The Wrapper Returns.

Monday.

Up at 2.07 am this morning. Not too bad maybe as I managed to turn my light out at 11.30 pm last night. I know my legs haven’t been treated since Thursday last, but I swear I caught a whiff of damp goat as I was waking. So it’s either my toesies have halitoesis or Somnos has been sending his brother round again.                                                                      At 3.00 am I went through to the kitchen to have my meds then some breakfast. Just some toast again but it was enough. I set the washing machine going, then made a coffee to take back to work. I was keeping an eye on the time to put the clothes on a drying cycle. I remembered in time and set it for an hour and a half. I carried on working until 6.45 am then decided to try 40 winks in my chair. I woke just before 8.00 am and went straight back to work completely forgetting the dry laundry. It was 10.00 am before I remembered and went to get the stuff out, no longer hot and pliable, but cold and wrinkled. I hung it on the airers.                                                                                                     At 10.45 am the nurse arrived. I took the remains of the dressings off and my feet were soaked and washed. I hate that bit because of the pressure applied, ouch, ouch and ouch. No, not three legs just lots of discomfort. I had her take a look at the soles of my feet too and she said there were quite a few ‘cracks’ there. She treated them. I wonder if they normally just do the tops because that problem is obvious. Anyway, she decided my feet were a little wetter than before and it was probably due to not having been done since Thursday, so for now we’re going back to every day changes.                                                    I cheated and had an easy lunch then worked till 3.00 pm. Watched Escape to the Country then worked till my 4.30 pm antiques show. After that I had tea with Joey and nodded off for an hour. I watch a programme called Babylon 5 that I’ve heard about for years but never seen. At 9.00 pm I called it a night and came through to work. At 11.20 pm I decided bed was a good idea.

Tuesday.

I probably got to bed about 11.30 pm and managed to read until midnight last night. It took a little time to get the feet comfortable enough to sleep, but once I did…………………..    It was 3.45 am before I woke up this morning, my longest lie-in for ages. I’ve no doubt someone interceded for me with Somnos.  Meds and breakfast were done straight away before bringing my coffee back to work. And work there was this morning but by 7.35 am I was nicely on top of it. I decided to celebrate with a sit down in my chair but the 40 evaded me so at 8.00 am I returned to work slaving over a hot keyboard.                              At 10.50 am yesterday’s nurse returned with another. They are both nursing sisters by my guess at the uniform and it was to clarify a new care plan based on the change back to daily. Daily for two weeks they agreed before one took out her tweezers, gripped a piece of black flesh across the top of my foot and pulled. She celebrated one continuous piece that had defeated others by removing even more flesh from between my toes. My crossed fingers worked and she didn’t try the big toe which is more wood than flesh now. They left at 11.30 am and my stinging feet were grateful.                                                            My nephew came this afternoon to see if I wanted shopping. He answered the doorbell for me and in came a podiatrist. As Lee went out shopping she started in on my feet. She checked the pulse rate to ensure a good flow of blood. she even cut a couple of nails on one foot but she used a scalpel to clear even more debris from the feet. Talk about sore afterwards. My shopping arrived and Lee put it away for me. Once he podiatrist had finished I cleared her debris and Lee and I enjoyed a game of scrabble.He went home to his wife and sons leaving me at the mercy of the budgie.

Wednesday,

I was in bed for 11.45 pm (post mail) and only read for half an hour before extinguishing the light. Perhaps I should have put the book down first? The stinging had stopped to a large degree and I suspect sleep came readily because I was still holding the book as I woke, and my glasses were twisted at an awkward angle on my schnozzle. I slept until 3.37 am which was again unexpected. I wondered why my female companion was hushing me until I realise she’d sprung a leak.                                                                                After using the puncture repair kit I took my meds and had some breakfast. I brought a coffee back to work and kept going until 7.41 am when things slowed down. I went looking for 40 in my chair. Phew, I found them and they kept me going until 8.30 am(ish) when I returned to work. I was in the lounge about 10.30 am when I noticed a nurse going pas the window carrying a large box. I went to the door but saw that she was at a neighbour’s house.I closed the door and walked back to the lounge. i’d just reached there when the bell rang. I asked if the box was because she was selling my supplies door to door. Luckily she had a sense of humour. I unwrapped my legs being careful not to ladder my stockings while the nurse prepared herself. She was very gentle with me so she obviously knows I’m a virgin on the ridiculous.                                                                       After she’d gone it was getting on for lunchtime so I had a beef dinner from the bing machine. It was surprisingly nice. I saw Bargain Hunt and at 1.00 pm I went back to work . I’d missed a fair bit. At 3.00 pm I was clear so went through to see Escape to the Country which involved inspecting my eyelids from within. At 4.10 pm I just had time to clear the mail box before Dil arrived. I made him a cup of tea and we watched Pointless before the gaming began. Tonight was another honours even so he said we could part friends. I wasn’t sure why we’d change the habits of a lifetime. I tidied up and came through to work finishing at 11.40 pm.

Thursday.

3.25 am this morning. Reverting more towards what was the main time before.There was a message waiting for me that another blogger has made Somnos an offer so he’s having to leave my side for a while. Our ‘Friendship’ will not be forgotten though. ( shame). I dealt with breakfast and meds straight away before bringing a coffee back to start work. I had a difficult letter to write to someone who considers me ‘stubborn’- me of all people? And who is full of suspicions when I try to be the most reasonable of men. I get the feeling I’ll never win. At 7.41 am I was temporarily clear so decided to occupy my chair in the lounge for forty. I was a little up set to get just twenty as someone knocked on the door at 8.10 am and by the time I gingerly got there, they were long gone. I tried calling out ‘Hello’ in case they heard and came back but all I got was a kind passerby asking if I needed help. I returned to work. At 9.30 am my neighbour Margaret came to the door. She came in for a chat then kindly went to do my shopping. On my return to work I found an email telling me I had  direct message on Twitter. Here’s how it starts……… ….   My name is Mr. Suvo Sarkar, I am Bank Officer here in Emirates Bank of Dubai NBD. I have a business proposal for you which is in connection with your name and you are going to benefit from this transaction which will be of our interest and benefit to our both families. Yet another con that’s finally moved away from Nigeria so naturally I’m going to fall for it now.                                                                                                                                          Nursey arrived at 11.30 am and was very gentle today except when she was apologising for prodding the wrong places to ask if they hurt. She left at 12.15 pm so I found myself trying to watch Bargain Hunt as I was cooking my dinner. Te afternoon alternated between periods of work and periods of sitting down with my legs up. Mike arrived before 6.00 pm so we nattered until 9.00 pm when it was clearance time for the mail.

Friday.

I didn’t do too well this morning though I was desperate to stay where I was, wrapped in the warm with a beautiful dream lingering on the outskirts of memory. But here it was 1.46 am and I was wide awake. Nothing had woken me and I felt no threat so maybe even Somnos wasn’t on the prowl. The only thing to do was get up and start work. That carried me through until 3.00 am when I went through to the kitchen to have a fix and prepare my drugs for the next week. Then I was able to have breakfast and make a coffee to bring through with me.                                                                                                         I worked until nearly 10.00 am then fell asleep when I would normally watch Homes Under the Hammer, luckily Mike likes that too and remembered to turn on albeit late. I was expecting the nurse around the time it ended but she didn’t show, I wondered if it was due to the doppler I was supposed to have. At noon I gave up waiting and made lunch to ear while I watched Bargain Hunt. I’d just started the washing up afterwards, when I didn’t expect the nurse to appear, when she did. Sana doppler which they will now do on Saturday at the hospital for ease. Once the legs were done I finished the washing up and started on the mail again.                                                                                Mike arrived back about  6.00 pm and the lazyitis was so bad he had to make his own drink. We watched Antiques Trip from 7 to 8 and then Mastermind before he washed my hair and left me taking a bath in the sink.. At 8.30 pm I went back to the evening mail and got caught up. It was just gone 11.30 pm before I got near bed and 12.15 am before the light went off. Sleep was along time coming.

Saturday.

Despite it being past 1.00 am before I got to sleep I was not to be allowed concessions. I woke at 2.27 am and was able to take a full minute getting up. As I turned my screen on a message appeared. Somnos, (your) God of Sleep invites you to join him for an evening of fun and gaiety from Midnight 18th November. Bring fruit. Finally I may be about to get to the bottom of his renewed interest in me.I worked till it was time for breakfast, I had just enough butter for two rounds of toast which I had, somehow managing to cremate one of them I held a very quick service with a knife over the waste bin until it looked edible. After taking all my meds I returned to work until 5.30 am. Then I got dressed. Have I mentioned I’m having to make sure whatever I wear on my lower half (excluding my kilt) has legs wide enough to take both legs and dressings. At 5.50 am I was ready and had managed to wedge my feet inside my old velcro slippers. I put the kettle on for Mike and as soon as I heard his alarm I took a coffee through to the lounge for him and went and shouted him. I then started to get all the rubbish and recycling outside. The weather was cold enough to give me my own Newton’s Cradle so I was glad to get back in the warm and shout him a second time. His alarm must have gone off four times as he got up pretty quickly. I retreated to my room and the computer as someone wandering around in just their shreddies at that time of the day requires a stronger stomach than mine.        Shopping went well and was pretty successful in more than food as I picked up a Christmas present for one of my nieces. We went for breakfast (Yes, I don’t need reminding I’d had one, I just can’t see him eat alone). A couple of things in the Morrison’s where the cafe was and we were ready for the off again. I was paying the price for the outing by having to occupy the wheelchair and he was enjoying every moment of the power. In Flint I got another present but not for Christmas this time. I escaped his clutches on my sticks and forced him to follow me into Temptations before doing the last of my shopping, for the freezer and then going home to put it away. Mike refuses to do that because I won’t let him spend on a new freezer for me.                                                       We headed into town to get some special cards then eat at the chippie. Then off to the hospital for the Doppler and new dressings.I was on my way home again about 3.00 pm after a good laugh with the nurses both of whom I know. Work till 5.00 pm then investigate my eyelids for 2 hours in my chair. I finally came back here for catch up at 9.00 pm.

Sunday.

My light went out at midnight and despite a terrible itch across the top of my right foot I was asleep in no time at all. And there I was on the top of a mountain with a bag of tomatoes in my hand and a very cool breeze around my kneecaps. I think the tomatoes were a little rebellion on my part but not recognised as such by Porcinus as he came round collecting tribute to his brother. Was it my imagination or did Porcinus himself look a little bigger (and smell even more of damp goat?). I saw Somnos heading towards me and was tempted to run but I was far too inquisitive as to the reason for this bash with it’s accompaniment of shepherdesses on what looked like pan pipes.                        ‘Ah David’ he said, ‘welcome. This is as much for your benefit as mine. My name is slowly growing towards that of Hypnos, Somnus and Morpheus his son. I am on the verge of becoming a big god and in part it’s down to you. You have my thanks. I would ask for one last effort on your part. Make my name a household word and I shall reward you.’             ‘With sleep’ I asked. ‘Whatever your heart desires’ was his answer. I knew I was returning home then and my knees began to warm. The last thing I heard as I left was ‘And by the way, I noted the tomatoes, most humorous.’                                                              I woke up and it was 4.00 am. I sat on the edge of my bed and couldn’t move for an hour as the thought of Somnos directing the World’s sleep hit home. At 5.00 am I went for my meds and some breakfast carrying an immense sadness inside me. As I ate my Weetabix I was trying to see ways to succeed and get him off my back forever or ways to fail that didn’t look like I’d done it on purpose. Somnos the Musical? But I’d never get one of the hugely talented musicians to write the songs. How about if I disappeared and got him blamed for my murder, ridiculous, not enough people believe in him to get him charged and as a god he wouldn’t have to appear.                                                                                       About 9.30 am Mike got up I left my plotting and went to say good morning. We decided how to proceed with the day. Accordingly we set off at 10.30 am for Prestatyn and went looking for some Christmas presents he wanted help with. We got what he wanted and were nicely in time for lunch at the Cookhouse with the carvery. Afterwards we took a run back to Holywell and checked a shop for a few toys for Christmas presents we both wanted. At 1.45 pm though we headed for the hospital. Anne Marie was on duty again and changed the dressings including the top-socks I now have to keep things from unraveling. She was really pleased at how dry both feet were and no seepage through the bandages. Things are looking rosy though there’s still a way to go. We headed straight for home so Mike could get away for the birthday party for one of his grandsons. It must be the jelly and ice cream that made him rush. I did some catching up then somehow at 7.00 pm found myself in front of the TV watching a Miss Marple programme. That took me to 9.00 pm when I packed up for the night and came to work.

May you all have a great new week. There will be those who need you to share a smile and maybe those in whom you see a greater need. If we bring sharing to the forefront I think Love will follow and then without the politicians and weapons manufacturers maybe the world will be secure for those to follow us.                                                              Hugs to all,

Suffering from the Wind & A Mouthful of Tea.

Sunday 15th November.
After finishing the mail last night, I went to bed and enjoyed a read until 01.10 am. There’s been a gale howling all night long. I was up at 4.18 am and was surprised after signing on to get a skype from MuJo as they’d been up all night with the storm. Sometimes it gets quite concentrated where they are. I started on the mail which was gentle enough at that time then as 5.00 am rolled round I went for my meds and some breakfast. I brought a coffee back with me.  When I got back all the Daily reports had been released to me and the mail outstanding was at 122. I must have done about 50  I thought before stopping for breakfast.                                                                                                          I remember seeing 8.15 am when I was working.All of a sudden I was coming awake and it was 9.25 am. Oops. I went through but Mike was still sleeping. I put the kettle on anyway. He got up at 10.10 am. I went through and joined him and also let Joey out of his cage. The storm was still blowing outside.

I managed to nod off in my chair for a short time too. I was tired but with lunchtime approaching I went to get dressed. Mike did the same. He said it was time for a drink as I was saying it was almost time to decide on lunch. He asked for bacon sandwiches at home instead of going out. I was happy to agree. While I  did the bacon, Mike cut and buttered the baps. I put a feel-good Christmas film on the TV and we ate.                                                                                                                                                                                                           We decided not to go out at all today but I suggested Mike went home early so he could travel while it was still light enough to see branches brought down by the fierceness of the wind. For once he agreed with me. So  , at 3.30 pm he gathered his stuff and said goodbye. As soon as he left I said my goodbye’s to Joey and came through to work. By that stage of the day It was already over 300 pieces of  post, not counting what I’d already done. I ploughed in and worked till 5.30 pm when I went in to give Joey a surprise and turn the light on. I had a piece of strawberry and rhubarb tart for my tea and watched a little TV.

At 7.00 pm I went back through to work and to see how my bid was doing on a snow suit for the baby to be. In the end I could have bought a baby for less so I searched for a couple more to bid on. Next one 8.30 pm. I caught up on mail and at 8.05 pm went back through to the lounge and my flight instructor. I’m apparently spending too much time in front of the computer,I know my rear end would agree.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 The TV turned on alright but I was a little puzzled when it wouldn’t turn to the channel I wanted. I sat on my chair like a lemon trying to find the right position where it would work. It wouldn’t. It kept skipping between a channel showing a fishing competition between 3 men somewhere in Africa and The Antiques Roadhow ( not to be confused with the Road Trip). I might have lived in peace with one or other selection but my head was close to exploding when it would change channel in the middle of a sentence I wanted to hear the end of. I think I’m haunted. I even changed batteries in the remote in case that was the problem. Still,it forced me out of the lounge earlier than it would have. No doubt Joey will complain he was locked in and the light turned off but as I’ve already warned you, he exaggerates.

I was back in time to bid on a snowsuit for a baby which I won. I was also in time to put as bid on a Le Creuset casserole dish that I didn’t mind if I won or not. Mainly because I hadn’t 100% convinced myself it was exactly what the person wanted. I won it anyway so that rounded my night off nicely. I changed my  email address with ebay and then remembered to do it with paypal too.

Monday 16th November.

Last night I got up to date with mail, had a read and still managed to get the light out at midnight. Granted the light was only out a minute before I remembered I hadn’t taken my meds. The terrible thought that maybe it could have me standing naked in the rain beating my chest as a coachload of returning female bingo players passed by, made me get up and take them.  I’m not sure what time I eventually got to sleep but I’m sure it wasn’t long.                                                                                                                                     It was 3.53 am when I got up. I would normally be glad of the chance to attack my post as I should have been going to Chester today . Yvonne and Reuben are booked for their flu jabs tomorrow when I would normally go. However I’m not going because poor little Roobs isn’t well. He seems to have a chest infection and a bad cough. He seems prone to things like this.It obviously runs in the family though I’ve been fine recently ( touch wood). So, I have all day to keep the mail in check now.

After a flying visit to the loo I came back and logged on to the computer. At that time there were only 20 emails which took no time at all. By 5.30 am I  was clear even with another batch of emails in. At that point I decided to go for breakfast and to take my morning meds. I was back by 6.10 m and mail was still a steady trickle until 7.00 am today, then it was an avalanche. It came, it came and it came. I remember a point where I read 83 so I worked on about 6 of them and checked,it was now 97. The more I did the more that came. At about 9.00 am I realised I’d made real headway and had just 26 again. As I checked them I found they were responses to the ones I’d already done and I was just creating an email echo. No  matter what I did something would come back at me.                                                                                                                                                  It was 9.55 am when I was able to go through to release Joey, see, it’s all your fault he complains not mine. As a treat I hung a new honey seed ring in his cage.He’s given up on the main one since he found the fruit in it. He’ll have scurvy soon if he’s not careful. I quickly swept the floor around his cage to get rid of the seed husks and then turned on the TV for Homes Under the Hammer.

