When Mike left to go home last Sunday I scuttled through to my bedroom and started work. It was 7.00 pm and dark before I’d finished. I went through to the lounge to put the light on for Joey who wasn’t very approving of my being so late. He gave me quite a mouthful, the force of which made him nod his head.. I didn’t dare laugh. I mention it now because I can hear him chunnering so it must be getting dark this week too.
To ward of the berating I turned his light on. It wasn’t too dark luckily. However it doesn’t seem to have stopped him dressing in his angry hat which I suspect he wears just for me. I had no choice but to leave him again and concentrate on the post I haven’t been able to do today. At least he’s in the light.
We lunched in Prestatyn at The CookHouse and then while walking it off afterwards bumped into Sharon, my daily ( well, my once weekly anyway) and were able to offer her a lift home. She works 364 days per year as a chambermaid with just Christmas Day off and still comes to tidy up after me (mainly Joey really) every Tuesday.
On Monday I was indoors all day as usual. I dealt with my washing and drying, did Joey’s food and water and gave him as much attention as possible in between dealing with my mail which still exceeds 300 a day.
Tuesday rose fair and bright but not until I’d already been up a few hours. It’s averaging about 2.15 am at the moment so maybe 2 hours a night. Still, I get the early morning mil out of the way. At 7.30 am I was out of the house for the bus. I always choose this one as there’s generally no-one else on for a few stops and by then I can keep my eyes close and pretend to be asleep. One day I will be and will probably sail past Yvonne and the kids in Chester and find myself back home having done the round trip. But not today.
I got off the bus at a different stop because the driver went a different way. How confusing. My pick up would still be at my usual stop though. As fast as I could I got to the place we meet and being there first lit a cigarette. I glimpsed them coming into view a little way off and his behind a bush. Yes, that probably did look weird in the middle of town. As they got close I jumped out and said ‘BOO’ then apologised to the little Japanese lady I caught. I should have known Reuben wouldn’t be in a kimono. Roobs screeched with pleasure and ran to grasp my legs. If I hadn’t been able to grasp the street ash tray it would have been Timber I was shouting. We had a good morning together but 11.30 comes far too quickly.
The journey home was more nerve wracking as there were a few passengers but pretending to be asleep put anyone off sitting near me except one woman who probably didn’t interpret the snoring properly and sat on the pocket of my jacket. She almost hatched out my tube of ‘Lockets’.
I got home and had less than half an hour before Sharon came. I did mail for the afternoon then and had my lunch after she’d gone.
On Wednesday I stayed in again. Dealt with mail and also the postman brought me a couple of coins to add to my lists. I looked through some Christmas stuff for gift ideas.
Thursday necessitated a quick trip to Pauline’s to restock the cigarettes and to get my Lottery tickets. I moved so fast Flash would be proud of me. I was back 5 minutes before I’d left….oh no, that was the clock that had stopped wasn’t it. I saw no-one except my postman until evening when Mike arrived. Tells me he’s on a new regime now so that he wants to be up no later that 8.30 am every day. He’s hoping it will bring his sleep pattern into line. Up to now a sledgehammer hasn’t managed that.
On Friday morning I didn’t get up until 2.45 am and considered that a lie in. Almost died of shock when Mike was up before 8.45 am. He must be using an alarm but I didn’t hear it. My postman came and intrigued me by bringing a letter which should have contained a coin, you could see where the pouch had been stuck to the middle of the tri fold letter. The envelope had a slit in the bottom and the coin was not there. I had to contact the seller to approach the post office. Luckily it’s not an expensive coin but it was the last this particular dealer had. I don’t want to slam him for the money back but I’m hoping it might just be found floating about a post bag or in a sorting office somewhere.
Mike returned early from seeing his Dad in Manchester and helped me wash my hair. I think it needs cutting again one last time before Winter, just like grass does.
Saturday it was another 2.45 am for me and an agonised 6.20 am for Mike even though his clock was set for 6.00 am. I wasn’t well as bronchitis has set in but I still had all the rubbish dealt with and put out for collection before he made his way through to the lounge where I’d put his coffee. We had a good shop followed by a coffee then shot over to The Range to grab a couple of things. In Flint we went to Temptations for a chin way and to give sweets to the staff before picking up some frozen food and going home. He made me put the frozen food away…with my chest….he’s all heart. After that we went to Rhyl for lunch so he could get some specialist fish food. Back at home I worked while he watched football then we shared some TV time when I’d done.
I was in bed a few moments after midnight and read until about 1.00 am before settling down to sleep. The first wake at 2.03 am was a loo call only so I was able to settle again after a few minutes. The next wake was at 4.28 am and the perfect time to make a start on the mail. I had to break off at 6.00 am for meds and breakfast. I knew the post box would refill while I was away. It did. I returned to it about 6.30 am and had to grab a rogue pair of underpants to fan myself with when I saw the new total. But like everything else coping mechanisms can be applied which I did as soon as I got the underpants to the washing machine. Joey was pretty happy when I arrived at 9.20 am to let him out and stay for a chat because I’d managed to bring everything under control. I stayed with Joey and was tempted to have a power kip but at 10.00 am Mike got up and came through. I made a coffee and sat in he lounge as he started to come awake, We had a couple of episodes of 8 Simple Rules (9 if you allow for inflation) before I left to have a shave and get dressed. The new jeans I put on were a mistake though completely my own fault. I could have forgiven the description being skinny leg, stretch material even though they were in no way skinny but I couldn’t get over the fact I’d bought them with a button fly. Just imagine if you can the sheer hell of wanting to go and having to get to the loo on crutches then start hopping up and down trying to unbutton yourself before you go by accident. Added to which, I undid my belt to get at the top of the fly and that meant my trousers could fall down as a 38″ waist appears far too big to stay up without some form of support.
11.15 am and Mike was ready to go. It really looked nice outside so I opted for a sports jacket again. It was even quite warm so I was glad I hadn’t bothered with a jumper. We drove to Prestatyn ( Press wot in?), found a place to park and had a little wander. I’m still looking for a little inspiration for Easter gifts to go with the eggs. (No Yvonne, you read it wrong, I never mentioned eggs. I’m still paying for the meal instead). I wonder if I got away with that after my quick thinking? Towards midday we drifted over to the CookHouse. Mike reserved the seats with his hat and I went to place our order though the lady behind the bar knew it anyway. I sat down and waited for the drinks to arrive. I need my lime and lemonade to take the pre-foodie tablets. While I took my tablets Mike was on google trying to find Will Young’s name as I could only remember the Will part. One of his records had just been on the loudspeakers and Mike had thought it was a girl. Once he’d given up, we went to collect the meal. As usual I chose beef and Mike had beef and gammon. Back at the table Mike put an extra potato on my plate he’d got for me. Miracle of miracles, I couldn’t eat it.
After lunch we had another wander as my eagle eyes had spotted a liquidation sale. Judging by the prices I wasn’t convinced it was true as they were the same as before. I did buy myself some more ‘shreddies’ ( see blog cast list) though due to my stomach getting bigger after eating at the CookHhouse. We had a look in another shop and were tempted by the heads again but I behaved and since Mike was hopping from foot to foot I said I’d buy him a coffee. He went to the loo then brought the drinks outside to where I was sitting. We were doing OK until I heard a sound and looked up. Mike’s cheeks were like a chipmunk and his face was radiating red, I thought he was holding back a coughing session. All of a sudden he let go and projectile vomited in front of me. He really started coughing. By the time he’d cleaned up and calmed down he wasn’t sure what had caused it though I thought he’d tried breathing the coffee rather than drink it. We were parked near a £1 shop so picked up some wet wipes to clean himself properly then we got in the car and headed home.
He seemed to be well recovered as home got closer and he pulled into a place called the Pit Stop to see how much he’d saved on the console table he’d bought yesterday. In the booklet inside it was £99 and he’s paid £25 so he was well pleased. Back at home again I got changed and Mike suggested I have a sleep. He was going to head off home and listen to his football game as he went. Once he’d gone I had some nitrolingual and started work. I worked from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm then went for a rest with Joey to talk to then at 9.00 pm I called it a night. Joey didn’t though. I had to keep popping through but he stayed on his mirror until my 10.30 pm nip and he was in so I shut the cage and said goodnight. I was clear of post at 10.30 pm and able to do the blog. 11.30 pm bed it will be.
Personal Taxi 1
Personal Taxi 2
Monday 14th March.
Yes, I was in bed, freshly gunked at 11.45 pm. I asses a little reading time to my hour because I was so close to finishing he book. Not so much that I hadn’t enjoyed the book by Gerald Seymour an ex TV journalist and News man famous for ‘Harry’s Game’ which was televised with the theme music by Clannad. But, because I was anxious to start my next read.It’s from a remainder bin by an author I haven’t heard of before, Tim Willocks. The title, The Twelve Children if Paris with a picture of a Templar Knight on the cover fascinated me. So, it was almost 12.55 am before the light went out. I slept, I woke. The first time was at 1.48 am but I turned over in disgust and went back to sleep. Actual time of getting up was 4.27 am.
Once up I visited the Piddle Palace then returned to sign on . The mail initially lasted me until 5.20 am when I decided to have breakfast and take my meds. By the time I eventually returned I was due for the daily influx of mail but thought I’d have a lie down first. Big mistake. It lasted from 6.10 am to 7.01 am and when I looked at the computer I had facing 117 already. I worked till 8.45 am then got dressed ready to go to take my prescription request to the chemist. I let Joey out first. On the way back I stopped at Pauline’s for cigarettes as I won’t have time in the morning. Back here it was head down and work hard again. I didn’t get my HUtH this morning because I needed to get the mail down. I just carried on until 10.50 am when Bev came for a chat. She chatted to myself and Joey equally and was with me until 11.25 am. The moment she left I came back to work until 11.45 am when it was time to look at lunch. I fancied nothing but had a small cottage pie in the end with buttered barm cakes and a rhubarb yoghurt. I watched Bargain Hunt until I couldn’t keep my eyes open longer and returned to the world again at 1.35 pm.
It was back to work again for the afternoon and i was only about 3.00 pm I seemed to be making any real progress. For once, less were coming in than were being done. I felt happy about stopping at 4.50 pm ready for my Cold Case. I wouldn’t stay away longer than 9.00 pm as mail was still coming in even if in dribs and drabs. The break in front of the TV was great, just what I needed. I’d been far too long in front of the other screen today. It made me think about the people who say I should give it up and that it’s too hard and I should just spend more time concentrating on them. I dutifully turned the TV off and locked Joey’s cage door, first making sure he was on the inside, then I took my meds and came through. I had a fun time with catch up and read some interesting posts, one that more or less stated that Jeremy Corbyn is rudderless and that the early days of the Blair governments was where he should be for the sake of the labour party. Corbyn’s success appears to have been because of support from various communist factions. That may well be true and I wouldn’t argue the point, after all I’m no fan of his but the early days of the Blair governments is what led to people’s disaffection for the labour party. I’m not in any better a position as having been a Tory all my life I haven’t been able to vote for them recently having seen a whole new side of the current party. Gone are the days of Labour piling on the taxes to overspend and the Tory’s lessening of the taxes to put money back in our pockets and still not having to borrow as heavily. The other one I read was about a female journo in the US suggesting Donald Trump’s men should develop a little more fight, and that the gun toting crowds are just high spirited. I wasn’t sure if she was a Trump supporter or just a very dry comedienne. What she seems to be inciting is riots and in riots people get hurt so I thought that was illegal. My idea that the world is really about caring for one another seems to be proving me wrong as usual. It seems the world is about looking after Number 1.
I was finished with my mail by 10.50 pm and able to come on to the blog. An eye opening evening to share.
More Outing.
More, More Outing
And here is an idea I borrowed from another blog today.Thank you
Tuesday 15th March.
OK. Fair enough, I offered to find the small gods a great holiday and somehow Australia fell through. (Thanks Andrea), but I never expected them to be so vicious in return. I was in bed, degreased this time, at 11.45 pm and I read until 12.35 am before settling down for the night. I was up at 2.18 am and that wasn’t even my first time awake. I signed in and started work. By 4.15 am I was up to date and decided to look at the new(old) computer. I managed to get the internet YAY and managed to get skype only it didn’t want to know my passwords so I’ve had to sign up for a new account and sent a message to MuJo for connection. Then I managed to get Barsetshirediaries on and also my email. It’s very funny working with new things. I can’t tell what’s different and Windows 7 and what is just orientated differently because this computer screen is square rather than oblong horizontally like my current one. They’re both 19″ but the view is so different. At 5.00 am with a little smugness and self satisfaction I took a break to get breakfast.
Going back to my normal desk after breakfast with a coffee I realised I’m in trouble. I’m happy to continue using my existing screen but everything else needs disconnecting and moving then the new base unit needs to come through and get connected up. It’s going to be a real problem in terms of my back and bending down behind my desk. Maybe it can wait a month for the return of The Man. As long as he isn’t gored by a moose while he’s out there he should be OK. I’m not sure you get that many mooses in casinos. I spent a few minutes with Ebay just for fun but didn’t buy anything. I left it open for later though. At 6.10 am I was sitting at my computer waiting for the deluge. I worked as hard as I could but by the time I was due out for the bus I still had 62 left. As I left I met Bert going for a paper. We chatted almost until we were due to cross the road when I suddenly recalled I hadn’t got my bus pass. A sharp about turn and an apology and I came back. On my way out again I was well on the way to the bus stop when one bus ( not mine) shot past without checking to see if anyone was at the stop. I was a little annoyed as I could only have been going to the bus stop and the driver never thought to stop and ask if I needed the bus. A minute later another one came and I was sure it was mine as I saw a message on the window about the T1 which mine has. Shoulders slumped I stopped to breathe. My own bus came, and it stopped.
The journey to Chester was full of little power naps which I was grateful for. When I actually arrived I had a message to say progress was slow this morning as Reuben hadn’t wanted to get up. I had a quick look round one shop then walked towards where they’d come from, to meet them. Roobs saw me and galloped towards me like a Sumo and tackled my legs. I, standing firm like an oak tree in the wind, did not go down. The first thing he saw was my bag with gifts. There was a remote control plane (on wheels) and he tried everything in his arsenal to try and get it out of the bag. Being told it was Pops’s didn’t deter him either, as he just started offering t get it out for me. Distraction tactics had to be brought into play. Poor Amelie has a nasty little cough but no tears . She sat on my knee with a glum face, pretty much like all females do I suppose. We went to our usual shop for coffee and a second breakfast I didn’t want. While Yvonne fed the baby I went for a wander and came back with two sets of single bedding at £2 each. It must have cost more than that to make. Quite a nice blue stripe. Downstairs I got Yvonne some jeggings after a battle.
After battle we moved on to another shop where I got Reuben some chocolate.There were tears when I wouldn’t let him have it until it had been paid for, but we got by. Yvonne bought a few things there. Amelie needed a bit more food and as she was awake again we headed for the local Supermarket and it’s cafe. They’d opened a clearance shop next door and I managed to get Ugo a nice jacket there. I picked up my bread and some yellow roses to replace the daffodils I’d got for Ju on Saturday. They hadn’t lasted at all. By now it was time to start heading for my bus so we set off on our way again. At the bust stop I managed to get a smile from Amelie and a kiss from Rueben and of course from Yvonne. She thought we were seeing each other on Sunday but I had to point out it’s a week on Sunday, the 27th which is also the day they lose an hour’s sleep though maybe I’d better keep that to myself for now.
The bus ride back was pretty good as again I slept a good bit of the journey. I had time to call into Pauline’s for my new TV magazine (she’d run out of curry and chips) and get home without the discomfort of my bladder threatening to explode. I put my bread away in the kitchen and could tell Joey was happy to to see me as he was bobbing up and down on the mirror and giving me a good telling off. Since it was gone 1.00 pm I’d missed Bargain Hunt and I didn’t need lunch straight away because of my second breakfast. I just went straight to work. I stayed in front of the screen from 1.20 pm to 4.30 pm before I went and had something to eat. I watched the first half an hour of Cold Case then slept through the other half hour plus an hour of Without a Trace before waking in time for Star Gate SG1. At 8.00 pm I thought I’d spent long enough away and returned to work. First I went to check on the new computer to see if the Skype was still OK and whether MuJo had responded. The computer was OK’ish but struggled to boot up at first. MuJo hadn’t responded to my Skype request but while I was there I was able to Bookmark a few of the pages I use most often, including this one so now I can update from almost anywhere………..well, from within two rooms at least. My empire. Tomorrow I want to put a programme on that I have the disk for as it’s the place I do my silly poems on and get my clip art.
I returned from the wilderness room at 10.15 am to play catch up again and to come on to the blog. It’s looking hopeful for midnight.
The Deadly Duo.
Hippy ready for Spring
This treat is from a film I really enjoyed.
Wednesday 16th March.
I’d got to bed at 11.50 in the end. I read for just over the hour and lights went out at 12.45 am.
When I woke I knew I wanted more sleep which I wasn’t going to get. It was 15.39 am on my clock glowing malevolently in the dark. I went through to the toilet and noticed as I did that I hadn’t turned off the light in Mike’s room. Sticking my head in I found the computer still on as though the shut down I’d ordered last night had not been actioned. I turned it off completely which means I shall suffer when I next reopen it. I returned to my room and caught the face of my clock, the time read 1.56 am meaning somehow I’d seen 1.53 am before but imagined something different. The small gods must be laughing again. I turned the computer on to see if there was anything of great import I needed to see. The answer struck NO, but I wasn’t sure that was the whole answer. I was there and might as well work on the mail.
In a hideous coincidence (?) the first batch of mail took me until 3.39 am to do by which time Id been kicking myself for my own stupidity. My clock is set as a 12 hour one, not a 24 hour one so it couldn’t show 15.39 am. I found myself in a sort of half doze at the computer.I was not quite there yet able to deal with each message as it came in. Sometimes there were a few to deal with and at others just the odd one. At 5.00 am I took a break and went for breakfast and to take my meds. Cornflakes today and I quite enjoyed them. I was faffing around as my friend Judy would say http://edwinasepisodes.com/2016/03/16/wacky-word-wednesday-26/ so I didn’t return to my desk until 5.55 am. I had 15 minutes to clear the boards for the daily flood. I made it. Just. It was a close run thing. When it arrived it took me until 9.20 am to be clear again.
I had HUtH on with Joey but must have nodded off half way through as it wasn’t there when I woke up at 11.15 am. I dashed through to play catch up and found a message on my phone that Jade would be here about midday. I texted back, ‘Magic’ and wondered what to do about lunch. I put my shoes on, took my pre-foodies and went to the chippy only to find it closed until 11.45 am. I walked back to Pauline’s and bought some microchips and a sachet of curry sauce then hurried home to do them. They took 9 minutes between them so I hoped I hadn’t been out longer than about 7 minutes. Whatever, I enjoyed the end product and I had washed up before she arrived. I left her doing the lounge then came through to deal with the mail again.
A Motown boxed set I got on ebay arrived a day after I found I’d already got the same set. I’m wasting time on ebay as I’m having no joy at creating anything towards Amelie’s book. I wonder if I can pick up a second hand brain anywhere, mind you this one’s male so it’s hardly used. I’m looking at some jewellery at the moment but I still haven’t managed to find Easter gifts. Jade left at 2.10 pm and I sort of relaxed a bit though I carried on working. At 3.00 pm I broke off to watch Escape to the Country. It’s always interesting to see what kind of house they want and what the mystery house is that the team present them with. At 3.45 pm I did come back though so it wasn’t a big skive. At 4.30 pm Dil arrived so I went to make him a cuppa. I had to replace all my vases onto the windowsills and bring back my measuring and pouring jugs that Jade thought looked better there. I need to do the kitchen floor tomorrow. She washed the net curtains from the kitchen and lounge today. Dil and I watched our usual programmes then out came the games. First the Yahtzee which he won the first game 4-2 despite me squealing like a girl at his double Yahtzees. I won the second set 4-2 despite him sounding like a big girls blouse and howling at my game even though I won with no Yahtzees at all. The Trivial Pursuit went to him. I was still a piece of cake short when I chose to ask him the final question which I was sure he wouldn’t know. Dalmations! The cards came out and I won both games of cribbage. He seemed to think I wasn’t putting the fives back in the pack. Doesn’t he know that’s what long sleeves are for? He left at 9.30 pm and I had a quick tidy round before shutting Joey up (in his cage) and going through to take my meds. I came though to start on the mail and the blog. The mail took until 11.05 pm. I’m writing fast now to finish before midnight.
I’m so excited and I just can’t fight it, I’m about to lose control ……………
Apprentice dog walker
Thursday 17th March
Greased up ready for a channel swim and climbed into bed at 11.55 pm. Was texting Mike to wish him a nice holiday today and the replies were going back and forth for a few minutes so that I didn’t start reading until 12.10 am. Book down, lights out at 12.57 am I woke this morning at 5.02 am. A wonderful 4 hours of unbroken sleep. Yay! I logged on and started the mail which somehow I finished for 6.08 am. I went to the kitchen for my meds before the new batch arrived. There was no avoiding the fact that the new lot would arrive so I returned ready for battle. I worked until 9.00 am then went off to the chemist’s. And before some bright spark among you asks, Yes, I did get dressed. I’d put my scrip in on Monday and nothing been received yet. It turns out it was still at the surgery and unsigned. From Monday. That’s idiotic! The chemist said I cold have it as soon as received but of course that may be tomorrow. I called in at Pauline’s for my lottery so I may not have to go out at all tomorrow now then returned home to work again. I worked until 11.40 am before I was up to date enough to go and make my lunch. The usual Thursday treat of bangers and sweet potato mash, throw in some mixed veg and I was a happy man as I poured thick gravy over the lot.
I watched Bargain Hunt as I ate then did the washing up and returned to my seat for the auction. As soon as it was over I was out like the proverbial light. I didn’t hear Joey complain about snoring so it must have been OK. I didn’t rouse myself until 2.05 pm, then I shuffled my feet as fast as I could back to work. I was just passing the front door when my drugs (75% anyway) were delivered. No doubt the rest will arrive tomorrow. I started work again, it was a bit of a slog but at 3.20 pm when there seemed to be a natural lull I was able to sign into the other one to see if there was a skype response yet. That would be a no then. I shall have to risk disturbing them tomorrow to see how they are and that always worries me because John’s health is not fantastic and his mother is well into her 90’s. Still, sending one text doesn’t seem out of order. I started loading things from the disc I’d done onto my desktop. Once I discovered it was drag and drop my confidence soared. While it was doing and before I went to start my evening viewing, I started to load another disc on my normal computer. I need to get as many files off as possible.
At 5.00 am I made a sandwich to go with my BFG (Oops, didn’t I mention that before) then sat and enjoyed Cold Case. I started on Without a Trace but that woozy dust must have risen when Joey flew, it invaded my nostrils and I was gone. I was ten minutes into StarGate SG1 before the dust settled again. I watched an episode of Sanctuary which isn’t turning out to be like expected and then even though I should have packed up and come through I turned over (The channel, not me) to look at the Shannara Chronicles as I was a big fan of Terry Brookes books. It seemed OK but I confess to not remembering this story.I was glad to see one of my favourite actors there, John Rhys-Davies who sounds the same but isn’t looking well these days. Maybe it’s time for me to reread the books. I only watched half way though as I was conscious of the time and even Joey had gone in expecting me to close his door. So at 9.30 pm I did. I took my meds, called goodnight to Joey and came back to my room. The disc I’d left downloading that said two weeks 3 days to go was done. Liars.
I caught up on the mail then at 10.40 pm started on the blog. I expect I’ll be done by 11.30 pm if I make up my mind about pictures and music.
The Fairy
The little monkey.
Friday 18th March
Bed at 11.45 pm but some of the extra time was because I was doing my legs….no, not shaving them Madam, putting cream on. I must be enjoying the new book because I read till almost 1.00 am to get to the end of a long chapter. Lights out and sleep came quite quickly. Alas so did wakefulness again, at 2.27 am. Somnos has got it in for me big time at the moment. I used the time to put some more files on the new computer and ballsed it up in a big way. 3.20 saw me having to create a new disc with the files I thought I had. 2 days 20 hours was the predicted download time ??? It did it in about 20 minutes or so though the next two downloads to the same disc ,the full 2 days. At least it felt that way, they were still going when I returned from my breakfast at 5.30 am. I think I’m done now. I just need to transfer them to the correct place on the new base.
At 5.00 am I went through to see about taking my meds and doing my tabs for the next week. I decided against breakfast as I could have tea for a change. Then I decided lunch was too far away and changed my mind. Rice Krispies today. Funny how I always find myself with a wart on my face when I finish. Because the files were still transferring on my return I went and filled the mop bucket and did the kitchen floor. I really must get a squeegee mop. There were a few more messages to take care of when I returned but at least I’d be clear for the new stuff when it arrived. When it did arrive it got my full attention. I worked through to 9.50 am before I’d finished and went to watch HUtH. As soon as it was over I was back though to catch up again. I managed it by 11.40 am and decided to celebrate. I put my shoes on and my jacket, took my tablets then walked up to the chippie. By the time I got back my fifteen minutes was up so I tore through the wrapper to the food and ate. Difficult when you have curry sauce but hey ho.
I was about half way through lunch when the doorbell went, I had to put my tray down and answer it. There stood standing on my doorstep was a stick insect thin man with a drippy nose. I could sympathise with that as it was cold out today. He was from the National Office of Statistics and had come to make an appointment for me to answer a questionaire. To be honest I’ve sort of been expecting him. As it’s here, I think I’ll be OK and have agreed to do it (if only to get back to my lunch). I sat back down and watched Bargain Hunt. Once that was over I knowingly with no malice aforethought shuffled my bottom on the chair and closed my eyes. I slept,oh how I slept, it must have been for all of five minutes before I was startled awake by the doorbell. This time it was the chemist with the missing part of my scrip from yesterday. My doorbell so rarely rings I never take precautions like pulling the wires out and sticking it in the bin. I came back to work instead.Once I’d caught up I headed for the other computer to put some more files on.
At 4.30 pm I needed a break which I almost got tripping over the hall carpet. I went to sit in the lounge with a rhubarb yoghurt. It was no company at all so I talked to Joey instead. At 5.00 pm I watched Cold Case which of course was followed by Without a Trace aka Power Nap time, it had a very good ending. That in turn was followed by Star Gate SG1 which brought me to 8.00 pm. Knowing there is an R in the month I decided I’d better have a shower or the underarm spray won’t be enough any more. I fully intended coming to my bedroom to catch up again after the shower but I must have got water on the brain and turned right instead of left, either that or I was walking backwards. Finding myself in the lounge again I sat and watched Sanctuary, or as much as there was left. Finally I shut the TV off , closed Joey’s cage door and went to take my meds. I was ready to go into battle. I worked on mail till 10.35 pm then started on the blog. Things are going well so far and I’m looking at 11.30 pm approx if I can decide on pictures.
St Patrick’s Day snooze
St Patrick’s Day smile ( I get the feeling somebody’s watching me…)
Saturday 19th March.
I didn’t actually know what day to write this one a it could be classed as a continuation of Friday really. However I’ll let you decide for yourselves. Without being accurate on the timings, the reason I say that is as follows. Roughly 11.30 pm bed. Roughly 12.30 am lights out for sleep. Roughly 1.30 am back up again as I couldn’t get to sleep and both legs were playing up despite having been creamed. I thought if I got up, maybe I could make myself tired enough to sleep anyway. As I was up, why waste time? I might as well start answering mail albeit piecemeal. Hmm, just using that word made me hungry but my willpower will succeed. Anyway, I don’t want indigestion thanks. At 3.00 am all was quiet so I lay on the bed and succeeded in nodding off until 4.27 am.I didn’t complain at what was after all a victory of sorts. Once I was ‘compost mental’ again I spent time on the new mail that had come in then I went to make payment on Ebay for some things I’ve won.
