put away. I was able to excuse myself then to come and catch up on the mail. I found it very hard to concentrate and there were far fewer comments made than usual for which I hope to be forgiven. I went back through to keep him company at 7.00 pm. We watched the celebrity edition of a quiz towards the end of which despite the pain from my face I nodded off. When I woke, it  was towards the end of an episode of ‘Lewis’ and my face had swollen considerably. I even told Mike he could have my two  chocolate eclairs if he wanted. I left him at 10.00 pm so he could watch football and I could concentrate on catching up before doing the blog.

Llandudno beach.

The Family. Reuben, Ugo and Yvonne.

 

Have a Wonderful New Week filled with Hugs, luck, love and Happiness.

 

 

When the Postman knocks twice….

Sunday 21 st June.

Another night sleeping in my chair in the lounge ensured I got some sleep and kept breathing.It was a long night though and I didn’t want to turn the TV on even quietly in case it disturbed Mike. As it happens, he tells me he had a poor night listening out to make sure I was still breathing.  I got up at 6.00 am and started taking meds and making myself some toast to take the steroids with. I didn’t know they needed feeding first.

I was in my bedroom on the computer when Mike stuck his head in about 9.30 am. He’s getting very good at getting himself up. He’ll be getting himself dressed soon as well. We had plenty of time this morning as we weren’t meeting anyone for lunch until 12.30 pm so needn’t think of leaving before 11.30 am. By the time we’d faffed about shaving and getting dressed it was 11.45 am. We took a slow drive down the coast road to Prestatyn and parked up in the car park of the new place. It looked much nicer than it had when it was the worst pub in the town. A new extension made all the difference. Mike and I were a bit worried that no-one was inside when we got there, especially Karen and Jo who’d made the booking. I was beginning to think I’d directed Mike to the wrong place. Then Lee , Jen and the new baby arrived so I thought we were OK. The booking was for 12.30 pm and at 12.40 pm we’re on the steps being told there’s no booking and heck No Karen and Jo, no Yvonne, Ugo and Reuben either.

Karen and Jo were last to arrive. I expect it of Yvonne/Ugo but not usually them. Anyway, the booking was sorted. The Manageress had taken it and not written it down. The staff couldn’t argue with her. They found us two tables to push together, Reuben was brought paper and crayons and things were looking up. We still had the argument about who’s paying to go through and someone rugby tackled my legs when I tried to do a runner. Of the 8 adults 7 chose a carvery and Ugo chose a lamb burger meal. The fathers amongst us were given vouchers for a free drink ( but only alcoholic?) so I passed my voucher to Ugo and had a lime and lemonade. He was having a pint of beer anyway but could maybe take a bottle home. He ended up with two of those.

The carvery was fantastic and I was worried when the manageress came round to help me fill my plate because of the crutches. When that’s happened in the past  the ‘helpful’ ones have restricted my intake. She was amazing offering more and more which had I accepted would have looked like The Great Pyramid of Giza and she’d have broken a wrist carrying it. I tell you this so you can see how restrained I am. I take a lot of strength from being with my family like that, they’re special people but before too long I’d had enough. I asked for another lime and lemonade then we all went our merry way. At home Mike was going to watch the grand prix but my eyes were tired and heavy and I fell into a deep sleep that lasted over two hours he told me. At least I woke up in time for him to go this time. After waving him off about 6.30 pm I sat back in front of the TV  and coughed, coughed and coughed some more till it was bedtime.

Warpaint on.

Ready for wandering

Monday.

On this Date, at this Place, at this Time, nothing extraordinary happened. I should have a plaque put above my front door. I had managed to get some sleep in the chair but was still up and about before 5.00 am.  I had a pre-foodie to have breakfast to take the steroids and then took all my other meds. I took a coffee to the bedroom and had a half hour on the computer before getting dressed. At 8.50 am I started walking towards the Chemist/Post Office. I needed to hand in my request for repeat prescriptions and then also to post a parcel. I hope early next week a friend may get a nice surprise and have a giggle. On the way back I called in at Pauline’s to buy a few things. After I’d paid for them I handed over my lottery ticket from Saturday to collect £25 I’d won. Nice to leave the shop with a profit.

Back at home I was knackered. I sat in my chair to watch a programme on buying houses at auctions. I fell asleep. A good thing maybe as sleep is the great cure-all, but I didn’t hear the warden at the door and so missed her visit. Yvonne texted me to say she’d had a message on her phone from the DWP ( Dept of Works and Pensions) which must mean they have more questions. But, they hadn’t phoned my house phone and left a message, and nor told Yvonne anything on the phone. Annoyingly when she tried to phone back during a work break she just got a recorded message to say if they required anything else they’d phone again. That leads me to think they’ll actually waste more time now and write to me.  I’ve nothing left to give them, they already have all the proof I had to give them. I just want to hear they’ve sorted the mess that shouldn’t have happened in the first place.

After lunch I managed a read , a sleep and a bit of TV. Then I had the worst coughing fit yet which completely blacked me out, but I don’t know how long for. Probably a matter of seconds I suppose. For my tea I took my Oz Doc’s advice and indulged in a little BFG. I’d forgotten how good it tasted. Later in the evening ,well after my quizzes and a really upsetting Who Do You Think You Are with Stephen Fry I came back to the computer for what should have been a half hour but which turned out to be an hour and a half. At least I managed to get some work done and my conscience pricks less.

Tuesday.

At 2.00 am I gave up trying to sleep in the bedroom. I kept sliding down the bed and trying to roll onto my right side which is how I sleep usually. Pure Bert next door must be fed up of the constant coughing now, and mine’s no better. I went through to the lounge and slept there till 5.00 am. I had an early breakfast with my steroids and left the rest till later. I’m still not up to spending all my time on the computer keeping up with emails so am still limiting my time. But, from 5.30 am to 7.00 am didn’t seem to bad. Then I took the rest of the meds and nodded off in the chair for another hour. I’ve no intention of leaving the house today so got dressed leaving my socks off, I’m such a Bohemian. I saw one of my neighbours going out and a few minutes later saw the warden going to his door. I opened the front door to apologise for missing her yesterday while I slept. She came in today and we had a good old chinwag which also involved her persuading me to wear my alarm pendant while I’m still below par. Any repeat hiccups like yesterday and I may need help. Once she’d gone the postie came and he brought the leather jacket I’d ordered just yesterday morning. Talk about speed. Now I must try and see Karen and Jo before they go away next week.

I had corned beef hash at lunch time and watched my Bargain Hunt then back on the computer for a while but at 2.30 am I’d had enough and went through to the lounge. My timing was actually perfect. The phone rang and when it stopped I checked and it was the DWP (pensions) who next rang Yvonne and told her yes, there had been an error and they hadn’t allowed for my tax, hence a large deduction and an overpayment. It seems the fault was actually mine though for having provided them with too much information. i.e. I told them the percentage increase and I told them the gross amount. At that point I had already given them the nett amount showing my new rate but the gross figure just threw them. I shouldn’t supply that next year. I can just imagine myself doing that and being accused of not providing enough information. Still, hopefully that’s one problem that might have gone away by Thursday, before the non-existent debt recovery starts. I hoped my drugs might have arrived today but for some reason not. I shall have to walk to the chemist tomorrow to make sure they haven’t been held because they’re waiting for one item again. I am in need of one item. It looks as though we may ( ha, why do I say we when I mean Yvonne) have to phone for more anti-biotics and possibly steroids again in the morning as the chest is still not right though my breathing is much improved.

Wednesday.

I read quite late last night, took off the alarm pendant and tried to sleep. It was impossible to get into a position where I didn’t cough so it was back to my chair again. That worked out quite well as I slept until almost 6.00 am. The sun was up and it looked glorious outside. I took my meds and made a coffee to bring with me into the gloom of my bedroom where the curtains never get opened. I hate the glare of sunlight on my screen. The post wasn’t too bad especially when done in bite size chunks and by 8.00 am I’d actually completed on of the mailboxes. I celebrated with some smothered toast for breakfast.

At 9.00 m I took a slow walk to Pauline’s for some bread and my TV mag. I went in just a tee shirt ( yes, I was wearing jeans too) and there seemed to be some warmth from the sun. It was really pleasant. Aldo pleasant was the ability to breathe again. Though the walk left me breathless, it wasn’t the same as the oppressiveness of the bronchitis. The cough and it’s content are still there though so Yvonne had spoken to the surgery and asked for another home visit to see if more steroids & antibiotics are needed. We’ll have to see who I get this time.

The postman came when I got back but still nothing from the DWP who have supposedly put a letter in the post for me. A text from Dil putting tonight off was disappointing but then he rescheduled for tomorrow and that was great. I watched TV during the morning and occasionally nodded off. During Bargain Hunt the doctor chose to appear so I missed the auctions at the end, Bummer. She was nicer today and almost pleasant after the lecture about you know what. Anyway, she left me a prescription for more steroids on a declining dose after 5 days and some more antibiotics. I also have to give a sputum sample but it didn’t occur to me to ask what she wanted me to do with it after I’d given it. Anyway, once she’d gone I got my shoes on and trudged up as far as the chemist then stood gasping for breath while he filled the prescription. At the same time, my drugs from the Monday morning request had been dealt with and I was able to bring those home too. I had some beef stew and dumplings for lunch which was quite pleasant then even though I wanted a nap I decided to come through and heck the post so I can get back to normal, if you can use that word and me in the same sentence.

I stayed answering mail for almost 2 hours and it left me weary. ( my excuse and I’m sticking to it). Back to my chair in the lounge and I flaked out for over an hour and missed the start of my quiz. After Quizzes 1 & 2 I moved on to a show called Wheeler Dealers for half an hour and then came back for another attempt at the mail. By 8.00 pm I’d succeeded in clearing one account out but didn’t have time for the other just then. I needed a cold drink and the chance to watch some more TV , in particular at 9.00 pm is the show Auction Hunters I mentioned last week. It’s excellent. And it was, excellent I mean, lots of enthusiasm from the two buyers but lots of humour too. And no nastiness towards the others trying to buy the ‘rooms’ which many of the other shows seem to feature. I have a particular dislike for Lori and Brandon off a different show and I’m ashamed to be British when I see the competitors on the UK version. Nasty, Nasty, Brashty. At 10.00 pm I came back through to check my mail boxes and unbelievably they were clear so I took the opportunity to get an early reading night.

Thursday.

I did a fair bit of reading in bed last night. It was getting on for 3.00 am when I turned the light off and since I seemed to be well propped decided to sleep where I was. It was lovely to wake this morning to quite bright sunshine, even if I was seeing it at a slightly odd angle- sideways on and through a ferocious coughing fit. Obviously the two were related since I’d toppled over at a right angle and my lungs weren’t able to get any air. I struggled upright and swung my legs out of bed. The coughing subsided on the way to the loo which was just as well as I wasn’t wearing the alarm pendant. I came back and cleared my office chair to let me sit down and log on. It was then I noticed it was only 5.20 am. I felt cheated. Anyway, at least there was chance to sign into my bank and see what’s happened with my pension payments following the DWP conversation with Yvonne a couple of days ago. Firstly let me clear up that my maths wasn’t very accurate. They’ve been taking £25 pw from me not £30 pw. And they’ve done it for 4 weeks so far so they should owe me £100 plus this week’s money at the rate before their mistake. But,though they have in fact paid me arrears, it’s very confusing because the figures make no sense. I shall have to try and decipher the letter when it comes.

At 6.00 am I went through and started lobbing pills down my throat in order to have breakfast. I couldn’t be sure of eating at the other end of the day with Dil coming for games night so breakfast and lunch seem the most appropriate meals today. Coming back after my Cornflakes I started an assault on the mail. Things were going so well I was able to get dressed at 8.30 am ( in actual fact I did have the ability to get dressed before this but chose not too) and at 9.00 am I was ready to brave the Mother’s Mafia to get my lottery tickets. It was really odd that as I approached the road I needed to cross a large estate car turned partly out of the traffic coming down the hill as though to turn into my road but then started trying to u-turn back into the flow it had just left. Then the brakes went on where she was, across the junction. When I came out of Pauline’s minutes later ( I got to the front of the queue) the car was now on my side of the road, facing the traffic going downhill but backing into a position on the other side of the road as though trying to park up. She then shot forward and edged into the downhill flow where she’d started from and all without a single signal.

The postie came not long after I arrived home and yes, it was a big brown envelope. Here I was hoping for an explanation of what’s happened with the pension and all I got was a letter regarding the start of recovery on the £142.00 I don’t owe them. The letter says they’ll start next week but hopefully by then the whole thing will have been ironed out. Still no sign of the letter supposedly sent to me on Monday. I had a little time back with my mail and then retired to the lounge for a look at a property programme and one re-uniting missing family members both were followed by my Bargain Hunt. The property one I really enjoy and slept through most of it. The family one I was awake for but missed chunks while I did my lunch of sausage, boiled new potatoes and beans and then I was able to watch Bargain Hunt in full- Yes, you heard me, even to the auction phase though I don’t remember the results so my attention may have been elsewhere. I turned off after that and came back through to see how much damage the morning had wrought on my post. Answer, A lot. I could only allow an hour as I’d promised myself Who Do You Think You Are with the great Annie Lennox as the subject. Fascinating.

I had a text about 2.30 pm to say Mike was on his way so hopefully he’ll be here by 5.30 pm. I also had a text from Dil to see if other visitors were here today. He’s now coming about 4.30 pm which is brilliant. My brother is one of the nicest people I know.Very laid back and even tempered which is not to say he can’t get angry when the occasion warrants it. We have been apart for many years living in different places. Never kept in touch except for the odd Christmas card but I’ve never disliked my brother or not been glad to see him. Our closeness over the last four years or so since they moved back into the area has been great, especially with the institution of this games evening after Ju died that he seems to enjoy as much as I do. Anyhoo, Dil and Matt arrived about 4.20 am, I’d forgotten he was off this week. Mike strolled in at just gone 5.00 pm so I got his drink and we all sat to watch the quiz. At 6.00 pm when the quiz was over off went the TV and out came the table. I can tell you we played Yahtzee, Chase the Lady and Crazy 8’s. I can tell you also that if I have to mention the scores I may well have to jump off a high bridge. Even my constant coughing didn’t distract them, merciless as they are. Are you beginning to get the gist of this conversation and an idea about the type of people I play games with?

At 9.30 pm Dil and Matt left a lot smugger than they arrived. I tidied up quickly and then made Mike something to eat though actually I just told him how much time to put on the microwave. I had a sandwich and then we settled to watch Person of Interest. It’s a shame I’ve missed so many of them and can’t follow the story anymore. At 11.00 pm I said goodnight and came through to have a last go at the mail. It’s 3 mins to midnight now and I’m heading off for a read.

Friday.

A slightly surreal start to the day.I went through to the lounge and my chair when I finished reading at 1.00 am. I slept until 3.40 am then came through to the bedroom. Immediately there was a coughing fit which was followed by a huge sneeze and my glasses shot off my nose. I have shocking eyesight without the glasses and having a rough idea of direction I got down on my knees to search. I was praying for no accidents as my spares are a dark lens and inside the house not ideal. Even sunny days look grim. The area to search wasn’t very big since it’s a small room and I sit in the middle of it, but, no sign of the glasses. I moved a pair of shoes to see if they’d gone behind but instead found they’d landed, properly folded ( and intact) inside the left shoe. I turned the computer on and headed for the bank. No more from the DWP but at least my normal pension has gone in and I can eat again. Once I’d done that I signed into the first of my mail boxes and started clearing what I could.

At 6.10 am I went through to the kitchen. Had my normal sprays and my usual tablets then added the antibiotic to the mix. I took a pre-foodie,put two pieces of bread in the toaster and put the steroids and post foodies to one side. Being Friday it’s renewal day for my drug container. Yesterday when pushing an antibiotic out of the foil I’d split a nail well below the part where skin joins nail and had to apply a plaster immediately. This morning I found I couldn’t use my right thumb for the job without bending the nail in a way I really didn’t want. I had to resort to useless left hand and the job ended up taking until 6.55 am,way outside the 15 mins between pre-foodie and eating. I think I inhaled the toast it was gone so quickly. I made my coffee to take the other tablets with and left the kitchen.

It was still too early to wake Mike no matter how much the temptation rattled round my cruel head, and I didn’t want to start watching TV so it was back to work. At least no-one can moan when I’m alone. By 8.30 am I’d actually got more or less up to date and I knew my life was returning to normal as within a very short space of time I was notified of a $25.5 m payment due to me, told I’d need to clarify certain information with The Bank of Ireland  despite not dealing with them and also reminded that I didn’t have long left to pick up my £25 voucher from a clothing store even though I could patently see they hadn’t sent it. I think the silly season is starting again. I got dressed. There had been rain outside ( huh, how unusual- sarcasm) but it was still warm enough for a tee-shirt. At 8.45 am I put the kettle on and made Mike a coffee which I took through. He doesn’t use an alarm on a Friday so I knew he’d not catch me being early unless he got up immediately. Ha, I should stop this, I don’t specialise in fairy stories. I woke him , told him the drink was there then left him for a few minutes. At 9.00 am I called to him that his drink was going cold and that I was going to Pauline’s for milk.

No mother’s mafia today but there were a couple of customers in. Pauline greeted me and served me with milk, a small bottle of pop and two ice lollies since I was so thirsty and warm. Mike was up and in the lounge when I got back. Judging by his state of dress he was warm too. I remember he told me his lady friends said he has the body of a god. I can see that for myself now, it’s Buddah. Not that I’m any better, just longer so the fat is a little better stretched. I’m the Michelin man with a few extra spare tyres. I sat down with him for a while but this morning he got himself ready to go early as he was dropping a sputum sample off at the surgery for me. I suppose I should put it in a jar? He left at 9.45 am and I’m afraid I turned the TV on to watch a property auction programme and promptly fell asleep. I woke for the last 15 minutes then nodded straight off again missing all the next programme and woke up just at the start of the reuniting family programme. I managed most of that before dropping off yet again and missing most of the antiques show. When I finally woke there seemed no reason to watch the end of it so I turned off and went to make lunch which today just happened to be cottage pie.

After lunch I went back to the computer for a while but I was still tired and now had indigestion which stayed with me the rest of the day. I had my lollies to try and ease the situation but no joy and a drink of pop just made me hiccup and burp. At 3.30 pm I gave up and went back to my chair and the sleep it seemed I needed. Any Zzzz’s floating round must have been mistaken for the insect population so there were no complaints from outside. At 5.00 pm I readied myself for the quiz and got a message from Mike that he was on his way back. Should be here about 6.30 pm then. Idle beggar took an extra ten minutes. I did his coffee and when my episode of Big Bang Theory was over went to get a shower. Mike did my hair for me to save me stretching and then bollocked me for flooding the bathroom floor- don’t ask ! We watched some TV together until 10.00 pm when I decided to come through and attack the mail again for the last time.  I wanted my bed but the mail kept me till 11.00 pm. The bully said I could have an extra half hour for this and left. Just as well he can’t hear me from his room but I’m tapping very lightly just in case.

Statue of ballerina

 

Statue. Your Country Needs You !

Saturday.

Again I read till one. I turned the light out but couldn’t get to sleep. About 2.00 am I went through to the lounge and about 2.30 I heard Mike go to the loo. After that I nodded off until 3.40 am when I though I might just give bed one more try. I propped myself up and zonked. The next thing I know is Mike’s alarm is going off. He’s ignoring it two rooms away and it’s waking me up here. I must have stung someone nice as a wasp in my previous life is all I can say. I galloped to the kitchen and put the kettle on and the stuff in his cup. Then I started taking my tabs. I had a pre-foodie so I could take my prednisilone afterwards. The kettle boiled and I took his drink through more or less as his alarm went off the second time.Back to the kitchen where I finished taking sprays and had a round of toast to take the last of my tablets with. I made myself a cup of coffee and went through to give Mike his second call for me and remind him the coffee was going cold. I got a perfectly viable answer from him which let me think job done but no, his bloody alarm went for the third time and he still went back to sleep. I was trying to get my rubbish bags together and the recycling stuff. I dropped it at the end of the path and when I came back in his fourth alarm coincided with me asking if he was going for a new record this week. He moved, it was 7.00 pm. Mike 4 A 3 C  a new low I think.

By the time we were both dressed and ready to go it was 7.40 am but we were there by just past 8.00 am thanks to Mike having permission to travel at the speed of light and the luck to get there in one piece. I got money from the machine and we started.  Typically my shopping list was still sitting on the table at home, but I had last weeks I could play around with. I got every single item on there spot on.Mainly because the only foodstuff was milk, but hey you can’t have everything. Mike had needed some slacks as he’d forgotten to pack a spare pair and he was lucky to find some. We needed some nice chocolates for Ceri’s 40th tomorrow and we found those too. We’d have to leave them for her today as she’s on a weekend off and I don’t usually get there on a Sunday anyway. I should tell you also I got a round of applause on the bread aisle for not being in a wheelchair this week. I didn’t tell them it was because I don’t trust someone’s driving. Keep backing up and locking the wheels etc. Or ditching me mid -aisle while he runs to the loo. I’m not naming names though. After the checkout it was time for a drink and I had a nice- but very thick- chocolate milkshake while Mike had his usual coffee.

Off to Flint next where we parked up and walked over to Homies for a card and gift bag. Mike sat on a bench and wrote them out before we went to Temptations for our usual. I say our usual but I don’t usually have a piece of lemon meringue but I did today. We went to the frozen food shop where I stocked up on ice lollies because of the fantastic temperatures they’ve promised sometime during next week. Most of which will probably be gone this afternoon during the moderate heat of today. When we’d unpaacked at home I opened my mail. The promised brown envelope. Would you believe the letter says my money has been adjusted from 23 May but will go down again on 03.Jul to start recovering the non-existent debt until October. I didn’t know whether to laugh hysterically or weep with frustration. How can they balls up something so simple a second time?

Mike wanted a specific thingamabob to fix his whajacallit so we decided to head towards the Greyhound Park in Chester and we were wondering where to eat today. Passing through Flint we spotted a little cafe and tried there. Not too bad. We carried on to Chester  and I showed him one shop to price them up. Then we could go to another hop to price theirs and pick the best. It was the second shop for him and while there I bought a fan as he complains he gets too warm to sleep at night. Funny. I always thought it was too warm to wake he got. We went into a large  new shop there where I also found a pedestal fan at a good price which I picked up so I have a reserve should I need one. We sat in the car with an ice cream and then headed home.  I needed to get a look at my mail if nothing else. He allowed me from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm on the computer which seemed a real treat until I tried sitting down for that long to do  it. I managed to do it. We watched Avatar which he hadn’t seen before then a topical subject programme/quiz. Eventually I managed to sneak away again to look at the mail and to do the blog. I think he must have fallen asleep again.

Struttin’ his stuff.

And modelling this season’s latest…

Have a wonderful new week full of Hugs.

 

 

Boggled & Pinocchio is found.

Sunday 17th May 2015.
I was woken by such a cacophony of sound I thought my friend Lottie had sent the village choir of peacock, donkey and assorted wildfowl over so she got her well earned rest, but no, the sound emanated from a bedroom close by where Michael must have been conducting composition for old wheezy bellows and badly tuned violin. We both must give serious consideration to giving up smoking. It’s no good, I can’t keep a straight face this long. That’s a pipe dream since I don’t have the willpower to go cold turkey and none of the other remedies seem to have had the least effect including hypnotherapy which I feel just wasted my money.
So here I was at 3.23 am with an early start at my mail. I must admit that since I didn’t turn my light off until 12.30 am I don’t feel too bad but maybe it’ll catch up on me later.
I cleared the first mail box by 5.45 am and went for a break in the lounge, pleased with myself ( smug little ****) I restarted at 6.30 am and had a break at 7.00 am to take my meds and make a coffee. Still by 8.20 am I was clear again. All was peaceful since the background ‘music’ had ceased so while the boxes started filling up again I headed for ebay to do a few searches just for fun. One thing I do need are some new Stubbi pouches so I have somewhere to deposit the end of my cigarettes when I’m outside. The ones I’m currently using have been going continuously for over 5 years and their lifespan is supposed to be much less. The price on ebay varies so much it’s ridiculous from about 60p each to a whopping £2.25. Maybe I should buy 10 and pass a few out to the idiots who litter the streets with ‘dogends’ and risk the fines if they’re caught. Currently running at £60 I think. I bought some. I was just in the process of paying for them when I heard a cough at my bedroom door. By jingo, 8.29 am and he’s up. No alarms , no callings and he’s up. The shock nearly finished me but I rallied. He disappeared to make his own coffee while I finished off then I joined him.