I had time to return to work at 11.00 am and play catch up but my warden came at 11.30 am and was here chatting for half an hour. It’s great, some weeks she’s the only company I have bar Joey and he bullies me if I stay with him too much. After she’d gone I made lunch, watched Bargain Hunt then nodded off for an hour. I had to play a lot of catch up after that to make up for the sleep.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I didn’t return to the lounge until 5.15 pm when the quizzes started. I was there until 6.30 pm then legged it before Come Dancing or whatever came on. Again I worked until 8.00 pm when I went to watch two DIY SOS’s. I have to be reminded of the goodness still in the World and what people are capable of.                                                                 At 10.00 pm I said goodnight to Joey, turned everything off and came back through to do the blog and any remaining mail.

A cough won’t keep me down.

When Mum asked if I wanted a penguin I thought she meant the chocolate biscuit.

Tuesday 17th November.

I managed an early night last night. Even though I read quite a bit I was still  able to turn the light out at midnight.  I had a small comfort problem which took a while to adjust to but I did get to sleep….until 1.00 am. After a visit to  the loo  I went to sleep the rest of the night in my chair. I woke at 3.03 am. I was still tired but that was the sleep for that part.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It was time to log onto the computer. I was quite surprised just how much mail had accrued in gmail. It took until almost 4.30 am to complete. It seemed a good time to try and get another 40 winks so I lay on the bed, shut my eyes and was away. The next time I woke felt much better, it was 5.42 am. Before starting work I decided to go for my meds but didn’t want breakfast this morning. I brought a coffee back to face the fray.                                                                                                                                                                          It started well enough. Just ten messages on screen. As I worked my way through them the numbers increased. I had done a lot and saw the balance was 68 to go. I did a load more and the balance was now 66, and so it went on. The last one to be done at 8.36 am when the squawked demands of Joey sent me through to open the cage door. I was pretty sure he wouldn’t come out yet as it was still dark and overcast but he’d won his first battle of the day just getting me there to  talk to him.

I stayed with him a while and then at 8.50 am I got ready to go out. I started out fully intending to get on the bus but once outside started diverting myself towards Pauline’s instead. I gave myself a massive mental kick and moved back towards the bus stop. I stood far enough away that no-one in the queue would talk to me but I didn’t see a face I recognised anyway. When the bus arrived I let everyone get on so I had chance to change my mind at the last minute, but I did make it. In town I intended letting everyone get off and go about their business but someone kindly stopped and indicated that I could go first which was really nice. I got off at the best speed I could manage and walked towards LIDL.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         A quick waltz round the shop brought me a few things I could use for Christmas and I was able to get the weekly special offer brochure too. I left and started taking a slow walk down the High Street. The sky was looking grim but the rain held off. Half way down the street is a passage between two buildings. I went through there , through the library car park and into the new Home Bargains. I spent a full half hour in there and got a few nice things which will be perfect as stocking gifts. I felt much happier knowing I’d done it , scared and proud that I’d managed a trip alone albeit a short one and I’d stayed clear of people.

Heading back up the street I was thirsty. There was a little cafe with no-one in. I think I know why there was no-one in. I asked for a tea. It was a cup rather than a mug but I could live with that. First two tries though the man held the cup under the machine and pressed a button for water which came from another nozzle  from where the cup was. Third time lucky ( and he was bloody lucky not to have scalded himself) and he got water into the cup. It was a small cup and he only half filled it. He dropped a tea bag in the water, gave it a few stirs with a spoon took the tea bag out which now included some of my water, added milk (without asking) and charged me £1. It was as well I  had some saccharine with me as they had none. There was just about a mouthful in the cup ( now now, no need to be rude to me) which was gone almost as soon as I reached the table. Oh yes, I’m on crutches and carrying two bags but there was no offer to carry my tea over for me. There were some nicely handcrafted things in the shop but I didn’t stop to really look at them as I didn’t feel like buying there again.

I walked slowly to the bus stop and didn’t have too long to wait before one came. Ten minutes later I was walking into Pauline’s and picking up my TV mag, some micro chips and some chips with a certain added subject that some think I over-indulge in.  Back at home it was 11.00 am and I stood unpacking the shopping as I talked to Joey. He seemed quiet this morning. I left to do 45 minutes on the post before going back to do lunch. I can’t mention what I had but the two baps I had with it from LIDL’s fresh bread range were beautiful.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Bargain Hunt was on as I ate and Joey didn’t make a sound. Afterwards I closed my eyes in the chair and didn’t hear a peep from him. I slept till 1.55 pm and then had to return to work. I was away until 5.15 pm and expected a fuss when I got back to the lounge. Not a sound though he’s still moving around as usual. I had the last of the strawberry and rhubarb tart for my tea and just sat talking to him. I was there until 9.00 pm and though he came out to sit on the mirror he was quiet all evening. I really must be in the dog house. Just as well I’m in all day tomorrow.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At 9.00 pm I took my meds, turned the TV off and said goodnight to Joey. I left the lounge door open so I could hear him but he’s still been quiet. I had a good catch up on mail then did the blog. It will be an 11.30 pm bed night I think.

Dick Turpin’s ride to York.

Black Bess, the faithful steed.

Wednesday 18th November.

I achieved my 11.30 pm bed more or less. I read till 12.30 pm, turned my light off and settled down. I woke up at 1.21 m thinking it was later, once I’d focused I suggested Porcinus ( for it could only be he from the laugh) go away and procreate. I didn’t even bother swinging my legs out of bed I just went back to sleep.                                                   I woke again and my bladder suggested I get up, so I did. It felt as though it was light outside as I moved but on reaching the bathroom I could tell it was not. I could also tell from the fresh laughter that Somnos was on the case and I was now wide awake. It was now just 2.01 am.                                                                                                                                I refused to show any disappointment or anger so I just signed onto the computer and started on the mail. By 3.15 am I couldn’t stop myself yawning and as I  got up to date on the mail decided to go sit in my chair in the lounge and see if I could sneak a little more sleep in. I couldn’t but at least I couldn’t sense the presence of the gods. By 3.30 am I was back at work which was still trickling in. At 4.15 am I lay down on my bed, pleased the mail box was empty. I closed my eyes and woke up at 5.00 am refreshed.  Time for my meds and some breakfast, Rice Krispies today since I don’t want to hide another tub of butter in my moustache.

I return complete with coffee at 5.35 am and pick off the odd email whilst waiting for the onslought of the daily notifications. It started at 6.05 am and grew and grew. I was thinking I’d never leave this room today but of course I did the moment Homes Under the Hammer was due on. That was the time Joey decided I was worth talking to at last.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       At 11.00 am I came back and started again. This time I made real progress and cleared the last one at 11.55 am in time to do lunch. One noticeable thing was that there had been no sign of the postman up to that time but I suppose I could have missed him as the weather was foul out there and for a while I was concentrating on the TV screen to try and hear what was being said. I just got yup to walk to the kitchen when there was a knock at the door which made me jump about three feet in the air. The delivery of some green baize to cover the card table.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Lunch was pleasant and uneventful. I left a lot but it was meant to feed two so that was expected.  I watched Bargain Hunt and saw it to the end but did manage to nod off in the chair after that. Even half an hour perks you up  so I was twice as perky as that. I came back through to leave feedback and to deal with more mail. I’m glad some parts of the world must be asleep now. I’ve decided that I should ask that people who want to write do so between 12.00 and 12.02 am BST and if they can’t manage that not to bother. I’m sure I’d cope fine then.

At 5.00 pm I went back to the lounge. Dil had sent a text to say he was running late and would be there between 5.00 – 5.15 pm. I prepared his cup and put the TV on ready for our quiz. He was there in time for the start. We watched that and then out came the games table and the Yahtzee. In the first game Dil won three on the trot and I won the next three. There was no chance he’d want to leave it a draw so we started a new game.  One of the gods must have felt they owed me a favour as I won the first 5 of the 6 games and I’d had Yahtzees in 4 of the games, one even having 4 Yahtzee and a score of over 600. Dil tore up the score sheets at the end smaller than confetti so no-one could see them.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             We moved on to Trivial Pursuit. We both managed to get 5 of our segments pretty quickly but struggled to get the last. I achieved it first then Dil a few goes later. Then it was a struggle to land in the middle though when I did he asked me a sports question knowing I’d blow it. As it was approaching his time to go, when he reached the middle I asked a  reasonable question which he answered. At least now I was sure he wouldn’t kick a cat on the way out now. Honours more or less even again.                                              I had a quick tidy up then washed the pots. I took my evening meds and went through to close Joey’s cage door and wish him goodnight. It was time to come through and catch up on my mail and write the blog. No problem, I reckon another 11.30 pm bedtime but I’m not sure I’ll read tonight.

I’ll take a running jump I think.

You watching Mum in case I whiz past?

Thursday 19th November.

I slept until 4.07 am today from about 12.30 am. Not too shabby for a change. My snoring obviously didn’t disturb Joey and his occasional chirp didn’t disturb me. Though I must add that it’s funny, the past twice I’ve slept in my chair,Joey hasn’t come out of his cage early on but has stayed in a little fluff ball, head down, asleep. I paid my morning visit to the Piddle Palace and then came through to the bedroom to sign on. As with most days there was plenty of your post to keep me going but today I only did half so I could break off at 5.00 am for meds and breakfast. Cornflakes today, heck I’m so health conscious.                                                                                                                           After that I made a coffee to bring back and start the second half. A few more had trickles in but I wasn’t worried. I was making some progress when at 6.10 am the deluge started. Over 100 messages in about five minutes. I started working in earnest ( a little village in the back of beyond) but by the time I finished at 8.40 am I was workimg on answers to the ones I’d just done.

I went through to the lounge to open the cage door for Joey. He looked at me as if to say ” Shhhh, budgie sleeping” then curled his head back under his wing and ignored me. I sat down and had a cigarette trying not to disturb him. As soon as the cigarette was out I went to put my shoes on and my coat then headed for Pauline’s. I needed bread and milk as well as the lottery tickets. I left a note on the door just in case any parcels came while I was out. They didn’t.                                                                                              Back at home I unpacked in the kitchen. I told Joey I’d be back in time to watch TV with him then came through to answer the next set of mail. My wonderful friend in Australia had written her usual comic responses to my emails to  her. That kept me going for a while. In fact just long enough for ‘Homes’ to start.                                                      After my programme was over I was well behaved and returned to work without complaint. No audible ones anyway. I knew I had only to work for three quarters of an hour and I’d be off again, this time to prepare lunch. I peeled sweet potatoes, set the sausages going on the grill (or under it if you prefer) and opened a tin of veg. In the very last minute I made myself some onion gravy and I was set. It was wonderful.

I came back through at 1.00 pm with the intention of staying here until 5.15 pm but was rewarded when my hard work meant an empty box at 4.45 pm instead so I got some Flog It. The only time I made appearance in front of my desk was from 6.00 – 6.30 pm because after that I had an antique show, The Big Bang Theory and The Last Kingdom. Once 10.00 pm and I stopped swinging my seax (no that’s not a dirty word) at the Danes (sorry Birgit, you know I love you) I came back to my room. I didn’t know what time Mike would arrive tonight so there was no point in staying up. I might as well work till he got here which as it happened was 10.30 pm. I made his coffee  and had a quickish chat with him before coming back to finish off the right side of midnight.

Oh, there was one thing I wanted to share with you all tonight…

Five weeks tomorrow is Christmas Day !!!! But less than that when you get to read it. he he

Advert. Stuck for gift ideas?  Ebay is full of them. I was looking for a personalised box the other day and came across this gem

A brilliant personalised gift.   Number  371469034697

Filled with a variety of teabags or maybe sweets this could be a very special gift. Check the size of the sections first as there are others specifically for teabags.                              P.S. I understand you don’t have to have a friend called Samantha, he he.

Friday 20th November.

Lights out about 12.40 am, I was ready to sleep. Up again at 2.21 am but not ready to wake. I nipped to the loo and saw Mike was still on his tablet. It seems like me he’d been to sleep and the woken. He couldn’t get back to sleep though and was waiting for sleep to come and drop  the tablet from his hangs. After my loo  visit I went back to my room and took up the book again for a short while, about a cigarette’s worth. I turned the light off again and slept. Up again at 3.33 am  but this time I knew I was awake. I went through to check on Mike and at last he’d fallen asleep again. Great, I couldn’t cope with the two of us wandering around and bumping into each other. I may be awake but I’m not sure I’m sociable.

I opened my email on the computer and there were enough to keep me going until 4.51 am. I had a cigarette then went through to the kitchen to take my meds and to prepare my pillboxes for next week. That’s my boxes for pills and not machine gun nests. I returned coffee in hand about 6.40 am and just took my time with the emails that trickled in. At 6.10 am the flood started when all the daily notifications from WordPress posts were sent to me.. As I worked I watched the numbers jump,23, 49, 67, 93 until finally they started responding to my work and coming down. It was 9.20 am before I managed to get clear and release Joey from his confinement. ( no , he wasn’t having a baby).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           After a major struggle with his alarm clock and with me bringing him coffee, Mike got up around the same time as I went through to the lounge and joined me. He was really pushing his luck as he had an appointment in Manchester at 11.30 am and he was still sitting with me at 9.55 am. I’m not sure how he did it but he left the house at 10.05 am. He has a turn of speed Superman would be proud of but it’s one I’ll never see on a Saturday morning.                                                                                                                                         After he’d gone I watched Homes Under the Hammer with Joey doing a running commentary in fluent Budgie. Then I came back to my room and started catching up again.

I wasn’t clear until 12.05 pm and had to scoot to get my lunch.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Once lunch was over I fully intended returning to work straight away but somehow I just ended up dreaming about it. I know you’ll find it hard to believe that I could fall asleep in the middle of the day ( cough) but it just happened. If it’s of any comfort I missed the auction part of Bargain Hunt again.                                                                                    The long awaited return didn’t happen until 1.50 pm so to make up for it I did without my early entertainment and waited until my quiz at 5.15 pm. At 6.00 pm when I could have worked I got hooked on a programme about King Arthur which was interesting and left a lot of questions at 7.00 pm it was the Celebrity Antique Road Trip and Mike returned halfway through it and then at 8.00 pm was Mastermind. Such hard work all this viewing.                                                                                                                                        At 8.30 pm I went for a shower and Mike washed my hair for me to save me putting my arms above my head. We both know I’m in a delicate condition today. Then I went back to the lounge, made a sandwich for us and watched Michael Portillo’s train ride through Germany until 1.00 pm when I came back to work. I was pretty sure I’d be in bed before midnight at that time but Mike came and did my legs afterwards and now I’m not so sure. There was a fair bit of post.Still, if you all read a bit faster than I type maybe I’ll make it yet.

Saturday 21st November.

Lights out 12.30 am. Lights on 2.10 am I was having doubts about Somnos’s parentage. After another try I gave up and went to sit in the lounge. I smoked a cigarette for the heat and light as it was freezing last night. I’d have snuggled up to Joey but he was having none of it. I did drop off again and woke at 4.50 am. Now I knew for sure that Somnos worked behind a bar. Saturday, the day I shop early and he allows me to sleep late. I had to have breakfast , take my meds, do all the bins and recycling bags and then try to get Mike up at 6.30 am as well as try to get some mail done. It’s not like the small god doesn’t know that I have a flood of mail at 6.10 am. I don’t know where or when but there will be a reckoning. It’s not even like I’ve refused him any favours recently, mind you, I haven’t done him any either.

I’ll make it easy this week and just tell you the score with Mike was 1C -3A  I would have called him more than once but I was busy. Anyway to be honest, taking first the food waste and main rubbish out and then the recycling bags ensured blasts of cold air right into his bedroom which I’m sure worked better than a call. The three alarms were all it took then. I left him alone while I tried to shift some post but he got dressed and presented himself ready to go out at 7.25 am.                                                                        I had only to throw my coat on and add a dashing flat cap and we were away. Though there were cars with snow on there was no snow on the roads. We got to the supermarket safely. Tatws first and then flowers. I was ready to leave then but Mike suggested some food first. I went to the chocolate aisle. OK, I added some meat and sausages to the mix and even some biscuits, milk , butter and yoghurts. See,you’re surprised now. I bought a couple of nice candles for Christmas too.                                            We sat with a coffee and discussed our next move. It was as cold as ice (cue for a song there) outside but the sun was blazing down in our eyes. We headed for Flint.

