To continue

Before I go any further I must apologise for the poor quality of this photo. I had a printer,scanner copier but when my Windows XP Home Edition hard drive froze. I then went to the next generation. That was Vista. Now nothing works with Vista that worked on XP. It is the same if I upgraded to Severn. Again nothing that works on Vista will work on Severn.. What a rip off. That is microsoft for you. Anyway I had to take this photo by using my camera, hence it is only fair. If you expand it though, perhaps you will realise just how prestigious her Father was. To manage that huge place. She wanted for nothing was waited on hand and foot. There were servants galore and the mode of transport was pony and trap so there were plenty looking after the horses. I can't remember if I said this but showing is her parents Arthur her brother and herself with the dog. She did tell me what it was called but I forget. As you will notice it was taken in 1897 the Queens Diamond Jubilee. 60 years on the throne. I guess Arthur would be about 11 and she would be about 4. When her father died suddenly, they were more or less turfed out and had to find something to do. From what I found, her Mother with her started a Cake shop. How successful it was I do not know. I can only say this, she mentioned that her Mother told her never to marry a man much older than her because she would be left alone for so long. I guess that is what happened to her Mother. Through other people I was told that her Mother suffered from ulcerated legs. This unfortunately also happened to her. The nurse would come daily to change the bandages on her legs. They would be soaked. It was about this time that she never went upstairs again. In fact for months she just used to sleep in her chair. It was similar to a carver chair that used to be sold as a dining set. This however was very ornate. Unfortunately, she gradually became incontinent, the smell was not good. She would hold a wet cushion that she had been sitting on, in front of the gas fire. I don't think I have to say more. Gradually over the weeks she became worse. I went over just the same as if nothing was out of the ordinary. The district nurses became involved. There was a Sister who I became friendly with. I called her Joan, she also called me by my christian name but said to me that if any of the nurses were around, would I please call her Sister. This particular morning she came across as usual. We generally discussed how things were going on. This day she informed me that she had just got the DSO. Innocently I told her that it couldn't have happened to a nicer woman. Upon that she laughed and then told me what DSO stood for. Unfortunately the old lady had completely soiled herself and Joan was there alone so had to clean her up. The DSO stood for distinguished shit order. I burst out laughing, she too laughed we then had a cuppa and a cake. I was keeping her Nephew and Niece informed as to how things were going. I told them that if they wanted to see her they had better get over soon. They told me that it was not possible to get over for a while. A couple of days later, Joan came over to see me. I told Joan, that in my opinion she was not long for this earth. Joan had previously told me that people who are on their own and are under the district nurse. A woman was asked to sit with her until she passed away. Anyway Joan told me that she did not think it would happen tonight and left. Later in the afternoon she came back and said to me that on second thoughts, she would arrange for someone to stay there just in case. When I got up the next morning about 7.30am there was a note on the door saying that she had died at 5.05am. I immediately went over to get the budgie. I asked her every day if it had been fed, she always said yes. Well I fed it and I don't think it stopped eating for about 15 minutes. The bird was being looked after by another woman. Later that morning the woman who had stayed there came to see if I had got the message. She told me something that made me wonder. She said that the bird was chirping all night until the moment she died, then the bird was silent. Well I notified her Nephew and Niece, true to form as she told me, within the hour they were at her home. In the meantime they asked me if I could arrange for the undertaker to fetch the body and take it to the Chapel of Rest. That was the end of her life.

Not however without telling you this. Before I say more about these things. You will notice I put a mug there to give you some idea as to how large they are. I should have done that with the ornament. The Bulldog Breed. That by the way stood about 7" high.

Now to those pieces of glass. It is almost certain that all who read this blog and all who will ever read this would have no idea as to what they are. I certainly didn't. I think it was because I had a restaurant that she gave me them. She presented them to me as if they were very expensive items. Of course to her, they were important. She told me many times that they had Commercial Travellers stay at the hotel. This was their evening sweet. She told me that those two items were a jelly and custard mould. Fro what I could gather, the jelly was in the one without the handle and the custard was in the one with a handle so that the custard could be poured over the jelly once it was out in a dish. I just thought, how small the jelly and custard was.

Oh well I hope I have not bored you to tears. More soon.

