Holiday weather

for the first time in months we had some rain. Well to be honest, it more or less rained all day. However for most of that time it was an intermittent drizzle. It did rain a little more sharply for about an hour late into the afternoon and stayed dull and dismal all day. I guess I would have called it a typical Bank Holiday Weather. Mind you this year, each of the other Bank Holidays has been good.

there was enough rain to almost fill one of my water butts, the other one which catches water from a small shed managed very little indeed. My main water butt did manage to get almost half full so hopefully I will be O.K. for water for the next month or so.

I went to check the garden and found that the rain had penetrated enough for me to plant out the rest of my Petunias. Two of them are in flower. I saved the seed from two plants that my brother in law gave me. Both plants were a dark blue so naturally I expected them all to be blue too. Not a chance, the first one to flower a few days ago is a wonderful carmine red colour. Today the second one has flowered, it is a white with pink edges. Mind you, all of the others that are in bud are looking like the true blue that I expected. I am very happy though as I only collected them not really hoping to get many plants. I will see just what happens.

I also planted out my Fuchsias, 9 altogether I think. They look as if they will be O.K.

The odd flower is appearing on my runner beans, they often do not set so I am not expecting any in June, I may get a surprise. Getting nice amount of peas out of the polytunnel. Have had 5 meals so far and by the looks of things should get at least the same amount again.

Have just dug up the last of the new potatoes out of the greenhouse. I think I had the first meal in mid April, so I am well satisfied with the outcome of those 10 tubers.

The rain has come just in time for the cabbage plants that my postman friend gave me, those in the greenhouse and polytunnel are doing fine, I guess that in about 3 to 4 weeks, I will have cabbages. The trouble is that by then, I will have plenty of other vegetables.

Had a call from Spec savers informing me that my spectacles are ready. When I think about it, the difference in the quality of service between Vauxhall and Spec Savers is not comparable. Spec Savers win hands down. I only hope that when I collect them, they are perfect. I did some years ago have problems and thought it was me, they seemed out of focus, well I eventually went back and they found that they were not the prescription I needed. They just did me another set. The only other occasion I had to return my glasses was when they became weak on the bridge. They just took the lens out and put them in a new frame. No cost was incurred whatsoever. He apologised and informed me that occasionally things like that can go wrong. More soon.

Short and sweet

Well, today was supposed to rain quite a lot but unfortunately we seemed to have missed most. From early afternoon we had much more sun than cloud. However I decided to at last plant out my few bedding plants. I used some of my precious water to bed them in, now they must take pot luck.

I managed to collect over the last few days enough peas out of my polytunnel to have a boiling. To be honest, I think I will have a decent crop. As for the other vegetables, I am way behind on last year. Those cabbage plants that my postman friend gave me are beginning to grow and I guess in about 6 weeks I will have plenty. The fact will be that in 6 weeks I will have plenty of other vegetables ready if all goes well. The first runner beans are in bud and broad beans are setting, carrots and french beans are not so good though.

As for my cherries, with this prolonged drought I have lost well over 50% of them. They just wither up and drop off, just as the apples do in June. However this is the most I have ever seen shrivel up. Still I will get a few, the plums look so far much better.

I didn't think I would miss my morning walk to open up the chickens but to be honest, I found it satisfying. They were pleased to be let out and immediately went to get their food. When I noticed one day that their water was very low, I topped it up and they went immediately to got a good drink. The eggs I had was a bonus as those who read my blog will know I do not eat many eggs. I finished up with 5. I know this will last me for ages.

The new neighbours have just about all arrived. One guy told me that they had lived in 3 properties so he was a little apprehensive as to how it would work out. He informed me that if all went badly, then perhaps they would move out. He told me that the 2 younger men were in business, one was a property developer and the other I think a haulage contractor. That is all for now, more soon.

