It has been a poor growing season this year, even my runner beans have been less than prolific this year. Next door have fared even worse. My marrows seemed to get old before they were ready also fruit trees were very very poor indeed. No eating apples at all but I did manage to get a few plums. By the way folk were talking I was fortunate indeed.
With the weather these last few days being so bad, I thought I might have a mouse in my polytunnel. I was wrong, I have mice, yes plural. So far after setting my trap 4 days ago I have caught 4. Heaven alone knows if there are any more but I have set my trap once again.
It is common knowledge that animals have a sort of instinct when bad weather is around. It certainly is early for mice to find somewhere to winter this time of year. I guess they knew it was going to be a bad few days. Anyway I have managed to rid a few of them, keeping my fingers crossed.
I thought I had a mouse because I found a small strawberry it was green and nowhere near ready, it was on the ground. I could see that it had been taken from the plant and that was the only thing I could think of. A mouse.
My late sowing of French beans, the climbing type have proved a success. I did sow them in early August, in the polytunnel and I didn't know just how they would fare. I have given a few meals of beans away and had them for myself each day for well over 3 weeks. They are just about done though now. I have found that the only real way to get a good crop is to sow them under glass. Preferably in a polytunnel as they do much better than in a greenhouse. Don't try it with runner beans though. The temperature gets too hot for them and the beans won't set.
In the greenhouse, my tomatoes are very late indeed. Most people I have spoken to have noticed that their's are late too. Today I managed to pick a few gardeners delight but to be honest, I have loads that are coming but I doubt if they will ever ripen. I will not be making tomato chutney though with the green ones. More soon.
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Sky
It is very rare I check my diect debits. Well that is not true at all. What I should have written is that it is rare that I check on the day that a direct debit is debited from my account.
Today I decided to check my account because yesterday I rung my provider and asked for the best price I could get and was prepared to pay for my telephone a year in advance. This was done but I had to pay by debit or credit card. I paid by bebit card so today I went to see if it had been debited from my account. It had not but a sum of £85.08 had been debited from my account by Sky.
I went onto their chat line. I first spoke to a guy called Daniel. I didn't seem to be getting anywhere at all with him. Anyway I must have hit a wrong button, not for the first time and I completely lost contact.
I now had to go through all the security again as I had another person to chat to. I began to wonder if it was me but I persevered and I told him much the same as I had to the other guy. At one stage I told him to read what I had written. In July I had debited from my account £55 in August it was £56.93 now this month it was £85.08. I asked him to justify the cost. He told me that my H.D would be cancelled on October 15th and then my price would be in the region of £38 with a 20% discount.
I thought I would try a different tack. I asked him to confirm that debits were taken from accounts monthly in advance. He confirmed this.
I then told him that on July 25th. I was charged £55 for my package, in August it was a little more £56.93 this was adjusted for the increase on September 1st. I then told him that even if they had charged me for H.D which I did not receive after 15th September the cost would be £58 which was the package I was on.
At last he seemed to understand where I was coming from. He told me to wait 2 minutes while he did some checking. It took a little longer but eventually he agreed with me that it was not correct. He had found that I had been charged twice for the package and he then asked me if it would be alright if they could hold on to the money and take it off my next months payment. I told him to save any more trouble that would be the best way to proceed. I did remind him though that I would still be a little in credit after next months payment. He agreed with me and told me that I would still be in credit in October for about £7.
So now next month I will be checking my bebit from Sky, mind you, this is the first time I have had any trouble with direct debits. By the time I eventually managed to get it all sorted it was way past my tea time. It must have lasted almost 2 hours. Still it's sorted. Hopefully. More soon.
Today I decided to check my account because yesterday I rung my provider and asked for the best price I could get and was prepared to pay for my telephone a year in advance. This was done but I had to pay by debit or credit card. I paid by bebit card so today I went to see if it had been debited from my account. It had not but a sum of £85.08 had been debited from my account by Sky.
I went onto their chat line. I first spoke to a guy called Daniel. I didn't seem to be getting anywhere at all with him. Anyway I must have hit a wrong button, not for the first time and I completely lost contact.
I now had to go through all the security again as I had another person to chat to. I began to wonder if it was me but I persevered and I told him much the same as I had to the other guy. At one stage I told him to read what I had written. In July I had debited from my account £55 in August it was £56.93 now this month it was £85.08. I asked him to justify the cost. He told me that my H.D would be cancelled on October 15th and then my price would be in the region of £38 with a 20% discount.
I thought I would try a different tack. I asked him to confirm that debits were taken from accounts monthly in advance. He confirmed this.
I then told him that on July 25th. I was charged £55 for my package, in August it was a little more £56.93 this was adjusted for the increase on September 1st. I then told him that even if they had charged me for H.D which I did not receive after 15th September the cost would be £58 which was the package I was on.