We parked up outside Temptations then walked over to Homies and then to B&M (BUM) where we both picked up a couple of things. That went in the car and out came the chocolates for the girls and Kyle. Kyle saw us coming in and mouthed to me  “Usual”, I nodded yes and worked my way to the counter through the puddle of drool Mike was leaving as he spied Sian on the front counter. I paid Kyle, passed over today’s chocolates and picked up the tray of drinks with Mike’s teasted toecake.                                    Once we left there it was the Original Factory Shop next where Mike persuaded me to buy myself some new slippers as it seems my old ones have been disturbing him walking about on their own at night. Mike bought some gloves. Then we went to Poundland for some paintstripper anti-deodorant for Mike. He usually squirts it and applies a naked flame so he can get rid of the five o’clock shadow on his chin and that’s 5.00 am !

We were due to meet up with Yvonne in the afternoon and as yet didn’t know the time so we went home at 11.30 am to unpack the shopping. I had time to hit a bit more mail and at 1.00 pm when we went out I had it just below 100 left. We went to the chip shop in town and as we sat I had a text from Yvonne to say they’d just left Old Colwyn. Fine, allowing them half an hour travel we had time to eat so I texted back, “Meet you outside Homies at 1.40 pm” Mike and I ate and went up to the shop a little early. Note this daughter, UPHILL for two old men gasping for breath, I know this as we were right behind them. I checked my phone which said “Reuben’s gone to sleep, will drive slowly and meet you at 2.00 pm”. With a pair of deep sighs we walked back downhill to go round town . We were just coming out of the pet shop when my phone went again. It was 2.50 pm. “There now, a little early”. I’m bloody positive a feral growl came from my mouth as we walked back up the hill.                                                                 Ugo got Reuben from the car as Yvonne stood there shivering. We ushered her into the shop. It’s a huge shop which is why she wanted to see it. Mike and I bullied Reuben, Yvonne got to look round and Ugo got to nip to the loo nearby.I had Mike’s help to bully Yvonne so that I was able to buy a few things needed for baby to come and managed to fill a basket. I was really pleased. I said she’d pay for that bank transfer !!!!!!

We parted at 3.00 pm and Mike and I came home. I was straight onto the computer until 6.00 pm. Celebrity quiz time followed, Sharpe’s Rifles then Murdoch Mysteries which had quite a heartbreaking ending this time and I greatly appreciated the talent of the acting in those final minutes. After that I was free to return to work to ensure I was post free and blog free before midnight. And I’m going to make it too.

 

 

 

 

 

Feet of Flame & Get Thee Behind Me

Sunday 25th January 2015.

Stop whatever you’re doing right now ( unless it’s reading my blog of course) and give thanks for the munificence, the magnanimity of the lesser god Somnos and his brothers (that I know about ) Porcinus and (My) Brother Jake. Last night it was gone midnight when I posted my blog and I still had some messages to answer. When I finally got to bed it was gone 12.30 am so that it was 1.20 am before my light went out. Sleep did not come easily due to ‘tickle leg syndrome’ which is a name I  just invented for a very annoying condition. But, did the great Somnos get me up at my usual time? NO, in his kindness he allowed me to sleep until 5.24 am, may blessings rain about him. I actually felt as though I’d slept.

By the time I’d done my skip to the loo routine and returned to the bedroom the computer was ready to go. There was a lot of mail ( Yay, for Sunday mornings) but I only had time to respond to two messages before it was antibiotic time. I went through to the kitchen and turned the overhead light on. Such excitement in the tank. I had to watch for a minute before turning on the tank light. The fish had been more or less in the corners but having ‘seen the light’ they flew to the centre of the tank, sat on their tails and waited for the great hatch in the sky to be opened and provide bounty. All except for Big Al who stayed in his corner quietly contemplating whatever fish contemplate. I opened the hatch and to their great joy fed them. It was fun watching them push little pellets about with their noses like footballers dribbling but not much fun if every player has their own ball. I closed the hatch and started to turn away. Big Al turned his head slightly and gave me what seemed a sorrowful look and with a slight shrug he turned back. I could hear the implied sigh even if I couldn’t see a cause. I’m not much of a fish psychologist am I?

I had my sprays then poured some milk and took my antibiotic followed by the morning meds. Adding two sweeteners to the remainder of the milk I used the Tassimo to make a coffee. I think when the latest batch of pods are used up I might revert back to the old style of making hot drinks as I only have the one a day at home. It doesn’t seem worth   occupying the space with a machine now for that. I took my drink back to the bedroom and started work. It’s always a delight on a Sunday morning to look at the comments on the blog. You can’t jut write it an say that’s that. It’s important to know if people enjoy it, if they enjoy the music videos or if they think it’s just inane chatter and I should be doing something better with my time. The odd thing is, I AM doing something better with my time but it’s nowhere near as popular. (Yet)  https://lorddavidprosser1.wordpress.com/

By 9.00 am my eyes were going and I was about to dent my forehead on the edge of my desk. I went to get washed and dressed hoping that would wake me up. It didn’t so I had top admit defeat and sit in the lounge. Wham! I was gone and didn’t resurface until 9.35 am . I returned to work. Perhaps I wasn’t quite as with it as usual but I soon regretted the placement of the K & L on my keyboard. I referred to a fried Jane as Kane and hoped someone had a wonderfuk week which though I’m sure they might have appreciated it, I caught in time. Dammitall, If I can’t, why should they? I just kept ploughing on but by 10.15 am I was still only around the 6 am mark. I heard sounds from Mike’s room and broke off to prepare a coffee.  He strolled into the lounge at 10.30 am and I only had to pour it and carry it through. I used the term stroll but it was more of  disgruntled shuffle really, I swear he begrudged getting up, but he didn’t hold me directly responsible so that was good. Not that it would have helped him, my hands were shaking so much, one wrong word would have earned him a coffee shampoo and this week his son Anton got the clippers so there’s not much hair left to cushion the head.

I stayed with him a few minutes deciding what we were doing today to see if he remembered fish. He did. But there was obviously no rush at all. By the time he’d finished his drink, washed and dressed we weren’t leaving the house until 11.50 am. We decided to lunch in Prestatyn where we’d been before Christmas and earned a 20% off voucher, that way I could look for some greetings cards I needed. All we had to so was keep an eye on the time as the fish shop in Rhyl close at 4.00 pm.

I ound what I needed for now an after going in a couple of other shops looking for car coats for Mike we set off for Rhyl. There was a shop we needed there too to get a container for some plants for Mike. We were successful but now it was nearing 3.00 pm. We burnt rubber, so I got him to take the handbrake off and we left. It was a little more difficult to find the shop from this new direction but we made it. We both trawled the tanks ( fish- trawled- geddit) until aftera while Mike decided on two hoplo catfish like he got me last week. I settled on a 6″ synodontis that looked like a hoplo but which I had to reject when I found out it ate small fish. Instead I found a nice 2″ pepper catfish and a couple of bronze corys. (Like Little Al but lovely colours.)

Pepper Catfish

Bronze Cory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We came home and Mike dropped me off so I could get the fish in while he drove home to get his fish in his tank as soon as possible. I came through to work for 20 minutes while the bag with the fish in adjusted it’s temperature to that of the tank. The amount of work gave me heart failure, my main address had 249 messages waiting. There were 48 on the other after I got rid of duplicates. I managed to do three in 20 minutes then went through and added water from the tank to the bag. Another five or six messages in the next twenty minutes then I went through and released them. They seemed to be fine. Not sure I was though. It was 11.07 when I got to a stage where I was clear (before refreshing) and able to start the blog. It’s been a funny old day again.

 

 

Monday.

Early morning note. I think this is WAR. I finished the blog at 12.10 am , did just two emails of a personal nature and went to bed at 12.25 am. In an effort to confuse the issue I slept in Mike’s bed since he’s not here and most definitely has no trouble with Somnos. It’s dark in there and has no light from a clock as does my room, so when I turned the light off at 1.00 am after a short read, I expected to go to sleep right away. I took a short while to get comfortable  but I don’t think it was too long. When I woke up I felt OK  I came through here via the loo and turned on the computer before noticing the clock. 2.41 am. It’s WAR. But first. I’m going to do a few emails, leave the computer on and try and sneak an extra sleep in my chair in the lounge. I hope to report my success tonight.

I have to report IT WORKED. The computer being on must have fooled him. I did my last email at 4.10 am then casually sneaked away. I slept in my chair until 7.28 am. That’s about a 5 hour night. The only problem with this of course is that I was late for my 6.00 am antibiotic and I was late for the fish. I moved with as much speed as I could muster. Te kitchen light gave cause for a celebration of the dawn and the tank light for enhanced celebration of the new day. The fish were squiggling everywhere with two notable exceptions. The young synodontis had not emerged from their hideaway and Big Al was in a corner with the new Pepper catfish face to face. I don’t know whether they were having a friendly chat or whether there is a regime change on the way. Pepper has the edge on size. I opened the hatch and stuck in some food. Things changed immediately. Morecambe and Wise darted to break some of their flake off rapidly followed by Sharkey who nibbled a good chunk before taking it downstairs to eat. Meanwhile, the only activity downstairs was finding a pellet and keeping it. That meant a few bumped noses, but no fights. I closed the lid and left them to it, just catching the emergence of the synodontis for their share as I turned. As usual my next job was my meds and a coffee to take through.

When I came back through I refreshed my emails and carried on as though there had been no break. Obviously this new batch was quite high but I knew I could whittle it down. I was still whittling at 9.30 am when my phone beeped to say there was a message. It was MuJo about a visit. The snow must have moved from there. I said ” Great, see you later then.” and got half dressed. I left off my shirt/jumper until nearer the time and gave the socks a miss too. I realised I needed to do a batch of washing so put the machine on for an hour and a half cycle. I hope to be able to start the drying before we go out for lunch. Then back to work. There was a message from one of the Freebie sites about some new Gillette razors so I took a chance and entered. I was also offered an Amazon gift card for an amount of £2 and above in exchange for some shopping information. I thought Why Not and started filling in the form. I came to a dead halt when I saw they wanted my phone number and it wasn’t optional. That’s where I stopped and exited from the site. £2 from Amazon isn’t compensation enough for all the annoying phone calls you get when they’ve finished selling your address and phone number on. Mike had charged up and left his smokenosmoke kit for me to try when he left. I sat here taking a few puffs while I went through the rest of the freebies site to see if there was anything else I wanted. It seems a bit strange to be smoking plums.

The washing machine finished before MuJo arrived at 11.10 am so I was able to set it to dry, that’s always pot luck as to which cycle it goes on as I don’t separate the laundry before it goes in. I wonder if Somnos has a brother in charge of washing machine cycles? MuJo arrived and I made drinks then we caught up on what’s been happening in our lives before I made the effort to dress properly. I left the socks and my shoes till last. John suggested the chippie for lunch and neither Muriel nor I objected as it’s been a while so off we went. It was bitter outside with a lazy wind. I was glad I was wearing a thick jumper under my jacket. Even so, I decided it would be a coat day tomorrow. The lunch was very nice but very filling. After we left the cafe to go to a couple of shops I could tell there was a problem. I was on my moped, and I had to keep veering away from people so they didn’t hear anything. Especially the young who already hold enough beliefs about anyone with a grey hair. Yes, I know mine are white but I wasn’t being specific to me. OK? Rather than go inside the shops I stood outside smoking. I’d left my cigarettes and lighter at home but as luck would have it, I was still carrying the cigarillos I’d bought a week ago Saturday, and was carrying a spare lighter.

When we reached the car to head to Flint I was desperately holding myself in check. When we finally arrived I almost stumbled out of the car and was surprised the trapped gas didn’t carry me away. Then the gas became untrapped but MuJo were on the other side of the car by then. I risked a quick trip round Aldi to get some chocolates for my girls at Temptations and things seemed to settle a bit. Muriel got the shopping she needed and we got back in the car and headed for Temptations and our coffee. It was Kyle and Sian on the counter today as Ceri was off. Maybe they’ll save her a chocolate. We enjoyed the drink then went off to get some new swim goggles for Mu as the chlorine in her local pool was bad last week. John an I crossed the square to B & M Bargains ( known as BUM) while Muriel put some stuff in the car. The (actual ) wind was awful, really cold so we were glad to get indoors. Mu joined us and they bought a new single bed quilt while I amazingly bought nothing. We headed for home. John had a drink while Mu went to get their lottery in case the forecasted snow stops them getting out on Wednesday and beyond. The weather is less kind to them in Ty Nant than here on the coast. Because they’d bought frozen food in Flint they were soon on their way home again. As it was 4.15 pm I saw no point i going back to work. I made myself a sandwich for the sake of my tablets then watched the Antiques Road Trip. If I’m to be completely honest here (spoilsports), I watched some of it then woke up at 5.30 pm during the next programme. I came through.

Well, I’ve been here ever since, whittling away again. There were only 163 on one site and about 16 that actually needed answering on the other but it all takes time. I broke off from the mail at 11.05 to do the blog and then if I have chance will go back to the mail until midnight. Anything left can wait for the morning. Let’s go see what today’s music will be.

Tuesday.

I don’t wake up slowly. One moment I’m asleep and the next I’m awake. I think that’s a good thing. I mean it doesn’t make you any brighter as attested to by the number of times I’ve woken and got up half an hour after falling asleep. It can’t actually make you look at a clock. Because I normally sleep either on my back, so sitting up would mean I see the clock or on my right side where a glance gets me the time I’ve figured out that the times I must hiccup must be where my sleeping position changes. As it happens I slept on my left side last night because I’d had a problem getting comfortable, but I did remember to check the clock when I woke. It was 4.40 am. I was awake but it didn’t guarantee my brain was in gear hence the slight confusion at finding I couldn’t get out of bed because there was a wall in my way. Who would have built that overnight and why. A couple of tries was enough to just nudge the gear lever into place and I turned over and got out of bed the proper side. There is one thing to this, at least you can never say I got out of bed the wrong side.

Following my regular trip to the loo I settled down in front of the ‘puter and faced my emails. Time just went nowhere and t seemed moments before I was off to the kitchen for my antibiotic. First off I thought I’d do the fish but before putting their light on I stood watching them for a couple of minutes. There was activity but it wasn’t frenetic, just a very relaxing flow to their movement. The ones I could see most clearly were the two hoplos and Sharkey. I could see Morecambe and Wise but the overhead light didn’t penetrate the tank enough to distinguish which was which. I had to move a bit closer to make out the bronze corys and the two synodontis. The plecs I couldn’t see as their camouflage is too good and they tend to be still. Then I saw Big Al lined up in a corner and right next to him in what seemed perfect companionship was Pepper. I’m beginning to wonder about those two and just hope their parents gave them ‘The Talk’. No wonder I haven’t had any clashes with Big Al for the last couple of days. I was wondering what had been happening to Little Al without his mentor but just then he zipped into view and swam with the bronze corys. Fish obviously hold no prejudices. I flicked the tank light on , there was an air of expectancy so I fed them.

I took my antibiotic and the rest of my meds then made a coffee. I must have been more occupied than I thought as I noticed it was almost 6.30 am. I needed to get dressed. Id solved the problem of indecision by choosing my clothes last night. I’d even got two overcoats out of the wardrobe in case the snow had come early but the ground outside looked fine so I could go in my leather jacket. One washed and dressed I was able to go back to the emails and my coffee.  Twenty past seven came quickly and I hadn’t finished all the mail but it would wait. I got my shoes on, sorted out two bags of gifts I had ready to take, knew I couldn’t manage the third, put my jacket and gloves on, grabbed my crutches and went out the door. I’d made a rod for my own back trying to get uphill to the bus stop laden down with bags. I finally made it, gasping for air as the bus came.Dammit, one minute earlier and he could have picked me up lower down the hill. I settled in my seat and tried to doze to make the journey seem faster.

Getting off the bus one of my crutches slipped and I nearly came a cropper. I composed myself as I stepped down as Yvonne and Reuben were there to greet me. He really seemed excited to see me and he’s really making an effort saying Pops. Yvonne took the bags off me and admonished me for carrying such a weight. It was ten minutes before our cafe opened so we had a wander round one of the shops.I bought some cold pads for my ankle. Then we went for coffee asking Reuben to push the button for the lift which he can’t reach but he pushes at a keyhole and thinks that works. I sat and we put Reuben in a chair next to me while Yvonne went up to order. In the meantime she passed me two bags of birthday gifts to open. The girl who tells me off for carrying weight to her, is giving me as much weight to carry home. There was a cardigan in beautiful browns, some bedding, a box of mint chocolates and an assortment of (big) books. The card from  Reuben carried a picture of him and I on it. We had toast and drinks then Yvonne started going through the bags I’d brought. A duffle coat for Reuben and some chocolate, some beer for Ugo and Irish coffee drink for her with some toiletries, and a jar of good coffee to take on their little holiday next week.

After coffee we had a look round the store we were in. I managed to get about ten items of clothing for Reuben from here and by dint of snatching while she was looking away, a black jumper for Yvonne too. The girl on the till had to tell us to stop squabbling though she meant Yvonne of course. One of the others just said      “You can pay for my shopping if you like.” That spurt of shopping had taken a while so we wandered down the street looking in the odd one until we reached the precinct where I had another coffee before going for the bus. Yvonne had some iced water which I had to keep feeding Reuben sips of.

