I can remember this man saying to me when I was in business some 30 years ago. that as one got older the years seemed to fly by. He was approaching 70. Unfortunately he didn't make the three score and ten. I do believe though he was correct as this last year has flown by and I am well into my 70s.
As for Christmas I always stay here and have it alone, this is for a few reasons, the main being that I am susceptible to ill health and it can be annoying. I also have to watch what I eat.
This year though I am having a meal that I really should not have but hang it I am having it.
I will have my usual breakfast of I think porridge, either that or cereals. For my main meal I have bought a duckling It was on offer at Lidl and cost £6.99p which was very good value. With the duckling I will have apple sauce which I have just made, sage and onion stuffing, I have cooked the onions ready to make early tomorrow morning. I will have boiled potatoes, and a variety of vegetables to choose from. Carrots, cabbage, sprouts, leek and from the freezer peas and broad beans. I will probably have 3 other vegetables. I also bought some back bacon which I intend to cover the duckling so that the skin on the legs do not dry up. Perhaps a little on the breast also. I haven't had bacon for years so will look forward to having a taste of back bacon.
For my sweet, yesterday I went to the Co-op and bought a Christmas pudding for £2 a 454gm or as I wish it a £1lb. I thought it was good value for money. I bought also 2x4pts. of skimmed milk, a few apples and a piece of ham to boil which I did yesterday. In fact I had boiled ham for my dinner today which was very nice. I have a raspberry roulade in my freezer but I don't think I will have that for tea Christmas Day, probably Boxing Day.
I will probably have a lightish tea which will include boiled ham, probably as a salad.
Wishing anyone who reads this A Happy Christmas. More soon.
Wednesday 24 December 2014
Wednesday 17 December 2014
Chore completed
I finally completed my painting. I saw the young man from next door about a week ago and he told me he would like to help me with my painting.
I didn't tell him I had done most of the work but told him that he could come round on Saturday which he duly did.
I didn't tell him before hand that I would cook him a dinner so when he arrived I told him what I intended to do and he asked me if I could ask his carer if it was possible. I call her his carer but she looks after him at her home, she also has another woman with learning difficulties but she is not capable of doing anything much at all.
Anyway all was settled and I told him that he could paint the hallway for a start while I was preparing dinner. I put a dust cover down, just as well because he managed to paddle some paint on the carpet but I managed to clean it all up.
I showed him how to use the paint pad and then I started to get dinner ready. I had already in the over a joint of shoulder of pork I also added a few shallots. I then made some pastry so that I could use a few blueberries up that I had originally saved for my mate. I was going to make him a pie as a surprise for Christmas. However I made him a couple of small pies. I also asked him what vegetables he would like. He told me he was not bothered as he liked all vegetables so I did carrots, sprouts and peas.
I then went to see how he was getting on. Surprisingly well considering. I showed him a couple of things he had missed but all in all he had made a decent job.
The next thing was the kitchen. I decided that I would be much quicker than him so I suggested that I do the painting while he moved al the things in my way. He did this willingly and I started to paint the walls. I guess that it only took about an hour to complete the kitchen and while I was cleaning the paint brush and pad etc. I asked him if he could clean the top of my cupboards. I later checked and he had made an excellent job of that.
I put on the dinner and by the time we had cleaned and cleared up the meal was more or less ready.
I gave him roast pork with apple sauce, the cooked shallots the boiled potatoes and vegetables. I also made him some gravy. It looked very nice but to be honest, the pork was nowhere near as good as the other ones I used to give my mate a meal. The crackling didn't crackle much, the pork was not good, too much fat but what was had was very nice.
I finished my meal a couple of minutes before him so I made some custard. By the time he had finished the custard was ready and the pies that I had cooked earlier were just about right for eating.
I left him to eat it while I started to do the washing up. I must admit that he did finish his pudding a couple of minutes before I had done the pots and pans. What he did say was that when he got his own flat he would get a dishwasher. I told him that this was not necessary as he could wash up as he went along.
I then made him a mug of coffee. He told me he had enjoyed his dinner a lot, much nicer that where he had been on holiday. He had been to Morocco. He told me that the food was not good, the weather was also not good and the water in the swimming pool was not really warm at all. He also had been sick. Mind you the hotel was given a thumbs up. He told me he had a room to himself that included a shower an toilet. Later his carer who went with the family told me that he was sick because he went to the sweet trolley too many times.
Soon after his coffee I told him it was time to go home. I did walk round with him but they had gone shopping so we went back. I turned on the T.V and found a channel where they were showing the traffic Police in action. This he enjoyed very much. I went to check after 15 minutes to see if the car was back, each time after that as soon as there was a break for adverts he kept checking. Just before 4.00pm they were back and I saw him back home. He told me he had enjoyed it very much. Anyway now my home has now had my spring clean albeit in December. More soon.
I didn't tell him I had done most of the work but told him that he could come round on Saturday which he duly did.
I didn't tell him before hand that I would cook him a dinner so when he arrived I told him what I intended to do and he asked me if I could ask his carer if it was possible. I call her his carer but she looks after him at her home, she also has another woman with learning difficulties but she is not capable of doing anything much at all.
Anyway all was settled and I told him that he could paint the hallway for a start while I was preparing dinner. I put a dust cover down, just as well because he managed to paddle some paint on the carpet but I managed to clean it all up.
I showed him how to use the paint pad and then I started to get dinner ready. I had already in the over a joint of shoulder of pork I also added a few shallots. I then made some pastry so that I could use a few blueberries up that I had originally saved for my mate. I was going to make him a pie as a surprise for Christmas. However I made him a couple of small pies. I also asked him what vegetables he would like. He told me he was not bothered as he liked all vegetables so I did carrots, sprouts and peas.
I then went to see how he was getting on. Surprisingly well considering. I showed him a couple of things he had missed but all in all he had made a decent job.
The next thing was the kitchen. I decided that I would be much quicker than him so I suggested that I do the painting while he moved al the things in my way. He did this willingly and I started to paint the walls. I guess that it only took about an hour to complete the kitchen and while I was cleaning the paint brush and pad etc. I asked him if he could clean the top of my cupboards. I later checked and he had made an excellent job of that.
I put on the dinner and by the time we had cleaned and cleared up the meal was more or less ready.
I gave him roast pork with apple sauce, the cooked shallots the boiled potatoes and vegetables. I also made him some gravy. It looked very nice but to be honest, the pork was nowhere near as good as the other ones I used to give my mate a meal. The crackling didn't crackle much, the pork was not good, too much fat but what was had was very nice.
I finished my meal a couple of minutes before him so I made some custard. By the time he had finished the custard was ready and the pies that I had cooked earlier were just about right for eating.
I left him to eat it while I started to do the washing up. I must admit that he did finish his pudding a couple of minutes before I had done the pots and pans. What he did say was that when he got his own flat he would get a dishwasher. I told him that this was not necessary as he could wash up as he went along.
I then made him a mug of coffee. He told me he had enjoyed his dinner a lot, much nicer that where he had been on holiday. He had been to Morocco. He told me that the food was not good, the weather was also not good and the water in the swimming pool was not really warm at all. He also had been sick. Mind you the hotel was given a thumbs up. He told me he had a room to himself that included a shower an toilet. Later his carer who went with the family told me that he was sick because he went to the sweet trolley too many times.
Soon after his coffee I told him it was time to go home. I did walk round with him but they had gone shopping so we went back. I turned on the T.V and found a channel where they were showing the traffic Police in action. This he enjoyed very much. I went to check after 15 minutes to see if the car was back, each time after that as soon as there was a break for adverts he kept checking. Just before 4.00pm they were back and I saw him back home. He told me he had enjoyed it very much. Anyway now my home has now had my spring clean albeit in December. More soon.
Wednesday 10 December 2014
Journey
This morning I went to see my mate who has been staying at his Partners since he had his fall. He certainly would have difficulty looking after himself.
I had rung him up over the week end to see if it was possible to see him and he said that would be nice.
I travelled with a very low sun in my eyes for most of the way but I managed to get there just before 9.30am.
I didn't have time to knock on the door as it was opened by his Partner, hardly a word was spoken which I thought was immature, anyway I went into the sitting room and found him sat in the chair with a sort of sling on his arm to support him. I did ask his Partner if he was being a model patient and she told me no. With that she hurriedly left and went into another room.
I found it far too cold in there for me but to be honest I like my place nice and warm. My mate seems to have his place too cool for me also so perhaps it is me that likes it nice and warm.
He told me what he had to go through with regards to the NHS. He eventually finished up in Queen's Medical in Nottingham after first calling at the Cottage Hospital in Skegness, they sent him on to Boston which his Brother took him. After several delays with the operation he was operated on Wednesday and allowed home on Friday.
His Partner dashed in once more, didn't say a word and dashed out again. I immediately though to myself if she had a bad back, she was doing brilliantly dashing around. I stayed for about 30 minutes, thanked her for allowing me to see him, mind you what she doesn't realise that I have helped her more than she would ever help me.
Solar panels were fitted in her property several months ago. It was thanks to me and my insistence that her Partner tell her that it was a great deal. We both had solar panels fitted when the price was high. I had noticed that the price had been reduced such a lot and a 4kw. system was about 50% cheaper than a 3.kw. system was when we had ours fitted.
I must admit that when I informed him he told her that it was a good price and she would benefit substantially by having the system installed. Each time he came to visit me I kept asking him if she had done the deal and had solar panels fitted. He kept saying that he told her and it was up tom her to have the system installed.
Well eventually she decided to have the panels, of course my mate organised everything and to be honest, the difference in efficiency of the panels now to what they were when we had them fitted is substantially better.
Once they were installed she insisted that nobody knew about it. Why I don't know?
All I now know is that I will not bother to bother with helping her again as it is not worth it.
I then went to Morrison's, a place that was strange to me, to be honest it was a lot larger than I expected but just like the one at Grantham, no herring was to be had, they had a small but well laid out fish stall with different varieties of fresh fish but unfortunately not what I needed. I didn't get so much but when I went to the check out I was surprised to see each till was manned and there was no queuing at all. When it came to getting out of the Supermarket it took me some time to find my way out of there. First I took the wrong turning and finished up in the restaurant area eventually turning around and eventually finding my way out.
I don't think I will be calling at Morrison's very often. More soon.
I had rung him up over the week end to see if it was possible to see him and he said that would be nice.
I travelled with a very low sun in my eyes for most of the way but I managed to get there just before 9.30am.
I didn't have time to knock on the door as it was opened by his Partner, hardly a word was spoken which I thought was immature, anyway I went into the sitting room and found him sat in the chair with a sort of sling on his arm to support him. I did ask his Partner if he was being a model patient and she told me no. With that she hurriedly left and went into another room.
I found it far too cold in there for me but to be honest I like my place nice and warm. My mate seems to have his place too cool for me also so perhaps it is me that likes it nice and warm.
He told me what he had to go through with regards to the NHS. He eventually finished up in Queen's Medical in Nottingham after first calling at the Cottage Hospital in Skegness, they sent him on to Boston which his Brother took him. After several delays with the operation he was operated on Wednesday and allowed home on Friday.
His Partner dashed in once more, didn't say a word and dashed out again. I immediately though to myself if she had a bad back, she was doing brilliantly dashing around. I stayed for about 30 minutes, thanked her for allowing me to see him, mind you what she doesn't realise that I have helped her more than she would ever help me.
Solar panels were fitted in her property several months ago. It was thanks to me and my insistence that her Partner tell her that it was a great deal. We both had solar panels fitted when the price was high. I had noticed that the price had been reduced such a lot and a 4kw. system was about 50% cheaper than a 3.kw. system was when we had ours fitted.
I must admit that when I informed him he told her that it was a good price and she would benefit substantially by having the system installed. Each time he came to visit me I kept asking him if she had done the deal and had solar panels fitted. He kept saying that he told her and it was up tom her to have the system installed.
Well eventually she decided to have the panels, of course my mate organised everything and to be honest, the difference in efficiency of the panels now to what they were when we had them fitted is substantially better.
Once they were installed she insisted that nobody knew about it. Why I don't know?
All I now know is that I will not bother to bother with helping her again as it is not worth it.
I then went to Morrison's, a place that was strange to me, to be honest it was a lot larger than I expected but just like the one at Grantham, no herring was to be had, they had a small but well laid out fish stall with different varieties of fresh fish but unfortunately not what I needed. I didn't get so much but when I went to the check out I was surprised to see each till was manned and there was no queuing at all. When it came to getting out of the Supermarket it took me some time to find my way out of there. First I took the wrong turning and finished up in the restaurant area eventually turning around and eventually finding my way out.
I don't think I will be calling at Morrison's very often. More soon.
Thursday 4 December 2014
News
I had to go the Surgery in the next Town this morning for my 3 monthly tests. Just before I was about to leave the telephone rang. It was from my Mate's Partner giving me the latest news. It was good news as he had the operation and it was a success and hopefully would be out of Hospital in the next couple of days.
I was a little more prepared this time and asked her if I could have her telephone number so that I could contact the. I was grateful that she informed me that this was no problem. So now I will be able to contact them with the notion of going over to see him when he feels a little better.