At last he seemed to understand where I was coming from. He told me to wait 2 minutes while he did some checking. It took a little longer but eventually he agreed with me that it was not correct. He had found that I had been charged twice for the package and he then asked me if it would be alright if they could hold on to the money and take it off my next months payment. I told him to save any more trouble that would be the best way to proceed. I did remind him though that I would still be a little in credit after next months payment. He agreed with me and told me that I would still be in credit in October for about £7.
So now next month I will be checking my bebit from Sky, mind you, this is the first time I have had any trouble with direct debits. By the time I eventually managed to get it all sorted it was way past my tea time. It must have lasted almost 2 hours. Still it's sorted. Hopefully. More soon.
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Latest broadband
Today I checked my broadband and it was fine. I decided to go and freephone them to ask if I could not get a better deal. I was surprised that the lady agreed that I could pay a year in advance what they call line rental saver she also informed me that she would arrange to get a reduction to my broadband. I did get confirmation from tham that my line saver would start from my next direct debit so will not know just how much I will be paying until then. With paying an annual payment I save about £44 a year.
We have been lucky here with the weather over the last couple of days we have had about 1/2" of rain, yes it has been very windy and dull as well as being cool but thankfully we have been spared the persistant heavy rain.
The Farmer who has a field opposite my home managed to get his harvest in, also got his straw baled then the other night got it ploughed. On Sunday evening he managed to harrow the land so it is ready to be sown again.
He came to see me the other day, it was when he was ploughing the old stubble in. He comes to see me when he sees me around. It started a few years ago. I was out in my front driveway watching him and I was surprised when he stopped his tractor opposite me and came over. He introduced himself and told me that a relative lived next door. It was then up for sale and his relative has left.
I asked him a few questions and he noticed that I knew a little about farm life. I know next to nothing really but my ex Brother in Law used to be Farm Manager for Lord Brownlow on the Belton Estate. It was mixed arable and livestock. Only cattle. All they did was to increase the herd so any bull calfs were castrated and after about 20 months were sent for slaughter. The female calfs were kept for breeding. He used to sow wheat, barley and the latest thing rape seed. This would be in the early 80s.
The Farmer told me that now they didn't have to crop rotate. This was always the case. As us old ones would know it was generally accepted that after 3 years of different crops a fourth year the ground was planted with clover or some other crop that would help fertilise the soil. Or some Farmers left the field fallow for a year.
The farmer has a Brother, he has pigs so what he does is that when the wind is in the right direction(so we do not get the smell) he sprays pig slurry on the ground, when the stubble is about to be ploughed in so that as soon as it is ploughed in, there is no smell.
He also told me that because he has no need to rotate the crops he will once again be sowing wheat. What was most surprising is that he told me that the yield should increase for the next 3 years. This is because of the seed which has been treated in such a way that it can be grown on the same field for several years.
I noticed that when he was gathering the wheat in he had a combine harvester. As it was dusk, I was not sure it was him but he waved to me. He told me that he had bought the machine and that he had hoped I would have gone over to him for a ride. I told him that I might next year. We will see, but he let me know that there was a spare seat and the cab was nice and quiet. The harvester is steered by the rear wheels. More soon.
We have been lucky here with the weather over the last couple of days we have had about 1/2" of rain, yes it has been very windy and dull as well as being cool but thankfully we have been spared the persistant heavy rain.
The Farmer who has a field opposite my home managed to get his harvest in, also got his straw baled then the other night got it ploughed. On Sunday evening he managed to harrow the land so it is ready to be sown again.
He came to see me the other day, it was when he was ploughing the old stubble in. He comes to see me when he sees me around. It started a few years ago. I was out in my front driveway watching him and I was surprised when he stopped his tractor opposite me and came over. He introduced himself and told me that a relative lived next door. It was then up for sale and his relative has left.
I asked him a few questions and he noticed that I knew a little about farm life. I know next to nothing really but my ex Brother in Law used to be Farm Manager for Lord Brownlow on the Belton Estate. It was mixed arable and livestock. Only cattle. All they did was to increase the herd so any bull calfs were castrated and after about 20 months were sent for slaughter. The female calfs were kept for breeding. He used to sow wheat, barley and the latest thing rape seed. This would be in the early 80s.
The Farmer told me that now they didn't have to crop rotate. This was always the case. As us old ones would know it was generally accepted that after 3 years of different crops a fourth year the ground was planted with clover or some other crop that would help fertilise the soil. Or some Farmers left the field fallow for a year.
The farmer has a Brother, he has pigs so what he does is that when the wind is in the right direction(so we do not get the smell) he sprays pig slurry on the ground, when the stubble is about to be ploughed in so that as soon as it is ploughed in, there is no smell.
He also told me that because he has no need to rotate the crops he will once again be sowing wheat. What was most surprising is that he told me that the yield should increase for the next 3 years. This is because of the seed which has been treated in such a way that it can be grown on the same field for several years.