The silence in the lounge was deafening though he didn’t fall asleep again. I put Frasier on the TV until he came round.At 9.30 am he was close so I went and got dressed. He wasn’t far behind me and came through to find me working again. He asked what I wanted to do. I had nothing in mind but offered options like going to Chester so he could get some jumpers like mine he liked, or perhaps heading in the other direction to The Bells of St Mary’s and having breakfast rather than lunch. I let him strain his brain while I put my shoes on. At about 10.00 am we were on our way, but I had no idea where until we’d made our way up to town and turned left. I knew then we were on out way towards Chester.It was then I wished we’d brought out the jacket for Yvonne and maybe we’d have caught hem before they left to go out, or Lee’s birthday present and perhaps seen the baby for a minute again. We parked down by the river in Chester because it’s the only place I knew where I could park for a while using my blue badge (disabled parking permission).From there it was a long, hard, breath dragging slog into the shopping area of town. We still managed to be in the shop we needed before 11.00 am but they were allowing people in to view before the official opening time.

It took a lot longer than expected for Mike to choose his jumpers so the shop was open a long time before he came to pay. We stopped for  quick coffee then left the shop for a cigarette. It was only as we were walking back down the street when I realised it was midday. We walked through the precinct in search of the public loo, for once it wasn’t my bladder had given way on more than a thimbleful of fluid. We headed back downhill (yay) to the car to deposit the shopping and find somewhere for lunch. As it happens there was a place at the far end of the embankment we’ve been to in the past. The Blue Room, which has a fifties theme and pictures and toys everywhere from that era. We started walking. As we approached the end there was no sign until Mike called out they’d given the outside a lick of paint. That’s not all they’d done. It had been remodelled throughout and was now a very upmarket establishment. Would they even let two old farts in? They would and did. As it happened as far as meals went, only the prices appeared to have changed. Anyway I had a nice pot of tea and an enjoyable meal and Mike had his coffee and a big breakfast. We left there and headed home. We got back about 2.30 pm and we sat in the lounge together for a while and then I left Mike to the TV while I came in to work. I knew his football was on his table at 4.00 pm and it would only bore me. I was actually up to date before I expected though and went back through at just gone 5.00 pm. I was tired and started to nod in my chair so Mike actually turned the sound down a bit and was a bit less enthusiastic with his bellowing. I came too as the match was ending on a one all draw which didn’t please him. I was able to block out the blow by blow commentary of who was an idiot luckily.

Somehow we got into a discussion of routes home for him and that led to other things on the map including the whereabouts of a giant car boot sale that Ju and I along with MuJo could never finish. Mike left at 6.30 pm along one of his routes and that left me the chance to work- only I didn’t want to as there was a film on at 7.00 pm I wanted to try so I made myself some tea so I could wash the pots before it started. Thanks to my weak bladder I almost missed the beginning. It turned out to be a kids movie really but I was too idle to move or find something else. I persevered. It was passable and I suppose left me with a smile on my face until the last two minutes or so when suddenly there were so many religious references . So, I was less pleased when I came back to work at 9.00 am but the smile was soon back after reading some of the messages there. They kept me late.

Monday.

I managed to get to bed a little earlier last night but was I sensible and go to sleep sooner? Did I heck, I read a bit extra instead and the light still went out at 10.00 am. I got an undisturbed sleep with no early morning lo calls. When I woke up at 5.09 am though that wasn’t the case. I had to march quite smartly in that direction. I’m quite sure it wasn’t the reason I woke just then though as I wasn’t unpeeling sleep from my eyes. I may not have been ready for the Times crossword but I was quite awake. I went straight onto he main mail box and worked there until 7.00 am when I went to take the morning meds and make a drink. I also put the washing machine on knowing the wash cycle would end before 9.00 am so I could have them dry by midday. I took my drink back to the bedroom and got dressed before going back to work. I think that was more to combat the cold that anything. It’s dull, dreary and wet this morning. I’m glad I don’t need to go out. I forgot to mention I didn’t win the jacket I was after on ebay yesterday,I’m not surprised that it went from £15.01 to £32.00 in the last 10 seconds. I’m trying for a different one today that doesn’t finish until 7.00 pm but I must remember to be back in here in time for that. I’m determined to get my nephew one but I can’t afford £120 to go new. Anyway, when I logged in ebay this morning I had a notice that they’ve issued some money to paypal for the first of the two jackets I ordered from China which never came. I suspect there will be a second notice tomorrow morning for the second one. They’ve really been quick over this one since it was only today that the chance for the seller came to comment and of course he hasn’t done so. Once I’d dealt with that I went back to my mail and worked steadily all morning from one email account to the other.

The warden came about 10.15 am and was here almost an hour today. We were talking about pets. She has a toy poodle and was telling me how she acquired him and how the family adore him. She remembered Oscar but wasn’t warden here when we had the rats and the degus. She didn’t seem to keen on the idea of rats so I brought her through to show her my screensaver which is of Ju with Bernie on her shoulder as she was walking round the room talking on the phone. Bernie loved being with Ju of course and would happily run up and down sleeves and in and out of clothing all day. The most gentle and beautiful of creatures. After the warden (Bev) had gone, I congratulated myself on having a woman in my bedroom for the first time in years.( remind me to brag about it) sat down and did a few more of the accumulated messages then went to do my lunch. I had beef steak and boiled new potatoes, veg and a chinese chip shop style curry sauce that I made instead of gravy in the last minute. I emptied the washer and hung my stuff on the airer while the food was cooking. Once I’d eaten and washed up I watched the end of my antiques show then promptly fell asleep watching a programme about Cleopatra the murderess ( of her sister). I was asleep until 2.10 pm and then with no sign of a conscience at all walked slowly back to work.

I was busy but not pushed for the rest of the afternoon until I broke off at 5.00 pm. I intended to have a light tea while watching my quizzes and see if I can manage a break later to watch a film perhaps. A sandwich for teas and a small trifle went well.I saw the first two quizzes and then darted in and out to see the ebay bid. I didn’t feel too bad about losing the other one because the price shot so high in the last ten seconds but tonight didn’t look like it was going to do that.In the last minute it doubled in price but that was OK it was still good value. I poised with an increase of £6.01 over the last bidder within the last minute and at ten seconds pressed. Damn, whoever it was had bid higher and all I’d managed to do was make them pay more. No doubt the seller was pleased but I wasn’t. I think I’m down to two chances his week now. If I don’t get one of those I’ll have to either give up or revert back to China in the hopes of finding a more honest firm than he one that let me down.

Once the auction was over I went back through to the lounge and instead of waiting for a film later I watched The Antiques Road Trip until 8.00 pm then settled back to work. As you can imagine I was to pay for being away since 5.00 pm. At 10.30 pm I threw my hands up in defeat which is nothing like throwing de’feet up in de hands which can be very painful unless they’re someone else’s. I started doing the blog instead and hoped I might have time to nip back to the post for a few minutes after. I was intending to write very quickly but was defeated by the fact I’m a slow reader, especially of my own mistakes.                                                                                                                               Since a certain someone was pleased with the Spandau Ballet record on the last blog I thought I’d go for the same era tonight. This could be a mistake as this groups fans and Spandau Ballet’s fans often did not get on. I’m not sure how the groups felt. But let’s try.

You’ll understand why there are no new pictures of Reuben at the moment when I say it hasn’t stopped raining yet for him to go out.

Tuesday.

I’m not sure it was worth going to bed last night. The light went off at 12.30 am and went back on at 2.44 am even though I could see fairly well from the clock light and was wide awake. I just thought as there was no-one else to disturb, why not. Since I felt no desperate need for the loo I decided to log onto the computer instead and start on the mail. That poor internet postman could hardly have taken his shoes and socks off before I was there asking him to start his deliveries again. Actually there was just enough in my primary email address to keep me going until 5.00 am when I decided to go take my meds and have breakfast prior to going out. I got to the kitchen, took my pre-food tablet, put two slices of bread in the toaster then spun on my heel and headed for the loo where my bladder showed me who was boss. Not that I was in any doubt about that. The answer is practically anything and anybody except me.

I had my meds and smoked a cigarette while I timed the wait until I could eat. As I buttered the toast I set the Tassimo to start making my coffee, a Kenco medium roast this morning. Once the toast was eaten I was able to take my two post food tablets and head back to work. I cleared the few that had come in from my primary box then opened the secondary box and started there. By 6.35 am that was done and I entertained myself on ebay for a few minutes before getting dressed. I was sorry to note that it won’t be until tomorrow that ebay asks me to close the case of the second missing coat and refer it to them. If it’s like yesterday they’ll refund my payment before the hour is out. I’ve noticed a different firm in China ( I know it’s a different firm I just hope it’s different owners)  that does quite smart leather jackets also at a fraction of the price they are here. I’m tempted again. I know that the Customs Service are quite likely to open the parcel and impose an import duty if one came but it could still be much less than buying one from here new. That’s not always the case. Ju was once sent a gift from the U.S which was about $100 to buy and was declared. They opened it here and I had to pay an import tax of £40 ($60) on it. If I’d bought the thing myself, with our tax it just wouldn’t have been worth it.

Once dressed I was ready and raring to go, it would have been nice if the rain had stopped though. At 7.30 am I went out for the bus and started walking up the road towards the stop. The rain stopped. What a difference it made for the few minutes it took me to reach shelter. Once I was there down it came again. The bus pulled up and I got on. The driver commented on what a pig of a day it was and I sort of half agreed.  I actually nodded off on the journey despite my chin keep bouncing out of the armpiece of my crutch every time we hit a bump. I knew there were people around me so I was hoping the sleep was too light for snoring. When we pulled into my stop at Chester the rain had stopped again and I was able to start smoking a cigarette until Yvonne arrived a few minutes later. Roobs did not look a happy chappie and I wondered if it was because of the rain but Yvonne said he hadn’t slept much and was a bit sneezy. We were about 50 paces down the road before he suddenly pointed and said Pops with a big smile on his face. Poor Yvonne had forgotten her handbag and wanted to run home for it. That could have been a half hour round journey and I wasn’t having that. I thought it would give me the opportunity to pay for the drinks and breakfast.

We had a few minutes in a £ shop while waiting for our usual haunt with the cafe to open. When we got in there I gave her the money to order what she wanted and my reward card to pick up double points for ordering between 9 am – 10 am. I’ve got enough for quite a few coffees at the moment. Roobs decorated the windowsill and floor with his jam on toast and preferred to drink the foam from our coffees than the frothy little chocolate drink that was his own. Yvonne opened the bag I’d brought with her leather jacket and a couple of tops for Reuben. She liked it so I was very relieved.  After breakfast we wandered down to the gents section when I got two more jumpers, one at half price because it was on the wrong stand YAY, and two shirts which were a real bargain. From there we went to get some cakes Yvonne needed as well as some giftwrap and cards. It’s quite a big supermarket so we had a little wander too. Then over to a sports shop that’s closing down, All Stock Must Go, but not at those prices. Yvonne liked some sandals fro Reuben but wouldn’t let me get them. We were going to wander to the precinct but I suggested a cafe in a local church hall so Reuben could play on the floor with toys they have there and I could take a look at the fair trade shop.He had a great time and was really well behaved and careful round the other children there. Yvonne sorted the bags so our shopping was separate. I had a cup of tea. We left when I had 15 minutes to catch my bus.

Back on the bus I waved at them both and hoped it didn’t rain again on their way home. The bus set off and I settled my chin back into the crutch and closed my eyes. Once we crossed the border I relaxed and at the end of the journey I walked down to Pauline’s before going home. Maybe I won’t need to go out tomorrow now. I made lunch the first priority and settled down to eat in front of another Mummy programme but since this was just a possible gunfighter from the ‘Old West’ I wasn’t really interested, especially when it turned out he wasn’t a gunfighter but just someone who’d been embalmed and then stuck in a sideshow with a fanciful story to make someone a lot of money. Once I’d eaten I washed the pots and went through to work. By then of course I had to hold my fist in my mouth to stop from screaming at the result of six and a half hours away. I worked from 2.00 pm to 5.15 pm then had my quizzes and an Antique Road Trip before coming back and working from 8.00 pm to 10.30 pm at which time I stopped to do the blog. Anything left over I’ll do in the morning.

Wednesday.

An improvement today at 3.22 am and I actually put the light off at midnight too. You feel so much better for a proper sleep, or so I’m told! I shouldn’t complain really as I was awake at that time and felt fine.I set the computer to come on while I went to the loo with a  hop, step and jump. I can’t hear the rain today, and the forecast on my phone is sunshine. Wake me again when it comes through will you. I worked on mail until 5.00 am when I went and had some cereal and toast for breakfast and a second helping with all my meds. I brought a coffee back to my room. By 7.15 am I’d dealt with both mailboxes and was up to date. Time to play on ebay. Yep, there’s the message I was expecting asking me if the seller has responded to me. Well that’s a big fat NO then. I filled out the online form which was very small and submitted it. I carried on then to look at the jackets I was following, one due this morning and the price is as yet OK, one due tomorrow where the price is already too high so time to do a new search for that size. I managed to find a few more to follow.

I took a break to do some washing and a little light dusting. Then I washed the kitchen and bathroom floors. I like the new rug for the loo I got at the weekend. It’s a great match. It was now 10.10 am so I went back through to get dressed and clear the post boxes again. I’d just got dressed when there was a knock at the door. Darren my postie had two parcels for me and I was so pleased as I hadn’t expected them before Friday at least. They’re both excellent. and I’ve left Mike’s jacket in his room. With that extra time wasted I had to get a move on with the e-post,,just as well Darren hadn’t brought me any mail as well. At 11.45 I called a halt though no-one heard me ( so did I really say it?) and decided to prepare for lunch. I started that by finding something to watch and that choice ended up being ….Bargain Hunt, so there’s a surprise. A bigger surprise is that I couldn’t eat all my lunch today, except the veg. I never believed I could over face myself. Pity no-one was here to witness it. I washed the pots and settled to watch the rest of the programme but it was a losing battle Zzzzzzzz. I was like that until 2.05 pm and very slow to realise not only where I was but that the post wasn’t doing itself.

I lumbered back through bringing a bottle of Fanta Zero as I’d finished my Pepsi Max earlier. A quick drink then I started.It was bad, very bad in fact almost as bad as bad gets, both boxes were bulging.I worked until 4.45 pm and they weren’t bulging anything like they had been but neither was empty because as soon as I reached the point of one being empty and started another, some bright spark wrote something for the first one again. When I finished I estimated about twenty in one and perhaps half that in the second. Heaven knew what they’d be like when I got back here about 9.30 pm.  Dil and Matt turned up about 5.10 pm, I was already in the kitchen when I heard them and already had their mugs ready so I started the drinks straight away. They must have thought me efficient for once. Not being out of breath trying to rush to the kitchen before they reached the door. They were in time for the start of the quiz so we sat down to watch it together.  Dil and I are OK on music unless it’s very modern when we’ll bow to Matt, Dil deals with football and I stand a good chance with art and literature. General knowledge we all have a go at. Once it was over and we all understood we knew absolutely nothing about anything Dil got the card table out and pulled out the Yahtzee to play first.  Let it be known throughout The Shires that the Age of Miracles is not yet past. I won 4 of the 6 games to give me first blood. It was Matt’s call as to what we played next and out came the Boggle. I knew this one was going to be a struggle, not because I don’t know any words but because I lack the speed to follow the convoluted paths some of the letters take to make a word. That was game to Dil. Game 3 was cards and because it’s Matt’s favourite he chose Crazy 8’s and then had the cheek to win it in short order. That left time to play a fourth game though I’m sure Matt hadn’t expected that. We settled on Nomination Whist but only played from 8 down and back up again.  It was nip and tuck with us all taking turns at the lead until we passed the halfway mark. It was then I started to make a break for the front and despite the evil intent of my brother and nephew I managed to get enough of a lead that no matter how many times they messed up my call, I would win. So for once it went my way.

They left at 9.30 as usual so I was able to tidy up and wash the pots before coming through for the night.  I had to work on the post until 11.00 pm so I could see the wood for the trees then I daren’t leave the blog any longer. The rest of the post will have to wait until morning.

Thursday.

I read for the shortest time last night and my light was out by 12.15 am. I think I was asleep as my head hit the pillow, or concussed anyway. I slept until 4.17 am and think that was pretty good. As I left the bedroom to myrinate ( I don’t see why it should be Ur inate )I turned the computer on and stuck it near a radiator to warm up. When I came back all I had to do was sign in. I opened the first mail box and was quite pleased to see I might just finish the messages today, at least last night’s stuff. Actually it might be a slight exaggeration since it took me to 6.55 am to get up to date including today’s. I went to the kitchen and took my meds and made a coffee which I brought back with me. I opened the second mail box and went on the attack. Joy of joys there were a lot of duplicates and so at 8.00 am I was able to sit back and open ebay. I kept myself to doing nothing but look this morning doing searches through all my favourite products to check things out.  The pleasure of that time didn’t last long.

The postie arrived with what looked like a letter from the Pensions Service no doubt re-assessing my benefit based on the 1.2% increase in my private pension this year. That works out at less than £2 per week so shouldn’t make a big difference. I couldn’t have been further from the truth. The letter was from the Pensions Service but was not a reassessment of benefit as such, it was a bill for an overpayment of benefit from 03.04.15 to 05.05.15 for over £142.00. How a figure that doesn’t reach £142 can create a bill for that amount is beyond me. The bill takes in a period I wasn’t aware of an increase and in fact had not received it since it’s only payable on 28th of as month and I got it before I was told I was getting it. Needless to say I notified the Pensions Service straight away in a recorded delivery letter. What I believe has happened is that someone has put the gross amount of pension in but not the nett amount after taxation. They were also notified of the taxation level as soon as I had confirmation of it. This letter confirm the overpayment and what deductions will be made from my money to recover it. I went into the bank to check what they’d paid me this week and it was £30 down. So that amount down plus the amount they intend to start recovering at means until this is sorted I will receive about a third of what it should be. One very long letter later and another trip to the Post Office and I had sent in an appeal for a re-determination also by recorded delivery. Lets hope they can manage to correct this in record time and not claim the letter has never been received.

Between one thing and another I was busy all morning and only stopped for lunch at 11.55 am. As I went through to take my pre-foodie I turned TV on ready for Bargain Hunt. I was ready in time for the start and before the auction started I’d washed my plate up. I saw the auction and one team making a nice profit on everything just before someone turned the lights out. It was nearly 2.10 pm before they were turned on again. I turned the TV off and let my conscience walk me through here to start work again. It was just as well since the sides of both the mail sacks were bulging. It took me some time to get them down again, almost 4.30 pm. In the meantime I had a text from Mike to say he was on his way and I reckoned he’d get here about 6.30 pm. I wandered off to watch my first quiz then the second and followed that up with the start of a Big Bang Theory when at 6.30 pm in he walked so I made a coffee while he put his case in his bedroom and tried out his new jacket. Since Mike was here I couldn’t possibly just walk away and leave him yet so I stayed and forced myself to watch two episodes of the Antiques Road Trip with him. Then I was able to disappear because my new Big Bang Theory was on at 8.30 pm so I’d only be away half an hour. As it happens he thought I looked a bit down and came through to speak to me for 20 mins which left me just 10 minutes to work!

Once the Big Bang Theory was over I came back fully intending to stay and catch up.Which apart from a minor diversion to take my meds I did. At 10.30 pm I quit the mail ( not much left anyway) in order to do the blog. I should apologise for the lack of photographs this week but the weather hasn’t been appropriate. Maybe if things pick up a bit this weekend………

Friday.

That was an awful night. Asleep around 12.30 am and up again at 1.15 am. Eventually I had to go to my chair in the lounge. Thanks to the light that comes on to scare off burglars  I was able to see the time was 2.03 am and I’m sure that was perhaps about when I nodded off again. Time to get up at 3.50 am and starting to get light outside. I’m only used to drawing the curtains in Winter to make it cosy so I can’t sleep with the light. I came through and logged on then went back in that direction to the loo. I was so long with the stop-start that the computer had gone back to sleep when I returned. That’s just not on, the computer is not going to get more sleep than me. I opened my first mail box and immediately regretted it. There was a lot from last night to deal with before I could get near today’s. I tripped over my own feet trying to get away and since that was a failure, stayed.I was finished and up to date with the first box by 6.55 am at which time I went through to take my meds. After having done that and because the box was now empty I got the meds drawer out and started to refill it for the week.After I’d finished I put the drugs away and made myself a coffee.

As I came back from having my morning fix I found more post had come so I cleared that before opening the second  mail  box and getting stuck in. At 9.00 am I still hadn’t finished there but I had to break off to make Mike a coffee which I took through and gently woke him with a bellow in minor key. I left him to it and returned to my room to get dressed ready to go out. 15 minutes later there was no movement to I went back and called to him in major key. He moved and apologised. I could return to getting my shoes and coat on and popping to Pauline’s for my lottery tickets. Tonight might be the night. When I got back Mike had been in the lounge as I could see his mug but he was in the loo. I got my coat and shoes off and waited for him in the lounge. Unthinking, I put Undercover Boss on while I waited and when Mike came back he started watching too. My Postie delivered while that was on and really confused me. I got the letter with the new calculation of benefit which clearly showed heir mistake but also another letter which told me since they’d asked for proof of my income in early May but not received anything they were asking again. So if they haven’t received the proofs they requested, what information have they used to recalculate the benefit? It’s idiotic, and that’s what Mike and I agreed on. That meant it was 10.25 am before he went to get dressed and then left to go to Manchester. Once he’d gone I emptied the kitchen bin, washed up the mugs and then turned back to my mail.

More post had arrived in both boxes of course so I worked steadily until 11.50 to clear it. Then time for lunch which I enjoyed while watching a Bargain Hunt filmed in the snow in Yorkshire. Naturally I saw it right up to the point where I decided my eye lids needed examining from the inside and I  missed the final auction. I’m not sure it was worth the bother since I only slept examined a little over 10 minutes. I returned to work to find lunchtime had been kind to me and there was enough to keep me going without actually pushing me. I worked through until 4.45 am then went to have a spot of tea before my quiz starts. It’s doubtful Mike will be back before about 7.00 pm so I sneaked a rhubarb crumble and custard for my tea.After the first two programmes (both quizzes) I went and had a shower so I’d be back to watch the Antiques Road Show as it was in North Wales this time and I know most of the shops they were due to visit. Mike arrived back at 7.58 pm just after it had finished. I would normally have come back through at that time but there was a programme advertised I really wanted to see. I started Mike’s coffee off and left it up to him to finish it. As it happened he was happy to watch the programme with me. It was about one woman’s belief that Mary Magdalene was the wife of J.C. and her search for proof . She started in France where Mary was supposed to have escaped to after his death on the cross. Much like the story that Dan Browne told about Mary having brought the sang raal or  Blood Royal with her rather than the San graal or Holy Grail. There is a place in France that has celebrated Mary arriving there centuries ago at the end of her journey for a long time and claims to have the skull of Mary behind a mask on a figure they transport through the streets every year. There were certainly signs of belief in the story there. It became more interesting to me when the seeker travelled to an area where the Cathars once lived and found that the Cathar faith is actually still alive though still virtually in hiding. Strangely they celebrate their services from a bible which includes one ( or more ) of the gnostic gospels which also carries the belief that Mary and J.C. were married. There were remnants of a 1st C carpet that you could say depicted a Holy woman and possibly a Holy child travelling by boat which would also support the story and also the mosaic floor of the oldest church ever found which oddly enough is inside a Israeli maximum security prison. It was a beautiful floor and complete which bore an inscription which unfortunately I can’t remember  but was translated by a Professor out there and also helped to bear out the theory.