At 5.00 am I had breakfast and my meds. I opened Joey’s cage and replaced the water and seed for him. It was perhaps a little early to let him out but he’d decide for himself when it was light enough to come out. I returned to work and got my mail box clear at 9.20 am. I just had a text to say Yvonne and Ugo had a bad night with Amelie leading to little/no sleep and that Reuben was in stroppy mode today. Ugo was just getting himself ready to come to me. It’s going to be difficult to shop this late with crowds around but he’ll stay with me. I shan’t have long as he needs to be back by 11.50 am. I shall be shopping on the run. Just as well I only want two shops. It was 9.40 am I got a text to say he was on the way. That meant about a 10.10 am arrival. I went to wait outside to save time and he was very close to the ETA. After a short but violent discussion about where we were going, (it turns out he’s frightened of ‘er indoors when he’s there and of me at this end so my suggestion of Tesco’s won out. He’s a very gentle and considerate soul.
I got everything from my list that was due from there, I didn’t pick flowers as the current vase seems to be doing OK. I can get some any day it looks like we need replacements. At the till we were served by my favourite young girl who Ju and I loved to go to if we could. Always as bright as a button and so pleasant. After Tesco we moved on to Homies. Luckily, he needed to be home at 1.00 pm instead of midday so we weren’t so pressed for time. I got my squeegee mop from there and my pop plus my mini cereals. I hadn’t been able to get any cash at Tesco’s so I used up my supply of readies. When we came out of Homies I went to the bank in the town centre very close to where we were at Homies. Then Ugo brought me home and we proceeded to put things away. I thanked him for the help, he said goodbye and left. Only after he’d gone did I notice he’d forgotten some things like biscuits and chocolate. I’ll have to take them next week. (I’m sure they’ll survive )I let Yvonne know he was on his way in case she worried about the time. It was just midday.
I came through to do some catching up before taking a break at 1.00 pm for lunch. I’d picked up a braised steak and mash meal for today. It was really nice and I know Joey enjoyed the company. I even watched a bit of TV before succumbing to whatever had been put in the mash and dozes off for an hour and a quarter. I’m afraid it was the need to have a wee rather than a guilty conscience which made me leave my seat so I eventually returned to catch up on emails. I spend most of the afternoon here partly trying to figure out why John hasn’t responded to my Skype request yet he’s tried to contact me twice on Facebook where he knows I hardly ever go, and since he wasn’t on when I was, we couldn’t connect then either. It would be easier just to send me a text. Late afternoon and I had a temporary lull in proceedings so I made a bolt for the lounge, it didn’t fit though. I stayed there with Moaning Mike Joey watching a couple of films and then the start of a programme on The Jackson 5/Jacksons until 9.30 pm. Then it was time for the final battles of the night, no, not to stay awake. I needed to get the mail down and the blog done.
Mother and child
The Happy Day.
Have a Fantastic New Week all of you. I wish you Dreams Come True and Hugs Galore.
I was actually in bed close to midnight, or at least on bed as I slathered myself in enough gunk to do a Channel swim. When I’d thrown out a couple of anchors to keep me in place I started reading which I ended just gone 1.00 am. It took a short time to find a cool enough spot for my legs and then I slept. The first period lasted until 2.28 am and then I woke ready to go to the loo. No problem as I hopped back into bed straight after a cigarette and was able to sleep again. The second session ended at 5.01 am which seemed on a par with usual really. This time I didn’t need an immediate visit to the Piddle Palace and so was able to log into the computer. I made a start on the mail from overnight but broke off at 5.45 am to get my meds. When I came back I was heading towards completion when the new batch arrived. I ended up working until 8.15 am before the first clear patch and the chance of a break so I disappeared to the lounge to let Joey out and sit with him for a while.
At 9.15 am there was a knock at the front door. It was my neighbour Bert to see if I had a mirror he could use to see the back of his head as he trims it. I do have one somewhere but I couldn’t find it so he left empty handed. I did say if he had no luck later, to call and I’d trim it for him. As soon as he’s gone, Mike got up. Very unusual for a Sunday. I made him a coffee while he asked what Bert wanted. We watched a couple of episodes of 8 Simple Rules from the early series while John Ritter was still alive. Then I went to get dressed. When I was done, Mike toddled off to his room and got ready. At 11.00 am we left the house in search of mirrors. We went to Tesco where we found two mirrors on stands at £2.50 each which were good but I asked to go to Home Bargains in case they had a hand mirror. The first think I found were two mirrors on stands like the Tesco ones but with a magnification of 3X on one side and they were just 99p each. Mike found one hand mirror. When we’d finished in Homies we gave some thought to lunch. Knowing Mike wanted to get away early this afternoon I didn’t want to suggest anywhere and he didn’t want to decide either so we gave the car it’s head. The Cookhouse was the choice. Wise decision, there were so many moans of ecstasy coming from our table at the taste and tenderness of the beef (plus pork in Mike’s case) we were getting a lot of funny looks. Four people just ordered “Whatever they’re having.” After lunch we came home and I fell asleep the minute I hit my chair. Not too sure when Mike left but he’d gone when I woke. I was glad as I hoped it would give him time to get the problem sorted with his visit to Canada in a couple of weeks. He’s been given 10 days to sort it yet it took them 3 weeks to notify him there was a problem. I turned to work. It was 3.15 pm and I stayed until 6.00 pm when I went to have some tea. I stayed there until after Beowulf and then came back through to make sure the mail was cleared before starting the blog. It took until 10.49 pm but I’ll be in bed before midnight I’m sure.
Feel the force
Getting the punch line.
Monday 29th Feb.
T’was a funny old nite. I was in bed for 11.45 pm and I could only read until about 12.15 am as I did feel tired…of what I’m not sure. I don’t imagine it took me long to get to sleep but waking at 2.01 am came as a bit of a shock and didn’t feel right. I sat and had a cigarette while I decided what to do and after some consideration, going back to bed seemed favourite. I lay there for some time willing sleep to come but it obviously missed the first few buses so I took to my chair in the lounge. That worked and it was 5.34 am before I resurfaced. Despite the fact I was still yawning it didn’t seem a bad length of sleep. I went straight to the kitchen and took my meds realising that I’d completely forgotten last night’s again. Oops! I made a coffee to bring back to my room stopping off on the way at the House of Pee when I realised I was hopping from foot to foot.
I signed on and started on the mail. I was making real headway before the new batch arrived but they didn’t seem so bad this morning. I was finished by 8.50 am and able to get dressed ready to take my prescription request to the chemist. Mail was still coming in but in much smaller , more manageable batches. I went to let Joey out and tell him I’d be back to watch TV with him later, then walked up to the Shop Parade as it’s known and tucked my prescription request in the box provided. I know it will be back on either Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday. It was cool out but fairly bright so I chanced a sports jacket instead of my leather one. I was well layered beneath it though. It was really nice and it seemed a shame to be coming back indoors. I hoped tomorrow would be a similar day so I could dress as though Spring has sprung. When I got back in I returned straight away to the mail to keep some kind of control on it. At 9.55 am I went through to join Joey for HUtH. I know it’s his favourite because he chirrups through it.
Once it was over and I’d taken in a parcel from the postman I returned to my mail. Quite a few in while I was away. One I found absolutely amazing was here…. https://meatdoesntgrowinmygarden.wordpress.com/2016/02/29/ausones-notebook-22-nd-instalment-amwriting-mondayblogs-cats-iartg/ It seems that in Belgium in the town of Linkebeek there were elections at which the same French speaking candidate was elected 3 times but was not empowered as Mayor by the Regional Dutch speaking Authorities who instead appointed the second place man who then had to step down as he had no majority. The area is predominantly French speaking of course. And people wonder why I laugh at the idea of a United Europe and want to leave the fold. I thought I must have missed my warden again despite telling her (by text) to come in if the door is unlocked, but even as I thought it she knocked. We had a good natter then she left to go elsewhere and I saw to my lunch which today was a beef stew and dumplings. I watched Bargain Hunt and enjoyed seeing two teams of youngsters make a small profit each.
I came back to work again and found a message from Yvonne asking me about a new coin the Royal Mint are going to do. Grandparents it’s time to prick up your ears or maybe your eyes. What a delightful keepsake for a child and possibly a small investment too. Maybe a full set of 4 of the general coins in uncirculated condition? http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/royal-mint-making-coin-honour-10963753 I only needed to work until 3.00 pm and the box was empty again. I was supposed to be looking at starting something creative but after staring at the screen for about 5 minutes I gave up the ghost and went to talk down to Joey. He doesn’t like it but he’s not big enough to matter. See how brave I can be ! I fell asleep, but then you expected that didn’t you. I wasn’t out for long as I wanted to spend from 3.45 pm to 4.30 pm in here in case more mail came and also to leave feedback on ebay for this morning’s parcel. From 4.30 pm I fully intended to be watching Flog It, and I was. For tea I had some biscuits and a yoghurt so I could take my tablets For a change I had dark chocolate digestives and was so proud of myself for having the half chocolate covered item for a change. Talk about health conscious. I watched Cold Case, Without a Trace and then an ancient episode of Murder She Wrote with Malcolm McDowall, It was one of the early Iron Age Episodes and I think we’d just started occupying roundhouses. The various grunts and beatings of the chest left me a little confused so at 8.00 pm I locked Joey in, took my meds and came through on another catch up with my peeps who I can at least understand. Well, some of you anyway. I’m tired and intend to have a very early night. Fingers crossed it doesn’t result in a very early morning too.
Mum, Amelie is going to pick her nose.
Tuesday 1st March. St David’s Day.
10.40 pm bed and I only read until 11.15 pm before attempting to sleep. I know midnight had come and gone before I was able to do so as despite the applied creams my legs, especially the left, itched like mad. It was difficult to even relax when all I wanted to do was scratch. At some stage I fell asleep but woke again at 1.12 am, it was the itching. I was still tired so I moved to my chair in the lounge and fell asleep with my pyjamas legs rolled up to the knee. I slept until 3.17 am and that was the end of sleep for another night. The early night had been countered by the early morning. Ah well, at least I was guaranteed an early start on last night’s mail considering how early I departed. The mail took me until 5.20 am and I chose to go have my meds and breakfast then. I was surprised just how awful it sounded outside as I hear nothing in my little room usually. When I’d eaten my toast I sent a text to Yvonne to see what she wanted to do today as I didn’t want her to get drenched bringing the babies out. On the other hand I haven’t seen them for a week and I do have some choice prezzies to take. By joint agreement a few minutes later I’m not going to Chester today. No point in all of us being wet and miserable, I can do that at home. I will ask Mike if we can meet up with them on Saturday morning after Reuben has been to the cinema.
So, I was able to stay with the mail until completion. I had a small break at 9.00 am to go to Pauline’s for chips with curry sauce and some cleaning materials. Then I came back and continued until 9.40 am when I could shout Huzzah from the rooftops, or I might have done if I could have reached one of the perishing things. The mailbox was empty! Temporarily I know, but for now empty. I went to talk to Joey who was actually having a (not very intelligent) chat with his friend in the mirror. Isn’t it amazing how they’re both as aggressive as each other and he still hadn’t noticed. At 10.00 am I put on HUtH to distract him. It did, he flew from the mirror straight into the kitchen and straight back out into his cage. Even Bev yesterday noted how much he loves his cage. Strange when the door is open and there are a multitude of perches in the room he could try if he wanted, including my head and/or shoulder. After a while I was distracted from my programme when he came out of his cage and landed on the chest of drawers to the left of the cage, plopped himself down in front of a photo of Ju and tried to start an argument. Of course it may have been his reflection in the glass again but who knows.
At 11.00 am I returned to work and turned the TV off. Joey shut up immediately I got out of the room while the miracle was still happening. There wasn’t too much post I’m glad to say so at 11.40 am I was able to give some thought to lunch. Ha, don’t make me laugh, I’ve been thinking about chips and curry sauce since I bought it. I took my pre-foodies and buttered some baps before doing it so it was 12.10 pm before I was ready to sit and eat. I saw Bargain Hunt out. The minute it was over, I rushed back, found 3 pieces of mail only and decided to have a power nap first. Back in my chair I closed my eyes and blinked…..one long blink until 12.55 pm. Then I came back to try and decide whether to risk buying one of the computers I’m looking at on ebay. They call them refurbished and they have 8G of RAM and 1TB of memory, Windows 7 and are dual core. My nephew is trying to dissuade me from getting one of these and suggests another site but they’re twice as much and more there. I think he may have relented a little as I sent him the details of two more a little later, both on ebay. He must have realised my financial limitations and said whichever one I chose he’d help me with.
The afternoon was charged with little darts back and forth between the lounge and work. There seemed to be less to do today which was great as most Tuesdays are frantic. So, had I gone to Chester I wouldn’t have been too stretched when I got back. There was a knock at the door about 3.00 pm which because I was expecting my drug dealer I answered. There was a man in a white coat and I panicked. But when he spoke it was someone from Grimsby selling fish. I’m shocked since we have Conwy a few miles down the coast with it’s own fishermen. Grimsby is a long way from here and there must be somewhere between here and there that they could market their fish without driving this distance. Perhaps not. Approaching 4.00 pm the doorbell rang and this time it was my dealer. In exchange for a month’s supply I passed over a box of Quality Street. I’m sure most dealers don’t work so cheaply. At a few minutes to five I had some chineapple punks and then watched Cold Case which was really quite sad as it involved lobotomies. Then it was Without a Trace which I missed the very last couple of minutes of by dozing off. It’s bloody annoying. Why I punished myself by watching another ancient Murder She Wrote where our heroine played herself and her London cousin at the same time I don’t know. But I did. I have actually enjoyed this series in the past but some are really old hat.
At 8.00 pm I came through intending to stay and make sure the mail is kept down before doing the blog. It’s possible I may have slipped into ebay here and there purely by accident of course. Actually I was sending a friend the number of my Himalayan Salt lamp which she’d never heard of. It’s supposed to help the air when it’s on. But it’s really quite pretty too. I also ordered a new computer which will arrive Thursday.
Not for sale.
Kraftwerk?
Wednesday 2nd March
I got an early night and was in bed by 11.00 pm . I read until 11.45 pm, it’s a book by Gerald Seymour and promises to be good. Sleep wasn’t as hard to come by as last night but a couple of times I dropped off only to wake up seconds/minutes later.Eventually after a proper sleep I woke at 3.13 am in my chair in the lounge. I sort of have memories of going there but can’t remember when or why. It being far too early to take my meds I picked up a fresh bottle of Pepsi Max and went back to my bedroom to sign on. I did my gmail first then at 4.25 when I had emptied that, I turned to ebay to check out the temporary insanity of yesterday and ordering a new refurbished computer like I did. Since it’s Windows 7 and has 8 Gig of RAM and 1TB of memory I’m hoping for more speed out of it and perhaps being able to get my skype back. Lee says I should back up my files to the slave hard disk drive but I have no idea how to do that. This Silver Surfing thing only goes so far with me.
At 5.00 am I went through to the kitchen to take my meds and have some breakfast. Toast again this morning, but a bap rather than sliced bread. When I came back with my coffee afterwards I took the bull by the horns and decided to learn how to back things up. I started it going but am not sure if I’m backing it up to the right place- the internal or external HDD. The choices were limited to 2 things and one of those was the DVD writer so I opted for the other with was labelled D Drive. I’ve set it to do a weekly back-up from now as well.
I started again on the gmail stuff that had come in. At 6.10 am more and more started coming until I thought I’d be here all day. As it was, I was clear by 9.40 am. As it was very light now I went through to let Joey out of his cage and to change his water, seed and millet. Obviously I had to wait for him to come out before putting the millet in. He was in a very good mood this morning, very chatty. As usual all I understood was Joey,Joey, but he seemed to enjoy me repeating it to him when he said it. He could just think I’m a trained parrot of course. I stayed with him until 11.00 am when it was time for another turn in the trenches. This time I was occupied until 11.50 am when I thought it time to start my lunch or I’d miss Bargain Hunt. Today I had some corned beef, micro chips and a small tin of beans. I’ll use another one of the micro meals on Friday but tomorrow is my bangers and mash day. At this rate I’ll only need to buy one meal for next week.
1.00 pm should have been a return to the computer but my backside just sidled down the chair and I closed my eyes. Forty minutes later I was as fresh as a daisy. I wnt back and worked until 3.00 pm when Escape to the Country was due to start. I had everything under control so I was happy to leave a few till later and disappear to watch it. Big mistake! I returned to the bedroom at 3.45 pm and sat down. I had just opened the first email when I heard the front door open very quietly. As I leaned over and looked towards the front door, there was Dil almost an hour early. I’ve asked him whether it’s worth working these days. He’d been on a site meeting fairly local and just finished. It wasn’t worth driving all the way back just to finish and come back here again. Anyway, the boss said it was OK and he’s the boss so who’s going to argue. So, I went through and made him a cup of tea while he took his coat off. We chatted about our weekends then watched half a quiz, an antiques show and then our usual full quiz.
At 6.00 pm as the TV went off the table came out- the top fell off- it was replaced and I put the Yahtzee on the table. OMG, he won the first sheet 5-1 I didn’t know what had hit me. I won the second sheet 4-2 giving him the over all win. The Trivia came out. the opposite of last week Dil was the first to start collecting pieces and he had 3 in before I got my first. I did manage to get the sixth and last piece just before him but that didn’t help much. We shuffled round trying to get to the centre. I missed an answer and then Dil missed two on the trot. Finally I managed to get back thee for another try and he asked me one I knew. That’s one game each. We had time for one game of Cribbage before he was due to leave and he beat me with a street to spare. I swear he’s better at cheating than I am these days. I waved him off, quietly regretting it wasn’t raining harder then came back in to tidy up and wash the pots. I wished Joey Nos da but all he did was hop into the corner of his cage as the cruel master locked him in for the night. A quick nip to the kitchen to take my meds and then through to the bedroom to start work again. It was bad. It’s going to be another midnight finish.
Masterchef.
Is it love I see?
Thursday 3rd March.
I was in bed at 11.50 pm and had a good read for an hour before turning out my light. Sleep wasn’t too long in coming once I made myself comfortable. No wake ups in the middle of the night and I slept until 3.11 am. After a nip to the loo I came back and signed on. First job was to check the bank. My pension was in OK but there was no deduction for further rent or Council Tax so it looks as though they’ll have to take everything on 15th March so I don’t end the year in debt. That could be a fair old chunk of money from January. I started on my emails but broke off around 5.00 am to take my meds. I also filled 3 small Pepsi bottles from a big one and put them in the fridge. A much easier size to keep next to my bed or on my side table in the lounge. After making a coffee to bring back I returned to work. I finished the emails before the next lot were due to arrive so I started looking at ebay. At smart TV’s of all things. I was so tempted last Saturday at Argos, a 43″ screen at a cracking price that would have been like the cinema in my lounge but I reckon my ‘bro’ wouldn’t be able to say he couldn’t read the quiz questions on Pointless any more.
I worked until 9.15 am then nipped to Pauline’s to get some bread and other things including my lottery. I had to leave a note on the door to say I was out for 5 mins unless Jade turns up. I still have no idea what time she’s working today. When I got back I’d had an email to say my computer will be delivered between 13.28 pm and 14.28 pm which I thought was very specific . I did some more mail until 9.55 am then left the rest while I went to watch HUtH with Joey. Once that was over and the turning off of the TV stopped his running commentary I went back to do some mail for about 40 minutes then went through to the kitchen to peel my sweet potatoes. At 11.15 am I had a text message from Jade to say she’d be here at 2.00 pm. Good, I thought in case I needed someone to carry the box. (joke). At 1.00 pm I started to clear the next lot of emails that had arrived and since there was the opportunity to follow the driver of the van bringing me my computer I decided to do so. It showed our relative positions on the map. Alan is currently delivering parcel No 43, you are No 38, Alan will be with you in approx half an hour. I followed him along the coast road until he ended up a little past me doing drop No 40. Alan will be with you in approx 15 minutes. At 1.35 pm he arrived. I signed for the box thinking it was a bit small but of course there won’t be all the polystyrene to get rid of if this is a refurbished model. I slid the box along the carpet to Mike’s bedroom and left it hopefully where he’ll catch himself on it. If he breaks it I can sue him for a better model. If he breaks a toe I can laugh.
I was tired this afternoon but as Jade would be coming I wasn’t going to get any rest until she’d gone and before Mike arrived. That’s if he”s still coming today. At least I could stay up to date with my mail. Jade arrived about 2.15 pm and got straight down to work. She was going to top up the lounge (naughty Joey) and do Mike’s bedroom today. She didn’t need me underfoot. I slipped into the lounge about 3.05 pm when she’d left so I could see Escape to the Country, my emails were up to date so I wasn’t exactly skiving. She came back through after seeing to Mike’s room about 3.40 pm and knowing she had another job to go to I sent her away. She offered to reduce the rate for not doing the full two hours but I told her to buy a box of chocs for herself. Since I knew I would be skiving at 4.30 pm I checked on the e.mails but I only needed to do about 5 so I dodged off earlier and watched a different quiz to my usual. For some reason I stayed awake. At 5.00 pm it was Cold Case and at 6.00 Without a Trace. When I checked my phone during one of the advert breaks (it was in the kitchen on charge) I saw Mike had sent as text at 5.50 pm to say he was setting off. I got his cup ready about 8.00 pm but it was half past before he arrived. It seems it was filthy weather out and had been all the way. I hadn’t heard the rain until that moment beating against the windows. We chatted about his week and at 9.00 pm started watching Law and Order. I had to make a sandwich in the break and that should be against the law sometimes. At 10.00 pm I came through to start work and Mike followed me to ask about my Skype. I told him I removed it completely and then tried to download it again but it still won’t work. Amazingly there wasn’t much mail to deal with ‘cos I’ve sent everyone to Coventry this week so I was able to get to the blog much earlier. Perhaps even an 11.30 pm bedtime.
My lovely Great Nephew Nathan. 10 months old.
Slurp!
Friday 4th March.
I got my bedtime around 11.30 pm as hoped and I only read until 12.15 am before settling down, albeit on my wrong side, for the night. When I woke up at 3.41 am I was on my right side which is the right side and tells me I don’t keep still at night and my body ignores it. I still don’t understand how it can ignore moving as far as another room though which at least wasn’t the case today. I paid my all important visit to the Piddle Palace and realised my intuition that there was someone else in the house was correct for a change when I passed Mike’s open bedroom door and I saw a misshapen lump in the middle of the bed. That could only be Mike. I came back and started work on the mail until 5.00 am when I went through to take my meds, prepare my next week’s meds in their container and then have some breakfast. It was 5.50 am before I returned and started work again but I was done by 6.05 am and just sat enjoying my coffee until the next batch arrived.
At 8.30 am Mike’s alarm went off. I knew he had to be gone by 10.00 am but that was early for him. But,I took his coffee through and made sure I woke him properly so he knew it was there. I even got a sensible answer but he still didn’t get up until 9.10 am. I went through to the lounge and woke him by standing on the toe he didn’t break on the box. He was out at 9.55 am and promised to text when he’s on his way back. I went back to work and cleared the box at 11.00 am. I know Joey is disappointed to have missed HUtH but we all make sacrifices don’t we? By 11.45 am I was clear and able to think about doing lunch. Lamb and colcannon today. I very much enjoyed the latter but I’m going to say my imagination let the lamb down, the thought of all those little white clouds sproinging (I like this word ) along in their fields in a few weeks……… I watched Bargain Hunt and then allowed myself a power nap. Oops, when I woke up Doctors was on and I found myself watching it before I realised. I managed to break away before 2.00 pm though. Work until 3.00 pm then Escape to the Country. At 3.45 pm I did some other work and wrote a few personal emails before clearing the decks again in time for Flog It.
I ran the gamut of my ‘almost’ usual Friday viewing, Flog It, Cold Case, during which I had a very late delivery of pyjamas for Amelie and at the end of which Mike sent a text ‘On Way Bro’, Without a Trace, an episode of Mash during which I got another text to ask if I wanted anything from the chippy. Naturally I said no because of my diabetes but for some reason the predictive text wrote Yes, chips, get here now, then A Question of Sport which was halfway over before Mike arrived back from all the way round the corner. I almost tore his arm of helping him put the food out with one hand and buttering a bap with the other. At 8.00 pm I went for my shower aiming to be back for Mastermind. It turned out to be a special for celebrities rather than a semi final or the final but hey,it was OK. At 9.00 pm was the important bit of the evening, no not more food, the last episode of Shetland. Fair play to the writers, they’re excellent and just when you think you’ve the story figured out ( and you’ve translated the Scottish accents) they put another twist in the plot. Look away now if you don’t want to know whodunit. It was, Aaaarghh. Is there a doctor in the house, oops, perhaps Jessica Fletcher or detective then? As always on a Friday I knew it would be a push to catch up on my mail and do the blog. Midnight tonight I reckon.
Wot a larf
Nursery with Bug Boy
Saturday 5th March.
I managed 11.33 pm bed and enjoyed my book until about 12.30 am when I paid my last visit to the loo with my light going off a minute later. I woke mid-dream at 4.35 am hoping I had time to make it to the loo. I actually wanted to go to the cellar first (?) but the need was greater. By the time I reached the loo I was aware that the cellar didn’t exist and was just a lingering past of the dream, but I was glad I hadn’t tried to make the detour first. Vastly relieved, I washed my hands and tried to get a grip on the dream. I know Ju was there and I think it was for her I was going to the cellar to collect something but I think it was for someone else, possibly Mike. That sounds reasonable I suppose, him using my legs rather than his own. I gave up and headed for the kitchen where I took my meds and then made myself some toast for breakfast. It was 5.50 am before I got back to my room, just enough time to finish the last of this morning’s mail before the new lot descends. I’ll be a little stuck when that happens I think, making Mike his coffee if he’s set his alarm. I need to get the rubbish and the recycling out ready for collection then.
The alarm went off and I made and took through a coffee. I know I reached into his sleep because my bellow got a grunt in return. However, as always it’s all promise, no action with him. I listened to every alarm he ignored until 7.00 pm before he finally moved.I dealt with all the bins while Mike went to sleep in the chair but I turned the light on, made a noise with the bins and coughed a fair bit. We left the house at 7.35 am. At the supermarket we decided to buy the flowers last today, on the way home so they didn’t get knocked about in the boot. We carried on and I bought a bunch of kids clothes so they’ll be OK till they’re about 14 now. Once all the shopping was in and Mike had insulted another Mike who works there and we’d got insults in return, we went for a coffee. It was much needed. From there we headed for Flint and Home Bargains, then B & M then finally Temptations taking a box of chocs in for the girls, who just happened to be Ceri 1 and Ceri 2 this morning. After he’d filled his face with teasted toecake and we’d finished coffee we stood outside for a cigarette. I realised how late it was getting and we set off for Chester to be there ready to meet Yvonne and the family. They’d taken Reuben to the cinema this morning.
When we arrived at Broughton Park Mike and I went into Tesco where he found some good items in the sale to take with him on holiday.Two or three jumpers, a pair of jeans and I think a teeshirt. He was just in the queue to pay when I had a text to say they were out of the cinema and where did we want to meet. I suggested a pizza place close to where they were standing so they could get out of the cold. Just a couple of minutes from where Mike and I were. We found them OK and I had hugs from Reuben and from Ugo but Yvonne was wedged in her seat with a fast asleep Amelie on her knee. We ordered drinks and when those came I was able to take my tabs and we ordered food. I wasn’t pleased to find I couldn’t have an Hawaiian pizza as they don’t use pineapple.It was a shame we hadn’t chosen the pub where we used to meet. Anyway I took Amelie and passed Yvonne the gifts. She seemed to love all the clothes and all the baking /cake decorating and mini wines for herself. Ugo liked his shirt and tie and his chocolate puddings. The meal came, Ugo took Amelie and we ate.