Winds

I must say this, I thought that we had been battered by strong to gale force winds recently. My American friend tried to tell me the damage done by thes tornado's in the Mid West States. It was not until this morning when an update to the severe damage to Joplin Missouri. It stated that winds approaching 200mph were recorded. Over here we had winds in the north of Scotland of around 70mph with winds here gusting to 60mph. It made me realise that with those sort of winds, nothing would be able to withstand the power of nature. It is sad also to learn that the population of Joplin is around 50,000 and aroumd 150 deaths were confirmed and the possibility of more.
Now my American friend wrote of a friend, well so called friend taking him for a ride of terror. This bought to mind a similar thing that happened to me many many years ago.
I used to go out drinking in my younger days and found this Public House. The man in charge of the Lounge Bar was the owners son, he was married but was a nice and friendly guy.
I used to go to see him about once a week. Anyway this night, he told me that he had been invited to a local Nightclub. Remember this was in the early 60s. He asked me if I would like to go with him and his wife, it would not cost us anything to gain entry as it was a Private Club. Well like a fool I told him I would go. When the Public House was closed that was after 10.30pm. we went to this Nightclub in the country, about 10 miles away. On entering his wife went wild, she immediately started to gamble, I looked at him and suggested that he try to stop her. He agreed but it took about an hour before he could get her away from the roulette table. He then suggested that we go ouside for a breath of air. She saw the lake nearby and a rowing boat was tied up. Thats right, in we got and off we went out in the lake. She then started to get silly, standing up and as she was a large, not tall but heavy, she started to make the boat rock. Eventually her husband tried to stop her and in the ensueing struggle, both fell into the lake. The boat almost capsized. I was fairly dry, my shoes and socks were wet through as the trouser bottoms. There was about 6" of water in the bottom of the boat. Well eventually they managed to climb aboard and she immediately tried to get me into the water. I threatened her with an oar and eventually managed to get to the bank and safety. I then told Alan, her husband that I thought it prudent if we all immediately went home as he and his wife, Janet were soaked. He agreed and back home we went.
The next time I went in the Public House, he apologised for the incident. I asked him how he managed to get entangled with her as he was not like her at all. He told me that she had pestered him for years and eventually gave in to her and married her. I knew he had regretted it. He just told me one thing and that was that when he emptied his pockets of money when retiring to bed, he always counted it as Janet would try to steal from him.
I guess it was about a month later, he suggested that he would like to take me as a thank you for the way the last outing had gone, to take me to his home town near Doncaster where he would take me to the local Miners Welfare Club.
Well the day arrived, I was surprised to learn that Janet was going with us and more to the point, she was going to drive the car although she only had a Provisional Licence. Well the journey was about 40 miles and as soon as we got on the by pass she went like a lunatic, speeds of 90+ was attained. There were no speed restrictions like there are today. Like my American friend, I was petrified, I was never so pleased in my life when we arrived at the Miners Welfare Club. I immediately told her she had driven like a maniac and informed Alan that if he didn't drive back I would not be travelling with the. He told me that he would drive back. All Janet said was that she was a better driver at high speeds that going slow. The Miners Welfare Club was a beautiful place and we were treated like royalty but to be honest I did not feel like enjoying myself. However with Alan driving home all went well.
Upon my arrival at his place, I informed him that I would not be visiting him again as his wife was a dangerous woman. He told me he was sad about that but he did realise why I would not be visiting them again.
Now I guess it would be about 2 to 3 years later, I saw in my local weekly paper. Headlines."Woman found Guilty of Manslaughter". I read on and it was this Janet. Apparently she had been out with this single man and she had managed to crash the car and kill the male passenger. She was sentenced to 2 years in jail. I think by that time Alan had gone back to the Doncaster area, but did not know if he had divorced her. To be honest, I was not really interested. All I thought was how lucky I was to make that decision when I did. More soon.

Neighbours

These are a few Aquilegias. Some are self set but most I bought. They look nice at this time of year.

The next picture shows the red Geums up a treat. In the background are Pyrethrums. I set them by seed a couple of years ago. They do look well.

More Pyrethrums, I was fortunate in having so many different shades of light pink to a rich red.

Well my duties of looking after the chickens has come to an end. To be honest, I rather enjoyed getting up fairly early, around 7.15am. to let them out. this morning was no exception, however there were 2 eggs so I have 5 saved from the week . All I did was look into the nest boxes when I let them out. I also checked the water, the man who shut them up at night, also fed them as well as the pigeons. Anyway the owner told me that when she checked them when she got home this afternoon, there were 3 eggs.

The neighbours have also moved in the other side of me. Well I think they have, I first saw them on Friday and they introduced themselves to me. Don't ask me their names as I have a head like a sieve. They told me that moving day was to be on Monday. I saw a van outside so presume that they have moved their furniture in. Not the best day for moving. It has been very very windy and this afternoon, we had a sharp shower for about 5 minutes. Definitely the most we have had in months. mind you by tomorrow it will have disappeared.

I think I mentioned it on Friday that my down pipe to my large water butt was blocked so I had to remove most of the guttering to get to the down pipe. Well I mentioned this to my best pal when he called. I was ashamed at the sight of my finger marks so on Saturday, I decided to clean the soffits, fascia and guttering. Mind you it took me most of the day, working for short periods. Now they look much cleaner. Just as well really as next door has had new white UPVC guttering fitted, so mine doesn't look out of place. More soon.