Like many others I’ve maintained for years that some of the gnostic gospels weren’t used because they were written by women and the early church wanted to downplay any importance that women had in the movement. It seems very unlikely that Mary Magdalene was unimportant after being with the other disciples for so long and indeed one of the gospels mentions how Mary was the best loved of them ( by Jesus). Yet her part was ignored and it was only ( I think) in the late 60’s that the Catholic Church apologised for having labelled her a prostitute or sinner. I often wonder how different both The Catholic Church and the world in general would have been had women been high in the councils of the church or even Popes ( and I don’t mean Pope Joan). Maybe we wouldn’t have had the Crusades and been on good terms with Moslems.

Anyway, at 9.00 pm I finally returned to work and had to bite my knuckle to stop from screaming when I saw the post you delightful people had sent. That means the rest of the night in here. But at 10.30 pm I stopped and made a start on the blog instead and I’ll just have to hope I’m up in time to catch up in the morning unlike last week.

Saturday.

I didn’t really read last night and my light was out at just gone midnight. I know it took a while to get my leg into  a comfortable position before sleep so I resembled a gyroscope in bed. Had it been anything but a single quilt I’d have been shouting for Mike to come and free me. I daresay he would have done eventually, after his laughter had subsided a bit and he’d taken a picture on his phone or tablet.I woke at 2.26 am and wasn’t best pleased about it but in fairness I did say I’d want to wake up early to catch up with the mail so I suppose I can’t complain. It seems Somnos takes early very literally. I was almost up to date on both mail boxes at 4.00 am when I heard mumbles from Mike and it seemed, some movement. I had to go check he was OK. The bathroom door was wide open but it was pitch black in there. I could see past the door into his bedroom and the bed was empty. He wasn’t in the lounge or the kitchen which just left the bathroom. I had to strain to see anything but there he was sitting on the loo. Having heard the mumbles I thought he was awake so asked “Are you OK?” He almost jumped from the seat in shock and told me he was asleep then. Oops, but perhaps not the best place to sleep in the dark, especially if I’d needed to go as we’d both have got a shock. I went back to my room and the post and moments later the loo flushed and Mike came into my room to make sure I was OK too. He asked if it was still the middle of the night and I confirmed that as it wasn’t yet lunchtime, for him it was. He went back to bed.

By 4.25 am I was clear and decided to go to the lounge and see if I could maybe steal another hours sleep. It took a while but I did drop off again. When I woke up it was quite light and I glanced at the clock and panicked. 6.30 am. I dashed (ha ha) to the kitchen and turned the kettle on. Mike’s alarm would be due to go off and I’d no chance of getting him up without his coffee. I started on my sprays and wondered if there was time for breakfast today before going out. I glanced at my watch 5.35 am. I could have kicked myself, should have kicked myself. I’ve been telling the time long enough now to get it right. I turned the kettle off though continued to take my meds. Back to work I went as there’s be time to get up to date again. I did manage it though I saved one of the messages until the end. At 6.15 am I put two pieces of bread in the toaster and came back to read the message properly which said records of BMD for County Monaghan in Ireland were now available.  I know some other Counties have also been added recently and wondered whether it was time to go do another search for the missing parents of my ancestor who fought in the Peninsular War and was wounded at Badajoz. The one who became a Chelsea Pensioner. Looking at the details of the records showed that mainly they went from 1812 onwards rather than before which I needed. Since it costs £18 a month to view the records I decided to wait a bit longer to get as many records as possible on the Irish database before spending the money. Money I might not have if the Pensions Service don’t correct their piggin’ error over my private pension. Such a big difference between a rise of less than £2 per week and the £35 per week they’re calculating on.

At 6.30 Mike’s alarm went off so I made his coffee and took it through before eating my toast. Naturally the response was as minimal as usual. Once I’d eaten my breakfast I needed to get dressed to take the bins out so I shouted to Mike as I passed his room to remind him the coffee was going cold. As I was entering my room I heard him move. It was a 1 A 2 C day and I didn’t feel bad at not letting his second alarm go off. After the bins were sorted and outside I washed my hands and went in to sit with Mike while we decided a plan of action for the day. Before anything though he has to be dressed, a point I reminded him of. He went. We were out of the house at 7.28 am and he made sure I knew it by pointing to his wristwatch and the clock on the car dashboard. Always been Mr Subtle our Mike has. When we reached the Supermarket I raided the cash point while Mike got the trolley. Battle hardened we started our quest and actually did quite well this morning and I kept within the budget I’d mentally set. I say mentally because I’m mental to have set it so low. Mice eat better . We still went for coffee though. Coming out we had the pleasure of seeing someone either very, very drunk or high on drugs screaming down the phone at someone by the car. He moved off as we approached. I don’t blame him, one scratch on Mike’s car and he’s have gone medieval all over the fella. They’d have been scraping up body parts for weeks.

From one Supermarket to another so that Mike didn’t miss a teasted toecake on the way to our destination. We had a look round first so Mike could find a couple of birthday cards and I could pick up a small pad and pen. While he had his teacake I enjoyed another coffee, now my third of the morning. Then it was back to the car to head off to Broughton Park Shopping Centre. It’s grown since I was last there and now has a multiplex cinema and 5 new eateries. We visited 2 more Supermarkets and were  lucky in finding some more jumpers for Mike that he needed.  Then a very swift look round a shop that sells beautiful items, from gifts to houseware and they’re very unusual. We didn’t have long there as it was approaching 12.30 pm when we were due to meet the girls. We were leaving the shop when there was a call to Mike to say Yvonne would be a bit late, luckily we still made it and found Karen and Jo waiting for us by the pub we were eating in. A friend of theirs was with them too as she was going out with them for the evening after they left us. We went in and found a table big enough for us all and waited for Yvonne and Reuben to arrive. It was only about 15 minutes.

Once the chaos of hellos was done we ordered drinks and set too looking at the menus. I found my choice easy, 3 Cumberland sausages with mashed potatoes and peas. A little word in  the ear of the young lady who came to take the orders ensured the bill would come to me. I took my pre-foodie and waited. Almost dead on the quarter hour the meal arrived. Good service. We had a fine time and enjoyed our meals though Reuben is still of the opinion that food is a decorating option and he doesn’t mind if the plates follow too though that didn’t happen today.Karen accused me of being Pinocchio when I said I preferred savoury things to puddings. I’m hurt.  Once the time came to say goodbye we all went our separate ways. Karen, Jo  and Amy to the Wirral to see a comedy show which was Karen’s birthday gift from Jo. Yvonne and Reuben headed home as she needed a shop in Chester. Mike and I set off to try and deliver Lee’s birthday prezzie to him. I texted to see if they were in but got no answer before we arrived. I’d intended to drop the gift off and leave but was easily persuaded to go in and even have a drink. I got to hold the baby again, still Nathan at the moment, while Mike enjoyed saying hello to Wilson the dog. We were there quite a while and to watch Lee with his son was wonderful.

Finally we got home. It was 3.30 pm and I had to wait an agonising time unpacking bags and putting stuff away before I could come through to work. Both boxes were horrendous. I could only work until 6.30 pm though as I’d promised to spend less time here and more time there. When I went through the beggar was dead to the world. I turned over from the Grand Prix to a film. When he woke up he didn’t even know it had been on but he thought he’s dreamed about it. I stayed until 9.00 pm then had to come back.Things were bad again. I hammered away until 10.30 pm then had to break to do the blog. Maybe I’ll get back rhewre afterwards, if not there’s always tomorrow while Mike has a lie in.

Have a Wonderful Week all.

Birthday Sunday & The Horrible People Play

Sunday 18th Jan 2015

4.11 am today and though it’s my birthday I woke to no fanfare. I don’t understand it. Perhaps next year. Mind you, it would have been fun to see whether Mike could sleep through it. I popped to the loo and as soon as I got back turned the computer on. Let’s see how well the blog did last night. I was really happy to see there weren’t too many emails so that I spend another day hunched over the machine. I worked till 6.00 am then went to take the first antibiotic of the day. Because I had to turn the kitchen light on it seemed reasonable to do the fish as well. They knew I was there after all. I tuned on the tank light. My expectations of finding Big Al with a Happy Birthday banner were dashed when I saw him take one look at me and hide under the bridge.”Well, thanks for nothing” I said.my voice quickly attracting Morecambe and Wise to the top of the tank to listen to me. Down below it was business as usual as Little Al and Sharkey jostled for the best position under the feeding flap.

I put some flake in for Morecambe and Wise then dropped some pellets on the heads of the eager beavers below. The two new synodontis swam over to scour the bottom for food and the mid sized plec did the same. It was quite funny seeing them snuffling along the bottom searching between the gravel for food.  Big Al obviously wasn’t coming out while I was there this morning which must mean I’m in trouble again as I’ll never believe he’s shy.

I closed the food flap and turned to take my tablet. It wasn’t worth my taking the time to disturb myself after so I took all my usual meds too then made a coffee to take back. As I passed through the lounge I almost dropped the drink when something seemed to loom before me. OMG, it was the balloon from Temptations yesterday just moving in the breeze created by my movement. I would remember to come back later and put my cards up. By 7.20 am I had cleared the decks even having gone in to facebook and answered a couple of messages.I went through to the kitchen to leave my cup in the sink then sat in my chair in the lounge watching it start to get lighter. At some stage I nodded off until 8.35 am I returned to the bedroom and started work again. It was nice there seemed to be no pressure and a few comments were starting to come through about the blog and a few birthday wishes. Then my mobile started too with well wishers from withing the family. Yes you cheeky beggars, there still are some.

9.45 am and I heard Mike heading towards the loo. I left my post and went to make him a drink. I knew he wouldn’t go back to bed again. His drink was ready on the table when he came through. I stood and chatted to him as I opened and read my cards eliciting the odd grunt. I sat down and chatted as he had his drink. I suggested we could go into Prestatyn and get the free drinks owed us by Marks and Spencer’s after his disastrous dinner before Christmas. Trouble was neither of us made a move to get dressed until 11.00 am by which time it was too late to do anything except go for lunch. We both went to dress and oddly enough ended up in exactly the same trousers. No, not the same pair you ninny, we each owned a pair. At 11.30 we headed off and arrived at the Bells at 11.50 am. The girls were there before us, waiting in the car park and waving as we pulled in. We went inside.

Karen went to the bar to order soft drinks and I gave Mike my voucher for a free birthday meal. He  wouldn’t let me pay for the other meals so he did that on his card. Karen had found a table so I went to sit down and Jo brought our drinks over.I passed a gift each over as they placed gifts for me on the table. There was a lovely Uncle card and I was given some sheepskin slippers, a beautiful maroon/white shirt and a maroon jumper.They were really nice. I gave my thanks before we got down to the serious business of food. At that moment there was no-one in the queue so the four of us wandered over     ( at a run) and created a queue of our own. I chose beef as my meat and was kindly given an extra piece because it was my birthday. I went on to help myself to all the veg and two kinds of potatoes. When the girls got back to the table I saw the chef must have thought we were all having a birthday. Karen and Jo had 3 Yorkshire puddings each and Jo had even more slices of meat than me..There’s no way I’ll ever get to look like her so I needn’t build my hopes up.

I remembered to take my foodie tabs both before and after the meal.Today I even had a pudding which Jo kindly paid for. I tell you I was thoroughly spoiled. We sat chatting for a while then I left to have a cigarette outside. Mike joined me. When we came back Jo went as Karen wouldn’t be on her own. At 1.30 pm we were ready to leave. The girls were ready to go to Rhyl to a shop they wanted while Mike and I were also going to Rhyl in search of fish. In the shop we like here was a fantastic catfish about 6″ long but much as I loved it, I didn’t want one fish on it’s own. I settled for two hoplo catfish which are only about 2″ long but they’ll grow.

Finally we headed for home and put the bag on the edge of the tank to acclimatise it. Then I could go to work. The screams might have been silent but they were there as I opened the mail box to way over 200 messages with more arriving all the time.After 20 minutes I added some of the tank water to the bag with the fish so they’d get used to that. Morecambe was swimming around the bag being very nosy about he new neighbours. Back to work. I was not making any headway. I went into facebook and answered two messages, but also found literally hundreds of birthday greetings that I’d never get through. I resolved to put a notice up tomorrow to thank everyone.The last 20 minutes had already passed before I remembered to go and release the new fish who may be called Abbot and Costello. I haven’t quite decided.I had two short breaks to give Mike a bit of company during the evening, one was to make our tea. Other than that I’ve sat here despairing of ever catching up. But, just minutes before midnight I did, so this has been a late night. Now 12.50 am and my reading time has evaporated. It’s been a lovely day though.

Monday.

Here we are again. Have I slept? It’s a 4.49 am start and I know I’m awake but feel I shouldn’t be. That’s how the day started today. I got out of bed, donned my dressing gown and walked to the loo almost normally, though that’s not saying much in my case. After asking my bladder to pee or get off the pot, why bring me this far if you’re not sure you want to go or not? I came back and switched on the computer. Though I logged into my mail I actually visited Facebook first. There were even more birthday wishes than yesterday and two more messages. I was forced to write a general, cover-all thank you to everyone or I’d have been doing individual replies for hours. I answered the two messages then logged out and came back to my emails. Amazingly there were only 5 from last night and the rest were as fresh as a daisy. No frauds, fakers or conmen today, just pure blogs almost. There were a couple of very easy to deal with adverts. (straight to the bin ). I started on liking, commenting and/or re-tweeting  some of the wonderful posts you’d all made though I can’t understand why you’re all up at that time. If it’s dark here you should all be in bed there, wherever your particular there is. It’s those bolshie Aussies that upset the applecart determined to have their day in direct contrast to us.

At 6.10 am I remembered my 6.00 am tablet and went to take it. After taking it I looked in the tank even though the light was off. I could see one of my new hoplo catfish swimming about but the other one was obviously dead and looked partly chewed. I quickly turned the light on. Yes, definitely dead,not moving at all. I was wondering whether to grab the net and remove the corpse before Mike woke when the little beggar moved. He must like playing statues and won that game hands fins down. The position he’d been lying in was awkward and I think a darker patch to his head misled me about his general condition. I’m so glad. I don’t generally lose my new fish like that. I looked around to see how the others were doing and was momentarily distracted by the attention Morecambe and Wise paid me when I realised I hadn’t seen Big Al. Everyone else was accounted for even the brilliantly disguised plecs, but of Big Al, no sign. I got down on my knees so my head was level with the bottom of the tank. He wasn’t under the bridge nor in the amphora, he wasn’t in the shipwreck but I was fast becoming a nervous wreck. He is getting on in fishy terms poor chap but even a corpse he should be too big too miss. I stood with great difficulty and for some reason looked around the kitchen like he was waiting to jump out and say BOO to me. As I looked back at the tank in despair, there he was, as smug as always and laying at the front of the tank watching me. At first I was flooded with relief ( I must be a masochist) then I became cross that he’d done it which was followed rapidly by How did he do it? The only answer I can come up with is that Somnos took him for a chat and sent him back which if true, bodes ill for me.

I took all my other morning meds and made a coffee to take back to the bedroom with me. Last night Mike had said he could have a lie in today. His Dad has an appointment at 1.00 pm so he doesn’t need to be there until 11.00 am. I pointed out to be there at 11.00 am he’d need to leave here by no later than 10.00 am. To do that he’d need to be up drinking his coffee at 9.00 am. Reluctantly he agreed. I gave him 10 extra minutes and took the coffee through at 9.10 am. I spoke, he answered then went back to sleep. At 9.20 am I reminded him the drink was there, he responded then went back to sleep. At 9.35 am the postman came and just putting a few letters through was able to wake Mike again. It was still almost 9.45 am before he managed to come through to the lounge though. Chances of leaving at 10.00- laughable, of reaching his dad by 11.00 am, impossible. Maybe next week I’ll start at 8.00 am.

With some effort Mike left the house at 10.20 am . I left at the same time to head to the chemist and to Pauline’s. For some reason I decided not to bother cooking today so while I was close by I visited the sandwich shop. I ordered a ham and onion  bap for my lunch and some awful dread power came over me as I ordered a bacon bap which I decided to call breakfast. Just to make it worse I bought an egg custard too. After Pauline’s I went straight back home and chewing my bacon bap I started work again. This welcome break from routine meant my normal lunchtime was blown out of the water but it didn’t stop me from breaking at midday to watch Bargain Hunt. It did mean I had no pots to wash up afterwards though. YAY. I worked from 1.00 -2.15 pm then watched Father Brown which I think has become more habit than pleasure now. It does mean I get a regular break from the screen of course which everyone tells me is good. I fully intended to really put my back into it between 2.15 -4.30 but I’d only just sat down when there was a knock at the door. I wasn’t expecting anyone so I rather gingerly opened the door.  Naturally I opened it wider when I saw an attractive young lady on the step though her suitcase was a worry since I’m not a B &B. She opened her mouth to speak and I was almost blown away by the smell of booze that hit me, apologies if someone is now manufacturing sweets with an obnoxious smell. Then she spoke and the last of my illusions broke.” Buy some freakin’ soap for charity” was an approximation  of what she asked and /or demanded, I wasn’t sure. I moved my hand to the sign on the door I was standing next to that said basically ‘No hawkers. It’s an offense to try and sell in this area, so bugger off and don’t come back’ though not verbatim. She hoisted her case up to rest on one arm and opened it. It was full of a household brand name toilet soap, bath scrubs and other things. “Well?” she said “itzforcharitee.” I tapped the sign and looked at it but it had no effect. I think I heard “deaf git.” I replied as much as possible without stuttering “No thank you, you have to ask the prison warders if we can buy things, that’s why you’re not allowed to sell here.” I thought that might be polite enough and started to close the door . “Flip you too grandpa ” I heard, or words to that effect. I note she didn’t bother with the other bungalows though.

Please note, a bar of soap can cost 30p but can be sold to you for £3.00 on the doorstep like this. If you or someone you care about doesn’t have one, ask the Neighbourhood Watch for a sticker that says you don’t accept door to door sales and that it’s an offence to try. Please leave. If you return you can be arrested. You can point it out to callers. Have an internal door chain fitted and if you’re at all suspicious call the police as they’re always happy to hear about bogus callers. Anyone claiming to be selling for a charity if genuine will be wearing a badge around their neck with name , who they’re selling for and a phone number to check. If you can write the details down when you phone it helps should you need to consult the police.

So, at 4.30 I stopped to watch Antique Road Trip. No women this week but one was the auctioneer most people I know can’t abide.Currently on TV in the US advising a group of Women on antiques. Don’t listen to him ladies. I realised last week that women in this programme have an advantage, one smile at the dealer when they ask for a bargain price and it’s theirs. A man asks with a smile and there’s not a lot off. After that I fell asleep in my chair and didn’t wake up until 6.00 pm when Eggheads came on. I watched that and then returned to work. Someone must be in a good mood because when I refreshed my screen there wasn’t too much there.  I was able to clear most of it by 8.00 pm and take another break. Very unusual for me. At 9.00 pm it was time to bite the bullet though. I came back and refreshed and it’s taken until 10.55 pm to catch up again. I’ve been able to do the blog and I’ll still get to bed before midnight.

In honour of Martin Luther King’s birthday, a song about him.

Tuesday.

I got a 5.18 am today. Wonderful, about 4 hours uninterrupted, dreamless sleep with no horrible little messages running in the background telling me what ice cream to buy in the interval. So why was I so sluggish getting up? I nipped to the loo delighted to be able to put my weight properly on my foot. If Mike was here no doubt he’d tell you what a weight it is and to pity the poor ankle now.                                                                                                                                                                                                     As I came back, I signed in to check the  number of emails overnight. Not too bad, only about 50. I’d only dealt with about ten of them when it was time for my 6.00 am tablet. I went to the kitchen and had it with a drink of Pepsi then turned to the fish. Turning the light on I found  real hive of activity. Everyone was moving around as though excited. I hoped it was at my arrival or at least my arrival bearing food. I placed flake in for Morecambe and Wise and was really surprised to see my new hoplos coming to the surface. Most of my cats are bottom feeders and dwellers. I dropped some pellets in and a free for all began below with barging to push others out of the way of available food. Big Al who was acting like a normal fish this morning and not my trainer, stood his ground. Sharkey, the worst of the bargers made no progress on Big Al at all.

Once they’d been fed, I turned to my normal meds, thinking it a waste of time to come out twice. Once I’d dealt with that I made a drink to take through. Just before I restarted work I tried ebay to check and see if I could find Welsh money there as there’s talk that we’re going to have our own legal tender notes soon. I think it was 1971 we last started with Welsh notes before the Bang of England closed it down. They were beautiful notes. For a while afterwards the notes went on sale as a novelty. I wish I’d bought tons as they’re rare and expensive now. The other thing I was looking at and wan’t really aware of it at the time was fish tanks.  I was in ebay a little later in the day and found I’d saved quite a few to look at. I thought I was happy enough with the one in the kitchen but it looks like I might be considering the lounge as home for one. If I do that it will mean buying some new fish and probably larger ones. Mike thinks I want an Oscar.

 

Try imagining this chap ( or chapess) as being about 8-12 inches long and pure muscle. Capable of drawing blood if it gets your finger in it’s mouth if it doesn’t like you. On the other hand, if it likes you, it can be most loving like Olive my last one who bust her way out of the tank, taking the lid right off, just to join me in bed one night.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       The thing is, to the best of my knowledge, I don’t want another Oscar and didn’t think I wanted a new tank either. But if I do, it will be some large catfish.

I started work again and concentrated on catching up to take any pressure off later. By 9.00am I was in the position of being able to get dressed. Mike had told me last night that he’s going to be at his Dad’s 29th-31st supervising the laying of a floor so there’s no more tripping over carpets. I turned to the computer to send Yvonne a message about taking me shopping that weekend and I found the computer was back on ebay looking at a tank a man can scuba dive in. I don’t know who’s doing it but seriously they need to take a look at the size of my room. A six foot would be the maximum I could take……..If I wanted one that is.                                            I worked through till lunch time playing catch up and then going to my Ancestry to see the hints. At 11.45 am I was glad to move away from the machine for a while.

Lunch was a bing cottage pie which I ate while watching my usual show. Even my pudding came in a plastic tub so the end of the meal saw me washing a side plate, a fork and a spoon. Hard labour indeed. No matter my feelings about the Father Brown series I was determined to skive persevere and so went back to work knowing it was just for an hour and a quarter. There was enough to keep me going and a tad more so something to come back to. I didn’t enjoy it very much again and will now have to consider that I’m never going to so maybe I’d better stop watching them. When it finished t 3.00 pm I was almost glad to return to work but maybe that was just the thought that it was only for an hour and a half. The computer was starting to whinge and whine at overuse when I got the chance at 4.30 pm to let it cool down for a while. I settled in front of the TV with a packet of Quavers and waited for the Antique Road Trip to start. A knock at the door got me out of my seat but it was my chemist lady with my drug run so I didn’t miss much.                                                                                                                                                                                                             Both the competitors bought  few reasonable pieces tonight. I was cross that one stood in the shop and engaged the owner in conversation about the age of some chairs, saying how new they were then taking one outside whispered about how old he knew they really were because of horsehair stuffing etc. To me that’s deceitful. For the second day on the trot he won and I was so disappointed. The auctioneer was very good tonight and cajoled good prices from the audience.