So off I went to the Surgery. I saw the Nurse almost immediately. I have had her services before and we got talking about the situation about the lack of Doctors and Nurses in Lincolnshire. I learnt a lot including that if it wasn't for her Husband working in the area, she would have definitely left Lincolnshire. She stated the obvious, lack of good Schools, lack of transport with the state of the roads. No large shops and so on. I then asked her what her Husband did. She told me that he was an Agricultural Analyst or something like that. She told me that they would like to live in Yorkshire but Agriculture was not so prevalent in that County.
I did have one piece of good news. For the first time in ages my B.P. was satisfactory.
I then went to have my hair cut. The Barber is talkative, even more so this morning. There were 3 other in front of me and I was in there for over an hour. Still I did get it cut and will manage now until 2015. More soon.
I was a little more prepared this time and asked her if I could have her telephone number so that I could contact the. I was grateful that she informed me that this was no problem. So now I will be able to contact them with the notion of going over to see him when he feels a little better.
So off I went to the Surgery. I saw the Nurse almost immediately. I have had her services before and we got talking about the situation about the lack of Doctors and Nurses in Lincolnshire. I learnt a lot including that if it wasn't for her Husband working in the area, she would have definitely left Lincolnshire. She stated the obvious, lack of good Schools, lack of transport with the state of the roads. No large shops and so on. I then asked her what her Husband did. She told me that he was an Agricultural Analyst or something like that. She told me that they would like to live in Yorkshire but Agriculture was not so prevalent in that County.
I did have one piece of good news. For the first time in ages my B.P. was satisfactory.
I then went to have my hair cut. The Barber is talkative, even more so this morning. There were 3 other in front of me and I was in there for over an hour. Still I did get it cut and will manage now until 2015. More soon.
Tuesday 2 December 2014
Disturbing news
Yesterday I went to Grantham to see my Sisters. This is the last time I will get over there this year, hopefully.
I called at Morrison's and was a little disappointed at the display and selection. I didn't get any Herrings which was a disappointment. I also looked for some Ham to boil but it was not of the quality and price I wished.
I did get some cheap fuel though from ASDA. which was far cheaper than round here. In fact some 7p a litre in some places.
I had just walked in my home when the phone rang. Something that rarely occurs. It was from my Mate's Partner. It was not good news. He was supposed to be at mine on Wednesday but his Partner informed me that he would not be here that day as he had taken a fall and had suspected broken elbows in both arms and that he had been taken to Hospital but there was no qualified Doctor there who was suitable to perform the operation so that later that day or the next day they had hoped that the operation would happen.
To be honest I was completely taken aback and didn't even ask for her telephone number so that I could keep informed as to the state of his well being.
What I will do if I hear nothing, next week I will take a ride over to Skegness and find out that way. Obviously I do have my Mate's telephone number but it seems to me that he will not be able to look after himself properly for a while even when he is allowed out of Hospital.
To compound matters his Partner informed me that she was unable to drive as she was suffering from severe back problems and has been having treatment for about a year. More soon.
I called at Morrison's and was a little disappointed at the display and selection. I didn't get any Herrings which was a disappointment. I also looked for some Ham to boil but it was not of the quality and price I wished.
I did get some cheap fuel though from ASDA. which was far cheaper than round here. In fact some 7p a litre in some places.
I had just walked in my home when the phone rang. Something that rarely occurs. It was from my Mate's Partner. It was not good news. He was supposed to be at mine on Wednesday but his Partner informed me that he would not be here that day as he had taken a fall and had suspected broken elbows in both arms and that he had been taken to Hospital but there was no qualified Doctor there who was suitable to perform the operation so that later that day or the next day they had hoped that the operation would happen.
To be honest I was completely taken aback and didn't even ask for her telephone number so that I could keep informed as to the state of his well being.
What I will do if I hear nothing, next week I will take a ride over to Skegness and find out that way. Obviously I do have my Mate's telephone number but it seems to me that he will not be able to look after himself properly for a while even when he is allowed out of Hospital.
To compound matters his Partner informed me that she was unable to drive as she was suffering from severe back problems and has been having treatment for about a year. More soon.
Wednesday 26 November 2014
They are back
This morning I went out as usual to let the chickens out and noticed the car was in the drive. So they are back. To be honest I am not sad because the chicken run is so muddy and my wellies are filthy.
It was the 13th. November when she bought me the garage key so that I could access the food for the chickens. For a week I had the same routine, let them out around 8.00am. go and give them some of my bird seed around 11.00am. and again about 2.00pm. then shut them up when it got dark about 4.30pm. I didn't get an egg for the first week then last Friday I was surprised because I found an egg. The Saturday was a bad day but on Sunday it was even worse. I didn't produce 1 watt of solar but I did get 2 eggs. On Monday after an early frost it was a sunny day and I got another 2 eggs. Tuesday was similar and to my amazement I had 3 eggs. This morning I opened up and didn't expect to find any eggs so I was not disappointed.
Whether it was because I was taking my wild bird seed and feeding them this extra each morning and afternoon I don't know. I do know that the chickens went mad each time they saw me and eagerly gobbled up the wild food I bought for them. By the way, there is always plenty of food available for them with copious amounts of water.
Now I can get back to my routine of taking my time and not dashing out and hurrying back so that I could listen to Radio 4 extra which has comedy programmes each weekday at 8.00am. More soon.
It was the 13th. November when she bought me the garage key so that I could access the food for the chickens. For a week I had the same routine, let them out around 8.00am. go and give them some of my bird seed around 11.00am. and again about 2.00pm. then shut them up when it got dark about 4.30pm. I didn't get an egg for the first week then last Friday I was surprised because I found an egg. The Saturday was a bad day but on Sunday it was even worse. I didn't produce 1 watt of solar but I did get 2 eggs. On Monday after an early frost it was a sunny day and I got another 2 eggs. Tuesday was similar and to my amazement I had 3 eggs. This morning I opened up and didn't expect to find any eggs so I was not disappointed.
Whether it was because I was taking my wild bird seed and feeding them this extra each morning and afternoon I don't know. I do know that the chickens went mad each time they saw me and eagerly gobbled up the wild food I bought for them. By the way, there is always plenty of food available for them with copious amounts of water.
Now I can get back to my routine of taking my time and not dashing out and hurrying back so that I could listen to Radio 4 extra which has comedy programmes each weekday at 8.00am. More soon.
Friday 21 November 2014
Painting
Over the last few days I have been painting, not a lot but a small amount each day. So far I have done all the gloss paint in my hallway, my bathroom, my bedroom, my T.V. room and the kitchen diner.
Each morning I go and let the chickens out, have my breakfast then get my main meal ready and I am ready to do some painting.
I generally paint until about 10.30am. then I go and take the chickens some of my wild bird seed. They really do love it and when they see me coming they all rush to the door and wait for me to give them the tit bits.
I have checked daily for eggs but to no avail. I did notice though yesterday that the coops were getting very dirty.
After further painting I decided to clean the coops out so I went to get some straw cleared the dirty mess out and made it look much nicer.
I then went back home, this time not feeding them any tit bits.
Soon after my mid day meal I decided to feed the chickens with my wild bird seed.
As usual they were waiting for me. I went and checked the coops and to my surprise there was 1 egg. Whether it was because there were pristine conditions I doubt it but at least I have been rewarded with an egg. More soon.
Each morning I go and let the chickens out, have my breakfast then get my main meal ready and I am ready to do some painting.
I generally paint until about 10.30am. then I go and take the chickens some of my wild bird seed. They really do love it and when they see me coming they all rush to the door and wait for me to give them the tit bits.
I have checked daily for eggs but to no avail. I did notice though yesterday that the coops were getting very dirty.
After further painting I decided to clean the coops out so I went to get some straw cleared the dirty mess out and made it look much nicer.
I then went back home, this time not feeding them any tit bits.
Soon after my mid day meal I decided to feed the chickens with my wild bird seed.
As usual they were waiting for me. I went and checked the coops and to my surprise there was 1 egg. Whether it was because there were pristine conditions I doubt it but at least I have been rewarded with an egg. More soon.
Wednesday 19 November 2014
No eggs
Each morning I let the chickens out around 8.00am and shut them up as soon as it gets dark around 4.30pm.
It has been generally miserable with little sun and to be honest I am a little disappointed that so far I have not seen an egg and to be honest I now don't expect any. Still they seem pleased to see me. I go each morning around 11.00am to give them some of my wild bird seed as a tit-bit. They certainly gobble it al up. Most afternoons I go again to give them some more.
The ground is getting very muddy though and I will not be sad when my chores are completed. I think it is early next week when they get back home.
Last night I was watching T.V. and saw a notice with LR 20. It immediately bought back to me when I first started in Business. As I have informed all who read my blog I started with the local youngsters. I was told that I must have a Juke Box and Pin Table too. This was to attract the teenagers.
The guy who supplied the Pin Table and Juke Box used to call about once a month to empty them. We worked on a 50% each. They didn't earn me a lot of money. Eventually I got rid of them both but not before I got to know the guy quite well.
I was informed that he was very good with electronics and had a good education. His Mother was a retired teacher. He might have been good with electronics but was not so good when it came to Business. He came often to see me and thought I was making a fortune. Each time in the Summer months I would be busy. Mind you in the Winter months I did very little.
Anyway he decided to rent a seaside café/snack bar at the North end of the town. He was fortunate because the gas pipe was being laid to the Thedlethorpe very near to his café and this lasted for about 18 months.
To be honest we did get a few workers come for lunch regularly.
You learnt a lot by just listening. Remember I told you his Mother was a retired Schoolteacher. Well she smoked and to be honest I never saw her without a cigarette in her mouth.
The workmen would chuckle when talking about (Fagash Lil) this is what the nicknamed her. They would talk among themselves saying they couldn't stand much more of it. Her serving tea with a cigarette in her mouth.
Needless to say he didn't make much money from that venture.
Not to be daunted he told me his next foray was to buy a small boat to take holidaymakers on trips out to sea. When I saw the tiny boat I asked him how many would it carry. 4 including the operator which was going to be himself. I didn't like to disappoint him but knew he would never make a go of it.
On one of his many days on the beach, he drove his estate car on the sand. It was a Volvo. According to customers who came in for lunch. They had been entertained regally. According to those who were there, the tide came in and when the guy tried to move the car, it had settled in the dry sand and could not move. He managed to get several people to help try to get the car shifted but to no avail. The tide got into the cab but he was lucky that the engine was not submerged. It still cost him a lot of money to get it sorted.
The next thing was to rent a filling station with a repair garage attached.
I had someone come to see me and he said he looked filthy with his greasy hair and dirty finger nails.
I didn't see too much more of him and lost contact. A few years later I found out he had passed away. I guess he would have been in his 60s. More soon.
It has been generally miserable with little sun and to be honest I am a little disappointed that so far I have not seen an egg and to be honest I now don't expect any. Still they seem pleased to see me. I go each morning around 11.00am to give them some of my wild bird seed as a tit-bit. They certainly gobble it al up. Most afternoons I go again to give them some more.
The ground is getting very muddy though and I will not be sad when my chores are completed. I think it is early next week when they get back home.
Last night I was watching T.V. and saw a notice with LR 20. It immediately bought back to me when I first started in Business. As I have informed all who read my blog I started with the local youngsters. I was told that I must have a Juke Box and Pin Table too. This was to attract the teenagers.
The guy who supplied the Pin Table and Juke Box used to call about once a month to empty them. We worked on a 50% each. They didn't earn me a lot of money. Eventually I got rid of them both but not before I got to know the guy quite well.
I was informed that he was very good with electronics and had a good education. His Mother was a retired teacher. He might have been good with electronics but was not so good when it came to Business. He came often to see me and thought I was making a fortune. Each time in the Summer months I would be busy. Mind you in the Winter months I did very little.
Anyway he decided to rent a seaside café/snack bar at the North end of the town. He was fortunate because the gas pipe was being laid to the Thedlethorpe very near to his café and this lasted for about 18 months.
To be honest we did get a few workers come for lunch regularly.
You learnt a lot by just listening. Remember I told you his Mother was a retired Schoolteacher. Well she smoked and to be honest I never saw her without a cigarette in her mouth.
The workmen would chuckle when talking about (Fagash Lil) this is what the nicknamed her. They would talk among themselves saying they couldn't stand much more of it. Her serving tea with a cigarette in her mouth.
Needless to say he didn't make much money from that venture.
Not to be daunted he told me his next foray was to buy a small boat to take holidaymakers on trips out to sea. When I saw the tiny boat I asked him how many would it carry. 4 including the operator which was going to be himself. I didn't like to disappoint him but knew he would never make a go of it.
On one of his many days on the beach, he drove his estate car on the sand. It was a Volvo. According to customers who came in for lunch. They had been entertained regally. According to those who were there, the tide came in and when the guy tried to move the car, it had settled in the dry sand and could not move. He managed to get several people to help try to get the car shifted but to no avail. The tide got into the cab but he was lucky that the engine was not submerged. It still cost him a lot of money to get it sorted.
The next thing was to rent a filling station with a repair garage attached.
I had someone come to see me and he said he looked filthy with his greasy hair and dirty finger nails.
I didn't see too much more of him and lost contact. A few years later I found out he had passed away. I guess he would have been in his 60s. More soon.