I noticed that when he was gathering the wheat in he had a combine harvester. As it was dusk, I was not sure it was him but he waved to me. He told me that he had bought the machine and that he had hoped I would have gone over to him for a ride. I told him that I might next year. We will see, but he let me know that there was a spare seat and the cab was nice and quiet. The harvester is steered by the rear wheels. More soon.
Monday, 24 September 2012
Back online?
Well, I am here but to be honest I don't know how long I will be here.
Several days ago I had next to no broadband power at all. I rung up the technical department and this nice young lady had to seek another guy who reset the system for me. They thought this would cure the problem. Unfortunately it didn't.
The next morning I once again rung them up. I must say this, all of the people in the technical department are so nice and helpful. This guy told me he had to go and do some investigation as to what had happened. After several minutes he came back with the news that there was noise on my line, more than would be expected and that they would have to go back and start from the beginning once again. He told me that this would take time and it would take up to 10 days before I would be back to my normal speed. Hopefully. But I would see some appreciable improvement within about 3 days.
Yesterday morning I tried the internet and sure enough it was good. This morning I went online again to see if t was still good. No it wasn't at all, in fact it was worse. I tried to go online to test my broadband speed but when I tried, it told me that the test had to be aborted because of lack of data. I just thought I had gone back to the start again. I did try late this afternoon and it was great and to be candid, it seems to be working well this evening. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
By the way, the last e-mail to me from them had an increase in my broadband and telephone. It is a year since I joined them and to be honest as I am very limited as to which provider I could get was not on a good deal at all. It was costing me around £24 a month for broadband and telephone. The latest bill is for almost £29.
My Postman, this morning bought me some mail with it was a circular from B.T offering me a better deal than I am on at the moment. This is surprising as I am with a subsidery of B.T. I will have to get in touch with them because I don't wish to leave them as every time I have had to contact them, almost every time the technical department, they have been great.
Let's hope that I am now more or less back to normality with my broadband. I wondered if the adverse weather had affected my broadband, but I don't think so. More soon.
Several days ago I had next to no broadband power at all. I rung up the technical department and this nice young lady had to seek another guy who reset the system for me. They thought this would cure the problem. Unfortunately it didn't.
The next morning I once again rung them up. I must say this, all of the people in the technical department are so nice and helpful. This guy told me he had to go and do some investigation as to what had happened. After several minutes he came back with the news that there was noise on my line, more than would be expected and that they would have to go back and start from the beginning once again. He told me that this would take time and it would take up to 10 days before I would be back to my normal speed. Hopefully. But I would see some appreciable improvement within about 3 days.
Yesterday morning I tried the internet and sure enough it was good. This morning I went online again to see if t was still good. No it wasn't at all, in fact it was worse. I tried to go online to test my broadband speed but when I tried, it told me that the test had to be aborted because of lack of data. I just thought I had gone back to the start again. I did try late this afternoon and it was great and to be candid, it seems to be working well this evening. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
By the way, the last e-mail to me from them had an increase in my broadband and telephone. It is a year since I joined them and to be honest as I am very limited as to which provider I could get was not on a good deal at all. It was costing me around £24 a month for broadband and telephone. The latest bill is for almost £29.
My Postman, this morning bought me some mail with it was a circular from B.T offering me a better deal than I am on at the moment. This is surprising as I am with a subsidery of B.T. I will have to get in touch with them because I don't wish to leave them as every time I have had to contact them, almost every time the technical department, they have been great.
Let's hope that I am now more or less back to normality with my broadband. I wondered if the adverse weather had affected my broadband, but I don't think so. More soon.
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
More ditch clearing
They are nice there but it was a female this time and to be honest she didn't seem to know what to do. She eventually found a guy who supposedly sorted it out for me. I don't think so. I checked my speed again, exactly the same as before. She did tell me that if this persisted thay would have to do some investigations as to why this keeps happening.
As you can see, I have eventually managed to get some photos on my blog. Not without trouble, once it said photo failed because of internet failure.
I am dreading trying to post this blog.
Now you will notice just how much I have done, I have been hard at work for the last 3 days. It is nowhere cleared but at least you can see just how much I have removed. The guy next door keeps taking the rubbish and as you can see, the pile is getting quite a size. Will see if my speed has improved tomorrow. More soon
Monday, 17 September 2012
Normality reigns
Well I say normality reigns but to be honest the speed I have regarding broadband is not fit for purpose. Heaven alone knows if I will be able to post this blog, only time will tell.
These last few days have been rather busy for me. On Wednesday last week I had to prepare for an internal inspection on Thursday.
Thursday arrived and all went according to plan. I was surprised at one of the questions the Nurse asked me. She wanted to know if I had at any time major surgery. I told her I had not, she then mentioned gall bladder removal. I told her that I had my gall bladder removed but surely this was routine surgery and not major surgery. She told me it was a serious operation. I left it at that.