More about the object

Now, before I go into detail I think I had better explain just how I got to know the person who owned it. As those who have read all of my blogs, I was in business at the seaside from 1969. The owner for the premises told me to look after the old couple over the road because he would go and sit on the promenade and anyone who asked him where to get a decent meal, he would then give them my premises name and direction. The way I was to look after them was to get their bread from my baker. This I did. It didn't do any good though because unfortunately the man didn't live a lot longer. I still went over though to take her the bread. I guess she was then about 75. Over the next few years she grew weaker, first she had an estrogen deficiency and developed a so called dowagers hump. I forgot to tell you, she lived in a house that was 4 bed roomed, had no bathroom, no electricity, had only gas down stairs and candle for upstairs. The owner of the property wished to install electricity but she kindly refused. She had no close relatives only a Nephew and Niece, they both lived at Grimsby some 35 miles away. They did 'nt call on her very often, however as she got older they did call a little more frequently. She used to hate them coming because she did a posh tea for them. You will understand more as I tell you more about her. the only time I ever heard a swear word was once when they had been and eaten all before them. She called him a greedy bugger. I just laughed. She told me that when she was gone they would be here like vultures. She was right of course. She had no money and no property, she did however have some nice things. She once took me into her front room and showed me a 24 piece tea service which she called a blackberry design. It certainly looked nice. Now a little more about her, as she got older, I found myself going over to see that the coal was in, that the gas mantle was lit, by now she couldn't reach the handle to turn it on. I remedied that by tying string so that she at least could reach to turn on the gas mantle. Then one day she told me that she was going to have a gas fire fitted, this she said would allow her to be able to control her heat herself. She really lived in a very spartan place. Incidentally there was no hot water, in fact only 1 tap. This was in the scullery. I would go and sit with her, she would then reminisce, she sent me upstairs,which I was highly honoured as she never allowed anyone up there. She told me where to go and what to get. On one occasion it was an album. There were plenty of photos, as she turned each page she would sometimes tell me who they were. I noticed a man in uniform and asked her who it was. She told me that it was her intended husband. He was a butchers Son. He had wanted to marry her before he went back to the front, however his father informed him that the war was drawing to a close and if he waited, he would pay for everything when the war was over. Unfortunately, he never returned. Another album was filled with postcards. There were well over 100 she told me that her Brother Arthur sent her a postcard every time he went anywhere. he told me that he was her elder brother but was a sickly child and never really improved. He did eventually die of Consumption(Tuberculosis). She asked me if I had noticed the fox head on a wooden plinth in the hall. I told her I had. She told me that this was given to Arthur on his first kill. Normally they were bloodied. I think that is how the original quote arose. they are now bloodied in.That is the brush was cut off the fox and then smeared across each cheek of the newest member but because he was sickly, they gave him the head instead. It was dated 1901. I guess Arthur would be about 13 then. By the way, tomorrow I will put on my blog a picture of where she was born. The White Heart Hotel. Spilsby. The photo was taken, I think in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria 60 years on the throne. Standing outside was her Father, Mother Arthur, herself and her pet dog which I forget what it was called. By the way, this was a photo I found upstairs in her bedroom. She gave it to me. As she got older and weaker, she would tell me more of her life. She was born around 1983 in Spilsby. She led a privileged life. Her Father was the Manager of the White Heart Hotel. She never had to do a thing for many years as everything was done for her. Suddenly around 1920 everything stopped. Her father suddenly died and as everybody knows as soon as the man dies, the woman had to vacate any licensed premises. So that was the end of her grand life. Now to the I don't know what to call it. It was always either on the table but when the table was set, it was on the sideboard. One day I asked her about it, she just said it was her bulldog breed. Now to how I got it. The niece who was reasonable would often come and have 5 minutes with me. I once told her that she had a profile of a woman hanging on the wall. I just told her I did not like it at all. Well when she died, she came over to see me, gave me the key so that I could let any authorised person in. She then told me that she had taken the profile of that woman down, also that horrible monkey figure and put them both in the dustbin. I didn't say anything but was disappointed that the bulldog breed had gone. Well as I had a key, sometime later I went over and to my surprise, she had disposed of both objects in the dustbin but like most methodical women had firstly wrapped them up in newspaper. I retrieved the bulldog, noticed that the top came off. I have thought about it often and I am satisfied that I think this was a promotion for the display and selling of cigars in the White Heart. It must be remembered that this was a very quality place in the late 1800s. I will continue to tell just a little more tomorrow.

Something different

I first thought of this when I went on to my American friend's blog. I will come back to these tomorrow and tell you all about how I got it and what I think it was used for. I know that it is not valuable at all but I gusee nobody will have seen anything like it before. Some might say, thank god. he he.

These are obviously the latest photos of my flowers in my garden. I thought they looked appealing and it shows that spring is just about here. Fruit blossom will be on my trees very soon. The first blossom will be, I think on my plum trees. So until tomorrow.