Thursday 13 November 2014
A job again
My mate called yesterday, it was nice to see him but he still isn't 100% yet.
Anyway we had a lovely meal of roast pork. Incidentally I went to Lidl on Tuesday and I didn't go for any meat but they had some medallions of pork on offer. £5.99 for 1kg but if one bought 2 packs the cost was down to £8 for the two so I bought a couple of packs.. There were 9 medallions in each pack. I was so impressed that when I arrived back home I went to the neighbour who has the chickens and told her about the offer. I also sent my mate an e-mail.
When he was here I asked him if he saw my mail and if he had bought any. He told me that some time ago they had the medallions on and they were very nice so he told me he would go the next day for some.
This morning I waited for a delivery of LPG. Incidentally the woman who took my order was not the best and I wondered if my order had gone in. I rung up, gave my Account name, that meant nothing to her and she asked me for my name and address. I told her that if she found my Account, all the details were there. Anyway I gave her the details and told her I wished to have 2 bottles. She asked if I needed 4. I told her I had 4 but only needed 2 as they were the only ones empty. After what seemed an age she then asked how I was going to pay. I told her that if she had accessed my Account all the details were there. She then decided to find the account. Eventually she informed me that she had found it and that all was O.K. and the delivery would be the next day.
I wondered if it had gone through because the delivery is generally in the morning. However this afternoon a delivery was made. I mentioned the palaver I had when ordering, he told me that the girl worked in Accounts and was just filling in. He had wondered who it was because the paper work was a bit awry.
A little later the lady from next door came to see me, she bought a few carrots and the garage key so that I could feed the chickens. She then told me she had bought 2 packs of medallions of pork and remarked how nice they looked. They work out at about 45p each piece, ideal as there is virtually no fat and no bone. She then told me they were going as soon as she got the rest in the car. About 10 minutes later they were on their way to Morocco, well I think that is where they are going.
She had asked if I would shut the chickens in at night as well as letting them out each morning, plus feeding them. I certainly don't mind letting them out in the mornings. It is somewhat of a pain waiting for them to go to roost in the evening. There is always one that waits until it is more or less pitch black before it goes in. Still I managed to shut them up for the night. Will be up early tomorrow to let them out. Certainly much earlier than they are used to as sometimes it is after 9.00am. before they are let out. More soon.
Anyway we had a lovely meal of roast pork. Incidentally I went to Lidl on Tuesday and I didn't go for any meat but they had some medallions of pork on offer. £5.99 for 1kg but if one bought 2 packs the cost was down to £8 for the two so I bought a couple of packs.. There were 9 medallions in each pack. I was so impressed that when I arrived back home I went to the neighbour who has the chickens and told her about the offer. I also sent my mate an e-mail.
When he was here I asked him if he saw my mail and if he had bought any. He told me that some time ago they had the medallions on and they were very nice so he told me he would go the next day for some.
This morning I waited for a delivery of LPG. Incidentally the woman who took my order was not the best and I wondered if my order had gone in. I rung up, gave my Account name, that meant nothing to her and she asked me for my name and address. I told her that if she found my Account, all the details were there. Anyway I gave her the details and told her I wished to have 2 bottles. She asked if I needed 4. I told her I had 4 but only needed 2 as they were the only ones empty. After what seemed an age she then asked how I was going to pay. I told her that if she had accessed my Account all the details were there. She then decided to find the account. Eventually she informed me that she had found it and that all was O.K. and the delivery would be the next day.
I wondered if it had gone through because the delivery is generally in the morning. However this afternoon a delivery was made. I mentioned the palaver I had when ordering, he told me that the girl worked in Accounts and was just filling in. He had wondered who it was because the paper work was a bit awry.
A little later the lady from next door came to see me, she bought a few carrots and the garage key so that I could feed the chickens. She then told me she had bought 2 packs of medallions of pork and remarked how nice they looked. They work out at about 45p each piece, ideal as there is virtually no fat and no bone. She then told me they were going as soon as she got the rest in the car. About 10 minutes later they were on their way to Morocco, well I think that is where they are going.
She had asked if I would shut the chickens in at night as well as letting them out each morning, plus feeding them. I certainly don't mind letting them out in the mornings. It is somewhat of a pain waiting for them to go to roost in the evening. There is always one that waits until it is more or less pitch black before it goes in. Still I managed to shut them up for the night. Will be up early tomorrow to let them out. Certainly much earlier than they are used to as sometimes it is after 9.00am. before they are let out. More soon.
Thursday 6 November 2014
Autumn arrived
This morning as it got light the frost arrived, so much so that my bird bath was iced up, so this is definitely Autumn.
I did expect this because believe it or not I had a strawberry more or less ripe, and I picked it yesterday and gave it to the young man next door. He told me it was nice.
A couple of days ago I went and checked the flowers in the garden. I was surprised that I had a scabious plus a lavender together with what you might expect such as roses, polyanthus, plenty of marigolds a few geraniums plus pelargoniums. also a few antirrhinums.
Yesterday I finished the last of the cucumbers they have been one of the big successes this season. I still have a few tomatoes left but they will not go into next year as I have managed to do the last few years.
For the first time I can remember, I didn't hear or see a firework on bonfire night or mischievous night come to that. It does seem as if Halloween is becoming more popular that November 5th.
My mate is still suffering after going to the West Coast with his Partner to see her Brother. He did ring me last Sunday but sounded rough. I did ask how his Partner's Brother was progressing. He told me that he was walking a little but couldn't talk. I told him that it was good that he was mobile and that his speech would eventually return but like any Brain injury it will take time.
I will be looking after the chickens next door for about 12 days from late next week so I will have a part time, unpaid job for the following 12 days. I think it is 12 days that they are going for. The young man is excited and told me the temperature where they are going was 32c today. Far too warm for the likes of me though. More soon.
I did expect this because believe it or not I had a strawberry more or less ripe, and I picked it yesterday and gave it to the young man next door. He told me it was nice.
A couple of days ago I went and checked the flowers in the garden. I was surprised that I had a scabious plus a lavender together with what you might expect such as roses, polyanthus, plenty of marigolds a few geraniums plus pelargoniums. also a few antirrhinums.
Yesterday I finished the last of the cucumbers they have been one of the big successes this season. I still have a few tomatoes left but they will not go into next year as I have managed to do the last few years.
For the first time I can remember, I didn't hear or see a firework on bonfire night or mischievous night come to that. It does seem as if Halloween is becoming more popular that November 5th.
My mate is still suffering after going to the West Coast with his Partner to see her Brother. He did ring me last Sunday but sounded rough. I did ask how his Partner's Brother was progressing. He told me that he was walking a little but couldn't talk. I told him that it was good that he was mobile and that his speech would eventually return but like any Brain injury it will take time.
I will be looking after the chickens next door for about 12 days from late next week so I will have a part time, unpaid job for the following 12 days. I think it is 12 days that they are going for. The young man is excited and told me the temperature where they are going was 32c today. Far too warm for the likes of me though. More soon.
Thursday 30 October 2014
Last runner beans
A few days ago I had the last of my runner beans that I set in the polytunnel. I had about 20 meals in all so not a disaster by any means. My peas did nothing though and the broad beans which I set at the same time as the runner beans have so far produced nothing at all. I must admit though there are a few pods on. Whether they will grow to produce any edible beans is purely guesswork.
My mate hasn't been here for a month. He was due to call a couple of weeks ago but unfortunately his Partner's Brother suffered a stroke so not surprisingly he took her to see him. He lives on the West Coast. I was pleased to learn that the stroke was not as severe as they first thought and gladly it seems as if he is making good progress. It will take time though.
He rung me up when he arrived home and I immediately asked him if he was O.K? I asked him this because he sounded rough. He told me he thought it was by travelling such a long distance.
He didn't answer my calls on Saturday last week which was unusual but I had a call on Sunday. He did sound poorly and told me he had lay on his Partner's couch all the day before. I told him I didn't expect him over here this week but of course would be welcome.
I normally ask him to get some milk for me but I told him I would get the milk myself. Just as well for he didn't manage to get here this week at all. I only hope he is improving well and that next week he will be here.
I have been collecting leaves that have blown off the many trees that surround me. In fact these are early this year, even more surprising as it has been a very mild Autumn.
Finally for now. My American friend who moved home recently has settled in well. I knew it would be the best move he had made. He joined the Camera Club and now has become the Treasurer. This will give him a added interest. This can only be positive and I am happy for him. It will certainly keep him busy. More soon.
My mate hasn't been here for a month. He was due to call a couple of weeks ago but unfortunately his Partner's Brother suffered a stroke so not surprisingly he took her to see him. He lives on the West Coast. I was pleased to learn that the stroke was not as severe as they first thought and gladly it seems as if he is making good progress. It will take time though.
He rung me up when he arrived home and I immediately asked him if he was O.K? I asked him this because he sounded rough. He told me he thought it was by travelling such a long distance.
He didn't answer my calls on Saturday last week which was unusual but I had a call on Sunday. He did sound poorly and told me he had lay on his Partner's couch all the day before. I told him I didn't expect him over here this week but of course would be welcome.
I normally ask him to get some milk for me but I told him I would get the milk myself. Just as well for he didn't manage to get here this week at all. I only hope he is improving well and that next week he will be here.
I have been collecting leaves that have blown off the many trees that surround me. In fact these are early this year, even more surprising as it has been a very mild Autumn.
Finally for now. My American friend who moved home recently has settled in well. I knew it would be the best move he had made. He joined the Camera Club and now has become the Treasurer. This will give him a added interest. This can only be positive and I am happy for him. It will certainly keep him busy. More soon.
Friday 24 October 2014
Correction
I must first correct myself. On my last blog I said it was well over 50 years ago, that is incorrect. It was well over 40 years ago.
Now to other things.
Yesterday I looked at my guttering and noticed a weed growing so I thought I would investigate. My mate had put some protective stuff on so that leaves would not congregate and block the downpipe. Anyway I went to get some steps and looked into the guttering. I was shocked at just how much moss had gathered and had clung to this gauze type of material.
I decided there and then that I must clean the guttering. I started out the front and was lucky that one piece of guttering was relatively clean but the other was well clogged up. I cleaned it up and noticed the lady next door, the one with the chickens.
I knew they were going on holiday to I think Morocco next months for about 10 days. She called out and asked me if it would be alright if I looked after her chickens for that time. Obviously I said yes.
Incidentally I don't know if I mentioned it but they are going out for Christmas Day lunch for the first time. She actually asked me if I would like to join them, it was nice of her to ask but I declined as I am not confident that my illnesses would allow me to have a decent time of it. Still I did appreciate the thought and thanked her for thinking about me.
Now back to the guttering. I then went round the rear of the property. Almost all the gutters were badly affected and it took me some time to clean them. I finished up with nearly 50% of a wheelbarrow full of moss and debris. Mind you I made a mess taking the stuff out and so today I had to start to clean the facia and guttering's. I have done all the rear UPVC gutters, downpipe and facia. They certainly look a lot better so that now all I have to clean is the front which I may do tomorrow. More soon.
Now to other things.
Yesterday I looked at my guttering and noticed a weed growing so I thought I would investigate. My mate had put some protective stuff on so that leaves would not congregate and block the downpipe. Anyway I went to get some steps and looked into the guttering. I was shocked at just how much moss had gathered and had clung to this gauze type of material.
I decided there and then that I must clean the guttering. I started out the front and was lucky that one piece of guttering was relatively clean but the other was well clogged up. I cleaned it up and noticed the lady next door, the one with the chickens.
I knew they were going on holiday to I think Morocco next months for about 10 days. She called out and asked me if it would be alright if I looked after her chickens for that time. Obviously I said yes.
Incidentally I don't know if I mentioned it but they are going out for Christmas Day lunch for the first time. She actually asked me if I would like to join them, it was nice of her to ask but I declined as I am not confident that my illnesses would allow me to have a decent time of it. Still I did appreciate the thought and thanked her for thinking about me.
Now back to the guttering. I then went round the rear of the property. Almost all the gutters were badly affected and it took me some time to clean them. I finished up with nearly 50% of a wheelbarrow full of moss and debris. Mind you I made a mess taking the stuff out and so today I had to start to clean the facia and guttering's. I have done all the rear UPVC gutters, downpipe and facia. They certainly look a lot better so that now all I have to clean is the front which I may do tomorrow. More soon.
Wednesday 22 October 2014
Remembering
My Best Pal called yesterday to see me, his Wife also came but a little later as she went to walk the dog.
We talked about the old times and when his Wife came to join us he started to tell her all about the old days. He told her how he ordered Coca-Cola. This immediately reminded me of when I first started in Business.
It was well over 50 years ago, before decimal when it was L.s.d. I had just started up and as I have informed you many blogs ago I had a Café which encouraged youngsters to spend what little they had in the Winter, in the Summer they went off to work in Café's Amusements and shops.
The youngsters wanted Coke to drink so I rung up Coca-Cola. They had a depot in Lincoln and they sent the van driver down to see me. He was a young guy and he told me that the Manager had taken him under his wing and showed him the ropes so that eventually he was now in a secure job. He also told me that he was an Orphan and would be ever grateful to the Manager.