After asking several more questions she then told me that we would get prepared for the procedure. She told me that as I had this procedure several times before I knew what was going to happen. I then had my blood pressure taken. I told her that it would be high, sure enough it was. Far too high for my liking but she told me that it would come down. The last thing I had before my Consultant came to see me was to have my B/S tested. I told her that I guessed it would be around 6. She told me she would guess at 5.8. It was actually 4.8 so very good indeed.
I told her that I had bought a few boiled sweets and had bought with me a teacake to eat after the procedure. That would be the first thing to eat in 24 hours. She told me that she would get me a cup of tea, I told her I wished to have coffee. No problem at all. It was beautiful. I could tell it was made with semi skimmed milk. I only use skimmed it tasted so creamy to me. She also told me she would bring me a glass of water so that I could take my medication
My mate got me home around 5.30pm. I just rested for the remainder of the evening but didn't feel bad at all.
On Friday, I just took it easy and did nothing all day, although my best Pal came to see me. He is always welcome.
On Saturday I felt much better and hoovered tghrough and later in the morning I decide to try to get rid of some of the ivy that has invaded the ditch at the bottom of the garden. I should have taken a photo to show just how bad it was, but that is me, never thinking at all. I saw the young man next door and asked if he could take the rubbish away and burn it for me. He told me no problem at all so I have made a start.
Later in the day, I thought I heard the local farmer ploughing the field, sure enough he was there so I went out, when he saw me as soon as he got to this end of the field he came to see me. More soon.
These last few days have been rather busy for me. On Wednesday last week I had to prepare for an internal inspection on Thursday.
Thursday arrived and all went according to plan. I was surprised at one of the questions the Nurse asked me. She wanted to know if I had at any time major surgery. I told her I had not, she then mentioned gall bladder removal. I told her that I had my gall bladder removed but surely this was routine surgery and not major surgery. She told me it was a serious operation. I left it at that.
After asking several more questions she then told me that we would get prepared for the procedure. She told me that as I had this procedure several times before I knew what was going to happen. I then had my blood pressure taken. I told her that it would be high, sure enough it was. Far too high for my liking but she told me that it would come down. The last thing I had before my Consultant came to see me was to have my B/S tested. I told her that I guessed it would be around 6. She told me she would guess at 5.8. It was actually 4.8 so very good indeed.
I told her that I had bought a few boiled sweets and had bought with me a teacake to eat after the procedure. That would be the first thing to eat in 24 hours. She told me that she would get me a cup of tea, I told her I wished to have coffee. No problem at all. It was beautiful. I could tell it was made with semi skimmed milk. I only use skimmed it tasted so creamy to me. She also told me she would bring me a glass of water so that I could take my medication
My mate got me home around 5.30pm. I just rested for the remainder of the evening but didn't feel bad at all.
On Friday, I just took it easy and did nothing all day, although my best Pal came to see me. He is always welcome.
On Saturday I felt much better and hoovered tghrough and later in the morning I decide to try to get rid of some of the ivy that has invaded the ditch at the bottom of the garden. I should have taken a photo to show just how bad it was, but that is me, never thinking at all. I saw the young man next door and asked if he could take the rubbish away and burn it for me. He told me no problem at all so I have made a start.
Later in the day, I thought I heard the local farmer ploughing the field, sure enough he was there so I went out, when he saw me as soon as he got to this end of the field he came to see me. More soon.
Monday, 10 September 2012
Broadband problems
I have tried to see what ISP providers could offer me so I went first to Uswitch.com. There they told me I could have lots of choices with plenty of offers. Wrong. They told me things that it was not possible for providers to give me.
I did write and ask them to update their web pages because they were displaying incorrect information. Needless to say they never replied to me.
I did try to get Talk Talk also Sky plus Primus.
I must say this Talk Talk did contact me the next day. The conversation went something like this.
Talk Talk. "Am I speakin to Mr ****"
Me "Yes that is correct."
Talk Talk."This is Michael from Talk Talk, can you give me your telephone number?"
Me "It is the one you have just called me on" Laughing he then asked me for my post code.
I duly gave it to him. He then informed me that I had visited his site. I then said I had but there was nothing for me there.
Talk Talk. "Just a minute I will check your line," a pause, It looks as if we can't supply you but if you will wait a minute I will check to see if it is possible to put a line to your place."
After less than a minute he came back.
Talk Talk. "I am sorry but it is not possible so therefore we can not offer you a service to your home. I am sorry for wasting your time"
Me." Don't apologise my friend, you have tried to help me but unfortunately I am in a very rural place and to be honest I don't expect to see any improvement in the next 3 years".
I thanked him for contacting me and he rung off.
Next was Sky. They have a special offer to Sky subscribers which was something like £3.55 per month plus phoneline.
I put my post code in and immediately Sky informed me that the special offer was not available in my area but the good news was that they could offer me a package at £31,50 a month.