Friend called

Well my friend called on Wednesday afternoon, it was nice to see him as always. He told me that when he went home last time he was caught speeding doing 38 in a 30 mph. speed limit. He told me that the camera was just inside the 30mph. just before that the speed was 40mph. Anyway when they contacted him they gave him the option of sending his licence to Swansea with payment of £60 and have 3 penalty points on his licence or he could attend a school regarding speeding. This he has decided to do. Mind you the cost is £90 to attend this lecture just for a day. His licence will be clean though.
I went to open up the chickens earlier in the day and collected 2 eggs. I gave him and his wife both of them. His wife is one of those women who can not save anything and immediately told me that she would have it for tea. Anyway it went to good use.
Thursday morning I went to open the chickens up ans once again there were 2 eggs. My Italian friend rung me up and asked me if I would be in a little later. I told him I would so he called to see me about 10.00am.
He duly arrived with a cucumber plant. This was a pleasant surprise. I will set it in the greenhouse tomorrow. In a general conversation he told me that he had been to Lydl last week and there they were selling Lemon Trees ans Orange Trees. The Orange Trees were a very small Orange so he was not interested but the Lemon Tree was great. It had 2 lemons on that were ready. He told me that it was a little expensive at £19. I told him it was a very good price. He told me that he has taken the lemons off the tree and already used one of them. There were lots of small fruit and flowers on but several small fruits fell off. I told him that this was natural as they had come from Italy, his birth place and here in this country the difference in temperature would be large. Anyway he has transplanted it into another larger pot. He told me that in the winter he wants to bring it indoors. I hope it thrives as they can be a little difficult to look after. Well I gave him the 2 eggs that I picked up. He was very pleased as they were large.
I made him laugh though when I told him that next door wanted the daughter to postpone the wedding as the pigeons had just started to do very well, for the first time.
Today I went to the birds about 7.30am. There was 1 egg, I was pleased that there was no more. I guess that the guy who feeds the pigeons and shuts the chickens up at night takes the eggs that are there when he goes to shut them in.
Later when I went to water the greenhouse, I gave the chickens some water, so hopefully there will be enough water to last them until they return, Monday.
Lastly, I was taking my water that I had used to wash my pots, out in the garden to put on some plants when I heard a shout. It was the NEW next door neighbours. They were introducing themselves. 4 altogether. They told me their named but I told them I would have to ask them several times again before I would remember. They were just visiting as no furniture was delivered. Incidentally they only live a few miles away.
Finally I managed to check the MPG on my car. To be honest I did not let my fuel tank let get low. In fact I could only get in just over 18 litres of diesel in. However I checked and found that my average MPG was 67. Considering I do quite a lot of small journeys, I can't grumble. I will of course keep on checking and perhaps next time will let the fuel tank get well below half empty.
that is all for now. More soon.

Eyes tested?

Yesterday morning I managed to get up extra early and so I let the chicken out soon after 7.00am. the reason was that I had an appointment for my eyes to be tested at 9.35am. I always say I have come to have my head examined. I think it would be more appropriate.
Well I arrived in Grantham soon after 9.00am. did a little shopping in Morrisons. They own the complex where Specsavers are situated.
After doing some shopping I arrived a little early. To my surprise I was seen to almost immediately. First thing I had was a glaucoma test and a vision test. After that I was told to sit in the waiting area. Almost immediately a young woman, I think of Indian race who was obviously born in this country and spoke perfect English. She was very very nice, told me her name was Sham for short. She was in no hurry and gave me a complete and thorough examination. I asked her how many years she had to do at University to pass. She told me 3 years then another year doing practical before she was qualified. I asked her if she managed to pass before the student tuition fees were introduced. She told me the first year was free but she had to pay for the other 2 years, but added that it was nowhere as expensive as it is now.
One of the last things she did was take photos of my eyes. I told her that I had the eyes photographed when I went for my annual Diabetic check for any damage to the eyes. She told me that we would also look at the eyes. She then proceeded to explain all and told me that my eyes were fine, yes I had cataracts but they were not serious but my left eye had deteriorated fractionally and she would give me a prescription for variafocals to be slightly stronger but the distance would not be altered. She then told me that she would arrange for a woman to take me back downstairs. This woman was also very very nice. Her name was Tracey. She suggested that if I was ready perhaps I would like to select some spectacles. I immediately informed her that I could not afford much more than £100. She told me that was fine, she told me to sit in the waiting room area and she would work out the best deal for me.
After about 5 minutes, she came and sat down, told me that the best deal was to get frames of the £69 range, then there was a discount for lenses. As I wanted variafocals, they were a little more expensive. So we went to have a look at some frames. I am easy to please and picked one very quickly. She told me that the grand total would be £99. I was satisfied especially as 17 months ago the cost was around 3150 and when I went to D&H. The cost was over £200.
Anyway while she was doing the paperwork, I realised that I had deposited money into my Account so that I could pay by debit card. Unfortunately I have no idea as to the PIN number. I told her this but she told me not to worry. Anyway the lass at the till told me that she would put it through as if I was not present. I was happy. so now I have paid for my spectacles, all I have to do now is wait, they told me it may be 14 days before they are ready.
When I got back home I no sooner had my dinner, incidentally I had smoked cod. my best pal rang saying he would be down to see me within the hour.
Anyway, I will tell more tomorrow.

Eyes tested?

Chickens

Well last night I duly went and watered the greenhouse of the neighbours. This morning I went and let the chickens out. To my surprise as they tumbled out of their coop an egg also fell out onto the floor. It did not break so no damage was done. I checked and found another egg. As I use eggs very sparingly, I hope that they do not lay too many. Or to be more precise, I hope that the man who comes in the evening to see to the pigeons and shuts the chickens up, also checks to see if the chickens have laid any eggs.
The chickens seem to be O.K I will go tomorrow early to let them out as I am going to Grantham to see my Sisters and also to have my eyes examined. I bet the chickens will be happy as this morning they were clucking ready to be let out. I guess this was about 7 45am. I don't know what time the owners let them out but the birds went immediately to the food bin and started eating.
As for tomorrow, I will call in at the local supermarket, get some groceries and then go to the opticians, which is in the shopping precinct.
I will also fill up with fuel so I will have some idea as to how many miles to each gallon I use. It is a habit to talk of gallons as I was bought up with these measures. I know that fuel is served by litres, but I always convert it back to gallons. Silly of me I know.
So I will see what tomorrow brings. More soon.