 

 

 

 

 

They walked me back to the bus stop when Yvonne had a call from the doctor about my leg. There’s a doctor coming out at lunchtime tomorrow. I don’t know why as it’s doing OK. I had to leave them talking as I saw my bus in. A quick kiss each and lots of waves from Reuben and I was aboard preparing to doze again. The journey wasn’t too bad. Wen I got off at this end though I knew I wanted to pee. That blew my plans of getting a nice (healthy) sandwich for my lunch, and also the stop at Pauline’ to pick up a TV magazine and some cigarettes. Instead I was just trying to pick up speed all the way. By the time I reached the front door I was desperate and doing an imitation of Feet of Flame on the doorstep while I got my keys out.  I opened the door threw the shopping bags down , stumbled over them and just made it. I spent a while putting things away and then went to check the emails. It was 1.30 pm.

At 4.30 pm I broke off work at about halfway through to watch Antique Road Trip. I swore I’d stay awake for the auction this time.  I didn’t, and woke up again at 5.30 pm during the next programme. I turned the TV off and returned to work.The break seemed to ave done both me and the computer some good and I flew through the remaining messages. At 7.00 pm I was even brave enough to refresh the screen and to go in and check my second account.Yes, I’m stupid, I admit it. By 8.00 pm I was getting frustrated at the slowness of my screen. Rather than swear at it and have it going off altogether in a sulk, I decided to take another me-time break and watch a little Big Bang Theory. At 9.00 pm the rest seemed to have done the computer some good and it had speeded up for me. Of course more mail had arrived but hey, into every life a little rain a bloody great deluge must fall. I worked till 10.00 pm. took my tablets and worked some more. At 10.50 pm the last message was done ( yes, without refreshing) and I was able to do this blog post.

R.I.P Demis Roussos who died today 27th Jan 2015.

Wednesday.

I got up at 2.38 an and went back to bed at 12.39 am once I’d seen the time properly and let Somnos have his little joke of me having about five minutes worth of sleep. I did manage to drop off again without too much trouble.

Shall we try again. I got up at 3.06 am There seemed to be a bit of a breeze outside and I wondered whether the snow storm might have started. I checked out of the lounge window, not a sign. Still. there’s quite a lot of day to go before I can say the forecasters got it wrong again. To be fair it must be likely now as so many predictions say it’s imminent. After the lounge I went to the bathroom on a bladder call before coming back to boot up.First job was to check my bank and yes my pension was there along with two paltry sums from Amazon for what looks like the sale of a paperback and 3 e-books. I live to eat another day.It’s not exactly going viral is it. lol. I loaded up my mail and checked the lottery while I was waiting. There’s another disappointment. I don’t know who they’re employing but they certainly don’t seem to pull the right numbers out. One out of five numbers they gave me. What good is that?

There was plenty of post this morning so I got my head down and beavered away at it. At 5.55 am there appeared a natural break before a long email so I decided to deal with the kitchen. Big Al and Pepper came across to the front of the tank together. It’s like prisoner and escort. Big Al just doesn’t seem happy but I’m keeping an eye open for any “Help me, I’m being held hostage” messages on the glass. Maybe Pepper really is a lady with a strong personality, ” We’re getting married and that’s that”. Everyone else put in an appearance except the two shy synodontis which are still hiding in their shell and must eat when I’m gone. I fed them and left them all in peace. My tablets were the next job and my sprays, once those were done I could make my drink. I took it through and carried on working until 8.20 am when I was almost up to date. I spent some time getting washed and dressed. To have a break from the screen I sat in the lounge once I was ready. Naturally I fell asleep and only woke at 9.10 am. The wind was howling outside and there seemed to be occasional bursts of hail. I’d better go to Pauline’s while it was still safe. I got what I needed and came home. Back to the computer as more post had come in since I’d been away. That kept me going until midday when I went to take my foodie tablet before lunch. I put an old Jimmy Steward film on the box, Bell, Book and Candle. What an amazing part he played and how well behaved was the heavily manhandled cat Pyewacket. I decided to stay on that channel till it finished and I ate my lunch in front of it.

At 1.00 pm I went back to work for half an hour then came through to wait for the doctor. She arrived at 1.50 pm and after checking the leg decided after another week of these antibiotics I should be OK. I was reminded that should it ever flare up again I must let the surgery know immediately. I asked her if that was likely and was told yes. After she’d gone, put socks and shoes on and walked in the wind up to the chemist’s which in the village is also the Post Office . I handed over the prescription to be dealt with, then to save wasting time, went to take something to the Post Office side . When I’d done there my prescription was ready. Ready to face the wind again I left and came home. I took my right sock off and went back to work straight away, no Father Brown for me today. I worked hard until 4.30 pm and was making great progress but it was time to break off for the Road Trip. That finished at 5.15 pm and it wasn’t worth going  back to work as the guys could be here at any time. I went and prepared their cups after checking there were no texts on my phone cancelling because of a blizzard elsewhere.

It was almost 5.45 pm when Dil and Matt arrived. Not because they’d fought their way through a blizzard but because of road works on the expressway. I made the drinks while they watched the end of Pointless. Out came the table, the Yahtzee, the cards and we were ready to go. There was a text from Lee to say he couldn’t make it and probably not next week either. We started on the Yahtzee. As usual I lost the first game but then a Winter Miracle happened and I won the next four on the trot with multiple Yahtzees. I lost the final game but who cares, I had the overall win- In Yahtzee!! I was so elated we were four hands into Nomination before I realised it and they were four hands where I hadn’t won my call, but both Dil and Matt had. A couple more hands went the same way and it was time to pull up my  socks, or in this case sock. I started a come back until after a hard fought battle I won. Now the knives were out. We started the Crazy 8’s and I was getting, 7’s dropped on me with some regularity, then the accumulative 2’s and 3’s started being dropped on me. From a zero point first hand my score started climbing. Matt was pleased as he was not only chief instigator, he was currently winning.It took all kinds of connivance to get things turned round so that Dil’s score went up tremendously and Matt’s score at least began to approach mine. I couldn’t quite do enough though. We took Dil’s score over the top but Matt and I ended level. He wanted to settle it with Rock, Paper, Scissors but I wouldn’t play unless we added Lizard and Spock like they do on Big Bang Theory.

It was 9.30 pm and the boys had to leave and face the non-blizzard going home. I tidied up, washed the pots and made myself some sandwiches as I’d only eaten once today. Roast beef and raw red onion, wonderful. I ate them while working. I managed to clear the post and do the blog for midnight.

Thursday.

4.46 am today. I was on my left side but my brain accepted I had to turn over and get out of bed that side. That’s over 3 hours of sleep, could it have something to do with sleeping on that side? Trouble is, I could try to go to sleep on that side with no guarantee that I’d still be on that side in the morning. Still it might be worth a try. After a trip to the loo I came back and signed in to find plenty of messages waiting. I started work thinking to myself I never worked this hard when I had a job. But stupidly, I did. At 6.00 am I broke off to see to my antibiotic and the fish. I crept into the kitchen and didn’t turn the overhead light on intending to surprise the fish and see what they were up to or whether they were still in bed. What an idiot. Because it was dark I knocked a bottle over near the tank which then fell on the floor with a clatter and woke the whole street, never mind the fish. When I turned their light on they were flitting back and forth in agitation which is just up the road from Wrexham I think.. Well, most were but not all. I was on the point of covering my eyes with my hand when I realised I have no idea how fish ‘DO IT’ but Pepper was laying on top of Big Al and I think the Big Bang Theory went out the window as the noise hadn’t disturbed them in the least. Am I in at the start of a budding romance or does Big Al just make a suitable pillow?

The other fish calmed down a bit at the sound of my voice and even more at the sound of the hatch. I put food in for them and watched as they all ( correction, nearly all) tried to follow their own bit of food as it floated down through the water. Pepper and Big Al separated ready for breakfast but I couldn’t see my synodontis ( don’t be vulgar madam, it’s a fish). No doubt I’d catch them later.I took my sprays, the antibiotic and my other meds then made a coffee to take back with me. 8.01 am saw me finish the last message on that account and open the second. There were just 5 to deal with on that one after I’d deleted the unimportant and he duplicates. By 8.20 am I was in the lounge watching Frazier. Though not for long If I’m honest as I quickly nodded of to the sound. I slept until 9.07 am theen came through to get dressed before going to Pauline’s for my lottery. I could see there was no snow on the ground though everywhere was wet. When I went out I could see why as there was snow and sleet falling together. No way it was going to stick.

Coming back I was walking into the lazy wind that was pushing the sleet at my face. I was glad to get in again. I checked the forecast on the computer and it says the snow will be falling tonight. Being coastal we may continue to be lucky. I went back to work. Things were steady up till lunch time when I broke off to eat. Then what a shock. The roofs were white and the grassy areas too. It was snowing great big flakes but quite slowly. The paths were quite wet still and nothing was sticking there. While I was making lunch it must have stopped, I didn’t notice. They’re still saying it will be heavy tonight. I enjoyed my lunch of chips in curry sauce, I enjoyed the episode of Murder She Wrote that I saw, I even enjoyed the little Zzzzzzz session I enjoyed straight after the programme albeit for just half an hour.I had three quarters of an hour to work in before Father Brown. I managed that and made good progress because of my guilt. Not that I was guilty enough to work through the programme though. It finished at 3.00 pm and it gave me an hour and a half this time to work before the Antiques Road Trip. I worked so well in this period I was actually up to date five minutes before I needed to be. I had time enough to stroll through nonchalantly.

I enjoyed the programme and managed to stay awake. It finished at 5.15 pm but I got engrossed in the first few minutes of a quiz. My period of absorption was brought to an end when my phone beeped. It was a message from Mike to say he was on his way to me from Manchester. It would take at least an hour so there was chance to get up to date again and be ready to spend some time with him. That’s what I did and at 6.15 pm came through to see to his mug and put the kettle on. I hadn’t eaten my second meal of the day and was eyeing up a chocolate gateau that had followed me home this morning. Little twinges of conscience told me I should wait till Mike arrived and offer him some. Bigger twinges of conscience suggested I offer it all to him. Before I could get consciences foot out of the door and close it, Mike arrived. He as carrying a small parcel. I was making his drink as he brought it through, a meal from the chipshop, and, oh no, extra chips for me. I was sure I was screaming out loud Get thee behind me but in fact it turned out I was buttering bread for a sandwich. My self esteem slumped lower when I had half the gateau anyway. OMG, fat camp next year.

I stayed with Mike a while then came through to catch up before heading back to watch a comedy at 9.00 pm. He was asleep in his chair. I had to wake him as he needs to sleep in bed so I can get him up tomorrow. Come to think of it maybe I should start trying now. At 10.00 pm I came through for the night and suggested Mike went to watch TV in bed. There’s been a series of programmes recently where one story dovetails into the next. I think it’s called Banana and he’s quite interested in it. It’s supposed to offer insight into something he doesn’t understand at all, which is being gay. At least he’s tolerant of an alternative lifestyle and not dismissive. I got to do some more work until 11.00 pm when I stopped to concentrate here.

Friday.

4.45 am today. I was robbed of another minute. That’s still somewhere short of 4 hours again. I’ll either start hallucinating soon or spend an entire day asleep and miss it.  First port of call was the loo to stop my bladder pressing on my heart.. I must learn to drink less in the evenings. Next up was to sign in and see how many messages were waiting.It was less than a hundred and livable with. I made a start. By 6.00 am I had made quite a dent in it and was actually smiling as I went towards the kitchen. I bet that worried the fish. I did the main light first and then the tank light. As I wished them Good Morning Morecambe and Wise both swam to the upper corner nearest me in response to the voice. Sharkey, Big Al, Little Al, the two bronze corys and one of the plecs were swimming in circles directly beneath the food slot. Pepper was in the bottom left corner, back to me as Big Al so often is. Of the other two plecs and my two synodontis there was no sign. I dropped some food in and was going to leave them to it when one plec appeared climbing the glass at the back and the two synodontis both appeared from a direction I hadn’t expected, the large amphora. I was really pleased to see them as I love their markings.

I had  my sprays and took all my meds which emptied my tablet tray so I started to fill it again. I didn’t need the instructions as it’s all second nature now. Once I’d returned my meds drawer I was free to make a coffee. As by now it was approaching 7.00 am there was no point in returning to work yet. I boiled the kettle and made Mike his coffee. He says he wants to be at his father’s at 9.30 am so he can make sure the screed is laid well today.I had to get him up at 7.00 am to accomplish this. I didn’t hear the first alarm though I’m sure it went off ( probably as I boiled the kettle). I however did make sure my voice was loud enough as I called  “Coffee’s up bro. You don’t have time to play with today.” “Why not” he asked. “because you have to get to your Dad’s” I told him. He went back to sleep. The alarm went off twice more and twice more it was turned off. Finally at almost half past I went to remind him his coffee was getting cold. ” I can’t get my legs to work” was the answer. A minute or two later I heard him move to the lounge. Leaving just a few messages in my box I went through to the lounge and joined him. He complained of a terrible night but I’d had no choice about waking him as he wanted to be at his fathers when the workmen came. He drank his coffee, went to get washed and dressed and finally left the house about 8.15 am. I’ve no idea when he’ll be back after the screed has been laid but chances are I’ll have the usual fun getting him up tomorrow to get to his Dad’s for the laying of the flooring.

I came back to work and stayed here on and off all morning. No sign of any snow outside but I still didn’t want to face the day. I tried to clear up a problem getting into Moonpig.com but decided the problem must be at their end. I had an email about an educational tablet for children reduced to £5 but which always went to £10 at the checkout. I sent the company an email and they sent back a code which I was able to use to order one. I’m not expecting Reuben to start spelling yet or do sums, but there’s a song facility which might keep him occupied for a while and might also keep his hands off his mum’s tablet. At 11.35 I broke off ready for lunch. I had sausage with sweet potato mash and onion gravy Mmmm Mmmm.                                                                                                                                                                                                 I watched Jessica Fletcher gt her man or woman in this case and it should have been called Accident She Wrote. Is it too late to ask for my money back under the Trades Description Act? I returned to hard labour straight afterwards and slogged away until 2.15 pm when it was time for Father Brown unfortunately I nodded off in that. I struggled back to work again but did get up to date which was handy as Mike returned from his father’s at 4.15 pm. As he’s going to be away again tomorrow I checked he was taking me shopping this evening. I put shoes and socks on (not necessarily in that order) then watched The Road Trip with Mike.

We were on our way out at 5.20 pm. I didn’t have the courage to shop where we usually go as I knew it would be crowded . Instead we stayed local. I did the bulk of the shopping in Lidl and I must have chosen the right time as it was comparatively empty. The last few items I got from Tesco which again wasn’t too bad but I was very quick. We came straight home, unpacked the shopping, enjoyed another Road Trip then Mastermind. Mike did himself some tea at the start of that. As soon as it was over I went for a shower. Mike did my hair for me as usual then returned to his TV while I, once the shower was over, came back to work. There was just so much of it. The only thought I had to keep me going was that with not shopping tomorrow I shouldn’t get into my usual stress-mess. I stopped doing the post at 11.00 pm or there would have been no time for this post. Anything not done can be dealt with in the morning.

Dead or Alive were a Liverpool group fronted by singer Pete Burns. Here’s how Pete Burns looked after plastic surgery. Think twice folks.

Saturday.

4.06 this morning. Since it wasn’t an early night last night ( after I finished reading ) it’s just possible I’ve upset someone. If so, I don’t recall any dreams last night that would give me a hint. On the other hand it could be the weather that’s done it. Last night there was the sound of hail beating on the roof and carpeting the ground outside, and then the sound of furious rain throughout the night that almost had me coming back to the computer to invest in a boat, Noah’s Ark seemed appropriate. I am quite a light sleeper so sometimes these things disturb me though usually it would only be off key things that would make me get up ( not burglars obviously).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I attacked the mail after paying my usual homage to the gods of water. I thought there was quite a bit but suddenly at about 5.30 am I was done. I refreshed and did he few that came and I also opened my second email address and dealt with that. By 6.00 am I was free to go and face the fish. Face them I did. I turned the kitchen light on, then the tank light and moving slowly put my face against the glass. For a moment or two I just watched the activity but Morecambe soon came zooming towards me. I said Good Morning to her and that brought Wise over and they commenced to wag their tails as I spoke to them. Two of the plecs remained on the floor while the largest was stuck to the glass at the side of the tank. Obviously they’re oblivious to my charms. The two bronze corys were flitting about as usual, just looking for food, that’s all my presence meant to them. The hoplos were in a world of their own just going from floor to surface like divers going for air. Of the two synodontis there was no sign just then. Little Al came into sight from under the bridge where perhaps he’d been taking a nap. Big Al was pointedly ignoring me from the corner he had his head stuck into and Pepper was doing the same from the opposing corner so maybe Big Al and Pepper were ignoring each other and not me. I feel sorry for Pepper as she/he is on his/her own species wise and might be quite sociable if with his/her own kind.I’ll look for another. I fed them.

Tearing myself away from the fish I gave my attention to the morning meds, starting with the antibiotic. I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned how hard I find it to swallow tablets these days but the antibiotics are like huge torpedoes . Mike howls laughing when he watches me because once the tablet is in my mouth I have to psych myself up to swallow it. That seems to involve moving my head back and forth as I seek the opportune moment. He says it’s like watching one of those birds that sip your drink.