I was disgusted so I went on to their chat line. I was put in touch with a guy called Sandeep .All you could get from him was that he was sorry but the offer was not available in my area. I told him straight that I had been a Sky customer for many years he told me it was more than 20 years. I then told him that with the package I am on and the price they offered me was nearly 25% of my weekly State Pension would go to Sky and this was not acceptable to me. I then asked him to give me the address of SKy so that I could write and inform them that I was cancelling my contract. All he offered me was their phone line. I told him that I had no intention of ringing them just to be put on hold for about 20 minutes. Their lines are NOT freephone at all.
Finally I found this Primus. I went and filled the application form up and I had an e-mail confirming that my order was being processed and I was given an order number.
A couple of days later I had another e-mail from them informing me that unfortunately they could not supply the package to me but if I wished to contact them they would see what they could do.
I did telephone them, it wa a freephone number. The man on the other end told me that after checking all, he could not offer me anything at all as I was on IP stream, this I have found out is controlled by B.T. and Primus do not use it at all. He did say that more than likely, there would only be B.T and Plus Net that could supply me. How sad.
Finally for now, I went to Grantham on Friday because there was a planned power cut on Friday morning. I noticed that fuel here was 1.46.9p per litre. At ASDA in Grantham the price was 1.40.7 pence a litre more than 6p a litre. A huge saving but those living in that area were complaing about the price. They should live in the country, perhaps they would realise just how fortunate they are. Natural gas, cheaper fuel and a choice of Internet Broadband Providers.
By the way, I have posted my cancellation to Sky of my subscription. More soon.
I did write and ask them to update their web pages because they were displaying incorrect information. Needless to say they never replied to me.
I did try to get Talk Talk also Sky plus Primus.
I must say this Talk Talk did contact me the next day. The conversation went something like this.
Talk Talk. "Am I speakin to Mr ****"
Me "Yes that is correct."
Talk Talk."This is Michael from Talk Talk, can you give me your telephone number?"
Me "It is the one you have just called me on" Laughing he then asked me for my post code.
I duly gave it to him. He then informed me that I had visited his site. I then said I had but there was nothing for me there.
Talk Talk. "Just a minute I will check your line," a pause, It looks as if we can't supply you but if you will wait a minute I will check to see if it is possible to put a line to your place."
After less than a minute he came back.
Talk Talk. "I am sorry but it is not possible so therefore we can not offer you a service to your home. I am sorry for wasting your time"
Me." Don't apologise my friend, you have tried to help me but unfortunately I am in a very rural place and to be honest I don't expect to see any improvement in the next 3 years".
I thanked him for contacting me and he rung off.
Next was Sky. They have a special offer to Sky subscribers which was something like £3.55 per month plus phoneline.
I put my post code in and immediately Sky informed me that the special offer was not available in my area but the good news was that they could offer me a package at £31,50 a month.
I was disgusted so I went on to their chat line. I was put in touch with a guy called Sandeep .All you could get from him was that he was sorry but the offer was not available in my area. I told him straight that I had been a Sky customer for many years he told me it was more than 20 years. I then told him that with the package I am on and the price they offered me was nearly 25% of my weekly State Pension would go to Sky and this was not acceptable to me. I then asked him to give me the address of SKy so that I could write and inform them that I was cancelling my contract. All he offered me was their phone line. I told him that I had no intention of ringing them just to be put on hold for about 20 minutes. Their lines are NOT freephone at all.
Finally I found this Primus. I went and filled the application form up and I had an e-mail confirming that my order was being processed and I was given an order number.
A couple of days later I had another e-mail from them informing me that unfortunately they could not supply the package to me but if I wished to contact them they would see what they could do.
I did telephone them, it wa a freephone number. The man on the other end told me that after checking all, he could not offer me anything at all as I was on IP stream, this I have found out is controlled by B.T. and Primus do not use it at all. He did say that more than likely, there would only be B.T and Plus Net that could supply me. How sad.
Finally for now, I went to Grantham on Friday because there was a planned power cut on Friday morning. I noticed that fuel here was 1.46.9p per litre. At ASDA in Grantham the price was 1.40.7 pence a litre more than 6p a litre. A huge saving but those living in that area were complaing about the price. They should live in the country, perhaps they would realise just how fortunate they are. Natural gas, cheaper fuel and a choice of Internet Broadband Providers.
By the way, I have posted my cancellation to Sky of my subscription. More soon.
Friday, 7 September 2012
Planned power cut
This morning was a planned power cut. The information we received was that it was to improve the service to our area. Next door, the one with chickens had the letter but not really read it but she told me she would go and find the letter.
I decided to go to Grantham. I know what some are thinking. On a Friday! It was not a good day at all. It took me almost 2 hours to travel less than 60 miles. When I did get to Morrison's I had to go and drive rould the car park twice before I managed to find a space.
