Festive Season

This morning I went to the Post office to get some money and pay some out all in one go. I paid most of my Pension on my credit card payment. It is ideal for me because I have a post office credit card and I can pay by cash or cheque at my local Post Office. After collecting the rest of my money I went to the Co-op in Mablethorpe to get some milk, enough to see me through Christmas and into the New year. I do also have some long life skimmed milk so I will be alright if the weather turns nasty.
 I went to call on the warehouse to see a colleague who is retiring at Christmas, I managed to catch him in and asked him if he would like my telephone number so that he could call me if he wished us to meet and have a coffee sometime. He welcomed that and took my number. I then went round and noticed a nice cauliflower amongst other vegetables. I took a cauliflower, a savoy cabbage some carrots and a few brussel sprouts. So now I will have enough vegetables to see me over the festive period.
 I got back home and decided to have bacon, sausage and some of my tomatoes for my dinner. I don't know if I will be eating any tomatoes into the New Year but I will definitely be close to that. As in other years I try to be able to eat my home grown tomatoes into the next year. This is also the fact I try to eat my runner beans into November which I have had 4 of the last 5 years.
 I was just about to take up my dinner which I was grilling when the phone rang. It was Sky. It is several months since I cancelled my contract with them because of the lack of support from their back up team. Namely the Service Engineer, I had a service contract but he wasn't really bothered. He told me that I had trouble with my Sky Box but was it working alright. I told him I didn't use it as I had no need to do so. I told him that football didn't interest me and the only thing I would miss was Rugby League which didn't start until around March next year. He then asked me if the price was too high, I told him it was too high for what I wanted to watch. He then offered me a deal. IT was a New Box and a Free Years subscription to the basic access to Sky. I think he said it was a saving of around £37 a month but as I never watch most on the family package it was no use to me. I told him I wished to have at least 6 months free of Sky and as I was interested in Rugby League it was no use to me. He then told me he understood and would probably contact me again in the  Spring. We will wait and see. To be honest the only thing I miss is I have no way to record anything at all so I can't select what I will want to see and what I wish to record. Still it is saving me around £50 a month so I just think that it is well worth going without the record system for when you cancel Sky the Sky Box does not work only with the selection of programmes, most are scrambled but those on Freeview are free on Sky including the main BBC and ITV channels.
Whether I write another blog before Christmas is doubtful so may I take this opportunity to thank those who have read this blog and wish all A happy Christmas and a successful New Year. Not forgetting a Healthy New year too. More soonish!!

Fuel

When I came back from having my haircut I decided to have my block paving cleaned and I must admit it does look a lot better. Different to the weather as it is dull and dark for most of the day.

This morning I ran out of LPG so I called Calor, the regular Lady answered the phone after wishing her Seasonal Greetings I told her I had a Christmas present from Calor, namely a letter informing of a price increase. It surprised me for she knew nothing about it but as she went on I wasn't at all surprised. She told me that 3 female workers had notification that 2 were being made redundant and one was going to be offered part time and that she was one of those who was finishing at Christmas. She added that Boston depot had been closed completely  and that they seemed to be consolidating.

I then reminded her that I had intimated to her that this might happen as they had refurbished all and it seemed to be the way, spend lots on refurbishing then watch out. It took me a little by surprise by what she said next. She told me that she took note of my comments and immediately started to apply for other jobs but so far she had had no joy, but she was still trying. I told her I would get to know the latest when the delivery man came tomorrow. She told me that if one wished to know anything just ask a delivery man or the Postman as they seem to know everything. I readily agreed with her and we had a few more minutes talk then I wished her well with the job applications and bade farewell. 

So tomorrow I will get to know the latest about the direction Calor is going. More soon.

Weather

I decided to do my washing last week end but drying it was a no go outside, I managed to get them all dried and aired over a day. This included my bedding which surprisingly dried rather well.
 Yesterday I decided to go to have my haircut, I was surprised to find several folks, most of them Pensioners like me so it took well over an hour before I managed to have mine cut, still it didn't matter a lot.
 Today the lad from next door came to have a meal, he chose Roast Pork and his usual sweet Blackberry and Apple Crumble. We had the odd job to do but for most of the time he was talking. I think he talks to me quite a lot because he spends a lot of time in his room playing on his XBox. He did mention that he couldn.
,t wait for Christmas because his first job was to play on his XBox a game called Farm Simulator 17. He also mentioned that he would be glad when he could use his tablet I think it is called Ipad 4. I don't know how long his batteries will last as he is extravagant on his batteries. He is always telling me that he runs out of power and he is charging his machines.
 He did tell me that all of them are going to a party tomorrow, I think it is for those with learning difficulties and of course their carers. He also told me that a couple of Managers had visited him and asked him to write down his moods at certain times. I asked him if he told them he didn't like working at a Recycling place and he told me he did tell them. By the way he is not going to work there tomorrow. Last Friday he went for a flu jab so he didn't gop to work last Wednesday he also had a day off from there. He works there twice a week when he normally goes the other couple of days he goes to Butlin's which he likes. I don't think they will ever make a lot of him although he is such a pleasant lad.
 My Best Pal rang up last night, the hour seemed to fly by, he like me is feeling his age, mind you he is 2.1/2 years older than me. He told me he is having a new Central Heating boiler, he tells me he will spend his money but I know him well. He will tell what how will do, looks at his money then get the cheaper model. To be honest I don't think with mains gas. He got all ready for the new boiler to be fitted. The engineer who will be doing the work told him to purchase the boiler and it would be delivered on Friday and he would be there on Monday to do the work. The boiler duly arrived on Friday, he waited for most of the day on Monday then rung up to see where he was. He apologised  and said that unfortunately he had a couple of men off work ill and it would be next Thursday before he could get there  so he is cluttered up with boiler parts. Still as I told him it will be well installed before Christmas. The most disappointing thing is that the engineer has serviced his boiler ever since he has been there and it was him that told him to change the boiler as it was getting old. That is typical of this day and age. More soon.