So, it’s good that he was still in his bed because today my throat didn’t want to co-operate. It’s nodding bird first, then a group of 5 tablets/capsule that are much smaller I take as one which is less the nodding bird, then come the two painkillers which means nodding bird, nodding bird. Imagine the fun he’d have had.Even worse if I was having breakfast, the first the pre-food is manageable (just) but the two post food ones are also torpedoes so two more nodding birds. No breakfast today though as I need to start getting the rubbish together and the recycling as it’s bin day.I didn’t relish taking the bags out as it was pouring down. Still, I waited until 7.00 am so I could be noisy.

It was a 2A  4C day. I heard the alarm at 7.00 am just before I took his coffee in. He got his first call as I did that. I tried telling him he’s need to dig the car out but it got no reaction. I went to the kitchen to collect the food recycling and on my way out gave my second call to remind him the coffee was going cold. “OK”, he said. I hoped he wouldn’t notice how close together the calls were. I took the recycling outside and put the bags at the end of the path, it had stopped raining at last. As I came beck in I called for the third time and heard the alarm go off for the second time. Surely that would be enough. I went outside to move the main bin to the end of the path and as I came back in could see Mike sitting up, but leaning to the side resting on his elbow. I thought he was looking at his tablet. After I’d washed my hands I noticed he was still in the same position and went in to pick up his dirty mug from last night, The fresh mug hadn’t been touched. He’d gone to sleep again. My fourth call  to say his coffee was cold worked and he got up and took his coffee to the lounge. It’s hard work ensuring he gets out on time.

As I walked into the lounge I was greeted with Queen singing Liar from his phone. He quoted me every song title with lie and liar in he could think of. I just told him the snow had washed away in the time it took him to get up. I’m not sure I convinced him. In the end I managed to get him out of the house at 8.10 am which is worse than most Saturdays but will still get him there in time. It felt very strange not to be going out too. He said he’d see me about 8.00 pm this evening.                                     I got dressed and returned to the mail. It took some concentration on some and I was so involved with one I shot out of my seat at the noise on the window behind me. It took a moment to realise it was my window cleaners at work. I’ve never seen them on a Saturday before. Not that they look any different today, just that I don’t think they work on a Saturday as a rule. Then it became strange because I’m sure they didn’t do every window and they never came round for payment.

At lunchtime I stopped to try a cottage pie from Lidl. It’s smell didn’t do much for me but when I tasted it, it was fine. I put the TV on afterwards but promptly fell asleep the minute the volume came on. Personally I think I’ve been snatched by aliens and brain altered as I’m sure I used to be able to finish a programme. Now I have problems starting one. I was out for an hour and I know it would have been longer if a double glazing salesman hadn’t chosen that moment to ring. If he could have sensed what I was thinking at that moment he wouldn’t have picked up a phone ever again. I worked through doing bits and bobs, checking facebook ( and finding three messages there ) and checking ebay. It kept me going if not busy. But at 5.00 pm I called a halt when I remembered my 2.00 pm tablet. Oops. I took the tablet and also swallowed a pre-food one. After a cigarette I indulged in two Cadbury’s little chocolate steamed puddings with two little servings of chocolate custard. Now I’m telling you this in confidence of course so I don’t want it spreading round. For clarification I will just add I  loved then.

I’d gone through to do a little more work but found that I was keeping pretty much apace so I wasn’t stressed unlike most Saturdays. At 7.30 pm I went back for a break and put the TV on to one of the NCIS shows but must have nodded off and of course Mike chose that moment to walk back in and ask if that’s that’s how I’d spent my day while he was working.Of course I denied it as I could hardly admit that’s just what I had been up to. It was pretty amazing I’d even bothered to get dressed. He was pleased though that the work was pretty much up to date and I’d give him some company. I stayed there till about 10.00 pm and came out to make sure I was clear for doing the blog later. I was really feeling like a sandwich but thought I could do without. After that it was the only thing I could think about. Mike was watching episodes of 100 that he’s missed or I’d have gone through to try and take my mind of it. In the end I had to admit defeat and make myself a corned beef and beetroot sandwich and eat it in front of Mike probably making him hungry again too. Having eaten a small bread and butter pudding when he came in, he didn’t dare admit to it though. I came back through having washed up and started the blog as it was now gone 11.00 pm.

I wish you all a Wonderful new week and a Fantastic New Month.

 

 

The Doctor. Who? Appears and Hugging Visitation.

Sunday 4th January 2015

It was a 3.28 am start this morning which was just as well since there had been a fair amount of activity by the scribes overnight. I was quite happy plodding along bringing the numbers down until I realised that they were all being replaced at the same rate so I had to up my pace. My Sunday morning body and brain weren’t keen on this idea and made me feel tired. I decided I’d lie down for a while once the fish were seen to at 7.00 am but it seems Somnos had other ideas. I’d been through and faced some kind of lecture from Big Al. The other fish carried on with what they were doing but Al parked himself at the front of the tank and mouthed off at me. It’s his own fault if the food landed on his head when I opened the flap. Oddly enough, just as the food hit, Big All jumped like he’d been shocked and I swear I caught a glimpse of Porcinus rushing off on his tatty cloven little tootsies.

I took my meds ( maybe they’ll clear up the visions) and made myself a coffee which I took through  to the lounge. I often have more luck nodding off there than in bed. I was trying to nod off but every time I shut my eyes the sight of a young child, a baby almost in a formal 3 piece suit appeared behind my eyelids. He was smoking a cigar which you just knew had last been touched by a dusky maiden as she rolled the tobacco on her thigh (sigh) and he was enjoying every draw. I tried to open my eyelids to banish the sight but he just clicked his pudgy little fingers and they stayed shut. I was sort of getting an idea who this was but why should a god of lovers and wishes be dressed like some mafia lawyer, and what could he want with me? The answer was forthcoming as he spoke in a Texas drawl with a baby’s voice. It sounded a bit like an accident with the helium. The party of the first part (Somnos) wanted his contract fulfilled ( I said he looked like a lawyer) and he , an interested party in this contract expected to see it expurgated forthwith or even fifthwith.( Lawyers humour there).  He had some growing to do and was anxious to start. “Oh, and by the way, as  I’m the god of lovers” he said, “make sure you paint my image with lots of pastel colours.” While I was still trying to work that one out, he vanished.

I decided to go back to work for a while and catch up on anything new in . I was obviously delirious. At 9.05 am though a wave of tiredness came over me and I did one last message then lay on the bed and was gone. Next thing I know I hear the loo flush. I came awake with a start and went through to the lounge. Mike was up and drinking a coffee he’d made himself ( and I’m sure I never showed him how). It was 9.30 am. I asked how long he’d been up and he told me since 9.15 am. He’d seen my light on and stuck his head in. According to Mike I was laying on my back, mouth wide open and snoring like mad. I was an idle beggar still being in bed at that time.

We really took our time getting ready and it must have been 11.00 am before we were on our way out. We headed for Prestatyn where I got a plumbing pack with a radiator key in it. Considering I’d gone into the £ shop just for that I came out £9 lighter. From there we headed for Rhyl and after parking up on the street and finding it had gone midday we went for lunch to a place all locals call the Red Caff on account of the internal colour scheme and red plastic seating. It was OK. After that we had a general mooch looking for a case for a 10″ tablet and finding another pack of radiator keys for me. We ha a look round a store looking for a car coat for Mike without success but I fell in love with a jacket down from £75 to £30 in the sale. No I didn’t, I behaved. Last stop of the day was the aquarist shop where Ju and I used to buy a lot of our fish and our tanks. I got my Pangasius called Zippy from there. Today Mike saw a couple of fish he wanted for his tank and I saw some synodontis I couldn’t resist but I only bought two as it’s almost my birthday and I’ve been promised fish then. Anyone who knows fish will have seen a pattern emerging here. I just adore catfish.

Aren’t I beautiful.

We shot off home so I could start preparing them for the tank, 20 minute in their bag in the tank water, 20 minutes with some tank water added to the bag and then gently release them. Mike loaded the car, strapped his fish into the front seat and set off for Rugby to do the same with his fishy friends. It was just 3.40 pm so I was set for the first 20 minute stage. I started to work since I’d been away from my screen for almost 7 hours. There was just so much of it. At 4.00 pm I went through and added some tank water to the bag to acclimatise my new pals and then went back to work. I remember seeing 4.15 pm then nothing.  at 5.05 pm I woke up.I knew I’d been to sleep as the imprint of the keyboard was in reverse on the palm of my hand. Fortunately my forehead had been resting on my arm. The screen was just filled with pages of capital G’s.  OMG, the fish! I dashed through and released them. They were fine of course just having had longer to adjust than usual. I returned to my screen and started deleting all the G’s so I could get back to where I’d left off. Thank heavens I hadn’t sent it to someone. I wasn’t sure if the sleep was a present, a punishment or just a reminder from Somnos so to cover myself here is my promotion.

Fed up with your old household gods? Need a new breed for the New Year? Say hello to the bright young things of today who can serve you for tomorrow too. Start saying your prayers to the leader of the new Pantheon, Somnos. Offspring of an older god and who knows what, Somnos is the bright star in the heavens and can turn his hand to anything. A young master of life’s mysteries.  Give it up for his brothers, young Porcinus who is god of household and not so household animals and Brother Jake who though the youngest is still a bit of a bright spark. Apart from being responsible for lovers he is also responsible for wishes.Not worth asking for Lottery Numbers he tells me, the elder gods have that tied up for years.

I had to take a half hour break to get something for tea as I’d only had one set of tablets today but after that it was right back nose to the grindstone ( it’s OK my beak can afford it). I’m making real headway now and hope to be in bed by midnight.

Monday.

Negotiation can obviously be rewarding. I was allowed until 4.47 am this morning. It was a bit of a blow to find no-one had arranged for their to be no post during the extra period so I could wake up relaxed but I suppose it’s my own fault for not getting the i’s dotted and t’s crossed. I’ll know for the future and squeeze harder than a lemon press. Once I’d come back from the loo and switched on I’d been disappointed but what the heck, I had time. I worked till 7.00 am and went through to the kitchen. I had to be quiet, my new catfish are very small and quite shy often hiding away during the daylight hours. I turned the light on and there they were enjoying the extra space in this tank. Where the others came flying over when the food was in they didn’t of course but I’m sure they’ll soon learn. That’s if Sharkey behaves anyway and he certainly wasn’t this morning. He was trying to chase everyone away from the food and even managed to startle Big Al this morning. It couldn’t happen often though as nothing can move the tank that Big Al is. He seemed in better humour today and didn’t even glance in my direction. That could be a bit worrying as though an event is due to happen and he’s distancing himself from it for when he secret police arrive…..and that’s despite the fact he probably orchestrated the whole thing. I may need a word with Porcinus to see if fish come under his purview.

I watched for long enough to see my two synodontis disappear inside an upturned ship and stay there. I decided there and then whatever I have for my birthday will be bigger…too big for holes like that. Maybe too big for Sharkey too. A couple of real battleships. I took my meds to get me down from this high and mad myself  coffee to take back. I couldn’t be bothered getting dressed as I wasn’t going anywhere. By about 9.45 am I was happy with what I’d done and where I was so took a few minutes to head to the lounge and my chair. The first thing I aw was my repeat prescription request from Friday. Damn. I had to get dressed after all. It was such a pain getting a tiny sock on this big fat leg that when I was dressed I slipped a pair of summer deck shoes on. Even that was a small problem but I managed it and getting my jacket and crutches went out, locking the door behind me. I had to manage like Long John Silver, just putting one foot to the floor and swinging along on the crutches. It works well but is tiring.I got there and back without problems. Back inside I slipped off the shoes and put my slippers on and dealt with the actual mail from the postman.

Back to work. Still not too much in but enough to keep me going until lunchtime. I broke off at 11.45 am to start lunch and then found a Time Team to watch while I ate my shepherd’s pie followed by chocolate cake. At 1.00 pm I went back to work until 2.15 pm when the new series of Father Brown started. I have vague recollections of having enjoyed the books as a child and wanted to see what they were like. Not bad really. Then back to face the afternoon rush until 6.00 pm when I had Eggheads.( no, not personally, it’s a programme not a disease). After that I just had to shut my eyes as they were closing anyway and I stayed that way for 35 minutes before coming back through. Since then it’s been a slight struggle to keep up to date because certain personal messages I save till this end of the day to deal with and sometimes they’re long. But, I shall manage an early  night I hope as I want to see my beautiful daughter and my grandson tomorrow. She’s threatening the doctor on Thursday.

Tuesday.

I had a 2.51 am start this morning. That’s approximately two and a quarter hours sleep if I slept the minute I turned the light off. I didn’t. Whatever AC Flory says,I’m not prepared to go down the photograph of a chocolate cake yet. And don’t even suggest prayer, I already feel preyed upon. Maybe I should have had a closer look at the small print in the contract. My leg was painful when I put it down so I hopped to the loo, reminded myself I’d made a mistake buying the Loo purple instead of the Loo Bloo, resolved to correct my error, and hopped back. There was quite a lot of mail to be dealt with and I’m currently open to suggestions as to how to cut it down. At 6.00 am I’d reached the end of the main ones and also of my tether. I felt tired.  I needed something to brighten me but the buses weren’t running yet and my daughter wouldn’t be up. I settled for second best and went through to the kitchen. When the lights went on I was delighted to be able to see the new fish flitting back and forth. They have real speed and really are beautiful with their streamlined moustaches.

Morecambe and Wise came to the top to await their flake and most of the others moved into position ready for the pellets. Sharkey was being very annoying and I had o speak sharply to him but as usual I was ignored. Big Al was a worry though. No insults, no tellings off, no glaring. He sat towards he back of the tank , little gimlet eyes as wide as they’d go and looked shell shocked. I have no idea what- or who- happened to him. I did in fact feel rather sorry for him as I think he’s getting old now and I’m sure the synodontis won’t be interested in his lectures. I get the feeling they’re all rap and hip-hop. After watching the activity for a few minutes I fed them and left them to eat in peace. I did see Big Al move towards the food area before turning away. I took my sprays then put milk in my mug and took the tablets, leaving enough milk for my coffee. I sat and drank that in the lounge and considered shutting my eyes but was afraid of missing the bus.

I washed the  now empty mug, picked up the gifts for Yvonne, Ugo and Reuben, switched the lights off and headed back to my bedroom. I got washed and dressed and started on the lesser messages and notifications until 7020 am when it was time to get my shoes on and prepare to leave. I allowed time in case I had problems finding the right shoes. At the moment I could do with a pair belonging to a clown though I dare say Mike would say I already have. I left the house at 7.30 am and started walking toward the bus stop. It started raining and then the bus went right past me. So that was the way the day was going to be. I reached the bust stop and climbed aboard. The driver, my regular, said “If I’d known it was raining I’d have stopped for you back there.” Luckily I hadn’t quite got my breath back so just said “Thanks.” On the bus Yvonne sent me a text to ask if I was coming and let me know she was waiting for young sleepyhead to wake up. That’s a first. I just sent a text saying I was on the bus.

When I got to Chester I saw Yvonne pushing the trolley out of a shop towards me. The plastic cover was down because of the rain and she was just telling me that Reuben wasn’t very well when he started smiling and pointing at me. I guess I had something stuck in my teeth. The joy didn’t last long and tears accompanied the siren as we walked round the first shop. It improved a bit when he was given a book to read and we headed for the coffee shop in the next place. Yvonne fed Roobs his breakfast which he took well. He did feel a little warm. She passed him the books I’d bought while she checked out the other gifts and loved the cardie and little jacket I’d got him. While we were having coffee she told me that Ugo is having Reuben confirmed in Church soon.  I just nodded as this is their child and my opinions won’t count on this subject. But, I always thought a confirmation followed a Christening/Baptism and was for the subject to agree to follow the life of discipleship? As far as I know he hasn’t been baptised or if he has I wasn’t invited ( probably for good reason) and I’d say since he can’t talk yet, he’s far too young to be making any commitments. As I say , it’s their business, their choice but for me, I’d much rather this kind of malarkey was left until a child is old enough to know what they’re doing and can make an informed choice. Some people seem to need the community of a church but it’s not for everyone. CORRECTION. with apologies, I’m now innformed it’s a dedication and not a confirmation. This just welcomes him into the church and his parents and god parents attend to confirm they’ll teach him about god.Personally I’d rather he was just tauiught about people and how he should treat them. How he should protect the vulnerable regardless of race, colour,culture or creed.Humanity is One  and we need to work together without divisions to learn tolerance. Rant Over.

We left the coffee house and headed for another shop but Reuben was obviously very unhappy. Neither books nor looking at his favourite toys would stop the siren in my ear. I suggested as it was 11.30 am Yvonne should take him home. Se said once we finished this last shop she’d do that and cool him off and let him sleep if he needs it. Lucky for me, this last shop was close to my bus stop and there was a bus due at noon. We said our goodbyes and she apologised. There was no need. I knew she needed to settle Reuben down and be happy that he’s OK. As for me, I get home an hour early and can start work again that much sooner. I’d have been out almost 6 hours by then.