A little rain

I know the photos are not good at all but this is the old and new Rose Arch. I managed to save most of the rambling rose and hopefully it will not be too long before it is in flower.

My friend assembled the Arch and sited it. I dismantled the old one, also moved the rambling rose so that he cold site it. I then rearranged the rambling rose. I think it will be O.K.

While I was doing that, my friend was doing a little electric work. We had a later dinner than usual but he did enjoy the meal.

On Saturday, there was a lot of heavy rain showers around. However we managed to only get the tail end of 2. The first one was a little more productive than the second. It started raining about 2.00pm. For the first time in months, there was enough rain for the water butts to catch some water. I went to check to see if there was any water going into my large butt. To my horror, the down pipe to the butt was blocked. This just goes to show just how long we have been without rain here. Well I had to dismantle a lot of the guttering but eventually managed to get the down pipe removed. There were lots of leaves in the down pipe. I managed to clean the pipe, reassembled the guttering and waited for the next rain.

I was so disappointed, the next shower was almost none existent. I checked the other water butt, there was about 2" in the base. Mind you it is lovely and clean as I did give the butt a thorough clean. Now I wait and hope for some rain in the not too distant future.

Now my next door neighbour informed me on Friday morning she was definitely leaving. Next Friday was the completion date, but as she had arranged nothing in advance, the removal man could not move her on Friday, so she will vacate the property on Wednesday.

As it happens the other neighbour is on holiday, she went today so I will have no neighbours for a few days. Nice and peaceful. Mind you, this does not mean I will be doing nothing. the neighbour asked me if I would let the chickens out in the morning and water the plants in the evening. This I do not mind doing. I thought for a minute they were going to ask me to look after the pigeons. They have found someone to do that. It is typical though, for the first time ever, they did very well in a National Pigeon race. She told me that they came second. He corrected her though by telling me that the loft who came first, also came second and third. He told me that the Secretary had rung him up to congratulate him and asked him if he was going to enter for the next 2 big races. He had to inform him that he was going on holiday for just over a week.

I just said to him that it was sods law.

So tomorrow morning I will go and let the chickens out and see if they have laid any eggs, also make sure they have plenty to eat and drink. Oh well we will see what happens.

Re Haircut

Last week I went to have my hair cut. The man next to me was friendly and we struck up a conversation. He eventually told me a lot about himself. He told me that he was a electrical engineer and that he had travelled many countries in connection with his work, Africa and Saudi Arabia being just 2 Countries mentioned.
He then told me that he had retired to Spain and lived there for 4 years. His wife then complained about her missing the Grandchildren, so he told me that he must obey her so he sold up and came back to live in England. He told me he was lucky as he managed to get back the money that he had bought the property for. He then said that he would never put his money again into bricks and mortar. He told me that he looked round and eventually decided to purchase a Log Cabin. He told me that it had cost him I think £88000. A little later though he informed me that he had to vacate the property for 2 months each year. I was a little surprised because almost certainly he would have to pay an annual rent for the Log Cabin was on a Golf and Sports complex.
Why I mention this is that when I was playing golf, a colleague who I played with was a retired Airline Pilot. He started out going to the local Grammar School and when he went into the Air Force he was taught how to fly. On leaving the Services he went to work for BOAC under the Chairmanship of Lord King. He was then a Navigator. When he became a Pilot I did not ask. He told me that in those days all Pilots retired at 55. The perk when retiring was that each year they were issued with 2 1st. class tickets to anywhere in the world subject to them being available . He told me that he had never been refused.
Well his wife and he, himself decided to travel to Australia. With having free travel each year, they decided to purchase a property in Brisbane. He told me that although there was no A/C it faced to sea so it was not too hot. He also told me that there was an underground car park. He told me that this was so important as occasionally there would be a violent thunderstorm with hailstones as big as golf balls and damage was done to many car bonnets and roofs.
I think he had been there during the winter months for about 15 years when his wife eventually informed him that she was no longer prepared to go to Brisbane anymore as she was missing the Grandchildren.
Reluctantly, he too obeyed his wife and put the place up for sale. Incidentally they used to leave the U.K. in late October and return home in early March. I tell you this because he made this observation. He told me that as they had been away for many winters he had forgotten just how low the sun gets in the U.K. in the winter months.
He told me that his wife suggested that they travel to America in the Florida area as it was not too far to travel and could stay in England until early January each year.
I stopped playing golf due to ill health so I do not know the outcome of it all.
It is funny though, 2 different people decided to do as they were told mainly due to their Grandchildren.
Tomorrow my friend will be here, first to do some electrical work and secondly to erect a replacement rose arch. More soon.

Careless drivers?