A Phone call

I could not get online yesterday because of my young friend, well he is over 50, rang me. He used to work for me years ago and now lives in Devon. I have NO problems at all compared to him.
He told me in late November that he was moving to a 4 bedroomed house as his 2 daughters were needing more space. He hoped that the move would be in early December as they were going to USA again in December over Christmas and New Year.
Well just before they went on holiday, the home was ready, well supposed to be but gave instructions and expected all to be well when he got back. No such luck. To start, there was no cooker, and the electrics were not connected. He found an electrician on site and managed to get him but he charged him £5 for every connection he made. He did however have now full power. He contacted the builder and demanded the cooker, one came a couple of days later but was smaller and not of the quality it was supposed to be. The kitchen units were fitted badly, no carpets and the wardrobes in each bedroom were there but had not been assembled and fitted. He told me that they are just about settled but it is 3 months since they had moved in, mind you the solicitors are involved so heaven alone knows what will happen.
Now to me. Yesterday I went to THURLBY Motors to have my windscreen inspected. The man there was one of the rudest men I have met in ages. Tact was not in his vocabulary. He just looked and said in a condesending tone that it was definitely a stone chipping that caused the damage. I told him that it had been 2 weeks since I first reported this. He reluctantly admitted that he had become involved too late. He asked his colleague if the photos that Alison took, who incidentally was not there, the reply was I think not I think they have gone. I told him that I had taken photos. He then said he was going to take another photo. I said that it was getting worse. He informed me that naturally it would get worse, when frost gets on the windscreen it will help it deteriorate. I immedately told him that my car was always in the garage unless it was being used. He then got on about Autoglass. He told me that they should have repaired the windscreen as I wanted to pay. I wanted to pay? I was amazed at that statement. He added that Autoglass should have done the job as they were getting paid to do the work. To be honest, I think principle is another word that is alien to him. He took a photo which to be honest looks entirely different to the ones I took. I will try to show the photos on my next blog. It was a decent photo though as he took the car under cover in I think it was the repair shop.
He told me that he was going to get on to utoglass and if they wished to take it up further with Vauxhall he could because they were far bigger than Autoglass. I couldn't believe what I had just heard. It reminded me of when I was very young, two boys would fight and argue, the losing boy would then say. I will get my dad to beat up your dad because he is bigger than you.
Anyway I decided I had heard enough so I just left.
His colleague whose mane was Jo rang me up about an hour later and asked if Autoglass had been in touch with me. I said no which seemed to take her aback and she said she would ring me back later. She didn't but this Mr. Tim Broughton did. He shouted to me"Has Autoglass called you yet? I have given them what for." I told him that they had just contaced me and I did not like his attitude and neither did the manager of Autoglass. He then started to act a little more reasonable but the damage has been done. I will be reporting the whole incident to Vauxhall.
The manager told me that he would send a man down today, which he did and fit a new windscreen in. Unfortunately it wasn't the one who cmae before because I wanted to ask if there had been a deterioration in the windscreen.
Mind you, I have always been told that if you can't make friends don't make enemies.
But on a serious note. Surely Thurlby Motors, which is a dealership, would never want to alienate a customer, but in my caes, they certainly have. I will NEVER spend a penny there ever. Had they been polite and helped me as I think I shoud have had help, I would have had all my servicing done there. So now it has to date cost me £75 but they will have lost at least £200 of servicing, that is annually.
When the guy took the windscreen off he pointed a few things to me and advised me to photograph them, which I did. He told me that an examination of the windscreen will take place at Grimsby. Whether anything becomes of this I do not know. All I am really interested in is contacting Vauxhall headquarters, because I honestly believe that they have no idea as to what has happened. I can assure you though they will.
Now I wish to hopefully get on with my new windscreen in the car. Wouldn't it be fun if the same thing happened again? Mind you, the man who fitted it told me that this one should be O.K. More soon but not of windscreens though.

Short and sweet

Today I decided not to wait in as I have done for the last couple of days so I went to have my haircut. there was only 2 others in waiting so I did not have to wait too long.
I noticed his opening times and costs. I was fortunate as I nearly waited until this afternoon to go and have my haircut. Just as well as he closes at noon every Wednesday. The costs are £5.50 for adults, £5.00 for children under 12 and £4.00 for pensioners over 65. The price for everyone on Saturday is £5.50. Naturally I paid the £4.00. He told me that he was going to Lincoln this afternoon to buy some more hair cutters. I told him to shop around there for petrol as fuel(diesel had just increased to 1.46.9p per litre.
I came back and had my dinner. then went and did a little in the garden.
I did not mention it but the other day, I had a delivery of young trees. I planted them in pots so tomorrow, when my friend comes we will plant them in the front garden.
Late on this afternoon, I had a phone call. Yes it was from Alison about my windscreen. She told me that someone would be there tomorrow to inspect my windscreen damage to assess whether it is a stress fracture. So at least we are getting somewhere. I hope to have more positive news soon.