When I got off the bus I dropped into Pauline’s for some supplies and my next TV mag. I found some chips in a mild and fruity curry sauce which I decided to have for lunch. It was lovely.I had bread and butter to make sure I lost none of the sauce. I did half an hour’s work then skipped off to watch an episode of Father Brown again. When that was over I piled into the work like a madman. After a while I must have looked like one too as I kept yawning so my eye were watery, they kept closing in an attempt to grab an after-food sleep and my head looked like either a nodding dog or one of those Ostrich things that used to dip their beaks in your drink. It got to the stage I had no idea what I was doing so I allowed it to happen. When I woke 25 minutes later all I had was a stiff neck. By 7.50 am I’d finally caught up and had an hour with the TV watching a celebrity quiz show for charity. They put up a good show but didn’t win.

9.00 pm meant back in here again and another session of catch up before I was able to start the blog. I will be in bed for midnight.

I keep seeing an advert on TV which has someone driving an elephant like a car. The tune keeps popping into my head so tonight I’m going to play it on here an hope it gets out of my head completely. Sorry about that, I hope no-one catches it.

Wednesday.

I made my midnight bedtime last might- just. I couldn’t cope with reading for very long and so the light was out by a quarter past. Sleep came quickly, and having delighted me with whatever dream left me smiling, it left just as quickly as well, at 2.38 am. You know at the time if you’ll get away with just snuggling back under the covers or whether you’re really awake and ready to create a new formula for world peace. I swear the powers that be keep sending the wrong people to do that job. Anyway, once up I did the Olympic Hop to the loo and the Olympic hop back afterwards. Times almost took a turn for the worse when the first hop was taken on the wrong leg. If anyone asks later whether I heard that strange sound I’ll just say no, what strange sound? I settled in my seat and turned the computer on. Straight away I wished I’d taken the other option which was packing my hankie and running away to parts unknown with no computer access. Actually I suppose I could just go camping up the road and have that happen. Warmer climes appealed but where? It has to be somewhere that isn’t trying to kill me from the moment I arrive via snake, spider or even mosquito. One of the South Sea Islands maybe. While waiting for my  ticket to arrive I might as well do some work.

First job is to check my lottery ticket. I know things are looking grim when I see it’s a further rollover. Grimmer still when I see that damned machine didn’t even give  me one number let alone the Millionaire Maker code. Ah well ( big sigh) maybe the weekend. I worked until 6.00 am and cleared both talktalk and gmail addresses. In celebration I decided to feed the fish a bit early again. I turned the kitchen light on followed by the tank light. Big Al blinked and as I opened the hatch he flew over and stationed himself underneath. No-one was getting food before him today. I dropped in some pellets. He wiggled his moustache, perhaps in thanks and tried to pick up one of the pellets whole. Others came to join him now including Sharkey who was trying to grub for food and chase everyone else off at the same time. The was no sign of my little synodontii though.( my guess for the plural as synodontisses doesn’t quite have the same ring), they were having a lie-in it seemed until suddenly I spotted a head moving about on the underside of the pump. Of course, these are often known as upside down catfish. I replaced the flap and left them to it.

I decided to have breakfast today so the first thing i to take a pre-food tablet then mess around for 15 minutes before eating.  I had my sprays then took half my tablets and lit a cigarette. Then I took the rest of the tablets, took an empty plastic bottle to the recycling bags, took a book to the bookshelves in Mike’s room before returning to the kitchen to put some bread in the toaster, put my cigarette out and made a coffee. I got the butter and a knife out and a plate to hold the toast which soon signified it was ready by shooting a couple of inches in the air. As soon as breakfast was eaten it was time for the post-food tablets and I returned to work. Only about ten piece of post which were soon dealt with so it was time for 40 winks in the lounge with my foot up.I slept for an hour and found I’d been reading at the same time, or at least turning the pages of my book without taking anything in. To be honest, I wasn’t taking in much when I was awake either. This book hasn’t gripped me yet. That could be because there are a couple of books in my pile that I really want to get to grips with one of which is a John Grisham.

I returned to work and found a message telling me a doctor would be coming out today. If it’s my own doctor it will probably be after lunch. That was fine, I sent a message back thanking Yvonne only to get another requesting I let her know everything the doctor says and not just the finer points. She’s most untrusting. I grabbed some carpet fresh for the hall and then hoovered the lounge and lit a febreeze candle to overcome (?) any smoke smells but I should be OK as I’m never in there long enough to smoke much. After my mini work-a-thon the postman arrived bringing with him a request to write to one of the House of Lords about the Dignity in Death bill due later this month. I did that with pleasure. One piece of mail from my Causes group was from  Portugal asking for some computer equipment for a Breast Cancer Support Group. It seemed little enough to ask for so I did a small blogpost on it.I’m hoping as people spread it, maybe it will just hit the right person who can donate the equipment needed. I’m not sure it’s something one individual can do unless they have the money to donate for buying fromnew. But there may be a firm out there who could sponsor such a cause and if so, I’m sure one of my friends will know. Otherwise I may have to see if the request can be given to one of the larger computer manufacturing companies. Any bright ideas would be welcomed.

I worked up until midday but didn’t eat in case the doctor came. I watched my antique show and made every effort to stay awake. Eventually at 1.45 pm I saw my doctor approach. I stayed where I was as she let herself in and came through. Out of manners I raised off my seat but she waved me down. he spent a few seconds playing with my upper leg to see if there was any pain ( no, but there was pleasure) in case there was a blood clot. Instead it appears I have cellulitis which is a deep infection of the soft tissue, usually strep. It started like gout but has stayed hot and swollen for far too long. To cut a long story short, I have to look out for other problems which might result in hospitalisation, but otherwise four to five weeks of antibiotics should do the trick. Next week we have to phone and describe the foot/leg to see if the swelling has gone down. If so, she’ll prescribe the next batch of antibiotics, if not she’ll come out to assess it again. At least my body temp and my blood pressure were good. She left me a prescription when I assure her I had someone to get it then she left. I put socks and shoes on an went out to pick it up. You might know there was none at the chemist but it was due in so they’d deliver it later. I went home again. I reported to the boss and she let me know poor Reuben’s problem on Tuesday was Hand, Foot and Mouth disease which I’ve never heard of before now. Poor little mite has a rash.

Back at work I tried sitting sideways on to the computer and stick my leg up on the bed. That was very uncomfortable so I had to make do with the floor. I worked until 4.30 pm them went to watch the Antiques Road Trip which I missed when they took it off over Christmas. After that I sorted the mugs ready for the appearance of Dil and Matt. I’d just sat down again and lit a cigarette when they walked in so I had to ‘Hop It’ again and make the drinks. As usual we watched the end of a quiz before getting the games table out. Yahtzee first which was a resounding victory for Dil tonight. Matt  and I won just one each of the six games. We were going for Nomination next but delayed it to play the new game I got for Christmas. It seems everyone likes it despite us teasing Yvonne about buying it for her old dad. Matt won that and had a really good laugh at the same time. Then we played the Nomination whist. Things were going really well for me, I was well over 100 when Dil was just under 100 and Matt was struggling in the forties. As things carried on Dil won a few, I lost a few and Matt more or less stayed put. The poor lad could not win a break. It looked like this was going to be my game though even though Dil edged nearer. Then the last hand Matt shouted 4 and got them, Dil shouted 2 and got them and I shouted 3 and got 4. Dil and I were even so I was even deprived of a game in my own house by my guests.

They left at 9.35 pm and after clearing up, washing up and taking the night meds I came through. There were over 120 messages of which I only managed half before giving up to deal with the blog. The rest will have to wait for morning if I want to get to bed tonight.

Thursday.

It’s been a funny old day. I got up at 4.13 pm, almost luxuriously late and after the long haul one legged to the loo I came back prepared to face the hell on the computer. I didn’t, it was way worse than that. There were 87 pieces of yesterdays post to deal with before I got to today’s stuff. Have you people nothing better to do with your time? What made it worse for me was that most of it was interesting so I couldn’t be smug and just delete it. There were no attempts to part me from my money either so I can’t even try and entertain you.

Given the way my days are the best way I’ve been able to break down times to toke these new antibiotics are 6.00 am, 11.00 am, 4.00 pm and 9.00 pm or thereabouts. So 6.00 am saw me creeping into the kitchen so I didn’t disturb the fish (??? lunatic) and then creeping out again capsule in hand to take it from my drink in the bedroom. At 7.00 am I went back to the kitchen turning the lights on at the wall and at the tank too and chatting to the fish as I dropped food in for them. Big Al was boycotting me, Little Al was dithering between that and missing the food. Sharkey was his annoying self. Morecambe and Wise came for a chat as they like the timbre of my voice ( or is it timber as it’s wooden?) The plecs were happy climbing walls as usual but of my two new friends there was just an occasional glimpse as they darted from hiding place to hiding place. By 9.00 am I was up to date with last night’s post but decided to get dressed before doing any more. Needing a break I sat in the lounge for what I thought was a minute but in fact turned out to be 11.40 am. OMG, I’ve been abducted by aliens, but perhaps not as I hadn’t unlocked the front door this morning. I quickly checked my phone in case Lis and Charlie had been in touch about a visit but even though my phone was for once fully charged, there were no messages.

I hadn’t put socks on today but had to quickly slip some soft shoes on and go for bread so I could have lunch. I’d decided upon bacon with chips and bread with butter. That was very enjoyable and was over and done with by 1.00 pm. Time to stop skiving and get some work done. It was almost as bad as at the start of the day and I now have my proof that neither you nor I can find anything better to do. At 3.30 pm Mike sent a text to say he was on the way to me so I expect between 5.30 – 6.00 pm and then Lis sent a text at about 3.45 pm to say they’d be here about 4.30 – 5.00 pm.  I ceased work at 4.30 pm to be ready ( and also to see my antiques show I admit) and they arrived at 4.45 pm. Hugs and kisses all round thoroughly enjoyed by me, so much so I went back for seconds but they beat me off. I got to hear all about Christmas and the New Year and Charlie had made me some dark chocolate gingers. Mmmm. They had to leave at 5.35 pm and not because I couldn’t keep my hands to myself. More hugs and kisses ensued. YAY. I finished watching one quiz and started watching another. Mike arrived about 6.15 pm after some annoying and typically expensive car troubles. We sat and chatted after I’d made a drink then watched an episode of Big Bang.

I made us both some tea an hour after my last antibiotic and then stayed with Mike a while until it was time to come to work. He’s watched an episode of Endeavour, the young Inspector Morse. I’m finally up to date (for now) but will check again once this post is finished. Who knows, I might make it by midnight again.

This song is a recommendation by my nephew Matt. I found myself enjoying it.

Friday.

This morning was a joyous 5.12 am, but only because I threw a real strop at at 2.08 am. Admittedly I enjoyed a cigarette at that time and made sure my rant lasted long enough but I absolutely refused to get up at that time again. I put my foot down with a very firm hand. The deal was off if I was going to be treated in such a cavalier fashion was rapidly followed by begging “Please let me have an extra couple of hours and I’ll mention all three of you tonight”. So, to show that I haven’t broken faith, allow me to reintroduce the Great and Uppity Somnos, his mediocre, but animal, loving ( and smelling)  brother Porcinus and the almost nonentity Brother Jake. Follow them at your peril, admire them if you must but be sure to go through any contracts with a fine tooth comb.

The mail first thing wasn’t too bad after I’d caught up a little more before bedtime last night. It was still 1.00 am before my light went out though. I remembered to break off for my 6.00 am antibiotic. Talking of which. To remind me when to take them i’d written on the box, 6.11.4.9. When Mike came into the kitchen ( don’t be daft.it was never going to happen at that time this morning) last night he asked me why I’d written it and when I explained he said “Don’t you realise, you’ve written my birthday.” I don’t know how I hadn’t seen it. Plus it was confirmation that he admits to being 14 months older than me. I returned to work after the pill and carried on until 7.00 am.

Big Al had the weight of the world on his shoulders this morning. He was mooching round the front of the tank and kept throwing glances at me. I’m not sure If I was supposed to feel sorry for him. I decided to let them have one of the algae tablets this morning so after giving Morecambe and Wise their flake, I broke a tablet up and scattered it. Big Al latched his mouth on to the biggest piece as it hit the bottom leaving everyone else top find their own much smaller pieces. I’m not sure if it’s a perk of size or seniority. I left them gobbling and turned to take my own meds and prepare my drink. Once that was done and my tablets taken it was time for the weekly filling of the boxes and refilling of the drawer from my new drugs stash. That took a good half hour and so it was 7.45  am before I made the drink.Then I decided it might be nice to have some breakfast this morning so took a pre-food tablet, got the after food ones out ready and lit a cigarette. It should have been an extra five minutes but I went ahead anyway. A small pack of Frosties, just right with a piece of toast. Once finished my coffee was cool enough to take the two tablets with. I returned to work again. By 8.45 I’d done and got myself washed and dressed. As 9.00 am arrived I made a coffee and took it through to Mike who sat up and thanked me. I told him I was going to Pauline’s and wouldn’t be long.

At Pauline’s there was quite a queue. When it came to my turn I had quite a few lottery tickets to buy so I let a few people behind me go with just one or two items. When one elderly woman with a newspaper and a pint of milk appeared I told her to go because I needed a few tickets. She lay down the paper and milk and then rummaged in her handbag and preceded to bring out a winning scratchcard for her son who then wanted lottery tickets with the winnings and a winning scratchcard for herself and she also needed lottery tickets. I thought this was just enough cheek and took my turn straight after. She never even said thank you for the courtesy. So, it was 9.20 am  when I got back home. I took my own milk to the kitchen and was surprised not to see Mike in the lounge. He was still in bed asleep. In a tone that implies deep disappointment I woke him to say he’d forgotten his coffee and reminded him what time it was. He shifted himself.

Sitting in the lounge with Mike I started to feel tired so when he went to the loo I just settled back in my chair for a minute.He decided he might as well get ready to go. That woke me of course, not that I’d done more than relax for a minute and I said goodbye noticing that he’d got up later but left on time compared to previously when he’s up on time and I can’t get the beggar out. Anyway, I went to see what messages had come in.  One was an invitation to have a free birthday meal at The Bells of St Mary’s ( with another paying customer) which sounded good but I had the devil’s own job trying to print it out. There was no print option, just one to scan by phone. After a very long time I managed a screen dump of the part of the page showing the code. Then came three or four emails with Yvonne trying to figure out where to eat for my birthday. Despite it being my day, it looks like the options aren’t mine whether we go or not. She”s trying to work her way up to a biggie next year which I’m determined to have at home. I hate it when people are invited to meals like that and feel obligated to buy a gift and have to buy meals on top.

At 11.00 am I took my next antibiotic then carried on with the mail until 12..00 am when it was time for lunch. Another one of the infamous shepherd’s pies. I’d just finished when there was a knock on the door. It was the warden come for her weekly check on me. It was lashing down outside and the wind was picking up. Just as well she was wrapped up. We talked about the forecast of snow for tomorrow and she wasn’t keen on that at all. She gave me company for about 15 minutes then had to go to her next call. I didn’t envy her that rain. Worse still, I didn’t envy her the wind which was picking up in speed. I watched the remainder of the antiques show and shut my eyes for one of those thirty minute minutes. So it was 1.30 pm before I got back to work. That meant working hard in order to see the last episode this week of Father Brown. I was five minutes late. When that finished at 3.00 pm I made Mike’s bed before coming back through. Whatever happened I was determined to be done by 4.30 pm so my bed can wait.

At 4.30 pm I was temporarily up to date and went through to watch the Antique Road Trip’s last episode of the week. It had just started when my phone burped. I expected a message from Mike to say he was on his way back. I was 50% right, it was Mike only he was in a hospital in Manchester with his dad, just where he’d been 2 weeks ago on Christmas day. His wrist is broken after the fall after all. Today he’s having temporary strapping and has to go back Monday afternoon to have the job done properly. Mike needs to stay over Sunday night now. Oh good, an extra day’s B & B from him now. He’ll be back late tonight as he’s having a mel with his sister once he’s fed his dad and seen him off to bed. His carer will be with him for breakfast.( Dad not Mike ). At 6.00 pm I went through and made my bed then went to take a shower. After that I put in a little,work until an episode of Who Do You Think You Are with Gary Lineker. A fascinating programme. I wish we could all get that kind of help with our family trees. Having said that, if you need help try WWW.CT-RESEARCH.COM (lower case) . Connie and Tony are two of the most competent and helpful people I know. They’re good with puzzles and are really friendly.

I took my next antibiotic at 9.00 pm and realised somehow I’d missed the 4.00 pm one. I thought I might as well take my evening ones at the same time. I stayed in the lounge watching a comedy just in case Mike arrived back but at 9.40 pm as there was no  sign I came to make up for all my skiving. I’m sure no-one heard me scream. There were quite a few in both mailboxes and it was difficult to catch up. But, being a veteran of these wars now, I gave it my best attempt. I an knocking off at 11.50 pm and Mike has just returned.

Saturday.