After Road Trip I watched Pointless then as I was about to watch Eggheads had the sudden urge to watch Big Bang Theory and turned over to an episode I must have missed. That kept me occupied until 6.30 pm but then I’d run out of excuses and had to come back through. There was a message from Yvonne saying the doctor is sending a new prescription to the chemist for antibiotics tomorrow but I don’t know which one yet. I hope she stays with this current batch which have done a good job on reducing both the swelling and the pain. I spent the evening working on mail more or less taking my time and resting long enough ( I hoped ) so that the fan didn’t start sounding asthmatic again. At 10.30 pm though I was able to start the blog as the mail boxes were empty at that point. I should be able to manage a good read before sleep tonight. I wanted to work on tomorrow’s emails as well so games night wouldn’t leave such a backlog but the computer wouldn’t let me.

Wednesday.

I got to bed early and I got my good read. I even got to turn my light out before 1.00 am, I was nice and relaxed. What I wasn’t expecting was to be awake at 3.17 am and getting up for work.Well, officially it was getting up to pee first and work second but you know what I mean. In some instances I was answering emails just after they’d been written. I was late evening in America and early afternoon in Australia. Just one message from my self appointed astrologer but as usual heavy denominations must cross her palm to be divulged. If anyone has any free predictions out there I’d be happy to hear from them.                                                                          I worked till just gone 6.00 am then went to take the morning antibiotic. As soon as the kitchen light went on I could see the activity in the tank. My newbies were doing a lot of moving around and the others must think they’re missing something and joined in. I swallowed the tablet with some difficulty and turned to put the tank light on.  There was a slight pause in the proceedings and then the dance went on as before. I put some flake in and then some pellets, everyone headed for the bottom including Morecambe and Wise who should have been gobbling the flake. A quick headcount showed just two bodies missing, one of the new synodontis and the large plec. Eventually I saw the small synodontis under the bridge no doubt biding his time, the king of camouflage I found draped over the top of the sunken ship as though he’d been carved there.

I took the rest of the meds and made a coffee to take back with me but decided to drink it in the lounge. I saw the time at 6.45 am then saw nothing else till 7.55 am.  I think I was drugged h’occifer. I got dressed and started back to work.  At 9.30 am I made a visit to Pauline’s for bread and a couple of other things, when I got back there was a message on my phone to call the surgery. I let Yvonne know but I’d forgotten it was Wednesday and she’d be at work at that time. Anyway she phoned in her break and let me know I needn’t panic. It was just a call about my prescription for more antibiotics going down to the chemist. Exactly the same information as she’d got from them yesterday. The woman was really snotty when Yvonne told them she knew. As though it was her fault.                                                                                      I broke off at 11.00 am to have a rest and to be ready for lunchtime. For some strange reason I started to watch Judge Judy. The woman fascinated me. She’s like an obnoxious doberman, forever barking and ready to bite. I was glad when I had to leave to make lunch which I ate watching Murder she Wrote. I returned to work at 1.00 pm and had to work hard to catch up again before sneaking off for 2.15 pm to 3.00 pm for another Father Brown. After that it was work again though the world had been quite generous in my time of and the work was easily managed. At 4.30 am I broke off ready for my Antique Road Trip and for my influx of visitors.  Five minutes into the programme the door opened and Lee appeared and handed me a belated birthday card. I got him his usual drink of water and then caught up on all his news as I’ve not seen him since just before Christmas.

He’s preparing a room at home for the baby. I remembered to give him a little picture frame I’d bought for a baby scan. I’m thrilled for him as he’ll be a great dad. It was about 5.25 pm when the door went again and Dil and Matt came in also carrying belated cards for me. Really nice brother and uncle cards. I’ve taken the others down and my balloon has been removed from the room. I made drinks while they chatted and answered question on the quiz that was on. As soon as it finished Dil erected the table and we got the new game out I’d got at Christmas which Lee hasn’t seen, Cards Against Humanity, a party game for horrible people. Lee laughs easily and has a very infectious laugh. There was a lot of laughter during the game, some shocks too. We played twice. I won the first one and Dil the second. Then it was nomination whist where my evil side came out a bit. I wasn’t just concentrating on my call as usual, I was concentrating on making sure others didn’t get theirs. It was a runaway success for me though I’m not sure how safe it will be to eat or drink anything in the house from now on after the threats that were made. Lee made his exit then which was just as well as I was running out of biscuits. Dil dealt a hand of crazy 8’s for us. It started well when I won the first hand but once Dil pointed out my zero score things went rapidly downhill. Fortunately I managed to get Matt to catch for a few big pick ups so he lost the game before they caught me too badly. Dil won so maybe he’ll undo the curse he put on me. I wish he’d stop doing that as it’s a beggar to get the cockerel’s blood off the floor.

After they’d gone I had a tidy up then made myself a sandwich so I could take my second set of foodie pills today. I also took my usual evening meds and my 10.00 pm antibiotic. I came through ere and found a lot of mail. I worked till 11.00 pm on it but then had to start the blog I’m looking at a 12.15 am finish tonight and I’ll finish the rest of the mail tomorrow.

I’m guilty of making assumptions. For years I thought this was a black singer. Seeing him tonight, the voice just doesn’t fit. Still good though.

Thursday.

On the slope down to sleep last night I remember saying ” None of your silly 3.17’s and 3.23’s this morning please” and I’m still not sure if I was talking to my subconscious or to Somnos.  In any event, whichever one it was has obliged me. However. let me just state categorically, they have a warped sense of humour. It was a 3.24 am day. What a lie-in that was. There was no time to be bitter though as there was a loo to be visited , a bank to be checked and mail to be answered. Oh Joy! Having visited the loo and found the traffic lights without the amber so I kept going from stop to start to stop to start to stop, I came back and powered up the computer. First job as very Thursday, to make sure my money has reached the bank. Everything was OK and I logged out of there and into my main mail box. There were quite a few emails but nothing I couldn’t handle. A quick glance told me I wasn’t going to be ripped off by anyone, made rich by anyone or being told which lottery numbers to play in a fortnight if I pay someone now more than I’ll win then. It was mainly straight post on people’s blogs and they were fine.

I’d caught up on the first batch by 4.50 am so had a few minutes on ebay looking for a cross of St Lazarus, mine was half-inched during the burglary. I can find Templar crosses aplenty in red but nothing in green. The computer started to wheeze again and as I’m bound to be responsible for it’s asthmatic ways I decided to give it a rest. Going through to the kitchen I put the main light on and took my antibiotic even though it was almost an hour early. The light had my piscine pals in a tizzy.Was it daylight or not? I thought, why not, and turned the tank light on. I swear some of them did a waggle dance. Morecambe and Wise both rushed to the corner next to me ass I started to wish them all good morning. Morecambe always seems very please to hear my voice.I must be like the Beach Boys and give off Good Vibrations. My two beautiful new catfish were running up and down the tank which is still strange to see as the others stick to the bottom of the tank. The two little synodontis came out of their shell (literally) to see if breakfast was served, Sharkey was prowling the food service area and both Big Al and Little Al seemed to be waiting for the starter to fire his gun. The plecs were just the plecs,  uninvolved with anything unless it suited them. I open the food flap and dropped in some flake and some pellets. They acted like magnets, pulling in everyone to seek their little portion of food. Just like humans there was no co-operation and no sharing. First come first served. The plecs are clever. they just lie on top of what they find till everyone else goes away.

I couldn’t help but smile as I turned away to take the rest of my morning stash and then make myself a coffee to take back. First I needed to replenish the stand for my pods. I was really lucky with that as the stands you buy specifically for the pods are quite expensive but someone had bought me a revolving spice rack and not being fond of spicy foods I’d utilized it for the pods. It holds four different types ( 1 tea & 3 coffee) and happily takes 12 in each row if needed. I’m quite pleased with the result.

I took my coffee back to the bedroom and started work again. That lasted until almost 7.00 am. Since I didn’t fancy another ebay session or any time on the family tree  I thought it was a good time to sit in the lounge and try for 40 winks. In order to aid the dropping off process I turned the TV onto a channel that caries US comedy shows like King of New York and Frazier. Big mistake, I started watching and couldn’t get off. At 8.30 am I went back through to get dressed. I spent n hour catching p with the latest batch then went to Paulines to get new lottery tickets and a packet of bacon. Mike may come today and he might be peckish. I was back inside by 10.00 am and in the short time I’d been out there were 3 messages on the phone. What usually happens is, if like yesterday the call is important I text Yvonne and get her to ring for me. Today two calls were from PPI firms and one was about new central heating boilers through a Government scheme. All the most irritating, annoying calls it’s possible to get as these are pre-recorded calls and for all I know on a continuous loop somewhere as rarely a day goes past without one. It’s as though they don’t think we’re capable of getting in touch just as easily after the first annoying call. I have a new boiler but it doesn’t stop the calls coming through. It’ s harassment.

Lunchtime was noon so I knocked off at 11.45 am to allow cooking times and pill taking time. While waiting I watched Judge Judy for a couple of minutes. I’m sure she’s been in for a charm bypass. If it demoralises you so much that you have to scream like  a harpy at the fools who appear before you I’d say you’ve been in the job too long. The ‘Bing’ came in time for me to watch Murder She Wrote again and blow me down I fell asleep before the end. To be fair I wasn’t out for long so at 1.15 pm I started back towards the bedroom. A knock on the door pulled me up and I did consider not answering in case it was a stranger, but it was my friend from the chemist with the new prescription of antibiotics. I had her wait a moment while I got a box of sweets in tanks and then continued to the computer where I worked til 2.15 pm. The formula was the same today, some Father Brown, work from 3.00 pm to 4.30 pm then a gap for The Antique Road Trip. At just before 4.00 pm I had a message from Mike to say he was on his way. After the Road Trip I nipped back in to do a little work so it would be easier to sit with Mike when he arrived . He got there just about when I’d expected at 5.55 pm by which time I’d gone back through to put the kettle on. I poured his drink and we sat down with Eggheads. As that was over I turned to a Big Bang Theory which as it happened Mike hadn’t seen before. That was a bonus.

Tonight there was a new episode of Big Bang Theory on at 8.30 pm and then a new programme that looked funny at 9.00 pm. In order to watch those, I had to leave Mike to is own devices at 7.00 pm. I thought it was worth trying as I could always do the blog later and leave any overflow of mail until tomorrow. I enjoyed the change and didn’t even rush through in a panic once the programme was over. I’ve been taking my time with this but I’m going to have a quick peep at the mail anyway before bed.

Friday.

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The above appeal was brought to you on behalf of David whose sense of humour is rapidly diminishing. 3.22 am is still not funny Somnos ! I’m spreading the word, what more d’you want? It’s not even two and a half hours sleep at a time. And yes, I could turn my light out and go to sleep earlier and what do you do? You adjust the clock and get me up earlier. I swear blind you’ve got me up ten minutes before I’ve even got to bed before now. Having said all that, I’d no idea what kind of work load was waiting for me this morning and being Friday it’s drug top-up day. So maybe this once you did me a favour by accident. No,  you didn’t. The mail when I got to it after the loo trip in the dark so as not to disturb Mike, was quite manageable. I’d rattled the first load off by 4.30 am. I thought about trying to get back to sleep but I was fully charged now. I had a small catalogue nearby that had come in the post recently which wasn’t opened so I had a quick flick through that. It wasn’t near enough to Christmas to warrant starting my shopping yet ( only about 50 weeks to go) so it was only a cursory glance. At 5.00 am I decided to give the fish a treat and go and have a chat.

I turned the kitchen light on and even then sensed a lot of movement so went straight to the tank.  It was like the Butterfly Ball. Even in the semi dark everyone seemed to be wearing their finery and such grace I saw. There seemed to be waltzes, pavanes and partnered cotillions and movement which seemed to be free of structure yet worked beautifully except maybe or Big Al who seemed to have two left fins. Astounded, I switched the tank light on. Oh why didn’t you stop me? The movement continued but now there was no beauty in it, just a series of random swims which bore no relationship to anyone else’s.They remained pretty in my eyes but all co-ordination and co-operation was gone. I wished “Good Morning ” to them all but neither Morecambe nor Wise came to listen to me. I sat on my haunches to tell them all how beautiful they were (even Big Al and Little Al, albinos both) but seemingly could not attract their attention. I’m guessing I was a party pooper and paying for it with another trip to Coventry.

I was on my haunches still and found I couldn’t stand and also here was pain in my heel in that position. Even getting a grip on the work surface didn’t help. I daren’t call Mike in the ‘middle of the bloody night’ to use his term so I had no choice but to drop to the floor. Ouch, turn over onto my stomach and get to my knees and thence to my feet that way. I felt a right lemon I tell you. There may have been sniggers from the tank but I didn’t hear them. Once on my feet I dropped food in for them and watched them scrabble for it. The two nearly cream flashes that are the Al”s, the cream and raspberry of Sharkey, the almost dark brown camouflage of the plecs, the leopard markings of the new corys and the beaautiful almost dalmation markings on an almost see through background of the hoplos and of course the  beautiful red and blue of the two Siamese fighters was quite a sight as they all chased the food but I wished I hadn’t turned the light on at all so early.

I was feeling quite dejected at my stupidity as I turned away from the tank and poured myself a drink of milk to take my meds with. Despite it being only 5.30 am and me being a creature of some habit I didn’t care and took everything I was supposed to including the new antibiotics. Before making myself a drink I got my meds drawer out and started refilling the pillbox. I had to refill the drawer too with some of the new drugs delivered on Tuesday. It took me a half hour to finish that then I put the drawer back and made my drink. Time to go back to work. By 8.15 am I was in the clear again, or I was if I didn’t refresh. I decided on a break and went to the lounge where I turned TV on for company. It was Frazier time. I must admit to quite liking that show. As it came to an end just before 9.00 am I put the kettle on and prepared Mike’s mug. At the same time I girded my loins for what could be a long job. Surprisingly it wasn’t. I took the drink though and loudly told him it was coffee time which got a grunt. I then told him it was on the bedside table which forced another grunt, hopefully opening his eyes. Then I left him to it and went to work. It was approaching the ten minute mark when his clock would normally repeat that I readied myself to go through. Instead, I heard movement, and moments later I heard him go in the lounge. I finished the last of the mail I was doing and joined him.

What a stupid mistake to make. I try to get Mike up at 9.00 am to leave at 10.00 am to arrive at his Dad’s about 11.00 am. In the lounge I put the TV on to cover the lack of conversation until he’s awake. But he became interested in it instead and stayed in his pyjamas until it was over at 10.00 am. Now I feel guilty he had such a late start. When he left the house I went out at the same time to post some letters and then to pick up 2 pints of milk and some bread from Pauline’s. I’d forgotten to take my bag out with me and had to buy a carrier bag. Still, it’s a donation to charity. I put the shopping away when I got home then started a catch up session until lunch time. All the time I was making lunch I was waiting for a knock on the door until I remembered the warden had told me she wouldn’t be coming today. Great, I had my lunch watching Jessica Fletcher show she was brighter than any Police Detective, with my shoes and socks off, toes wiggling with glee.

At 1.00 pm I returned to work and tried hard to concentrate on the job in hand. Trouble was I kept zoning out. As I came back I’d no idea whether I’d done anything to what was on screen  or not. I didn’t have time to mess about and have a sleep as I wanted to break at 2.15 pm anyway. I did stop work at that time and thought maybe I should use the time to sleep but no matter how I tried I couldn’t. At 3.00 pm it was back to work an I encountered the same problem as before, I was not getting enough done. At 4.30 pm I contemplated staying where I was but realistically that ridiculous thought stayed with me for about ten seconds. I wasn’t going to miss my Antique Road Trip for anything. But, when that finished at 5.15 pm and Mike still wasn’t back, I went back to the computer for an hour. I saw the end of a quiz show when I came back through then turned off the TV at 6.30 pm and went for a shower. Before I got in the shower I made sure the front door was locked. I hadn’t heard from Mike and if he set off it would take him an hour. If he got back before then well, he has his own key or access to the emergency one outside. As it happened when I got out of the shower he still wasn’t back. I unlocked the door on the way back to my bedroom to brush my hair. The next thing I know is what looks like Quasimodo is having a go at my front door lock. I opened the door to find Mike hunched over at the lock trying to find the hole for his key. I asked him  why he didn’t just try the handle as the door was open. He looked sheepish which was an improvement on the Quasimodo impression.

At 7.00 pm I watched a different Road Trip which unfortunately still had the same ‘character’ in. Unfortunately and astoundingly he won again too. Both Mike and I were hungry so I made bacon sandwiches for a late tea. After washing up, I watched Mastermind while Mike disappeared to his bedroom to watch his beloved Man United playing a match. When I came through to my bedroom at 8.30 pm he was able to move back into the lounge so he could make out the players on the big TV. I’ve been here ever since as Sod’s law says the post will start to pour in  the minute I’m occupied elsewhere. That’s why Saturday’s are always bad.

Saturday.

I turned off my light at about 12.45 am  but despite being tired my brain was on overtime (unpaid) rates and wouldn’t let me sleep. 1.25 am was the last time I remember seeing so I assume I fell asleep soon after that. Somnos must have been feeling particularly beneficent  as I was allowed to stay in bed until 3.31 am this morning. I know what you’re going to say, just wasting my life lazing it away like this but be fair, my current employer (slave owner) doesn’t seem to be paying much of a salary for work done. My oh my. you are pernickity today, I admit that maybe I’ve been a little lax on the promotion of Somnos et al but I haven’t had much to work with except veiled threats and not so veiled threats so far. Not a single lottery win. OK, OK, no need to be so anally retentive, Yes, there was £25 but that’s hardly life changing. Anyway, who’s side are you on?

I paid my visit to the loo being sure to creep past Mike’s room . On my way out I heard him speak and moved closer to his door in case he was awake. I bumped into the large glass candle stand MuJo got me for Christmas which made a heck of a clatter. Not a peep from him. So much for being ready for more burglars. It did remind me to try putting the light on in future though. I came back and signed in to the computer and then my main mail box. One tiny mistype and they pounced asking for mobile number and address of any other mailbox in case I ever forgot my password. Like I need flooding with more adverts from new directions. I was in and found not too many messages, especially from last night as I’d worked until midnight almost. I have a friend and fabulous author on a research ( oh yeah!) holiday in the Hawaiian Islands at the moment who wrote an interesting post I enjoyed ( http://theobsidianmirror.net/). I spent some time reading and commenting on that before carrying on with the normal mail. I was done by 5.50 am and didn’t think the fish would mind an early start.

I turned on just the kitchen light so I could enjoy their movements before turning the tank light on. If I do  get another tank, I’m transferring all my friends to the lounge as they’re quite fascinating and relaxing.  Maybe I won’t need the TV at all then except when Mike needs football of course. Once the tank was lit up I saw they were all preparing themselves for food. Strictly speaking, today is diet day but I couldn’t do it to them. What was nice once the food was in was seeing the two newest corys , sorry synodontis , ( see Sunday 4th for picture ) come out to play. They really are stunning. Of course the new hoplo catfish are stunning too. I’m looking forward to the day they are bigger and can be named and recognised by their individual markings. They probably are distinctive at the moment but they refuse to pose side by side till I check. Sometimes I think maybe I’m seeing the same one time after time and the other one has escaped.

I took the antibiotic and all the other drugs then made myself a coffee. Once I’d taken it through I got dressed ready for taking the rubbish out. It wasn’t raining but I could see it was cold outside so I put on a thick jumper. Once the stuff was gathered together I took it to the end of the path an came back in shivering. It was 6.50 am so I went to prepare Mike’s mug and couldn’t help wonder what kind of a morning it would be with him. It turned out to be a 3A 2C day.

1A, His first alarm which rang for quite a while ignored before he finally turned it off.                                                                                                                                                                 1C  The first call from me. “Coffee’s up bro, don’t let it go cold.”  Got something like an “OK righto.”                                                                                                                                       2A  The second alarm goes off . A single curse followed by turning it off.                                                                                                                                                                                           2C  The second call from me. “Don’t forget your coffee, its going cold.”  Not sure what this elicited but there was a blue cloud above the bed.                                                 3A  The third alarm goes off. Definitely not a happy bunny now , says something about ‘Luck’ and sits up to get his coffee. He takes it through to the lounge  to look daggers at me ( or throw them, not sure which) but being sensible I’m still in my room working on mail. I did go through and in passing scratched the top of his head. This at least served to stop him growling. We chatted for a few minutes until his answers were more than one word long then I left him to it while I went to get a pair of shoes on. I was wearing grey slacks today so it was black shoes. I managed to get my right one on without too much of an effort today. Magic ! I heard Mike make a move for the bathroom and then his bedroom so I knew he was getting dressed. We left the house at 7.50 am.

At the Supermarket Mike went for a trolley as I raided the cash point.then we met for a cigarette before going inside. The first point of call was the flowers.Most of last week’s had survived quite well so I chose a small bunch of carnations to replace and  dead flowers and add some nice colour to the vase. Mike’s the one who usually arranges Ju’s flowers and he didn’t disagree with my choice. There seems to be less choice than usual and prices are certainly high at the moment which I can understand in Winter. We moved round to the sale aisle where I bought Reuben some Fireman Sam cutlery but nothing else caught my eye today. We moed round to the gent clothes and I saw some jeans being reduced. When I stopped to look the member of staff told me they were for next weeks sale, not today- DAMN! But when Mike asked, the sale starts Thursday so maybe I stand a chance yet. We did eventually hit the food section where I bought some basic ready meals and some sliced beef, yoghurts, cakes and lime and lemon drinks. Then came the staples like bread, milk and some chocolates for our friends as well as a birthday cake  (Y ddraig goch ) to take to the Ivy. We went through the till and while I went for cigarettes, Mike went to order the coffees. I decided to have an iced one today so Mike was looking forward to me getting brain freeze.

There were no detours today so we went straight to Flint. I was hoping to buy a box of birthday cards so I went round Home Bargains, no joy. In B & M Bargains I had no luck either. Mike’s ghast was flabbered when I bought nothing in either place. We lit cigarettes and walked in the direction of Temptations. Before we went in I took a chance on one last shop and actually found their very last box. Not the best cards in the World but great to have in an emergency. We went into Temptations with a box of chocolates for them. I ordered the drinks and a teasted toecake for Mike even though we were just an hour away from lunch. It was quite busy but Mike did manage a session of double entendres with Ceri nonetheless. After his teacake he ate two of the little biscotti we get with the drinks and then four of the coffee biscuits you sometimes get that he had stored in his coat. We threw kisses over the heads of the queue at the counter to wishthem goodbye once we’d done.

We reached the Ivy around 12.30 pm and had a cigarette as we wandered round to the side door to take them by surprise. We would have done had there been anyone there on the counted but it was we who were surprised . Rob appeared carrying plates from the front of the cafe then Angie and Shirley appeared from the direction of the loos thus proving that women always go in twos. Tariq just appeared. I handed  over the chocolates and the cake to him saying we wanted the staff to have cake with us. Mike pointed out to me the woman who was there last week whose mother told us she shared my birthday ( mine because I’m the oldest by far). Rob did the drinks and brought them over. Tariq followed him and brought me a card, a saucy mug and a fantastic framed picture of Reuben and I together done more like a painting, from all the staff. I was quite choked and for once Mike didn’t have his hands round my throat.  We ordered lunch and I took my tablet then went out for a smoke. I was eating healthily today, a baked potato with beans, coleslaw and side salad. Mike had a roast pork dinner. Once we’d finished, Tariq brought the cake to me to cut despite my shaking hands, I cut it into 8 pieces. I asked Mike to take one to my birthday twin, he and I had one each and the other five went to the staff. Fair play, it was quite nice cake. Shella came out to thank me, Tariq came out wiping his mouth. My birthday twin came over to say she’d enjoyed it.