More windscreen news

Well to be honest, not a lot more news really about my windscreen (windshield) for a special friend.
This morning I went to the local Vauxhall Dealer to see just what has happened. I had to wait for Alison to appear at her place of work for a minute or so, but when she arrived she smiled, I asked her if there was anything positive to report and she told me there was nothing, she then told me that she had not been there since Wednesday so nothing had been done. She promised me that today she would chase up everything and that she was on my side. That made me feel a little better. She promised me that she would ring me back later today with any news.
I waited in all afternoon, what a pity as it was a lovely day, definitely the best day of the year so far.
At 5.00pm. I gave up hope and to be honest was somewhat disappointed, about 5.10pm. the phone rang. It was Alison, firstly she apologised for being so late ringing me but she had spent most of the afternoon trying to get hold of a Regional Manager but all she kept getting was the answer machine. There was one piece of positive news though. She had contacted Autoglass and they had sent her an e-mail confirming what I had told her. One of her colleagues told her that this was a positive sign. She told me that the Regional Manager may wish to see the damage to the windscreen. I told her that was not a problem.
So now all I have to do is wait, hopefully tomorrow I may have news. She did tell me though that the place where she works do not fit windscreens.
On a lighter note. I asked her what time she finished work. She said that she worked from 8.00am to 6.00pm every day. I then reminded her that the other day, there was a small flat tin with about £2.00 of loose change and I suggested that this was to help pay for my windscreen replacement. Immediately she came back with the retort that it was her wages. I just laughed. I said to her this afternoon that if the money which was in the tin was her wages, she sure was paid a pittance. Let,s hope for more news tomorrow.

Windscreen News

Now to update on my windscreen.
When I found the windscreen was cracking before my eyes, as soon as i got home I rung the help line, eventually was put through to Autoglass. Once I explained what had happened they suggested I go to Grimsby for them to inspect the damage. I informed them that it was too far. They then asked if a Vauxhall garage was nearby. I told them there was, so they suggested I visit them to see what they would do. The young lass took a photo of the windscreen. So I left and waited.
About 4 days later which included a week end I went back only to be told that the Company told me that it was NOT a stress fracture but stone damage. This didn't surprise me at all although I was convinced it was a stress fracture.
I went home and rung my insurer up. I was told that after the questions I would have to pay the £75 excess charge. I agreed so after questions about the style of windscreen I then paid by debit card and was told that Autoglass would be contacting me. This was on Monday
Within 20 minutes the phone rang and a guy introduced himself as Andy. He asked me a few questions about the windscreen then asked me if the damage was caused by a stone. I told him I was sure this was not the case. Then he told me something that surprised me. He told me that they would NOT fit a new windscreen if the damage was caused by a stress fracture. Asking me my mileage and I told him 300 miles he then said that they had to give a 3 year warranty on the new windscreen and they were not prepared to risk that because the same thing may happen again in another 300 miles. He would however send a man to fit the windscreen if it was a normal break. He gave me a time for the next day of 4 hours.
Well on Wednesday afternoon the guy came. He told me that he had been told to inspect the damage to see if it was a stone that caused the damage or whether it was stress or a faulty windscreen. It didn't take him long, he said he would not be fitting a windscreen as it was stress related and told me to go back to the garage give them the Autoglass telephone number and they would explain the damage to them.
Off I went back to the garage, went in and explained what had happened. The lass asked me how they knew that the damage was not done by a stone. I just said to her experience, they inspect thousands so should know what is what. I told her that I would call again early next week for a definitive answer. So as far as I was concerned that was that.
Early this morning, Friday, Andy rang me from Autoglass enquiring as to how I got on. I told them that I had heard nothing since I saw them on Wednesday afternoon after the Autoglass man had left. I went immediately to the garage. He then told me that he was surprised that they had not agreed to do the work. He told me that they would make money out of doing the job as it was covered by a 3 year warranty. He then informed me that he had cancelled my contract and that a refund of £75 would be given to me.
I told him that I would keep him up to date as to what was happening and I had also given them their telephone number. He told me that NOBODY had contacted them. I am not surprised. I guess I will go early next week and give an ultimatum. The work is done or I shall go to Trading Standards and seek some sort of compensation for the time I have spent trying to get something done. Oh well that is life I guess most things never run smoothly. Of course I will keep all informed as to what happens next.