Wrong

Yesterday I had everything organised, first to get my 3 monthly blood test but when I went to double check the time, incidentally I don't think I have ever done before. I noticed that the day was Friday. I even got mt magnifying glass to double check. It was there in black and white on my appointment card. Friday  9th. December but I managed to get the time correct.
 Anyway I decided to go to get some money from the Post office and also get my T.V book for the week also getting a double weeks holiday T.V. programme. So off I went to the Post Office.
 I arrived and went straight to the card selection, there were so many to chose from but there was a fellow looking like me and we seemed to walk to each department so I asked him if he was like me struggling to find what we both were looking for. He told me he wanted a Christmas card without any Christmas message as it was for a Jehovah's Witness, with that the Proprietor came round and gave a lady just what she had been looking for after satisfying the lady he asked me if he could help. I said I didn't suppose they had a 2 in one card as it was for an American friend whose Birthday was near Christmas. As soon as I had told him he reached up and produced 2 different cards, I picked the best one, well I thought it was the best then turned to him and told him that the Gentleman next to me also had a problem but before he could turn to him I asked him if there was somewhere where I could write a message also the address, he told me to use the Counter. So off I went but to be honest it was busy and I had great difficulty in writing, to add to the pressure the envelope was red. As I do not have perfect vision I find it hard to write on anything except white. In between being moved the lady at the Counter saw I was struggling so I told her that my sight was not as good as I would like. She looked at me and just said "Cataracts" I nodded then she told me something that I know, she said she had worked in an Optician's in Nottingham and many were sent the Opthalmist for referral and nearly all had left feeling disappointed because they had been sent a directive many months before instructing the Opthalmist only to refer them to have the operation when they were very ripe so she told me I had no chance unless I went private and then she told me it would happen very quickly.
 So obviously I have no chance for when I went to have my eyes examined for glaucoma the man who tested them told me that the cataracts were not that bad. It reminded me of my new dentures that are hopeless, the Dental Surgeon does not have to wear them and the man who tested my eyes has no idea how well or poor I can see.  So much for the NHS.
 So it is off to the Surgery tomorrow morning to have my blood test. More soon.

Electric

I am in the process of changing my Electricity Supplier, not that I have any problems with my current supplier which incidentally is First Utility. I am changing to Isupplyenergy which is a new Company. The main difference is that with whom I am with at the moment the deal will run out in April next year. This new Supplier have had on offer a deal which is very similar to First Utility but is a price held until December 2019. The night rate is almost the same as the current rate just a fraction cheaper the day rate is about 1/2p dearer but the standing charge more than compensates the price difference. With the £30 exit charge I will be about £10 out of pocket the first year but around  £40 in pocket the 2 subsequent years and to be honest I expect a price increase in general next year. Of course if all goes well I will be protected from this until december 2019. Remember though one small Company has gone bust. Let's hope this one is O.K.
 The lad came round for a few minutes today, he went to see his Parents on Saturday so I didn't see him over the week end, not that I see him that often at the week ends. I asked hi if he would like to come and have a meal helping me with    a few jobs, he told me he would and that next Tuesday would be fine if it suited me. While he was here the telephone rang and I was on the computer trying to get an e-mail which had my log in details on a shortcut. I just told him to go Online but when I had finished the call he told me he had managed to get it to happen. To be honest I had tried before and all I got was a load of computer literature with numbers and letters, Of course I told him he was much better than me on the computer which he definitely is.
 Tomorrow morning I go to the Surgery for my 3 monthly blood test, I hope the weather is a lot better than today which is foggy, cold and very dull. The forecast is for an improving day, let us hope so. More soon.

Bank etc.

I went to the Bank on  Monday to pay in a cheque for my Solar, I had it planned to then go to the local Warehouse to get a Cauliflower especially for my mate who was visiting me on Wednesday. Of course the best laid plans don't always to go to plan. Unfortunately for me they had sold out of cauliflowers.
 I went to the bank around 1.30.pm. expecting to be able to get served almost immediately but no such joy. The place was nearly full and since the reorganisation there are only 2 windows open for business, however I was fortunate for as I walked in a couple who had been to see the Manager walked out. As the Manager could see the queue waiting she started to ask the first if she could help, with a negative response she gradually worked her way to me. As I told her I was paying cash and cheque in my account she immediately ushered me in to her small office. She asked me if I had my card, I told her I never carried it on me and then mentioned that an employee who I hadn't seen for ages was one of the 2 tellers. I told the Manager I was going to pull her leg suggesting that I thought she had won the lottery and retired, laughing the Manger told me as things were hectic she probably wished she had won the lottery. She soon conducted the transaction then looked at me and told me that I could now get back to work. As is my norm, during the Winter months I generally wear overalls she naturally though I was doing some work. I looked at her and just said."At my time of life?  She just smiled and I left.
 Yesterday my mate eventually arrived, I had some Maggi soups for him but suggested that his Partner would not be having any because she is funny what she will eat. Mind you he later told me that she had asked him if he was making any mince pies, earlier he told me he had a jar of Morrison's
mincemeat from last year. I immediately mentioned to hm that mincemeat has suet in and that is from an animal so perhaps she will have a taste of some of the 7 different varieties of soup.
 It was nice to see him without having any jobs for him to do, he certainly has enough work on his home, it will certainly be a cracking home when it completed.
 Later in the afternoon the lad from next door came to see me, mainly to tell me he hadn't been to work as he had his flu jab. Naturally I asked him if it had hurt him and he told me it had. He will not be going to work tomorrow and told me that he was going to visit his Family in Lincoln on Saturday so he will not see me until next week.
 I caught him getting off the bus today and gave him a couple of warm mince pies. He asked me how I got on at my Sisters in Grantham, I told him I had spent well over £100 on food and filling up with petrol. At ASDA the pump price was £1.09.7 here it is anything from 1.13p upwards so I was well pleased with the cost.
 I am worn out so will have a rest soon. More soon.

