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.
Tuesday 30 September 2014
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 .
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