Springtime?

I like polyanthus, they are the first signs of spring, unfortunately the blackbirds will pull the flowers off if you don't protect them

A few more polyanthus with some heather.

The daffodils are south facing so are out a little earlier than others in my garden. These photos were taken a few days ago. Since I took them the weather has been dull and cold.

A couple of photos in my greenhouse this shows a few shallots and a few broad beans, potatoes on the left

These are of my new potatoes, I will have to watch for frosts as they are well advanced and should be ready in about 6 weeks or even less.
Tomorrow I hope to give an update on my windscreen.

Purchasing a car.

Yesterday I felt a little under the weather but thankfully today, I feel somewhat better.
I have not forgotten about my windscreen, certainly much more about this shortly.
To be honest, I can not understand why people go to a dealer when they want a new car.
What I tell you now is true. To be honest everything I have written is the truth.
The garage where I went to purchase a Peugeot is no longer in business. I am certainly not surprised at all.
I originally had a Hyundai Coupe 2ltr. The cost was £16500. I had wanted a sports car again for ages but my Mother was an invalid and getting worse. My Sisters didn't take her out much so it was left to me when I went over to see her each week to take her out. She did appreciate it very much. Anyway she went into a care home and I knew she would not be coming out so I bought the Coupe.
I hadn't had the car a year when I had to have an operation. I then found it very painful to get in and out of the car. I decided to look around for another car. I had a Peugeot 206 turbo diesel and it was great and also economical so I decided to go to Louth about 20 miles away to see what they had in stock.
Anyone who has been to Louth will know it is a quaint old fashioned town. I called in to see the Peugeot garage. This was about 13 months after I had the car. The mileage was less than 7000 and I had just had it serviced, almost £200.
A mature salesman came to meet me and asked if I was interested in purchasing a car. I told him yes so he asked me what sort was I after. I told him a Peugeot 207 G.T.. He immediately told me that he had nothing like that in stock, I didn't expect him to have it anyway. He then asked if I had anything to trade in. I said yes and he asked me what sort of car I had. I pointed to my red Hyundai. He immediately was taken aback. He told me that there was no way he could give me a price as it was too posh for the area and all they would be able to do was to trade it in. He then told me that the 207 was a lovely car, he had driven one and it went like shit off a shovel." I said I could expect it to move as it was 150bhp. The cost was approaching £14,500 but he would have to ask his boss about the price he would give for mine.
I guess he was the owner/proprietor and was talking to this man. He didn't seem to be in any hurry and after about 15 minutes I was about to leave when they both go up and the guy left. He came over to me with about as much interest as a man going to the dentist. He gestured and said to me. "You have a car to trade in then." I told him that I had, it was 13 months old fully serviced and had done less than 7000 miles. I pointed it out to him, he didn't go to have close look, just said to me. "All I can give you is £8500. I just said to him. I am buying a brand new Peugeot 207 G.T. costing £14,500. You will make at least £3500 on that. It seems to me that you also want to make the same on my old car." He just reiterated that the price he gave was all he could offer. I just said thank you and left. The salesman came running after me apologising at the treatment I had been given and he would try to get a better deal and promised he would ring me at my home. He did but the price was just the same.
I just thought well that's it then. I will have to put up with the pain.
A week or so later, I was on the net found a Company online offering new and nearly new cars. All pre registered. I decided to give them a call. I told him what I was after and immediately he told me that he could get the car in about 4 weeks. I then told him that unfortunately I had a car for sale. Told him exactly why I was selling it and gave all relevant details. He asked me what I was looking for. I told him what I had been offered. He asked for my phone number and promised to call me back. Within 20 minutes the phone rang. He then told me that if the car, was as I described he could get me £9000. I then told him that I would like leather seats in the Peugeot. He then told me that it would be 2 months but the price would stay the same for my old car. By the time all was done. I saved in excess of £2000 by using them and had leather seats. It was over 2 months but the price was not reduced by the delay. I didn't bother to go and tell the Salesman as he seemed a nice guy. More soon