Gasman

As I said last week I had a telephone call from british gas informing me that the Engineer would be here A.M. on Tuesday, as the time approached 11.45.am. I began to worry but then the phone rang. It was the engineer stating he was in louth some 20 miles away and would be with me in about 30 minutes.
  he duly arrived some 30 or so minutes later and i told him I was beginning to wonder if the call had been genuine as the Man on the phone informed me that the Engineer would be here A.M. The Engineer told me that A.M. means to british Gas until 1.00. pm.  Also his name was not quite the same as the guy on the phone had told me. Remember I did say he was not English and his speech was not so good.
 I must say this, my Sister rung up yesterday and mentioned the guy from British Gas had rung me up but I did have some difficulty understanding him. She immediately told me that her Husband will not speak to anyone who is not english stating he can't understand them and offers the phone to my Sister. I told her I could understand but as I lived alone I had no alternative than to try to understand.
 Anyway the engineer arrived just as I was about to have my dinner, I told him that I would go in the t.V. room and leave him to it. Before I went he told me he would have to go in the loft I told him there was a ladder but my steps were in the garage, he told me not to worry as he had some steps in his large van.
 I had my dinner and he was working merrily away, he told me he had made a bung and it had worked so he didn't have to drain the system at all. Although it was what I call expensive he did tell me that I was given a good deal as the normal charge was just over £350. When he was done he asked me if I had a Carbon Monoxide monitor fitted I told him I had and pointed to it and I told him it was just over a year old and I think it lasted 5 years. He checked it and told me it was guaranteed to last longer than that so I was satisfied especially as it was fitted free with last years Service with Calor.
 He did his paper work, used my toinet as ALL who seem to call here wish to use, then gave me the copy and left soon after. I guess it was a little after 1.30.p.m. More soon.

Gas

Yesterday afternoon I had a call from British Gas informing me that they had received my acceptance for the filter and if it was agreeable they would arrange for an engineer to call next Tuesday. I agreed but in all honesty I did have difficulty in understanding the guy as he was not born in this Country. Also I am going deaf amongst other failings but eventually I got the drift. He told me that the engineer would be calling in the morning and that the operation would take less than 2 hours. So at least that is now settled. Mind you he asked me to pay but told me that it would not be deducted until the work was done. Naturally I paid by credit card. It has certainly come in handy since I have had it.
 I have had communication problems with my Internet Security, the one which was installed by the Man who sold me the computer and set everything up.
 It was a cracking system but getting hold of anyone was more or less impossible. All they kept sending as replies were ticket numbers. This was unacceptable to me and as I had paid up front with no confirmation and I had a few days left I went Online to see what was available. The best according to the scores was a Company called Bullguard. I went and checked it seemed alright so I downloaded
the Antivirus on a 14 day trial. Up popped an offer a few days later offering me a years subscription with Antivirus and Internet security for a greatly reduced price so I investigated it further. It offered a further years protection for another £9. This meant I would be paying just 25 pence a week so I decided to go for that.
 I had been on their site and it is based here in England where my last one was based in Romania. I was invited to chat and after a few minutes told her I would proceed, this was a few days ago with the free trial.
 I went to their site and decided to buy the better security and paid for 2 years protection. It started to download but informed me that first it had to uninstall a programme(it was the free trial) and that I would have to restart the computer so that is what happened.
 When I came to install the programme I found i could not download it so I went to their chat line. I must admit I had to wait about 10 minutes for a lass to answer me but a message told me that there would be someone to talk with soon. I typed in my problem, told them I had uninstalled my old Security  and waited. The reply was short and sweet. The lass had given me a website that I should visit  and that would be that.
 Sure enough I went on the site and it asked me for a password, as I didn't have one I had to ask for a password this took me about 10 minutes to get another password and as soon as I inserted my password the installation began. I guess it took another 10 minutes or so and informed me that I must restart the computer to make sure that the firewall was working. This I did and I checked to see that firewall is on. As I don't use the computer an awful lot I hope this is sufficient for me. By the way it does provide cover for up to 3 computers. More soon.

Wasted my time

I went to the Dental Surgery yesterday but I need not have bothered because the Dentist told ME there was nothing wrong with the dentures and I had to persevere. How he could have said that was somewhat amazing as it was ME who had these denture in my mouth. I tried to tell him that they weren't aligned correctly but he insisted they were.
 Anyway I left with the new dentures in called at the Co-op for some milk and a few bits and made my way home. The weather being dreadful, not only wet but very dark all day. So much so that I produced Zero electricity, not the first time but it is a rare occurrence.
 I noticed that most fields were standing in water as we here have had many days of heavy rain most of the Summer and Autumn. Needless to say my garden is once more waterlogged.
 This morning it was dark and wet but I had to go to the local Post Office to pay something off my Post Office credit card, also I went to the local Surgery to book my 3 monthly Blood test, calling at the bottle bank to dispose a few jars.
 On entering the Post Office I saw quite a few queueing so I had a word with the Proprietor, I asked him how he was getting on and if he knew where everything was. He surprised me by saying he had a Lady coming in to show him where things were and added that he had to give it a go. I then surmised that he was not doing as well as he had hoped. I think it is called Smiths but I will confirm what it is called at a later date.
 At long last it is talking of the weather improving so at last I may be making a little solar electricity.
  I wondered why with the weather being bright I had to have a power cut, for when the power is off, the inverter is shut down so it is not possible to generate any electricity.
 Still the days are getting shorter so I wont be producing much for the next 2 months anyway. More soon.