Once finished Ugo was taking the family home then going to play football. We were very close to a shop we both like so Mike suggested we go there before going back to Tesco’s to buy the flowers. It could have been a mistake. Mike saw a phrenology head he liked though he didn’t buy it. I pointed out a glass head, and said I wouldn’t mind having it and using it as an ornament/hatstand, alternating the look by changing hats. I decided to buy it. Mike loved the idea so when I saw another one round the corner I said I’d buy that one for him, then he found a third which he’d buy himself. Of course then he had to have a discussion with himself about whether to buy the phrenology head to put in the middle. Something caused a break in concentration and it didn’t get bought. We had to go and look for a console table next to stand them on but we were in a very expensive shop and he blanched at every price ticket. I was following behind with a bowl expecting him to throw up. He nipped next door to look and while he was away I got the heads and met him outside. Headhunting over Mike took the bags to the car while I walked slowly to Tesco’s. He met me there and I got the flowers needed for Ju. We came home.
Joey was over the moon to see us poor soul.It must have been a long lonely day for him from 7.00 am to almost 4.30 pm. We unpacked the shopping and got it put away then I left Mike with his football results and came through to start work. I’ve had two bouts of angina this week, when I saw the mail box with letters bulging from every seam I nearly had a third. I was tired following a 4.35 am start and having missed my power nap this afternoon. I worked till 7.00 pm then made some tea and took a break. Unfortunately the break lasted until 9.00 pm and I almost nodded off but Mike decided it was a good time to talk to me. When he goes to Canada on 17th he won’t be able to moan at me working or wake me when I’m going to catnap. YAY. At 9.00 pm after watching a programme of Dusty Springfield songs I came back to work and have put my nose to the grindstone. Anyone got a spare plaster? At 11.00 pm I had to break off to start the blog but I’m still hopeful that I’ll finish before it’s time to get up again.
Wishing you all a Wonderful New Week full of dreams come true. Hugs Galore one and all.
The oddest thing. I read until about 1.00 am then settled to sleep but it was a while in coming because I couldn’t get comfortable. I heard Mike get up and come towards my room where he asked if I’d heard an alarm go off. When I answered no he returned to his room muttering. Then he came back again, not thirty seconds had passed and asked if I was awake??? He thought maybe he hadn’t locked his son’s car because his own locks itself when he walks away from it. He trotted off out in his dressing gown. True enough he hadn’t locked it but at least we found out it wasn’t his car alarm that had gone off. I fell asleep. Then I woke again to go to the loo about 2.15 am despite having been before I went to bed. I climbed back into bed and just dropped off again and didn’t wake up until 7.11 am. That’s a remarkable sleep and over 5 hours. It really has been a long time since I achieved that.
So, at 7.11 am I got up, went to the loo (again) and then carried on to the kitchen where I took my meds and made myself a coffee. Having logged in next I attacked the mail. 97 it read at that time. 99 it read half an hour later.Then slowly but surely the levels came down. I was determined to carry on working until Mike got up but I did go through to let Joey out at about 8.30 am. Just after 9.30 am I heard Mike wake up coughing, but I thought he settled down again so I carried on. At 10.00 am I heard Mike go to the loo so I went through to make him a coffee. In the lounge I saw he must already have been up because his cup wad there almost fully drunk. I waited. When he came back I asked why he hadn’t come through to say he was up and he said he thought I was asleep because he couldn’t hear me tap-tapping. ( Put your hearing aids in Michael and then turn them on). He’d got up when the coughing had started and crept through in case I was asleep. No way would he catch me asleep at that time. I stayed in the lounge with him until 11.00 am and then went to get dressed as he’s said yesterday that he wanted to go looking for a safe this morning. By the time I’d got dressed he’s changed his mind and wasn’t feeling well. I don’t know if it was because he’d had to make his own coffee or at the thought of spending money(not even his ).
Mike suggested as we weren’t going out that maybe I’d like to work for another hour and he could do the flowers. Half an hour later he’s in the bedroom bending my ear about politics and he hasn’t even started the flowers. After a quarter hour he left me to carry on. At 12.30 pm when my hour was up I went through to see to lunch and he was in the kitchen doing the flowers. The savage made me stand there holding a bin bag open so he could add his flower waste to it. Then left me to carry the full bag to the bin with not a thought for my back.Savage. I made lunch, a beef and black bean concoction he’s chosen yesterday and for me a boeuf bourgingnon and mash. We both quite enjoyed them. Unfortunately I stayed in the lounge with him and after a while he looked sleepy. But, it was me who nodded off for an hour. Sometime during that hour he made his escape. I knew he was going back to Manchester to collect things from his dad’s flat before going back home to Rugby. I texted him there to say sorry I missed the big farewell scene. When I woke I came straight through to work. I stayed until 5.30 pm then went to get some tea so I could have my other diabetic meds. I found a film to watch until 7.00 pm.
I saw a film advertised for 9.00 pm with Simon Pegg which I thought I’d try so I devoted 7.00 – 9.00 pm to work so I could stay up. By 10.10 pm I’d given up as I’d not really been enjoying it. I know people swear, and I’m no prude but sometimes it’a overdone and I find it wearing. So, goodnight to Joey who’s been great today and I took my meds before coming through to work. As it happens for some reason the mail was mounting up again. Should still be n early night though about 11.30 ish.
Over the Garden Wall.
The knitted baby. Outfit by her Auntie Lynne.
Monday 22nd Feb.
When reading James Patterson, his chapters are so short you just fly through them. It’s so easy to get carried away and promise yourself ‘Just another two.’ I was in bed at 11.15 pm but read until 1.00 am because I couldn’t put the damned thing down. My right hand almost had to wrest it out of my left hand, put it down and turn the light out. I could not sleep on my back and had a bit of a time turning on to my side. Eventually I slept and as luck and maybe kindness would have it (thanks Somnos) I didn’t need a middle of the night loo trip. I woke and got up at 5.14 am. I made the morning pilgrimage and then came back to log on. 5.30 am came quickly so I nipped through to the kitchen to take my meds and make my one-a-day coffee. I was soon back in my seat attacking the mail.
There were about 20 pieces of mail left when I returned to my chair and by 6.10 am I as down to 11. Whenever I did one it seemed to be instantly replaced by a new one but instead of the new day’s mail coming in the usual rush, it took me up to 20 and then seemed to hover around that mark no matter how many I did. It always felt like less work. The highest it got was 31. At 7.45 am I put the washing machine on to complete while I worked. I was finished and clear by 8.52 am and rapidly got dressed ready to go to the Post Office with a letter detailing my recent changes of income to the Housing Benefits Dept of the Council. I did that and then called at the sandwich shop for a sausage bap having decided that I wanted breakfast after all. I came home and took my pre-foodies then sorted Joey out with a new seed bell and had a shave. I ate the bap while working on mail that had come in while I was out, then took my post-foodies. It doesn’t matter now if I have my lunch a little late which is always likely anyway since Bev seems to be calling later this last few weeks.
After I was up to date again I saw it was almost time for Homes Under the Hammer so I went through to join Joey. He became animated when the music came on and with me talking to him, but not for long. He soon adopted his crosspatch squawk that says he’s peeved at someone. I started falling asleep but he wasn’t having that and squawked louder still. There’s no ignoring him as he sounds like a torture victim from outside. I had to stand by the cage talking t him so he’s shut up. At 11.00 am I came back to the bedroom to work but I was trying to listen out for the drier finishing. I didn’t hear it so I went to check it at 11.30 am and folded all the bedding on to the airer. There was a programme on TV about people who put in false claims to insurance companies which was quite good. Surprising was the man who put some cars down as his on a multiple insurance for a garage business. He then created documents and sold policies to unsuspecting drivers for their cars who 18 months down the line tried to claim after accidents only to find they weren’t insured at all. It’s evil. I watched Bargain Hunt while waiting for Bev to come but no sign so at 1.00 pm when I went to work again I sent her a text to see if she was off. She texted back that she’d called on me about 10.30 am and used the bell. That was while I was watching HUtH so I was in. Perhaps I was in the kitchen and heard nothing because of the washing machine or maybe the bell didn’t work, though it did when I tested it later. At 1.45 pm I went for my lunch.
At 2.55 pm I finished my lunch. OK, I confess, I finished the kip after my lunch. Instead of returning to work I just watched Escape to The Country. When that was over at 3.45 pm I found more work than I’d expected in the mailbox. Since those fools in the BBC didn’t consult me first they’ve taken off my Road Trip so there was no need to return to the TV until 6.00 pm when Missing-Without a Trace came on. I waited until the first adverts came on and made myself some tea. A packet of Cheddars, a chunk of Cadbury’s chocolate cake and just to show how health conscious I am, a rhubarb yoghurt. The second of my two shows has been removed by another channel, again without prior consultation with me, and replaced by something I don’t watch so I came back through here at 7.00 pm for a change. Poor Joey must think he’s in trouble. It gave me chance to finish the earlier work I hadn’t completed and also the new stuff you sadists had sent when my back was turned. I do need a life you know. I did find a couple of very interesting blogs. That of Opinionated Man https://aopinionatedman.com/who had a fascinating childhood as an American child who didn’t like baseball! But whose wife is an accomplished artist with a very striking piece for sale. Also the wonderful Donna Parker http://yadadarcyyada.com/ who paid me the highest compliment possible in the comment section of her hilarious blog today. Donna and others are living proof that friendships as strong as those in everyday life are quite possible built on the net. I am possibly the luckiest man on the planet. Now if only I can find a blind lady with a dog that doesn’t bite, how nice that would be.
Early bed tonight and I hope the latest blustery rain had beaten itself out and we have a start like we had today. Sunny and bright but with a wonderful fresh nip in the air.
Monday Sunshine start.Fair of face and fffreezing.
A born salesman or Knowing How to Regain First Place.
Tuesday 23rd Feb
I got my early night and was in bed for 11.15 pm . I read till 12.30 am and didn’t want to stop but I’m on my last few chapters with no books in reserve. Out went the lights and I settled down. I don’t think sleep was long in coming. This morning I woke at 3.47 am and though I knew I’d be getting up I didn’t want to move from the warmth and just lay there plucking up courage to move until 4.13 am. When I did move I donned my dressing gown and paid a visit to the loo. From there I went to the kitchen and had my foodie tabs so that I could eat breakfast, Shreddies today, and then I took my morning meds and made a coffee to take back to my desk.
I logged on and started work on the mail. Things were going pretty well but my attention must have wandered because without me noticing it had suddenly reached 6.20 am. With shock and horror I noticed the dozen or so I had left was now 84. I had to break away for a quick weep while I got dressed. As I came back the number was now 92. I did 2 and that left a balance of 92 ……again? By the time 7.20 am came and I had to get my coat on to head for the bus stop I was leaving just 80. It wasn’t light enough for Joey to be out yet but I did open his cage ready before I walked up the road. I got my favourite seat on the bus. Stuck my shopping bag of gifts between my legs, put my chin on the armhole of my crutches and nodded off. Not heavily enough that I could sleep through my stop but enough to discourage conversation. The journey wasn’t bad and we arrived on time. Since Yvonne wasn’t at the bus stop I started walking in the direction they’d appear from. When I saw them Yvonne spotted me and was telling Reuben Pops was coming. It was an age before he saw me but what a roar he let out. I hope she never takes the chains off…….. When we were closer he was able to run up and grab my legs. It was a rugby tackle I think. I got up off the floor to hug Yvonne and to look in the pram at Amelie as we decided where we were going.
We settled on our usual shop first Primark, which meant we could go for a coffee and toast (insisted upon even though I’d had breakfast) and a sit down while Amelie was fed. I knew Yvonne needed some more bodysuits for Amelie. Once we’d had coffee and Amelie was getting her milk straight from the source, I told Yvonne I was going to have a wander down and see if they were doing any summer colours in the men’s jeans ( as if) which meant I could get the bodysuits, some shoes and a little dress for Amelie as well as a gilet, teeshirt and some jeans for Roobs. Fait accomplis means no arguments. Mind you, she did finish feeding baby and try to have a race to the till to stop me. Downstairs I was able to get a nightie and a top for her while her eyes were otherwise occupied. She was a very close second at the till though so I know the back is slowing me up.
Yvonne needed a visit to NEXT next (echo) at which point the pram in my hands exploded in a earful rebuke that a. I wasn’t feeding her and b. I wasn’t rocking the pram hard enough. We weren’t too far from a little Methodist church that has a playroom and a small cafe. Roobs would be fine playing with the toys there, Yvonne and I could have a drink and she could also feed Amelie again, after which I would get to hold her again. It all depended on me being able to get into church without being struck by lightning or scarred by holy water though at the price of water these days I reckon the one who bought it was more likely to be scarred. It was after the drinks that I saw I needed to depart so I said good bye and galloped off as best I could. They were about 10 seconds behind me at the bus stop, just as my bus arrived so I got another goodbye. By this point you’ll realise I’ve had two drinks and am about to spend an hour or so on the bus. For most of the journey it was a repeat of the inward one, eyes closed, gently nodding. quietly seething that someone else nicked my seat……. but somewhere it started to get a tad uncomfortable. When I got off the bus I blanched at the thought of how far it was to the house. I had to pass the shops and I had to ask myself if I was prepared to go home and come out again or would will power win out. Idiocy certainly did because I went into Pauline’s. She was in chat mode…aaarrrrggh….and I was so glad when another customer reached the counter. I got home as fast as I could. Transferring my shopping bag from right to left hand while in motion so my right hand was free to dip for the keys was an accident waiting to happen. I reached the front door. By now I was hopping up and down on alternate legs and my body was writhing but I managed to open the door. I didn’t have time to remove the crutches and the shopping bag was thrown anywhere as I darted for the loo. I was a fraction of a second away from not needing too dart there, but to dart for the mop and bucket instead. I wee’d for about an hour. Joey had heard me and was tweeting like billyo to remind me he was there. ‘Drained’ in more ways than one I went through to the lounge,collecting the abandoned shopping on the way. I talked to Joey for a minute and then apologised and said I’d be with him asap. I went to remove my crutches, my gloves, coat and shoes then checked the new level of post. 84 ,where I’d started the morning.
It was 1.05 pm so I just sat and worked. By 4.30 pm I was getting there and by 4.55 pm I’d only 20 left. I went through to the lounge and put the TV on to a programme I haven’t seen in a long time, Cold Case. While I was watching it I’d put a chips and curry sauce in the micro for tea and taken my tablets. I enjoyed it. I watched Missing, Without a Trace then Murder She Wrote before coming back through at 8.00pm. I’ve spent till 10.30 pm emptying my mail box and now started on the blog. Fingers crossed for 11.30 pm bed.
The Understanding
Contentment with a mouthful of bib.
And this is for the Beautiful Donna, my friend.
Wednesday 24th Feb.
Bed at 11.40 pm after plastering my feet in gunk and applying a Chinese herbal plaster to my back….or rather to my pyjama trousers and my teeshirt . I finished my book and made a start on a new one and read until 12.30 am. Then it was lights out and settle down. I found it easier to sleep on my side because I kept sticking to the bottom sheet with the plaster which seems to have got as wrinkled as heck in the process of settling. It seems to be one of the most awkward things in the word, trying to slap a large plaster on your own back straight. I’m sure there’s a knack but I don’t have it. I slept until 4.48 am with no interruptions which is around the four hour mark and not too bad. I paid a visit a visit to the loo and then carried straight on to the kitchen where I had a toasted bap for breakfast. I found this morning how true it is tht men are not capable of performing two tasks at once. I put a tablet in my mouth and a sip of milk then started to shake two little sachets of my sugar substitute to get it to the bottom while I tore the top off. So intent was I in performing that simple task that I quite forgot to swallow the tablet and the damn thing dissolved in my mouth. When I returned with my morning coffee I logged on to the computer and my gmails. It was not too bad and just took me nicely to 6.08 am allowing me a slight breather before the deluge.
After the new mail came the only break I got was at 8.30 am to let Joey out of his cage. I was kept hard at it otherwise until 10.10 am so I missed the start of Homes Under the Hammer. Joey didn’t seem to mind. What we did wonder though was where the heck the new cleaner is. I wondered the same thing at 11.00 am as I returned to my room. I sent a text to make sure I had the day right and she responded she was in a meeting but would be here. At 12.30[pm I was in a panic as I wanted to go to the chippy for some lunch but a new text arrived to say she’d be here at 1.00 pm. I went to get my lunch, came back and ate it. She arrived about 1.15 pm and went to work on the bathroom almost straight away. Down came the curtains which were give to me to put in the wash, which I did. She did a very thorough job in there and I’m afraid to go in now in case I dirty it again. I’m not sure how long I can keep these legs crossed though. I wonder if Bert next door will let me use his. Joey was in his cage so I cleaned off the mirror above which sent him flying out of the cage and in circles above my head gasping for breath. The loon didn’t even have the sense to find a different perch. The minute I stopped cleaning, even though I was there next to the cage, he landed on the mirror near me. Panic for nothing.
Jade left at 3.00 pm and after I’d paid her I settled down with Joey. I watched A House in the Country where a mother and son viewed properties which were to include his wife and his mother in law. They had a budget of £1.2m and saw some fantastic places. At 3.45 pm though I went back to catch up on any outstanding mail before my brother arrived. At 4..30 pm I went to watch Flog It.
As I reached the lounge Dil arrived. I made him a cup of tea and we watched Flog It together then Pointless. As soon as that was over the grudge matches started. Out came the Yahtzee and of the first six games I deservedly won 4-2. In the second six games something went awry and Dil undeservedly won 5-1. It was a fix and I’m sure he used weighted dice on his turn. When we eventually finished that and I’d stopped communicating with him in sign language, using only one finger mainly, out came the Trivial Pursuits. I gained my first four slices of pie before he’d got his first but then things turned a bit and he pulled three back. I went to five, he went to four. I got my last piece and started heading for the middle. It was outrageous, I couldn’t land in the middle to save my life and Dil managed to get his last two pieces of pie. It was a desperate battle ensued then as we both struggled for the centre. We both made it and asked each other questions we didn’t think the other could answer. But with a bit of judicious reading upside down I was OK in the end. I WON!!!!! Unfortunately someone had taken so long playing that we didn’t have time for any cards and Dil had to return home where it was snowing and his wife phoned to let him know. Here it was just bucketing down with rain as usual. Dil left and I tidied up and washed the pots , took my meds and came through.
There was plenty of post to do But hey, I have the time don’t I. Who needs sleep anyway. I started the blog at 11.12 pm so I should be in bed around midnight.
Before climbing into bed I removed the plaster which had been on he prescribed 24 hours. It came complete with hairs and I bit my tongue rather than scream.
Confirmation of the haircut and shave, Spring is due.
Family Group. Me and my Fan Club.
Thursday 25th Feb
I could only read until 12.35 am last night as the yawns were threatening to unhinge my jaw. I hadn’t got to bed until 12.08 am so it wasn’t much of a read, and it was mid chapter, but it promised to be a good sleep. I snuggled down and slept. It was 3.53 am when I woke and a couple of minutes was enough to convince me I wasn’t going to nod off again. I trotted off to the loo to widdle for Britain before carrying on to the kitchen to make breakfast and have my meds. As yesterday I had a toasted bap to use the last one in the packet and also to preserve the milk for when Mike arrives. I returned with a coffee to log onto the computer and attack my mail. I was about 3 in when the system shut down without warning compliments of Microsoft. There was a little blue tinge to the air above my head as I logged on again. I worked and worked. At 7.30 am I must have glanced at the clock then whoomf I was gone and didn’t wake until 9.05 am. I was horrified, all that time wasted and a mail count now of 81. Joey wasn’t happy with me either as I ran to open his cage door. I didn’t know budgies could scowl. I came back and got dressed then went to Pauline’s for my lottery , some ciggies and a BFG that accidentally fell out of the freezer into my basket. I was charged for it at the till before I knew it was there. It would have been inconsiderate to ask Pauline to knock it off my bill so I just handed her the money. I was doing a good turn anyway since I am a founder member of SOG and I’m a proud Soggie. (Save our gateaux).
I returned to work, even giving up my HUtH . Until I was clear at 11.20 am. Time to see to Joey’s water and seed before starting to peel my sweet potatoes. I made my usual Thursday lunch bangers and mash (sweet potato) with mixes veg and onion gravy, I used a whole onion for that. I’d finished making it in time to sit and enjoy Bargain Hunt though I got up and washed the pots before the auction. I didn’t even sleep through it. At 1.00 pm I returned to my room knowing some post would have accumulated since I’d left.It had. Doing it presented no problem though, I was in no rush. At 3.00 pm I went to watch Escape to the Country. The mystery House was an oast house conversion and it was beautiful.The couple searching for a house understandably fell in love with it . At the end of the programme it said they had put in an offer and had it accepted. 13 weeks after moving in there was a devastating fire. That leads me to presume they don’t live there now but the programme did say we’d be catching up with them in a couple of months. I hope to see that and hope neither was hurt. At 3.45 pm as I was just about to leave the room, Mike sent his usual ‘On my way bro’ text so I’ll expect him around 6.00 pm with luck. In the meantime I worked until 4.30 pm and then went to see Flog It.
After Flog It was part way over I turned to Cold Case and then Without a Trace. Mike arrived a few minutes into Cold Case and I had to explain it. In Without a Trace I had to point out Anthony la Plagia out to him a we’d had a conversation a few weeks ago about Frasier. In Frasier the character Daphne Moon was preparing to get married and her loutish brother from Manchester comes to stay, played by Anthony la Plagia. I’d said the accent was atrocious and instead of an American, surely they must be able to find a Mancunian actor over there. Mike looked him up and it seems he’s not an American either but an Australian. While Mike watched Manchester United win on his ipad I watched MASH until it was time for Death in Paradise. I’m so envious of the actors who get to stroll around in the sunshine and the beauty of wherever it’s filmed that I’m half tempted to go and bump them off and just let the director know I’m available for a small fee.
At 10.00 pm I came through to deal with the post and the blog. I was doing OK until Mike came through to ask how my hands are shaking at the moment. He wants me to trim his beard. I’ll do it gladly, but not until I’ve been to the chemist tomorrow to stock up on a styptic pencil and a lot of plasters (band aids). I was finished with the mail at 11.04 pm and ready to start the blog straight away. Midnight is my target.
Just in case you forget
King of the Castle
Friday 26th Feb.
12.02 am to bed, 12.47 lights out, and because I was tired, 12.48 sleep. I was up at 4.03 am again and went straight to my mail box. I kept going until 5.10 am then nipped to the loo and then to the kitchen to take my meds and start the Friday routine. That meant refilling my meds tray for the next week so I got my medicine drawer from the lounge and started the process, filling the drawer from my latest batch of drugs as needed. Then I suddenly decided to have breakfast and thought while I waited for the pre-food tabs to do their job, I’d spend the 15-20 mins rehanging my bathroom curtains I’d washed on Wednesday. That was knocked on the head when I realised I’d need the ladders and I didn’t want to get those out and risk disturbing Mike (by screaming as I fell off). That job could wait. So, I had a cigarette for timing and then ate a bowl of cornflakes (but not the bowl as well). Coming back with my coffee I found it was 6.01 am and I just had the chance to finish the last of last night’s mail before the new batch arrived.
There was a lot of mail this morning but at some point after 8.30 am I packed in halfway through one and lay on the bed before I fell out of my chair. Tiredness just hit me like a sledgehammer. I slept till 9.15 am then got up and finished the message I was working on. I only managed to do one more before at 9.35 am Mike got up. A big surprise. I went and made his coffee. As he sat down with it, I went and got the ladders out and set them up in the bathroom. I’d just started to put the first curtain back up when Mike appeared needing the bathroom and I had to depart. Getting down the ladders in one piece was a miracle. I went to talk to Joey for a few minutes. When I heard the bathroom door open I went back just as Mike was climbing the ladders to finish the curtain I’d started. He asked me to pass the second one which I did and up that went too. I thanked him and put the ladders back……. I wish I’d let him get off first, they were really heavy. We went to watch HUtH before he finally went to get dressed to go out and he suggested I get dressed too. Good idea really as the postman came minutes later, and me opening the door in my dressing gown might have been a shock. After all, not many dressing gowns have a door do they.
I returned to work and Mike left to travel to Manchester. I was determined to make up for the skiving this morning and worked until 12.10 pm before going through to get lunch and watch Bargain Hunt. I’d made a good hole in the numbers by then. When I went back at 1.00 pm the numbers had gone up a bit but were still manageable. I was done by 2.30 pm. I did Joey’s seed and water so he thought all his birthday’s had come at once, Who’s a cheeky boy then. I caught the latter half of a programme called Moving On which was excellent and then sat through Escape to The Country. Knowing I wanted to be back in there for 4.30 pm and Flog It I spent up until that time catching up on mail, doing some Facebook messages (I don’t go to Facebook unless forced) and leaving feedback on ebay. Part way through Flog It I received a text to let me know Mike was on his way. I was surprised as he’s not usually this early. At 5.00 pm I watched Cold Case then just as it finished and Without a Trace came on Mike arrived do I made him a coffee and he told me about his day. We were expecting a Road Trip at 7.00 pm but it had been replaced with the biography of an amazing man who Mike tells me died last week. A man who was in Berlin at the 1936 Olympics and saw Jesse Owens, who flew with the second highest air -ace from the Luftwaffe WW1 and then returned home to fight in the Navy as a pilot for WW2. He landed planes on aircraft carriers. After the war he was the first person to land a jet on a ship. We watched Mastermind still a bit open mouthed.
At 8.30 am I went for my shower. After it was over Mike kindly applied a new plaster to my back without attaching it to a single item of clothing. He made me promise it would hurt to take off and he wants to be within earshot when it does. I don’t see why, the hairs have already gone. The film Philomena came on at 9.00 pm and I watched with him until 9.45 pm then made him a drink before disappearing to my room. Lots of mail again and very strangely more new followers. They seem to be getting younger and I don’t understand the appeal. It was almost 11.00 pm before I finished though and had to go straight to the blog. I’m setting a midnight limit as it’s shopping day tomorrow.
Down by the River Dee
Welcome, do sit down.
Saturday 227th Feb.
Midnight bed, well a couple of minutes later maybe after getting the gunk on my legs. I slid between the sheets, I read until 1.05 to finish a chapter. It took ages to settle again, perhaps because I kept sliding down the bed. memo to self, use less gunk on legs. 2.24 am I awoke but after a trip to the loo I knew I wasn’t staying up. I couldn’t get to sleep though so moved my ‘booty’ to my chair in the lounge. I soon managed to nod off there. It was 4.29 am when I woke there knowing my night was over. Not a problem though as I could probably clear the outstanding mail before the new batch (no, not the Gremlins). I did manage to clear it, but what a close call it was.
Mike’s first alarm went off at 6.15 am. Knowing they could fly to the moon and open an Edam Cheese Mine before he’ll move I strolled to the kitchen to put the kettle on. Let’s skip to the chase eh, it was 6.50 am before he got his a*** into gear and brought his rapidly cooling coffee to the lounge so he could promptly fall asleep hunched over in his chair. I turned the searchlight on to hit him full in the face and reminded him not to forget his coffee as I took the food waste out of the kitchen to the bin. When I returned things had changed. He was asleep hunched over in his chair but now he was holding his mug in both hands. I daren’t speak for fear of startling him and of course it would be my fault there was a broken mug and a brown puddle on the floor to go with the spilled coffee. I tried to lift the mug from his hands first and his eyes flew open straight away. He lifted the mug to his mouth saying “I haven’t finished it yet.” I took the rubbish out next and when I got back he was having a huge coughing fit ( drink it Michael, you can’t breathe it). He went off to get dressed.