Swansea

More about my windscreen as soon as I have news.
I do not know if I mentioned this but when I purchased the new car I asked the internet company how long it would be before I received my old log book. I think it is called V5C registration certificate.
Well when I sold my Peugeot I duly sent off the part of the log book. I also wrote in a separate letter a note informing them that I was now the owner of the Vauxhall Corsa but would not have the log book for at least 6 months.
Well on Saturday morning I received a letter from DVLA stating that they could not deal with my application for a registration certificate as the current certificate had not been received by them. Enclosed was an application form to register the said vehicle.
I decided to give DVLA a call to see what the problem was as I was only informing them that I was now the legal owner. Oh my god. If anybody has tried to phone DVLA they will know just what a maze it is. First you are given, I think 6 options once you have decided which option is applicable you are then given another 4 options after selecting the one you want, you are then given 4 more options. I pressed the one for me, it then gave the same response 3 times stating that I must apply for an Application for a vehicle registration certificate. This I have already. I just sat there in a stupor. After being on the phone for at lease 20 minutes. I though I would have to go through the whole operation or more likely forget about it. By the way the phone line seemed dead with no dialing tone at all.
All of a sudden a voice, yes an actual voice not an automated voice came and asked me if he could help me. He was very nice and his name was Al. What he told me was enlightening. I explained most of what had happened. He stopped me 3/4 of the way through my explanation. He informed me that several online motor salesmen do this but it was not legal for them to hold on to a registration certificate after it had been sold. He then asked me for my details, checked on his computer and told me that there was nothing on their screen. I then told him that if I applied for a certificate what would happen if they also did this. He just said that it would be their fault and it may throw their system out a little. He then told me to fill the application form in, I then told him that I would tomorrow go and post it in the envelope provided to DVLA by 1st class post. He said it was a good idea.
It was such a nice change talking to someone who was so pleasant and understanding, also explaining all so well. A great thumbs up for DVLA once you managed to find a human being.
Tomorrow I should have news of my windscreen but I don't expect any joy. More tomorrow.

To continue

As mentioned I had a telephone call informing me that my dentures were once again ready.
Well I got the car out and started to drive to the town which is around 8 miles away. I noticed a mark on my windscreen, at first I thought it was water but when I looked again a few seconds later it seemed to me that it was a little longer and looked very much like a crack, not a jagged crack but a crack that you would say was made with a knife. Well I got to the Dental Surgery picked up my dentures and headed home. It was certainly getting larger it was now not in a straight line but was going at a sort of angle.
As soon as I got home, I found out where to ring, what a waste of time really. They are so friendly and polite but direct you to a windscreen repair specialist. I did explain what had happened and was told that the crack would indeed grow longer, the woman then suggested that I take it to one of their depots for examination to see if it was a manufacture fault. I told her that I was certain it was but there was no way I was going to travel the best part of 35 miles to their nearest depot. She then suggested that I take it to the nearest Vauxhall dealership which I did. I went there and of course wanted to know why I had not bought the car from them. I told them that even today, they would not have this car in and I had this car on order since October last year. This good looking young lass said to me that she was going to photograph the crack. Producing a digital camera struggled for a while and told me that it wouldn't let her take a photo. I suggested that she check to see that the batteries were not flat. They were, so after another few minutes managed to get some replacement batteries and went to take a photo. She asked me if I had a piece of paper to cover the interior of the windscreen where the damage was, I did this and she took a photo. She told me that it was going to be sent heaven alone knows where for it to be examined. I am definitely not holding my breath.
When I returned home the woman from the Windscreen Repair Company asked me how I had got on. I told her everything and she told me that as I had given her my Car registration, it was on file and all I had to do was mention my number and up would pop all the relevant details.
Today, as expected I have heard nothing from the local garage. It is only about 4 miles away from me so on Monday morning I will see if anything has happened. I doubt it.
To be honest, a £75 cost for windscreen replacement is nothing at all after watching the horrific scenes in Japan following the wost ever earthquake there. The tsunami was frightening, I guess the death toll will be in the thousands. It is these things that really bring us back to reality and realise just how fortunate we are. More soon.