Calor

Last Friday I ran out of half of gas so I rang Calor up to order a couple of bottles. I generally pull her leg but this time informed her that as the delivery would be here on Monday I might miss the driver as I had an appointment at the dental Surgery. I told her I would pay by direct debit but not to debit it straight away until I transferred enough cash to my account.
 I then told her I was a little concerned as Calor had decided to cease Calor Serve and as they had recently upgraded and refurbished their place I wondered if it was next to close.
 She told me that only one man had left and he was the engineer and that there was going to be no repairs and installations. I thanked her and she confirmed the delivery would be on Monday.
 Luckily enough I was home when the delivery man called, I could hear him taking the empty bottles away and fixing the full ones. I went out and we had a few words, I first said it was very mild but Saturday had been dreadful as we had well over an inch of rain. He told me he was worried on Saturday as he was one of the organisers for Remembrance Sunday but Sunday turned out to be great so all went off well.
 I then mentioned that Calor had decided to withdraw their Calor Serve. He confirmed that all they were doing now was selling Calor Gas and no installations or repairs was available. He told me that the engineer had left and also another female had been made redundant. He told me that she would be leaving just before Christmas. What a shocking Christmas present. More soon.

Dental problems

Yesterday I went to the Dentist for the extraction and final fitting of the dentures.
 I had some idea because of many years with Malcolm my prior Dentist. He told me when I contracted my Colitis that I would have trouble with my teeth for the rest of my life. he then explained what was happening and told me what was happening and that all my minerals were just passing through my body.
 On another occasion while he was checking my teeth, he told me that the anaesthetic would not work if there was infection in the tooth that he was trying to repair or extract. He told me that the anaesthetic was neutralised by the infection. Now to yesterday.
 I sat in the chair and he gave me the anaesthetic, to be honest I suspected that there was some sort of infection because for the last several weeks the loose tooth had been rather painful. He gave it about 5 minutes and told me that it would take no pulling, that bit was true. He put his pincers round the tooth and yanked it out. The pain was like a dagger and I let him know that I had felt it. I didn't tell him just how painful it had been and that now was a dull ache. He confirmed what Malcolm had told me by saying that there might have been some infection there.
 He cleaned where the tooth had been then told me that he was putting some stuff in to stop it from bleeding again and that he would then fit the dentures. He fitted the top set first and they seemed alright. He then fitted the lower set and to be honest they felt awful just as though they were not aligned but I didn't say anything to him as I was still in some discomfort and of course had the anaesthetic which made one side of the mouth numb. He told to pop in if they started to cause some rubbing and I left paying at reception and making my next 6 month appointment.
 I got home about 20 minutes later and immediately took 2 paracetamols and  after about 40 minutes the pain had subsided not to reappear. Another hour passed and the anaesthetic wore off but my mouth with these new teeth was not good. I knew there was no way I could eat anything much so after resting for another hour decided to make some Oxtail soup. I got a bread roll out of the freezer and defrosted it. Making the soup I broke the bread up so that it would be easy to swallow, to be honest I found it very hard to eat the soup.
 Around 6.00.pm. I decided to eat an apple, as they are small I generally have 2 but as normal I peel and core the apple slice them up and eat it. This took me 15 minutes. I came to the conclusion that the bottom set of dentures were no good at all. I had an experiment to check first I removed the lower dentures and inserted my old lower set, immediately I felt mush better so I did the second experiment. I removed the new upper set and place it with my old set, I then removed my old set from the lower and replaced them with the new set. Once more it was dreadful so now I knew that the lower set was not suitable.
 By now I had a chunk off bitten off my gums and my mouth in general was very sore, not where my tooth had been extracted though. I went to bed sleeping fitfully as my mouth was tender.
 This morning I rung up the Dental Surgery but got no reply so eventually went to the Surgery which is about 15 miles round trip. I saw the receptionist , told her a brief synopsis of what had happened and she booked me in as an Emergency next Monday. Good job I had my old dentures to fall back on.
 Today I had my dinner that I had prepared for yesterday, mince with potatoes, cabbage carrots and swede, all of which were well cooked and I managed to eat it all up. Gradually my mouth is getting better. More soon.

Surestop

I had a phone call early yesterday, it was from the plumber who is fitting the surestop system. He asked me if he could call in the afternoon, of course I said yes. Mind you he had to repeat his question several times as I didn't understand him at all. To be honest i thought it was someone talking a foreign language. It was not until he spoke slowly that I got the message. I wonder if I am getting like my late mother, she used to tell me she hated answering the phone, I certainly don't like the phone to ring.
 He rang up again in the afternoon saying he would be here in about 20 minutes as he was leaving Spilsby. It was nice to see him again but he was rather untidy, not with the plumbing side but on making a mess  and he was asking me if I had several things, such as an old towel, a light which I had a lantern battery also he used paper towels like they are going out of fashion. He went to his Van and told me it was a mess, he certainly wasn't talking rubbish but on the plumbing side I could not fault his work. I asked him if he fitted many of them and he replied that he had to fit 3 of them tomorrow. I told him that I had never heard of them until British Gas had left me a leaflet and wondered why they are not fitted to new properties as a standard fitting. He did say that some Council Houses fit them.
 Of course he left the doors wide open and with my heating being on it was wasting my money.
 The lad who was getting off the bus came and I suggested he come back when he had changed which he did about 20 minutes later. He had a good look at what the plumber was doing then asked me if he could go on the computer. I naturally said yes. He wanted to  show me what he was getting for Christmas, it was an I Pad. Of course I didn't understand much of what he was telling me but he did say that when he gets it he will show mw.
 I kept popping out to see how the plumber was getting on and he told me all was going well. The lad soon after left to go back home and the plumber tested the new surestop then he ran the cold tap water for several minutes stating me was flushing out the flux. He used that because he was doing the fittings the old way flux and solder. He made a good job of it.
 I guess it took him well over an hour to complete the job. He insisted that I try the system out and of course he checked to see all the cold water taps worked. They did. More soon.