He told me that a discount was in operation. I think it was 3d off a case provided you ordered 5 cases. 24 bottles in each case. They were wooden cases and were only about 5" with more than half the bottles showing but they were secure. He suggested that I only order 5 cases to start with. For 10 cases another 3d a case was given and for each subsequent 5 cases up to 50 cases a further 3d. discount was given. He told me that after 50 cases the next level was 200 cases but that was for independent soft drink suppliers who wished to sell coke. He told me that delivery was every 2 weeks from March to September and each 4 weeks from October to February.
Well when he called a couple of weeks later I had more or less sold out and he was impressed. I ordered 10 cases this time. Sure enough I had nearly sold out in the preceding two weeks. He told me that as I was selling so much he would help me by supplying me with a Coca-Cola cooling fridge but told me it was old and he would be taking it out from another site as they only sold about a case every 2 weeks.
The next time he called he bought the fridge, he told me that my sales would improve as nearly all wanted to drink Coke ice cold. He was correct.
Anyway I ordered 50 cases at a time and during the close season the Manager of the depot at Lincoln paid me a visit. He was a great guy and asked if he could do anything for me. I then asked if I could buy in bulk, 200 cases at a time. He flatly refused but I told him the advantage was that during the Winter they would have no need to call on me and that would save time and money. I could see he was considering my proposal and eventually agreed to allow me to purchase the 200 cases in one drop and get the best discount that other soft drink sellers were being charged.
I thought that this was agreed and nothing more would happen.
About a week later the Manager rung me up and told me that he had to go to Head office and explain why he had given a retailer wholesale prices. He told them the reason being that it was going to save money by only calling on me once during the Winter period.
Eventually after a Board meeting it was agreed that from now on ALL participating customers would have the right to purchase up to the 200 case rate if they so decided.
The Manager called to see me a few months later and told me that it was us that had made Coca-Cola to change their purchasing policy and what he told me then was somewhat surprising. He told me that during the Winter months he would contact me and if I didn't need a drop they would give my sleepy Town a miss. He did ring me up more than once and confirmed that the van driver would give the Town a miss that month.
It certainly couldn't happen now, anyway Lincoln closed down and they moved to a Post Mix which was set up like a small public house selling draught beer. It was certainly cheaper as more profit was made that way.
Incidentally the retail cost of a Coca-Cola was 1/-. I used to sell to the locals at a discount I charged 10d. Incidentally what I have written is perfectly true, I never gave it a thought at the time as it was for my benefit that I wanted to get the best deal possible. Those were the days. More soon.
We talked about the old times and when his Wife came to join us he started to tell her all about the old days. He told her how he ordered Coca-Cola. This immediately reminded me of when I first started in Business.
It was well over 50 years ago, before decimal when it was L.s.d. I had just started up and as I have informed you many blogs ago I had a Café which encouraged youngsters to spend what little they had in the Winter, in the Summer they went off to work in Café's Amusements and shops.
The youngsters wanted Coke to drink so I rung up Coca-Cola. They had a depot in Lincoln and they sent the van driver down to see me. He was a young guy and he told me that the Manager had taken him under his wing and showed him the ropes so that eventually he was now in a secure job. He also told me that he was an Orphan and would be ever grateful to the Manager.
He told me that a discount was in operation. I think it was 3d off a case provided you ordered 5 cases. 24 bottles in each case. They were wooden cases and were only about 5" with more than half the bottles showing but they were secure. He suggested that I only order 5 cases to start with. For 10 cases another 3d a case was given and for each subsequent 5 cases up to 50 cases a further 3d. discount was given. He told me that after 50 cases the next level was 200 cases but that was for independent soft drink suppliers who wished to sell coke. He told me that delivery was every 2 weeks from March to September and each 4 weeks from October to February.
Well when he called a couple of weeks later I had more or less sold out and he was impressed. I ordered 10 cases this time. Sure enough I had nearly sold out in the preceding two weeks. He told me that as I was selling so much he would help me by supplying me with a Coca-Cola cooling fridge but told me it was old and he would be taking it out from another site as they only sold about a case every 2 weeks.
The next time he called he bought the fridge, he told me that my sales would improve as nearly all wanted to drink Coke ice cold. He was correct.
Anyway I ordered 50 cases at a time and during the close season the Manager of the depot at Lincoln paid me a visit. He was a great guy and asked if he could do anything for me. I then asked if I could buy in bulk, 200 cases at a time. He flatly refused but I told him the advantage was that during the Winter they would have no need to call on me and that would save time and money. I could see he was considering my proposal and eventually agreed to allow me to purchase the 200 cases in one drop and get the best discount that other soft drink sellers were being charged.
I thought that this was agreed and nothing more would happen.
About a week later the Manager rung me up and told me that he had to go to Head office and explain why he had given a retailer wholesale prices. He told them the reason being that it was going to save money by only calling on me once during the Winter period.
Eventually after a Board meeting it was agreed that from now on ALL participating customers would have the right to purchase up to the 200 case rate if they so decided.
The Manager called to see me a few months later and told me that it was us that had made Coca-Cola to change their purchasing policy and what he told me then was somewhat surprising. He told me that during the Winter months he would contact me and if I didn't need a drop they would give my sleepy Town a miss. He did ring me up more than once and confirmed that the van driver would give the Town a miss that month.
It certainly couldn't happen now, anyway Lincoln closed down and they moved to a Post Mix which was set up like a small public house selling draught beer. It was certainly cheaper as more profit was made that way.
Incidentally the retail cost of a Coca-Cola was 1/-. I used to sell to the locals at a discount I charged 10d. Incidentally what I have written is perfectly true, I never gave it a thought at the time as it was for my benefit that I wanted to get the best deal possible. Those were the days. More soon.
Wednesday 15 October 2014
Bits and bobs
Nothing much has happened to me lately. The weather has been a typical Autumn set, very wet and windy interspersed with some brighter weather but not cold. We seem to have a complete day of heavy rain then a slightly drier day followed once more with torrential rain.
Last week I put my repeat prescription in at the local Surgery expecting a delivery from that day which was on Tuesday. I was disappointed as no delivery was made. On Friday though I had a very sore throat so I thought that on Tuesday when I went shopping I would call in at the chemist and see what had happened to the delivery of my medication also get some tablets for a sore throat.
Off I went and asked if they had a prescription for me and when it was produced I asked why it had not been delivered. The answer was that they had now gone complete computerised and that they had omitted to inform the Chemist that it should be delivered to me. She then told me that I should have rung up. It was no good me informing her that the delivery could be from the same day I posted the repeat prescription to up to 4 days later. The outcome is that I have my tablets for another month.
The other day I was doing a little cleaning of the block paving on my driveway when a guy walked by with a Yorkshire terrier. When he returned he stopped and we had a few words. It was the guy whose Wife had spoken to me a few months earlier stating that it was the first time she had seen anyone at my property. He asked me about my solar panels. I told him that I would recommend anyone who was sited without any obstructions as it was still a good investment. I told him that it was the trees that obstructed my panels and from September to April it made a huge difference. I just added that I hoped that eventually the trees would get the Ash die back. He looked at me and asked if they were Ash trees. I was quite surprised as this was not the first time I was asked what the trees were. When the new neighbours moved in they had no idea as to the tree that was in his garden.
I don't know if it is me but when we were children we were taught the different sorts of native trees that grew. I guess most know the Horse chestnut or more commonly called the conker tree. As the Ash is widely seen in the Country I would expect all to know that as the Oak. Anyway they seem to be indifferent to the variety of trees.
I was having my tea when the doorbell rang. It was the young man from next door, he had bought me some more chicken manure. It was a wheelbarrow full. We spread it on various places of garden and then I told him that it would be enough for now. He did ask me if I needed any eggs, I politely told him that I was O.K. for now. I don't use many eggs.
He did his usual looking in my greenhouse and polytunnel. He noticed that things were beginning to gradually die and he told me that he was soon going to empty the greenhouse of the tomato plants and clean it all up. I will be surprised if he does it all on his own. More soon.
Last week I put my repeat prescription in at the local Surgery expecting a delivery from that day which was on Tuesday. I was disappointed as no delivery was made. On Friday though I had a very sore throat so I thought that on Tuesday when I went shopping I would call in at the chemist and see what had happened to the delivery of my medication also get some tablets for a sore throat.
Off I went and asked if they had a prescription for me and when it was produced I asked why it had not been delivered. The answer was that they had now gone complete computerised and that they had omitted to inform the Chemist that it should be delivered to me. She then told me that I should have rung up. It was no good me informing her that the delivery could be from the same day I posted the repeat prescription to up to 4 days later. The outcome is that I have my tablets for another month.
The other day I was doing a little cleaning of the block paving on my driveway when a guy walked by with a Yorkshire terrier. When he returned he stopped and we had a few words. It was the guy whose Wife had spoken to me a few months earlier stating that it was the first time she had seen anyone at my property. He asked me about my solar panels. I told him that I would recommend anyone who was sited without any obstructions as it was still a good investment. I told him that it was the trees that obstructed my panels and from September to April it made a huge difference. I just added that I hoped that eventually the trees would get the Ash die back. He looked at me and asked if they were Ash trees. I was quite surprised as this was not the first time I was asked what the trees were. When the new neighbours moved in they had no idea as to the tree that was in his garden.
I don't know if it is me but when we were children we were taught the different sorts of native trees that grew. I guess most know the Horse chestnut or more commonly called the conker tree. As the Ash is widely seen in the Country I would expect all to know that as the Oak. Anyway they seem to be indifferent to the variety of trees.
I was having my tea when the doorbell rang. It was the young man from next door, he had bought me some more chicken manure. It was a wheelbarrow full. We spread it on various places of garden and then I told him that it would be enough for now. He did ask me if I needed any eggs, I politely told him that I was O.K. for now. I don't use many eggs.
He did his usual looking in my greenhouse and polytunnel. He noticed that things were beginning to gradually die and he told me that he was soon going to empty the greenhouse of the tomato plants and clean it all up. I will be surprised if he does it all on his own. More soon.
Thursday 9 October 2014
Miscallaneous
These are my runner beans that I set in my polytunnel at the beginning of August. Also set broad beans but they are no good and I think I will get nothing from them at all. I have had 6 feeds from the runner beans though.
I told him that I would call there the next day to fill up which I duly did yesterday morning.
I had a phone call later from my Best pal who I hadn't heard from for a while. Immediately when he came he told me about the price of fuel. It was the same price that he was paying at Morrison's in Chesterfield. He was surprised when I told him that I had been there earlier that day. It was nice to see him and time flew.
This morning I had a delivery, it was a lovely sunny morning and the guy remarked on how nice it was. He then told me that the rain was most welcome as it had been so very dry. I asked him where he had come from, he told me Newark. I just told him that we have had more than our share of rain.
Typical, this afternoon , well just after 1.30pm. we had another terrific downpour. Torrential rain and strong winds. It was so heavy that it affected my satellite and it was off for about 10 minutes. After the storm we had very little sun for the remainder of the day.
Finally for now, I must thank my mate for showing me how to upload my photos from my camera. More soon.
Friday 3 October 2014
Boiler service.
This morning I was out the front block paving driveway just doing a little cleaning waiting to see if the man would be here to service my LPG. boiler. Why was I waiting you might ask. It was like this.
In August I received an invoice for £114 from Calor. I didn't readily recognise it so I rung up and asked them what it was for. I was informed that this was for my annual service of my boiler. I told her that this was not due until late October, she then told me she could give me a date there and then. It was for today and that she would appreciate it if I sent a cheque for the said amount before the date the service would be due. I told her I would immediately send a cheque off in the post.
When I wrote a cheque I put a little note in with the invoice, addressed the envelope and stuck a stamp on it. Sealed the envelope and selotaped it too. I then noticed that I had left the cheque out of the envelope. I immediately steamed the stamp off the envelope wrote the address on a replacement envelope putting all the relevant things in this one stuck the stamp on and once again used selotape to make sure it was secure. The next day posted it and I thought that was that.
About 5 days later I had a phone call from Calor, the lady informed me that they had received the invoice, the note but no cheque. I was astounded and told her why. The reason being that I had originally omitted the cheque and had to steam the stamp off so I made doubly sure that all was in the envelope. She insisted that no cheque was there so I told her I would pay, there and then by debit card. After a few minutes she told me she could not gain access to the department where I could pay but she asked if it would be alright if within 24 hours someone could contact me on this number. I said that was fine. I heard no more from them. The next day I checked my bank account and nothing had been taken. However when I checked about 4 days later I noticed that the cheque had been cashed so that is why I wondered if the man would call to do the service.
It was the same guy from last year. He is very nice, very conscientious with his work. He took about an hour and a half to complete the service. He looks forward to seeing us again next year. Anyway he advised me to increase my service to level 2 as next year a full overhaul is recommended as the boiler is 5 years old. Level 2 covers me for all repairs on the boiler also the timer and thermostat. The big bonus is the this also includes the pump which is a big job having to drain the system, then refill and bleed the radiators. My mate had this job when my pump went about 3 years ago. At least it will save him the job of crawling on his hands and knees. More soon.
In August I received an invoice for £114 from Calor. I didn't readily recognise it so I rung up and asked them what it was for. I was informed that this was for my annual service of my boiler. I told her that this was not due until late October, she then told me she could give me a date there and then. It was for today and that she would appreciate it if I sent a cheque for the said amount before the date the service would be due. I told her I would immediately send a cheque off in the post.