We left the house at 7.30 am today and it was almost 7.50 am when we reached the Supermarket. Mike got the trolley, I got the cash. Time for a change of role I’m thinking. We started with flowers for Ju and chose what I think looked a nice bunch. Then it was the normal clockwise tour picking items I needed as we went. I won’t bore you (this time) with what I bought but we were soon at the checkout where I’m afraid he was disappointed again at how little I had spent. Then coffee time. While Mike ordered,I got my cigarettes. When we’d done, Mike picked up something from the ciggie counter while I had a look at the photography section to see if there were any nice frames on a special. They are good to have in for gifts or if I need them on the wall of shame. After packing the car we called in at Pets at Home where I got Joey some seed but Mike didn’t get what he wanted. I suggested the internet. Then it was on to Flint and a coffee at Temptations, he had his usual. We found out a member of staff is single and he registered an interest with the others to put in a good word for him.I didn’t know it wasn’t just sailors could have a girl in every port, or in his case a port in every girl to ease the mood. We avoided being thrown out.
From there we looked at a few shops while a decision was made about where we’d eat today. As we left Flint it seemed the car had it’s own ideas and pointed in the direction of Prestatyn. But, when we got there, Mike didn’t park in the usual place but did the guided tour version until he found a pay and display car park we’d already passed once. We visited a little cafe we’d been to a few weeks ago. Both of us ended up with braised steak, I had chips and peas with mine, he had boiled pots and peas with his. It was very nice and it meant I’m in with a good chance of a Sunday roast dinner tomorrow now. We had a very quick look round one shop after leaving the cafe then headed for home. We struggled in with the bags at the other end and I almost tripped over a copy of The Watchtower on the mat. Religion had been out to get me for years. I didn’t venture further into the house until Mike was in and I could close the door. He went through to the kitchen , passing through the lounge first. I winced as the expected happened. Squawks and screeches galore, Joey really let rip at him. I came in a little more slowly, dumped the bags in the kitchen and came back talking in my most soothing voice about how he was my best boy Joey, Joey, Joey. He wasn’t hoodwinked for a minute and upped the tirade a notch or three. I backed gently away and started unpacking shopping and putting it away. I had the upper hand. Mike moved the car as the bin men were coming. I put the last of the shopping away and as Mike returned I said I was going to start work and not to forget to look at ebay for his fish food. That left him with Joey and me in complete peace. He does not like being left on his own for long which is strange as he never comes to either of us.
I worked from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm without a break and just left a few undone. When I went through, Mike had found what he wanted, managed a kip though he wouldn’t admit it and then sat playing computer games. We turned TV on and found an easy programme to watch which also gave me chance to make some tea. Then we watched the last episode of Beowulf that Mike had missed. Then, a huge mistake, I turned onto Inspector Alleyn which was from the ark and badly overacted. I went to sleep in desperation. Unfortunately it was still on when I woke half an hour later. At 9.00 pm Mike wanted to watch an episode of something called The 100 so I was given the chance to leave and come back to work. By 10.40 pm I was up to date finally and able to look at the blog.
03.38 am was son up this morning, at least this son. It hardly seemed fair since I’d only turned my light out to sleep at 1.00 am Even by my standards it was a little on the mean side. Still, there was every chance I’d make up for it later.I didn’t realise that I’d start about 5.00 am by falling asleep over my keyboard and my typing fingers would fill my screen with lots of stuff from the deep background of the computer. At least my head didn’t hit either the keyboard or the desk since I was sitting so close my fat stomach wouldn’t let me fold that low. I was awake again and trying to sort the screen out by 5.45 am and I drifted to the kitchen to take the morning meds. Coming back with my coffee afterwards I ploughed into the mail as there were still over 100 pieces left. Some of the mail came from comments put on the blog last night.
There was work enough to keep me going until 10.00 am but I had a quick break at 9.00 am to wash my mug and to let Joey out of his cage. It seemed a big lighter earlier this morning. After 10.00 am I’d had enough and needed a break so sat in the lounge talking to Joey. That can’t have lasted long until I was asleep again. I came to at 10.50 am and wondered where Mike was. The answer it seemed was still in his pit. I mad a coffee and took it through to him. Once I’d woken him I went back to my bedroom to see if there was more mail. I heard Mike go through to the lounge and a “Bloody Hell” when he saw the time. I went through to see he was OK. By 11.30 am he’s asked about our plans for the day and been told we had none but going through to get dressed I’d said I wouldn’t mind finding a jumper somewhere. He reminded me he’d bought me two for my birthday. They’re nice but not the colour I wanted. However I decided to put one on. The other we found was the wrong size and like so many f us had relied on the coat hanger rather than the ticket. That changed the tone of the day as Mike wanted to get it changed at Marks and Spencer. That would mean Prestatyn which dictated where we’d eat.
By 11.45 am we were on our way and were parking up about 12.10 pm. We went straight for lunch at the CookHouse first and found the beef was just falling apart it was so tender. Mike was sorry he’d had half and half gammon and beef. We finished there and went back to the car to collect the bag with the jumper and then into M & S. It didn’t take long to get permission to change it and Mike said I could find a different one If I wanted but I decided to stick with his choice and just got the appropriate size. From there we drove home but Mike stopped at LIDL so I could get a brochure. I picked up some pyjamas for Reuben at the same time. Back at home we suffered a telling off for going out from the demented green thing before I stuck on indoor bowling and fell asleep. I don’t know if Mike slept too but he was awake when I woke up and said it was time he left. I helped him carry his bags out and waved him off before coming back in and locking the door. Straight in to start work then.
I worked from 3.30 pm to 5.45 am then went to get some tea. I was late with my antibiotic too so I was glad I’d gone. Somehow I got caught in what I was watching on TV and missed half of Beowulf. Mike texted to say he was back home safely and suggested I just watch it an hour later on the catch up channel. Doing so would have meant I’d be out of the room until 11.00 pm as Endeavour was on straight afterwards and I wasn’t missing that too as it was the last one of 4. So I came through here at 10.00 pm and started work on the mail and then the blog. I think I might just make midnight in bed.
Monday 25th Jan.
I made the midnight deadline and had a good read until 12.55 am. It took some wriggling to find a position comfortable for sleep. I did drop off and the next thing I knew was waking up at 3.02 am. Not the best time of the night but not the worst either. No doubt I’ll be able to extend the period today sometime. I’ve become quite adept at the power naps. Mike would probably tell you that few people have as much power. Mind you, he’s no slouch in the power stakes either. I set to at my gmail account and spent until 5.05 am reading posts or comments and making comments of my own where appropriate. Then I went to the kitchen to take the morning round of meds. I couldn’t be bothered with breakfast so I’ll have to eat at teatime but that’s no problem. I hung around there filling small bottles of Pepsi Max from a big bottle and trying to get them in the fridge. One I took back to the bedroom with me for my nightstand as I ran out last night.
When I got back to my room it was almost 6.00 am so I just completed the post that was there while waiting for the flood. What flood? The 6.10 am lot came through in small easy to cope with parcels so that it never seemed too much. They still took until 9.52 am to clear though. Time to give Joey fresh water and seed as well as a bit of attention. I turned the TV on ready for Homes Under the Hammer and missed half of it asleep. I was woken by the closing music so turned the box off in disgust and came back to work, putting the washing machine on before I left. Work had accumulated again so I cleared that up in time to see to lunch at 11.55 am, and put the washing on to dry. I was a little distracted as Val hasn’t been this morning. If she calls and gets no answer she usually texts to say she’s been. I had lunch and watched Bargain Hunt. Joey wasn’t interested and just went for a kip in his cage. I showed him what will power is all about when I returned to work at 1.00 pm.
By 2.30 pm I’d returned t the lounge and shown Joey the proper time for 40 winks. I was still there at 3.45 pm and had to motivate myself to move by reminding myself I wanted the TV again at 4.30 pm. I got back up to date and then checked Facebook which I rarely do, but some people choose to message me there instead of my email. I caught up there too. I enjoyed my Antiques Road Trip and then made myself some tea, baked beans on toast which I’d fancied all day. I had a bit of trifle afterwards. There was still time to enjoy some of the quiz. Then came Eggheads which was good but between 6.30 pm – 7.00 pm I had to play catch-up again as I intended to be away from the computer until 10.00 pm. First came the Celebrity Road Trip which was followed by an episode of Lewis where he returns from retirement. That means that I’ve had to dash to make sure all the mail is done and the blog tonight. I’m off out in the morning and don’t want to leave anything behind except tomorrow’s mail.
First they tell me about the Big Bad Wolf, then they dress me as dinner.
It’s OK Daddy said I’m a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Tuesday 26th Jan.
Despite pushing my luck a bit last night I still managed to scrape to bed at around midnight. I still managed to read until almost 1.00 am before I turned my light out. I was ready to get up when I woke until I saw the time was 1.38 am. That’s the kind of sick puppy joke of Somnos himself. I just swung myself back into bed and willed myself back to sleep with laughter ringing in my ears. I was ready to get up when I woke at 3.22 am though. I didn’t dare go for another session just in case I ended up missing my bus later. Anyway, I was due for an antibiotic at 4.00 am. I wandered through to the kitchen, filled a couple of small Pepsi Max bottles then took an empty bottle and an empty milk bottle through to the plastic recycling bag. Going back to the kitchen I took the antibiotic and the first of the two anti smoking tablets then opening a fresh bottle of milk I took the rest of my meds. Because I intend to have some breakfast with Yvonne this morning I had nothing at this time. That meant I was able to get back to my room much quicker with a cup of coffee.
After signing on it only took me until 5.05 am to clear the gmail box. After that I got dressed and then either did each piece of mail when it came in , checked the live feed on Facebook or checked out Ebay. Nothing too strenuous. When 6.10 am arrived I was put to work on the new post. There was just so much of it. At 7.10 am I had to stop and get my things together ready to go. I’d have to leave the house at 7.20 am as the bus is getting their earlier in competition with the other company. They say the other company has changed it’s timetable to go early to try and put them out of business. I left the house and reached the bus stop in time. The journey was beset by problems, mainly roadworks, and I had to text Yvonne to tell her I’d be late. I suggested she head into Boots the Chemist and find something nice for Amelie that I could pay for when I got there. That caused the first disagreement of the day…… by text. When I did eventually get there fifteen minutes late I joined them in the shop and found something for both Amelie and Reuben anyway. We went off to get breakfast. It was just as well as I needed a wee and then a cup of tea.We ordered breakfast and then had argument number 2 about who was paying. I gave in with good grace as it was a battle and I needed to win the war. That came next when I gave her £60 that she’s posted to my bank account to pay for meals on my birthday. I wasn’t having that when everyone else had let me pay. Eventually she took it back.
I has Amelie on my knee and she was as good as gold except she let me know when she was hungry. Frightened she might be competition for my breakfast I foisted her back on her Mum who fed her. Then she came back to me. Breakfast came and Amelie went in her pram while I ate. It was lovely and filling. After we’d both done, we took a walk out to our favourite shop just like old times. I was able to buy a couple of things for Yvonne as well as things for the children. Arguments ensued but it was good to be back and even the staff raised their eyes when they saw who was coming to the counter arguing as usual. I just ignored the arguing and went my own sweet way as usual. We were on the way out of the shop when we saw what time it was. The morning had flown by. My bus was drawing in over the road. I kissed them both goodbye and sent a hug back for spotty Muldoon. I got on the bus and waved as it drew away.
The journey back wasn’t too bad but having been without a cigarette the whole time I was out I called into Pauline’s and bought some. After a visit to the loo it was the first thing I did, light a fag. Bliss. Breakfast having been late there was no need to eat so after releasing Joey from his cage I went straight to work. I worked from 1.00 pm to 2.15 pm then from 3.00 pm to 4.30 pm to clear the backlog. Then I stayed in the lounge from 4.30 pm to 9.00 pm before closing Joey’s door and wishing him goodnight. I came through to work for the last stretch.
Oi ! Stop looking up, I’m down here.
It’s such a hard life staying awake.
Wednesday 27th Jan.
I was in bed before 11.30 pm last night and my light went off when I’d had enough of reading (is this possible?) at 12.15 am. The next thing I knew it was 3.14 am though it didn’t feel like that. Before swinging my legs out I put my glasses on and the time now read 1.34 am. I turned over,plumped up my pillows and waited to go back to sleep. It obviously happened because I next woke ( verified by wearing glasses) at 3.48 am. I paid a visit to the loo and came back to sign on to the computer. I checked last night’s Eurolottery and found I hadn’t won. In fact no-one had again and there was yet another rollover. It’s estimated to be something like £113 m on Friday night. Still dreaming of how far I could spread money like that I went to my gmail and started reducing the bulk. At 5.00 am I went for breakfast and to take my meds. I was obviously not concentrating as I took my two post-foodies before I even started my breakfast instead of two painkillers.
Returning to my screen I carried on working and watched the flood at 6.10 am without worry. After all, I had time enough today. That was what I thought right up until I got dressed at 8.00 am and remembered I needed to go to the hospital this morning. I managed to open Joey’s cage before I left at 8.20 am. The bus came at 8.30 am bur when I managed to get on, sat there until almost 8.45 am. When I got to the hospital through the wind and rain I didn’t have long to wait before being seen. It was the same nurse and this time she was much more chatty, talking about her own success using Champix, the same non-smoking drug I’m using. She did say I was doing well but that this week I should have nominated a day to quit and suggested Sunday. She told me to return to the hospital on Saturday to have the leg checked again. I left and walked back to town. It wasn’t especially cold but the wind and the rain were unpleasant. I had half an hour to wait for the bus. I called in at Pauline’s on the way home and bought a chips and curry sauce as well as my bread. Back at home I had chance to do just twenty minutes work before watching Homes Under the Hammer. Then I intended to return to work but fell asleep until 11.45 am. That meant I had to start thinking about lunch so had a cottage pie. Of course I watched Bargain Hunt but I made sure I didn’t fall asleep after that and returned to my desk. I had to fight all afternoon to get the messages down to a reasonable level and then to finish them completely but I was done by 4.05 pm. I had no idea what time Dil would appear but I wanted to be ready.
I was ready. I’d just started watching the Road Trip when I saw him appear. I got up to make him a drink. When he came in I was able to say the contestants were local in Ruthin and working their way to an auction where he lives in Colwyn Bay. We spent ages looking for people we knew. We caught up on our week since last Wednesday and exchanged news. We watched Pointless as usual before turning the box off and starting the gaming. As far as Yahtzee, Trivia and Cribbage are concerned, we played and I never want them mentioning again. Needless to say it wasn’t my day. When Dil left to my cheers and his crowing like a cockerel, I tidied up, washed the pots, took my meds and locked Joey away for the night. I came through to start on the mail and the blog hoping I’d get an early night. I think I will with a bit of luck.
So what d’you want to talk about Pops?
And who gets the prize for Most Surprised Look?
Thursday 28th Jan
I was in bed by 11.30 pm last night and had finished reading by 12.15 am as I was tired. It didn’t help much by getting me up at 2.13 am this morning even though I fought a valiant fight for more sleep. The small gods probably want me disappointed for longer. That’s because when I’d signed into the computer I went straight to the bank, my Pension Credit payment is £102.80 less than usual based on my new State Retirement Pension award, trouble is, the SRP people haven’t told me yet what my pension is and it certainly hasn’t gone in the bank today. I’ve heard of other people having to survive on no income for 3 weeks until the SRP people get their act together. I seem to remember that Mike had problems with them. Not the best news to wake up to. That could severely curtail what Mike and I do at the weekends, like eat for instance.
I started work on the inbox of my gmail account and just broke off at 4.00 am to take an antibiotic. I was clear by 4.35 am. I lay on the bed and willed myself to sleep, just as well I’m strong willed. I was out until 5.40 am which was great. There was time to take all the usual meds before the post started pouring in. When I got back there was just one in my box. I quickly did it hoping that was it until about lunchtime, but no, that one was just the cork holding the flow of others back. It quickly grew to over 60 which even so was quite light by normal standards. I just kept going and going till suddenly there wasn’t one left and it was only 8.45 am. I let Joey out early in celebration. I didn’t know what to do as I’d promised myself I wouldn’t go out today (except maybe the chippy at lunch time) and there was no washing to be done. I couldn’t hoover the lounge because I’d let Joey out. He panics if the hoover goes yet in his cage he goes to his little corner and is fine. I was almost grateful when I saw more emails beginning to trickle through. I just sat there dealing with them one by one as they arrived. Anytime there was a pause I turned to Ebay, there were some fantastic bright red grandad collar shirts on there. What a temptation.
At 9.00 am I went through to chat to Joey, he really likes company. I stayed to watch Homes Under the Hammer then I returned to work for a while. It was daft, I’d been away 2 hours and only 12 messages in all that time and the ones I expected weren’t there. So at 11.15 am I went to the kitchen and peeled my sweet potatoes and an onion. After laying my sausages out to cook I had a cigarette before taking my pre-foodies and starting to cook the sausages. A quarter brown I turned the sausages and put the potatoes on. When they were done I mashed them while the onion cooked. I plated up the potatoes and then the sausages , added the onion to some gravy and poured it over the meal. I really enjoyed it. There are even sausages left in case Mike wants a sandwich tonight. Provided he’s coming tonight, I haven’t heard yet. At 1.00 pm after Bargain Hunt I returned to work again. There was plenty in but still not some I expected. I hoped everything was OK. There was a message from Yvonne though who’d had some success with the Pensions Service this morning having found out how much they’re paying me. They’re supposed to be writing to me. The only problem I can foresee , and I think this is ridiculous, is that they’re going to pay me 4 weeks in arrears. Why don’t they prepare you for that after having paid weekly before. How do they expect many people to survive without money for 4 weeks?
At 2.00 pm I was free again my mail box empty. I was just wandering back towards the lounge when I heard my mobile beep a message had been received. It was Mike to say he was on the way. I could expect him around 4.30 pm then. I watched The Father Brown Mystery then had a short catch up period before watching a bit of the new antiques programme. I spent another half an hour or so clearing mail then went through to wait for Mike. Unfortunately I fell asleep for a few minutes and when I woke up he was in his chair next to me. Luckily the kettle was still hot so I knew I hadn’t been gone long. I made him a coffee and we were able to see Road Trip together. We chatted through our programmes and I was there until 10.00 pm after Murder in Paradise. I took my meds and came through to catch up on any new mail. I was glad to see that which I’d missed during the day was there. Then blog time. Bed by midnight I’m sure.
It’s boring doing nothing at all.Maybe I’ll just……
Hang on, did someone mention a party?
Friday 29th Jan.
In bed at 11.44 pm and lights out at 12.45 am. Sleep must have come reasonably soon since I remember just a short period of annoying, repetitive thoughts. The lark was up and bade me follow at 2.43 am even though I tried to make my way back to sleep instead. Sometimes the small gods are truculent beings because further sleep was not on the menu despite an hour after moving I was yawning my head off. At 4.0 am I took my antibiotic which meant I couldn’t have breakfast and take my other meds for an hour. In fact cross breakfast off the menu altogether (pun intended) as today is the day for doing my drug tray for the next week. That takes so long to do I can’t afford time to eat as well. I had my surgery appointment at 8.30 am again and I needed to clear as much work as possible before leaving. I decided to take my other meds at 4.00 am as well and go straight into doing the replacement tray.
When I returned at 4.40 am with my coffee I was amazed to find no more mail waiting for me. I was tempted to try for sleep but was afraid if it happened it might make me late for the surgery. Mike wouldn’t get up of his own accord even with an alarm to remind him. Instead I looked for and found a free crossword site and sat doing those until I saw any new messages enter the box. At 5.30 am I got dressed just to give my bum a break from the chair. I was wearing one of the jumpers Mike got me for my birthday. I think they call this a cowl neck. At 6.10 am the mail started coming through and unlike yesterday it came virtually all at once. Whoosh 80 short pause 94 then trickles. I had almost an hour so I started and just kept going. When 6.25 am arrived and I had to make a coffee to take through to Mike I was still on 73 outstanding. His alarm went off to coincide with the arrival of the coffee, I still announced it in stentorian voice of course. After the third ignored alarm I was going to go through but he stirred and went through to the lounge. I was down to 61 by then but I had to leave it to be sure we’d get out on time for the appointment. Thanks to him shaking a leg we did.
I’d only just confirmed I was there and sat down when S. called me. I didn’t check my watch. Really there were only a few questions to answer,How was the leg? How is the non-smoking going? Any change in mood noted? All my answers were positive, well I was positive they weren’t exactly lies anyway. She was pleased and happy to leave me on the drugs for another week, and I needn’t see her next week but the week after. (Now that’s a shame). I said goodbye and left. At the reception desk I noted I was leaving before I was even due in this week. I cancelled one appointment and made another. Then battling the strong winds I made my way slowly into town. I decided to call into the supermarket rather than freeze in the bus shelter so I picked up some strawberries for Mike’s supper. Later I didn’t have long to wait at the bus stop and was able to call into Pauline’s for my lottery tickets when I got off the bus. Then I bought a bacon bap from the sandwich shop. I reached home and checked Joey was OK. Having half an hour to spare before Homes Under the Hammer I restarted work and ate my bacon bap as I did. That way I’d only be a little late with my antibiotic and I could take my time over my second meal of the day now breakfast was done. At 10.00 am the number was at 58 which accounted for more having come through and not that I’d only done 3 messages.
After HUtH I came back to work ready to concentrate only to be frustrated as they took so long to load and messages came up to say no internet connection. The little arrow at the top of the screen was going anticlockwise and refused to budge. Each one was excruciatingly slow but I persevered. Finally just before 1.00 pm I cleared the box. I went through to watch the news which included tales of this latest bout of inherited weather sending atrocious winds to batter us. I was going to watch Father Brown bu found my eyelids were in the way. I was awake before the end and found I’d seen it before anyway so I watched the antiques show instead. I cam back to work from 3.45 pm to 4.30 pm just to be sure I’d cleared what I could then went to watch my Road Trip. No text from Mike so he was going to miss it. Perhaps he’ll stay out as Man. Utd. are on TV tonight and he’d have to watch it in his bedroom.
I was cross at 7.00 pm when I turned over for my Celebrity Road Trip only to find it wasn’t on. It’s annoying when the TV companies make changes after they’ve given the programme details to magazines . We sit there like lemons waiting for something to come on. Mike sent a text about 7.15 am to say he was on his way. I was surprised as he’d miss the start of his game. I’d nodded off before he arrived back and only woke to see him leaving the room to go ant turn the TV on in his bedroom. I went to do him a coffee. There was a programme at 8.30 pm putting certain products to test which I watched then at 9.00 pm told Mike he could watch the main TV while I went for a shower. Following the shower I came through to start work on the accumulated mail and the blog. Nice clean mail from me now. It’s currently 11.20 pm and I expect to be in bed no later than 11.45 pm.
Is this a raspberry on my head?
Oh wait, I’m a fashion icon not a fruit bowl.
Saturday 30th Jan.
I made it to bed by 11.45 pm and started to read. I was going to put the book down at 12.30 am but found I wasn’t tired. Moments later Mike came in to say he couldn’t get to sleep. He’d heard a short time ago his Dad was at the hospital again after another fall and he’s hurt his head this time. Mike’s sister has gone to the hospital and will be keeping him up to date. I finally put my book down a few minutes after 1.00 am. Sleep didn’t come easily but come it did. I woke exactly at 3.30 am no question but it was time to get up. A quick visit to the Piddle Palace and I was ready to start work. First of all I checked Skype to see if there was a new message from MuJo. I haven’t seen them since before Christmas and their gifts are still here waiting for them. John has been quite poorly though it took him a long time to admit it. Judging by the frequency and type of his recent replies he’s well on the road to recovery. There was a new response which said ‘See you soon’ which is great, maybe they can open these gifts before the next ones are due.
I went onto my gmail next and started work there. It only took until 5.10 am to finish that lot and it seemed a good time for a break so I wandered through to the kitchen and took my meds and had breakfast. At 5.30 am I returned with coffee to see what else was in until it was time to start taking bins out and getting a coffee to Mike to kick off the process of him getting up. At .15 am the alarm went and I was running to get the kettle on. The coffee was delivered with the second alarm. Amazingly he got up with the third. More amazingly we were out of the house at 7.15 am playing dustbin men and dragging the bins t the end of the path. The winds were so bad this morning I’m not putting any recycling out, they can have it next week instead. Otherwise I could end up looking for the bags the next County over. We were almost pulling into the store car park when I remembered I was in a different coat and hadn’t transferred my Blue Badge disabled parking permit over.Still, at this time we weren’t exactly fighting for space. We ended up very close to where we normally are. Going round the store was quite quick which I put down to my organised list but I was horrified to have spent £70.00 bar pennies and of course Mike was delighted. I did get the kiddies some clothes.
We had our usual drink before setting off again, this time in the direction of Flint. Mike detoured to ALDI so I could get the latest brochure. We parked outside Temptations as usual and headed for Homies to get a couple of things I needed. Instead of carrying on round the shops we decided to go for our drinks and see Ceri. Plus it was warmer in there than outside. After teasing her as much as possible we left in search of a bag Mike wanted to take to his sister in Canada when he goes in March. We could get everything except what he wanted. We upped sticks and headed off to the hospital in Holywell where a lovely nurse removed the dressing and said how well it was doing. We decided to leave it open to the air now. I’ll just have to keep my fingernails to myself.
We drove over to Kinmel Bay to get fish food for Mike ( for his fish really) as it’s the only place we know that stocks the brand he wants. Then as it was lunch time we headed back towards home and stopped for a meal at the Bells of St Mary’s. Not up to scratch today but worth the visit to see the new meals they’re doing now. At last we came home and after unpacking and putting away the shopping I was allowed to come to work. I started just before 2.00 pm and finished at 5.50 pm. It turns out that was handy as the Road Trip I was deprived of last night was on tonight. I managed to stay awake through that and turned over afterwards for a detective show. I seemed to sleep through most of that just waking once in a while to try and convince Mike I’d been following the plot all the way through. It didn’t work. At 9.00 pm I came through to catch up but that didn’t take as long as expected for some reason so at 10.15 pm I was able to rejoin Mike for a while. Then I had no choice but to return to battle and do the blog.It’s been a good day.
Roobs celebrates his recovery at the beach.
My wunnerful niece Karen with Amelie.
I wish you all a wonderful new week full of dreams come true and with Hugs Galore.
I eventually got to bed last night. It was about 1.15 am when my light finally went out and that was with just the briefest of reads. I was up again for the loo about 2.25 am and had to make myself go back to bed rather than disturbing Joey and going to my chair.
My day started at 4.11 am and no matter how I wished it otherwise, I was awake. I turned on the computer and let it power up as my pea sized bladder took me to the loo again. When I got back I started on my gmail and was chuffed to see so many responses to last night’s blog post. At 5.45 am I went through to the kitchen to take my meds and get an early breakfast. When I came back with my coffee it was almost 6.20 am and by heaven the storm had hit. The numbers were jumping as I sat there trying to do them. It was 9.00 am before I was able to get away and let Joey out. I stayed with him for a while hoping he’d come out so I could fix his millet which he’d managed to knock off again. He was in quite a chatty mood but didn’t seem to want the freedom offered by the exterior of his cage.
At about 10.00 pm I returned to my room to play catch up.Joey squawked as I left the room. I wanted to watch a DIY SOS at 11.00 am so I prepared to o through a few minutes early. That’s when Mike decided to get up. I’d forgotten he was still here by then.It was a bad one today where the house was in a terrible mess, a couple and their three children occupying one room because of damp and holes in the wall. The man of the house had terminal cancer but handled it with great courage. I could hear Mike sniffing next to me and I knew there were tears in my eyes. A few ‘Best Boy Joeys’ in a deep voice would hide how I felt I thought. They made a fantastic job of the house with lots of help from locals and I almost cried allowed when one business owner put up a 2 storey extension for free and then told us all she’d seen her specialist the day before and she didn’t have long either. Such generosity of spirit. I was glad to go and get dressed in the adverts. I did one and Mike did the other and probably both used the tissues.