Yesterday

yesterday it was a little icy firt thing but turned out to be a sunny morning only to cloud up later in the day.
 As the Lad from next door asked me to help him only to tell me that in the morning he had a visitor and that we could do a little in the afternoon I decided to go to get my Pension and do my shopping.
 On my way to get my money, I noticed the first casualty of the Winter period, a car being in the ditch on the main A52.
 I was careful how I drove and went to the refurbished Post office to get my money, to be honest I was not that impressed as it was the same size and the waiting times I presume will only get longer.
 I went to get my shopping done and got back home. As I had managed to do all reasonably quickly I then decided to have my hair cut, so off I went to Alford, of course I forgot it was Market day and Auction Day too, it is this what brings in the crowds so I hd difficulty in parking.
 Off I went to the Barbers and sat to wait for my turn which was not long in coming. Another Man walked in and immediately informed me that he had only come in to stop him from bidding at the Auction as he was a compulsive buyer. He then said the Auctioneer asked him if he wanted several boxes for a £. I could well believe this for as I was walking to the Barbers I passed by where they were auctioning off lotts and I heard the Auctioneer say this. " Who will give me £3 with no offers he dropped it to £2 then to a £ but by then I had turned the corner so didn't know if he got any bids at all or even know what was for auction.
 I got back home around 11.25.am. so prepared my dinner, just as well necause I had no sooner finished when the door bell rang, it was the lad. As I was washing my dishes he asked me what I had for dinner as he had just had his.
 Off we went round to his place, I think I told you prior he had asked me if I would help him with his bit of garden.
 When we got round he wanted to take all up but I disappointed him by saying that the leeks were in good order, well about a dozen of them anyway but the brussel plants were not good, also the runner bean plants were done so I dug them up, he had bought a garden fork and a hoe, I asked him to get a rake.  To be honest it was me that did all the digging, he used the hoe to move the weeds. Eventually I took the rake and showed him what he had done or not done as he had left all the weeds in and when I ran the rake over I showed him what to do with the weeds. He filled his compost bin but he was much happier when I had tidied up his garden. I then dug over a piece near the hedge and told him that this would be ideal for a few runner and broad beans next year.
 He showed me the greenhouse which he had completely emptied and made it ready for some more fresh soil.
 by the time I left it was getting dark, mind you just as well we did this work yesterday for today it has not stopped raining and beside that it is cold too. Needless to say my garden is waterlogged once more and to make matters worse the weathermen keep saying it has been a dry season. They want to come to the |East Coast and see for themselves. More soon.

AUTUMN IS HERE

These last couple of days have been cold, yesterday was the first time in a while we saw the sun so that was most welcome, however today was not so great. At first we had a little hazy sun but gradually it became clouduier.
 This morning I noticed that my Bramley cooking apples had started to fall from the tree so I decided to pick the rest. I was quite surprised because I had about 1/2 a shopping bag full. I then had to take of the netting which had protected the apples from the blackbirds. By the time I had finished I was cold and when I looked at the outside temperature it didn't surprise me at the reading, just 5c. I took about 3lb. of apples round next door and they told me a little about the holiday, it seems as if it was a little too hot for them but the lad certainly enjoyed it going scuba diving and a speedboat ride being his highlight.
 A couple of days ago I finished the last of my marrows so I was well satisfied with what I had off them. I also have more or less finished my runner beans, I guess a couple of days will see them out. I have managed my aim which is to eat fresh runner beans till the end of october. With this year lasting I have been eating them since late July. Definitely the best value for money for growing your own vegetables.
 While I was at the dentist getting measured for the final fitting and extraction I decided to call at the local warehouse to pick up a 12.5 kilo of potatoes. Two reasons for the size, the first is that I find it very hard to lift 25 kilo bag and the second is that if I had a large bag the potatoes would start to chit way before I finished the bag. I do, however have enough potatoes for just about a week, so I must admit I am disappointed with the result of my labours. This was entirely to the dreadful wet year we have had on the East Coast. Mind you the weather men keep saying it has been a dry time, not here though.
 Finally I saw a colleague who noticed me wearing my Railway overalls and we became friendly. He saw me yesterday and told me that he will be leaving at the end of the year. I asked him if it was compulsory but he said to me that he had decided to leave because his Wife was not in the best of health and she had put up with him working mornings for the past 9 years. I didn't ask his age but I can guess he is 74. Time enough for him to pack up work. More soon.