I heard on the radio this morning that in 2012 the Government are bringing in a new way to charge careless drivers. They will be immediately fined up to £100 and 3 penalty points on their licence. This reminded me of an old colleague who is no longer on this earth.
I must go back many years, I guess it would be in the very early 60s when this event occurred.
To put you in the picture, I first met Eric when I joined the railway. I guess he was about 6 years older than I was. He was women mad, and had several on the go at the same time. Eventually he got married. He married my School Teachers Daughter. I knew her well as sometimes when her school was on holiday. Incidentally she went to the High School. Well she would see her Mother in our class, that is how I got to know her.
Eric knew that I knew her and she told him about how she knew me. I guess that is one reason why we became friendly. He was still a bit of a lad with the women. However he used to love coming out with me and a couple of lads because we went out for a drink and a good old sing song.
Eventually Eric left the Railway. I used to see him on the odd occasion. By now his wife's Mother had passed away and left her only Daughter the home and money to her. Eric decided to buy a posh car. It was a Vauxhall Cresta 101 Estate. A very nice car indeed.
Eric had now gone to work at a Pet Foods factory in Melton Mowbray. From Grantham to the factory was about 14 miles. He told me all about the work. It was 3 shifts and work was continuous so although the evening time to sign on was 11.00pm. You were expected to be there 10 minutes early to be able to take over from your operative. It was a wet place and protective overalls were given so it took a few minutes to get ready.
Well one night he told me this story. I certainly believed him as he was mad in a car.
He told me that as usual, he had been with a woman and left it late to get to work. As he was leaving Grantham, a RAF. lad was hitching a lift. He screeched to a stop, opened the door and told the guy to get in as he was in a hurry and he was going to Melton Mowbray. In the young man got, Eric sped off and started to do his usual routine, gradually getting his clothes off and putting his protective overalls on. Here I must remind all that in those days, although there were speed limits of 30 or 40 MPH in built up areas there was no speed restrictions anywhere else. Not like there are now some are 50MPH all others are 60MPH except dual carriageways which are 70MPH. Well Eric was going his usual high speed, remember he did this journey very regular so knew every bend in the road.
All the way there, Eric told me that the young man just sat there and didn't say a word. When Eric got close to the factory he told the guy to get ready to get out as he was running late for work.
When he stopped, the guy got out and said this. "Thanks for the two rides".
Eric queried this and asked him what he meant.
Replying the guy said,"This is the first and last ride I will have with you".
Eric told me that he was at a loss for an answer but after thinking about what the young man had said found it funny.
Mind you, it was not the only incident he had with the car. Perhaps I will tell more about him and the car another time. More soon

A few photos

These are the latest pictures of the grape vine. If you zoom then you will be able to see the young grapes beginning to form.


These are peas. Little Marvel. Outdoors they grow to about 2ft to 2.6ft. However in the polytunnel they grow to over 3ft. As you can see they are just in flower. They take as a rule 25 days from flower to full pod, so by the end of May or the first week in June, I should be picking peas.

Now to the only cauliflower I managed to salvage from the ravages of winter. Originally I set about 15 cauliflowers and about 18 cabbages. I set nearly all of them on the south facing side of the polytunnel. unfortunately all were damaged by frost and had to be slung away.

I had 4 cabbage and 3 cauliflowers on the north facing side. I managed to salvage 3 cabbage and 2 of the cauliflowers I had to use as a sort of white broccoli. however, this last one did me proud. I had to pick it a couple of days ago because it was beginning to bend the stem because of the weight. As you can see it weighed just about 4 lb. Also it was beautiful and white.

I have had 2 meals off it and on Friday, my mate is coming to do a little work, I will cook a chicken and give him cauliflower as one of his vegetables. He loves cauliflower. More soon.

A little rain

Well, we were promised rain. On Saturday, I rang my Sister and my Brother in Law answered the phone. He told me that it was raining there, not a lot but it was raining. Here it was a little dull but soon brightened up and was once again nice and sunny.
We were promised rain, plenty of it overnight Saturday into Sunday morning. I got up soon after 5.00am to see that it was raining, very light rain but it was raining. I waited for it to get heavier, it never did. To be honest, I guess I managed to collect about 2 gallons of rainwater in my water butts. Later on Sunday, the sun came out and in late afternoon it was impossible to see there had been any rain.
As you know, I always have a bath on a Sunday. Last week I used the water for my plants, well this Sunday I decided to set my runner beans and courgettes. When I dug a hole it was completely dry so I poured a bucket full of bath water in each hole before planting out my plants. I then watered the plants in. The remainder I used on my Lilac trees that I planted in the ground about a month ago.
I took the odd photo of my greenhouse and polytunnel so perhaps tomorrow, I will transfer them to my computer and post a couple. I managed to get one cauliflower and it weighed about 4lb. beautiful and white, tastes great too. More tomorrow.