I paid the bill and we started to leave. Somehow the subject between Mike and I got back to fish when I laughed and said I knew he’d want two of the hoplo catfish once he’d seen them. Tariq who’d walked us to the door chimed in to say that he was thinking of having a tank there and maybe Rob ( who apparently knows about fish) might breed and sell them in which case he’d need more than just one tank. He was prepared for that but at the moment nothing was definite. We hugged goodbye again and I think Mike may want to visit the fish shop tomorrow. We drove home and as it was 2.30 pm by now I took my next antibiotic. After putting the shopping away I set to work. It was very difficult as I was fighting to stay awake after eating. I didn’t get as much done as I thought. Mike came through about 4.00 pm freshly shaved as he was going off to meet a lady friend in Llandudno for the evening. I told him he must be in bed by midnight……………. or come home.

At 5.20 pm I went through to watch the programme Mike and I usually watch but suddenly my eyelids were in the way. They stayed there until 7.35 pm. I quickly had some toast to get the second food tablets out of the way then came back to work. I’ve been here ever since trying to catch up on the day’s work. Mike came home at 11.00 pm and told me all about his evening. He talked about next weekend when he’ll be needed at his Dad’s 9.30 am Friday and at 8.30 am Saturday though he intends to stay here. Then he hit me about the head for laughing at him being up in time to travel an hour to get there knowing how I struggle to get him out of his pit already. He reminded me he’s in Poland for a week next month and Canada for 3 weeks the end of March. I shall be deserted like a golf widow and left to my own devices again. That means I can get into as much trouble as I like.

Well, it’s now gone midnight and I need to go back to my mail to finish as much as I can. Thanks for being with me. Have a Wonderful New Week.  Huge Hugs

 

The Swineherd & The Christmas List

Sunday 30.11.2014

Me. Wha! Where the hell am I?

Swineherd. Er, I’m not quite sure but we call it home my child.

Me. My child? You’re one of those godlings aren’t you. Couldn’t you do better than swineherd? Which one are you then?

Swineherd. I’m Porcinus and I don’t just have pigs, they gave me goats too. A little respect please.

Me. Hm, let’s see. It’s 5.01 am on a Sunday morning. I’m standing here in my dressing gown with a frost underfoot which is slowly spreading up my legs and you’re talking RESPECT. Why am I here and where’s that comedian Somnos?

Swineherd. I brought you here because I knew you’d want to thank us in person for the lie-in we allowed you today. Please don’t pet the pigs by the way, there was an unfortunate incident last week with a hand.

Me. Wha! Why didn’t you say that at the beginning?  I repeat, why am I here and where’s Somnos?

Swineherd. Well. They seemed to be relaxing you and I didn’t want to make you nervous. As to why you’re here, isn’t the fact you’ve been blessed by my presence enough?

Me. Listen sunbeam. In about three inches that frost will hit a point where I’ll start getting very defensive. Kicking your butt down this mountain might just warm me up a bit.

Swineherd. Well, no need to get uppity. Listen, you’re pretty good with the advertising, product recognition and putting a positive spin on things we thought you might like the job as our publicist. Carries a certain kudos, Publicist to the Gods don’t you think?

I woke up at that point feeling a decided chill in my nether regions and shivering. It was 5.01 am. Despite the frost there was still some fluid in circulation and I needed to get rid of it. Somehow I found myself already in my dressing gown so I just slipped on my slippers and made a dash for the bathroom. When I’d chiseled the icicles off and sighed with relief I came back to turn the computer on and deal with the mail. I have to say that things seemed to be working at a reasonable speed this morning but the fan sounds very loud. I hope that’s not on it’s way out.

There was a fair bit of post including some real cons today. In some cases they’re getting very clever and looking much slicker. Almost believable. You know something smells wrong but can’t tell what at first glance. It comes down to minute scrutiny to find spelling mistakes that shouldn’t be there to show you the problem. I’m not even sure it isn’t the gods trying to get information to copy me on twitter. Certainly the one that appeared to be from paypal was interested in twitter  and facebook accounts and asked for passwords. Yes, like I’m going to allow Somnos to call an 8 foot Amazon ‘Butch’ in my name. I’ve become quite fond of my kneecaps over the years.

At 7.00 am I stopped for long enough to feed the fish, mission accomplished without incident., take my morning meds and make myself a coffee. I carried on. I was quite shocked when Mike’s alarm went off at 8.00 am but not in the least shocked he turned it off straight away and carried on sleeping. I hope he remembers to reset the alarm when he gets home r the grandchildren are going to find themselves late to school on Monday. At 9.10 am I’d got up to date on both accounts and went through to the lounge to find Mike appearing as well. He did stop long enough to pick me up. I hadn’t broken anything so was able to make his coffee.He was not on top form this morning,coughing and short of breath ( not as short as I wanted to make him though). I asked why he either didn’t go back to bed or went home and went to bed. He said he’s rather stay on and annoy me, help me out.

We were due to meet up with the girls and with Ugo, Yvonne and Reuben at 12.30 pm to meet Jo’s boyfriend- another Mike but I don’t know if that’s a bad omen. There was time first to nip to Prestatyn and then Rhyl. We got dressed and set off. Naturally we waved at The Ivy as we went past and were soon in Prestatyn where we had a coffee while waiting for the shop we wanted to open at 10.30 am. As soon as it did we grabbed 4 boxes of Whitaker’s strawberry creams in dark chocolate. These are for Christmas but might last me till Friday with luck. Then on to Rhyl. I’d had an online offer for a Fisher-Price toy I wanted for Reuben and wanted to see if the shop had it. They didn’t, but I did find what I thought was a good alternative and we both had a good look round.We soon found it was time to leave.

The drive from Rhyl to St Asaph and the Plough is only about 20 minutes unless of course you’re a jet pilot. It doesn’t seem to have sunk in with Mike that he isn’t so all the laws of time. space and gravity pull over to the side of the road and let him pass. When we arrived we still had time for a cigarette before going in and still managed to be ten minutes early. Yvonne called us. She, Ugo and Reuben had arrived a few minutes before hand and found our table. We were able to get hello hugs from everyone. Reuben was in a god mood judging by the smile. The others arrived and introductions were made and we all sat down. Reuben then decided he was no longer happy. Jo and I went to the bar for drinks. The waitress took the order and said she’d deliver them so I took Reuben for a walk. Mike 1 and Jo followed to have a cigarette and I had one as I walked Reuben round the building, He stood on the windowsill to wave at his Ma, Pa and Auntie Karen inside before we resumed our walk. It was still cool out so we were glad to get back inside to the warm. I abandoned my grandson in favour of a menu and a few minutes later the waitress came to take our order. I have vests longer than her dress and I knew Mike 1 was wondering if he could have melons as a starter.( No, was the answer to that). I took my pre-lunch tablet.

Mike 2 was at the furthest end of the table away from me. I don’t know if that was on purpose so the patriarch couldn’t ask questions or not. He did seem a pleasant enough lad. I call him lad yet he has been married before and has 4 daughters ( poor man). I imagine they’re all quite young but it’s none of my beeswax. My niece Jo can make her own decisions and I trust her judgement-ish. I had an extra hug from Karen ( my Carrie-Ann) when I passed her some Marylin Monroe Mugs with chocolate and mallows I’d found. I gave Jo some boxes of chocolate popcorn and chocolate mallows also with Marilyn’s picture on the box. I gave Yvonne a box of chocolates and then she pointed out to all and sundry my lack of sense for doing so as in the same bag I’d passed some slimming patches. I suppose it might seem a little incongruous. When lunch was over we chatted for an age before deciding to ask for the bill. I tried to get my hands on it but Jo had already paid for herself, Karen and Mike 2. I asked for what was left and Yvonne and Mike were thrusting money at me straight away. I was thwarted.

The car park was full of goodbyes. I had a kiss and hug from Reuben but as soon as Yvonne said “Wave bye-bye to Pops”he burst into tears and I had to go back towards him. I told Mike it had been nice to meet him and he said “Stop playing silly buggers and get in the car.” We drove home. Mike left pretty soon after we’d got back and as usual I started work straight away. It was a couple of hours down the line I had a text from Mike. I thought he was home but it seems he’d had a slight lapse of memory at the garage and thought it was his old car. He’d put petrol in a diesel engine. Not only would it cost him £300 to sort but he had to wait for the privilege. I really felt for him, not well and that happening. Ouch.

Group shot.

Stolen Hat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday.

Me. What again? I thought we cleared up your little invitation yesterday. Nice goats by the way, lost any hands with them lately?

Porcinus. As a Capricorn I thought the goats were a nice touch for you. No, no hands missing though they are a bit partial to….clothing. Oops, I did try to warn you.

Me. Isn’t there some kind of insurance in place for here. Just what do you want anyway?

Porcinus. Now now, it’s only a little hole and look how contentedly he’s chewing. Actually the reason I asked you here is because I can’t seem to get hold of Somnos and wondered if you’d seen him.

Me. Look pal, it’s 5.24 am and pretty nippy, especially with a hole in my lounge pants. Isn’t it possible to ask these stupid questions at a more reasonable hour? Anyway, I thought that you and Somnos might be one and the same.

Porcinus. It’s a more reasonable hour than the one you complained about  yesterday. And no, we’re not the same. I suppose you could say he’s my brother.

Me. Oh, he ain’t heavy then? A reasonable hour is one in which I choose to visit you.

Porcinus. He ain’t heavy? What kind of language is that for a writer ? As to your latter point, you wouldn’t choose to would you?

Me. No, but that’s beside the point. At least I’d be choosing not to visit you at a reasonable hour. But, to get back to your point, I haven’t seen and nor do I wish to see your brother. He’s probably sleeping it off with Dionysus somewhere or gambling away some more of my sleep with another one of you gods. Now if you don’t mind, I was in the middle of a rather interesting dream involving a feather boa and a very naughty lady ( I hope ), perhaps you could return me to it.

I woke up at 5.24 am with the vague recollection of a goat, and why was I playing with a piece of string in my hands? It was like my birthday waking up this late but somehow I still felt cheated like I’d missed out on something important. Damn, I found a tear in the leg of my pants. I need to get these toenails cut again when I can find some industrial shears. Message to self… Turn the heating up, these mornings are getting colder.

After a visit to the loo I turned the computer on all fingers crossed and waited to see how things would be this morning. As regards the mail, things seemed not too bad. Regarding the computer itself, things started well but the fan was still noisy and as the day progressed things got a little slower. But first thing, all was hunky dory. The mail contained a spate of make a fortune working from home adverts which were annoying because you couldn’t see what they were until they were opened but at least they weren’t damaging. The nasty b*stards must have been out again last night though as Windows Defender had picked up two messages it had to remove a virus from. At least I didn’t need to open those at all. I was able to work my way through the rest without too many problems. As usual I stopped at 7.00 am to feed the fish. As I turned the light on all activity seemed to cease for the moment. It struck me as humorous wondering what went through the minds of these characters when the light suddenly appears followed by something gigantic ( only in their eyes before anyone suggests a diet) with a deep voice who issues food from the skies. The inactivity was only momentary though as they quickly resumed their tasks of seeking out escape tunnels or whatever they do. Naturally Big Al was the director of all this activity turning slowly at the centre of the tank while Little Al seemed to scurry backwards and forwards issuing royal commands.At least I was saved his attentions apart from a surreptitious glance he didn’t think I’d noticed. I placed the food in and walked away quite sure he’d issue rations when needed.

I went to take my meds and realised I’d forgotten to take last night’s. Because I’m anal about the box at least looking as though I’d had them, they got tipped into the bin as usual. I don’t have to show how forgetful I am now. I took this morning’s batch and then took a pre foodie, had a cigarette and made myself some toast. It was only because I’d succumbed to temptation and had a couple of chocolates while I was working. I took my coffee back to the bedroom office and started again. Before I knew it time had flown and I almost had a heart attack as Pauline came in at 8.40 am. I asked her how she was and then let her get on with it. The mail was going down well and all banging and clattering had ceased when I suddenly came over peculiar ( I’ve warned you Mike, don’t test me). The pain hit and I had to lie down. That must have been around half nine and the next thing I knew it was 10.25 am and Pauline was just packing up to go. I got up and went through to pay her. No matter how I try I can’t make that sentence sound any better. I returned to work.

11.45 am and both mail boxes were empty though I hadn’t refreshed them for a while. I went through to prepare lunch. As usual I enjoyed Bargain Hunt while I ate. Perhaps because of the enforced nap earlier I stayed awake right to the end. Glancing through the TV magazine I’d found a programme that looked interesting a little later in the afternoon and a fascinating one on the Hittites this evening. I determined I would watch them.  Work was planned around those two programmes even if it meant missing some of the usual ones. In the end I was lucky and I didn’t have to miss too much. At 9.00 pm after the one on the Hittites I came through and started work again and found not too much waiting which pleased me and left me a little more relaxed than usual. I’ve been able to do the blog and will still get an early night.

My Special Girls
Yvonne, Karen & Jo

Tuesday.

Judging by the 3.13 am start this morning it’s possible I may have upset someone. It’s a shame too as I was at the point in a dream where I was about to fill out my list for Santa.

It wouldn’t have been a complicated list. Perhaps a dozen ‘dinky’ Titterton’s pork pies, 10 medium and maybe a family one or perhaps 2. It’s also possible there might have been mention of a BFG and maybe even a lemon meringue just in case Mike is here , he’s got a very sweet tooth. I’d have made a point of telling Santa I’ve tried to be very good this year and any hiccup are generally animal instigated though maybe I shouldn’t mention  that because of his reindeer. I’ve tried to be nice to all Nigerian widows and orphans as well as polite to various bankers based in Nigeria, Burkino Faso and any place else. I’ve also tried hard to be patient with all the women with big, erm, assets who want to marry me or just teach me things and very patient with the various astrologers et al who want me to buy the knowledge of my future, I think being broke is the main  thing in my future if I do. All in all I think I’ve been quite good.  Of course in my dream I would have made the request and sent it off up the chimney to Santa. The min problem with reality is I have central heating in real life and no chimney so send it up.

There was quite a bit of mail when I signed in. It’s like everyone thought, “I know, I’ll do my Christmas list for Santa and then write a letter or post a blog while I’m here.” Not that they weren’t welcome nor interesting. They were, but it’s still a shock sometimes to see them all come at once. Still, thanks to being up so early it’s not like I was short of time. By 6.30 am I was feeling tired but I couldn’t go to sleep again without seeing to the fish so I decided to do them early. I went through to the kitchen and broke the pitch black by turning the overhead light on before turning the light on in the tank. I don’t know if the overhead light had set them off but I was mesmerised at the complicated water ballet being executed before me, and by executed I mean like the electric chair, as Morecambe and Wise were turning circles as though chasing each others magnificent tails while Big Al an Little Al we involved in a race doing full lengths of the tank, hitting their noses on the glass and racing back. Sharkey was nipping in and out of the amphora looking as though he’d lost something. In the midst of all this frenetic activity the plecs were just lying on the bottom without a care in the world. It was as though I’d fed them something a little controversial but I hadn’t fed them at all yet. I did so and things seemed to quiet down a bit. I turned away to take my morning meds and decided I was peckish so took a ‘foodie’ waited the 15 minutes ( with a cigarette) and had a small bowl of Shreddies.

I’d automatically made myself a coffee so no point in going to nod off in my chair and anyway, watching the fish had woken me up again. I went back to work. It must have been well after 9.00 am when I started to nod off over the keyboard when there was a knock on the door. I was expecting 2 deliveries today so I’d psyched myself up to answer the door. Not a delivery, instead there as a little old lady standing there who said “Do you want to buy any potatoes, various size bags”? I stuttered a “No thank you” and came in. No sooner had I sat down than another knock on the door. I could see the bright orange top that led me to think it was the postman so I answered. This time a tall young man with an orange jumper stood there. “Want to buy some potatoes”? he asked. I wasn’t sure if my first answer hadn’t been convincing enough but I repeated it with thanks.  Yet again I went to sit down at the computer when I heard a fumbling at the door. There was the same orange. I wanted to open the door and say go away but I’m glad I couldn’t as it was the postman with delivery number 1.

As this delivery was a gift I’d bought I decided to have a break from work and start organising myself. I got out the sacks I’d bought with Mike a couple of weeks ago and put names on them then placed them on Mike’s bed. I started going through my bags, boxes and parcels and placing things in the appropriate sacks so that when I’m ready I can just grab a sack and start wrapping. I’m not sure Mike is going to be too thrilled when he comes this weekend and can’t find his bed. I must put in some effort as my great niece, her boyfriend and my great grand nephew are coming up this weekend and I have something for them to take back for under their tree. That’s if they have a tree as currently they’re in a hotel after their house was flooded. I know she’s finding it a strain having to control her son when he wants to play which she wouldn’t have to do at home. All this work took me up to almost midday so I stopped for lunch and Bargain Hunt.Remarkably I stayed awake again and then couldn’t afford a nap as the next episode of the programme I’d watched yesterday was on at 2.15 pm and I wanted to see it. That left me just over an hour to make some headway with the post. I actually did quite well.

I quite enjoyed the programme but it’s obvious I’ve missed quite a lot by not seeing earlier episodes even though each one is a story in itself. If it comes around again I’ll make more of an effort. I started working again and at 4.10 pm as I was just nipping to the loo I saw a van draw up and someone coming down the path. I opened the door ready and it was my second delivery which is actually something Ugo wanted me to get.He’ll be pleased it’s here. I had to sign for it and how I hate those awful machines you have to write on with a plastic pen. My signature is indecipherable to me when I’ve use one. I thanked the driver, closed the door and continued on my now urgent journey. By 5.00 pm I was up to date. As I went through to watch a quiz I noticed a box of Christmas cards I’d left out ready to do the neighbours so I rattled a few off as I watched. Then I cut out some pictures to use in Christmas decorations with the lights I bought. A really industrious day. By 7.00 pm I’d seen all I wanted to see on the box so I had a couple of mince pies and came back to work. I’ve been answering mail and commenting on blogs ever since. I really feel like I’ve achieved something today and at last I’m reasonably happy with what I’ve bought.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwuHtbcvTh8

Wednesday.

Lat night went so well that I was able to go to bed, have a read and still turn my light off at 11.45 pm.  This morning was not the best start possible though. I woke and got up at 3.36 am  and for some reason wandered through to the kitchen after visiting the bathroom and turned the light on. I went straight to the tank and lit it up while wondering if they’d like some Christmas lights. All of them seemed a little stunned and after a short visit to the front of the tank to make sure it was really me, carried on swimming normally. I turned round to take my tablets, putting milk in my mug to do so, then for some strange reason took a pre- foodie tablet first. I realised straight away what I’d done but had no choice but to eat. It was then I checked my watch for the 15 minute delay and found it was just 2.50 am. Stunned but well able to hear the mocking laughter from the top of Mount Olympus, Valhalla or even the roof I lit a cigarette and sat in the darkened lounge to smoke it. When the timing was finished I returned to the kitchen and with a show of manly strength ripped open a small box of Rice Krispies and spent the next 5 minutes collecting as many as possible off the floor before eating some more carefully opened Rice Krispies from my supplies. I made a coffee and took it through to the office.

I turned the computer on and sent birthday greetings to my great-niece Marissa via Facebook, a place I rarely visit these days. While there I accepted two friend requests and answered a message. Before starting on the post I needed to visit the loo again. It was now 3.45 am and obviously still very dark so I turned the bathroom light on. You’ll have to take my word for it that I’m not vain but as you go in the bathroom there is a large mirror on the left. I just happened to glance into it and there I saw Oliver Cromwell. I had a huge wart on my chin.It was only on closer examination I found it was a rogue Rice Krispie poking through my beard. I think the mocking laughter would have been much harder if I’d gone to Pauline’s like that. I ate it, did what I needed to do and returned to work.

I worked through until 8.00 am then got dressed ready to confront the day with what I hoped would be dignity. Taking my empty cup through to the kitchen I was ready to return to work for a while but decided to wrap my daughter’s birthday present and also place the calendars I’d had made into envelopes. once addressed I placed them  in the bag with the gift ready for Ugo to deliver when he goes to see his Mum and his brother and sisters. That job had taken me beyond 9.00 am so it was opportunity to go to Pauline’s for some extra milk and my TV mag. Obviously the milk goes faster when I’m having cereal for breakfast. I picked up cigarettes for tomorrow while I was there so I needn’t go out again until Friday when I do the lottery. It seemed quite sunny out so I’d gone in just my cardigan ( you know what I mean so stop laughing, no coat). Whatever lies the sunshine told it was white on the ground and I was freezing outside. I was glad to get back.

After storing the milk in the fridge ( probably warmer than outside) I returned to work and concentrated on it for the rest of the morning until 11.45 am when I went to make lunch. I reminded myself to take a pre-food tablet when I reached the kitchen but must have been distracted. I’d put the sausages under the grill and had part cooked them before I started the mashed potatoes and once those were done, the beans. It was only as things were almost ready I remembered the tablet and was able to curse myself for such stupidity. There was no help for it though things were almost done. I added butter to the potatoes, creamed them and added them to my plate. I turned the grill off and added 6 (small) sausages to my plate then retrieved the beans from the microwave and added those over the top of my potatoes like the lava coming from Mt. Vesuvius. I really enjoyed my dinner and made doubly sure to take the after food tablets when finished. After washing up I sat back in the chair to enjoy the auction part of Bargain Hunt and fell asleep. It didn’t last long but I thought it had, Looking at my watch told me it was 2.10 pm and I thought my new programme was on in 5 minutes and I’d done no work.  Common sense kicked in when I realised it was still the news on TV so I rechecked my watch. It was 1.10 pm so I had plenty of time to work.

I started catching up again but found myself drifting off, drifting, drifted. This time it was 3.00 before I opened my eyes. I knew that because my head was bent at such an angle it was looking at my watch on my arm, in my lap.That meant I’d all but missed the programme and also that a load more mail had accrued.  I refreshed the screen  and almost fainted when I saw the new totals. Opening a new tin of Pepsi Max I hoped the caffeine would help keep me awake while I worked. It did, but it made me fidgety and my hands were jerking so that I was deleting mail before I’d done it and had to keep going to find it. At 4.30 pm I decided I needed a break before my opponents visitors arrive. I’d just managed to eat a cold sausage sandwich with some leftovers from lunchtime when Lee arrived. He’s fine and looking good too. What a great father he’s going to make. I asked if Jen is showing yet and his answer is “Not much”. Maybe she isn’t at that sensitive stage yet where her S.O.H takes a holiday if her size is mentioned in the wrong way ( in any way). I suggest he keeps some running shoes handy as he may be taking the dog out a lot. He was good enough to listen to my woes about the computer  and agreed I’d done all I could but he did have a look at the blasted search engine that comes up every day unwanted. I did say I’ve checked all the registries. He wasn’t able to fin it’s hiding place either but it’d not damaging anything now and I just delete it. I got him a glass of water and we sat chatting waiting for the others to arrive.

They caught me unawares at 5.30 pm and I had to nip to the kitchen to make drinks. Coffee for Matt and Tea for Dil. Drinks given I set up the table and pulled out the Balderdash. I didn’t get a look in during the first game and realised what accomplished liars we breed in this family. Hung by our own petards. I think Matt won the first one but in the second one my super powers of straight face, honest eyes came into play and I won easily. Oh, and naturally I was doing the scoring too which helps.I nipped into the kitchen to smoke a cigarette where the extractor fan is since neither Lee nor Dil smoke though Dil used to so he understands the need. While I did so, Matt drew up the chart for nomination whist and Dil dealt. It distresses me to say I wasn’t doing the scoring this time and so I lost. It was nip and tuck between Dil and myself most of the way with us changing position between first and second and leading by about half a dozen points. The last game he made sure I won one trick more than I wanted while he got his call and he beat me. At that point Lee had to leave us as he hadn’t seen Jen since breakfast  Since she works outside the home and has a fair way to travel it can be a long day.