Yes. But!!

yesterday afternoon around 2.00. pm. the phone rang, it was the delivery men so I told them I would be outside to meet them.
 On arriving he looked and shook his head, I asked him what the trouble was and he informed me that there was no way this sofa would fit via the front door. I let him know that I had another dorr on the side. He had a quick look and let me know that although they would try he doubted if that would be wide enough too. I finally told him I had another door which had been french windows but I had them altered. His associate had a quick look and assured him that if they could get the sofa round the rear of the property it would go in.
 The first thing they had to do was take off the top rail of the outside door so that they could lift the sofa over a large water storage barrel. This took well over 20 minutes but they eventually managed to get the sofa at the back door. When they tried to get the sofa in the Boss said to hs mate that they would have to take off the restraining bar off, this is to stop the door flying too far and damaging the hinges.
 It didn't take that long and I have all the usual tools handy just for my mate when he does jobs for me. Anyway it went in with some difficulty but I have a Patio door leading from my T.V room  and this is where I wished it to go. Unfortunately the Patio Door was not quite wide enough so the Boss had to take the restraining bits off the frame, it was then that they tried to get the sofa in. It was a tight fit but with some manhandling they managed to get the sofa in situ.
 I then suggested that I make a cup of tea for them, well I didn't make the tea, I mashed it in a teapot and left the sugar and  milk handy and if they wanted some sweeteners  they were also there.
 It was while the Boss was having a drink that I asked him if he owned the Business, he  let me know he did and unfortunately this sort of thing happened several times a year. I did say that his warehouse was out the way and he readily agreed and he told me he had been looking for new premises for quite some time but nothing was on the market. He did mention that when Quick Save was open, incidentally it was just about 20 yards away, he told me he had quite a bit of passing trade but the place, he thought was owned by George(ASDA) but it was up for sale at £5m. He told me originally ASDA had thought of opening a store there. Unfortunately for him that will not happen as Aldi will soon be opening a store there and with morrison's Tesco and Lidl there already there will not be room for a further Supermarket.
 Of course they had now to put together all what they had taken apart which took a quite a while. Incidentally the easy chairs went in easily, they are not the most expensive chairs but as I only use them occasionally they will definitely last me my lifetime no matter how long I live.
 Eventually they left and both of them shho my hand, the Boss mentioned that if I ever wanted my carpets cleaned his colleague was the man, incidentally the came in his van for the Boss told me he was still having trouble with his van.
 By the time they left it was just before 3.30. pm. and as I have been under the weather for a couple of days I was thankful all had gone well.
 I was sitting down this afternoon when the door bell rang, it was the lad from next door, they had just got back from mexico, it was nice to see him and he told me what a great time he had, the trouble is that he wants to tell you all so quickly but I will get to know all. He did show me a T.shirt he bought, I also gave him the hand fork which he thanked me very much and then told me he would put his name ion it and when he left he would take all with him.
 He didn't stay long and I did say to him that he would go to bed early tonight, he agreed as it is tiring travelling all that distance. More soon.

Latest update

Yesterday I started moving a lot of furniture to make it easy for the old stuff to be taken away and the new stuff installed.
 I was somewhat interrupted when my Best pal called to tell me he was about to leave for r home, it would be the last time this year as he had put his caravan in storage for the Winter. He told me his Wife would be calling a little later to see me and the new car.
 naturally we had a most pleasant time together and time flew by, it seemed just a few minutes had passed when the door bell rung, in fact it was well over an hour.
 The three of us chatted for quite some time and eventually as it was beginning to get a little dark he asked me if I would show her the car. Naturally I went and drove the car out of the garage, she was impressed and after a good look round and naturally sitting in the car it was time to go.
 It was sad to see them go but as I said to them, it will soon be March. That is when  they will be down once again.
 Today I finished getting ready for the delivery. I waited and waited, the delivery should have been this morning. I did have my dinner and went out to do a little work on the driveway.
  Soon after 2. 30. pm. the phone rang, it was the nice lady who sold me the gear, she told me she doesn't normally work on a Friday but as there had been so busy she called in only to find that the van had broken down and asked if I had been contacted. With a negative response she told me she then decided to contact me. She asked me if Monday delivery would do, I told her yes and she told me she would contact me on Monday morning. We will see. More soon.