I did find a coulple of Herring, well not exactly, I asked the lady on the counter if there were any Herrings. The two Herrings were burried under a Plaice, anyway I took both of them, one I have had today and the other I will have tomorrow. I also bought some sugar free jellies, some cooked meat, 1/2 fat cheese, a box of cornflakes and a box of bran flakes. The lot cost me £20.01. Unusually for me, I did fill up with fuel. 1.40.7pence a litre.I had just over 18 litres. I then went to my Sister's but she was not at home. Her Husband was and he informed me that she could not get in the car park. It was not long before she arrived back home. Nev, her Husband showed me the tomatoes. Not good at all. He told me that his Sisters would not eat them. I suggested that when my Sister goes next on a Car Boot put them in bags and try to sell them.
I took with me for my Sisters and Niece some plums, a few grapes, pea seeds and a few tomatoes plus some french beans for her.
I managed to get back home about 1.15pm. The electricity was back on. The first job was to go and pick the runner beans. The guy next door was about. Yesterday he gave me 4 paving slabs. Not the large ones, I would never be able to lift them but those about 2' square. I asked him if he would like the beans I picked, his eyes lit up and told me he would love them. I also went and picked a few plums for him too then went in and cooked my Herring. It was very nice. For my tea I had pressed Ox Tongue, not good for me really as it is a little fatty but it is nice and I only have it as a treat.
I will tell more about my experiences regarding me trying to get a Broadband deal next time.
I decided to go to Grantham. I know what some are thinking. On a Friday! It was not a good day at all. It took me almost 2 hours to travel less than 60 miles. When I did get to Morrison's I had to go and drive rould the car park twice before I managed to find a space.
I did find a coulple of Herring, well not exactly, I asked the lady on the counter if there were any Herrings. The two Herrings were burried under a Plaice, anyway I took both of them, one I have had today and the other I will have tomorrow. I also bought some sugar free jellies, some cooked meat, 1/2 fat cheese, a box of cornflakes and a box of bran flakes. The lot cost me £20.01. Unusually for me, I did fill up with fuel. 1.40.7pence a litre.I had just over 18 litres. I then went to my Sister's but she was not at home. Her Husband was and he informed me that she could not get in the car park. It was not long before she arrived back home. Nev, her Husband showed me the tomatoes. Not good at all. He told me that his Sisters would not eat them. I suggested that when my Sister goes next on a Car Boot put them in bags and try to sell them.
I took with me for my Sisters and Niece some plums, a few grapes, pea seeds and a few tomatoes plus some french beans for her.
I managed to get back home about 1.15pm. The electricity was back on. The first job was to go and pick the runner beans. The guy next door was about. Yesterday he gave me 4 paving slabs. Not the large ones, I would never be able to lift them but those about 2' square. I asked him if he would like the beans I picked, his eyes lit up and told me he would love them. I also went and picked a few plums for him too then went in and cooked my Herring. It was very nice. For my tea I had pressed Ox Tongue, not good for me really as it is a little fatty but it is nice and I only have it as a treat.
I will tell more about my experiences regarding me trying to get a Broadband deal next time.
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Dentist
Today it was a trip to the Dentist. He is a very nice guy and we call each other by our christian names.
As soon as I sat down in the waiting area, this man started talking to me. I told him that it was cool and that I had put on a jumper. He told me that he didn't feel the cold and hating wearing a jacket or any other clothing to protect him. He then told me that he was originally a Miner. I asked him how long he was down the pits, 10 years altogether he told me, 2 5year stints at different pits. He then told me that he was a delivery driver going to ports such as Immingham. I reminded him that Immingham was a huge port, most people had no idea just how large it was. I then told him that there always seemed to be a dark cloud over Immingham. He laughed and agreed with me.
I then told him about a H.M. Customs Inspector.
It was in the 80s. I had several years before appealed against my Business Rates but took my Accountant with me. We failed. This time I was determined to go it alone.
Anyway, this Customs Officer came to see me(an appointment was made prior). He was smartly dressed in a suit, you would never guess that he worked for Customs and Excise. He was based in Boston. Upon entry he introduced himself and we shook hands. I told him that before we started any discussion we would have a cuppa. He readily agreed and had coffee. My Mother was also there, she always came down for a month after the main holiday was over so this would be in mid September.
He told me that he couldn't do a lot for me but sympathised with me but said he could knock a little off my Business Rates. They were in the region of £880 per annum. He offered to have them set at £850. I just told him he could do better than that. I then suggested a figure of £800 and held out my hand. I was surprised when he took hold of it and we agreed at that price. He then told me his Boss would have a fit when he told him.
Well we had another drink and I just said to him that he could tell some tales.
He looked at us then told us a tale. He started by saying that Boston Office was closing at the end of the year and the staff were being transferred to Nottingham. He told us that he was not going. He had discussed it with his wife and they both agreed that Nottingham was not for them. He then said that his Son was at University so there was only the two of them at home. He had paid enough money into his pension to get the maximum pension so all he was doing was paying each month extra cash which was showing no benefit at all. He said that he would just potter about until his retirement which is 60 years. I guessed he was about 57.