We left the house at midday to go for lunch. The weather was atrocious with strong winds and rain so we stayed local and went to a pub called the Market Cross in Holywell for lunch. It’s part of a group called Weatherspoon’s where the food is pretty basic and bought in. I had faggotss which were pleasant enough but I wouldn’t repeat them. Mike had a mixed grill which seemed strange as it was mainly meat but excluded bacon . There were things like rump steak,pork loin, gammon and lamb with a few chips and peas, no egg. We did a little shopping after that, mainly for me for stocking gifts as it worked out. That wasn’t the intent. But, I did also get some remote plugs to replace my current ones so I can turn the power on without bending. Since my power supply is behind the TV I son’t have to move that. One click and the power is on and I can do it to four different place and just use the one remote so maybe turn an electric blanket on without having to go through to the bedroom and maybe a lamp so I can see my way through. Very clever things.
When we came back Mike did the flowers and I did a few minutes with the post. When he finished I joined him until it was time for him to go home. That was about 4.00 pm. Once I’d waved him off I came back to work until I’d cleared the post which was about 6.30 pm. I went through and put the TV on and interacted with Joey. I must have nodded off about 8.00 pm and was woken by a loud advert at 10.00 pm. Back in here to do the blog only to discover another 67 pieces of mail. I wish I’d woken myself earlier by snoring now. It’s not to be an early night .
The look of Wonder.
It isn’t Pops is it?
Monday 30th Nov.
I got to bed eventually.I was awake enough to read thanks to the sleep I should have missed before but the light went out at 1.15 am. I got to sleep with no problems but was loo bound at 2.35 am. Sleep was no problem after that either. I woke for the final time at 4.07 am ready for what the day might throw at me, however if it included snow, gales or rain while I was out or unmanageable workloads when in, Forget It! I’m going back to bed and staying there. It didn’t. The early morning post was fine and kept me going steadily until 5.45 am when I went for my breakfast and my sanity pills.
I returned at 6.10 am just in time for what I expected to be an influx of emails. There were a few but nothing major. Nor at 6.15 am or 6.30 am. What was going on. Did most of you take a break from writing yesterday? I don’t believe it. Just as well I didn’t as 7.00 am and things started happening. 3 email, 14 emails until it read 84 emails. As I did them, more came.but at 9.40 am I was officially clear though I didn’t know for how long. I went through to run the (new- yes another) hoover round the room as well as trying to keep Joey settled while I did it. Then we settled down to watch Homes Under the Hammer. I’m sure Joey likes that programme as he seems to get excited/agitated in some parts. Usually the parts I want to hear. From 11.00 am to 11.45 am it was back to work and then time for lunch. As always I watched Bargain Hunt while I ate. But as I was going out I had to turn it off at 12.45 pm to get my shoes and coat on. Joey was really showing his disapproval when the TV went off and so did the light, and as for me leaving the room you’d have thought I’d just tried to murder him. The rain is so atrocious today I had to wear my long duster coat with the flaps tied to my leg so they didn’t-flap that is. I was wearing a hat too but it was soon off my head and in my bag as the wind picked up. I knew I shouldn’t have had beans for lunch. It was a long walk to the bus stop and I was drenched and blind. On the bus I held my travel pass over the scanner for a ticket but nada. The driver took it to check and it seems I was holding my shopmobility scooter card instead. He said no chance was I driving. I got off near the Tesco Supermarket and crossed the road to the bank. Then I walked up the street. The rain eased a little. I wanted to waste a little time so I went in a couple of shops but I was out fairly quickly as they had customers for some reason and I couldn’t cope with stray conversation on my own.
I visited LIDL for a brochure because it wasted a few more minutes and got me out of the rain.I was early. In the end I walked to the surgery because my pea sized bladder started talking to me. I tried to log in but as always when I reached the end the machine blew a fuse before registering me as there.’There is a problem with your appointment, please report to reception.’ I don’t know why I bother. It was 2.00 pm and my appointment was at half past. How best to avoid going to sleep while waiting??? I know, put one of your crutches on a foot and rest on it. The pain will keep you awake………. or make you faint maybe. I stayed awake. I was called right on time.Sister S is delectable . She’s also pleasant and quietly spoken and you want to please her. So, when she says how are you and you have pneumonia you say “Fine thanks”. We rattled through the flu jab which she was willing to give without me making an appointment. She did BP and blood oxygen levels and then the notorious breathing tubes which either gives me angina or leaves me whacked. Not much change and not for the better. Who knew? It’s at this point we usually have our serious discussion about smoking or rather the giving up of to be more precise. I’m an idiot. She arranged for another blood test for my heart and was going to find something else out for me by Wednesday when I’m there again. She opened her mouth and I knew it was coming so I stopped her. “I’m going to surprise you this time” I said ” I want to ask about Champix because my brother has had great success with it.” “I wasn’t going to mention the smoking this time” she said. For now I mentally kicked myself but the real thing would follow. She did tell me she had to find out if she could prescribe that one for me due to some contra-indications she mentioned. She’ll try and get an answer for Wednesday. I suppose I’m going to have to ask for he to see if she got the answers now.
I walked back to town-without having a cigarette which would have fallen apart even if I could have lit it in the rain. I didn’t have long to wait for a bus and I was soon home again. I squelched when I walked in. I don’t know if Joey laughed at me or gave me a bollocking for leaving him but either was he was vocal. I dried my hair and beard and went back to work. It was 3.15 pm and I worked till 5.15 pm. I fully intended coming through at 6.30 pm to carry on but I decided to watch The Secret Life of Bees which went on until 9.00 pm. Time enough to do the blogpost and catch up on the mail and still manage an early night.
Donkey ride with Santa’s Little Helper.
‘Elf and Safety’ bring Rudolf out.
And just because Christmas is coming at the gallop….
Tuesday 1st Dec.
I got my early night and enjoyed a good read. Lights out at 12.45 am ( memo to self, pay electricity bill). Up this morning at 4.11 am,full of beans, I knew that midnight snack was a mistake. It felt a little foggy, now that could either be the beans or my imagination because it’s Dec 1st and to me fogs always feel ‘Winterish’. On the other hand there might really have been a fog but I couldn’t see one through the window. Mind you, at 4.11 am what the heck can I see through my window? I took a leisurely 100mph trip to the Piddle Palace then came back to sign into my gmail. There were enough to keep me going for a while, possibly until the influx of the daily digests. But at 5.10 am I took a break to have some breakfast and take my meds. It was toast again this morning as I’m sure my moustache is empty now. At 5.30 am I returned and carried on to be ready for whatever the world threw at me.
From 6.10 am it threw bricks at me. I was sitting at my desk totally unprepared for the floodgates to burst open as they did. I worked on them without seeming to get anywhere. At 8.345 am I got dressed and as 9.00 am came I went out to the Post Office to send some cards to the world in general. Over £33 for about 8 cards and 2 calendars. Just as well I have a supply of beans in the house. When I got back (via Pauline’s) I went back to work until 10.00 a when I had Homes Under the Hammer. Joey said I mustn’t miss it. I did some polishing while I watched it but couldn’t do his mirror. Back to work at 11.00 am until 11.50 am when I was finally clear and able to go and see to lunch. I had a chips and curry sauce I discovered in the freezer.( I’d put it there around 9.30 am ). Among all this morning’s mail I received one from a company I’ve used quite a lot over the years. If you have friends or relatives in the U.S. who may be missing some of the treats from the UK or maybe if you’re an ex-pat Who lives in the U.S. you can still get your Cadbury’s chocolate or your favourite biscuits from this firm. I buy and have them delivered over there which saves a fortune. englishteastore.com do take a look at some of the treats they have and the excellent Christmas gifts. After Bargain Hunt at lunch time I really wanted to nod off but today I fought the urge so I could come back to keep on top of the mail. If I keep it down maybe I can stay up to watch a late film or something.
It looks like the late film wasn’t on the cards after all as I had a break at 3.00 pm for Escape to The Country and fell asleep anyway. We were part way into the next programme before I woke. As I did I caught a glimpse of someone standing on my left, dressed in a grey pullover and it looked like they were having a shave. I thought it was mike and flashed my left arm out to play the bongos on his stomach but he faded away. I perhaps should have realised that as my chair is against the window no-one could have stood to my left but I was a bit slow on the uptake. Yet again I returned to work and this time stayed until almost 5.30 pm e’en though my quiz had started at 5.15 pm. I was temporarily clear again. I celebrated with a mince pie and a strawberry yoghurt. Joey came out of his cage and I was able to set him flying round the room as I got the old millet from his cage and then put a new one in. I noticed something out of place. He’d broken the set of balls/bells in the cage and they were on the cage floor. I put my arm in this time and not a move out of him at all. He just sat on the edge of the mirror looking at me. I wondered how I’d repair it when I found it wasn’t actually broken. Somehow he’d opened a key ring (in miniature) and slid the chain link out until it was free. The weight would be enough to make him drop it. I really don’t know how he manages such precision work. I could open the key ring with my thumb nail but it was so small I couldn’t slide a link of chain back in. This will have to be a job for when I have time and I’m sitting down. I know he misses ringing this bell as he keeps going to the place where it hung. I don’t think a lecture from me on leaving things alone is going to help.
I returned to my room at 6.30 pm for half an hour’s catch up then went to see The Antique Road Trip with two members of my Eggheads Quiz . A bit of light relief. Both teams made a profit I’m glad to say. Not much of one but a profit nonetheless. After that I watched DIY SOS before bumping into walls on my way back here due to tear blinded eyes. In truth I wasn’t so bad today though I was still astounded at people’s generosity. I wished Joey goodnight and shut the cage. He was fine about it if a little quiet. I worked on mail for the first hour before turning to the blog. I had the opportunity to enter a competition to win some Elizabeth Shaw sweets but I drew nil on each of the three boxes I opened. I didn’t even tweet about it as I though why offer you lot chocolates when I didn’t get any. If I remember I might try again tomorrow. They’re doing other prizes too like watches I think all the way to 25th so if anyone is interested just go to the Elizabeth Shaw page on Facebook. I get 10% if you win though. I’m predicting bed before 11.30 pm tonight and I need a good sleep. As I’m back at the doctors for another review tomorrow and I have to pee in a tiny jar first thing I need to be awake. I could be there half an hour trying to fill it stop, start. stop , start or it could be a rush where it overflows before I’m ready. I hate that. What I really, REALLY hate though is carrying it in my pocket all the way up there and worrying about a leak. Everyone on the bus will think I’ve wet myself from the smell. Wonder if I should send it by taxi and meet it up there?
Hey, What’s up Doc?
Wednesday 2nd Dec.
I just made my 11.30 pm deadline and was considering sleep at midnight only I got a text bout a visit today from MuJo. I explained about the diabetic review but offered to meet them in town at about 11.30 am.. There was no response for a long time so I turned the light out and prepared to sleep. My phone went off again. They decided to put the visit off to a day when I don’t have any appointments. There’s only Thursday this week and they have a visitor that day it seems so the visit will be next week now. I remembered to tell them I’ll be in Chester on Tuesday for Yvonne’s birthday.I’ll wait for a text next week now. The light went off again at 12.20 am.
3.22 am was the next time I woke. I’d put the sample tube in my dressing gown pocket so I didn’t forget to do it. I went to the bathroom. On went the light as this was a procedure not left to chance.The trouble starts when I wonder how much I should fill the tube. I can’t allow myself to start until I’ve decided. How much do they actually need to get the information they want? I decided to fill the damn thing and they can dispose of what they don’t want. I make the same decision every time so why don’t I just ask? How much should I widdle in your tube? For all you ladies out there, w’re not bragging when we say we don’t fit inside the tube. If that makes it difficult for us heaven help the problems you must have. Now, you’re obviously holding the tube in one hand and yourself in the other. When you’re widdling you have to decide on a cut off point somewhere before it overflows. You have to cut off the flow with the non-tube hand and keep the flow off while you move the tube to a safe place. Then you can widdle to your heart’s content, finish and turn to put the top on the tube. Then what. Do you leave the tube in a prominent place so you don’t forget to take it or do you place it in your coat pocket in advance? I chose the latter but then I’ve been known to put on a different coat to go out. Maybe my subconscious does these things on purpose as it knows I hate the thought of it being in my pocket because of leakage. As I said last night, I’m scared of it happening while I’m travelling with it. These early morning thoughts might wake you up but they’re not very welcome.
So, I started on the mail. Not too bad really, mid twenties, but enough to keep me going until 5.15 am when I decided to have breakfast and take my meds. I returned with my coffee about 5.45 am to do some more. I was coming to an end gradually on the the few that had come when 6.10 am arrived . With it, someone opened those flood gates again and it poured, it poured and it poured some more. Damn umbrella was no use at all. I just had to keep plodding on. I let it go as far as 9.00 am then I got myself ready to go out, making sure I had the right coat with me. I went back to work until 10.00 am. I was walking up to the bus stop when one passed me and drew up at the stop. Someone got on, but as I moved closer it started to pull out.Then it paused and for a moment I thought he’d used his mirror and seen me. Instead someone ran to the bus from the front and got on. I was much closer now but he still drove off. It was almost half an hour before another bus came and it was driven by my usual driver Howard. It got there at 10.35 am and reached town at 10.45 am. I just hoped I could make the surgery on time. With borrowed wings on my feet I made it. I had to go to reception again as the registration machine rejected me as usual. I must have too much electrickery in my fingers. The appointment was OK but my blood sugars are up a lot so they’ll consider changing part of the medication. She noticed that I needed blood tests for a couple of things and I said I’m going on Friday anyway and told her what for. Kindly she offered to take the lot today and save me a trip she knows I don’t want to make. She also weighed me, 13 st 2 lb fully clothed including very heavy gloves. And perhaps I’d breathed in.
I’d got outside and was walking back to town when I decided to have a smoke. I put my hand in my pocket and encountered the infamous bottle of pee. I had to turn round and take it back. Lucky for me she didn’t have another patient in. Back to town I went and didn’t wait too long before a bus came. When I walked down from the bus stop I noticed it was 11.50 am and then I noticed the chippie was open. For no other reason than to save me messing about when I got in, I detoured. Small chips, 2 small sausage and somehow I must have said out loud a small tub of curry sauce. I was able to take a tablet when I got in and then have my lunch at 12.15 am when Bargain Hunt came on. As soon as it was over I nodded off for an hour. It felt wonderful. At 2.00 pm I returned to work. With Dil coming sometime I didn’t want anything left. I stayed her till 4.30 pm. I got up when the doorbell went and I heard the door opening but as I looked towards the front door from my room it wasn’t Dil unless he’d been keeping secrets from me. It was a district nurse looking for Joe who lives almost opposite. It’s funny, I’d seen him in the surgery when I was there only not to speak to. Five minutes later Dil came in and I heard hi say “Come on, get off that computer now”. I had to say I’d only just got back on. We went through and as I made him a cup of tea we chatted then I turned our usual programmes on until 6.00 pm.
Out came the games table and out came the Yahtzee. The minute Joey saw the box open he started chunnering. There weren’t enough play sheets so I left to print some off and when I got back Joey hadn’t paused for breath. The first sheet of sic games Dil won three then I won three. For a draw we had to play again. The next sheet he won 2 I won one, he won one I won two so it was a draw again and we gave up at six all. Joey had chunnered throughout the whole of the game and only stopped as we put the box away. I got the Trivia out and decided to use the millenium edition this time to see what it was like. Out came Joey to sit on his mirror and just repeat his name constantly. I was repeating it too him so he knew someone was paying attention. This edition of Trivia is slightly different from the usual. The number of spaces round the board are different and the question categories are different too. Some of the questions themselves were rather funny (peculiar) and had us bursting into laughter. As time ran out Joey gave up and went to bed. I reached the middle mof the game but got my question wrong. However it was deemed I’d won as I had all six segments to Dil’s five. Spurious but I’ll take what I can get. After Dil had gone and like a good big brother I’d told him to be careful, I tidied up and washed the pots. I closed Joey’s cage door and wished him goodnight. Catching up on mail took me until 10.50 pm and then I remembered I hadn’t taken my meds and had to creep back to the kitchen to do so. Once that was out of the way I was able to start the blog. It’s just gone 11.30 pm and I don’t think I’ll be too much longer and then I get a read.
Thursday 3rd Dec
Well I got to bed about 11.50 pm last night and read until about 12.30 am. My get up and go time was 2.21 am,and when I’d been I couldn’t get back to sleep. I powered up the computer and logged on. Talk about frustration, getting onto the net was no problem but I couldn’t open a single bloody programme when I did. I just kept getting a message about it not being available, try again? Time after flippin time I did so until finally after logging out and in again I had to System Restore to 30th November. It was almost 4.00 am by then so I had to fly to try and get the mail that was already waiting done. At 5.30 am I had to break off to get my meds and some breakfast. I returned with a coffee about 5.55 am and carried on. I was probably down to about 6 when at 6.10 am I was hit repeatedly by a mail sledgehammer. They came in and the numbers just went up and up. There must have been a million before I stopped counting but oddly when I looked properly there were only 104 though there must have been more as I was working as they came in.
At 8.30 am I got dressed. I find it better to do so as people look askance at me in the shops with my big caveman slippers and my Red Dragon leisure pants under my red and black striped dressing gown. Sartorial elegance and style always worry people not used to such sophistication. Instead I changed into my black jeans ( now more grey) and a black and grey top with a little orange. I don’t remember that being there before I had my curry sauce yesterday. I picked up bread, ciggies and my lottery tickets ready for Friday’s draw. When I got back I unpacked my bag, gave my bedroom a hoovering ( I bet that shocked the carpet) and settled to, for another half hour on the computer before going to watch Homes Under the Hammer at 10.00 am. Joey was perched high in a corner of his cage, probably trying to dislodge the millet branch to attract my attention as it was empty. I wasn’t going to do anything about it while he was in there. For most of the programme he stayed in the same place then suddenly he relaxed and ventured down to a perch near his door and started talking to me. There must have been some queries in there as I could see the odd question mark drift past my eyes but since the only words I recognised were Joey, Joey I was a bit lost. I promise to renew the millet sometime today.
From 11.00 to 11.45 am I worked again and did quite well but that was my time to make lunch so I had to break off. Baby potatoes,mixed veg and a small beef joint for lunch. Very nice but I couldn’t finish. I’m thinking about my blood sugar being so high. I still ate my rhubarb yoghurt though. I was asleep before the Bargain Hunt action so that could have been any time from 12.45 pm onwards. I woke with a bad headache at 1.15 pm. A couple of tabs, a quick Joey, Joey Best Boy at the bird and I returned to work. I stayed until 3.05 pm when I was clear again. It was time to do some more Christmas cards, not a job I enjoy. Working my way through I realised I was at least one special card short and I was very soon out of stamps too. That means another bank loan I suppose. At 5.15 am my first quiz started so the cards went away. I watched TV until 6.30 pm then once again went into battle with the mail. Mike sent a text at 7.30 pm to sayhe was on his way so I reminded him to be careful in the rain.At 8.00 pm it as The Big Bang Theory. I saw the episode I’d missed last week as well as the new one. Magic!!! That was followed straight away by the next episode on The Last Kingdom. Today Alfred went into hiding in the fens, for once we saw a more human side to him and a new determination too. I’d just turned off and gone to the kitchen for my meds when Mike arrived. I had the kettle on so made him a coffee but apologised and left him to it so I could come and see to the blog post and the remaining mail. I shall be in bed by 11.45 pm t the latest.
Hmm, indecision. Straight on or right turn?
A few more feet and I’ve finished first.
Friday 4th Dec
Disaster!! I got to bed by midnight but didn’t start reading straight away as Mike stuck his head in to talk. Once he’d gone I finished the book I was on and knowing he was awake went through to pick a new one from my bookshelves. I didn’t read too much of it and my light went out about 1.00 am. I was up again at 2.00 pm though it wasn’t for too long. But when I lay down I just couldn’t drop off again easily. When eventually I fell into a sleep I was there until 7.21 am. When I get my hands round the neck of Somnos I shall wring it like a Christmas peal. Being Friday it’s the day I prepare my drugs for the week so that was next on my list. I went to the kitchen to take this morning’s doses to leave the container empty. I didn’t have time for breakfast. My drug drawer is next to Joey so I had to go carefully in case I disturbed him though it was light enough at that time to see me. His head swivelled as I arrived but not a murmur from him as I pulled it out and returned with it to the kitchen. Once the meds were all done I returned the drawer and got the same reaction again. It seems as long as his door is shut he trusts me, but when it’s open……. he panics and I expect his beak in my eye at any moment. I took a coffee back to my room for the next phase.
Power up, log on and sign in. Sit there for 15 minutes as the system tells me that it’s nor available (again) before finally groaning in frustration and doing another system restore. By the time I finally got there I could hear the gods sniggering in the background as I opened my gmail. It was on 104. I worked solidly until about 9.45 am when Mike stood in my doorway to let me know he was up. The body of a God- Buddha, standing there in his shreddies ( underpants) scratching his bum with one hand and his head with the other. As he went to the loo I went to make his coffee. As he came through he noted it was almost time for Homes Under the Hammer so we turned it on. I was waiting for Joey to come out of his cage so I could re-hand the bell toy he’d dismantled earlier in the week. I’d managed to re-attach the balls and bell to the hanger. He just sat in the cage and chunnered without coming out. At 11.00 am it was time for the TV to go off as I returned to work and Mike left to visit his dad. When I returned to the computer the mail was at 96 again though I’d got it to 72 earlier. All I could do was sigh. No way could I stop for lunch and my usual Bargain Hunt so I worked on until 1.10 pm when I was clear, if only for the moment. The Post Man had delivered an implement to help me get the tops off difficult jars so I left my feedback and then went through to have something to eat. I settled on a small cottage pie today with some bread and butter. It was quite nice and as Joey came out to see me I nipped up and put the bell in and a new millet spray. I had ten minutes of snooker on the TV then returned to work having promised Joey I’d be back for 2.15 pm. He made me put it in writing the distrustful little thing. Just before time Joey started shrieking so I went to see what was wrong and found Dr Blake just starting so I sat and enjoyed it. Joey was peaceable which was nice. I still needed to return to work after that but he let me go. I was only to be away until 5.15 pm anyway. At 5.15 pm I returned to watch my quiz and as it ended I realised it was Friday and the planners had stolen my second quiz off me. I sat and watched an old Star Trek for fun instead. Mike texted me at 6.15 am to say he was on his way home. Then it was Mastermind at 7.00 pm during which I almost wet myself when Mike arrived at 7.15 pm. He told me he was part way through his journey when he texted me earlier………….of course he didn’t think to mention that at the time. Joey greeted him and the language was a lot less choice than mine. We watched ‘Would I Lie To You’ until 8.00 pm then I left him with his football while I went for a shower. Yes, I had to have my head down between my legs to wash my hair and almost went A over T as they say.
After the shower I came back to work until 9.30 pm when I went to see how his day had been. I was a little too soon as the game was still on and he was being as vocal as ever. It wasn’t made any better that Joey was just as bad and seemed to have suddenly learned to whistle. Bang go the eardrums. As the game ended I quickly turned away from that channel and caught a programme on ageing rockstars. Should a man approaching 70 be singing about sitting in the back row of a cinema with his 18 year old girlfriend. According to the rockstars the answer is no. The programme that followed was fascinating for both of us as it was about the birth of 10CC and their musical creations. From getting together until their musical divorce was quite a journey and one I enjoyed with them at the time. When I realised it was 10.45 pm and I was still sitting there I got up to come back here. Mike took great pleasure in reminding me I wasn’t drugged to the eyeballs yet so I had to detour first.
Hm, I don’t usually get to pet my meals.
I still think that’s my Pops or maybe Uncle Mike’s tummy.
Saturday 5th Dec
I got into bed about midnight after Mike was kind enough to do my legs properly for me. I think the rubbing aids the circulation too. Naturally I read a while and it was about 1.00 am I extinguished the light ( Saturday and I’m still using big words). I got up at what I thought was 3.21 am but which turned out to be 3.01 am, maybe I should try opening my eyes first. I visited the loo and saw the water level way down because of the strong winds outside. I tried to raise the levels singlehandedly. When I came back I had the same frustrating quarter hour trying to get in before having my third system restore on the trot. I know there’s a major problem but have no idea what to do. The £5 won on Thunderball last night isn’t going to pay for a new computer. When I finally got in I opened my gmail and started on the mail. A few of them led to a post about the latest in a long line of killings in the US. Some people believe that more belief in their god is what will solve the problems. They blame the killers because they follow a different god without for one minute thinking it’s the fact that so many innocents are killed in places like Libya that the people there might be upset enough to seek revenge. The best way to stop these killings is to stop killing. Many people believe like me that the UK is wrong to agree to more bombings over there. They’re sending recruits to ISIS with their actions.
I finished with the mail at 4.49 am and took a break to sit in the lounge. I wasn’t sure whether to risk sleep in case I didn’t hear Mike’s alarm. I thought I’d give myself half an hour then return to clear any new mail and if there was none then ebay beckoned. Since I was still awake at 5.15 am ( yes, I cheated, it’s not half an hour) I went through to the kitchen to load up on meds and to have some breakfast to hold me. I enjoyed it. Also enjoyed was bringing my coffee back at 5.45 am and finding just one item of mail in my box. That was soon dealt with and I headed off to ebay with nothing specific in mind. At 6.10 am I heard Mike go to the loo. I asked him whether he was going back to bed or did he want his coffee 20 minutes early. “Let’s just see when my head hits the pillow” he said. We drifted up to 6.30 am when Mike’s alarm went off and I went to make him a coffee. When ready I took t through but heard no second alarm. I woke him.”OK ” he told me. There was no alarm at 6.50 am either so I knew he’d turned it off. I gave it 5 more minutes and went to call him again reminding him a coffee was there. If he didn’t move after that I’d leave him till he was ready to move. At 7.05 after what should have been 4 Alarms and 2 Calls, he finally moved. Somehow we were out of the house at 7.30 am and on our way.
We selected two nice bunches of flowers for Ju this week and I’m sure that was my most important purchase. Just now I can’t think of anything else I actually bought but I know the bill was coppers short of £70.00. Ah yes, I bought some fruit and Mike is still laughing about it.It must have been very expensive fruit. We seemed to get round quite quickly and were soon having a coffee ( or molten lava) in McDonald’s. The weather is atrocious with gales everywhere. There are floods across parts of the country. These storm fronts change so quickly, I think this one has a male name and begins with D following Clodagh from last week. When we got outside we didn’t hang about. We set off for Flint but detoured slightly to ALDI for a brochure on the way. We both bought a few things but again if you asked me what, I have no idea. The trouble is, when you unpack things are put where they should go so it’s out of sight out of mind. Perhaps I’ll remember when it comes to wrapping them.
When we parked up outside Temptations Mike went inside to warn them we were around while I started walking over to Homie’s and smoking a cigarette. Lighting that was a treat I can tell you. Mike joined me there to carry my bag expecting us to go on to another shop for more stuff. I thought we had what was needed and a coffee would be nicer so we went straight back to the car for chocolates and headed into Temptations. Kyle was preparing the tray as I reached the counter but I had to cancel the teasted toecake much to his surprise ( he fell over in shock) as Mike has decided on crumpets today. We had a little chat with Ceri and with Sian who was on the card section again. I finished my latte and went outside for a ciggie while Mike finished his drink and leering at the girls. We had a small run round another shop ( yes, he’s right. I find it difficult to go into a shop without spending only he puts it less politely), then got in the car. The usual question reared it’s awkward head, “Where next?” I’d have been quite happy to go home and start work on the backlog but Mike had other ideas and drove right past and ended in Prestatyn. He gave me the choice of where to lunch and for once it wasn’t the CookHouse. We went to a tiny cafe and had a brunch for me (Mmm bacon) and a large all-day breakfast for him. It was really nice and I saved a fortune too. Back to normal tomorrow I expect.