lost a day

Yesterday seems to have been lost to me and I just don't know why.
Anyway I forgot to mention it but on Tuesday I went to pay my T.V. licence. £145.50 by cash and by Pay Point. I walked in the newsagents as usual and went to another till where payment is taken. I was amazed when the proprietor said to me that they no longer dealt with Pay Point, they now use Payzone. A thing I had never heard of. Anyway I said to him I was disappointed as it was always my plan to use all local services as often as I could and if he didn't have Pay Point who did? He told me that the supermarket in the next town had this. His wife then chirped up saying that they had nothing but trouble with the system so that is why they changed. She then suggested that I could pay by cheque. I thanked them and left going to the next town's supermarket. In I went and found a supervisor and asked her if they used Pay Point which she said yes and I then asked where I could pay. She pointed to a queue and just said there. I went and joined the queue. Nothing seemed to be happening so I asked the woman in front if she had been there long. She told me nothing had moved for a few minutes. I told her that all I wanted to do was pay my T.V licence and she showed me several bills saying that is all she wanted to do. It transpired that the queue was for cigarettes and spirits plus the lottery so we had a few minutes wait. Eventually another member of the staff arrived so that there were 3 people working. All of a sudden the woman in front and I moved at the same time. I gave the lady the money and the bill. It was on that has a scanner on so that it is automatically scanned. No such luck with mine. After about 5 minutes she finally had to input all the numbers by hand. eventually I was served and I just said goodbye to the other woman and left.
Now this morning I had to see the G.P for my B.P. It was down a little, I think he helped because he had the utensil that is used for testing the wrong way round. I burst out laughing. I said to I liked seeing him as he was on of the old timers. He told me that he was soon to retire. I asked if he would do any part time work. He then informed me that he would wind down slowly, it would be easy for him to work at the surgery part time as he spent 2 days a week at Grimsby Hospital. Anyway he told me that it was much better and we shook hands and I left.
It was a much nicer day today so I decided to sow a few vegetable seeds, mind you I tripped over a piece of wood and went all my length. Thank goodness I didn't hurt myself but I had a lot of peas that had to be picked up as they were strewn all over the place. eventually I set them. covering them to save them from being eaten by mice. I came back into the house when the phone rang. It was the Dental Surgery informing me that my lower set of dentures were back. I told her that I would be there within the hour. Mind you what happened then I will tell you all tomorrow.

Update

The first signs of spring I hope. These were taken a few days ago before we had a couple of fine sunny days. The first shows my new potatoes in the greenhouse, the second a few polyanthus. I am surprised just how much the potatoes have grown these last couple of day

With regard to my back, I wish to thank those who have shown sympathy. To be honest, I have had twinges for several days before I went to dig the lavender up. I only think I aggravated the cause. I am sure that I have had, and still do to a lesser degree Fibrositis. My hot water bottle treatment certainly has helped a lot.

As you will know, today I had once again to go to the surgery for several tests, including a B.P. test. I knew this would be very high. I guess I am fortunate in as much as when I have high B.P. I have blood vessels burst in my eye. Generally my right eye but the other day, it was my left one. I now have to see a Doctor. It is obvious that I am not responding to the medication that I was given. I saw the receptionist who I know and like very much. She told me that there was not a vacancy to see a Doctor until next week. I told her it was urgent so I will go on Thursday morning to see the Doctor who I saw last time so that is good, I also like him as he is thorough. By the way, although my back is not completely free of pain, I will not be using my hot water bottle. If the pain returns then reluctantly I will have to go on a course of treatment which I do not really want. I will keep my fingers crossed. More soon.

Backache

Oh well, I finally think I have Fibrositis. What you may ask is the reason I say this. I have tried to get better under my own ways, mainly by using a hot water bottle and heating my back most of the day and night. With some success may I add but I only seem to be able to put it in the background. Tomorrow anyway I go for blood tests and BP test also. I feel sure that my BP will be high so I will NOT use any heat tonight just to see if it is worse in the morning. Now to the reason I think I have Fibrositis.
It must be well over 35 years ago I had a dreadful backache almost overnight. I went to the local Doctors Surgery. It was a small place with about 16 chairs a hatch where you booked in with the Receptionist and then there was his surgery, again a very small place. Anyway I arrived at about 9.15am the Surgery was open at 9.00am but the Doctor very rarely arrived before 9. 15. The place was full and I had to stand outside. Soon after I had booked in a car drove up. It was the Doctor. He walked up to the door, saw me and uttered "Christ all bloody mighty" but only loud enough for me to hear. Eventually it was my turn and when I went in I told him that there was only one other person after me. He informed me that he didn't mind seeing me at all as it was a rarity to see me and when I went to see him there was good reason. He then said this.. "If they made every patient pay just £1 to visit the surgery there would be very few here waiting to see me." Well I told him what was wrong. He smiled broadly then told me that he could soon fix me and wrote a prescription, told me to take it to the Chemist and informed me that I would be right as rain in 2 or 3 days . He was right. I liked him, he was very much down to earth, shirt sleeves, never looking like a G.P. Unfortunately a few years later he had a stroke and died. Anyway I took the prescription to the local Chemist. An independent Chemist. He told me to come back in about an hour and they would be ready for me. I duly went back and he came out with a tin. He just said. "Here you are, I've left them in the tin they came in, there are a few extra tablets so that if you get a bad back again you will have no need to go back to the Doctor as there are plenty. The tin was a metal top and base with cardboard sides like an old Birds Custard tin.
This was perfectly true, I know that in those days no payment was needed when you were given medicine but I still wonder if anybody else experienced anything like that. By the way, I think they were Geigy tablets, large and I think I kept the extra tablets for several years before disposing them. Anything like that would never happen today. Mind you the Chemist was an old fashioned character.
By the way, today has been sunny for most of the day, more about weather tomorrow.