He then told us how when he first started he was sent to a fishing port for duties. He said there was a guard on the gates and he had to show his pass. When it came time to leave the security guard at the gate was waitng there for him. He told him that he had some fish for him. Being a novice he refused point blank, the security guard was a little put off. Nevertheless he told us he went straight back to the Office to see his boss to tell him what had gone on. He said his boss threw his hands in the air and exclaimed. "Oh my God, I hope you haven't upset them. They are the most militant group of workers and if they come out on strike, it will soon be Nationwide. You had better go back tomorrow and sort things out. Giving a little fish is like a Cafe Propreitor giving you a cup of tea. Fish is dirt cheap to them"
He said to us that he went back the next day and the security man on the gate asked him if he would have some fish this evening. He said he would love a little Plaice. The security man suggested that a couple of Dover Sole also would be nice. He agreed.
When it was time to leave, the security man asked him to open his boot of his car. He was amazed at the size of the box that went into hi boot. He told him that he must pay something for the fish. The security guard told him it was a shilling.
He siad when he got home there was enough fish for about a month. Not just Plaice and Dover Sole but plenty of Cod too.
He told us that whenever he went there he was always given a good lot of fish.
It was time for him to go and he told us he had thoroughly enjoyed his visit with us. I too told him it was great. I wished him a happy retirement and he left.
My Mother couldn't believe what she had witnessed. She said to me that nobody would believe it if we told anyone, but I can assure you it is all true.
While I was telling this man in the waiting area this story. The Dentist's assistant came out. She told me to carry on with the story. there was a woman in a wheelchair who told me after I had finished she had been captivated by the story I had told.
When I was ready to leave I said to the assistant that I guess that she would mention the story to the Dentist, most certainly I will she said. At least, I made somebody's time pass a little quicker by the tale. More soon.
As soon as I sat down in the waiting area, this man started talking to me. I told him that it was cool and that I had put on a jumper. He told me that he didn't feel the cold and hating wearing a jacket or any other clothing to protect him. He then told me that he was originally a Miner. I asked him how long he was down the pits, 10 years altogether he told me, 2 5year stints at different pits. He then told me that he was a delivery driver going to ports such as Immingham. I reminded him that Immingham was a huge port, most people had no idea just how large it was. I then told him that there always seemed to be a dark cloud over Immingham. He laughed and agreed with me.
I then told him about a H.M. Customs Inspector.
It was in the 80s. I had several years before appealed against my Business Rates but took my Accountant with me. We failed. This time I was determined to go it alone.
Anyway, this Customs Officer came to see me(an appointment was made prior). He was smartly dressed in a suit, you would never guess that he worked for Customs and Excise. He was based in Boston. Upon entry he introduced himself and we shook hands. I told him that before we started any discussion we would have a cuppa. He readily agreed and had coffee. My Mother was also there, she always came down for a month after the main holiday was over so this would be in mid September.
He told me that he couldn't do a lot for me but sympathised with me but said he could knock a little off my Business Rates. They were in the region of £880 per annum. He offered to have them set at £850. I just told him he could do better than that. I then suggested a figure of £800 and held out my hand. I was surprised when he took hold of it and we agreed at that price. He then told me his Boss would have a fit when he told him.
Well we had another drink and I just said to him that he could tell some tales.
He looked at us then told us a tale. He started by saying that Boston Office was closing at the end of the year and the staff were being transferred to Nottingham. He told us that he was not going. He had discussed it with his wife and they both agreed that Nottingham was not for them. He then said that his Son was at University so there was only the two of them at home. He had paid enough money into his pension to get the maximum pension so all he was doing was paying each month extra cash which was showing no benefit at all. He said that he would just potter about until his retirement which is 60 years. I guessed he was about 57.
He then told us how when he first started he was sent to a fishing port for duties. He said there was a guard on the gates and he had to show his pass. When it came time to leave the security guard at the gate was waitng there for him. He told him that he had some fish for him. Being a novice he refused point blank, the security guard was a little put off. Nevertheless he told us he went straight back to the Office to see his boss to tell him what had gone on. He said his boss threw his hands in the air and exclaimed. "Oh my God, I hope you haven't upset them. They are the most militant group of workers and if they come out on strike, it will soon be Nationwide. You had better go back tomorrow and sort things out. Giving a little fish is like a Cafe Propreitor giving you a cup of tea. Fish is dirt cheap to them"
He said to us that he went back the next day and the security man on the gate asked him if he would have some fish this evening. He said he would love a little Plaice. The security man suggested that a couple of Dover Sole also would be nice. He agreed.
When it was time to leave, the security man asked him to open his boot of his car. He was amazed at the size of the box that went into hi boot. He told him that he must pay something for the fish. The security guard told him it was a shilling.