There was no real reason to stay out in this foul weather so Mike brought me home. We were in by 2.00 pm. First job was to open Joey’s cage so he’s stop shouting at me (I told him it was Mike’s fault) and then on to unpacking and putting away the shopping. I had to be very fillosoffical after that and come through to start work on the mail waiting for me while Mike got to watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. The way Joey was hammering on his bells I’d say a lot of angels were getting their wings today. Because we have an agreement that when he visits I don’t leave him sitting in the lounge all the time while I work, I knocked off at 5.15 pm to watch Mastermind and them Pointless, our usual one. After that it was OK to come back to work until 8.00 pm when the series about the early Canadian Detective was on. I do hate to miss that. But then I got caught up in A Murder in Paradise until 10.15 pm and had to get my skates on then. I’m doin’ OK though, don’t worry about me, after all who needs sleep anyway?
Crafting for Christmas
Decorations for Great Aunt Mu.
A time when there was such great hope with youth. I was 18 and sure I was at the start of something special. It’s not too late.
An extra track but there are some very upsetting images on here so beware if you’re sensitive. This has to end.
Have a wonderful new week and I hope it’s filled with dreams come true and Hugs galore.
Well, after a great night I managed to get the blog out on time and I even managed some mail. When I got to bed finally I read until just 1.00 am then turned the light off. At 2.00 am I gave up trying to sleep here and went to the loo. I spotted Mike still playing with himself ( come on girls- I mean on his tablet) then went to the lounge and sat in the magic chair.
I had my usual smoke then felt relaxed enough to try for sleep.At some point I succeeded and my eyes stayed shut until 6.04 am this morning. That was great and I came back to my room to turn the computer on. A huge disappointment (as usual now) with Talktalk letting me down. Their system is really pants since they did ‘improvements.’ Luckily gmail had plenty to keep me going.
It was 8.10 am before I went to take my meds and I decided against breakfast at that time. I’ll eat lunch and tea today instead. I opened Joey’s cage to give him freedom and hoped he’d come out so I could clean the cage later, then came back to a few more from gmail and then tried re-signing into Talktalk. This time it came on with 102 messages waiting. Some were duplicates and I managed to zip through those. It was 10.08 am before I finished there but didn’t refresh as I needed to get to Joey and his cage. Just as I went through, so did Mike. I made him a coffee then nudged him awake to drink it and to help me get Joey’s cage of the base so the base could be cleaned properly.It took a while to be thorough with all parts of the base, it’s drawer and the grill that stopped Joey walking in the grit on the base. Eventually I went back through and nudged Noddy again to help me get the base back on. While he drank his coffee I put fresh seed and water in the cage and a new piece of millet. That was Joey done and dusted. My turn next. I went to my room to get dressed and to check on mail while there. Nothing up on ebay today. Mike got himself dressed and we eventually left the house to find food at about 12.30 pm.
When we got to Prestatyn it was approaching 1.00 pm but fortunately the lousy weather must have kept some people in, there was room in the CookHouse. As always the food was nice but I cut my portion down a little as I’d eaten last night. We did a couple of shops in Prestatyn and I got a few items for Christmas stockings. Then we came home and I sat chatting with Mike in the lounge until it was time for him to go home at about 4.00 pm. His granson is in hospital with pneumonia at the moment and Mike’s son is staying there with him. Mike needs to pick his granddaughter up from a friends and look after her, making sure she gets to school tomorrow. Everyone hopes his grandson will be out of hospital tomorrow.
Once Mike had gone I attacked the mail again until almost 7.00 pm when I went through to watch a couple of programmes I enjoy. I was ready to come back through at 9.00 pm when Joey decided to come out of his cage. While waiting for him to go back again I got involved in a programme about psychopaths because it was a bout a serial killer that my brother in law John knew from childhood. Peter Moore was gay but targeted homosexuals while presenting a very different image to the public as a businessman bringing cinemas back to North Wales. The man has been behind bars for about twenty years now but MuJo still get birthday and Christmas cards from him with news about appeals he’s going to make.
Monday 9th Nov.
I read in bed last night as usual.The antics of Terry Pratchett’s witches kept me smiling but I was tired too. Lights out at 1.00 am. I tried and tried to sleep to no avail. At 2.37 am I got up and went through to the lounge. Sleep eventually arrived in my chair, I think it had missed the last bus and walked to get to me. I was up again at 5.24 am. After paying a visit so I knew my bladder was happy I went to take my meds and make some breakfast. Yes it was cold toast and butter again. I put the washing machine on before I started eating though everyone says it doesn’t suit me. I used fastwash at 15 minutes so I only had to wait a minute or so for the cycle to finish before putting the drier on. Ax that takes 3 hours there was plenty of time to come through to my room and power up.
Talktalk was still not at it’s best. Having done one page of messages I attempted to delete them only for Talktalk to log me out. Feeling a bit peeved I logges in again but it was taking so long to load I turned to gmail instead. I dealt with everything they had to throw at me though I had to throw some back and then turned to Talktalk again. It had loaded properly and I was able to work my way through the list. That took me till 9.10 am at which time I needed to dress and get my prescription request to the chemist. I called in at Pauline’s on the way back to pick up a chips in curry sauce, just in case, you understand. I didn’t want to be out too long as the new postie is a bit erratic time wise and I’m hoping for a delivery today. When I got back the postie hadn’t been. I worked on mil until 10.00 am then joined Joey for Homes Under the Hammer, me to watch it, him to chunner through it. At 11.00 am I returned to work disappointed not to have seen the postie.
At 11.35 am my warden Bev came. Last week she’d been on holiday so I was able to ask her what the weather had been like hoping to brighten my day, but it had poured down for her just like here. To be fair she did get some sunshine so it wasn’t all bad. We talked about my legs so I got them out and waved them about a bit. I have no idea why as she’s not a nurse. I hope I didn’t put her off her dinner.While she was here the postie arrived and he did have a package for me. Bev left at noon and I took my pre-foodie tab and put my lunch in the micro. Yes, it was curry sauce and chips. Just as well Bev didn’t hang around. I watched Bargain Hunt while eating and my nemesis was on again. I think they chose him as an expert not because he’s any good but because it would get up my nose. ( No comments please about how roomy this particular schnozzle is). At 1.00 am I turned the box off and settled down for what I’d been wanting all morning, 40 winks. Joey wasn’t having any of that though. The moment all was quiet he set up such a racket. I had to start telling the vain little beggar what a pretty boy he is. Just to frustrate me further there was a knock at the door and another parcel was being delivered by courier. I was so pleased to see this one as I can now pack my Christmas watches away for Temptations staff. The boxes I’d bought previously wouldn’t close with a watch inside them. Annoying as they’re far superior boxes but I’m sure they’ll do for something someday. I came back to work again until 3.00 pm even though there was a temptation to slide onto the bed and close my eyes for a minute. I went back through to Joey and watched Escape To the Country. I don’t want you to listen to him if he starts spreading rumours that I dropped off.
After the programme I went through to Mike’s room and started putting the watches in boxes ready for wrapping sometime. There were also a couple of gents watches needed boxing ( and they only just fit ) ready to go in bags which I did. After that I came back to check the mail again and started work on it . I caught up at 5.35 pm and was able to watch my quizzes. Joey came out of the cage and I noticed he’d dropped the millet again so I recovered it and put it back up for him. It reminded me I was peckish so I had a couple of mince pies. I had MASH on for a while but wasn’t really concentrating as I had a magazine. I was going to watch a film but noticed at 8.00 am there were two episodes of DIY SOS which I really enjoy ( despite the lump in the throat) so I watched those instead. When 10.00 p,m came I said goodnight to Joey, took my meds and came through. I worked on mail first and then the blog. I’ll make the midnight bed deadline but I’m going straight to my chair tonight.
The distance between feet and pedals is all wrong.
You never said it was electrified.
Tuesday 10th Nov.
After reading till almost 1.00 am I turned my light off and made my way to my chair. Sleep didn’t come easy as I was listening to the latest hit from Stormy Gale and the Flying Slates. I woke at 4.04 am and the damn record was still playing. I headed in the direction of my bedroom and detoured to prove I’m no male witch as I was able to pass water. It felt I was there a long time but I was in the bedroom logging on at ten minutes past. Talktalk more or less behaved first thing and I was soon into the swing of answering emails. I broke off at 5.00 am for breakfast and my meds. I wasn’t sure at that time if I’d be going to Chester. Even if I was prepared to venture out in it I wasn’t sure I wanted Yvonne to, if she went down in this wind we’d never get her up again. And if I rolled her home the new baby would get very dizzy. It’s just a month and a half away before there’s another new baby in my world. Things are getting scary at the moment as I realise that in just two short months I’ll be 65. Officially too old for everything. To be honest I’m surprised I made it this far and plenty of times I wished I hadn’t.
By 7.30 am the wind was still howling a bit but the rain had stopped. I started out. Unfortunately the wind was coming downhill as I was trying to get uphill. Fortunately,Howard pulled up alongside me before I’d completely run out of breath. I settled in my seat and nodded off. Though I was awake every time we pulled up at a stop the journey still went quickly. Yvonne had let me know she was determined to come so I wasn’t worried she wasn’t there waiting. I walked up the street and met them. Reuben showed enthusiasm when he saw me but Yvonne had a good grip on his reins. I got my hugs and we had a waltz round a shop while waiting for our usual cafe to open. Once it did we took the lift up to the cafe and ordered drinks. I thought I struck a deal with Yvonne that I would eat a mince pie if she let me pay this morning. I seemed to get her agreement but she seems to have inherited a sly and sneaky gene from somewhere. She waited until I ate it before telling mt she’d transferred the money direct to my account from her phone while standing at the counter. Can you believe such deviousness, why can’t I do that? I got Reuben a jumper from that store but apart from tealight candles wasn’t successful with anything else. I’ve lost my superpowers. Yvonne even stopped me getting her a long shirt she liked.
You don’t want a blow by blow account of the morning but needless to say it was spent in and out of shops.I managed to get something ready for the new baby though. We made our way back towards the bus stop in plenty of time for me to nip to the loo first. I’d be able to call in at Pauline’s. After hugs and waving to them I settle in my seat and dozed all the way home. I picked up a few things in Pauline’s and came home. After taking my coat off I opened Joey’s cage ( he wasn’t talking to me) and made some lunch. Once that was done I left the TV on for Joey and went to work. Ouch, Ouch, Ouch. It was 5.30 pm before I saw the light of day again ( metaphorically speaking ). I went through to find Joey flying round and round the room as though being chased but probably just trying to overlap his mirror image if I know him. he went back to his mirror perch when I sat down and started watching half my quiz. There was an interesting programme on the last hours of Anne Boleyn that followed and then instead of watching one on the period of Henry VIII I settled for another DIY SOS. It’s lovely to see humanity at it’s best. At 9.00 pm I came back through to play catch up and to do the blog afterwards. It’s going to be a reasonable night timewise I think.
Competition?
Quiet, artist at work.
My name is Joey, you probably won’t know me but I’m being held prisoner. It’s a small cage, which OK I admit opens into a bigger cage that I can visit to stretch my wings, but even so it’s a small world. My jailer has two legs like me (though fatter) and much of the time seems to be in the same cage. He’s OK I guess with supplying me with food and water but that’s not much of a diet is it. He jabbers at me too, saying things like Joey,Joey, Joey, best, best boy as though I can’t hold a decent conversation in linguabudgie. What astonishes me is how I see him change his feathers daily and sometimes leave the big cage often coming back hours later of his own accord. Who is this jailer that he has that doesn’t allow me the same leeway? Well, he might have more feathers than me but they’re not as pretty and he can’t use them to fly as I can. I demand a retrial or at least time off for good behaviour. Please write to the Governor and demand my release.
Wedsnesday 11th Nov.
I was in bed for 11.30 pm last night. My Dad always said is I wasn’t in bed by midnight I was to come home. Still, I did have my book to read, I’m so looking forward to the Terry Pratchett one at Christmas. I read until just before 1.00 am, paid a visit to the loo then turned my light out. I was determined to sleep in bed last night but it was quite a wait, I know I saw 1.30 am pass by before it happened. Anyway, I slept. This morning I was up at 3.52 am and just powered up the computer and logged on. The first batches of mail on both providers was easy peasy and I finished at 5.31 am. That seemed a good time to go take my meds and have breakfast. My stomach reckons I’m addicted to the cold toast routine now and is swelling in opposition, however some of the local schoolchildren are starting to look at both my beard and my girth with some wonder. Last night I’m sure I saw a red nosed reindeer at the window checking me out.
After breakfast I came back to my room but decided to create a washload of jeans before working again. 6 pairs went in, not dirty but creased. I came back to work and found the daily reports of the blogs I follow have loaded. Ah well, Into battle. That took until 9.10 am when I got up and creakingly stretched, then went to let Joey out. I could hear his plaintive cries from the lounge. As I went in there silence reigned. I talked to him but the left shoulder hunched up and he pointedly ignored me. Nor would he come out. I left and came back to work. No sooner had the lounge door shut than I heard him come out and fly circuits of the room tweeting.I guessed I was in the bad books again. I returned to the lounge at 10.00 am for Homes Under the Hammer. Naturally there was no silence from Joey then. He’s a rascal. I missed a good bit of the programme because someone delivered the new collection dates for the household rubbish but I found it to be gibberish. I spent an age trying to work out what they meant before sticking it up inside the pantry so I never forget which dare the collection of the big bin is due.
I worked again from 11.00 am to 11.45 am then decided to make my lunch. I’d just turned the microwave on when I saw the postie approaching. I was expecting a wallet and that’s what arrived. Very quickly too. I’m just waiting for a couple of hats now that might come anytime after Friday up to the end of the month. Deliveries from China are very erratic, as erratic as India it seems. After lunch and Bargain Hunt I headed back to work. I was just passing the front door when someone knocked. It was my drug courier again bringing the fortnightly supplies. I passed over the chocolates and put the meds on the side to check later. I worked till 4.20 pm which is when the door opened and in walked Dil very quietly probably expecting to find me asleep in the lounge. I made him a cup of tea and we settled to watch Flog It and Pointless. At 6.00 pm the TV went off and out came the games table.
Yahtzee was a DISASTER. The first game was 3-3, the second 4-2 against me. I lost trivia though it could have gone either way as we both had all the segments. By now Dil’s grin was like the Cheshire Cat only before he disappeared altogether he had time for a game of Cribbage. Hallelujah !!! I won one. Only slightly diminished the grin disappeared and went home. I had a quick tidy up, had a few minutes persuading Joey it was time to go in the cage so I could turn the light off and then came through to work on mail, the blog and a few answers to comments on the Buthidar Blog I did today with it being 11/11. I had a message this evening from Mike to say his grandson is home today. I’m so pleased and I look forward to seeing him tomorrow evening for all the details.
Elevensies.
Am I bigger or is the elephant smaller?
Thursday 12th November.
Light off at 12.40 am last night. I stayed in bed and for once there wasn’t too much wriggling before sleep came. Ten minutes later the clock said 3.07 am and time to get your lazy ass out of bed. Anyone who thinks that is completely wrong, I don’t own a donkey and if I did, it wouldn’t be in my bed. When I said I love donkeys, that’s not what I had in mind. It’s just as well I haven’t said I love pigs or someone might take me for a Prime Minister. I paid my usual visit to the loo then powered up the computer. It took an age this morning. When it was finally live I checked my bank and there staring me in the face was the £10 my devious daughter had transferred to me. Even worse, my bank had not retained records of our previous dealings and held her account number so I could transfer double back as threatened. For now I am stumped.
One major shock when I signed in was no mail in my Talktalk account. Hopefully that’s because I’ve received none and not another glitch on their system. My gmail account had a few to be going on with at least. At 4.55 am when I was in the clear I went for breakfast and to take my morning meds. When I got back it was 5.25 am and very worrying to find still no messages on Talktalk and no more on gmail. Normally by this time I would at least have the daily updates on everyone I follow from yesterday. I spent some time on ebay checking for fun gifts for Christmas. At 6.00 am I gave up and went through to the lounge to shut my eyes for a while. At 7.15 am I came too and felt much better. Much crosser though when I looked at Talktalk. The internet service is free so I suppose you could say I get what I pay for and maybe they’re paying the price of their own popularity. But we’re paying that price too in terms of the lousy service. Honestly it’s been so much worse since things were improved recently. Anyway,I went round everywhere I could think of changing my email address for notifications to my gmail account. Hopefully tomorrow all the messages about your blog posts will go there.
After going to Pauline’s at 9.15 am I came back and checked the post again. Still no change with Talktalk. I did a few things like peeled some sweet potatoes and changed Joey’s seed and water. I watched Homes Under the Hammer and occupied myself until 11.15 am before going to prepare my lunch. At 1.00 pm Taltalk was still giving nothing away but the flow had increased nicely on gmail. I finished what there was and then at 2.00 pm closed my eyes for 5 minutes. It was a very elastic 5 minutes because it lasted until 2.55 pm. At that time I had a healthy queue in gmail but talktalk also gave up 3 pages worth of mail- it was back, but not with a vengeance as all my overnight mail was missing. All the stuff they gave me now was new. At least they were back and giving me something. Mike sent a text to say he was on the way so I worked hard. I was clear just before 4.30 pm and went through to let Joey see the antiques programme and to keep him company while he shrieks at the screen. Definitely not because I wanted to see it anyway- or hear it. Mike arrived at about 5.15 am and after making his coffee we settled to our quiz Pointless, yes that’s the name of the quiz not a description of out actions. Then another quiz, an episode of Big Bang Theory, the real story of the Mary Celeste, two more Big Bang Theories and then what I’d waited for, The Last Kingdom. It’s brilliant. The books are excellent but this series really brings it to life. Finally it was time to come through and do some work on the mail and the blog. It shouldn’t be too hard a night as you won’t believe this but Talktalk is still playing up. It just refuses to load. They should scrap the changes and take it back to the way it was when it worked. Even if just for one person who has stayed with them through the worst.
Preparing my Xmas cards 2 years ago today. Just 3 months old.
I’m in the mood for real nostalgia tonight. A superb singer
Friday 13th November.
Lights out at 1.00 am after a few more pages of my Pratchett ‘Thief of Time’. I suppose I should have been spooked by the date but the only witches I’ve met have been white ones or sandwiches (sorry). Perhaps it was spooky that I woke at 4.13 am? My bladder started having a very one sided conversation so I made a trip to the Piddle Palazzo then came back to log on. As expected Talktalk is still as useless as a chocolate teapot so I took the last move and diverted all my twitter posts to the gmail address. I worked on mail until 5.45 am then went to take my meds, have breakfast and prepare my drugs for next week in their pots. At 6.30 am I came back to find out Twitter had delivered all my notifications of posts to the new address. Magic, now I could get on. I could only work until 9.00 am though before breaking off to do a coffee for Mike in the hopes of getting him up and out. I tried to do the same for Joey but without the coffee. Joey managed it first but to be fair Mike wasn’t too much longer. About ten minutes. I’d want to say I went to sit with them but if forced to be honest, I sat with them for about fifteen minutes before nodding. As the TV was on with Frasier, I was conscious every time Mike commented on something or when Joey tweeted. I was fully conscious when Homes Under the Hammer came on though. When that ended at 11.00 am both of us left to get dressed (at last) and then Mike said his farewells as he left to visit his Dad. I came through to finish the mail I’d started and any more that had come in. I’m beginning to think there’s a little gremlin somewhere who sticks his head round the screen to make sure I’ve gone before he dumps a couple of bags of mail then runs. It’s fantastic not having to rely on Talktalk now.
At 11.45 I stopped again though I was pretty well done, so I could prepare my lunch. I’d been fighting a battle with myself all morning as to what I should have since I’ve got bacon in as well as my chips in curry sauce. I finally settled on the latter so I could have bacon tonight with Mike if he was hungry. Erm, don’t get the idea I’ve suddenly become generous and I’m sharing, he has his own bacon which is smoked and I hate it. Following lunch I couldn’t think of anything that would please me more than to try and get into Talktalk. I wanted to put a note on their forum about the terrible service but they needed to send me an email which I couldn’t access to verify it!! When I did get in at some time after 2.00 pm it allowed me to look at one message and that was it. No deletions allowed. However at 2.45 I tried again, got in and deleted the lot. No problems there since it’s all coming to me at gmail now. Help, is there any way I can make it stop? At 3.15 pm I took a break and went back to Joey to see if Friday 13th has spooked him enough to want my company.
I stayed in the lounge and at about 5.30 got a text from Mike to say something had happened and he’d be back late tonight. I just relaxed with the TV until 6.00 pm then came back to work and have a look at ebay. I won something. At 7.00 pm I went for a shower and locked the front door. At 7.30 pm I watched an episode of MASH then Mastermind. I left a terrible stain on my chair as I suddenly glimpsed movement from the corner of my eye. As I leapt in the air I saw it was Mike who hadn’t warned me he was on his way back. He made his coffee while I watched the end of Mastermind. There was a programme about a minister on the Falklands who will be leaving soon followed by an hour of Top of the Pops 1977 which I wanted to watch as Yvonne was born in December that year. At 10.00 pm I locked Joey’s cage and wished him goodnight, took my meds, wished Mike good night and came through to attack the work. As I came through I was laughing as Joey had been very loud when the music was on and also started headbanging in much the sane way that we used to when Status Quo were playing. Funny the thoughts that come to you.
I should be OK time wise tonight I think. Not so much mail I couldn’t cope with after the blog.
Saturday 14th November.
Last night was fine and I had plenty of time for a read. Light out 12.30 am and I’m pretty sure my lights were out soon after that. Waking time was 3.23 am and even had I still been tired I wouldn’t have dared go back to sleep in case Mike woke before me and caught me sleeping when he was up. I’d never hear the end of it and he’s probably create a blog just to say how many tries it took to get me out of bed.He’d be very inventive though and people are always happy to believe the worst. I’ve woken this morning to news of the atrocities in France. Yet again an enemy too cowardly to show themselves has taken the lives of the innocent probably for no better reason than they were enjoying themselves. La Belle France, you are in my thoughts. Don’t bow down before this mindless terrorism. For anyone interested, here’s a post I did on this atrocity. lorddavidprosser1.wordpress.com/2015/11/14/mindless-terrorism/
I worked on doing the above post and on my mail from gmail until almost 5.30 am. I was actually able to get into Talktalk this morning but all I needed to do mainly was delete the post there as it was now duplicated on gmail. At 5.30 m though, I went through to the kitchen to take my meds and to have breakfast. That meant there’s just one further meal needed with tablets during the day and I could choose which one. I chose lunch. I gathered up the rest of the paper/magazines ready to go out for collection, always assuming they’d actually pick it up this week. Then it was back to work until it was time to do Mike’s coffee. His alarm went off a couple of minutes early but I wasn’t going to complain. I went to do him a coffee. As I took it through the alarm sounded again but even in combination with my dulcet tones it didn’t move his caracase. So, I determined to take out the rubbish. It was quite nippy out this morning and Mike was lying on top of the bed with no top on. A draught may have slipped through while I took the rubbish out. I came back in for the paper waste just to be sure and by the time I returned then he was sitting in the lounge, tinged with blue and sounding like a typewriter.
We were on our way at 7.30 am and had started shopping at 7.45 am. I saw some things for the baby to be and also for my great nephew for Christmas. I loaded up on selection boxes to make sure I had enough and sweets to take to the girls today. I even put a little food in this week which might be why the bill was 50% more than I expected it to be t £60.00 ( they overcharged me £1 but I had it corrected) which in turn had Mike laughing almost hard enough for apoplexy. ( Not hard enough though). We had our usual coffee and I managed to complete a card with a sticker someone had left on a cup on the next table. On the way to Flint we called in at Aldi for some waterproofing spray which I thought might be good for my hat in view of the rain we’re expecting. I managed to get a couple of things from there. We parked outside Temptations but instead of going straight in hit a couple of shops. I had a niggle that I was looking for something in particular in Homies but couldn’t remember what so didn’t get it. We had our coffee and had a slow stroll to one last shop to check something out before getting back in the car. I’d left the decision about lunch up to Mike today and he’d decided on Prestatyn. A twenty minute drive down the road and we were sitting in our favourite seats ready to get a carvery. I took my pre-foodie first. I was only given two slices of beef but they were as thick as doormats and not much smaller. The meal beat both of us and Mike said it’s a first for me ever to leave beef. I didn’t want to but had I not the explosion would have been heard from miles away.
When we left the CookHouse we headed for another branch of Homies as I now remembered what it was I needed this morning. Some of my new Aveeno but with shea butter to try. I want to find which is the best one before trying to get it from the doctor again. Eventually we came home and after unpacking and putting the shopping away I was able to come through and work while Mike watched the run up to tomorrows Grand Prix, to get the grid places today. I worked from 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm watched our usual quiz when he called me and then worked again from 6.15 pm to 8.00 pm. I didn’t manage to finish but I have an agreement which says I have to spend some time in Mike’s company so I watched two programmes with him till 10.15 pm, washed a couple of pots then came back to do the blog and any mail I had time for.
Important. If anyone receives mail supposedly from me with the email address as shown with any similar subject, Please don’t open it. I haven’t sent it. I’m very sorry but it seems I have a virus of some kind annoying people with spam.
I wish you all a Great New Week full of Dreams come true and Hugs Galore xxxx
I am the slave of a brutal master. As a blog I publish every week to enlighten the world about his doings and comings and goings. I publish on a Saturday night at midnight. That is, unless my ‘master’ suffers a brainstorm and allows one of his digits to publish a day early upsetting my routine and confusing all my followers. Well, I shan’t stand for it anymore and if he doesn’t extract his (wayward) digit, I shall go it alone. In tribute to you, my faithful friends, I shall not just recount the new week from Saturday but shall tell you the rest of his doings that you missed from yesterday. He didn’t even get dressed….all day. At 9.30 am due to problems accessing Talktalk he went through to release that feathered fiend from his cage , turned on the TV to watch Frasier and then Homes Under the Hammer and promptly fell asleep. He stirred only when the other one of his kind went through to the lounge. However he didn’t stir for long and was in and out of sleep up to 10.45 am. At 11.00 am he came back to work and sat moaning each time he tried to log on to Talktalk without success. He found a parcel by the door which meant he hadn’t seen the postie man, or heard him. The other one came through to say goodbye and left my master alone to keep trying. Eventually he managed to sign in and do some work. But at midday he was off again. Food this time.
The other one returned at 7.00 pm and my Master was up to date so I allowed him a break. He took advantage by not returning until 10.00 pm.
Since that’s an end to the day when I inadvertently pushed the Publish button, I feel I owe you a song. This one may test a few memories.
I was in bed reading before midnight but only read until 12.30 am. The new day started at 2.26 am and I couldn’t get back to sleep in either bed or chair. I started to clear my mail once I’d paid my usual visit. That went quite quickly after I’d cleared a few new malware threats that had arrived via Talktalk. By 3.55 am I was clear and the inevitable happened. I woke up at 5.06 am with a sore neck. One good thing is I hadn’t carried on typing while I snored. I took my meds and had a piece of toast for breakfast. At 6.30 am I took a coffee through to wake Mike up. It was a 2 Call, 4 Alarm day today as he struggled out of bed at 7.00 am. He said he hadn’t slept well last night.
We did the shopping and visited all the usual places during the morning. Then we came back to Holywell to look in LIDL for the weekly specials then a trip to the local Home Bargains for some Christmas odds and ends. We picked up some braised steak meals from Maggie’s Kitchen ( the best Chippy in Holywell) and came home to eat them so Mike could be here to try for a ring on ebay. He was kicking himself for falling asleep while the auction was on and he missed it at less than half he was willing to pay. On the other hand I was kicking myself for not falling asleep and losing one that went for twice what I’d expected. Don’t any of you say Swings and Roundabouts on pain of an excruciating ‘Crutch on the Foot’.
I worked most of the afternoon and only went through to my chair when sleep was calling. In the evening I was in the lounge for Murdoch Mysteries and Death in Paradise. Then it was straight back to work to keep up. Since I changed instant notifications to daily ones I’m inundated with mail. At least there was no pressure to get the post ready to publish tonight.