Once Lee had gone Dil suggested reminding Matt how to play Chase the Lady ( what some of you will know as Hearts on your computers). It’s been months since we first showed him and it’s not an easy game to teach. He picked it up quite well but still hasn’t quite got the hang of it. We decided to play it through as though a real game and point out errors on the way. He didn’t seem to be making that many until someone started dumping the Queen of Spades on him at every opportunity after theb two of them stopped me lotting. That turned out to be Dil’s game as well. So, just one very small victory for me tonight, I’m devastated. As it was past 9.30 am it was time for them to depart. I tidied up, washed the pots and wished the fish goodnight. I’d just turned the mail back on when I remembered I needed to go back through and take my meds. There was mail going back to 3.30 pm when I must have last refreshed so I wasn’t best pleased. In order to go to bed by midnight, and I am tired tonight, I have had to leave a big chunk undone until the morning. It’s 11.50 pm now so I should just about make it.

Here is a picture of Mike’s new grandson Jacob Ryan born around 3.00 am this morning. Isn’t he bright eyed. Congratulation Lisa and Tony and the new grandad.

Thursday.

I made it to bed by midnight last night. After a read I settled down at about 1.00 am. After the last couple of days I was delighted when I opened my eyes and found the time was 4.53 am. I think some beings may have decided they’ve gone a bit too far this week. Things were OK as I laid into the mail on my talktalk account which is actually aol. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it before but it’s odd that there’s no facility for actually blocking an address you don’t want mail from but which keeps bombarding you. I could really have done with it this morning. So many adverts for winning laser eye treatment etc. Nothing interesting like winning your own weight in gold for instance.

7.00 am brought it’s usual torments when I went to feed the fish. I bent down to wish Good Morning to Morecambe  and Wise as they’re the ones usually at the upper level and hang around either because of my dulcet tones or because they want to be fed.  Instead I ended up in a staring contest with two red eyes which had they been able to speak would probably have had a very gruff Yorkshire accent and be calling me ‘lad’ as they gave me a bollocking. The pity of it is I have no idea what I’m supposed to have done wrong unless it’s because their light was turned off 5 minutes early last night. I also had the urge to laugh as Little Al swam into the picture and stayed behind the tail of Big Al and the tail seemed to be slapping his face. Laughing might not have been the best idea so I just said “Sorry” and moved away to take my meds. I needed breakfast this morning so I also took one of my pre-food tabs then lit a cigarette for timing and walked away to make myself useful. First a trip to my bedroom to find my Christmas gift wrap, then to Mike’s bedroom to create a space on top of the bed by taking a sack through ready for wrapping later.

The cigarette came to an end so a couple of pieces of bread went into the toaster and I started to make my coffee. As the toast came out it got lashings of butter and I was licking my lips for ages afterwards. I took my coffee back through with me and got myself washed and dressed before settling down to work again. As soon as 9.30 am came round I prepared to go to Pauline’s, the school rush would be over by then and I wouldn’t be trampled by a herd of wild mummies freed for the day. It was dry this morning with even a hint of sun but again there was no warmth coming through. I was prepared this time though and was so muffled in my coat I could hardly move and the cardie underneath made it look like I’d gained ten stone since the weekend, which in fairness to Whitaker’s dark chocolate mints and strawberry creams I might have. I picked up a small loaf and took it to the counter just as the last customer was leaving. I handed Pauline the list of lottery tickets and requested a winner. She promised to see what she could do. I also bought enough cigarettes to keep me going until Saturday (I hope).

Back at home it took me half an hour to unravel myself from all the extra clothing. It was like unwrapping a mummy from the sixth dynasty, I think that was the last series. I’m not sure what husband Joan Collins was on then. It was back to work after that and my oh my hadn’t it mounted up again. Yet again over the last two days there have been little groups of people following the blog so I’m constantly having to check out new blogs to see if I should be following back. I never quite see the logic of being followed by a travel company or a school supply business. Those are not groups most people would follow. At 12.00 pm I felt really tired and was going to lie down but remembered I needed to eat something so had a beef sandwich and a strawberry fool. I watched most of the antique programme and even saw the auction at the end. I came back through to work as I wanted to see something at 2.15 pm. I was keeping an eye on the clock (( very uncomfortable as it kept rolling off) and remember seeing 2.05 pm and thinking I needed to wind up. That was the last thing I remembered until I woke up at 2.55 pm when it was almost over. I was determined not to miss the Big Bang Theory at 8.00 pm.

About 4.30 ish I got up to date on emails and decided on a break. I cut myself some malt loaf and watched a quiz on TV until 6.00 pm when I decided it would pay me to keep the mail down ready for my next departure. Things went well and at 7.45 pm I was up to date on both accounts . I went through and found I’d forgotten the fish so without turning on the kitchen light crept quietly up to the tank and switched if off shouting “Time for bed guys, goodnight.” I even had time to wrap a couple of Christmas gifts for my great niece, her partner and my great grand nephew. I’d just put the sellotape away when Big Bang started.I settled in my chair, not that this episode was too important as it was a repeat of last weeks before the new one. I got about half way through and fell asleep again. It was almost 9.30 pm before I woke up. I’m beginning to think Somnos and Porcinus might have a new playmate who enjoys messing with my schedule. Let’s call him Digitus just so I know who I’m thumping when we meet.

Wearing my melancholy face and the quivering bottom lip that so upsets my beautiful daughter, I wandered back through to work.  Drying my eyes so the screen wouldn’t blur I set to work on the new messages which were coming in thick and fast, worse than a snow storm in Maine ( as described to me by that excellent writer S.J.Sprague). I was so involved in what I was doing I almost missed Mike coming through the door at 10.40 pm. Obviously like a little child he demanded my attention and if no coffee was forthcoming ( or even fifthcoming) he’d spit his dummy out. The coffee was forthcoming and we sat together talking about our week. Mine didn’t take long, stayed in all week except for the corner shop visits. His of course was much more interesting, in the hatched column his beautiful new grandson Jacob, in the dispatched column 6 of his fish which he was definitely most dischuffed about. His water ( sorry, the tank’s water) has been tested and found to be perfect so it seems likely either he’s bought some diseased fish or introduced something toxic to the tank and he swore he hasn’t sung to them so it must be an airline he put in last week.

We talked until quite late and I’ve now had to give up the idea of doing more emails until tomorrow since it’s well past the witching hour. I therefore wish you all goodnight. Bon nuit, nos da.

Disgruntled                                                                                                                                                       Gruntled?

Serene in the face of danger

Friday.

I read until 1.00 am or maybe a little after. As I turned the light off and settled down I sent out a few warnings mentally about the price of sleep disturbances. I was afraid of being woken at some ridiculous hour with a request to vote for one of my new acquaintances as God of the Week or something equally as urgent. As it was, I had a nuisance free night and was able to lie in until 5.29 am. There was a desperate need for the loo when I swung my legs out so I made a quick dash trying to get my dressing gown on at the same time. That flailing of arms and flapping of material was not what was wanted at that time of day though. Either my are, sleeve or belt must have caught two empty pepsi tins on the edge of my desk waiting to go into the recycling bag. Down they came with a double clang worse than the chime of a grandfather clock in the dead of night. I expected light to go on around me, well everywhere except Mike’s room at least. For sure it made me wake up as I stood there shushing the cans like they could hear me and bounce quietly. I carried on to the loo and then picked them up on my way back. Without any thought I dropped them into the recycling bag only for them to clang again on the cans already in there.

I started in on the mail and my fears that there would be plenty of mail left from last night was proven right. Still, worrying about it wouldn’t help so I just panicked instead. It was, OMG, OMG, OMG what can I do? But I wasn’t sure what could be done except work or sit there and delete them all claiming some kind of divine retribution because I wouldn’t speak to Somnos. I knew that was unlikely to work so I bit the bullet ( don’t do that if you have fillings folks) and got on with it. I could only work until 6.30 am on this first batch as I had my drugs to see to this morning so at the appointed hour I went to the kitchen ready to look my nemesis in the face. It wasn’t to be as he was holding one of his Union meeting again where the tail flicked in my direction sometimes as if in indication. I can’t understand why we can’t get on. I opened the flap and dropped food in. Before I turned away I noticed Sharkey as well as Morecambe and Wise backing away from Big Al while pretending to listen. The food and I were winning hearts and stomachs. I left and went to take my morning meds.

Once the meds were taken and the pots empty I went to get the drawer where I keep my ‘stash’ and filled them all up again. It does take quite a while. Before doing it I”d taken a pre-food tablet knowing I’d be ready for breakfast once the meds were done. As soon as the drawer was back in place I put some bread in the toaster and made my drink. I enjoyed the toast, and after taking my post meal tabs I took the drink back and started on the mail which hadn’t disappeared while I was away. It’s funny sometimes to see just how many people are still working after you’ve gone to bed and seeing them say goodnight at various time zones on twitter. I wasn’t many short of completion of last night work when it was time to leave again. I’d no idea whether Mike has set an alarm last night an I knew he’d had a late night but he had to travel to his father’s this morning and I was determined to give him a head start. So, at 9.00 am I took him a coffee through, went to the lounge, put Frasier on and settled to wait. I woke up again around 9.30 am and Mike was in his chair enjoying the programme. At least I didn’t have to shout him again. Trouble is I expected him to get up and get ready and be out of the house by 10.00 am. No chance, he watched Frasier till 10.00 am and then got ready and left.

I carried on working all morning until there was a knock at the door about 11.45 am. It had slipped my mind about the warden coming and yet again I wasn’t dressed. She must wonder if I ever get dressed. ” You DO go out don’t you”? was one of her questions. It was during this visit I learned I am exactly one day older than she is. While she no doubt sat there thinking she wasn’t as wrecked as the man in front of her, I was thinking, What a difference a day makes. She’s quite a pleasant lady to speak to. After she’d gone I made myself pizza and chips for the sake of speed and watched Bargain Hunt. Yep, all the way to the end again. Then it was time to concentrate , preferably with my eyes open. I rapidly finished off last night stuff and started on this morning’s. by 5.00 I was more or less up to date and took a break. Time for a quiz then I planned to take a shower about 6.30 am and wondered if Mike would be back by then. I watched the quiz until 6.00 pm and then the start of the next one before falling asleep until 6.45 pm. Mike wasn’t back. I dashed ( ha, me dash !) to have a shower so I wouldn’t miss too much of Mastermind, and managed to get back only ten minutes into the programme.

At 7.30 pm there was football on TV so I decided to go and complete a little more work. I wouldn’t have been able to had Mike been here. He arrived back at 8.50 pm so it was time to stop work again and go see how his day had been and to spend some time with him. I stayed until 10.00 pm  having enjoyed Have I Got News For You and it’s lampooning of our lying politicians. Now it was time to be serious again amongst the conmen of a different continent. I was determined to clear as many messages as possible today with going out so early in the morning. I’ll never know why I chose a Saturday as the day I post the blog as it’s always the most stressful day of the week, losing so much time from the computer due to shopping. It’s playing catch up from the moment we get in.

Food Fun 1 -Empty

Food Fun 2

 

Saturday.

Last night I made it to bed before midnight but as usual there was an overriding need to relax with a read. Having stopped writing seems to have increased my appetite for reading rather than dampening it. After quite a few late night this week and just a couple of late mornings I was hoping that maybe I’d get to lie abed until about 5.00 am again. Yes I know, the eternal optimist. It was 3.38 am but on the plus side there were no visits to Mt Olympus/ Snowdon/St Helens or somewhere to contend with first. I got out of bed a bit gingerly as it felt cool. I do keep the heating on and mentioned to Mike that it just never seemed to reach my room. There were a few non swear words in his explanation which seemed to be “Stop putting stuff in front of the radiator then you prannock.” Since he wasn’t up (ha ha ha) I didn’t have to hear that this morning. A quick run to the bathroom, a minute with the ice-axe and then back to start work. Quite a bit to do before 7.00 am but I’m confident it can be done.

I started by deleting everything I could see I didn’t need to work on or answer, just so the list looked smaller. Next it was dealing with the tweets and retweets which made the list smaller still. All that pratting about brought the end of the list much closer for me but gave me so much less time to concentrate on the things that mattered. I panicked. My hands started to shake which was quite good as it almost counteracted the usual shake so I didn’t light the tip of my nose when I had a cigarette. I’mm not sure the medical profession are ready to accept this as a breakthrough but I felt I’d made progress and my nose wasn’t as warm as usual. I actually managed to get up to date, including a refresh, by 6.45 am and went straight through to the kitchen in an unusually good mood. I put the tank light on and it was like a miracle. The food slot became the centre of all attention. Morecambe and Wise at the top of the tank, Sharkey was hovering around low middle and the rest on the gravel more or less in a circle surrounding Big Al so either he was leading the morning prayers or I’d just saved him from a mob. I dropped the flake in for M & W followed by a tablet of algae for the others. M & W ignored the flake and followed the algae tab to the bottom an started kissing it. Since it had dropped fairly close to Big Al, I wouldn’t give twopence for their chances if he saw them. Luckily Little Al was running around like he was demented and was occupying his attention momentarily. That also suited me, so whistling Que sere sera, I backed away to take my meds. I decided to have breakfast today so once the meds were taken I had a timer cigarette before putting some bread in to toast.

I’d just finished breakfast and made a drink when Mike’s alarm went off so I put the kettle on for him and while it was boiling started readying my bins. When I took the drink through I could tell it was going to be hard work. I had to call twice just to get a grunt in return. I took the bins and the bags out and when I’d finished came back in to find no movement even though it was possible the alarm had sounded and been ignored again. I called out “Don’t let your coffee get warm Michael” and went back to work by refreshing the screen.The words must have penetrated because I heard him move through to the lounge which didn’t necessarily mean he was awake.On a Pinterest board I saw a picture of some fish s I went to check if he was awake and asked him to look them up, it was written as batta fish, bata fish and also beta fish and they looked great. Mike came through to say they were just Siamese fighting fish but he had to agree these were spectacular. It turned out they had an odd name like semi circular or something and the tails were brilliant but it said they’re expensive. We’ll have to keep an eye open. OK, so I had him awake now but he was so hooked on the subject that I couldn’t get him to go get dressed.

Eventually we were on our way out but didn’t arrive at the store until 8.15 am.I thought we were able to make up some time as my list wasn’t too big but we had coffee at the normal time. From there we went to Flint and our usual shops for a few items and then our usual coffee and teasted toecakes with Ceri. There didn’t seem to be much banter today but that may be because it was quite crowded. Also I wasn’t on top form at all and wasn’t perhaps paying as much attention as usual. We went home and put the shopping away. Time was getting on and about 1.00 pm we went for lunch. We were disgusted when we ot there to see they’d allowed someone to sit at our table even though the place wan’t full. That will mean a written complaint to the management. Talking of whom, he was in the kitchen cooking today as Shella is off with the flu. Angie and Rob were front and centre today so Rob saw to the drinks and Angie took our food order for Tariq to cook. I decided to give him the letter of complaint after we’ve eaten. By the time we were due to leave we were the only customers left so Tariq and Shirley were able to come through from the kitchen. We had a few laughs as a group then received hugs including from Rob today.

At home I wanted to start work but Mike wasn’t happy with the way I looked. He told me to put a bag over my head to improve things. Swine ! We put some Chistmas lights up at the window and brought my permanent tree of LCD lights out to stand in front of the window. Once I’d hung a few ornaments on it everything felt quite Christmassy. I couldn’t go to Colwyn Bay to take gift to my great niece so I sent a text to David -my nephew-her father. They’ll come through in the morning which is nice. After that, I was able to come through and relax ( away from THE VOICE ” Stop doing that. put your arms down, take your spray) and do some work until 5.30 pm when he called me through to watch TV with him and relax properly. I stayed until 8.00 pm which being blog night is as late as I dared. I’m going to be on time with the blog but I’m not sure where I’ll be with the mails as I think it’s time to hit the sack as soon as I press publish.

Blowing kisses to Pops

And finally.

Just Kidding

Have a wonderful week everyone.

Technicolour Yawns & Big Al’s Comment (Fish and Sh*ts).

Sunday. I thought 4.31 am was a bit unfair this morning after last night’s efforts. Now I’m wondering if it wasn’t revenge for publishing. Mike says I’m terrible about him on the blog and would probably repeat the accusation later in the day if only he could get up. I worked on the mail until 6.00 am then having decided on breakfast today I went through to the kitchen. The fish were first or maybe I should say the tank and the snails were since I could not see the fish anywhere. I was looking through the front of the tank for ages. Then, leaning over the sink to wash my hands I glanced in through the side glass and my little Houdini albino was in sight. It showed him at he far end beyond the food and up close to the glass. Scratching my head ( and getting splinters) I moved back to the front. Not a sign of him. It didn’t make sense that he’s invisibly head on but fully visible sideways on. I moved to the side and again nothing. More scratching, more splinters. I couldn’t ( and still can’t ) work it out. Is he an optical illusion or a magician? I don’t know, but I know he worries me. No wonder I don’t sleep at night.

I took all my meds and then had a cigarette to time the pre-food one. I reasoned that if I had breakfast and lunch I could work the calories off and having fulfilled the diabetic tablet need for the day, I needn’t have any tea. As the cigarette was coming to an end I stuck two doorstep slices in the toaster and made a coffee. I’m having a few problems with the toaster at the moment . There doesn’t seem to be a degree between the pale and interesting and the cremation amen  stages. This morning the toast looked like it lived in a very cold climate with no sunshine.It was quite crispy though so I was happy to slather my butter all over it. No jam today in deference to my attempt at healthy eating which half an inch of butter provided obviously. See, with science what goes around comes around. Last year butter was bad for you but laying one chemical short of plastic on your toast was fine. Today it’s the reverse. One day my hats will be back in fashion if I wait long enough. Half a millenium perhaps?

I put the plate in the sink to wash later and took  my coffee back to the bedroom. Since I know we’ll be going out at some stage this morning I thought I might as well be as up to date as possible. There was a relaxed atmosphere in my room since I could start giving a bit of thought to Christmas and could look for ideas on ebay. I didn’t actually come up with any but accidentally of course I did see lots of things I liked. At about 9.00 am I got dressed so I didn’t inconvenience Mike when he got up. At 9.45 am when he hadn’t I made a coffee and took it through letting him know it was almost 10.00 am.. It took a while but he did eventually make his way to the lounge. He let me know he hadn’t gone to bed until 4.00 am as he’s been catching up on episodes of shows he liked. I felt so guilty about waking him up then- not. I didn’t harass him of course but I’m  sure he got some kind of message when I looked at my watch every 30 seconds or so.

We were out for 11.00 am. First stop was Lidl to see if they had any teeshirts like the ones I bought the day of the blood test. No joy but it was great to get a leaflet with special offers coming up. Mike ran me to Aldi next where I picked up another brochure but we didn’t buy anything in there. As time was getting on we decided to head for lunch. The Ivy is a straight run along the Coast Road but we’d have to detour home for sweets………unless, we nipped into another supermarket in Flint to get some which we did. When we got to The Ivy young Rob was outside burning rubbish so there must have been a new delivery inside. We left him some sweets and went in. Tariq was behind the counter and came round for a hug. The place was very quiet which we decided was probably because there was a football game on the TV until about 2.00 pm. We had plenty of chance to chat, or in his case moan that we’d brought sweets again. He put his phone on to open the internet for Mike to see the reports on the game as it’s his favourite team. I had a wander round looking at the new gift stock they had. Tariq made our coffee and Shella came through to take our order.She’s still not very well. Angie appeared though I’d wondered whether she was in at all. She gave Mike and I a kiss each. I shan’t wash again.  Mike says “What’s new there then?”such charm.

We had lunch which for me was BLT’s today ( I found I’d forgotten my tablets) then Mike ran us home and collected his suitcase. He left on the next stage of his weekend journeys. I came through to the bedroom and just started on the emails again which had piled up since 10.00 am til nearly 3.00 pm. At 6.00 pm I had a short break to have some of the tea I said I wouldn’t need this morning. Since Mike had left me with a full lemon meringue tart I felt obliged to have a large piece of that. Then two hours in front of the TV (more asleep than awake) before coming back through. I’m reasonable up to date though I’ve saved the best till last. I’m going back to those now. I hope you all have a Great New Week.

Monday. 3.19 am and I was ready to get my a**e into gear. Or so I thought. If I’d known what was coming I’d have stayed in bed. Why didn’t you warn me? I paid a visit to the loo and decided it was definitely cool this morning so I detoured via the lounge and turned the thermostat on. Then back to my room to start the mail. It’s started as a crook free day, hallelujah. Just plenty to enjoy , comment on and re-tweet. There are some astounding blogs and amazing people out there. One ape man who shall remain nameless (unless he chooses otherwise) never seems to sleep in his quest to promote books, authors and opinions on both. My friend Sally seems to spend 24/7 in promotion or in entertaining and appears to have more arms than she should in order to accomplish this. Maybe it’s the Spanish air.

I worked till 6.00 am then went on my first major task of the day, feeding the fish. Yet again none were in sight at first but after I’d fed them and gone to see to my meds I glanced back and the Albino was out surveying his territory. I turned back round just so I didn’t miss my mouth with the tablets and drink of milk and then I made a cup of coffee and some toast. The toast I ate in the kitchen watching out for more of the piscine ( not a French swimming pool ) members of the household. I dropped the plate in the sink till later and took my coffee through to the bedroom as my office is known.  I started work again and realised I didn’t feel exactly right. That was my last thought until almost 7.00 am when I woke up in my swivel chair. Luckily the keyboard was retracted or who knows what I might have written to whom. I had to go through to sit in the lounge and despite having just woken I nodded again. It happened on and off until about 9.00 am when I took myself in hand ( in a nice way) and dressed to go to the shop.

Coming back, I put new bread in the kitchen. Notice I didn’t say fresh…there doesn’t seem to have been a delivery yet. I went back to try and catch up on mail but while doing so my head was up and down as I nodded off. At 11.30 I left determined to prepare lunch and ended up having liver and onions with a few micro chips. I followed this up with a small slice of lemon meringue on which I’m about to lay a mountain of blame. I took my tray to the kitchen and washed up. I’d just finished when there was a knock at the door. My heart pounded and my brow sweated as I opened the door. It was the warden from last week who’d kindly come to bring me the details of the lady who might come to clean. I let her in and she had a few minutes with me. I thanked her and saw her out. No need for her to come this Friday now. I immediately emailed Yvonne and asked if she could speak to the lady for me to see if she has vacancies for new clients. At this point I knew something was not right with me. Yvonne got back in touch and said the lady wanted to meet me and Yvonne had arranged for 4.00 pm tomorrow so I’d better make sure I’m back from Chester so I can psych myself up to open the door when I see her coming. We’d just reached that point when I knew I was about to greet my lunch again.

I made it to the bathroom by the skin of my teeth and made technicolour yawn everywhere. Once finished I had to clear that up. I was hot and clammy and came back intending to lie down. Instead I remembered there was a backlog of mail to clear. As I sat down in the chair the urge came again and it was a case of flying to the bathroom, skidding on the floor ( which helped) and ejecting every meal for the last week I think. I really felt rough and again had to go to the lounge to sit in my chair and sleep. When I finally woke up I was able to come through to start work as long as I put my trainers on for a run. As it happened I didn’t need them. I had to miss some of my TV to catch up but it was worth it. When I did go to watch a quiz I slept again and only woke up in time to see my last antique programme.  Once that was done I came back through and tried to concentrate on the pile I’d left undone and the fresh in, 118 in all The post is up to date as near as I can and it’s now 11.30 pm so I’m going to be in bed well before midnight. Tomorrow off to see Yvonne and Reuben. A bad forecast for the morning but they’re talking maybe 15 degrees. Wet ones.