I  went through to make Mike a cup of coffee and get the full saga of his day. And what a day it was too with carers, doctors,  x-rays, bone settings and throughout it all having to deal with his dad whose mood was not the most helpful. The story took a while and I went to bed at 1.00 pm and Mike headed for his bedroom still jumping with adrenalin. I’m not sure when I went to sleep but 2.24 am was today’s prize time for getting up. Granted my bladder wasn’t helping much either. As I went to the loo I noticed Mike was still awake and reading. Once the deluge had finished I went through and we talked for a few minutes until I actually saw him yawn. I left and came through to the computer. At 3.00 am more than a little frustrated I went to get some painkillers and noticed sleep had claimed Mike.

When I got back to the computer I turned off and back on to start afresh. Every time I’d tried to like something so far, or pressed comment I’d been taken to the Blogs I Follow, WordPress page. I’d had to do a search on each blog to enter it and do what I intended. It was just taking an age doing it that way. The reboot worked and I sailed through the remaining posts finishing at 4.45 am. I celebrated with a drink of squash in the kitchen then a prowl through ebay at the catfish available there. I was so surprised to see small pangasius there ( Like my favourite fish ‘Zippy’) since anyone taking those was going to need a massive tank since some can soon grow to a metre. They’re known as shark catfish because of their look but I found zippy to be intelligent and to have a very passive nature.

Beautiful Pangasius. shark catfish.

I think I’m attracted ( in the right way ) to these fish because of their spectacular moustaches. At 6.00 am I went through to take an antibiotic and though I crept very quietly I felt eyes on me the minute I walked into the kitchen. It’s not even as though I turned the light on , my torch stopped me needing to do that………….        I gave in and turned the tank light on. Morecambe and Wise were watching me from the top of the tank, with Big Al, Little Al and one of the plecs watching me from below like the Codfather and a couple of wiseguys. If I’d have seen a violin case at that moment I’d still be running. Though officially it’s non-feeding day I was taking no chances and just tipped a full box through the hatch. Mind you, they’ll have the devil’s own job of getting the lid off. Hah.! I took the antibiotic and went back to my room. Another 30 minutes saw me up to date and I was feeling cocky enough to re-approach the kitchen.  OK, I’d taken my dressing gown off hoping they’d think it was someone else. This time I took my normal morning meds , prepared a cup for my coffee and started to get the rubbish and the recycling waste ready to go out. Trouble was it was persisting down and blowing a gale out there. In the end I took it out and planted the food waste bin on top of the recycling bags to try and hold them down. When I came back in. I was amazed to hear Mike’s alarm go off.  To be honest I fully expected him to turn it straight off but I saw him sit up. I asked “Are you going back to sleep bro, or do you want a drink?”  He told me he’d have a drink so I put the kettle on while I made mine and when it was ready I made one and took it through. He was asleep again. “Coffee’s up” I called not really caring if he stayed asleep. I went outside and added something to the rbbish and when I came back in he was actually up. Honest, really, and he was awake and actually hitting his mouth with the drink.

It was a later start but not by much really as we left the house at 8.10 am. We were at the Supermarket by 8.30 am and in shopping mode. Within the first ten minutes I’d got some potatoes, Ju’s flowers and some clothing from the sale for myself. Well, you can’t NOT get a cardigan and a pair of jeans at £4 a peace can you? Please don’t answer that.  OK, OK, there was a shirt too at just £3 but that’s it honest. After that we honestly put some food in the basket. Mike was doing some shopping for his dad today, washing powder etc so if there wasn’t as much room for food in my trolley ( technically his I suppose as he paid for it)  as usual it’s all his fault. After going through the checkout we went for coffee.

When we’d packed the car and had a cigarette it was decided we’d go to Flint but on the way there was a slight detour via Pets at Home so I could see the pet rats and we could both view the fish. We didn’t buy anything and resumed the journey. Today Mike needed another coffee before anything else so we went in and had a Happy New Year hug from Ceri, had a laugh with Sian and tried not to upset Kyle’s hangover. Mike had his usual teasted toecake then threw the biscuit from his saucer straight into his coffee to soften. Oops, error, it was a change of biscuit this week and was already quite soft. It almost disintegrated in the fumes before it touched liquid. He had to fish it out in bits. He didn’t make the same mistake with my biscuit. I thought we were going to check one shop out for an ice pack when we’d done, but it turned into two, three, four as well as a minor detour inside the pet store to look at, you guessed it, fish. Tonight I’m writing begging letters to the Gettys, The Gugenheins, Bill Gates and Madonna to see if they’d like to buy me a 12 foot tank so I can keep adopt some large homeless catfish.

We realised it was now gone 1.00 pm and I’d forgotten to take my 11.00 am antibiotic and also I needed some food so we headed straight off to the Ivy. Angie gave us a kiss (each) and got me a glass of water so the first problem was solved. We had to share our seats today as interlopers had dug themselves in despite the reserved sign. Angie had got our drinks so we ordered lunch and I was able to take my pre-food tab. Young Rob came over to say hello as he passed by with some food deliveries. It was fairly busy again.  We took the opportunity to nip out for a cigarette and moments later Tariq came flying out to say hello. He knew who it was as soon as he got the food order, double bacon sandwiches with a bucket of chips between us. After we’d gone back in, lunch wasn’t long in arriving and then Shella came out to say Hi too. It’s like coming to eat with family. He’s even given up arguing with me over payment these days.

Lunch over and hugs goodbye out of the way we headed for home. One we’d put the shopping away, I was allowed on the computer, well he is OLDER than me. In what I thought was a gross mistake I found 144 outstanding messages. I was within about 25 of the end when he called me through to watch TV with him. It had taken from 3.15 to 5.25 pm to get this far, and that was more luck than judgement. I stayed until 8.40 pm then he saw me twitching and let me come back. It’s been another long haul but I think I’ll make it before midnight- just.

Another Welsh one tonight.

Have a Wonderful New Week everybody.

Sunday Pleasantry & Nutter Magnets

Sunday 28th Dec 2014.

When I swung my legs out of bed this morning at 3.09 am there was a wee tug between groin and left butt but I was able to put both feet on the floor without howling. It’s a Christmas miracle! The size doesn’t seem to have become any less though so getting a slipper on my right foot wasn’t easy, but I did it. I managed to shuffle from my bedroom to the loo without use of crutches or stick and with my foot flat to the ground. There’s a small background niggle but heck, he’s still in bed. Actually as I came out of the loo the background niggle was just walking in with the kind of look Might of the Living Dead tried to achieve. He was hardly aware of me at all until I wished him good morning for a joke. “Ohyesyespleasantry” was what I received in return.

I smiled and walked back to my room to turn on the computer and log onto my talktalk mail. Yay, it was still up. I dealt with that then signed into my gmail account to do the same. That one required a few full answers and took a bit longer. But I was up top date by 5.45 am and thought I might just rest my eyes in my chair, in fairness, there had been less that 2 hours sleep so far. I was trying to come to terms with differential calculations or something when sleep took me and I stayed out until 7.05 am. I found out just how good my ankle was a I ran to the kitchen and turned the tank light on. I don’t know if fish celebrate the seasons or have created new holidays based on me and my fickle moods. Lategod Day, Cheerfulgod Day etc but I’d be willing to bet that Forgetfulgod Day came about weekly. I might even have caught them mid-service this morning as they were sort of semicircular on Big Al who has no doubt convinced them he’s my mouthpiece. You could just imagine him intoning ‘And he’s a Vengeful god and will take away the light if you shall transgress’. ‘And he can be a kind god and the food shall rain from above when he wishes ‘ which is as good a get-out clause as you can get. This morning the food rained from above as I wished it and landed on Big Al’s head.

I took my sprays and my morning meds and made a coffee. ( also bad for gout Mike says along with caffeinated drinks like Pepsi max). He’s evil. I went back to work. Once I had the emails under control again I went to Ancestry.co.uk to carry on with the ‘hints’. It can be quite fun finding an ancestor on someone else’s site and realising he two of you may be related. That happened last year with someone in Australia. We had a great, great grandmother in common. At 10.00 am Mike shuffled his way into my doorway and gave a little wave as if to say “I’m here”. “Good morning again” I said.                                                                                                                   “What do you mean again?” he asked. I explained about our meeting in the early hours. He turned and shuffled off to the loo so I went and made him a drink. We sat in the lounge chatting about not a lot until I put on an interesting programme on Hampton Court Palace, the most complete palace of it’s age in the world today, the favorite palace of Henry VIII. So interesting I didn’t consider getting dressed mainly because I nodded off for the last half hour. When I came to again. Mike was dressed and had gathered together all his luggage and his gifts and was wondering if they’d go in the car. I had to get washed and dressed quickly. We decided to go for lunch but to save time later Mike would bring the car up to the house and pack it now. I gathered everything by the door and waited, and waited until eventually I went to see where he was. He was scraping a thick frost off the car. Even in the bright sunshine of midday it hadn’t enough heat to melt it. The car said it was 2 degrees.

We traveled to the Ivy saying how nice it would be to have some bacon and were really looking forward to it but when we got there we found they were doing Sunday lunches and both ordered a roast beef dinner. Angie  came for a kiss, Rob called hello, Tariq came for a hug. All had liked their gifts. Shella was cooking as usual but Angie told us that Shirley’s husband had died suddenly yesterday at 57 and so Tariq was helping in the kitchen today. We still ate. We were both sorry for poor Shiela who is a lovely lady. After lunch we drove home a little subdued. Mike went off to see his Dad before heading home to Rugby and I attacked the full mailboxes until 6.00 pm when I went to watch the Golden Compass. I was sorry they never made the next movie in line after that one.

At 8.00 pm I came back through and have been battling with mail then the blog to make sure I get to bed tonight.

Elf and safety Executive

elf service line

 

Xmas Dream of Reuben’s

 

Xmas Dream of Mike’s

Monday.

At 4.11 am when I woke I found myself already sitting on the edge of my bed trying to put a sock on. How I didn’t fall off I don’t know. I stopped what I was doing, slipped on my slippers, put my dressing gown on and visited the loo. The long flow made it seem I hadn’t visited in ages and gave me pause for thought. I was sure I’d been having a dream. I’d been visited by Porcinus who’d brought along a child and introduced him as little Brother Jake. He told me it was time to start earning the favour the gods were showing me. I pointed out that all I’d gained at the moment was sleeplessness and cold feet which made me wonder if that’s not where my foot problem started. A group of goats came up to him and the smell hit me where I was sitting. It was at that point I’d woken up. It was at that moment I realised the flow had stopped and I was still standing at the loo looking faintly ridiculous. I put myself away, washed my hands and returned to base. Yet again I have fulfilled my part of the bargain set and mentioned the gods in order for them to grow. I know Somnos is the god of sleep patterns, Porcinus is I think the god of lost causes ( creating them probably) but I have yet to discover what Brother Jake manifests as. I shall work on that.

The computer gave me a treat today by keeping the mail to a minimum on both mail carriers. By 6.20 am I was done. Not wanting to try for a sleep before the fish had been seen to, I decided to see to them then. The kitchen light went on first today so they knew I was coming. Kind of like a false dawn for them. Then the tank light went on and they knew a new day had started.Morecambe and Wise came to hover round the opening ready for breakfast. Little Al and Sharkey were having a face-off or more likely a tail off as they swam in a small circle trying to see each other off. Big Al was displaying the roots of his problems by flying back and forth end to end of the tank as if chased. Perhaps that’s how the others think he gathers news of the great outside he regales them with. Still, he was leaving me alone so I closed the flap and turned away.Breakfast wasn’t an option this morning as I didn’t feel like eating yet so it was straight on to the meds then making myself a coffee.

I took the drink back through to my room, maybe I could try for a nap after I’d drunk it but for now I might as well do some work as I drink. The end of the drink coincided with the end of the work at about 7.30 am. I got dressed and unlocked the front door before going through to the lounge in case a miracle happened and Somnos sent me a cleaner. I didn’t get one so maybe that’s not withing his purview. I did however get my nap and nodded off until 8.35 am. I spent some time tidying up and dusting before going back through to my pit. There were periods of mail to be done and periods where I was able to add some more leaves to the family tree. There seems to be a branch of my Rogerson side settled in Cook County ,Chicago and boy have they spread out. I worked like this until lunchtime then opted for an easy shepherd’s pie and a film on the box.  When that was over I went in search of my phone after realising it hadn’t been seen in 24 hours.

The message that greeted me was “Plug me in, my battery is low” but you could sense an undertone where it was calling me a name for forgetting it. The battery was practically nil and I think I just reached life support in time. There were 4 messages. One from Mike yesterday letting me know he’d got home safely. One from Tariq saying he was sorry not to have seen more of us but explaining about poor Shirley. One from (possibly) Shella as I didn’t recognise the number saying much the same and one from Dil asking me if I’d be in tomorrow afternoon. As I wasn’t sure when he’d sent it I didn’t know if it meant today or tomorrow. It’s Tuesday. It wouldn’t be until I got back from Yvonne’s but that got me to thinking about going to Chester tomorrow. The pain has almost gone from the foot but the swelling is still very much there. Getting a shoe on and keeping it on long enough to do some shopping just may not be possible. I’ve had to email Yvonne to cancel for this week. That won’t make either of us very happy since we both love the sales.

I did some more work to bring me up to date before finding myself nodding off over the keyboard. I went to the lounge for a power nap and got involved in a programme on TV instead. At 5.00 pm I had some of the cake Muriel made for my tea then had some Big Bang Theory before going through for what I thought might be the last time. Not so, there must have been a lull while all you good peeps went to get your RSI’s seen to and by 7.15 pm I was yet again up to date so I went through to see if there was anything good on the goggle box. I ended up watching something about repossessions done through the courts and evictions . The sympathy is often on the side of the evictee but it’s obvious they are not always the innocent parties and yet they’re still handled with some sensitivity by some of the bailiffs. Then I watched the World’s Strongest Man competition to see how the British contestant did. Amazingly well is the answer. I was going to sit through what I thought was a Countdown celebrity special but it wasn’t. It was a comedy version run by an odious little man that gave me an excuse to turn off and come through despite there being some good comedians on there.

Obviously the mail had built up again during my skiving break and I had to work at getting the numbers down so I could do this and still stand a chance of hitting bed before midnight.

Tuesday.

My good friend A.C.Flory tells me I don’t treat Somnos very well. She gets better results with him bribing him with chocolate cake. As I woke this morning I thought it was nearing 3.00 am and considering I’d got to bed early and turned my light off at 12.15 am I thought I’d done alright. But when I was up, threading my arms through my dressing gown I looked again. 1.36 am. He’d allowed me just over an hour and has the cheek to moan I don’t treat him well. Why, I’ve given birth to the rogue and helped him grow and this is the thanks I get. How about I just forget Porcinus and my Brother Jake now. If I can’t cope with one how am I expected to cope with three of them? Anyway , I was up and a gentle throbbing told me the reservoir needed emptying.

Once back I turned the computer on and found that there were quite a few messages I’d missed last night. It took me some time to clear them. By the time I was clear on my main ISP and then gmail it was almost 4.00 am. My foot hurt. I decided to go and sit in the lounge in my chair and contemplate my navel. It worked, I got another 2 hours. So pleased was I that the fish were given a treat, early breakfast. I was in and out like a ninja, before they knew what had hit them. I did notice that it was Little Als turn to go doolally tap today though, charging back and forth so maybe everyone’s attention was on him. I turned to get the milk to fill my mug and then started to take my meds. I’d dealt with the sprays easily enough and put the first batch of tablets in my mouth. I added the milk and the gag reflex kicked in. I had the devil of a job to prevent myself from decorating the wall again and swallowing them at a point where the gag was relieved, before I just threw up and lost them all. I made it though I had milk trickling through my fingers and I was gripping the sink to stop myself falling over. It seems my brain couldn’t cope with gagging and working out I had a sore ankle. Yes ladies, men eh! The second and third tablets were no problem at all though I decided against breakfast just in case.

I took my drink back to the bedroom and set to work on the mail that had come in while I slept. I only worked until 8.30 am then forcing a shoe on with my last remaining shoehorn I went over to the One Stop opposite Pauline’s. I wanted a large trifle and was pleased they had one so I picked up a couple of other things as well. It had been well less than zero degrees last night and a thick icy frost lay everywhere. I tried to be so careful. As soon as I got home I remembered I’d forgotten some ham o had to go out again only this time to Pauline’s. I almost came a cropper on her step but managed to get home intact. I forced my shoe off before I started unpacking and putting away. A huge ridge across my instep was aching. As soon as the job was done I came back to start on the mail again. I managed a break from 9.45 am till 11.00 am and then from 11.45 until 1.00 pm. I knew Dil was due about 3.30 pm so I wanted to be as up to date as possible. It was as well that I’d just managed to get up to date and walked through to the kitchen at 2.35 pm as that’s when they chose to arrive. There were two little calls of hello from the front door  and I started to get their drinks ready.