Conclusion

Well the day arrived and for the first time a car arrived, albeit late but it was full when I got in the car. The journey to Lincoln was uneventful, the other two passengers were going to have their eyes tested for cataracts.
On arrival at the reception, nobody seemed to be expecting me. eventually a Doctor came and asked me to go to his office. He asked me what I was doing there. I told him all. He just said that they didn't mind me coming to hospital and something would be arranged.
It was late in the evening when I was assigned a bed, the Nurse told me that the next morning I would be transferred to Queens Medical in Nottingham. I was to be ready from 8.00am. the next day.
Well before I was ready, the new Nurse on duty came to see me, I guess it was about 7.00am. She told me to take everything with me as I would NOT be brought back to Lincoln. She told me that as far as she was concerned, Queens Medical should have arranged all of this. I reminded her that I had the original operation at Lincoln. She also told me that she would NOT be giving or sending any of my medical records. I thought so much for the co-operation between hospitals.
About 8.30am the driver came to pick me up. He immediately told me that he would not be able to take me to the ward as he was running late and had another passenger who he was taking to Nottingham City Hospital. He also told me that he had been told that if at all possible, he was to pick me up after the operation and take me home. He warned me though he would not be able to stay and wait for long.
Well we arrived at Q.M. and he dropped me off. If any of you have been to a large hospital, you will realise just how large the place is. I was very lucky that I did remember the way to the ward, unfortunately with the driver running late I was late also for my operation.
Luckily, I saw the same Nurse who I saw last time, told her what had happened and that if at all possible, could she have me discharged form here. I then told her that I had no medical records. She smiled and told me that she understood, she had kept all relevant details for the last visit and told me that if all went well, she would see that I was discharged from there.
I had to wait about 45 minutes before I went in to have my anaesthetic. Once the operation was done, I went into the recovery room, the Nurse gave me the news that all had gone well and she would arrange that I would be discharged and there was no need for me to make any other appointment.
I was still drowsy when the driver came. He asked me if I was ready, I told him to see the Nurse to make sure I could leave. A couple of minutes later he came back, took one look at me told me that I was allowed to leave but he told me to take his arm, he would carry my gear as he realised I was still a little unsteady. We hurried down to where he had parked the car. He told me he was worried as the wardens are strict, you are only allowed to pick up or drop off patients. There was another passenger in the car, he was going to drop her off at Lincoln, she told him that the warden had been to see her and if the car was there when next he came a ticket would be issued. He helped me into the back seat he told me to sleep and he would wake me when we got home.
That didn't happen because within 10 minutes I was fully recovered and an uneventful journey home took place, trying to work out how many cars ambulances etc, the cost to the NHS would be huge. It must be borne in mind that originally I went in for keyhole surgery for the removal of my gall bladder. Had I not had diabetes and had no blockage, I would have arrived at Lincoln on a Friday morning, had the operation and been discharged Saturday morning.
I must admit, I have had much more than my monies worth with the National Health. More's the pity. I would much sooner say I have never had a penny spent on me by the NHS.
Now no more about health issues. Something different next time.

A little more

Let us hope I do not hit a wrong button.
Now it was back to Boston on the Monday morning. I was there with nothing to do and from what I could see was in limbo. Well on Tuesday early afternoon I was informed to get my things ready as I was being transferred to Lincoln Hospital by private car. So off I went, the car was an old car but it was O.K I guess that the journey took about 45 minutes.
I was taken to a sort of basement. I found out that it was an assessment ward and NOBODY was there for more than 24 hours maximum. This of course didn't include me. Again nothing seemed to happen for ages, eventually I was given a bed and that was it. I have never had such a night in hospital like it. The tooing and froing of the staff with patients being admitted and discharged all night with the odd one being admitted to a ward.
Wednesday morning I again was more or less ignored. However late morning a Nurse came and told me that I would have the operation the following morning. I just said O.K.
About 30 minutes later a man in a white coat came to see me, he told me that the next morning(Thursday)I would be transferred to Queens Medical in Nottingham for the operation. He told me that they were better suited to do the operation, anyway he told me they had a good relationship with Queens Medical. I asked him who he was, He told me his name was Jonathan. I then saw his name tag, I then told him that he was a Doctor, he told me he was. I never saw him again.
A lilttle later, a Ward Sister came to see me. She told me that I should be ready to travel to Nottingham by 8.00am the following day and that a Nurse would be accompanying me. I asked her why this was so, she told me it was the rules. Although I would be going by Ambulance and a medic would be in attendance, a Nurse shoud be present. She then told me that she would try to travel with me. She also said it would be nice to do a little shopping while I was having my operation. I thought what a waste of money. A Sister travelling with me.
Well Thursday arrived, I was ready to travel well before 8.00am as the place was just like a cattle market, Beds were used very regular. Most of the others who arrived in the ward was there for less than 2 hours.
I waited and waited, suddenly I saw the Sister, she told me that she was going with me and that the operation was booked for 9.00am. It got to 8.30 when the Ambulance men arrived making some excuse. I then knew it was impossible to get to Queens Medical by 9.00am.
What a performance. I was taken to the Ambulance, strapped in on a stretcher. The Sister sitting opposite me with the Ambulance man keeping a watch. It is very uncomfortable in those Ambulances but we passed the time by talking in general. The Sister told me that almost certainly she would finish her degree and become a doctor.
Eventually we arrived at Queens Medical, the traffic had been very heavy as one would expect at that time of day. I was taken out and people were staring at me, I felt a little fraud, strapped in and being wheeled in the hospital. I don't know why but I took particular notice of where we were going. just as well as I will say why later.
We got to the reception where we booked in, went through to the preparation area. The Nurse there asked me if I could walk. I told her I could if they took those straps off me. anyway the service was excellent. I was wheeled straight in given my local anaesthetic and the next thing I knew was when I was left to recover. Eventually the nurse came to see me, I knew immediately that the operation had not been a success. She informed me that I would have to come back again where all would then be well.
When I was fully alert, I was taken back to the reception area, the Sister was waitng for me and told me we had to wait for the Ambulance crew, a different crew to the last ones.
Eventually the crew arrived. Proper trained Paramedics. they were very professional, checked my heart rate, blood pressure regular. I just thought this was costing the NHS thousands. Well we got back to Lincoln mid afternoon. Back I went to the same bed. However early evening a doctor came to see me and told me that I would be transferred to a Ward and the next day would be discharged. I wondered why I was being moved into a fresh bed just for that night. Anyway about 8.30pm. I was moved to this ward. It was full of men who had had operations, some were very poorly, there was one though who told me he lived in Gainsborough and he too was being discharged the next day.
The next morning a Doctor came to see me, gave me my discharge papers and informed me that I must be back again in about 3 weeks to go throught the procedure again. Transport was being arranged.
About an hour later a man came and this man from Gainsborough went with him. About 20 minutes later, back he came laughing and informed me that it was me who the man had come to pick up. It was only when he asked the guy which way to go that he told him to follow the sign to Gainsborough. Well I was once again taken by private car back home. All I could think of was just how much I was costing the NHS.
Anyway I got home and then waited for Lincoln Hospital to contact me. After about 3 weeks I decided to ring them up and ask what was happening. After several phone calls, one Nurse found out what was supposed to happen and arrangements were made for me once again to attend Lincoln Hospital as an inpatient. The final installment will be tomorrow.