Tuesday. Well it had to happen sooner or later, I didn’t remove myself from bed until 4.33 am, the day’s half over by then, after all we have 24 hour shopping now. I removed my trousers from under the mattress where they’d been pressed and made the bed. A quick nip to the loo, a quick nip to the thermostat and an even quicker nip back as it was quite nippy. Just one attempt at a con today and that’s a message from a bank I don’t bank with feeding me the usual garbage about my account being suspended until new details are received. Well, take my advice, don’t hold your breath waiting for my answer. Though if you want to make my day, ignore my advice.

I didn’t mention it last night but when I turned the fish tank off  ( I told it I had sweaty feet) the albino wasn’t looking too chipper. He seemed to be leaning to one side though I suppose it could just have been a nonchalant pose . I decided to go through at 6.00 am and turn the tank on ( I told it I lied last night, my feet are fine) to see if I had a corpse. I’m happy (?) to report I haven’t. He seems quite well and his usual indifferent self. I’d gone through early so that I had plenty of time to get ready for my bus at 7.45 am. I had my meds, made a coffee, got washed and dressed then settled with my coffee to clear as much mail as possible. I was really doing well too as the time approached. At 7.30 am I left the house having picked up a bag for Yvonne which included a big 17″ x 11″ picture of Reuben I love of him on the phone. I wanted to find a frame for it so they could hang it up at home. I let her know when I was on the bus and asked where we should meet. She replied  “The Costa at the top of town.” I was a little puzzled, “Erm, which is that?” I asked, “I’m not sure what you consider the top of town.” There was no response by the time my journey was over so as they were not at the bus stop I had to make my best  guess. I was walking along when I heard a desperate voice calling “Dad”, I looked round and there she was barreling towards me with the pushchair. Reuben was waving and grinning like mad.

We had a discussion about where to go and settled on a pub chain that does  breakfast. Reuben was determined to hold my hand which made walking a little difficult, I looked and felt like Queasimodo ( sorry, not feeling too sick) as I trailed along the road crutch in my left hand, and Reuben’s hand in the other with the crutch trailing behind. Once in the pub he came out of the pushchair for a hug and then showed me how well he can walk without support. It’s fantastic to watch for the first time. Though had I but known it I could have seen it three days ago on Facebook and heard his Dad squealing like a little girl at the concert of the current boyband. After breakfast during which Reuben redecorated the place even though it wasn’t needed, we went off to find the frame and were lucky straight away. We headed for another shop to find an all in one ski-suit for Reuben. He’s not taking up Winter sports but Yvonne wants him to be warm. We didn’t find that but I did find an all-in-one waterproof that seemed quite padded so I bought that with a couple of other things. Off to the supermarket to get some bread to take home next then off to another clothes shop where we found the lift out of order and we were out of luck. We had a coffee on out travels and hit another couple of shops before it was time for me to say goodbye. This brought howls from Reuben and I’m told they lasted all the way home. Poor Yvonne.

The journey home was uneventful for the most part though I didn’t get the seat I liked until we reached Holywell. When I got off the bus it was just gone 2.00 pm and I dreaded going home. Why? because I’m a coward. At 4.00 pm the lady I hope will be going to clean for me two hours a week is coming to meet me. It feels like I’m going to be interviewed. Until then I need t work on getting the messages down. I was doing quite well with that job until 3.55 pm when I turned my bedroom light off so she couldn’t see the state of the room. I went through to the kitchen to watch out for her and even then wasn’t sure I’d open the door. But I did. I sounded like an idiot with all the stuttering but it was OK because she’s a naturally garrulous lady and I didn’t have to say much. I think I passed muster as she’s starting with an hour on Friday and then will do an hour on Monday. She’s even going to do some i**ning for me at some stage. She’s been relieved of doing my bedroom as I can hardly get in here never mind anyone else. If she sees this room she’ll never come back. Lounge, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and the hall should do for now. She left before 5.00pm so I had the last quarter hour of my antique show while I had a french stick sandwich for tea and some malt bread. Then as good as gold I returned to work until 7.00 pm.

When I turned the TV back on for my next antique show I was surprised to find that one of the experts and his celebrity came to visit the Lourdes of Wales, St. Winefride’s Well which is slightly higher up the hill than me. Between Greenfield and Holywell. As a place of Pilgrimage maybe some of you have even visited and drunk the waters. It was an enjoyable programme and both sides made a profit for Childline which is good. Then it was back here again for the night to play catch up which I’m about to do again with the mail.

Wednesday. 4.28 am this morning and it was helped by the fact that my letter opener (dagger) slipped off the end of my desk to land on the bed. I must have been dreaming about giant spiders as that’s what I thought it was. As it happens I’m just lucky when I counted my toes they were all there. The news operators in the UK have been warning that there will be a plague of giant spiders due to the mild summer and that at this time of year they come indoors looking for nookie with the females who’ve been on their webs. I personally would be happy to shell out a little something if they want to try a hotel. The thing that preys on my mind is that this exercise just results in many more spiders being born and possibly within the confines of my home.

Though the disturbance had left me wide awake earlier on I began to feel I hadn’t had quite enough sleep. You’ll realise my deductive powers are second to none when I explain what fist gave me a clue. I woke up with my head at right angles to my body and I was looking down at my lap. This seemed to be happening about every 30 seconds or so and was a dead giveaway. One time I must have gone a little further forward than is advisable and my head was being supported by a bottle of pop. I came alive to it. There was little I could do as 6.00 am approached but go and feed the fish. Big Al was there to greet me when the light went on and I spoke nicely to him to see what the chances are of re-establishing our relationship on a friendly footing. My guess is that turning round and swimming off to a corner constitutes a no. I took my drugs and decided that breakfast would be a good idea so I wouldn’t need a meal at tea time and was prepared for Games Night. I just had a couple of pieces of toast and thoroughly enjoyed it until I took my two after meal tablets with my coffee. The heat gave me the toothache from hell for a while. Mind you, that’s where all toothaches come from isn’t it.

I took the rest of the coffee back to the bedroom and worked for a while but by 7.00 am I was yawning so much my top lip brushed my eyebrows flat. And that was behind my glasses! I went through to sit in my chair in the lounge. I fell asleep again and didn’t come round until 8.15 am. A bit more work then I got washed and dressed ready to go to Pauline’s for bread. I was there by 9.15 am today and the stock was limited but I was lucky and found some baps to keep me going. I wasn’t long back at home before the postman came and brought my special purchase of the other day, the hush hush one, and another parcel I needed as well. I just carried on working once I’d checked and stored them, I needed the post as low as possible today.

At 12.00 pm I made myself pizza and chips but the chips had ‘Chip Shop Curry Sauce’ on them and it’s been ages since I’ve had them. I watched an antiques show and managed to stay awake to the end. But I did pinch half an hour afterwards checking my eyelids from the inside. They seem fine. I worked hard all afternoon until 4.30 pm then knowing Lee could arrive at any time I put it to rest. I did have a couple of questions if he arrived early though regarding my search engines and my linked email accounts. I put on The Antiques Road Trip until someone arrived but saw it to the end at 5.15 pm.  Dil and Matt arrived a little after 5.30 pm and Dil says his back is much better though not right yet.  I made drinks and stocked Matt’s biscuit supply up then got the games table out and the Scrabble. A text from Lee came which said he couldn’t make it this week which I’d guessed by  then. Being self-employed doesn’t mean you can always please yourself. We played two games. I won the first with the ease that comes so naturally to me, cough and then was doing really badly in the second until I got a 7 letter word which gave me the game as well. Two -Nil to me and I was cock of the walk but not stupid enough to crow too loudly about it with it being Two onto One in the kicking stakes. We started Nomination Whist and I started OK-ish but the others were in the same boat. Then all of a sudden I couldn’t get a call at all and I was lagging badly. Matt ended up winning. I just sulked. Dil helped me put hings away then they left at 9.30 pm leaving me to tidy up a bit and wash the pots. I took my tabs and went through to the bedroom.

The mailboxes were full (rats!) which means a long night. Among all the messages was this one from   Mrs.Belinda Azuke Djante.

Hello.

I don't want to be hurt again after the death of my husband. I really need you to help me and my little kids, but i am afraid of betrayals. Please is this medium safe for us? and are you sure i am safe with you? before i can explain more to you. Waiting for your reply soon.

Mrs.Djante.

Doesn’t it sound like we’ve been in close contact before ? It’s ridiculous. No one would forget something like that, what do these people gain by sending letters like this? And the address from which it came, bishal.debbarma@ymail.com  which hardly seems like the address/name of the person  supposedly writing. Any minute now though and I expect to be accused of breach of promise.

I hope you’ve all had a great day.. Tonight I’ll leave you with something from the classics for a change just to show you I have an upmarket side with my chips.

My  nieces Karen and Joanne have just returned from holiday.

Who said I have a big ass?

Jo on film

Thursday. OK, I’ll admit it. It was a positively decadent 5.12 am today. I strolled to the loo despite the level of fluid rising behind my eyeballs as my hand flicked the outside light on in error. I had to wait until I reached the bathroom in order to turn the light on there. I came out a very drained but much relieved person. First job was to turn the computer on and go to the bank to find out if the man will laugh at me when I hit the cash machine at the weekend. I don’t want him to grab my card and cut it up in front of my eyes. We’re old friends my card and I. It was OK, my pension was in.

There were no treats for me this morning. Just the rubbish ‘You need to contact the bank Urgently’ and ‘Please don’t ignore this’ cons where I don’t even have accounts. It was straight to spam for those. There were also a lot of posts from friends and fellow bloggers whom I admire greatly. I’d love to mention them all but I’d b up ll night and I’d run out of space. Needless to say you’d know who they are if you saw the tweets and re-tweets I do each day. There isn’t one I wouldn’t recommend from those who blog to help writers of every genre through to those who either blog on Politics in general or the problems in Arabia with specific stories. There was plenty to keep me occupied this morning but I broke off at 6.30 am to feed the fish and to have some breakfast. In the fish tank there seems to be a general truce towards me which is the stance I’m taking rather than accepting they have nothing but disdain for me. Tablets, breakfast and coffee done I cast a sad look back at the tank, tuned the kitchen light off and went back to my bedroom.

I kept working steadily and diminishing the queue bit by bit. At about 10.00 am I thought it time to get washed and dressed and then went to Pauline’s to get my lottery tickets. I’m afraid last night’s was another no no. I can’t understand why they keep ignoring me like this. The postman didn’t call today but when I got home Mike texted to ask if I had visitors today, he meant MuJo. When I replied in the negative he announced he was coming over today. I cheered which must have surprised the neighbours a bit but I carried on working too. More post was coming in all the time as I can see it is now. At 12.00 pm I went through for lunch and got a new text from Mike, “On way, see you about 2.00 pm.” I did myself an easy pizza and micro chips ( yes again) and watched my programme. By the time it was over and I’d washed the pots I found I was tired. I contemplated staying in my chair but I knew I had to get the post even before I could do that. I just reached that stage when the door opened and in walked Mike at 2.15 pm.

Mike ran for the loo while I made his coffee. Then he lit a cigarette with a look of absolute bliss on his face. “Over two hours in the car without a fag” he said. “Why’s that” I asked. “Because Anton told me the car loses £1000 at resale time if it’s a smoker’s car.” I remembered then he’d come in his new car with the red leather seats. We’ll see how long it takes before he breaks the 11th Commandment of Thou shall not smoke in my car. After coffee he asked if there was anything I wanted to do shop wise and I explained what my current quest is. We headed for Flint to see if I’d have any luck. I didn’t but we were able to go for a coffee at Temptations and annoy Ceri and Trudy who were serving this afternoon. Mike and I are different like chalk and cheese, when he says something rude and suggestive to a woman they love it. If I tried it I’d be in a police cell in no seconds flat. I just don’t have it which is why I couldn’t chat a woman up. Yet I have a great sense of humour ( don’t argue, I do!) and I’m reasonably tall…… OK that’s about it but I promise I keep my head down so I don’t scare the horses.

We came home again and I went back to work until 4.30 pm and the antique show was on which we watched together. A little more work until 7.00 pm while Mike was shouting abuse at the laptop and trying to get information on Salvador Dali prints. His sister is going to get him some for his birthday to replace some that were lost some moons ago in an acrimonious split with a partner. I stayed with him until 9.00 pm when as usual it was time to come and make headway before bed. It’s now time to go back to it and see what can be cleared.

Today at the park.

Friday. OK, here’s the thing. I’m a light sleeper. I know I’m always up early and raring to go ( well that’s what goes on my c.v. anyhow) but if I need to nod off again at some stage I can. It was 3.18 am this morning but when I was flagging a bit about 7.00 am I lay down and tried to relax and found the sty full of pigs grunting and snorting in ‘another place’ wouldn’t let me. And even worse, one (at least) of the pigs could talk, or to be more precise, chunner, and seemed to be grumbling a lot. I tried for a full half hour but it was like working in a sawmill. I gave up and went to talk to the fish. To be fair, after I’d turned on the lights and dropped some food in, Big Al stayed politely to listen to me telling him how we were friends. As I paused for breath he shot off , hit the far side of the tank and started barging his own reflection. Somehow I don’t think he’s too impressed with me. The plecs?  Well I’m now convinced they have no brains. They’re like a herd of cows, placid until it’s either food time or milking time.

After taking my meds,  sprays and having breakfast, I took my coffee back to my room and carried on working. At 8.00 am I was surprised to hear Mike’s alarm going off as we’d made no plans for his day of rest. I wasn’t sure if it was an error so I prepared his mug and as he hadn’t got up,  I left it. After 10 minutes it went off again so obviously not a mistake. I made his coffee and took it through with the usual cheery bellow, Coffee’s up. There was some kind of grunt, grunt, snort code which might have passed for thanks but I’m not holding my breath. Last night we had a disagreement about who was lead singer in a band, Mike was determined it was one person and I was as determined it wasn’t. Eventually I was proved right but I didn’t expect an apology as I remember being told “I don’t do sorry”. I wasn’t mistaken.

Mike got up and went through to the lounge. I did a few more messages before joining him. He checked to see what I wanted to do this morning. All I could think of was a certain Christmas present I wanted to get. “No problem” he said and by 9.00 am he was ushering me to the car and over to Broughton Park. When  we arrived I needed a wee again and left Mike looking around at the items in question. As I came back I was greeted with “Is this what you’re looking for?”, and it was, exactly that. In no time at all he’s solved my problem. We celebrated with a coffee and then went shopping for some food. We followed that up with a look round another shop where I got a couple of small things before we headed home. Mike even took the country route most of the way as he knows I dislike expressways.

Back at home I made Mike a coffee and left him looking at the maintenance manual for the car. He’s found a button and doesn’t know what it’s for. I came to see how bad the message damage was from my absence. It was bad. Before starting I reminded Mike of the impending arrival of my new cleaner and of his need to depart lest he gets underfoot. He phoned a friend and arranged a visit. I started on the backlog and just waved him off when he went. First day and my lady wasn’t on time but I don’t know if she’d timed the walk to here from home or from her previous job. I’m flexible so it’s OK really. When she does arrive we settle on the kitchen and the lounge as jobs for the day. I’m not expecting too much as it’s only an hour and I don’t know what she’ll manage.Having this problem with strangers, I left her to it but did say to let me know if she needed anything and I’d pick it up this weekend. There was nothing on the pad later on. Towards the end of the hour I came back though to pay her and to see what had been done. The work surfaces in the kitchen and some polishing in the lounge it seems but I wondered how much time had been spent on trying to repair the handle that runs across the door of my oven that was broken off on one side where she’d used it to get up from the undersink cupboards. I have no problem with accidents and forgave the damage easily enough. What I’m note sure about is the time wasted.

When she’d gone I obviously had a look at the jobs I would no longer ave to do and found myself washing down one of the kitchen worktops near the toaster of all the accumulated crumbs. I couldn’t understand why a second room had been started when the first wasn’t finished. I ended up mopping the kitchen floor and then hoovering the lounge. On Monday we’re changing from one hour on two days to two hours on one day and barring accidents we’ll be able to see whether we suit each other. I’m going to write today off as a bad experience for us both. Mop bucket put away I returned to work until 4.30 pm when the antique programme started. Mike returned not long afterwards so we enjoyed it together though we both had moments where keeping they eyelids apart was a problem. Following that was more antiques, a quiz, a Big Bang Theory and a hairwash for me then a shower. Mike decided to have a shave then before we saw a sports quiz, Mastermind and then Would I lie to you. Leaving Mike to channel hop then I came away to start catch up operations again and to arrange with Yvonne that we get together on 26th to celebrate Mike’s birthday in case he’s missing either the weekend before or the one after his 65th. I’m having such a laugh that he’s older than me. He’s having such a laugh that he gets his pension on his birthday whereas when I’m 65  just 14 months after him I have to wait an extra 9 months (so far).

Two more pictures from my nieces holiday. Karen prefers to be the other side of the camera.

The Shrinking Girl.

Retro Jo

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enFn8MbVFtk

Check out the animals towards the end.

Saturday. The day I could do without I got a real treat. 5.01 am before I woke and got up.I might not have made it even then had my brain not been receiving messages from my bladder. In fairness I’d read until gone 12.30 am and took a little time to settle down. After the loo I started on my messages to try and clear the box before going out. I’d actually all but done by 6.30 am when I decided it would be a good time to feed the fish. It was nothing short of miraculous that when I lit up the tank, Big Al was there and looking almost friendly. I smiled at him and as I did he turned around and moved away with a trail of something attached to his rear end following him behind. I got the message. I want it clear now that I did not start this war but I have the food to finish it. I took my meds and made myself a drink to take back to my room. 

I was just moving away from the computer having for the moment caught up. It was time to do the bins. I emptied the one in my bedroom and was just passing Mike’s door when his alarm went off.  I paused to make him coffee and take it through. My cheerful greeting didn’t get a favourable response but nothing was thrown at me and the air wasn’t blue so there was hope. I returned to work and had done the food bin and the main rubbish bin and put fresh bags in. I took the bags outside to put in the dustbins and walked both to the kerb. Then I collected all the recycling bags and put them out too. When I came back in there was still no movement from Mike and it was likely his alarm had been turned off a second time. “Don’t forget your coffee bro, it’s going cold.” I called. “Righto, righto, thank you OK, right” he answered, and snuggled in a bit further. I toddled off to wash my hands before going to finish my coffee in the bedroom and just do the last few messages that had arrived. At lest I heard Mike make a move. I knew it was him ‘cos he knocked something over, the oaf. Needless to say it was gone 8.00 am before we left home this morning. Still. by treating all the other traffic as a minor inconvenience we weren’t much later than usual arriving at the Supermarket. I was glad none of the police cars had been able to keep up.

The hole in the wall was showing adverts for a burger chain and when I put in my request I did wonder whether I was playing for a cash jackpot or a steaming burger on a bun. I was lucky, I got the cash option. Inside we headed for the veg aisle ( yes, I do go there) to get some sweet potatoes then off to choose some flowers for Julia. Next were some pens for Angie as her daisy pen has run out now. We moved further into the shop all the while eyes darting round looking for Christmas present ideas. I’m much less spontaneous than I used to be  and seem to need to go out shopping now with specific people in mind. This morning I hadn’t and could settle on nothing. I think maybe I need to make sure the two 65th birthdays are dealt with first. My sister in law is a nightmare to buy for though I have now got the jeggings I know she likes, or will have when I get home. We finally reached the food section or I did as Mike left to nip to the loo. He chose to leave me by the Specials aisle so when he got back there were quite a few boxes of chocolates in the basket and the room for actual food was diminishing fast. To be fair, he did catch me up at the meat section and I had bought some.

After we’d finished and gone through the check out we had a coffee. I decided to have an iced one or what Mike calls my brain freeze. Warm drinks are still causing my exposed nerve a wee problem. I could see Mike watching me very closely waiting for the moment when the headache would begin, it was really difficult to disappoint him and carry on drinking while some sadistic madman drove a spike through my brain. When he finished his coffee it was great to put my drink down and claim to have had enough because the cream was too thick and rich. We drove to Connah’s Quay where we haven’t been for a while so Mike could see if they had any suitable giftwrap and a card for his grandson’s birthday. He managed to get both so happy now we drove to Flint for a coffee at Temptations. Since we had a teasted toecake as well I used that to soak up a lot of my drink so the heat didn’t get to me. At this time I should like to point out that the stories of me being a shopaholic are greatly exaggerated. I have been near two branches of my favourite shop this morning without going in and without displaying any real withdrawal symptoms other than maybe the odd twitch. After teasing Ceri as much as possible we left and picked up some pizzas- no chocolate ice creams, and maybe jut a small BFG from the frozen food shop before heading for home.

Once we got there Mike opened the front door and we found a package on the floor. As I swept in after him with my share of the shopping bags I found a note from the postie to say two more parcels were at my neighbour Bert’s. I stuck the note on one side and forgot kit as we unpacked the bags and put things away. We’d just finished that and Mike had nipped to the bathroom ( a bladder the size of a gnat) when I remembered the note and taking a box of chocolates as thanks went to collect the parcels from Bert who is the most helpful man. To be honest I could guess what was in the one already in the house but had no idea what was in these two. I couldn’t remember what I’d ordered recently ( yes, I know I should read the blog) and even if I did, nothing was due before Wednesday next week. Anyway, back indoors Mike came and sat on my bed and opened two of the parcels while I opened the other. As expected the one through the door was (at last) the correct case for the tablet with a hole for the camera in the right place. The other two turned out to be the jeggings (previously mentioned) and a new key safe which Mike had said he’s put up for me if I got it. At that point I needed to do a little ( a lot) of catching up but it wasn’t meant to be. We started looking at something on ebay and time ran away with us. Mike disappeared for a few minutes and I left feedback for the items received. There was a call a few moments later and I followed the sound to find Mike had worked out the code to open the old key safe on the wall outside and I hadn’t needed to buy a new one at all. It was through gritted teeth I asked why he hadn’t decided to do this last week before I had bought the new one- AND left feedback.

It was time to head for lunch. Chocolates and pens in hand we left. Traffic only brought on a few minor swearwords of frustration from Mike and his frustration a few minor swear words of exasperation from me. The car park seemed very busy when we got there. It would have been good for custom if they’d gone inside. Our seats were still vacant which was great though if they hadn’t been there would have been cause for complaint since we supplied our own Reserved sign. It was Tariq on the counter at that moment and we got a smile and a wave. The place is going rapidly downhill when he can’t abandon his other customers to hug me though. Soon enough we saw Angie who made our drinks and took the food order while Tariq was running around serving. The Rob appeared and he was serving too. It was getting to be more staff than customers. I knew things were seriously wrong when I’d ordered a baked potato with beans accompanied by two (holding up 4 fingers) pieces of bacon, and it only came out with two. Mike thought it hilarious. It was just as well as I was quite full afterwards. Mike disappeared with Tariq afterwards to talk picture frames for his art posters. I sat there fighting off sleep. When they returned it was time to go and the day got brighter as Tariq came to give me a hug and Angie came to give me a kiss.

At home again it was straight into battle and there were over 160 messages since 6.45 am this morning. It was now 2.30 pm. I had to work until 5.50 pm to get clear before I could join Mike. I know I made us some tea and I know I remember a couple of quiz shows but it seems Somnos caught both of us as some point. When I came round for the umpteenth time and realised it was 8.45 pm I literally flew from the room to start again. It’s taken an age to catch up. I hope you’ve all had a Wonderful week and are heading for a Great week full of peace, love and most of all Hugs.( Yes, including you men. Brave it out, it won’t hurt).

The Turtle Hat. Both father and son want it, who will win?