We had a little chat about our respective Christmases and Dil wondered how I’d got on with the card shuffler they’d bought me. I said I’d saved it until we played and put batteries in. A little noisy but it does a great job. Matt spotted the new game Yvonne had bought me Cards Against Humanity and asked if I liked it. He plays it all the time and loves it…typical. Dil thought it looked good even though I explained how rude it can be. We decided to give it a go. In the end everyone was enjoying it so much we played 3 times and I won three times without having to play a dirty card once. Phew. After that we played Yahtzee and it’s not worth me mentioning how I did, though I will. Out of 6 games I was joint winner once. Dil came first will 3 full games. That was a blow but nothing new.                                                                                  In Nomination Whist I showed them a clean pair of heels and felt untouchable. Then we decided to play Chase the Lady and this was with a vengeance, no holds barred. It was a fairly evenly matched game and the accusations of being evil flew from all of us but in a last flurry we managed to get Matt over the line while Dil’s score and mine was equal. That just left us with Crazy 8’s and all the duckin’ and divin’ that’s a part of that. I was caught a couple of times towards the end playing a scoring card that accumulates points from card pick ups but despite not managing to call last card and go out on a 2 or a 3 so someone had to pick up I still managed to win. The discomfort I was in sitting so long with my leg in one position was worth it. The home team came out ahead.

Dil and Matt left just before 9.30 pm and I spent some time tidying up and washing the pots before taking my meds and coming through to work. I could see there were 231 messages in my main mail box. I worked until 11.00 pm but there was no way I would finish tonight and I’m tired. So, I had done what I could up to that time and then started the blog. I’ll just have to work harder on the post in the morning.

 

Tower of Babel destroyed.

Wednesday.

2.00 am on the dot this morning. I was actually glad to be awake because of the dreams I was having. Somnos has mentioned he can turn his hand to anything as befits the offspring of an older god, we know Porcinus is in charge of the sheep and goats for a reason which isn’t as I thought because he’s thick, but because he cares for animals. Jake has been a problem until now but in the dream I discovered he”s the god of lovers and also wishes. So far all he can do is put the wishes in a goldfish bowl ( minus the fish), give them a good shake and hope the one he pulls out will say “I hope it’s liver and onions for tea” as he can manage that. If that’s the best he can do for wishes, heaven help the lovers. They’d be lucky to score a kiss.

Another reason I was glad to be awake was because of the messages I hadn’t been able to deal with last night. There were so many I needed an early start. Well I got one, maybe that was one of Jake’s wishes come true. It was actually gone 5.00 am before I was seeing daylight- in the literal sense as it was still pitch black outside. I decided to carry on till 5.30 am and take a break. In the end it was a few minutes after that and I was up to date to 5.00 am. I went and sat in my armchair in the lounge glad I wasn’t outside where there was a thick frost on the ground. Somehow, without any encouragement, I nodded off. It was 7.20 am before I came to again.The fish became the focus of my attention. As I turned the light on Big Al led a deputation towards me consisting of little Al and one of the smaller plecs. The bubbles of air went completely over my head but I could tell there was real rhetoric in them. No doubt I was being told that gods must stick to timetables where the sun coming up and going down are concerned and that food must be on time too. I put all my acting skills in place then and said sorry which seemed to mollify him. Privately I was thinking it wouldn’t take much to crush you mate so don’t push your luck. If only the agencies knew I’m the natural successor to the great Sir Alec Guinness.

I took my meds, decided on not having breakfast and instead just made my coffee to take through to the bedroom. I managed to get dressed before restarting work so I at least looked professional and not someone with too much time on his hands. I’d set to work and was going well when I was interrupted by the arrival of the postman who made the delivery of two books and a catalogue sound like the outbreak of WWIII. They hit the floor one after another with a resounding BOOM. After opening the books I went straight to ebay to leave feedback and found myself ordering something for Reuben. I took a small break from 10.30 am to 11.00 am to glance through the catalogue and then I broke off for lunch at 12.00 pm. Sausage, sweet potato mash and beans today which I’ve fancied for a while now. After that I slept again until 2.00 pm which put me in a panic of course. Before rushing back to work though I remembered my phone which was on charge in the kitchen. I thought I’d better check for messages. Oops, there was one form Ugo’s mother and one from Mike to say he was setting off to come here.

I battled with the new post and bit by bit got it under control. The frauds weren’t working bank holidays but the advertisers surely are. I could have bought all next years gifts by now if I’d had the cash handy.Oh, found a tweet from Sexy Molly again, I wonder if she’s on double pay today.  I finished at 5.15 pm and went to put the kettle on. My guesstimate was that Mike wouldn’t be long. He walked in a 5.30 pm just as one of his favourite quizzes started. I made a drink as he settled in. We saw that, then the news then back to another quiz with Celebrity Mastermind. There was a little difference of opinion after that but I put my foot down ( quite lightly) and we had Indiana Jones until 9.00 pm when it was time for me to leave him to his own devices and come back to work. I paid a heavy price for the skiving and catching up is proving hard tonight. I’ve broken off at 10.30 pm to do the blog as I don’t see why you lot shouldn’t suffer too.

Thursday New Years Day 2015

I’m not sure my body and my mind were in full agreement today. The body swung out of bed at 3.03 am but I’m pretty sure the mind stayed where it was in the warmth and tried to grab a couple of extra Zzz’s. The body followed the usual track, heading straight for the bathroom then came back and turned the computer on.  I felt the usual two fingers stiffen up preparatory to typing and away we went. I’m guessing that my eyes must have defected to the other side since I haven’t received complaints so far of gobbledegook messages, but I couldn’t tell you what a single one said. By 6.15 am I was up to date and lay down on my bed near the recalcitrant brain. I woke up at 8.50 am. Yep, you read that right, more that two and a half hours later and nearly two hours late for Big Al. Worse still, almost so late that Mike could have caught me.

Given that I could actually only put one foot on the ground it’s a miracle I reached the kitchen intact. Once there my only form of defence was to ensure Big Al had no chance to react. I opened the flap, threw in one of the large tablets then switched the light on while it was falling. There was so much activity from the others Big Al would have struggled top reach me. I turned away in relief. Next job, kettle on while I took my meds. When it boiled I started the machine making my drink while I made Mike’s and took it through. I’d already decided if he didn’t get up I’d leave him a I hadn’t given Yvonne a time of arrival. “Coffee’s up Bro” I called, loud enough to wake him. That was it. I picked up my drink and returned to work. Heck, there was a lot. At 9.15 am I heard Mike get up (gasp) and make his way to the lounge. I did a few more messages and went to join him.

We made decisions about where and when we’d meet Yvonne.11.00 am by the precinct, sent her a message and waited for a response. That was OK. So, next job, we needed to get ready. Mike finished first and came through to help me put my right sock on and then to get a shoe on. What a bloody performance. They’re like Chelsea Boots with very soft gussets and I was close to losing another shoe horn.Talk about a tight fit. Still. Mike managed it and at 10.15 am we were on our way.

When we arrived in Chester Mike dropped me off before going to park the car so I didn’t have a long walk uphill. While waiting I found the precinct wasn’t open and had to walk towards where Mike would appear so we could walk round the block. Mike had to get into conversation with someone who wanted to tell us about his pending court cases against the police and against the County Council over parking and speed cameras. There are times he should have a scold’s bridle applied. We just about made it to the front of the precinct in time to find Yvonne was late. We soon found her and paid a visit to W H Smiths’ a big newsagent and stationer to see if Mike could find a case for his 10″ tablet. Answer NO, but Yvonne and I found plenty of books to spend our money on. Reuben was getting restless so Yvonne let him out of the pushchair. Mike took the pushchair and the shopping to see if he could get it to sleep. Outside the shop we met Ugo and his delectable sister Janet who had kindly brought me Christmas gifts. We hugged and kissed before Ugo and she took Reuben home for a nap and Yvonne had a few n more shops with us.

Yvonne left us to go home when Mike and I went to have lunch. Or brunch as the choice appeared to be. The only time I’ve ever had bunch where we’ve has to pay separately for the fried eggs. It was poor, it was luke warm but it was filling. When we finally came out of there we decided to head back for the car. I thought I remembered a gentle slope to where the car was on the river front but I misjudged and we ended up at the top of a massive set of steps. It’s raining, it’s slippy and I’m on crutches with a bad foot. Mike said “Come on, let’s go into the park and take the slope.” Did I mention I’m stubborn and stupid too. With a lot of effort we made it but towards the bottom I see someone talking to no-one, then talking to Mike, then talking to me. I swear we’re like nutter magnets. If I was the only person on a bus and a nutter got on, he’d sit next to me. Or maybe he’d sit next to the nutter? Who knows.

We eventually got to the car and drove home. It was 3.00 pm and I went straight to work until 5.00 pm. I didn’t finish the work but as it’s a bank holiday I thought I deserved a day off. I had tea with Mike and stayed to watch a very clever John Grisham film but at 9.00 pm there was no avoiding it any more. As I signed into gmail the count was 284. I’ve done an hour of personal emails and then broken off to do the blog as it takes some time. I’ll return to the mail in a minute.

Friday.

I slept until 4.27 am. It may not sound much after turning my light out at 1.00 pm but it’s definite progress over the two o’clocks. I rose gingerly as my leg was hurting a bit. Not vicious pain as it started but more a gnawing ache and the swelling rather than having gone down has started an upwards creep. Like I’m now wooden top and bottom and it’s just filling in the in between bits. That’s how Mike puts it anyway.

I started work after my usual visitation to the porcelain.  There was a fair bit but I’d every confidence I could finish. I did, just before 7.00 am so went straight off to feed the fish. As I put the light on Morecambe and Wise swam up to the hatch. I dropped flake in for them and proceeded to drop pellets in for the rest. Sharkey was first at the trough as usual and started flying at anything that came near. He wouldn’t do that at Big Al of course but all I could could see of him this morning was a disinterested nose sticking out from under the bridge. I was grateful as Friday is the day for doing the fresh medicines. First I had to take the last dose from the container. So, getting myself a glass of milk I did just that. Once I was done I could bring my medicine drawer to the kitchen and start work. As I emptied a carton I’d turn round and get a replacement from the newest delivery. I also needed to not down the things I needed on a prescription request  so my  hands were going in every direction. Fast enough to sweep the container off the counter. As I searched for the tablets on the kitchen floor I was so grateful I hadn’t done too many. I still had to work out which was which and whether they were from the morning or night end.

It was 8.05 am before I finished and returned the drawer to it’s place and took my drink back to the bedroom. I quickly got rid of the outstanding post and as I had time I was thinking about something a friend had reminded me yesterday about a review he’d put on Amazon which had been shared with other Amazons. I think this was a hint to do some marketing. I thought “Why not.” Does anyone have a loaded pistol I can borrow? I did a very small piece saying I tend to forget promotion, added a link to this wonderful review and others that are there and promptly forgot about it. The time was fast approaching 9.00 am so I left the bedroom and went to put the kettle on for Mike’s drink. As soon as it boiled I took the drink through to him and with my usual battle cry, I woke him. Knowing it would take a few minutes and a bloody great miracle to shift him, I went back to the bedroom and got dressed.

The miracle happened and Mike moved through to the lounge under his own steam with no second curtain call. I joined him there and as usual we traded insults. I tried to get mine in early before he woke up but wasn’t having much joy. I asked him if he’d be kind enough to follow me in to the kitchen and spare he laughter but I wanted to drop my trousers for him. He just about managed to restrain himself but agreed my leg is not a pretty site. Not that it ever is he reminded me. He suggests I give the Doctor’s some serious thought. I will.

At 10.20 am Mike was going out to travel to his Dad’s. Before he left he helped me get a shoe on so I could go to Pauline’s and pick up the new lottery tickets. I’m not sure what came over me momentarily but while there I asked about the price of the stop smoking kits with the liquid refills. Luckily I fought the urge to buy one and won. Back at home I found quite a few message and just started work without thinking. At 11.30 am a knock on the door and what I hoped was a parcel was the warden for our  weekly chat. That lasted a while so I just carried on from there and made my lunch and found something to watch on the box. Once that was over I fancied 40 winks so closed my eyes and didn’t open them  until 2.05 pm. Not what I’d normally consider a problem until I got back to the computer. There was just so much mail it was unbelievable like the World has decided to write to me all on the one day.  When Mike returned at 5.30 pm I had only just passed to midday mark. It was all to do with this morning’s blog post. People I’ve never heard of liking it, befriending me, commenting. Wonderful and so scary at the same time.

I came back through at 8.30 pm and by 10.30 pm when I stopped to do the blog I had only just reached 2.30 pm in the mail. I won’t work longer that midnight as it’s shopping day tomorrow and I value Mike’s company but if I haven’t made real progress this is going to be a terrible weekend for trying to play catch up. Wish me luck.

The Reader

Saturday.

I did go to bed around midnight and turned my light off a little before 1.00 am. Nothing I could do could get me to sleep and at 2.20 am I gave up trying and turned the computer back on. By 4.45 am I’d cleared all last night’s outstanding post and by 5.25 am all of the morning’s too. I went through to the lounge, took a small padded chair for my leg and dropped into my armchair. I don’t know when I fell asleep but I did. I only woke up when I heard Mike’s alarm go off at 7.00 am. I went through to the kitchen and turned the light on. The fish all broke out into such activity it was like Big Al was directing the performance at a circus. He was at the centre while the others raced round him. That stopped the minute food was dropped in. Big Al with Little Al in tow came to the side of the tank as if to ask “What’d you do that for”? I didn’t have an answer for him so I smiled for a moment then turned away.

I put the kettle on while I took my meds and heard Mike’s alarm go off a second time. I carried a coffee through in one hand and the padded chair in the other , falling over the big new candle stand in the hall. Ha, you should have seen him move then. Fair enough, it was out of concern for me falling but as soon as he realised I hadn’t, he asked why not. I shouldn’t waste his time. Wt a beaming smile I passed his coffee over and went to make mine safe in the knowledge that he was up to stay. I nipped back to my bedroom with my drink so that I could just check something out on ebay then I joined Mike in the lounge for a few minutes. As soon as my coffee was drunk I went to get dressed. Mike had been talking about putting something more supportive on my ankle so when I reached that stage I called him through and we battled to get my foot in the new blue desert boots Yvonne had got me for Christmas. It really was a struggle and we almost couldn’t get the shoehorn out once my foot was in, the laces were straining to meet but it was on. Mike finished getting himself ready and at 8.00 am we left.

At the supermarket Mike got the trolley while I raided the cash machine. Then after having a cigarette we went inside. First stop was flowers for Ju. We found some but the choice wasn’t great. Then we flicked through all the sale goods and Mike found a pair of jeans he liked. Of course they didn’t have any trousers or jeans in last week so I’d ordered mine online and couldn’t remember what I’d ordered. I did find a couple of really nice things for Reuben which was good. We must have wandered a bit because time seemed to slip away. I got the food I wanted and we headed for coffee. Mike decided he really needed to eat so was going to order a breakfast. I’m not sure he remembered we were in McDonalds. He had a breakfast bap which was double sausage, double bacon and an egg on a bap with a funny potato thing on the side. The bap looked like polystyrene, the bacon was real enough, the sausages like beefburgers and the egg like rubber. He was fine till we got outside then started deciding it hadn’t agreed with him. We loaded the car and set off.

In Flint we needed to pick up a particular size of watch battery for Mike so we headed off to one of our shops. Halfway round Mike decided the food wanted to pay a return visit and had to leave me with the basket and disappear- fast. I paid and followed slowly behind him. When I reached Temptations he was just coming out to get the sweets from the car after having visited the loo. We went in together and gave the sweets to Kyle who took our order. It was to be a bit of a double upset for Mike. Our usual seats were taken and he couldn’t banter from where we had to sit, and Ceri was off. Still, we got over it. After coming out of there we were going to head for home to put the shopping away but realised it was already 12.30 pm. Easier to go straight for lunch and then get back early for me to go to work Ha! The plans of Mice and Men eh. We arrived at the Ivy just after 1.00 pm. Mike almost had to carry me across some of the paving slabs as my crutches were sliding everywhere. Rob had seen us arrive and by the time we got in the reserved sign was sitting on our table right next to the log fire. Glorious, after two minutes my left side was done to perfection. Our drinks arrived and we went straight back into the cold for a cigarette. Coming back in Mike decide what he wanted to eat, settling for a baked potato and beans ( with cheese) ad we already knew I was having the bacon sarnies I’d promised myself last week.

Tariq said his hellos but was cooking today and it was getting busier. Angie was on the run flat out as was Rob and we knew Shella was cooking in the back. There was no news of poor Shirley, not that we expected much this soon. Lunch eventually came and we really enjoyed it. Things had calmed a bit and Shella came out for hugs and to say goodbye. It was hugs all round and some of the other patrons made a point of saying goodbye too. It’s becoming quite a community of huggers. No, put your hearing aid in dear, I said HUGGERS. We came home. I was in for 3.00 am and had put the shopping away and opened my parcel which proved to be more formal trouser than jeans. Ah well. I started work trying not to let the quantity scare me. By 6.00 pm I was over half way there and ready to take a break with Mike and eat a doughnut.  At 7.00 pm we were going to watch a film but it was chronically bad so by 7.15 pm it had been abandoned. I came back here to work and left Mike with some kind of Frank Sinatra talent competition. As he knows I wasn’t a fan he couldn’t complain. It paid off as by 9.00 pm I was up to date and able to go and see to supper. Then Mike and I swapped the camera between us to take very poor shots for here.

Dragon in the house

Pixie feet or twinkle toes?

 

 

 

Milk, Coffee and cafe au lait.

Thanks for sharing with me. Have a wonderful week and enough Hugs to hold you till next Weekend.

 

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.