continued

As there was nothing that could be done before next week.
Anyway I called my mate and hew took me home for the week end and he took me back to Boston Hospital the following Monday.
By the way, I hit some button and lost all what I had written, I am no good with computers but I managed to retrieve it but didn't know how to open the blog up to continue the story.
Anyway I will tell you more about the tale tomorrow. I think you will find it hard to believe all that happens.

The saga continues

Well when I left the Hospital, the Staff Nurse told me that when I felt better I shoud go and see my G.P. and be checked to see if I had Diabetes.

Well about 10 days later I went to see my G.P. taking a urine sample with me. She informed me that the modern thing they did was the glucose test. Drinkng 1/2 litre of Lucosade and I would have to make an appointment for this test. This I said I would do.

Before I could have this test I noticed that I was beginning to turn yellow. I thought I was imagining things for a start. Typical though it was the May Holiday weekend that I realised that something was wrong. First my urine went a bright orange colour and was a little thick. My stools were a whiteish grey. Well on Tuesday afer May Day I went to the surgery and made an immedaite appointment to see any Doctor. I was given a time of 10.30am. I duly arrived and went in to see the Doctor. I informed him that I though I had Jaundice but told him that I thought it was not possible to have Jaundice once your Gall Bladder was removed. He immediately asked me top get on the couch. He got a paper and startid writing. He gave me a quick examination, told me to get dressed and when I sdat at the desk he asked mw where I had had the Gall Bladder removed and when. I told him Lincoln and it was about 3 weeks ago. He immediately replied that Lincoln would not accept referrals. so I would have to go to Boston as I has a blockage. He told me to wait in the reception and once he had arraned everything I would be notified.

It was only about 10 minutes later when the Administrator came to see me, gave me a letter and told me to get to Boston as soon as I could taking overnight clothes as I might have to stay overnight.

Off I went, arrived at Boston about noon. Sast in the waiting room for at least 2 hours, was eventually taken to a ward which looked like an assessment ward. In there was a woman who was a kidney transplant woman complaining of pain, a young lad who was suffering from delayed concussion. He was a passenger in a car which was hit from behind. Nothing seemed to happen much, a young Nurse who seemd to know nothing came and took particulars but could not take blood as she was not capable of doing so.

I guess it was about 6.30pm when the Dr. cmae in to see each patient. I was last to be seen, I noticed that his name was Mr. When he came to me I told him that he was a Surgeon and it was unusual for one to be doing this sort of work. He told me that he was doingit as a favour for a friend. Well I asked him if it was possible for me to gom home that night. He told me in no uncertain terms that I would NOT be going home, he was going to have me admitted immediately as it was potentially very serious. As soon as I weas on a ward, I would go on a drip and a close watch would be taken of me. I was surprised at this as I thought it was not serious at all.

Well all of this happened, but first thing in the morning the head Surgeon came to see me. He told them that there was no need for me to be on a drip, he then turned to me and told me that he would love to operates on me but as the operation was done at Lincoln, they had to get permission to continue. In the meantime, I would go to have X.Rays and an ultrasound. To be honest, I was really looked after there. anyway that was Wednesday taken care of. On Thursday his assistant came to give me updates and told me he would see me on Friday. Well on Friday he told me that if I wished I could go home for the week end as there was nothing