Nothing happening

Well, for the last few days nothing has happened because of my back. My fault entirely as I had a touch of a bad back before I decided to lift and remove the old lavender which had been there for I guess well over 10 years.
I tried most proprietary brands which didn't seem to help at all. On Thursday morning I resolved to an old fashioned remedy, a hot water bottle on my back. It did ease just a little but my friend called so I could not use it during the time he was here. In fact I had to supervise him as he made my greenhouse secure from mice, well we both hope so. I had caught 5 in the greenhouse alone so here's hoping.
We did nothing else, I had promised to lift some snowdrops and also was going to give him some carrots. Neither happened but I did manage to cook him roast leg of pork with crackling which he enjoyed.
He left early in the afternoon and immediately he left out came the hot water bottle. I used it foe the rest of the night, emptying the cool water and filling it with hot water. I also went to bed with it.
This morning, I must admit I did feel a little better with my back certainly better. To be honest though, I wonder if it will be 100% successful. I am going to the surgery on Tuesday for a few tests so if it is still playing up, I will mention it.
Now about the weather. Every day this week after Sunday has been dull and very cold. That is until tonight, about 5.30pm just as it was beginning to get dark, the clouds disappeared and there was blue sky. Obviously no sun at that time of evening. I do expect though a frost. Still every day is getting closer to the spring so we live in hope. More soon.

A little more

A little more about my meeting with the man at the dental surgery.
When he came out of the surgery his wife was soon called in. He told me that he had been a month or so earlier and told the dentist that his filling in one of his teeth was loose. The dentist told him it was O K. Now it had fallen out and it had cost him £45.60. I told him that my dentures had cost me £198. He replied that it was not a bad price. I then reminded him that it was 2 weeks pension. He told me that back home(wherever that was)he heard this receptionist tell this man that his new dentures were ready and that there was a cost of £600. He told her he could not afford that much and offered to pay £50 a month. I told him that he must have gone private. He readily agreed. He then told me that all he received was the annual £250 fuel allowance. I told him that I also received that and was greatful for it although it nowhere paid for my winter fuel. He then said his gas and electric for the Christmas quarter was just over £230 . I told him that people on the National Grid did not know just how lucky they were. 60% of my weeky pension was taken by 3 items, Council Tax LPG and electricity. I then told him that the gap between rich and poor was ever growing. I had heard earlier that day that the Railway Drivers were on strike in Wales. They were striking(for 1 day) for better working conditions and an increase in pay. The basic pay of a Driver was £39.000. He then said to me that it was not a bad wage. I told him that it was £750 a week for 4 working days. They would be expected to work occasional Sundays. I told him that with night work and Sunday work most Drivers would be on about £1000 a week. Far different to me as a fireman working 11 day fortnight. Never ever getting more than time and3/4 no matter how long you worked on a Sunday or Bank Holiday including Christmas day. Unfortunately his wife appeared then from the surgery. She looked like thunder. "Come on" she said. He asked her what was the matter. "I must have a tooth out but I can't have it taken out here because the dentist wants to take an Xray and there are no facilities here so we have to make an appointment at Skegness". I remarked that parking was a problem in Skegness. He also pointed out that it was about a 35 mile round trip. All his wife kept saying was. "Come on let's go" so after shaking my hand they left.
Now a little update on the weather. Quite some time ago one of the Natural History programmes stated that during the winter, male chaffinches go east and female chaffinches go west. I have looked ever since long and hard during the winter months and if I have seen 6 female chaffinches that is all. Now these last couple of days, the odd female has appeared so spring must be getting nearer.
By the way, went in the new car to Surgery about 8 miles. Don't know yet where most of the things are but it rides well and will be cheaper to run I am sure. I just got it in time as my Annual Car Tax was due 1st March this year was £180 also MOT was needed another $50 or so, then it needed it's biannual service.
Weather this week is not going to be great, I hope that it soon warms up as I want to get into the garden. Mind you on Sunday, I went and dug some lavender up. It generally goes woody as it gets older. I have had those in situe for several years. Anyway I have ricked my back doing this. My fault entirely, so I am not doing much at all for the next few days. More soon.