When I wrote a cheque I put a little note in with the invoice, addressed the envelope and stuck a stamp on it. Sealed the envelope and selotaped it too. I then noticed that I had left the cheque out of the envelope. I immediately steamed the stamp off the envelope wrote the address on a replacement envelope putting all the relevant things in this one stuck the stamp on and once again used selotape to make sure it was secure. The next day posted it and I thought that was that.
About 5 days later I had a phone call from Calor, the lady informed me that they had received the invoice, the note but no cheque. I was astounded and told her why. The reason being that I had originally omitted the cheque and had to steam the stamp off so I made doubly sure that all was in the envelope. She insisted that no cheque was there so I told her I would pay, there and then by debit card. After a few minutes she told me she could not gain access to the department where I could pay but she asked if it would be alright if within 24 hours someone could contact me on this number. I said that was fine. I heard no more from them. The next day I checked my bank account and nothing had been taken. However when I checked about 4 days later I noticed that the cheque had been cashed so that is why I wondered if the man would call to do the service.
It was the same guy from last year. He is very nice, very conscientious with his work. He took about an hour and a half to complete the service. He looks forward to seeing us again next year. Anyway he advised me to increase my service to level 2 as next year a full overhaul is recommended as the boiler is 5 years old. Level 2 covers me for all repairs on the boiler also the timer and thermostat. The big bonus is the this also includes the pump which is a big job having to drain the system, then refill and bleed the radiators. My mate had this job when my pump went about 3 years ago. At least it will save him the job of crawling on his hands and knees. More soon.
Thursday 2 October 2014
Memory worries
I don't know what made me think of it but I decided to recall all of the motors I have bought in my life. The first was a Ford side valve van registration number was RCT 642 the second was another Ford AFE 625B followed by a Vauxhall van CFW 851L the next was a Datsun(Nissan now) ODO 826R. Followed soon after that was a Toyota Celica WDO 755T. The reason I got rid of the Datsun was that it was an Estate Car and in those days there were no rear windscreen wipers. After that I bought second hand of course because a new Jaguar XJS was very expensive. The number was 380 GYD. After that my mind has gone blank. I know I had a Citroen Ax. Gt followed by a Citroen diesel, then a Peugeot Turbo Diesel followed by a Honda Civic. I bought that for my Mother to get in and out of the car. I personally thought it was the worst car I ever bought. After that I bought a Hyundai Coupe but after a few months I had to get rid because I had an operation and found it difficult to get in and out of the car. I bought a Peugeot 207HPC G.T. and finally now I have this car which is a Vauxhall Corsa Ecoflex with zero excise duty. I often forget the registration number of this vehicle. I try to use the method that Police use with the first letter of names such as Alpha, Bravo, Charlie etc. Mind you I even forget some of those names.
My mate called yesterday and bought me 3 breeze blocks which I duly put in place. In fact I had a busy morning for me. He had bought me some yeast which I was grateful as I only had a couple of bread rolls left so this morning I did 2 lots of bread making then after that I did outdoor work.
I meant to get it done for 2 reasons, the first is that Tomorrow, I hope that Calor will come and service my LPG boiler and the second is that the weather is supposed to turn much more unsettled by the week end. More soon.
My mate called yesterday and bought me 3 breeze blocks which I duly put in place. In fact I had a busy morning for me. He had bought me some yeast which I was grateful as I only had a couple of bread rolls left so this morning I did 2 lots of bread making then after that I did outdoor work.
I meant to get it done for 2 reasons, the first is that Tomorrow, I hope that Calor will come and service my LPG boiler and the second is that the weather is supposed to turn much more unsettled by the week end. More soon.
Tuesday 30 September 2014
Getting weaker
I have had a Mantis tiller for well over 15 years. It is a miniature sort of rotavator. It is run by electricity and I bought it when I first contacted my first illness and was in Hospital several times. It certainly made digging the garden easy and I didn't find it heavy at all.
I am sure I have mentioned it before but the young man with learning difficulties has been bringing me some manure. The first couple of times it was chicken manure with plenty of straw which I found it hard to dig into the soil. The last couple of times he bought me pigeon manure with a little less straw but is still not easy to dig in.
Today I decided to get the rotavator out and have a go. When I went into the garage I was amazed just how heavy it was. By the way, the promotional video shows a female lifting and working it easily. To be frank, I found it very hard but I did manage to rotovate 3 raised beds. Although the straw has not broken up as much as I had hoped, I am sure that over wintering should make a difference. I guess Father Time is gradually catching up with me.
Yesterday I picked my Bramley cooking apples, I will be honest and say that they look very poor with the dreaded apple scab. They are alright once they have been peeled but I don't think they will keep all that long. Certainly not until March or April next year, that is what I would expect healthy fruits to last.
I was taking some side branches off next door's evergreen trees, my side is dead when the guy from the other side shouted and asked me what I was doing. I told him and he showed my some silicon, well I think that is what it was. He told me he was spraying his synthetic bumpers on his Campervan as he was going to a show and if the price was right he would swap it for another. I noticed that it is still here. Anyway I told the young man about it and he asked me to find out what it was. I have looked out for him but he has been out early each morning, I will catch him though and find out just what he used.
My mate is calling tomorrow so hopefully he will sort out my camera so that I can upload photos when I have any that is passable to put on here.
Finally for now, my runner beans have finished outside but I do have a few in my polytunnel. Enough for perhaps 6 meals. My broad beans and peas look as if they will not produce much if anything. I will, of course keep you informed if I am successful. More soon.
I am sure I have mentioned it before but the young man with learning difficulties has been bringing me some manure. The first couple of times it was chicken manure with plenty of straw which I found it hard to dig into the soil. The last couple of times he bought me pigeon manure with a little less straw but is still not easy to dig in.
Today I decided to get the rotavator out and have a go. When I went into the garage I was amazed just how heavy it was. By the way, the promotional video shows a female lifting and working it easily. To be frank, I found it very hard but I did manage to rotovate 3 raised beds. Although the straw has not broken up as much as I had hoped, I am sure that over wintering should make a difference. I guess Father Time is gradually catching up with me.
Yesterday I picked my Bramley cooking apples, I will be honest and say that they look very poor with the dreaded apple scab. They are alright once they have been peeled but I don't think they will keep all that long. Certainly not until March or April next year, that is what I would expect healthy fruits to last.
I was taking some side branches off next door's evergreen trees, my side is dead when the guy from the other side shouted and asked me what I was doing. I told him and he showed my some silicon, well I think that is what it was. He told me he was spraying his synthetic bumpers on his Campervan as he was going to a show and if the price was right he would swap it for another. I noticed that it is still here. Anyway I told the young man about it and he asked me to find out what it was. I have looked out for him but he has been out early each morning, I will catch him though and find out just what he used.
My mate is calling tomorrow so hopefully he will sort out my camera so that I can upload photos when I have any that is passable to put on here.
Finally for now, my runner beans have finished outside but I do have a few in my polytunnel. Enough for perhaps 6 meals. My broad beans and peas look as if they will not produce much if anything. I will, of course keep you informed if I am successful. More soon.
Monday 22 September 2014
Disturbing news.
Last week was a busy week for me as I had to go to the Surgery 3 times.
I had a phone call on Thursday evening from the Guy who had my Business. He has always kept in touch and to be honest I generally go to see him and his Wife about twice a year taking a little produce but this year has been so poor I have had nothing to take up to them.
Well he told me he had cancer of the spleen and had his first dose of chemotherapy a couple of weeks ago. They told him that it was treatable and that the course could take either 4 or 6 months. He has had a heart attack a couple of years ago but as he keeps telling me he loves the Business and the situation where it is situated. To be honest both of them looked tired as it is towards the end of the season but he told me he feels well. That is good news and he told me so far the treatment hasn't affected him much.
Last week was a dreadful week weatherwise as it was like a November week. Yesterday was an improvement and today has been the best day for quite a while.
I rung my Brother-in-Law on Saturday and he told me his runner beans had finished, I told him that he wasn't on his own as I was in a similar situation. What I didn't tell him is that I set some runner beans in my polytunnel and they look promising.
I had a phone call on Thursday evening from the Guy who had my Business. He has always kept in touch and to be honest I generally go to see him and his Wife about twice a year taking a little produce but this year has been so poor I have had nothing to take up to them.
Well he told me he had cancer of the spleen and had his first dose of chemotherapy a couple of weeks ago. They told him that it was treatable and that the course could take either 4 or 6 months. He has had a heart attack a couple of years ago but as he keeps telling me he loves the Business and the situation where it is situated. To be honest both of them looked tired as it is towards the end of the season but he told me he feels well. That is good news and he told me so far the treatment hasn't affected him much.
Last week was a dreadful week weatherwise as it was like a November week. Yesterday was an improvement and today has been the best day for quite a while.
I rung my Brother-in-Law on Saturday and he told me his runner beans had finished, I told him that he wasn't on his own as I was in a similar situation. What I didn't tell him is that I set some runner beans in my polytunnel and they look promising.
These are just a few of the hazel nuts that I have had of my tree. Mind you I don't know when I will be posting another photo as my device has decided not to upload any more of my pictures. I still have a few cucumbers on my plant, that is well over 20 fruits that I have had. At least something has performed well this year. The squirrels have had their fill. More soon.
Tuesday 16 September 2014
Busy week
This week I have several appointments. Yesterday I went to the Dentist. Was in the chair for about 3 minutes and was charged £17.50p. Not bad for a National Health patient.
On Thursday morning I go to the next town for a flu jab and on Friday I have a blood test and B.P. check.
I think most of us will be vitamin D deficient as we have had a dull sort of year on the East Coast. Today being one of those many days. It has been very poor indeed with dampness in the air and tomorrow talks of being similar. Mind you when the actual weather report for the Summer will almost certainly state that the year has been sunnier than average. They totally ignore the East Coast.
I was surprised when the young lad from next door came round. He had bought some pigeon manure. I showed him what I had done with one of the ends of the raised beds. I used three blocks which are more like concrete than breeze blocks. I asked him if he would like to help a little and he readily agreed. He didn't do much but I showed him just how I did it. With his assistance it took about 20 minutes. I have now used those blocks. I think all I will need is another 6 blocks.
I have been picking lots of hazelnuts. They are early this year and a lot are beginning to drop off the tree. This is definitely the best year I have had for the nuts. I showed the boy how easy they were to get out of the case and he enjoyed helping. In fact I gave him about 500grammes to take with him to share with the family next door.
I set some runner beans in the polytunnel some time ago some are now just beginning to set so hopefully I will be getting some runner beans into October.
I checked my diary and noticed that in July I had picked 3 cucumbers. Taking this into account I will, if this cucumber grows fully I will have had at least 20 fruits off the one plant and most have been over 12" long or 30cm. My broad beans are in flower too, this is the first time I have set them in the polytunnel late in the year so it will be interesting to see if I get any produce from them. The peas that I set at the same time are a little slow and to be candid, I don't expect much off them.
As for the marrow plants. I have had just 3 off them and I have now dug the plants up. Still getting a few tomatoes off though.
Must take a photo of the polytunnel as the broccoli has grown enormous and the cabbage I set earlier are beginning to hearten up. More soon.
On Thursday morning I go to the next town for a flu jab and on Friday I have a blood test and B.P. check.
I think most of us will be vitamin D deficient as we have had a dull sort of year on the East Coast. Today being one of those many days. It has been very poor indeed with dampness in the air and tomorrow talks of being similar. Mind you when the actual weather report for the Summer will almost certainly state that the year has been sunnier than average. They totally ignore the East Coast.
I was surprised when the young lad from next door came round. He had bought some pigeon manure. I showed him what I had done with one of the ends of the raised beds. I used three blocks which are more like concrete than breeze blocks. I asked him if he would like to help a little and he readily agreed. He didn't do much but I showed him just how I did it. With his assistance it took about 20 minutes. I have now used those blocks. I think all I will need is another 6 blocks.
I have been picking lots of hazelnuts. They are early this year and a lot are beginning to drop off the tree. This is definitely the best year I have had for the nuts. I showed the boy how easy they were to get out of the case and he enjoyed helping. In fact I gave him about 500grammes to take with him to share with the family next door.
I set some runner beans in the polytunnel some time ago some are now just beginning to set so hopefully I will be getting some runner beans into October.
I checked my diary and noticed that in July I had picked 3 cucumbers. Taking this into account I will, if this cucumber grows fully I will have had at least 20 fruits off the one plant and most have been over 12" long or 30cm. My broad beans are in flower too, this is the first time I have set them in the polytunnel late in the year so it will be interesting to see if I get any produce from them. The peas that I set at the same time are a little slow and to be candid, I don't expect much off them.
As for the marrow plants. I have had just 3 off them and I have now dug the plants up. Still getting a few tomatoes off though.
Must take a photo of the polytunnel as the broccoli has grown enormous and the cabbage I set earlier are beginning to hearten up. More soon.
Thursday 11 September 2014
Wind up?
I think I can tell this true story as it is well over 20 years since it happened.