Shopping

I rung my mate up on Saturday and he was willing to take me shopping in Skegness and suggested Tuesday. So this morning I went to see him.
 As soon as I arrived I could see why he didn't come to see me as his place is in a state or refurbishment and still has lots to do. When it is complete he will have a lovely homely place with all the modern pieces in situ.
 He showed me what he had already done and what he had planned, I only hope that he comes over in about 3 weeks just to give him a break from all the hard work he still has to do.
 Anyway back to me, we left his home and I told him I wished to call at Home Bargains, Furniture shops, Lidl, and Tesco. Off we went and parked free and walked to Home Bargains, I told him I wished to look in there but of course he was using his head, he suggested that we call on the way back that way we would only be carrying the goods I bought back to the car. We called at the old Co-op and looked at the sofas, as my mate said it gave me a good idea as to how much the sofas would cost. It was a nice place and had some good bargains on several things. We left there and he took me to Poundland, it is just as he said it was not a smart upmarket shop but you had to be careful what you bought as everything was a £. I bu=ought a diary and we left and went to Wilco but saw nothing there but to or surprise it was quite busy, generally with  Halloween stuff. Until recent years nothing was thought of Halloween but it really has become very popular.
 We then walked back to Home Bargains where I bought a couple of items, the first was a Bathroom cleaner and the second was a hand fork for the lad who is on Holiday. I found a cheap pair of secateurs that I will give him so the will compliment him with a small trowel that I gave him earlier this year.
 We went back to the car and found that we only had 10 or so minutes left with the free parking, so off we went to Tesco. To be honest I think my mate uses Lidl far more than Tesco but I find it good value for money if you shop right. I bought some of their own Special Flakes a box of Cornflakes and a couple of 4 pints of milk. I then noticed they had some Flora Pro Active on for £3 so I bought one, my mate informed me that Lidl sell it at their place but I told him it was a great price. We paid for the stuff with cash then off we went to Lidl.
 I had made a list and to be honest it is the first time I bought everything on my list, generally thanks to my mate. I did notice that had I bought the Flora Proactive it would have coat nearly 40 pence more but we did save on other things. The only problem is queueing up to pay.
 Now I must tell you I have never used a credit card to pay with a PIN number so I asked my mate how to go on. When it came to our turn I asked my mate if this was the place to put my credit card in? He kindly said it was not as that was where the till receipt was issued. The lass on the till thought this was funny, all I said to her was that if she lived long enough she might have the same thing happen to her. Anyway I followed his instructions and the credit card was accepted. So now it was off to a place that he knew and said it was good but he hadn't been there for some considerable time.
 I would never have found it as it is not on the main thoroughfare. We walked in the warehouse and immediately could see that they had a large selection of beds, sofas, and  dining room tables and chairs on display.
 We started to look round when the Sales Lady came out, immediately she noticed my mate and had a few words with him and he told her we were just looking, she then told us if we needed any help just ask. It wasn't long before we were asking and with my mates help, assistance and advice I finally bought a second hand sofa that had been professionally steam cleaned and 2 brand new easy chairs. Prior to purchasing I asked her if they would take my old furniture away and install the replacement, which she readily agreed to this at no extra cost. I asked her if she would accept a credit card and she told me there was no problem so I told her I would pay there and then. This time I did it myself and it was immediately accepted. With that she asked if delivery on Friday was acceptable and of course I told her it would, a couple of minutes later she asked me that if it is possible could they deliver on Thursday as they had 2 men on delivery that day. I told her it was no problem. She then showed me all that was on the desk, this she told me was booked for delivery on Thursday, there must have been at least a dozen orders to be delivered, so I don't expect to have mine till Friday but that is no problem at all. I will be ready on Thursday just in case.
 With that done I then took my mate home, mind you he had to tell me where to go as I was completely lost. I told him as we were driving to his place that I had thoroughly enjoyed the morning with him and I appreciated what he had done for me. To be honest we have always go on very well since I first met him at Seaview Car Park in Mablethorpe in the early nineties.
 Off I went back home and arrived soon after 12.30.pm. By the time I had put the goods away I managed to get my dinner just before 2.00.pm. Not bad as we had had a successful day. More soon.

Surprise!! surprise!!

Yesterday I had everything in order. For a start I would go to the local Surgery to try to make an appointment for my Shingles jab, then I would go to the bottle bank which is only a few yards from the surgery. After that I would call at the Newsagent to pick up a weekly T.V paper. Then I would go to the dental Surgery in Mablethorpe for my second fitting. Finally on my way home I would call at the local warehouse and pick up a couple of items.
 Off I went to the Surgery leaving a hour before my appointment at the Dentists. The receptionist asked me if she could help me, to be honest I have found all the receptionists very helpful indeed.
 I informed her that a fortnight ago I had my flu jab and was informed that I was eligible for a Shingles jab but no vaccine was available and I should wait a while before I made an appointment.
 On typing my name it showed that was eligible for the Shingles jab show she checked and told me that if I wanted I could have it today at 1.40.pm. I informed her that this was not possible as I had an appointment in Mablethorpe at 12.30.pm. with the dentist and as I was a diabetic I would then be too long without any food. She told me to wait and asked if anything could be done, after about 2 minutes she asked me to sit down. I told her that I could make another appointment another day but she told me it was no trouble and she would see what she could do, so I sat and waited. After about 5 minutes she called me and told me she had made am appointment for 1.00.pm. adding that she had moved all the other patients back a little to accommodate me. I thanked her for her dedication and she told me that it was no problem. So off I went to the Bottle Bank to get rid of a few jars.
 Driving to the Newsagent I noticed that the Post Office was gutted, not that they are making it any larger but we will wait and see. I picked up my T.V. newspaper then off I went to Mablethorpe. I looked at my watch and could see that I had plenty of time so decided to call at the warehouse first before my Dental appointment. While I was in there I saw this colleague, the one who asked me if I was  Footplate Man he was pleased to see me because he hadn't seen me for a few weeks and wondered if I was alright. I assured him that I was fine but had been to the Dentist for a few weeks so I wasn't calling at my usual time of early in the morning.  We had a few minutes talking then I proceeded to pick up a few things then off to the Dentist. By the time I got there I was about 15 minutes early but decided to book in anyway. No sooner had I sat down when his assistant called me in. I asked him how many times more would I de calling as I wanted to have the money ready to pay. He told me that a couple of times more should see it through. He then checked the dentures and told me that was all for today and I was out within a few minutes.
  The Dental Surgery is upstairs in a complex so I went down to the Reception and informed the lass that I had an appointment for 1.00.pm. but it was warmer to wait here than in my car, she agreed and told me where to sit and wait.
 I was sitting down when I saw a Nurse Practitioner, it must have been 5 or more years since I had seen her she was a very nice Nurse. Someone had told me she had retired. She saw me and smiled I then asked her if she was working in Mablethorpe because I had been informed that she had retired. She then let me know she had left about 6 years ago but she was back working. I reminded her that she was one of the first Nurse Practitioner's in Sutton Surgery, she agreed that she was. We had a few more words then off she went.
 I sat there for about 20 minutes alone but then the odd person began to arrive for the flu jab. Soon after 1.00.pm. I was called in for my Shingles jab. I certainly couldn't complain about the service I was given.
 My next Dental appointment is in early November so hopefully my mate will be able to have a day with me next week. More soon.