He siad when he got home there was enough fish for about a month. Not just Plaice and Dover Sole but plenty of Cod too.
He told us that whenever he went there he was always given a good lot of fish.
It was time for him to go and he told us he had thoroughly enjoyed his visit with us. I too told him it was great. I wished him a happy retirement and he left.
My Mother couldn't believe what she had witnessed. She said to me that nobody would believe it if we told anyone, but I can assure you it is all true.
While I was telling this man in the waiting area this story. The Dentist's assistant came out. She told me to carry on with the story. there was a woman in a wheelchair who told me after I had finished she had been captivated by the story I had told.
When I was ready to leave I said to the assistant that I guess that she would mention the story to the Dentist, most certainly I will she said. At least, I made somebody's time pass a little quicker by the tale. More soon.
Monday, 3 September 2012
Becoming forgetful
The other day I put some plums on to cook then I went out in the front driveway to pull up a few weeds. This took longer than I thought and completely forgot about my plums cooking. As soon as I entered the house I could smell burning fruit. The saucepan was in an awful mess. I have spent many days trying to get the carbon removed but so far with limited success.
This morning I used a stainless steel pan to cook once again some plums. Only enough for me for my meal. I turned them low and completely forgot about them. This time I had to go to the Surgery for a blood test and also a B.P. check. This was a little high, would have been much higher if I had remembered I had left the plums cooking. When I got back home, once again the burnt smell met me. The stainless steel pan was in an awful mess. Funilly enough though it seems to be a lot easier to clean carbonised fruit off a stainless steel pan. Yes it is not perfectly clean but is useable.
A little later I went to have my haircut and he told me he was moving premises to what he hopes is a busier position. He will be opposite the Co-op supermarket and next door to a newsagent so he should do more business I hope.
I then went to the Butchers and bought some more liver, a pork pie and I asked if he would bone and roll some loin of pork, this he did and cut them into 3 joints. I just had 3 slices of ham and that was the lot.
I called to see the guy who lent me a DVD about travel from King's Cross to York, it did show a lot of where I was at Grantham, so much so that I watched it 4 times. We would have talked for much longer but a delivery man asked him where he could drop something off. I left the two sorting things out.
Next door, the one with the chickens told me she had been to my neighbours on the other side to complain about the bonfire he had. Mind you, the smoke was dreadful and when I went into my greenhouse the smell of bonfire smoke was powerful.
Unfortunately for her, she was cutting the field and had washing hanging on the line. I did tell her that the other week, I too had some washing out but was lucky for I saw the smoke in time. I did mention it to her that they had washing out too but they didn't fetch it in.
Finally I have been in touch with Sky. They offer to Sky subscribers a discount on the broadband and telephone. Not for me though as I am not in their area. I have told them that I will now cancel my subscription on principle. It costs me almost £60 a month with another £8+ for H.D. box protection. That is if anything goes wrong with your equipment from Sky, it is automatically repaied free of charge. The trouble is that as in most businesses it costs you about £5 in telephone costs. More soon.
This morning I used a stainless steel pan to cook once again some plums. Only enough for me for my meal. I turned them low and completely forgot about them. This time I had to go to the Surgery for a blood test and also a B.P. check. This was a little high, would have been much higher if I had remembered I had left the plums cooking. When I got back home, once again the burnt smell met me. The stainless steel pan was in an awful mess. Funilly enough though it seems to be a lot easier to clean carbonised fruit off a stainless steel pan. Yes it is not perfectly clean but is useable.
A little later I went to have my haircut and he told me he was moving premises to what he hopes is a busier position. He will be opposite the Co-op supermarket and next door to a newsagent so he should do more business I hope.
I then went to the Butchers and bought some more liver, a pork pie and I asked if he would bone and roll some loin of pork, this he did and cut them into 3 joints. I just had 3 slices of ham and that was the lot.
I called to see the guy who lent me a DVD about travel from King's Cross to York, it did show a lot of where I was at Grantham, so much so that I watched it 4 times. We would have talked for much longer but a delivery man asked him where he could drop something off. I left the two sorting things out.
Next door, the one with the chickens told me she had been to my neighbours on the other side to complain about the bonfire he had. Mind you, the smoke was dreadful and when I went into my greenhouse the smell of bonfire smoke was powerful.
Unfortunately for her, she was cutting the field and had washing hanging on the line. I did tell her that the other week, I too had some washing out but was lucky for I saw the smoke in time. I did mention it to her that they had washing out too but they didn't fetch it in.
Finally I have been in touch with Sky. They offer to Sky subscribers a discount on the broadband and telephone. Not for me though as I am not in their area. I have told them that I will now cancel my subscription on principle. It costs me almost £60 a month with another £8+ for H.D. box protection. That is if anything goes wrong with your equipment from Sky, it is automatically repaied free of charge. The trouble is that as in most businesses it costs you about £5 in telephone costs. More soon.
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