Before I start I will remind you that I was in Business in the catering and had several fellow Businessmen call to see me each morning. It was a sort of ritual. Needless to say we pulled each other's legs occasionally.
Well in February that year a young man came to see if I had any jobs going. I informed him that I might have. He told me he was 17 but would be 18 in July and planned to go into the Army. He was at present at day College.
I thought this would suit me fine as this was my last season as my lease ran out in the following January and had no intention of renewing it.
I told him he could work with me in the kitchen, he readily agreed.
He was typical of youngsters, all the vices and was forgetful as most youngsters were. I told him more than once he was hopeless. One day he told me that he was not clever like me but there were some of his mates were just dim.
He gradually became quite adept at his duties and was a help. Soon after his 18th. birthday he asked me if he could change his day off as he had to go for a medical for the Army.
I readily agreed but was somewhat surprised at the swiftness of his invite to have his medical.
All was normal until a week or so before August Bank Holiday the young man told me he had been called up in the Army.
I was a little concerned as it should be a very busy week end, however it didn't happen and things passed off alright.
It would be some time either late September or early October when the phone rang. I answered it and this is what occurred.
"Can I speak to a Mr. xxxx
"Speaking"
This is the Ministry of Defence here. I believe you had a Mr. xxx working for you."
"That' right.
"We are doing an informal check as to his background and ask you if you would be willing to answer a few questions?"
I wondered if this was a wind up so answered thus.
"Oh I suppose so."
"Would it be convenient for a Mr. xxx from Sleaford to call on you on such and such day in early October?
"Whatever."
"Well will it be alright then?"
"Oh whatever, I will be here every day."
She thanked me confirming the day and date and rung off. I naturally though someone was pulling my leg.
To be honest I didn't give it much thought. I should have done for on the time and day she told me an elderly man came in. He stuck out like a sore thumb. He had a 3 piece dark pin striped suit he also wore a bowler hat and carried an umbrella. I was in my working gear and looked a mess.
He offered me his card, well not offering it really but held on to it tightly just showing me his name.
He asked me several innocent questions then out the blue asked me a question emphasising the letter H.
He asked me this. "Has He any Homosexual tendencies?"
I was taken aback and he could see that I was. I answered thus.
"Fancy asking me? He only worked here, what he did once he left the premises was nothing to do with me. I can say this though, he had a girlfriend".
He apologised for asking such a question but then told me that he could have a position of sensitivity in the Armed Forces.
Well time passed and I got ready to vacate the premises selling all the equipment. All I was waiting for the property that I was moving to was completed.
Out of the blue I had a phone call from the young man. He asked if he could see me and if I agreed could I meet him off the train from Skegness. Of course I agreed.
I went to meet him and found out why he wished to see me. His mate who he used to pal out with had died from a drugs overdose. He was visibly shocked and told me he had never taken drugs at all. I had met his mate and found him to be nice. Anyway he wanted to visit his grave. While he was visiting the grave I prepared something to eat.
Some time after we had eaten he pulled out his wallet to show me some photos. He then took out his identity card. He told me he wasn't supposed to show it anyone but he would show it to me. I took hold of it. I didn't take particular notice until he told me to turn it over.
There it stated he was in the Intelligence Service. I was shocked but didn't show it, neither did I tell him that I had a visitor from the MoD. months earlier and that they were doing a background check on him.
I made sure he returned to his base and I have never heard anything from him since. Mind you within a month I had vacated the premises.
I wonder whether they still ask the same intrusive questions these days? More soon.
Before I start I will remind you that I was in Business in the catering and had several fellow Businessmen call to see me each morning. It was a sort of ritual. Needless to say we pulled each other's legs occasionally.
Well in February that year a young man came to see if I had any jobs going. I informed him that I might have. He told me he was 17 but would be 18 in July and planned to go into the Army. He was at present at day College.
I thought this would suit me fine as this was my last season as my lease ran out in the following January and had no intention of renewing it.
I told him he could work with me in the kitchen, he readily agreed.
He was typical of youngsters, all the vices and was forgetful as most youngsters were. I told him more than once he was hopeless. One day he told me that he was not clever like me but there were some of his mates were just dim.
He gradually became quite adept at his duties and was a help. Soon after his 18th. birthday he asked me if he could change his day off as he had to go for a medical for the Army.
I readily agreed but was somewhat surprised at the swiftness of his invite to have his medical.
All was normal until a week or so before August Bank Holiday the young man told me he had been called up in the Army.
I was a little concerned as it should be a very busy week end, however it didn't happen and things passed off alright.
It would be some time either late September or early October when the phone rang. I answered it and this is what occurred.
"Can I speak to a Mr. xxxx
"Speaking"
This is the Ministry of Defence here. I believe you had a Mr. xxx working for you."
"That' right.
"We are doing an informal check as to his background and ask you if you would be willing to answer a few questions?"
I wondered if this was a wind up so answered thus.
"Oh I suppose so."
"Would it be convenient for a Mr. xxx from Sleaford to call on you on such and such day in early October?
"Whatever."
"Well will it be alright then?"
"Oh whatever, I will be here every day."
She thanked me confirming the day and date and rung off. I naturally though someone was pulling my leg.
To be honest I didn't give it much thought. I should have done for on the time and day she told me an elderly man came in. He stuck out like a sore thumb. He had a 3 piece dark pin striped suit he also wore a bowler hat and carried an umbrella. I was in my working gear and looked a mess.
He offered me his card, well not offering it really but held on to it tightly just showing me his name.
He asked me several innocent questions then out the blue asked me a question emphasising the letter H.
He asked me this. "Has He any Homosexual tendencies?"
I was taken aback and he could see that I was. I answered thus.
"Fancy asking me? He only worked here, what he did once he left the premises was nothing to do with me. I can say this though, he had a girlfriend".
He apologised for asking such a question but then told me that he could have a position of sensitivity in the Armed Forces.
Well time passed and I got ready to vacate the premises selling all the equipment. All I was waiting for the property that I was moving to was completed.
Out of the blue I had a phone call from the young man. He asked if he could see me and if I agreed could I meet him off the train from Skegness. Of course I agreed.
I went to meet him and found out why he wished to see me. His mate who he used to pal out with had died from a drugs overdose. He was visibly shocked and told me he had never taken drugs at all. I had met his mate and found him to be nice. Anyway he wanted to visit his grave. While he was visiting the grave I prepared something to eat.
Some time after we had eaten he pulled out his wallet to show me some photos. He then took out his identity card. He told me he wasn't supposed to show it anyone but he would show it to me. I took hold of it. I didn't take particular notice until he told me to turn it over.
There it stated he was in the Intelligence Service. I was shocked but didn't show it, neither did I tell him that I had a visitor from the MoD. months earlier and that they were doing a background check on him.
I made sure he returned to his base and I have never heard anything from him since. Mind you within a month I had vacated the premises.
I wonder whether they still ask the same intrusive questions these days? More soon.
Tuesday 9 September 2014
Prescription time
This morning I put my repeat order in for medication. I was Surprised because just after 5.00pm. the delivery man rung my doorbell and I received my medication. In with the medications was a letter in a sealed envelope. Upon opening it I was informed that it was a requirement that all patients over the age of 75 would have a named G.P. who would have overall responsibility of my needs. It also stated that I can see other G.Ps. Just as well as I have never seen him in my life. Mainly because he is new to the Practice and is an associate G.P.
Anyway I went to have my haircut with the usual barber, I knew he was going on holiday tomorrow for the next couple of weeks. He told me he was looking forward to having a break.
I called in at the Co-op and bought a couple of pieces of shoulder of pork, they were on offer. To be candid they were not top quality but beggars can't be choosers as there has been no pork around for some time. It reminded me of when I was a youngster, no fridge's or freezer's and nobody would buy pork in the summer months. The old saying was don't eat pork when there is no R in the month. Therefore from May to August no pork.
When I got to the checkout I paid and was given a voucher stating that if I spent £5 I would get a £1 discount of my next purchase providing I used it by the 16th. of September. As I shall be going to the Dental Surgery on the 15th. I will hopefully be taking up the offer. The surgery is only about 1/4 of a mile from the Co-op so I will not be making a special journey.
Finally for now, next door has been building an extension and he has worked hard but has been let down by other contractors. He has tried for a few weeks to get a plasterer. He told me on Saturday that on Monday the plasterer should be there. Yesterday came and went without a sign, he gave me the thumbs down but this morning I gave him the thumbs up as the plasterer had arrived and started work. let us hope that the job goes well from now as he told me that he hopes to get away for a week after the work is completed. More soon.
Anyway I went to have my haircut with the usual barber, I knew he was going on holiday tomorrow for the next couple of weeks. He told me he was looking forward to having a break.
I called in at the Co-op and bought a couple of pieces of shoulder of pork, they were on offer. To be candid they were not top quality but beggars can't be choosers as there has been no pork around for some time. It reminded me of when I was a youngster, no fridge's or freezer's and nobody would buy pork in the summer months. The old saying was don't eat pork when there is no R in the month. Therefore from May to August no pork.
When I got to the checkout I paid and was given a voucher stating that if I spent £5 I would get a £1 discount of my next purchase providing I used it by the 16th. of September. As I shall be going to the Dental Surgery on the 15th. I will hopefully be taking up the offer. The surgery is only about 1/4 of a mile from the Co-op so I will not be making a special journey.
Finally for now, next door has been building an extension and he has worked hard but has been let down by other contractors. He has tried for a few weeks to get a plasterer. He told me on Saturday that on Monday the plasterer should be there. Yesterday came and went without a sign, he gave me the thumbs down but this morning I gave him the thumbs up as the plasterer had arrived and started work. let us hope that the job goes well from now as he told me that he hopes to get away for a week after the work is completed. More soon.
Thursday 4 September 2014
Re. Work completed
As to the photo. I am a little ashamed as I did take more than 1 snap but as nearly always the others were no good. I don't know what my American friend would say. He managed to take magnificent photos of a building while travelling in his car. They were perfect.
I went outside to catch the young man next door as I had some plum jam for him. Not only him but his carer too. On Tuesday while he was showing his bike she came round with a couple of jam jars. Anyway I asked him if he still had his bike here as I wished to take a couple of photos(more like 6 to make up for the poor snaps that would have to be deleted) to put on my blog but he told me he had it taken to Butlin's. It had come to good use as he told me he had done 13 miles today. Tomorrow he is going to a Party which is being held for the people with learning difficulties. He told me some time ago that next Friday he is going to Coronation Street where they film the programme. He hopes that he will be on T.V. No doubt he will tell me all about it when he next sees me.
Now to the blog Work completed, I must be getting a little senile. I was somewhat surprised that it didn't appear. I then saw that somehow it had been filed under drafts. Anyway that is why the two posts were published at the same time. Mind you the work my mate did does look great. More soon.
Tuesday 2 September 2014
Work completed
I am thrilled at the outcome as I had no idea as to what was being fitted. My mate told me what I needed and I left it up to him. So much was I in the dark that I charged my drill up just in case he needed it but he had everything organised and bought some panel nails to complete the job.
He obviously knew what he was doing as the job went perfectly and I think he was pleased with the result.
He had told me the price before hand and to be honest I had expected something near the cost but he was a little surprised. However now, as he says all it will need is a wash down once a year. It also matches the rest of the property as all other doors and windows including the guttering's facia and barge boards are all UPVC. In fact he did it all, with a fraction of help from me several years ago. Now it is all complete
More rain
We seem to get more than our fair share of rain lately however today has been one of the best days for some time.
My Sister rang me over the weekend and told me that her runner beans had not produced as many as she had hoped. Apart from a couple of weeks they have been rather poor. I told her that not only me but the Postman had the similar sort of problem, in fact most of the vegetables this year have been poor. I did notice that there are some beanlets on and also flowers so that over the coming few weeks may be picking them.
The only success I have had is the cucumber plant that my Italian friend gave me in April. I have had at least 15 cucumbers and I noticed today that I have another 2 ready and there are at least 2 more growing well.
I have had a couple of marrows from my plants. I originally set 4 but 2 perished. I managed to get 2 from one plant and hopefully I will get 2 more, one from each plant.
I set a few broad beans and also a few peas in the polytunnel and they are growing nicely. If we continue with this warm weather I may have some peas and broad beans.
Yesterday the young man from next door came and showed me his bicycle that he had bought. He told me he works a few days a week at Butlin's and he wished to ride there instead of walking as it is a large complex. I reminded him to have a lock as it looks a nice bike.
I have dug up my Victoria plum tree up today, to be honest it was a hard task and I needed a long rest after I did it. I dug it up because the bark was not so good besides I do have a couple of other plum trees and I find all I do is give loads away. More soon .
My Sister rang me over the weekend and told me that her runner beans had not produced as many as she had hoped. Apart from a couple of weeks they have been rather poor. I told her that not only me but the Postman had the similar sort of problem, in fact most of the vegetables this year have been poor. I did notice that there are some beanlets on and also flowers so that over the coming few weeks may be picking them.
The only success I have had is the cucumber plant that my Italian friend gave me in April. I have had at least 15 cucumbers and I noticed today that I have another 2 ready and there are at least 2 more growing well.
I have had a couple of marrows from my plants. I originally set 4 but 2 perished. I managed to get 2 from one plant and hopefully I will get 2 more, one from each plant.