 

 

Father’s Day & Peaks and Troughs

Sunday. What a cracking day! The sun was shining when I got up this morning like someone had forgotten to turn it off yesterday. The fish were talking to me, no unnecessary messages ( more on that subject later) , and the butter on my toast was just right. After breakfast I changed my bed, unfortunately they told me I could only exchange it for another bed but hey ho, you win some you lose some. So I put clean bedding on instead. I’d bought a new sooper-dooper mattress protector which I hope will hold my memory foam mattress topper in place for a while as the damned think keeps creasing and can be very uncomfortable.

After the obligatory half hour getting my breath back I went and got washed and dressed. Maroon jeans, different maroon shirt and a third maroon coloured desert boots. I bet you never thought there were so many different maroons in the world, well wait for it, I have another shirt which is also maroon and is different to them all. Still it gave me a bit of colour. I worked on mail for most of the morning. About 11.00 am I had a message from Yvonne to say they were running a little late due to car problems and would be there about half past. Sure enough they arrived about then and I carried the bags out to the car ready to go for lunch. Reuben was fast asleep in his seat, I really don’t think people should drive like that. We got there about 11.45 am and found my nieces sitting inside waiting. I couldn’t take my usual seats today as there were soo many of us and my usual place in for four. Still we were nicely placed and ha tables pushed together. I handed Karen and Jo the gifts I had for them and then excused myself to take sweets to Tariq for all the staff. It was an excuse to give him some money too and ask him not to allow any of the others to pay.

Coming back to my seat Karen and Jo handed me a bag which had a wonderful card in and a lovely checked shirt of a style I like.  They’re amazing but never listen when I tell them s to stop wasting their money. Yvonne also handed a bag over in which there was  a beautifully worded card, a nice triple photo frame and a wooden wall plaque, faded like driftwood with some very complimentary things written on it. I thought we’d done but no, Ugo moved another bag near which had a sleeveless lightweight cardie, socks, welsh tea bags, another shirt ( posh) and a new backpack. This was worse than Christmas, though actually knowing my daughter it wasn’t. I took Reuben on my knee before the girls kidnapped him and amid the biggest smiles and giggles he could muster he tried to get my beard off to try it on. Once I tired I played pass the parcel and gave him o Jo while I went and ordered drinks. Tariq brought them pretty quickly. I was disappointed to see that the sunshine had kept many people away today and he wasn’t too busy.

After a time I borrowed a pad from Tariq and Jo wrote the meal order. As I handed it over I went outside for a cigarette and Jo joined me. There, I bet you didn’t know I was coming apart did you. The warmth outside was great on these old bones and I felt OK too. We went back in and the meal wasn’t too long in coming. It was as nice as always. Afterwards Karen and Yvonne had pudding while some had more drinks. On the pretext of going for another cigarette  I asked Tariq to work out if I owed any more and went through the usual song and dance of him wanting me to take money back. ” I don’t want to make money off a friend” says he. “Well, I don’t want to take advantage of a friend” sez I. I ended up taking half of what he offered back which still grated on me. I don’t want him to go kaput. Where would I eat then?

Before he eventually threw us out we left intending to nip to Abakhan to pick up some crafting stuff for Karen and as they hadn’t seen the great changed wrought in heir long absence we decided to have a drink too. There was a lovely little playground there for Reuben too. Soon enough it was time to go our separate ways so it was hugs and kisses for Karen and Jo as they left. Ugo was dropping me at home, picking up Reuben’s tent etc and going shopping ( at almost 4.00pm on a Sunday they’ll be lucky). As soon as I’d waved them off it was in here to catch up on mail. While we’d been out the subject had come up of messages being sent on Fb which you never saw if you hadn’t had dealing with that person before. That made no sense to me. Why would Fb not let you see a message you’ve received? Anyway, one of my friends mentioned she’d sent me a message so I went to Fb to look. I found nothing. Eventually I came across the ‘Other’ box and opened it. Shock, horror. There was nothing from my friend on there but there were some messages that I hadn’t seen that people must have thought I was awfully ignorant for not answering. There were absolutely tons of messages from laydeez wanting to be my ‘Friend’ though which I was glad I’d never seen.

Well, I’ve been at it fairly constantly since I came in and there’s nor sign of it slowing down. So, one last sally and then I’m calling it a night ( which it is anyway).  I wish you all a wonderful new week.

With Auntie Karen.

With Auntie Jo

These were colour pictures until Yvonne played with a phone app. I think they came out well.

Monday. A most extraordinary night playing yo-yo’s meant it was 5.00 am before I got up. I turned the power on the computer as I passed by to pass water. I mention this only to prove I’m not a ghost yet since it’s common knowledge ghosts can’t pass over water. Those people who supposedly took a day off yesterday for Fathers Day have been hyper-active overnight though it seems that only 2 scammer have fathers. I can understand that as I’ve often thought most of them served drinks, ie were bar stewards. One was back to tempting me to try to log in with Santander while the other suggested my Talktalk phone bill hasn’t been paid. Tough luck guys !

After a staring competition with one of the bull nose plecs, Yeah, he knows who the boss is now. HIM. I had breakfast then for some strange reason, because the post was almost up to date, I went through to try and make a space in the big bedroom for the new bookcase when/if it gets here tomorrow. I had to move a lot of pictures and some of my certificates, great pendulous wax seals still intact. It made me laugh when I realised where these will have to go….up in the loft that we tidied so well. At least I know I have to go up there to get some of my books down.Then I had to move all Ju’s craft drawers then a chest of drawers and voila the space is there. No heart attack either. I got washed and dressed but there was a knock on the door as I was trying to get my second leg in my jeans. I had to hop and pull at the same time. I made it and there was the delivery man from the chemist with the next missing thing from my prescription. I’ve not had a new prescription delivered either for me to do my next request so I’ll have to ask the chemist to print me one off. I’m beginning to wish I lived nearer town where there are more Chemist shops to choose from. I’d just taken the medication through to the kirchen when there was another knock. This time it was the postman bearing my new Scrabble game. I thanked him and went through to the bedroom to check it out before giving feedback on ebay. The game is very tidy . The board is a similar size but coloured differently.  I think there are less double word scores but now there are squares where if you place a word over them you get to pick a card which allows you to do something the normal game wouldn’t allow. Like putting a word anywhere so it doesn’t even have to touch another word. It says the cards are discarded once used and there aren’t many cards so I’ll have to check to see if they go back for other players to use or if once they’re gone, they’re gone. I shall report on the Wednesday game.

Lots of mail today and lots of blog posts to tweet and/or comment on. It kept me busy all morning so that when I went for lunch ( full of green and red stuff) I was still not clear. I watched a film during lunch and stayed till the end. So, at 2.00 pm when I went back to the computer, there was all the unfinished mail and a new batch too which was in the 70’s. That was my afternoon occupied. I had a while away between 5.30 pm and 8.00 pm before coming through to do the final battles of the day. I’m not sure of any reason to rush since I’m not actually enjoying the book I’ve just started. One of the old Flashman books. Tonight may find me changing to a different book which is rare. I usually finish what I start.

Yvonne found some more ways of manipulating photographs through an app on her phone………….

Global

Sketchbook pics

Sketchy

Teacup Love

 

 

 

Tuesday. It’s been a funny old day. Peaks and troughs, Ups and downs. I was up before 5.00 am and attacking the mail of which there was lots but only two silly ones. A last attempt ( I hope) for somebody to convince me they’re a bank and yet another woman with more money than sense who wants to settle it on me to disburse to charity when she most unfortunately pops her clogs. She’s heard of me through a friend but doesn’t tell me who of course. Why doesn’t she just write cheques for her favorite charities now while she can? They must think I was born gullible and just yesterday. I knocked off at 7.00 am for my daily confrontation with the fish, I swear they were all lined up near the front waiting. I must have disturbed a Union meeting when I put the light on. The way that albino cory shifted when the light came on I know who the shop steward is. I had a toasted bap, took all my meds and brought my coffee through to the bedroom.

Just after 8.00 pm I went to ebay and checked on the tracking of the bookshelves as I’m sure they said delivery today. This is what the tracking information gave me.

Date	Time	Status
17/06/2014	09:20	Courier Received
17/06/2014	04:15	Out For Delivery
16/06/2014	22:52	Processed at Depot
16/06/2014	21:39	Receipt at Depot
13/06/2014	09:40	Courier Received
13/06/2014	09:40	Not Delivered – Large Item
13/06/2014	05:01	Out For Delivery To Courier
12/06/2014	18:55	Hub Sorter Receipt Scan

Only the last item was not on there. So I saw that at 4.15 am my bookshelf was out for delivery. YAY  A Peak. To me that seemed a logical assumption. Especially as I’d seen on 13th that the item was out for delivery to courier and again on 13th that it was courier received. So, all I had to do was wait. I was busy most of the morning transferring some pictures to my printstudio to arrange on some photo paper . I had two photo frames to fill, each with three pictures but each of a different size. I had to guesstimate the size on screen. When I was happy I printed them off and spent some time framing them and then hanging one of the frames in the lounge. That in itself was a feat since my hands shake a bit and I could as easily put holes in the wall, or broken my fingers as put the hook in the wall. But, I managed it without crying too much and it hasn’t fallen down yet. For lunch I had some of that green stuff again. A trough.

After lunch I suddenly found myself wanting to nibble on a carrot. I fought the urge and settled to watch the end of a McBride episode I’d started watching during lunch. After  that I turned TV off, went and caught up with emails and then came back to the lounge for a sleep. I swear it’s chewing all this lettuce that’s making me tired. I knew if the delivery came I’d hear it. I’m not sure how long I’d been out but I was woken by a delivery van. YAY A Peak, who immediately went and delivered to a neighbour. A Trough. I ate a piece of chocolate. I heard another vehicle reversing, it was the gardeners. A Trough. Another half hour and as te gardener left I heard another one approach, surely this time……. but no, it was a supermarket delivery and that wasn’t for me either. I returned to work.

At 5.15 pm I was up to date with mail and thought I’d just check the tacking again which is when I found the last line added. A Trough. Which technically didn’t mean  I wouldn’t still get a delivery but I don’t think time was on my side. Nothing came. Still, it must be tomorrow then. A Peak. My early antiques show was missing A Trough but I decided to watch a couple of quizzes instead then after a short burst on the computer my second antiques show was on. A Peak. While the programme was on I decided to let Yvonne know the bookcase hadn’t arrived. I knew she’d be cross as it’s what prevented me from seeing them today. As she responded I picked up the phone and found another message there. A major surprise, it was from Mujo asking whether I wanted to shop with them tomorrow as they’re in the area.I haven’t seen them since early in April and since all contact was quite short with no reason I felt I’d done something wrong or they had a major problem they didn’t feel like sharing. Since I’ve said I’ll be in waiting for this delivery but that the kettle is on…..I don’t know whether they’ll come or not. Yvonne was as surprised as I was.

The antique show having finished I’ve come through to take another stab at getting up to date. I’m almost there but needed to get today’s post down before I forget. Sorry, I know I should have waited.

Wednesday. First things first this morning, I went to the tracking site to see if there were any changes. None, still with the courier. Fair enough, it was still only 4.00 am but you never know. So, I went straight onto mail. I’m not sure if there are three fools out there or if it’s the same fool three times but I suspect the latter unless these days all conmen  ( and women) work from a set menu supplied when they receive their certificate from the University of thievery. There were three identical messages purporting to be from Talktalk saying they were having problems with my last bill since I seem to have supplied my bank with incorrect information. No doubt that will work on some poor souls but not me since I pay by DD and it’s been going for years since Talktalk set it up. Let me repeat, IF AN EMAIL DOES NOT ADDRESS YOU BY NAME, IT’S A CON ! I sighed and reported it to the phishing section of Talktalk who have since told me they’re now in the process of shutting down the site after tracing the source of the messages. What’s the betting it’s Nigeria, World capital of connery, and if there’s no such word there should be.

Just before having breakfast at 7.00 am I rechecked the tracing site, no change so I went off the face the fish and their breakfast. As I opened the section of lid used for feeding, the little fantail came shooting to the top, mouth open. As it broke the surface a bubble seemed to form which popped, I listened carefully to see if any words floated up like, “Help me, I’m really a Princess in the thrall of an evil witch”………..Nada. So I counted my fingers as I withdrew them, just in case. I shut the lid, washed my hands and got on with taking my meds and having some breakfast in the form of a toasted bap.   Then back to the grindstone. At 8.00 am, 9.00 am and 10.00 am, I checked the site but it still read that my shelves were Courier Received. I found that niggled me a bit with Muriel due to text me to see whether I could come out to play. I was half convinced I should give up and stick a sign on the door saying to leave it with a neighbour and just go out.  Anyhoo, a knock on the door at 10.30 am revealed the courier with a remarkable short parcel. After signing for it and thanking him I went to the big bedroom and opened it. Let me clarify now that I’m an idiot, there’s never been any doubt about that. So, this should not surprise you. Before buying the unit, I checked the width to make sure I could create a large enough gap, I could. And knowing it was a four shelf until I was happy. But, I never checked the height !!!!!!!! It’s very pretty but only stands 44” high.

Be fair, they look quite spacious don’t they? In reality you can just about get a paperback to stand on three of the shelves and on the top one you can have what you like. I will say they’re unobtrusive. So, it was a case of having made my bed I’d better lie in it. I unfolded them properly , stood it in place and started loading them. I have an idea that at some stage I’ll be replacing them with something taller and  little more roomy. I’d got about the first 4 Pratchett hardbacks on when the door went again.  When I got there it was Mujo. 10.45 am and I was still waiting for a text. In they trooped and while I was making drinks the conversation flowed as though they’d seen me last week. No mention of any gap in or problem with our relationship. I passed John his birthday gifts that had been waiting since April and he loved them. We had lunch at The Bells because it’s a favourite of theirs then shopped in Flint for Muriel to get some Jeggings and price up some microwaves. Then a small detour via Holywell on the way home to shop at Lidl which was a surprise but which enabled me to get more coleslaw. Once they’d dropped me home they didn’t stay long as they’d bought frozen food so an ice cream and a small drink and they were off. It was now just gone 4.00pm so I couldn’t afford time for the books and flew straight to work. 107 messages while I was out. By 5.15 pm I had to leave them and go wash the pots from breakfast time before Dil arrived. I made it by the skin of my teeth as they walked in at 5.25 pm. There was a text on my phone from Lee saying he had a late meeting and couldn’t make it but would try for next week.

I made drinks while Matt and Dil had a look at the rules for the new Scrabble and then it was into battle. OMG it’s evil. You gain a lead with a good word and someone steals the score when it’s their go and they get to play as well. You play a great card which entitles you to treble your score even when it’s on a treble word score and then some evil devil plays a card which negates yours. And on it goes, you certainly find out who your friends are- there aren’t any. Dil won both games and also went on to slaughter us at Nomination. By this time it was 9.00 pm and we just had time for a quick Crazy 8’s which Matt won. I was a win virgin and they were going home. I was bereft.

Back to work to finish he last of the previous messages as well as the 82 new ones. It’s late and I need my bed. Night all.

Thursday. Well, such a boring day for you today. I was up at 3.55 am, worked on messages until breakfast and the annual fish staring competition which you can’t win when they send a plec into battle. After that I managed to put the rest of the loose books on the new bookcase but it does look diminutive there. I didn’t go into the loft to get my Pratchett books down as I have stuff to go up so I may wait until Mike comes and have him pass it. I’m a little afraid that If I bring the books down some of them will end up stacked somewhere as there won’t be room on the bookcase. I think a trip to a charity shop may be in order soon.

I ordered an outfit for Reuben online from Asda ( Walmart in the U,S,) and also a pair of jeans for me. It was only after I paid for next day delivery- thankfully inexpensive- that I thought, What the heck do I need another pair of jeans for, Mike will probably start counting those next and telling tales like he did with my shirts. I confess, it’s more than 7. Still, if they arrive before he does I can hide them away . When I wear them I’ll just say “New?, nah, had them for ages” and keep my fingers crossed behind my back. If I believed in Heaven I know I’ll never get there.

Maybe it’s the summer months or maybe they’re just doolally tap but I had another two offers of marriage today. Are these women blind? Are these women even women? I also just had the one woman with a fortune to give away and I’m the target of her generosity. It strikes me that if there’ s ever a genuine woman with a fortune who wants to share it with us mortals I’ve no chance as I just send them to the dead file now.

I hope you’ve all had a nice but less boring day than me. Perhaps tomorrow will be better.

Friday. 4.17 am.I got up. I wended my way in a weary way to wee. I came back and turned on the computer. First job, check the bank. Is there any money there for shopping this week or is that hollow laughter I hear really the bank manager and his staff? There was money, I can afford another lettuce yay. There was a lot of mail today which is probably a message from the great creator ‘ Mike Rowsoft’ telling me I shouldn’t have knocked off before midnight. Drat!!  We interrupt this progamme for a News’Flash’. Mike has just informed me that it’s the Summer Solstice tomorrow. I’ve put in a request to go to one of them orggys I keep hearing about with knaked women. I’d hoped it was knackered women so I could catch one but he put me right, it’s them in the pink and crinkleys wot need an iron. I of course don’t need that since I’m so fat these days my skin is stretched making my smile look like rictus.

Back to the story. I dealt with a fair bit of mail and needed a break so went through to the big bedroom and made a pile of all the things I wanted in the loft. I remembered that both Mike and Yvonne had expressed concern about me trying for the loft on my own in case my legs were shaking and I vibrated holes in the flooring. Instead I went to get dressed and went out to get some baps in case Mike was hungry when he got here. There was a text just after I got  back at 9.30 am to say he was on his way. I didn’t think he’d be dressed yet. I said I’d hang fire on my lunch till he got here. The washing machine went on and I returned to the mail for a while. My search on the trace for the clothes said it was waiting for a courier collection so it would be a while before they arrived. Hope fully before Mike lands on the doorstep though.

About 11.00 am I’d had enough again so went for a doze in the lounge. The Zzzz’s were just starting to buzz merrily when Mike arrived. The kettle wen on an I made him a coffee while he told me all about his last two weeks and I filled him in on mine. Mine didn’t take long. We’d just settled in our chairs when the bloody delivery van drew up. Mike offered to go to the door for me. He came back in holding the parcel. “What’s this then” he asked. I opened the top and drew out Reuben’s outfit. “Wow that’s great” he said ” really nice, I haven’t seen that one before.” I tried to move the bag away as though empty and put it in the kitchen where he might think it had gone in the bin. No chance. “So what else?” he asked and I was forced to confess. I might have got away with it by changing the subject and mentioning lunch. It’s fortunate he chose to tell me about a special picture that had been damaged in  the move. He knew Tariq had replaced the glass on one for me and thought he might repeat it for him. I said it was highly likely but he could fight his own battles about payment.

Coffee finished we set off. The Ivy wasn’t very crowded and it’s easy to see the sunshine hasn’t been good for business. We sat and Tariq joined us for a minute then went to make the drinks. On his return Mike told him what we wanted to eat and asked the favour. No hesitation on doing the job but Tariq stipulated he didn’t want payment.  Not my problem I thought. Lunch was fantastic and as we were finishing off Tariq disappeared with the frame. Mike and I went out for a cigarette ( each, we’re not that poor) then Mike went in to go to the loo. I followed and sat at the table as Tariq came out and brought the picture with new glass, a new back and fresh pins. A great job. As usual he disappeared again, to chat to another customer I think. Perfect, Shella came out from the kitchen to the counter so I went up and laid money down for the lunch. “Sorry, I don’t do the till” she said knowing full well the fight I always have with Tariq and loving every minute of the battle of wills. Mike reappeared and was delighted with the limited edition picture now behind glass again.  As he’s just finished his drink he stuck a £5 note under the cup. As Tariq came over he took the cup from my hands ( how the hell had it got there?). I was afraid of no-one noticing it so as we moved away I told him to check the saucer. He tried to give it back then decided to accept it if we called it quits for everything, two meals, two coffee’s and the framing work. Yeah Tariq, that’s going to happen. We got close to the door before I told him the money for the meal was behind the counter and then we ran for it, or limped for it in my case. Another victory.

A shopping expedition to Flint followed to price up TV’s and for me to restock the ice lollies. Coffee with Ceri then home again. I had a session with my mail before joining Noddy in the lounge for the evening quizzes. Time for the ritual hairwash followed by a shower then the Antiques Road Trip. I would have come through into battle if buggalugs hadn’t found another quiz so I was delayed by an hour. It’s going to be t’other side of midnight tonight so Mike Rowsoft will be appeased. Hugs All.

Saturday. I had no problem getting up this morning. MY first bout and first refresh of mail were finished before 6.15 am when I decided to turn the fishtank light on. And, because this is the no feed day it was like light the blue touch paper and retire. When I thought it was safe I went back and had my breakfast and took my meds.I ‘m sure there were beady little eyes following each mouthful. As the time approached 7.00 am I made Mike’s coffee and took it through, waking him up with the usual endearment “Coffee’s up Bro.” He did stir and  a horrified voice acknowledged me. It was evident that this first foray wouldn’t be successful but maybe while I got washed and dressed his alarm would do the trick. I was having a giraffe (laugh) .  I was washed, dressed and most of the way through the second refresh before his alarm went off for the third time and finally shifted him. I think we left the house at half a minute to eight today, and yes, I did let him dress first.

The shopping itself didn’t take long today as it seems I had to buy most of my food from the vegetable counter, lucky for me, most of the sweets were elsewhere. We were both pretty astounded to buy a pair of trousers each in the sale at £2 a pair, a pair of socks costs more than that but I didn’t buy any shirts this time since the tell tale was with me. I did get a pair of lounge pants though. I wanted a pair with Animal from the Muppets on but Mike insisted a pair with Grumpy from Snow White and entitled Grumpy pants was much more appropriate. Once through the tills we went for a coffee then headed out to Ellesmere Port in Cheshire and Cheshire Oaks Clearance Village where our young friend Daniel from Temptations has gone to work. We took a bottle of wine and a good luck card only to find he’s on a day off.

Leaving Cheshire Oaks Mike asked what I wanted to do. When I replied I didn’t mind he suggested we head for the seaside town of Llandudno to visit our mate Brian who moved there a few months ago. He’s now recovered from his latest heart attack and is awaiting an operation to have the first of two stents fitted. So retracing our earlier path and then flying in the other direction we took the hopping on  a trip. When we arrived and gave his dog it’s hugs, strokes and ear rubs, the three of us piled back in the car and went in search of food. Llandudno has many good cafe’s and restaurants but hidden away at the side of the town hall is the Cocoa House which is the oldest such establishment in the town and dates from I think the 1700’s. They do a wide variety of lovely food and it’s not too expensive. We took a slow walk round the town afterwards, the day was glorious and warm. Mike had forgotten to bring his hat and needed one but his heart was set on a specific type. We were spectacularly unsuccessful. He decided anything would do as long as it fit which is a challenge in itself as he has a small head. After a stop for coffee after completing one side of the street we set off to try the other. Still no joy but I suggested trying some shops on another street where we’d parked, blow me, the very last shop produced just the thing. I can’t get it to stay down over his face but at least it shut him up.

We dropped Brian back at his flat and headed home to unpack whatever shopping hadn’t melted in the heat. It took nearly an hour so it was approaching 5 o’clock before we got in. We put the shopping away and while Mike topped up Julia’s vases with fresh flowers I went to work on the computer. It was gone 6.30 am before I could join him in the lounge and we laughed or way through the Big Bang Theory. I made tea after that and then we watched a programme on Stonehenge. It was quite interesting but as soon as 9.00 pm came I left Mike to Hunger Games and came through to work. I’ve finished this a little earlier than usual as I’ve no idea how long the mail is going to take. I hope everyone is having a Great Weekend. Hugs.

Happy Smiley People

Just Hanging Around