A Monster comes
Monster at the Gate
Halloween at 2 months, at 14 months and at 26 months
Sunday 1st November.
I read until 1.00 am this morning before turning the light out and snuggling down. I slept well I think but when I woke at 3.16 am decided it wasn’t enough. I gave myself a good talking to ( saved the budgie a job ) whilst having a cigarette. A visit to the loo and I tried settling again. It took a while to find the right position which made it possible to sleep again, but I found it. New wake up time was 5.21 am and that was much more acceptable. No doubt you’re anxious to know whether such a short space of time necessitated another Piddle Parlour trip, well don’t be daft, of course it did. After that I was able to sign in (although Talktalk took so long I wasn’t sure it was working ) and start work on the mail. At 6.15 am I took a break for my meds and some toast. After that it was hard labour all the way until 9.30 am when Mike got up. For once my being up to date and his rising coincided. It didn’t mean he stayed awake when we got to the lounge though. I did at least get a conversation with Joey though he seemed very subdued this morning, sort of like I was expecting myself to be as today was my anniversary.
I went to take another look at the mail at 10.00 am and to get dressed. After a while I heard Mike go through and get dressed and pack his bag ready for going home. I needed a few more things to make Muriel’s birthday bag a little more special so we left the hose at 1.30 am and Mike ran me into town, he said if I was good, he’s let me actually get in the car on the way back. So generous, that’s the downhill stretch. I wanted to find a fleece and there’s nowhere in Holywell for that so we gave it some consideration and decided to lunch in Prestatyn and then we have the choice of two or three possible shops there. It was a wonderful lunch. My beef was so tender it just fell apart. Afterwards we went into Marks & Spencer and found a fleece. I took out a mortgage and bought one but to be fair it is a blue one and they’re always expensive aren’t they? No, it’s thermal so it should be good for her. Afterwards we went to the new Sports Direct that has opened and I also found one there. It’s unisex and a hoodie but should be fine for her gardening. AND it was in the sale too !
The crowds were getting bad so we went to Costa for a coffee. I was promised double points if I ordered a No 9 blend Old something or other. We both had one. Then we came home and I tried to catch up on some post while Mike watched ebay for a few rings he was thinking of buying one of. I did sit with him as much as possible until he left at about 8.00 pm. Then I apologised to Joey and left him alone for an hour. At 9.00 pm I gave him the last hour of my evening until I took my meds and came through to deal with the blog and the rest of the mail.
Monday 2nd Nov.
Bed at midnight and then I read until almost 1.00 am when I felt tired enough to fall asleep. With light off I had a problem settling into a comfortable position and went straight to my chair. Sleep followed quickly. It was 3.16 am before I woke. I tried to go back to sleep but couldn’t. I even tried the bed again but since it proved impossible and I’d run out of options, I just signed into the computer and started on mail. It was done by 4.45 am. I tried the chair again and managed another hour. A trip to Tinkle City followed by a trip to the kitchen to take my meds and make a coffee and I was soon back at hard labour. At 8.00 am I was able to go through and sweep around Joey’s cage before letting him out. I did have to encourage him out in order to be able to get my hand in the cage to replace his millet spray. That done I was able to go and get washed and dressed. At 9.00 am I was on my way to the Post Office to send a birthday card to Germany and get a couple of other cards out.
I was soon back home again checking out the mail. I was clear withing about thirty minutes and went to make sure Joey was OK. He seemed fine. I sat in my chair and must have closed my eyes for a minute. It didn’t take long to open them again when I felt a rush of air and found Joey had flown close enough to make my hair stand up. He was in the mood for some low level flying yet still won’t land anywhere except his mirror. I watched Homes Under the Hammer and every time my eyes closed he was back. I hate efficient alarm clocks. Out of the corner of my eye I saw two postmen. It looked like a new one was being shown the ropes. One seemed to be carrying a package but when I got to the door all I had was mail. A letter to arrange a blood test and there was an appointment with the diabetic clinic.I sent Yvonne a text to phone for the appointment and she got me a great one later in the month.
Programme over I came back through to work. Just as well as the post was mounting again. I worked until lunchtime then went through to take a pre-foodie tablet and put a corned beef hash in the microwave. I fully intended to come back to work as soon as Bargain Hunt was over but decided it was a good time to inspect my inner eyelids. That took till 02.05 pm when I slunk back here feeling guilty especially when Nanny Cool was talking about not going out in the sunshine because of her NaNoWriMo commitments. I worked to make up for it. My Antiques Road Trip doesn’t seem to be on this week but as I went through at 4.30 am I thought for the sake of giving Joey some company , ahem, I could put up with Flog It which is also antiques based. As usual I stayed until 6.30 pm then worked until 8.00 pm. At that time it was History, the seeking of the real place for the battle of Agincourt since mass burials of the dead haven’t been found and then the Reign of Henry VII and the founding of the Tudor Dynasty. At last it was rime to tuck Joey in for the night and come through to battle with my keyboard before retiring to read for the night. Chester in the morning.
Portrait of a Young boy with no taste in Rugby shirts.
Tuesday 3rd Nov.
Since my book went down and light went off at 12.30 am I’m pleased that I didn’t wake this morning until 3.31 am. It’s a shame I can’t say the same for either Talktalk or gmail this morning. Even though I signed into both as soon as I returned from my visit to the loo, neither actually loaded until gone 4 am. Talktalk loaded first at about 4.15 but gmail wasn’t until 5.05 am when I returned from taking my meds and eating breakfast. Luckily there was nothing before those times to cause pressure. I was nicely up to date by 5.50 am and took a break to get dressed after which I spent a while searching ebay and then Ikea for dining chairs for Yvonne.
At 7.30 am I left the house and started my walk. I hadn’t made it to the bust stop when the bus drew up alongside me to let me clamber aboard. I thanked Howard and asked if he’d had a nice holiday. “Yes” he said “but it was too short”. My journey was peaceful and I nodded off a few times. When I arrived In Chester Yvonne was a bit late so I went into the chemist to see if I could find the cooling non-itch version of my cream with menthol. They stocked the other varieties but not that one. I’ll have to buy it online I think. As I was leaving, Yvonne and Reuben were just coming in. We went to our usual shop for a coffee but more importantly….the loo. After coffee I bought a Christmas present for someone and then because Yvonne is too fat currently to give chase I bought her a prezzie for looking after me. Reuben helped me walk by gripping one of my crutches so hard I could hardly move it. I needed a few things today if we had time so we set about getting them. Some more Santa sacks, and though I bought the last 5 I still need at least 4 more, then a shade for my bedroom light. I remember seeing a metal one I liked in a shop but had no idea how much it was. I’d checked some out on the net and found I could pay as little as £9.99 plus postage then there didn’t seem to be an upper limit. When I checked the shop, I still liked them a lot and they were just £7.99 so I didn’t hesitate.
It was time to be walking back to the bus stop. I joked with Yvonne that if I didn’t get to the loo I’d have to walk past Pauline’s again today. But, as we arrived at the bust stop, so did the bus. I hugged goodbye and got aboard, not even my usual seat as a comfort. We pulled away and went to the main bus station where it looked like we might be there a couple of minutes. I asked Howard and he said I’d be fine so I scampered as quickly as I could to the House of Relief. Aaahhh, I’d be able to call into Pauline’s. Like the inward journey I managed to nod off and wasn’t having to cross my legs in discomfort. I called in at Pauline’s and bought what I needed plus a chips with curry sauce (now my signature dish) which I had once I’d unpacked my bags and let Joey out. Once lunch was done I had no choice but to come through to work. It was 1.45 pm. It took me until 5.00 pm to get clear enough to take a break and watch my quiz. On my way I noticed a note through the door to say the postie had left a parcel in my cupboard. I don’t know how I missed it earlier. It was Yvonne’s birthday gift and I was pleased it had arrived.
I worked again from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm then watched an historical documentary on the Stuarts, in particular Bonnie Prince Charlie. It made excellent viewing. So many deaths from the dynastic rivalries between his followers and those of George I of Hanover. After that I came back through for a last push at the post and to do the blog.
Wednesday 4th Nov.
I changed the dressings on my leg before bed last night and then applied cream to the rest. It was just midnight as I got into bed to read and it was 12.55 am when the light went off. I woke up on the dot of 3.00 am ready and raring to go. Only after a visit to the Piddle Palace of course. I powered up and signed in. This morning there was no problem with the sign in to Talktalk or gmail so I was able to attack the post straight away. I finished the first round at 5.25 am and went to take my meds and have breakfast. I returned at 6.00 am and started again.At 8.30 am I paused to get dressed then after emptying my mail bags at 9.10 am I went to release Joey. Any more post will have to wait now until all visitors have gone.
MuJo came and Muriel was persuaded to open her birthday presents a day early to please me. I didn’t mind really but nit was nice to see them so well received. It was decided that instead of the chip shop we’d have something to eat at Temptations so we avoided a trip into Holywell altogether. Poor John must have missed his charity shops as well as his favourite meal. So, we went to ALDI so Mu could shop and I picked up some things including chocolates for the girls. Temptations only had two flavours of Panini when we got there neither of which appealed to me or it seems to Muriel. John had a pulled pork one while Mu and I just had ordinary sandwiches. Mine were egg mayo. We had a waltz round the shops after lunch picking up odds and ends but Muriel wouldn’t let me keep them in case they were married. We soon headed home. Because we hadn’t been to Holywell we were much earlier than usual. They left me about 4.00 pm to go to John’s Mum who is in her 90’s. That gave me half an hour with the post before Dil arrived. I made him a cuppa and passed him his anniversary gifts before we settled to our usual viewing. At 6.00 pm battle commenced. In the first 6 rounds of Yahtzee I couldn’t do anything right and lost 4-2. In the second round it seemed I could do no wrong and won 4-2. With honours even we started on the Trivia. We weren’t far apart at getting the six segments filled after which it was a case of who could answer a question chosen by the other when we reached the centre. As it happened after three false starts it was me. Dil asked all 6 questions on the card to see if he could have caught me on another question but I answered them all. I even surprised myself.
There was still some time left so to the accompaniment of Joey trying to dislodge his cuttlefish from the side of his cage we got the cribbage board out. I was behind most of the way but towards the end of the second stretch I was catching up. Dil had first call and fell two short of winning. I on the other hand galloped past him and won. There were threats. such grim and dark ones but Hey, that’s life, I won overall and I was smug. At 9.30 pm Dil left to go home reminding me of the time we were meeting on Saturday night. I said I’d be there with bells on. I tidied up and washed the pots, some of which I’d just dirtied making myself a sandwich. Then it was into my room to face the mail ans do the blog.
Reuben copying how Pops walks……
How Pops should walk complete with swagger stick.
Thursday 5th Nov.
At midnight I removed the dressings from my leg and applied cream all round on both legs. There doesn’t seem to be a leak anywhere today so I left the dressings off. I swung my legs into bed and tried to get comfortable as I read. There was a tickle under the skin that didn’t respond to scratching that kept coming like a sexual surge and my legs kept jumping. I gave up reading and turned the light off just after 12.30 am. Somehow, somewhen I got to sleep. At least until 3.53 am this morning when the day started anew. For some reason I didn’t turn my light on straight away but headed off for the loo banging my toe on one of my crutches as I went. I imagined a few choice words and carried on. When I came back I turned my light on and moved the offending crutch then signed into the computer. Bank first. all was OK there and the manager reckons it’ll be even better if I put some money in. Then I turned to the post.
Ah the post. How cleverly it leads me on then sucks me in and spits me out. Talktalk wasn’t too bad with post just in the early 30’s though it still took some time to do. Gmail had less but took longer. I was clear for 6.00 am and went through to the kitchen. Just meds and a coffee today as my moustache is still butter saturated from yesterday. I took the coffee back with me and both mail boxes bit. Talktalk now does it in pages of 12 messages and showed 5 pages. I did page 5 and clicked on page 4 to start there but more had come in so the bottom half of page 4 now formed the top of a new page 5. I got it down to page 3 and clicked to start and found a new page 4 had appeared. One step forward one step back. I was at it until 8.10 am and then had to try and rush gmail in case more came in. At 9.15 am I went to Pauline’s to do the lotttery and get bread. When I reached the counter I found I’d forgotten to bring the lottery card out. I brought the bread home and went out again. Still, as Paulimne pointed out, it didn’t sound as much just getting the lottery as it would have the whole lot together.
I need to get a battery put in a watch but can’t face going to town alone so will have to wait until Mike’s here at the weekend. Instead, Joey can have my scintillating company unless I nod off. I can at least peel my sweet potatoes ready for lunch time. I behaved and didn’t nod off. After chatting to Joey with no response for a while I went to Mike’s room , filled his bed with hessian Santa sacks and started putting the appropriate gifts in the right bags. The bed was soon full and I hadn’t emptied all the bags from the floor not placed all the jewellery and watches in boxes. I did note that I didn’t seem to have a jumper I should have though and after a thorough search decided I mustn’t have ordered it. I raced back to ebay to correct that mistake. At lunchtime I had my sausage and sweet potato mash, watched Bargain Hunt and then returned to work assuming (correctly) I’d be assaulted in my absence. I was part way through that task when someone knocked on the door. Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water) wanted permission to come and take some water samples and run some tests. Anxious to be sure there’s nothing in my water that shouldn’t be, I let them in. Twenty minutes later they were done and stood there admiring the effect of my library doors. I might have been less than subtle when I explained I needed to return to work. With stutters that took a further fifteen minutes. They left, I worked.
I gave up work at 5.15 pm to watch my quizzes until 6.30 pm. I needed to come back to catch up on work then as I intended taking from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm off for the new series of The Big Bang Theory and then the series from Bernard Cornwell’s books about Uhtred of Bebbanberg, currently serving with King Alfred in Wessex. I did so and managed to stay awake the whole time. Then it was back here to do the blog and have a final catch up with the mail before bed and a read of Terry Pratchett.
I have a giraffe growing in my hand…..
It’s getting bigger…..
Friday 6th Nov.
I read until 12.45 am and turned the light out. Caught a glance of something in my peripheral vision. Fell asleep. Woke again ready to get up and found it was just 1.21 am. Somnos was sitting at the end of my bed and suggested I’d slept enough yesterday to warrant a shorter night. I could use the extra time to glorify his name on the web. I treated him to a lesson in Olde English that included a few words I must look up later. Most of them ended in …..Off. I went through to my chair in the lounge where after a cigarette I slept until 3.52 am. I think Joey must have declared the lounge- his room- a god free zone as I wasn’t bothered again.
After a visit to the Piddle Palace I came back to my room and signed into the computer. I did the post until 5.00 am then went through to the kitchen to take my meds and also to do my meds for the next week in the appropriate trays. I had some toast for breakfast then at 5.50 am returned to work. Since the majority of the blogs I follow are now notified to me on a daily basis they come in en masse at about 6.00 am there were tons today. I went through to the lounge at 10.00 am to watch Homes Under the Hammer as usual and I still hadn’t quite finished the mail. Just as the programme started I saw the postie go past and he was carrying a parcel. I met him at the door. He had two. One was the jumper I’d ordered yesterday- great service, and the other was the Aveeno cream with menthol to stop itching. It’s supposed to work for 24 hours so I’ll cover my legs after my shower this evening. I’ll remember to save the box to show the doctor for repeat prescriptions. After the programme I worked for three quarters of an hour thn made my lunch which I ate while watching Bargain Hunt.
1.00 pm and I returned to Mike’s bedroom for the last stages of my battle there. Getting the gifts into the appropriate Santa Sacks prior to wrapping. This serves two purposes.1) It allows me to gauge whether I think there’s enough in the bag and see what’s missing. In some instances I know it was just selection boxes. and 2) It lt me see where I have spare gifts . The biggest disaster of the day was trying to get the watches I bought into the boxes I bought. Uh oh, no way Jose. That means I now have 12 boxes for bracelets of which I only have 3 and no watch boxes at all which I had to go online to order straight away. That little job whiled away most of my afternoon and at 4.30 pm when I would normally be watching an antiques programme I was actually clearing the bed and stacking the bags so Mike would have somewhere to sleep tonight. Then I had to come through here to deal with the afternoon post. I got back to my TV at 5.30 pm part way through my quiz. Just after I arrived back Mike sent a text to say he was on his way. I figured he’d be there a little after 6.30 pm. I hoped he’d have his keys handy as I’d be in the shower then so the door would be locked. I wanted to be out for 7.00 pm to watch Mastermind.
No sign of Mike when I got out of the shower and I watched Mastermind right up to the last contestant before he arrived. There had been bad crashes on the motorway and he’d stopped near home to pick up some food. I made him coffee while he got stuck into his meal then watched as he opened his birthday presents. He was very pleased with the wolf duvet set from Yvonne and he seemed to like his little pork pie hat that I’d got him. The good news, it seemed to fit. We watched a couple of American NCIS and Law and Order programmes before I departed at 10.00 pm to come and work. I left him watching a programme about a football team owned by stars of the team he supports worships.
Climbing aboard.
Ready for Take-Off.
Saturday 7th Nov
Light off 1.00 am and up again 2.19 am. Didn’t seem fair and my legs weren’t even itching. I went through to the lounge and sat in the dark listening to the budgie snore. I had a cigarette and he didn’t wake to complain. Eventually I nodded off in the chair and woke to the sounds of Mike’s first alarm at 6.30 am I can’t remember the last time I did that. ( slept so late I mean). Being so close to the kitchen I put the kettle on and started taking my sprays and meds. When the kettle boiled I took Mike a drink through and woke him. It coincided with his second alarm. I finished with my meds and made a coffee to take back to my room while I got dressed. It was pouring down outside so I wasn’t venturing out in my dressing gown with all the rubbish.
Mike got up with his next alarm. C-1 A-3 seems to be the set pattern at the moment. He plonked himself in his chair and slept for a few more minutes. I left him to it as I was getting dressed. As soon as I was done I took the food waste bin out then the paper and the plastic collections and finally the wheelie bin with the main rubbish. The glass and tin bags will be OK for a couple of weeks yet. I finished my coffee and took my cup through to the kitchen. Mike was finishing his coffee and also went to get dressed. We managed to leave the house at 7.25 am. Mike got the trolley as I held up the cash machine. For some reason it didn’t take long to fly round this morning though Mike said it was perhaps that I forgot to put food in the basket again, I can’t understand why he won’t count chocolate as food. Even though we had a coffee we were still out of there before 9.00 am. We had a detour in mind before Flint. I wanted the Morrison’s store for some selection boxes though we managed to pick up sausage rolls and rhubarb tarts somehow too. I smoked a cigarette as we packed the boot and then as we walked to the Home Bargains store which is also a little different to the one in Flint. I didn’t buy too much in that one.
When we finally arrived in Flint I sent Mike off to Argos to collect a package sent there for him from ebay. I went into Temptations to order coffee. Young Sian was on the gift counter and smiled beautifully for me. On the coffee counter was Kyle with Ceri, back at work after an operation. Wonderful to see her again and I told her so. She was kind enough to say it was good to see me too. Mike arrived, shot straight past for the loo then came back and drooled all over her. When we finished we did one more shop together then headed for home.
After unpacking and putting away the shopping I came through to start work on what I knew would be horrendous amounts of post. With going out to the Silver Wedding Celebrations tonight I can’t afford a big build up. I left Mike with the TV. Partway through I had a break and wouldn’t you know he found a Katie Hepburn film to put on. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner also has Spencer Tracy and Sidney Poitier my two favourite male actors. He’s a cruel, cruel man. I had to watch for a while but I also had to drag myself away or get nothing else done. By 5.30 pm I was up to date temporarily. Time for a breather before getting dressed to go out.
At 6.30 pm it was time to dress. I decided to stick to the same jumper but put on slacks instead of jeans. I was able to wear my grey suede comfy shoes. At 6.50 pm , the time we were due to leave, I was standing in the hallway with my coat on waiting for Mike to decide what to wear. And they say women are bad!! We made it out before 7.00 pm and reached the restaurant in Colwyn Bay for 7.30 pm. As I stood outside to have a cigarette Dil and Lynne arrived with Matt. We said hello and they went in. We followed not long afterwards. It was very warm in there but it turned out stripping was frowned on. Who knew? We said hello to those we knew which included Karen and Jo as well as Lee, Jen and baby Nathan. Moments later young Jess arrived with her partner Paul and her son Rylan. Lynne’s sister and husband arrived with their young son and her mother Renee who amazingly recognised me( even without the mask) and gave me a lovely hug. I haven’t seen her in more than 20 years . Lynne’s son from her first marriage, Dean, was there and he’s still a pleasant young man. The atmosphere was lovely with very attentive staff and the meals were very enjoyable even if I don’t speak Portugese. One of my greatest joys was seeing my brother look so happy. One of my least favourite things was asking for an oxygen mask to help me get up the stair to the loo, yes I know a stairlift would have been even more helpful but you can’t have everything.
It was a wonderful evening but at 10.00 pm I had to ask if Mike was about ready to leave. Lee, Jen and Nathan were going as were Jess, Paul and Rylan. I wasn’t going to be put to bed, but I did need to put the blog to bed. See what I did there eh? I paid another visit to the loo and then with the last of my breath said my goodbyes, making sure I left some cigarettes for Matt and retrieving my lighter off him so I could smoke. We drove home and Mike was able to watch his football on TV while I worked on the blog. I have time to check a few emails as well now.
Oops !
The family dinosaur seats 4.
The fantastic Seekers with the glorious Judith Durham.
May you all have a Fantastic week full of Dreams Come True & Hugs.
1.15 am One last visit to the loo and to check that the dirty laugh I just heard is the result of Mike having a mucky dream rather than him having smuggled a woman in through his bedroom window. It was the former. I went to bed. It get’s confusing now. I got up at 2.21 am, but because of the end of BST is that really 1.21 am and I’ve been in bed for 5 minutes? Ten minutes earlier and I’d have woken up before I’d even got to bed. I needed to pee again, have I been drinking in my sleep or just having dreams of waves crashing on a shore? I went to my chair to try and sleep there. It worked and I got up at 5.35 am though back to the confusion again, it was really 4.35 am even though I hadn’t altered my watch. Am I in some kind of alternate dimension here?
The mail is horrendous again now I have so many blogs I follow on a daily notification. Most things seem to be coming through properly including those I left on Instant notification. The mail is so like it used to be that this last couple of months seems like a holiday. I concentrated on the mail until 9.17 am ( correct time) before going round the house altering clocks though maybe if I’d left them long enough, Mike would have got up to a shout of Good Afternoon from me. As it was, that’s when he chose to get up and it looked much earlier than it was. I had quite a lazy time seeing to Joey’s water and seed then getting him a new millet sprig and a new fruit bar. Once that was out of the way I was able to go and get dressed. By 10.30 am Mike was dressed too and we decided to have a stroll around Prestatyn before going to the CookHouse there. I wasn’t feeling quite myself this morning and I wasn’t sure whether to put it down to tiredness or stupidity. When I’d undressed last night I’d sat down on the edge of the bed to remove my trousers and my legs had been itching furiously at that point. Almost without thinking I’d scratched, and when I scratch, I really do. I couldn’t stop myself and quickly drew blood. They were sore all night and inflamed this morning. No point in worrying Mike so we went out. You can tell I wasn’t well when I say I bought nothing. But we had a nice lunch though I couldn’t finish ( don’t be daft, of course I didn’t leave any beef). After lunch we drove back the old road and stopped of at Jackson’s Nursery to see if they’ve set up for Christmas yet. Not as good as in years past but they’ve not done too badly. We had a drink there in their new cafe before coming home.
At home, Mike stuck football on while I came through and started answering mail. It’s coming through in truckloads now and I can see is going to keep me occupied. I had to use the loo in a hurry then returned to work. Football over Mike came through to show me some rings on ebay and offered to put some cream on my legs before going home, this week he wasn’t going to Manchester again. He may be back sooner this week as the kids are on half term and he isn’t looking after them. If he’s got enough clean clothes he’shave stayed but he needed to go back and do the laundry. My turn in the morning. He did my legs and I thought I’d pass out the damn things stung so much when the cream went on. Mike left and I returned to work. I took a short break from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm then wished Joey goodnight and galloped to the loo again. Again at about 9.00 pm and yet again by 9.30 pm. I was sore and uncomfortable. I wonder if yesterday’s meal upset me or if this is as a result of the legs which must be infected again. I decided to finish the post and just go straight to the blog. I’ll cross my fingers I’ve done for the night and get an early night.
Monday 26th.
Early night maybe. Rough night definitely. Between the threat of yet another ‘visit’ to further discombobulate me there was also the real pain from my legs. I tried sleeping in bed unsuccessfully and then in my chair but I know it was gone 2.00 am before I dropped off. I woke at 4.57 am and hobbled off to the Piddle Palace unsure of what my stomach wanted to do. As it happened the answer was nothing which was great. I took my meds and put just one piece of bread in the toaster so I could line my stomach. I set the washing machine going and then made myself a drink. After taking my post breakfast tabs, I applied carpet fresh to the rug in the lounge and the hall carpet ready to give them a stiff brushing later. I’m having a visit from MuJo today but will have plenty of time to tidy before they arrive. I noticed Mike hadn’t done the flowers before he left so started those. I couldn’t see anything worth saving from last week so I started from scratch. I’ll be needing more flowers today while I’m out. I just hope I’ll be OK with my stomach and walking. For sure I won’t be having the usual chippie meal if that’s where we go. Maybe they’ll want panninis in Temptations but as it’s my turn to pay I won’t dictate what they have, just what I eat.
It was almost 6.00 am before I got through to turn the computer on and start the mail. Surprisingly it wasn’t too bad at that time though there were a couple of long responses to comments on the blog. By 7.30 I was up to date and able to concentrate on the house. Since I’m extending last week’s ‘rest’ I’ll leave it there for now. It was a nice day but a long day and the legs are weeping so I’m resting them tomorrow.
Who is this muscle man I see?
I’ll puzzle my way out of here.
Tuesday 27th
I found out last night my Talktalk mail account has been compromised and is sending out spam. I went to Talktalk to find out the best way to stop this and was advised to sit tight and wait for the spammers to get bored and move on. I don’t know if that’s the best way of dealing with the problem but it seems a poor way. I wonder if closing the account would solve the problem, but I can’t see a way of doing that even. I’ll keep trying to find a solution. I ran a full scan overnight and found four potential threats. When I asked it to clear them it couldn’t find two which seemed strange. One of my wonderful friends suggested a program called Malware Bytes to check for malware. It’s Free and I ran a test and it found a few potential problems. It’s worth a try if you don’t already run a malware program. Anyway, not a bad night. Read till 1.00 am, was awake till 2.00 am checking the scan progress before giving up and settling to sleep. Got up at 5.26 am.Started on mail until 6.15 am when I went to take meds. My legs are still sore so I’m not going out today but going to rest the legs and see if I can apply a dressing with antiseptic cream. Will hopefully manage to keep pace with mail.
Had to go out when cream was missing from my prescription. I went to the chemist where they phoned the doctor’s for me. The new scrip will be here tomorrow. I picked up some dressings and covered the worst parts of the leg in antiseptic.
Told you he existed.
I am the voice of Gruffalo
Wednesday 28th
Light out 12.30 am after a read of the Bernard Cornwell Muriel left for me on Monday. Warriors of the Storm, an exciting Saxon vs Norsemen book in a series. I was relaxed and ready to sleep if I could find a comfortable spot for my left leg. I did. I woke at 2.18 am ready to work. First I checked my bank for unauthorised withdrawals after the Talktalk debacle of last week, then I started on the mail. Both lots kept me going until 4.42 am when I settled in my chair for forty winks ( I hoped) but couldn’t quite manage it. It was far too early to start the hoovering so I picked up my book again.
9.00 am and I was able to hoover and also mop the laminate floors. The postie came and delivered a new parcel and it wasn’t even for me. Mike had something delivered here. At about 11.00 am someone came to replace the broken letterbox. He did both sides of the door and was gone within ten minutes. No more draughts. No more need for me to flap . Mind you Darren may have something to say next time he delivers something and feels the spring on this one. I could be counting fingers my side of the door.