More about vehicles

Now more about Mr. L. who was 92. First though I must tell what happened next. I know the subsequent news I will write will be hard to believe, but I assure you it is all true.
So the male Staff Nurse left and all that was left in the ward was Mr. L and myself.
Where we were was called a Day Ward, generally people came in for routine operations on a Friday, most left the same day but odd ones were discharged the next day, mind you not me.
Well we were there on our own when suddenly there was a hive of activity. 4 patients came in together with several staff. We were ignored as they went about their work. After a while some Doctors arrived. Well I asked one of the men who seemed to be in charge what was going on. He informed me that they rented the ward on several Saturdays and did routine operations. All of the patients would be discharged later that day and by 5.00pm the place would be empty again. I asked where they came from and he told me Sheffield, although they were a team, it was rare for the staff to be together as most were from different wards at the Sheffield hospital.
Now as most will know, a mid morning drink is served but we received nothing. Mr. L was beginning to get a little thirsty. I told him not to worry, I would go and walk down to the next ward and see what was happening.
When I arrived at the next ward, the Nurse was surprised, she informed me that as far as she knew, nobody was ever in that ward on a Saturday as it was called a Day ward and only operated from Monday to Friday with the last patient being discharged on a Saturday if necessary. I informed her that there was 2 of us and the other gentleman was 92. She told me that no main meal had been organised for lunchtime and all she would be able to supply was sandwiches. This I told her would be acceptable but was it possible to get a hot drink for Mr. L. She told me that she would arrange for a tea trolley to visit us.
When I got back to Mr.L I told him what was going to happen. To try to take his mind off things I started to ask him about his life in general. It was this that made him talk about all his cars he had bought.
First he told me the story of how he managed to buy his first car. He told me that he had done a favour for a man and as a thankyou he asked him if he ever bet horses. He said he did not. Well the man told him that what he was going to tell him he must keep it to himself. He told him that in the Lincoln, which was run at Carholme, Lincoln. He had good information about a horse called Over Coat. If everything went according to plan, it would run very well and he told him to have an ante post bet on the horse. Well when he told me this, I immediately told him that my Father went to see the Lincoln which was run on a Wednesday, each year with his friend. He told me this tale, he saw Prince Monalulu, a well known African tipster. He wore a sort of Caftan and I think they were dyed Ostrich Feathers. His famous cry was "I gotta horse". Punters would buy tips from him. Well my Father heard this. A man down on his luck went to Prince Monalulu and asked him for a tip as he had lost all his money. Prince Monalulu put his arm on his shoulder and just said to him. "Don't forget your overcoat". My Father saw the horse and with his pal had a little on it. Enough to pay for their day out as it won.
Well Mr. L told me that he went to the local bookmaker and whenever he could he would put a little money each way ante post.
Eventually when the day came he had quite a lot of money on the horse. He told me that when it had won, he went and got his money, it was enough to buy a brand new car.
Now I always thought this was about 1948 or so but I went online today, just to make sure of my dates. To my surprise I saw that Over Coat won in 1936, before I was born.
Now Mr. L told me that he decided to run a Taxi service with his winnings. Although he did not go into details, I think he had a successful business, he told me that he joined a Goff Club. This was an exclusive clan in those days. He then told me that he now lived in one room in a bungalow. His Grandson had asked him if he could help him, he told me he told him he could have the bungalow as long as they paid all the outgoings, gave him a Sunday lunch. I think by the way he was talking, his Grandson and his wife, now do not wish him there at all. To be honest, I think his main problem is loneliness. He told me that he has his room and has Sky T.V and all what he wants there.
Well we had sandwiches at lunch, I asked the Nurse who came round to see if we could have a hot meal at teatime. Soon after she came back and told us that we would get some hot meal but did not know what. She also told us that we would get a hot drink in the afternoon.
Teatime came and we did have a meal of sorts. We both had different meals. I know that I had gravy on my meal and Mr. L. did not, that did not go down well with him.
Now once again we were on our own, the ward was emptied just as quickly as it was filled. Mind you, the Nurses gave it a thorough clean before they left.
Mr. L. then slept fitfully on and off for the rest of the day and night.
Now Sunday morning arrived. All of a sudden, the male Staff Nurse appeared. The one who had looked after me and took the drain out of me. He told me that he was going to get me discharged that day, by the way, it was Mothering Sunday. I told Mr. L.that I may be going home but to be honest, I don't think he realised what I had said.
About 10..00am the Staff Nurse came and asked me if I had anybody to pick me up. I asked him if I could use the phone, he readily agreed. I tried to contact my mate but there was no reply. I guess that he was going out as it was Mothers day. He told me not to worry. He rung a taxi company. Yes a TAXI company. he told me to get dressed as there was going to car coming for me. I told Mr. L. and there was tears in his eyes. He knew that once again he was going to be alone. He shook my hands and told me he had been very happy and we had got on so well together.
Soon after a man came, he was a little surly but when he saw me, he told me that he would take my case, by the way, as I had had keyhole surgery I was still full of air and my trousers would not fit.
Anyway the guy, who turned out to be very nice told me that he was not a regular Taxi Driver but had asked his mate if he could work his Taxi on Mothering Sunday. He told me he had done nothing at all so this job was great. He told me that he was paid£40. He then told me his job was a bouncer in a Nightclub. I asked him if drugs were a problem, not to his reactions. He told me the main problem was drunkenness.
Well I got home and thought that this was the end of my troubles regarding my gall bladder.
Not so. I will tell more tomorrow. You will realise just how much I have cost the National Health.