I set a few broad beans and also a few peas in the polytunnel and they are growing nicely. If we continue with this warm weather I may have some peas and broad beans.
Yesterday the young man from next door came and showed me his bicycle that he had bought. He told me he works a few days a week at Butlin's and he wished to ride there instead of walking as it is a large complex. I reminded him to have a lock as it looks a nice bike.
I have dug up my Victoria plum tree up today, to be honest it was a hard task and I needed a long rest after I did it. I dug it up because the bark was not so good besides I do have a couple of other plum trees and I find all I do is give loads away. More soon .
Thursday 21 August 2014
What a noise
The mess was such that I went and asked the young man to assist me in sweeping the main up. He came out and I immediately told him to wear some protective gloves as the hedge was Hawthorn and would be very prickly. The Owner came out a little later and the young man went to get a wheelbarrow. I started to get the trimmings in a heap so that as soon as the wheelbarrow arrived I filled it up. Although I was not so particular, the Owner was more precise getting a dustpan and brush.
I helped after clearing my driveway and I think he took 6 wheelbarrows away I finally left them to it after about an hour tidying up.
This morning I saw the Postman, he had a new van. HE first remarked on the weather stating that we seem to have rain every day, yesterday he told e we had 17mm of rain. We talked in general about gardening then he told me that he had saved pumpkin seeds from last year but he thought they had been cross pollinated by his marrow plants. Although the shape is of a pumpkin it looks like a marrow.
I told him that this year in general was dreadful, even my runner beans had slowed down. He then told me that his runner beans were no better being affected by the strong winds.
So far we have had no rain, the first time this week but we have been promised rain this evening. What is most disappointing is that is so cold for the time of year. I looked at the thermometer around 10.30am. this morning and it was just 14c. WE hope for some more warm weather before the Autumn starts. More soon.
Monday 18 August 2014
No real improvement
With the weather being as it is, I am struggling this year to have any real successes but with regard to cucumbers this year has been very good. It was my Postman friend who told me it was a good year for cucumbers. The two photos show a couple of fruit one is ready and is just 12" or 30cm. I have had so far picked 10 fruit off and there are 3 more ready to be picked. I have tried to show the size of the leaves, very large indeed. I could do with a little expertise my American friend has.
On Saturday morning the young man from next door brought round some more chicken manure combined with plenty of straw. It was good of him to bring the wheelbarrow full round but I did tell him that I did not need anymore of chicken manure but would love some pigeon manure sometime. He understood what I told him. I was listening to the radio on Friday, a couple of things made me laugh. The first was the cricket commentary and the commentator suddenly remembered that Saturday was a Blue Day. Something to Red Nose day. The commentator turned to his summariser and told him he had no clean blue shirt. On this his reaction was first to offer him to lend him a shirt, but he told him he was tall and his arms were long. The summariser's next suggestion went like this. "Surely there is a 24 hour laundry service at his Hotel" where the commentator was staying but he was reminded that he needed a blue shirt by tomorrow morning. The next suggestion was this. "Can't you give the guy a back hander to get things done quicker" The commentators reply was this. " A back hander? I can't possibly offer anyone a back hander, I am a BBC correspondent". I just couldn't stop laughing. Eventually he told his summariser he would get up early in the morning and go shopping for a new blue shirt.
The other thing was this. I think it was Jack Dee talking about when he first started to go into comedy. He said he used to go to youngsters and go through the alphabet. He said that when he got to D he asked the audience what was the difference between a dog and a deckchair. Someone spoke up and asked him what a deckchair was. They don't know just how much fun they have missed. On the beach great fun and laughter was had watching men generally trying to erect a deckchair. I have seen some give up after failing to get the chair into the sitting position. I must admit my late Father had trouble getting it done until he finally mastered it. More soon.
Monday 11 August 2014
More rain
I saw the young man from next door, he could not get in as the Owners were out. I took him in my garden and we picked some raspberries, blackberries blueberries and some grapes. When we walked round to his home the Owner was there she had forgotten about the time. I showed her what I had given them, she then told me she had a bush with something on it and asked if I would go and look. I was surprised because it looked very much like a Sloe tree. I have never seen a Sloe tree such heavily laden with fruit. I told her that it could be a Damson tree so she must let them ripen. Sloes are very bitter indeed. I did take one off and it was bitter but on reflection it wouldn't surprise me if it turned out to be a Damson. I will be keeping a watch on the tree.
Finally for now, the other day she gave me a marrow, incidentally it was very nice. She told me today that when I wanted another I could have one with pleasure. More soon.
Thursday 7 August 2014
Pal called
My Best Pal rung me up from home on Saturday evening informing me that he would be down at his Private Caravan site on Tuesday.
Yesterday he came to see me, it was nice to see him once more.
I asked him how he had got on about Hardwick Hall. He was there as a youngster and now The National Trust own to property and he has been interviewed as to what is was like in the 40s. He told me that is was great and he had been there from about 11.00am. and the next thing he knew it was around 4.00pm.
He was late getting to see me as just as he was about to leave the heavens opened so he waited for about 10 minutes to get to me. I just told him that this was the norm for this year. Terrific downpours and fairly regular too. I was surprised to learn though that this was very local as both Towns to either side had a dry day, we had a couple of these downpours.
Yesterday morning I switched my radio on as usual. All was normal until just before 9.00am. It started to cut out. Incidentally I have DAB radio which I like especially Radio 4 extra. Eventually it packed up. I just thought that it was the radio and another expense would occur. Then I decided to try the other DAB radios I have, 2 more in fact and found that they do did not work and all it said was no signal being received.
I had sent my mate an e-mail earlier in the day, well this morning he rung me and told me that the transmitter was down all of yesterday. I told him that my radios started to work once more from about 6.30pm. Thank goodness for that.
This teatime the young man from next door rung the door bell and had in with him some pigeon and chicken manure so tomorrow I will begin to spread it on one of my raised beds. More soon.
Yesterday he came to see me, it was nice to see him once more.
I asked him how he had got on about Hardwick Hall. He was there as a youngster and now The National Trust own to property and he has been interviewed as to what is was like in the 40s. He told me that is was great and he had been there from about 11.00am. and the next thing he knew it was around 4.00pm.
He was late getting to see me as just as he was about to leave the heavens opened so he waited for about 10 minutes to get to me. I just told him that this was the norm for this year. Terrific downpours and fairly regular too. I was surprised to learn though that this was very local as both Towns to either side had a dry day, we had a couple of these downpours.
Yesterday morning I switched my radio on as usual. All was normal until just before 9.00am. It started to cut out. Incidentally I have DAB radio which I like especially Radio 4 extra. Eventually it packed up. I just thought that it was the radio and another expense would occur. Then I decided to try the other DAB radios I have, 2 more in fact and found that they do did not work and all it said was no signal being received.
I had sent my mate an e-mail earlier in the day, well this morning he rung me and told me that the transmitter was down all of yesterday. I told him that my radios started to work once more from about 6.30pm. Thank goodness for that.
This teatime the young man from next door rung the door bell and had in with him some pigeon and chicken manure so tomorrow I will begin to spread it on one of my raised beds. More soon.
Tuesday 5 August 2014
Plenty of people
This morning I went to collect my Pension then went off to get my haircut. I generally parking the Co-op getting my haircut and then do my shopping at the Supermarket.
I was surprised to be greeted with a young guy asking for £2. this was to park for a maximum of 2 hours. however if one called in the shop and spent around £5 then the money would be refunded. He informed me that this was to discourage the visitors from leaving the car in the car park all day. Mind you the charge is a lot cheaper than the other car parks.
I went to the Barbers and was surprised to see it was standing room only. To be candid I think there is enough seating for 8 people. With the 2 hour maximum parking I was a little perturbed as to how long I would have to wait before I had my hair cut.
I really needed have worried as it was just over an hour when I walked out after having my hair cut.
I called in the shop then went on to Lidl. The refuse men were collecting the fortnightly domestic waste and with the traffic coming in to the Town the delay was rather long. Eventually I managed to do my shopping and once more started to travel back to the Town Centre. The traffic was chaotic so much so that I decided to take a detour and finally managed to get on my way home.
Normally when I have my haircut I get back home soon after 10,00am. This morning it was much nearer 11.15am. Still I will not grumble as when I was in Business this is what I wished, plenty of people at the sea side. I will however be pleased when the holiday season is over and once again we can move about somewhat freely.
Must say this, the young man from next door came to see me yesterday. He asked me if I would look at his small piece of garden, I told him I would go and see his garden. To my surprise while I was looking at the weeds he noticed another shallot set. There were about 6 shallots in all so I helped him dig them up. We then went to look at his tomatoes, since thinning them out the tomatoes have begun to fill out and also some ripening. With that the Owner came up and I told her that he had found some more shallots. She remarked that this was good as they were having salad for tea and the onions would come in handy, also she asked him to pick some tomatoes. I remarked that she had plenty of marrows, she agreed and told me she would try to sell some. She then asked if I would like one. I told her I would and selected a small one. Some of them are massive. I was well satisfied with the small marrow I have. Hopefully with a couple of weeks I too will have one of my own. More soon.
I was surprised to be greeted with a young guy asking for £2. this was to park for a maximum of 2 hours. however if one called in the shop and spent around £5 then the money would be refunded. He informed me that this was to discourage the visitors from leaving the car in the car park all day. Mind you the charge is a lot cheaper than the other car parks.
I went to the Barbers and was surprised to see it was standing room only. To be candid I think there is enough seating for 8 people. With the 2 hour maximum parking I was a little perturbed as to how long I would have to wait before I had my hair cut.
I really needed have worried as it was just over an hour when I walked out after having my hair cut.
I called in the shop then went on to Lidl. The refuse men were collecting the fortnightly domestic waste and with the traffic coming in to the Town the delay was rather long. Eventually I managed to do my shopping and once more started to travel back to the Town Centre. The traffic was chaotic so much so that I decided to take a detour and finally managed to get on my way home.
Normally when I have my haircut I get back home soon after 10,00am. This morning it was much nearer 11.15am. Still I will not grumble as when I was in Business this is what I wished, plenty of people at the sea side. I will however be pleased when the holiday season is over and once again we can move about somewhat freely.
Must say this, the young man from next door came to see me yesterday. He asked me if I would look at his small piece of garden, I told him I would go and see his garden. To my surprise while I was looking at the weeds he noticed another shallot set. There were about 6 shallots in all so I helped him dig them up. We then went to look at his tomatoes, since thinning them out the tomatoes have begun to fill out and also some ripening. With that the Owner came up and I told her that he had found some more shallots. She remarked that this was good as they were having salad for tea and the onions would come in handy, also she asked him to pick some tomatoes. I remarked that she had plenty of marrows, she agreed and told me she would try to sell some. She then asked if I would like one. I told her I would and selected a small one. Some of them are massive. I was well satisfied with the small marrow I have. Hopefully with a couple of weeks I too will have one of my own. More soon.
Friday 1 August 2014
Garden
I do have a plum tree called Oullin's Golden Gage. It is not a true greengage but it tastes great. Not that I have had many off it.
This year I had about 2 dozen flowers and about 12 fruit. I went to look at them about a week ago and thought that they would be ready within a fortnight. Today I went to check, those pesky blackbirds had eaten the lot. I can assure you that next year this will not happen.
I think I mentioned that I bought a group of fruit trees last year. This included an apple a pear and a cherry also a plum supposedly Victoria. When I received the bare rooted trees I thought that the shape was unusual for a Victoria plum. Anyway this year it did produce some fruit, about 12 altogether. They started to turn black. Czar plums are the first plums to be
ready and they are almost ready now. To be honest I have taken a few off and stewed them. By the way I really do like Czar plums, my late Mother used to like them also.
My Best pal has just rung up from back home in Chesterfield, he tells me he should be down here next week so we will once more be putting the world to rights. More soon.
Wednesday 30 July 2014
Door rotted
As my mate called today I showed him the problem and he agreed with me that cladding was the most effective way to solve the problem.
My mate hadn't been here long when the phone rang. I told him it would be nothing much but was surprised to hear his partner. She was loud and clear and wished to talk to him.
A few minutes after he finished the conversation the phone rang again. This time it was for me, my old employee just rung to see if I was O.K. During the conversation I asked how his golf was going. He told me that he had a team of 4 and entered an Hospice Competition and they had won. They have been given complimentary tickets to where the last Ryder Cup was played here. A nice prize indeed. He sent me a photo with the trophy which of course is only held for a year. Looked impressive. More soon.
Monday 28 July 2014
Fencing
Last October the next door's fencing, well a few panels anyway blew down. It was a horrible evening and the noise was terrific. So much so that at first light I went outside to look at my roof because I honestly thought some severe damage had been done. Not so, I wondered where the noise had come from. Going indoors I noticed from my kitchen door something was not right. I opened the door to find a panel leaning against my door.
Well that was October, all the young man did was to secures, well not really secure, the panels and left them.
My mate came over here about 3 weeks ago and there was a very strong wind and the banging got on his nerves. He wedged a brick and stopped the noise. I then tackled them about it without much success to be honest.
I was now fed up as it had been 9 months since the damage so on Saturday morning I called the young man over and asked if I could have a serious talk. I explained what I would do if the panels were not replaced in 2 weeks. Needless to say he was angry.