I had an entertaining evening with Dil. I won the Yahtzee, Dil won the Trivia, I won the cribbage. The night was mine and to prove it I did a flamenco round the room.
This is a funny TV set.
I’m taking my men to the top of the hill.
Thursday 29th
Light off at 1.05 am and settled down in bed. I think I went to sleep quite quickly. I was disappointed Mike hadn’t come back last night but he said he’s unwell. I wonder if I’ll see him today. I woke at 4.30 am and made my way to the WC for bladder relief before coming back and powering up. First job of the day, check my bank is still OK. It seemed to be except for the million pounds I’d hoped to find there. Not too much post in either Talktalk or gmail and was clear by 5.40 am.A good time to get some breakfast and take my meds. At about 6.30 am I took my coffee through to the lounge and sat talking to Joey. I left the light off and so it was dark until about 7.30 am. He didn’t respond to me until it became light and I’m sure that was just to complain that I’d kept him awake.
Later in the morning I took a walk to Pauline’s to renew my lottery. She assures me I’ve got the winning ticket this time. That’ll be handy, maybe I should start booking things today? My exotic cruise, a culture vulture’s tour of Europe with a stop to visit friends in Spain and trips to Australia and America too. When I returned from there the mail was here in earnest and I had to forget Joey and plough in. I didn’t finish before I broke to see Homes Under the Hammer but I had to make up for it when I got back, spending the next two hours trying to reshape my nose with a grindstone. I had my cream delivered for my legs ( this doctor is mean and only prescribed 100ml tube. I gave Ferrero Rocher to my friend who delivered it. He was back again later with some tablets I missed but I didn’t issue a second grant of chocs. Lunch was a quick affair with my chips and curry sauce while I watched Bargain Hunt. The afternoon was blah, blah, blah until The Antiques Road Trip which didn’t disappoint. Mike arrived about 7.30 pm but we didn’t talk much because he brought food, yes, chips with curry sauce AND sausages. At 8.00 pm Garrow’s Law came on which he hadn’t seen before then at 9.00 pm two, yes TWO new episodes of Big Bang Theory. It was like a dream come true except not as good as the one where I marry Katie Hepburn. I left him with football after that and retired to work. I’ll be in bed by 11.00 pm.
Bad Weather
Some days you’re up….
And now for a magic voice……
Friday 30th.
Well I was finished by 11.00 pm and Mike kindly came through to dress my leg and to apply cream to the both. That gave us both chance of a conversation about how things are with his Dad. Mike’s been asked t take more clothes in but it doesn’t look as though much effort has been put into finding the shirts and trousers which have gone missing. That conversation over, I went back to his room to look at some rings on his tablet and also a ring enlarger he wants to get. Quite a few of the rings he fancies have been a half size too small as the UK doesn’t do half sizes generally. He’s hoping the enlarger will allow him more choice knowing he can increase it if too small. I showed him a machine which both increases and decreases the size which left us both wondering how that would work but at a price neither of us wanted to pay to find out. I returned to my room about 12.15 am for a read.
The light went off about 1.00 pm and I settled down but was up again at 2.25 am for the loo. I could see Mike was still on his tablet so I dropped in for another chat to see what his plans were for later today. He’s off back to Manchester to hand in the keys on the new flat his Dad’s never going to move into. I went back to bed around 2 40 am and managed to fall asleep again only to wake up properly at 3.38 am. I dealt with the mail until 5.00 am then went to the kitchen to take my meds and fill up the medicine trays for another week.
So sorry, I published too early this week but I’ll include tomorrow in the start of next week’s efforts.
Sunday 20th
Well I got the blog out on time last night and even caught up with my mail before bed at 12.15 am. Lights out at 12.35 am after just a chapter of my book. I even got a lie-in compared to the rest of the week as I didn’t get up until 3.52 am. I paid a visit to the Piddle Palace then came back to make a start on the overnight mail. I was surprised that it wasn’t as heavy a traffic as I’d expected. I was up to date by 5.40 am then promptly fell asleep over the desk, waking at 5.51 am with a crick in my back and my neck. If I’d had warning I could have sat in my chair. I took the new antibiotic then went through to take my morning meds and make a coffee.
I brought the coffee back and found a few more messages had come through. I cleared them then opened my talktalk box and started again. By 7.35 am I was temporarily clear yet again and decided to go sit with Joey and open his cage door. It should be light enough for him to come out now. I opened his door while he stuck his head behind his mirror so I couldn’t see him. I sat down but he didn’t make a move, despite me talking to him…..or maybe because I talked to him. However it did work like a charm on Mike who came through about 8.30 am. My eyes were on their way out, (I think the batteries meed changing) so he had to make his own coffee. When he sat down with it I was fully awake but only for ten seconds then the eyes went again. When he had to nip to the loo, my eyes closed and stayed there until Mike returned. At 9.30 am I forced myself to be alert and went to get dressed.Mike did the flowers and then went to his room to get dressed. At 10.00 am we were on out way to a filling breakfast. I daren’t say how much I had but let’s just guess that it involved half a pig and a loaf of fried bread and toast. Breakfast in The Bells is a treat. Bacon, sausage,fried bread,those horrible potato things in a triangle, fried bread, beans, tomatoes, fried eggs and scrambled eggs. For those who can’t do without there’s even chips. Then as much toast as you want with either jam or marmalade and butter or margerine. Excellent.
Once out of there at 11.10 pm Mike ran me to Holywell to look at Lidl. I got some strawberries and cream for my tea. He brought me home again and at 12.00 pm left to meet with his dad’s doctor. I attacked my mail until 2.00 pm then went through to sit with Joey. I watched garbage on the TV even though Joey wanted wildlife programmes. I had to assert myself before he’s brave enough to land on me and thinks I'[m a pushover. Then late in the afternoon I watched Lewis, an episode I hadn’t seen. While I was there I had some strawberries and cream for tea. I was disappointed there was so much wastage in the strawberries that hadn’t looked bad in the punnet. Joey didn’t accept an invitation to join me which was a shame as I could have eaten less. At 7.00 pm I came back to my mail for a couple of hours and then had a last two hours with Joey who spoke all the way through a film, before starting on the blog which is mercifully short today.
Monday 21st.
It was a night of two halves. Lights off about 12.45 am after a read but awake again at 1.58 am and uncomfortable. I knew I wanted more sleep and had to try in my chair in the lounge. It turned out I tried Mike’s chair so I could put my feet on the table. I slept. It was 4.09 am before I got up. My feet weren’t on the table anymore and I’d sent nothing crashing to the floor so I was already on a plus, but I must have managed 3 hours sleep so that was a definite plus. So, a trip to the loo then powering the computer up. I started in gmail where I caught some more nice comments on the blog.Once that was cleared I took my meds, had breakfast, put the washing machine on then brought my coffee back so I could take an antibiotic and then start on my talktalk mail. By 7.20 am I was clear again and went to do an inner eyelid inspection until just about 8.00 am. I had to try and coax Joey out of his cage to do a mass clean up and do fresh food/water before Val the warden appears later.
Joey didn’t make any effort to help me until 9.05 am when he shot out of his cage and did a lap of honour squawking all the way. Once he’d settled on the mirror for his usual argument with the other ‘occupant’ I was able to start cleaning the cage and replacing his floor of sandpaper. He doesn’t help by flying off in panic the minute my arms approach the cage even though I talk softly to him. In case there are ladies present I shan’t reveal what I say though. Once that was done and his food and water seen to I could back off. He’s totally unconcerned about that of course and just continues leaving horrible marks on the mirror from where he tries to do a Glasgow Kiss on the other bird. I’m sure he has brain damage now. I should have covered that mirror the day he arrived. At 10.00 am I started watching Homes Under The Hammer but was soon distracted with the arrival of the postman. One I haven’t seen before. He brought a book I won in a competition by my friend (and author) Pamela S Wight, the book is called The Right Wrong Man. http://goo.gl/XwW3oB I’m quite looking forward to reading it. I also had another book which I’d ordered from ebay for Yvonne and a Christmas gift for one of my great nieces. Things are going quite well in that direction. There was also a letter about claiming my pension which made me realise how close I am to that age.
At 11.00 am I returned to work and was doing well with my messages when the doorbell went. It was Val who went to the lounge to say good morning to Joey and to chat to me. She was there about twenty minutes and once happy all was well she went on her way with some thank-you chocolates. I had time to return to the messages before lunch. I watched Bargain Hunt and yes,I managed to stay awake for the end, though I did then allow myself a short nap for forty minutes before coming back here to make an effort to keep pace with mail. That wasn’t too difficult today. I stayed here until almost 4.30 pm when I went to start my evening viewing. I had to be prompt tonight as there was an important item coming up on ebay. At 6.30 pm I was back in my bedroom with half an hour to spare. I prepared my top bid, ready to pounce at the ten second mark. Then I got distracted and missed the damned thing but it went for almost double it’s real value and I wasn’t bidding that much. I’d put about 8 items in my basket to think about and suddenly decided to pay for them. Ouch, and then there was another item due at 8.30 pm and I sat for twenty minutes not taking my eyes off the screen just in case. I was not successful but I haven’t given up hope and I do have time.
At 9.00 pm I went through to watch DIY SOS. It was an old one and we weren’t very far in before my eyes blurred (Lousy TV). It was in Wales and way up in the hills in the worst snow in and temperature in years. Locals were struggling to get out of their villages to go and give a hand but one father and two sons drove from Leicester to give their time. As always it was amazing and a true picture of what people are willing to do to help those in need. There is still hope for humanity. At 10.00 pm I turned off and said goodnight to Joey, promising to see him in the morning. Here’s hoping I do. It’s my Chester day tomorrow and I’m really not looking forward to the travelling. I’ve been shaky for a couple of days. I had a look to see if there was anything more on ebay tonight but there wasn’t. I think it might be an idea if I held back now until all the stuff I’ve ordered is here, allocate it and see who is missing before I carry on. That meant I could concentrate on the blog and if time permits on the rest of the mail too.
Tuesday 22nd.
I turned the light off early at midnight because I was so tired. Next thing I know I’m awake and it’s 1.05 am. I didn’t want to get up so paid a visit to the loo then had a cigarette before trying again at 1.16 am. It worked, off I went again until I woke again at 3.07 am and the same tricks weren’t going to work. I still tried though. The visit to the Piddle Palace yielded little and so I just enjoyed a cigarette before turning the computer on. Once logged on I started on my mail which took until 4.22 am then the talktalk box which took me to 5.11 am. Since this was a little early for my antibiotic and I didn’t want breakfast yet,I was forced to search on ebay again. I had some luck there this morning with some smaller gifts, at this rate I’ll soon be left with just Yvonne and Ugo to puzzle over. After breakfast I returned to my room coffee in hand to check on incoming mail. By 7.20 am I was clear ready to go and catch my bus.
I reached the bus stop without breaking the picture frames I was carrying but it was more luck than judgement. When I got on the bus I tucked the bag in at the side of my leg, placed my chin on the arm grip of my crutches and let myself drift off. The journey was short and no-one tried to talk to me except Howard the driver. Yvonne and Reuben were waiting on the bench when the bus arrived. Once the hellos were out of the way and I was enjoying a post journey cigarette there was a short discussion about where to go. Since Yvonne needed a few things from a Supermarket we decided to have breakfast either in the Supermarket or a little cafe next door. We ended up at the one in store which is a Costa. After we finished I asked if it was possible to get to a shop I like going a different way. Yvonne was sure we could and so we tried. Sure enough we could. It’s a great gift shop full of Chinese/Japanese furniture , plates etc plus some very pretty and unusual gifts. I made a mistake in buying 2 giant candles as gifts and invited both a hernia and a heart attack. Lucky for me Reuben was walking at that time so his buggy bore the weight. We spent our time mooching until finally it was time for my bus.They walked me to the bus stop and since there had been intermittent rain I told them not to wait.
Getting off the bus at home was fun as it’s quite a way to my house. I hadn’t been to the loo in Chester and was getting close to desperate. Dragging half a ton of candle with me meant I couldn’t move at speed and there was no chance I was calling at Pauline’s. I made it home, dropped my bags, threw my crutches away like a Lazarus and shot into the loo. Only after I came out could I store my sticks, get my coat and gloves off, put the candles away and then say hello to Joey. I opened his cage but he didn’t seem to want to come out just then. I had to leave him to it and head for the computer. I worked almost continuously until 4.30 pm when I could put the TV on for my Antiques Road Trip. Joey came out then and made as much noise as he could and believe me that’s a lot. I’d won a few more things on ebay during the afternoon and apart from nipping back at 5.30 pm and 6.15 pm I stayed away until 7.00 pm. I came back and worked until 9.00 pm and then went to watch a film, one of the Superhero ones from the comics of my childhood. Only it wasn’t. I remember Green Lantern and Green Arrow but not Green Hornet. I’m glad too as it might have put me off reading. I gave the film a fair go at an hour and a half but by then I had no nerves left for it to grate on. Truly abominable. Ah well, it gave me chance to come through at 10.30 pm to do the blog. I’m grateful for that.
Reuben with his daytime TV friends.
Who’s chasing whom?
Wednesday 23rd.
My light went off about 1.00 am last night and it didn’t take long to drop off. This morning I got up at…………5.02 am…… Ta da! A wonderful, beautiful unbroken sleep. I didn’t even get up to go to the loo. There are signs I should have (Joke honestly). I did nip along there a bit sharply once I was up though. It’s been a while since I hovered around the four hour mark and I like it. I opened my talktalk and was in the clear at 5.51 am which was almost perfect timing to go get my meds and some breakfast. I note on the calendar that today is the first day of Autumn. The nights are really drawing in now and according to the shops the Christmas countdown seems to have begun. After breakfast I took my coffee back to start on my gmail. There were more in both boxes so I worked till they were clear.At 8.00 am I went and opened Joey’s cage and sit with him for a while. I don’t know how it happened unless the little burger hypnotised me but my eyes went. When I woke and looked at the time it was almost 9.20 am. I got sorted and dressed and left to go to Pauline’s. I wasn’t out too long but it was close to 10.00 am when I was back.
After putting the shopping away I went to watch my Homes Under the Hammer. Of course this was the time Joey decided to do a vocal test going from squawk to screech over about the first 20 minutes of the programme. He didn’t even shut up when I spoke to him. Part way through I notice he had no millet so I tried offering that. I noticed there was still plenty on the spray on the cage floor after Mike put some in on Saturday. I carefully put my arm in the cage and picked the millet up, as Joey was flying round the cage like a demented pilot I put the millet back on it’s stand and removed my arm. Joey came out. I’d just settled in my chair hen the doorbell went. It was the postie with four parcels for me. Brilliant. The programme wasn’t getting the attention it deserved but I was having my Christmas early opening parcels. Everything was fine so the minute the programme was over at 11.00 am I came through to leave feedback. One parcel contained 3 items and all were delightful. I carried on there with incoming messages until midday then went for lunch. Corned beef hash today. Very tasty. Of course Bargain Hunt was on while I ate and I managed to stay awake today. After washing up I went back to work. I’d just sat down when the doorbell went again. To be honest I thought it was the window cleaner collecting his money but no, it was delivery of another two parcels. It’s getting to be a very exciting day.
After placing the parcel with the growing Christmas pile I returned to work, needing to have clear mailboxes before Dil comes for games tonight. Wen we finish it’s always hard to cope with the mail and the blog and expect to get to bed too. I was clear before 4.00 pm when I knocked off. I’d have been out sooner if the siren song of ebay hadn’t been heard. Not that I had much luck, I ended up crashing on the rocks today. Dilwyn arrived at 4.30 pm just in time for the Road Trip, he was glad it wasn’t the same dealer as last week so he didn’t have to hear the hissing every time he came on screen again. I bet each one of us must have known someone who makes our skin crawl at some time or other. Tonight both experts were really nice, as they always are, and a pleasure to watch. They both did very well. Next up was our quiz where we did very well answering questions tonight though when sports come up all you get from me is a blank face. When 6.00 pm came it was time to get the table out and start playing. The Yahtzee went well and I ended up 4-2 ahead. Sometimes when it’s a draw we carry on for another game but Dil suggested it tonight as my luck should run out. We carried on and it didn’t. The second game was 3-3 giving me the win overall at 7-5. Out came the Trivial Pursuits and we started on that. We each managed to get the six segments which meant I had to answer a sports question, then we both tried to make our way to the middle. We both managed to get to the middle twice and had a category and question chosen by the other. Dil unfortunately missed out on his which I chose I managed to get the second one he chose for me. Again he left to go home in high dudgeon. I said he’d be better in a car.
After a quick tidy up and a wash of the pots I took my meds and came through to start on the accumulated mail. I’d done by 10.30 pm and was able to deal with the blog. I must have been quick tonight as it’s almost 11.30 pm and I’m almost ready to go to bed. No more mail tonight.
Start of the masterpiece.
Glee.
p.s. Reuben is aboard the rocking donkey I got for his birthday. If you squeeze the ear, it makes donkey noises, hence the smile.
Thursday 24th.
I was in bed before midnight and with light off at just a minute to the witching hour. I’m sure sleep came fairly quickly.. I woke this morning at 2.58 am so had another good night in comparison to some. After lolloping to the loo and back I powered up the computer and signed in. My first job was to check my bank account to see if the DWP have repaid me the £55.50 they acknowledge owing me and which they said they’d pay me as soon as possible. It’s been 7 weeks since they wrote to confirm that. It strikes me that ‘as soon as possible’ is a very flexible phrase. It’s not as though they have to save up to pay me is it? Next job was to check my pension had gone in OK (it had) then I could concentrate on mail. My talktalk account came first and I was clear by 4.10 am and able to head to my gmail which I cleared by 5.00 am. Obviously the mail was still coming in but I was trying to catch it as it did and not let it accumulate. Also I was trying to use ebay to generate ideas for gifts but it’s very hard as you have to have an idea in the first place to stick in the search box. I recommend you look in Wholesale and Job lots and also everything else, you might have a laugh, especially with the latter.
At 6.00 am I took my morning meds and had breakfast, remind me I need more butter this weekend please. It was too early to open the cage for Joey annd since I’d left the power to the TV on last night I decided to watch Third Rock From The Sun. Eventually it was light enough to let Joey fly about so I opened the cage door and stood chatting to him for a few minutes. He kept his back to me and didn’t respond until with a shrug I shut up. He turned towards me, stood perched on one leg and I swear with the other he flipped me the bird. He’s so uncouth, in fact I bet he never even had any couth. As I backed off he flew out of the cage at speed, did a circuit of the room going very carefully round all obstacles and then did a stop in midair turned 90 degrees and went straight back into his cage. I took my empty coffee cup back to the kitchen and came back to my room to work. I stayed there until 10.00 am, mostly in shock at being flipped and then went back to see Homes Under the Hammer. This time he was glad to see me and wanted some attention. But, as there are no adverts I just gave him the occasional Best Boy, Joey, Joey Joey and concentrated on the programme. He took to nattering loudly with the occasional whistle, or flying circuits of the room and waiting to be told what a clever boy he is. He’s an aeronautical miracle but I wasn’t going to tell him so. Maybe I will the day he lands on me. The postman came and delivered parcels galore , even he was surprised when one more kept coming out of his bag. I had a great time opening them and listing them to leave feedback, I was missing my programme though. One parcel I’ve been expecting still hasn’t come though and I wonder if it’s at the bottom of a postman’s sack somewhere or maybe the custom’s office have stopped it for checking. I want no more bills off them.
At 11.00 am I returned to my battle with the mail and remained there until 12.00 pm. For lunch I had steak in red wine sauce with chips which I enjoyed very much. I stayed awake until after Bargain Hunt, I must have washed my pots at some stage then sat down again. From there it’s all a blank until 1.55 pm. I must have woken up but not even been aware I’d been to sleep.It was like I’d just lost almost an hour. I think Joey is related to Mesmer. Maybe a reincarnation. The post kept me busy until 15.50 pm then I went onto ebay until 4.30 pm when I went to watch the Road Trip. I just stayed there until 6.00 pm. Work called for a while but here wasn’t too much so I was able to disappear again to watch an underground exploration at 7.00 pm for an hour and then at 9.00 pm a fascinating Who Do You Think You Are. A BBC correspondent, injured by a shooting in Saudi Arabia wanted to try and verify some family tales about having come over with the Normans Invasion. He picked up some information on amazing individuals until he reached the point where he was given proof that his family didn’t come over with the Normans Invasion, they were the Norman Invasion.His direct ancestor was William I and the next 7 of his ancestors were Kings too.
At this point I was waiting for Michael to arrive and was starting to get worried. At 10.30 pm I’d remembered to take my meds and as I didn’t want more TV I had the equivalent which was another session on Ebay then at 10.45 pm I started the blog. I was doing quite well too. Mike arrived at 10.55 pm and I had to break away to do the coffee. We had to chat of course about how his week has been which seems to have been very frustrating with messages about his Dad in hospital. I came back to the bedroom at 11.40 pm and Mike followed me to put some cream on my legs, it was either that option or the one where he breaks my wrists so I can’t scratch. Hard decision but I opted for the cream. I chose to point out some gurgle jugs on ebay then which lasted until 12.20 pm when he left to go to bed and I was able to continue with the blog. Just don’t blame me if I was too tired to make any sense.
Friday 25th.
So I was a little late getting to bed this morning. By the time I’d read one substantial chapter I was ready to go to sleep. I turned the light off at 1.20 am. This morning I didn’t get up until 5.39 am, another 4 hour night. Things are looking up. By the time I’d done the loo Olympics and come back it was getting on for 6.00 am. All I did was power up the computer and then go straight to the kitchen to take my meds and an antibiotic (last day) because of course I have to do my drugs for the week on a Friday morning. I didn’t have breakfast so returned to my room at 6.30 am ready to do battle. Battle was short lived and at 7.45 am I emerged the victor and headed to the lounge to release Joey. I sat and talked to him but he didn’t seem interested in coming out. I get the impression he’s not a morning person budgie. Eventually I gave up and went to get dressed and at 9.00 am I took a walk to Pauline’s for my lottery tickets. She made a mistake today and put an extra one on so I kept it in the hope it’s a lucky one. I’d been back in the hose a few minutes and just settled at the computer hoping to pick off the stragglers from my last battle when I heard Mike’s phone go off. Since I can’t be blamed for waking him at 9.15 am I went to make him a coffee. It sounds like his Dad is ready to go home.
At 10.00 am I went to watch Homes Under the Hammer and Mike got ready to disappear. As he was going the postman arrived with four more parcels. This is proving to be easier than I thought. More expensive but much easier. I still have the fun of choosing too. By the time I’d done all I needed to do it was time to knock off for lunch. I peeled some sweet potatoes then put the sausages under the grill. I remembered to take my pre-foodie tablet but had to dash back to my room for an antibiotic as well. Next the potatoes went in the micro for 7 minutes. When I mashed the potatoes the sausages were almost done. I bunged some baked beans in the micro, dished up the potatoes and sausages then added the beans and a piece of bread and butter. I was ready and so was my meal. Beautifully timed, Bargain Hunt was just starting. Just to prove I managed to stay awake till the bitter end, one team took home £170 and the other team £270. I washed my pots and to save me allowing my fluttering eyelids to come to a rest I returned to the computer. My treat, messages from Australia ! A constant battle in one upmanship on the sarcastic front (which I rarely win) is a real joy.
Things seemed a little slow today so at 3.00 pm I went to sit back in the lounge with Escape To The Country and a natter with Joey. I turned the TV on and that was the last thing I remember until 5.00 pm. So not a happy bunny. I had to dash back to my room and start on the mail, missing my usual quiz but I managed to catch the 6.30 pm Eggheads before going for a shower. Coming squeeky clean out of the bathroom I was in time for a sandwich and Question of Sport followed by Mastermind. I had a message to say Mike was on his way back so I went and caught up on the mail, growled when I realised I’d missed another ebay moment, then went to get Mike’s mug ready for his return. I started watching a comedy called Not Going Out which makes me smile only because you tend to know what line is coming next all the time. Mike came back while it was still on. I made his drink and w talked about his Dad. He’s still in hospital and they’re arranging for him to go to a home for two weeks convalescence with a view to staying in a home permanently. Mike and I have often said this is what he needs but Mike is fighting with the promise he made to his Dad never to make him go in a home. He wants his independence. There’s a lot of guilt attached to the breaking of the promise even though it’s for the best possible outcome. Other times we’ve maintained he’s OK on his own because of the care workers 4 times a day and the new flat being sheltered accommodation. It’s a very hard decision.
At 10.00 pm I took my meds and came through to do the blog and to get to gripes with the mail that’s come in since I was last here. A body blow that I started winning something with a 10 second nip only to find I lost it by £1 to some terrible person who did a 5 second nip. You just can’t trust anyone can you? It’s going to be an early night.
Saturday 26th.
Well I got my early night and was in bed for 11.30 pm. I put my light out at 12.15 am and settled to sleep, it was soon coming. So was getting up time since at 2.01 am I was awake again. I paid a visit to the loo and came back to power up the computer. After signing in I checked and dealt with the talktalk mail then the gmail. That took me until 3.45 am when I decided to have a quick look at ebay. The quick look turned into a slow look as more ideas came. It was almost 5.00 am before I could tear myself away. I had to clear a few more emails before I could go and have some breakfast and take my meds. It reminded me if I’m going to keep having toast for breakfast I’d better get a huge family size butter. I prepared Mike’s mug then took my coffee back to the computer. When I heard his alarm go off at 6.30 am I made his drink and took it through. I got the usual grunt when I said it was there but no movement. It was only when the alarm went off the second time his twinkle toes beat a path to the lounge where he promptly fell asleep in his chair. I reminded him not to forget his coffee. Grunt. It stands at 2 A and 2 C by my reckoning despite the fact he left his actual bed before the second C. I went to get dressed.
We still managed to leave the house by 7.25 am only it was a very confusing journey. After a conversation yesterday I thought we were going to Morrison’s. Mike went past the exit road so I just said “Changed your mind”? At the next exit he sot off and started backtracking and I suggested he remembered the plans. All I’d been going to get differently from ASDA was my butter on a special. The car was turned again and off we shot towards ASDA. A bloody Mystical Magery Tour. I did the bulk of the shopping in ASDA then we diverted to get loo rolls from another Supermarket, mini jams/marmalade from a further shop and then on to Morrison’s for the one item I actually wanted from there but could have done without. Finally we made it to Flint and Temptations. We were partly served by Kyle who knows what we have and partly by a new face who turned out to be a new Manageress. Ceri wasn’t in. We handed over the chocolates to Kyle and had our drinks and Mike’s teasted toecake then left. Next we went to Prestatyn to the jewellers which was closed last week. Very handy as there was another shop I wanted too. Then to lunch at the CookHouse where we both struggled to finish today after being given pieces of meat as thick as door stops. Lovely, but soooo filling. I managed a trip round the £ Shop and then we came home.
After unpacking the shopping and putting it away I opened two parcels left with Bert while we were out. My missing item is here YAY! I came through to start on the post while Mike stayed to watch his precious football team play. So far I’ve heard I think three shouts of ‘YES‘ which seemed to indicate they were winning. I later found my guess was correct. Most of the street found out my guess was correct when they finally worked out where the racket was coming from. I went through to join Mike at 5.25 pm when the football was over and stayed there for the evening, enjoying the cakes that are our Saturday treat and me trying to convince Mike that the rhubarb crumble is unfortunately not available for eating tonight as it’s for Monday, meaning 5 minutes after he’s gone on Sunday afternoon. I had to give up on all the fun at 9.00 pm and come to deal with the mail that’s piling up and also the blog. It needs to be ready for the midnight despatch.
I wish you all a Wonderful New Week with Hugs and Dreams come true.
barsetshirediaries 