This morning I saw the older man and we came to some agreement that he, himself would do the panels. I told him that I was willing to help him but was sad I had to threaten the young man before anything has happened.
I will now wait and see what happens next.
I have had a surprise, we have had very strong winds and I don't know why but I went to check my rear exterior door which makes my property private. To my horror I saw that there was a chunk of wood lying on the ground. I went to check what was wrong. I noticed that the door had gone rotten. I suggested to my mate when I rung him that we could clad it with some white PVC. Of course he had a better suggestion similar to what I suggested so now I will wait for him to do it. I sincerely hope it will not be too long as the door has really rotted badly. I am sure a good push would see it collapse. It will be done though sometime. More soon.
Well that was October, all the young man did was to secures, well not really secure, the panels and left them.
My mate came over here about 3 weeks ago and there was a very strong wind and the banging got on his nerves. He wedged a brick and stopped the noise. I then tackled them about it without much success to be honest.
I was now fed up as it had been 9 months since the damage so on Saturday morning I called the young man over and asked if I could have a serious talk. I explained what I would do if the panels were not replaced in 2 weeks. Needless to say he was angry.
This morning I saw the older man and we came to some agreement that he, himself would do the panels. I told him that I was willing to help him but was sad I had to threaten the young man before anything has happened.
I will now wait and see what happens next.
I have had a surprise, we have had very strong winds and I don't know why but I went to check my rear exterior door which makes my property private. To my horror I saw that there was a chunk of wood lying on the ground. I went to check what was wrong. I noticed that the door had gone rotten. I suggested to my mate when I rung him that we could clad it with some white PVC. Of course he had a better suggestion similar to what I suggested so now I will wait for him to do it. I sincerely hope it will not be too long as the door has really rotted badly. I am sure a good push would see it collapse. It will be done though sometime. More soon.
Thursday 24 July 2014
Electric
The grapes as you can see are ripening nicely, very early this year though.
This morning was the first day in ages that we had the sun shining early. I thought at least I would be doing well with my solar. Wrong! I was listening to the radio and just before 9.00am. it went silent. I checked to see that we had a power cut. Not the first one, we certainly seem to get more than our fair share of power cuts. Anyway it was not good for solar production as when there is no electricity, nothing at all is produced. The first time it happened I presumed that what I had been generating would be stored and when the electricity was restored it would be credited. That is not how it works. You lose the lot and only when the power returns will you start producing solar electricity once more. Anyway it was not off too long less than an hour. The guy next door was doing some DIY and it stopped him completely. I shouted him to let hi know that once more we were back in civilisation. We just have to accept it. More soon
Tuesday 22 July 2014
Notifications
I was surprised that I received the results of my retinopathy test. All was satisfactory. The same day I received the copy of the notes forwarded to my G.P. That's a laugh as I was given a G.P who has since retired and was then given his Wife who is also a Doctor. Incidentally I really do like her as I think she is one of the old type Doctors.
The start of the letter began " I met this lovely gentleman." I guess I was polite and courteous, to be honest I try to treat everyone the same way I would like to be treated.
Anyway both results were satisfactory so as the Nurse who gave me the follow up with my annual Diabetes results stated. I have had my MOT and passed for another year.
I looked at my chrysanthemum plant that my Brother-in-Law gave me. I and told him that it was doing fine and I was pleased. I should have kept my mouth shut. It looked very poor and to be honest I have doubts it will survive. Not that it is the only plant in my garden that has suffered. I set about 2 dozen geranium plants(pelargonium)and well over half of them have just died. Several lavender plants have also succumbed to the dreadful weather we have had. Most plants look stressed. We have been a little unfortunate with the weather this year. definitely the worst year I have ever known. My garden has been waterlogged several times and with the torrential rain the ground has become compacted. To compound things more we have had hot baking sun so that the top has a crust on it. Not that we have had baking sun today. The forecasters said that it would be cloudy for a start but gradually get brighter and we may see some sun later. The opposite has happened. It is very dull but not cold.
My peas have come and gone so quickly due to the weather. I am still waiting for a marrow plant to produce it's first fruit. To be honest I set 4 and 2 died off and the other 2 looked as if they would succumb but 1 is now beginning to grow so I am hopeful that I may get a marrow. The dwarf French beans still look poor but I must admit I have had a few boiling's off them. The lady next door remarked that my runner beans hadn't bulked up as they normally do. I told her that this was due to the weather but I have had several meals off them but they are not producing in the quantity I would expect.
In the greenhouse my tomatoes are producing plenty of fruit, my cucumber is looking fine and the grapes are ripening well. In fact the young man from next door came to help me cover some of my apple trees to stop the blackbirds from pecking them. I took him in the greenhouse and let him pick some tomatoes, I asked him if he would like another bunch of grapes, he said he would so I cut a bunch and gave them to him, letting him taste one first to see if they were sweet enough. They were.
We will see what tomorrow brings. Hopefully a little sunnier. More soon.
The start of the letter began " I met this lovely gentleman." I guess I was polite and courteous, to be honest I try to treat everyone the same way I would like to be treated.
Anyway both results were satisfactory so as the Nurse who gave me the follow up with my annual Diabetes results stated. I have had my MOT and passed for another year.
I looked at my chrysanthemum plant that my Brother-in-Law gave me. I and told him that it was doing fine and I was pleased. I should have kept my mouth shut. It looked very poor and to be honest I have doubts it will survive. Not that it is the only plant in my garden that has suffered. I set about 2 dozen geranium plants(pelargonium)and well over half of them have just died. Several lavender plants have also succumbed to the dreadful weather we have had. Most plants look stressed. We have been a little unfortunate with the weather this year. definitely the worst year I have ever known. My garden has been waterlogged several times and with the torrential rain the ground has become compacted. To compound things more we have had hot baking sun so that the top has a crust on it. Not that we have had baking sun today. The forecasters said that it would be cloudy for a start but gradually get brighter and we may see some sun later. The opposite has happened. It is very dull but not cold.
My peas have come and gone so quickly due to the weather. I am still waiting for a marrow plant to produce it's first fruit. To be honest I set 4 and 2 died off and the other 2 looked as if they would succumb but 1 is now beginning to grow so I am hopeful that I may get a marrow. The dwarf French beans still look poor but I must admit I have had a few boiling's off them. The lady next door remarked that my runner beans hadn't bulked up as they normally do. I told her that this was due to the weather but I have had several meals off them but they are not producing in the quantity I would expect.
In the greenhouse my tomatoes are producing plenty of fruit, my cucumber is looking fine and the grapes are ripening well. In fact the young man from next door came to help me cover some of my apple trees to stop the blackbirds from pecking them. I took him in the greenhouse and let him pick some tomatoes, I asked him if he would like another bunch of grapes, he said he would so I cut a bunch and gave them to him, letting him taste one first to see if they were sweet enough. They were.
We will see what tomorrow brings. Hopefully a little sunnier. More soon.
Wednesday 16 July 2014
Medical matters
Yesterday morning I went to Hospital for a review of my illness and how I was coping. I was surprised for as soon as I walked in just before 9.00am a Nurse came out and asked if I was and my name was uttered. I answered I was the one and she asked me to go to her little office. I hadn't met this Nurse before but she was very nice. She told me the regular Nurse under my Consultant was on leave after having a baby. She then told me that she was due to have a baby herself in November. I then suggested that she not have it in Lincolnshire, she readily agreed with me as she confirmed that the situation in Lincolnshire was not good as there were limited Maternity units in the County. She then told me she hoped to have the baby in Cyprus.
We then went to me and my situation, she was good and whatever I asked she had the answers. I specifically asked about my Ferritin and she told me this was fine. I questioned this and she admitted that it was within the tolerance range but on the low side but a lot higher than it had been.
When she finished she then told me that she would arrange my next appointment. This was great because where the Consulting rooms are is away from the main building. She then said to me that I must have other things to do and it was no problem. I shook her hand, thanked her for being so informative and nice and left. I guess the time was about 9.20am.
Off I went to see my Italian friend who lives in Manby. I arrived there about 9.40am. He was waiting for me and I immediately asked how his Wife was. He told me that she was not so good but she was up and about. When I saw her I could see she was not well. It is a shame as she suffers from a Mental illness. When she is fine she is very good.
I had a coffee and looked at their garden. I couldn't believe the state of his greenhouse. His grapevine has taken over the area. I told him I have had a bunch of grapes off mine. He didn't believe me saying that they were not ready until September but I told him that my greenhouse was open to a lot of sun and I didn't have anywhere near as many bunches of grapes as he had. His cucumber was growing wild, it certainly wouldn't do for me. The cucumber plant he gave me is good and I have had 3 cucumbers off it and they are lovely tasting cucumbers. Hopefully plenty more to come.
Not long after that his Wife went to lie down stating that she had terrible stomach ache. I decided to leave soon after.
I called at Lidl and got a few things then went home to prepare for my next appointment at 1.35pm.
The Retinopathy Unit is a mobile van with seating for about 4 persons maximum. It is run efficiently though and we are warned before hand not to arrive early or late. I arrived about 30 seconds before my allotted time and immediately the man doing the screening came out and asked my name also asking my Christian name. He then asked me in to do some eye test and then put drops in the eyes to make the pupils enlarged, I was then asked to sit outside and wait. There were 3 others in there but no sooner had I came out when one went in. A few minutes later another man came in. When the man left the photo of the retina, it takes about 30 seconds he then asked the man who had just come in his name. Now I knew why he had asked my Christian name as this man's surname was the same as mine.
It was not too long after when I had my eyes photographed and I shook his hand and drove back home.
Although my sight was not great, I managed it easily even to parking my car in the garage.
It seemed to get worse soon after I went indoors, I certainly couldn't focus on anything much and certainly could not go on the Internet.
By about 6.00pm. my sight began to improve once more and today is back to normal.
With racing about I forgot to put my repeat prescription order in so this morning I had to go to the Surgery for that purpose. I also decided to top up my mobile phone as it was low. I don't use it much and £10 will probably last me for several months.
I went outside this early evening and when I got back inside I thought I had a noise at my front door. To my surprise the delivery man from the Chemist who delivers my medication was just leaving. I shouted to him and told him that I had only this morning put my repeat prescription in at the Surgery. Anyway I was thrilled to catch him in so I hopefully will have a few weeks free of Hospitals. Doctors and Nurses. More soon.
We then went to me and my situation, she was good and whatever I asked she had the answers. I specifically asked about my Ferritin and she told me this was fine. I questioned this and she admitted that it was within the tolerance range but on the low side but a lot higher than it had been.
When she finished she then told me that she would arrange my next appointment. This was great because where the Consulting rooms are is away from the main building. She then said to me that I must have other things to do and it was no problem. I shook her hand, thanked her for being so informative and nice and left. I guess the time was about 9.20am.
Off I went to see my Italian friend who lives in Manby. I arrived there about 9.40am. He was waiting for me and I immediately asked how his Wife was. He told me that she was not so good but she was up and about. When I saw her I could see she was not well. It is a shame as she suffers from a Mental illness. When she is fine she is very good.
I had a coffee and looked at their garden. I couldn't believe the state of his greenhouse. His grapevine has taken over the area. I told him I have had a bunch of grapes off mine. He didn't believe me saying that they were not ready until September but I told him that my greenhouse was open to a lot of sun and I didn't have anywhere near as many bunches of grapes as he had. His cucumber was growing wild, it certainly wouldn't do for me. The cucumber plant he gave me is good and I have had 3 cucumbers off it and they are lovely tasting cucumbers. Hopefully plenty more to come.
Not long after that his Wife went to lie down stating that she had terrible stomach ache. I decided to leave soon after.
I called at Lidl and got a few things then went home to prepare for my next appointment at 1.35pm.
The Retinopathy Unit is a mobile van with seating for about 4 persons maximum. It is run efficiently though and we are warned before hand not to arrive early or late. I arrived about 30 seconds before my allotted time and immediately the man doing the screening came out and asked my name also asking my Christian name. He then asked me in to do some eye test and then put drops in the eyes to make the pupils enlarged, I was then asked to sit outside and wait. There were 3 others in there but no sooner had I came out when one went in. A few minutes later another man came in. When the man left the photo of the retina, it takes about 30 seconds he then asked the man who had just come in his name. Now I knew why he had asked my Christian name as this man's surname was the same as mine.
It was not too long after when I had my eyes photographed and I shook his hand and drove back home.
Although my sight was not great, I managed it easily even to parking my car in the garage.
It seemed to get worse soon after I went indoors, I certainly couldn't focus on anything much and certainly could not go on the Internet.
By about 6.00pm. my sight began to improve once more and today is back to normal.
With racing about I forgot to put my repeat prescription order in so this morning I had to go to the Surgery for that purpose. I also decided to top up my mobile phone as it was low. I don't use it much and £10 will probably last me for several months.
I went outside this early evening and when I got back inside I thought I had a noise at my front door. To my surprise the delivery man from the Chemist who delivers my medication was just leaving. I shouted to him and told him that I had only this morning put my repeat prescription in at the Surgery. Anyway I was thrilled to catch him in so I hopefully will have a few weeks free of Hospitals. Doctors and Nurses. More soon.
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