Mexico

The lad from next door came to see me, he is looking forward to his holiday in Mexico. Mexico was chosen because his carer has a daughter who lives in Australia and she once told me that this was just about the half way point from where her Daughter lives and here. I have not bothered to check it out but I presume it is more or less correct as a holiday in Mexico is not all that common. The lad told me that they were travelling down to London on Wednesday and staying overnight in an hotel then lying on Thursday morning. I asked him to take some photos so that he could show me when he came back.
 When I saw him I managed to pick the last of the soft fruits, as it had been warm for a few days the late raspberries had ripened well, I also had a few blackberries and one alpine strawberry. He asked me if I would go and look at his tomatoes in thee greenhouse as he told me he had to sling some away. When I looked I could see that insufficient air was getting to the unripened tomatoes and they were rotting so I showed him what to do, well to be honest I did the work, breaking a lot of side shoots. I said breaking because they have no secateurs there at all. In fact I have supplied him with most of the items he has. I will look and I think I have a secateur that I can give him, not the best but they will do for what we will have to do.
 He is pleased with what he has had, he kept telling me that he had done well. It is good for him to have a hobby, mind you it does come second to his XBox and him playing.
 Today I managed to pick a few runner beans, if the weather is not frosty I should have another couple of days picking the beans but as it is turning colder and frost is forecast for a few areas I will keep my fingers crossed. More soon.

Refurbishment

When I went to get my Pension there was a notice on the window stating the Post Office would be closed for a while for refurbishment and improvement.
 When my Best Pal called to see me he always tries to bring me a newspaper, this time was no different and he bought me the local Newspaper. Inside it gave details of what was going to happen with the improvements to the Post Office. To be honest I am a little worried as in general, what happens is that they spend a lot of money then decide to close the place down, I hope it doesn't happen this time. The Post office will be closed from Tomorrow and reopen on November 3rd.
 I told one of the staff there that I would have to have a guide to show me where all the new placed are.
 I had a parcel for next door so when I took it to her, I asked if all was ready for the holiday to Mexico. She told me that more or less all was prepared. I told her the lad was looking forward to his holiday. not that he has no holidays at all. She certainly looks after both of them. We agreed that they both would not be able to look after themselves alone. I think the lad would be alright in some sort of sheltered accommodation.
 The weather lately has not been good, lots of rain and a cold East wind, the produce has more or less finished. I do have a few runner beans and with luck will be eating them for over 3 months. They are certainly the best value for money vegetable to sow. Little room is required but keeping them well watered is vital.
 Next Wednesday I go to the dentist for my second fitting, I will also go to the Surgery to try and make an appointment for my Shingles jab. More soon.

Not showing off.

I have posted these photos because my American fried informed me that he could not enlarge the photos I sent by e-mail. I hope that these will prove more successful for him. I have also sent some photos to my mate to see if he can enlarge them. I will let my American friend know the outcome.
 This morning I went to see the dental Surgeon. I did remind him that as he is retiring at 60 he will have at least 15 years of active life but as he enters the late 70s he will require a short afternoon nap, he seemed surprised at that. Anyway I also took my original dentures and let him see jut how petite they were, he told me that he would do his best to get me the correct fitting. I certainly trust him more than any other dentist. He took the first impressions and told me he would see me in a weeks time then we would proceed from there. It seems as if I will be calling at least 3 more times but if they fit better than these have then it will be well worth it.
 By the way you will notice that I have covered the number plates for security reasons. You will also notice that we had many really heavy showers today, the one that had deposited a large amount of rain I just missed as I was travelling home from Mablethorpe. More soon.

Service contract

Windows have been updating things and this causes me grief, the good thing is that the screen is a nicer picture.
 On Wednesday I decide to find out about servicing my boiler. With it being LPG is is important that it is serviced regular. After shopping around I finally decided to go with British Gas. They actually installed the replacement boiler.
 I went on their site and was offered a chat so I accepted. Unfortunately the operator informed me she could not see my text due to security. Undaunted I decided to apply Online but when I checked all it didn't give me the information I really needed, first was LPG boiler a problem and secondly when would I get my service as it is just over a year ago when it was last serviced. As there was a freephone I decide to give them a call.
 I rung the number and after waiting for about 10 minutes was contacted by a very helpful guy called Nat, he had a Scottish accent but I well understood all he said.
 After going through all the options I decided to go on a Contract very similar to what I had with Calor, the difference being that the annual cost is less for this year but there is a £60 call out. I worked it out that as I had a call out last year and replacement parts for most of the system I plumped for that. He then asked me to wait while he got everything in place. I had to wait no more than a couple of minutes or so. When he came back he asked me if |I would like my boiler serviced today as he could arrange it so naturally I told him that would be fine. He then said it would be between Noon and 6.00.pm. which I readily agreed. We ended the conversation soon after that but within 15 minutes the Engineer rung me up to ask exactly where I was, as soon as I mentioned the Spanish style house he immediately told me he knew where I was and would be with me in about 10 minutes.
 He duly arrived and gave it a thorough check over even going in the loft to check the things up there. He was here with me about 75 minutes and when he left told me that he would probably be the Engineer to service my boiler next year as not all were competent on LPG boilers. He did tell me that I had the best type of boiler, a Worcester  Bosch I told him it was British Gas who had installed it for me.
 Yesterday was windy and I get fed up with picking things up which the motorists have discarded out of their moving cars. This happened to be a plastic piece of paper and when I went to pick it up I felt a sharp pain, I had obviously been stung by something. Although my hand didn't swell up it was certainly very red and the pain didn't go away like a Wasp or Bee sting. Late last night I could still feel the discomfort and this morning when I rose the feeling was still there but not that bad. I now have looked at where the thing got me and I notice a mark such as a pin prick would make but thank goodness I can do all again with my hand.
 Today I had a flu jab, I was first but naturally they were running a little late, it was Claire who took my blood a couple of weeks ago she gave me the flu jab then told me I was eligible for the Shingles injection and if I wished I could have it today. I naturally told her that it would be fine to have it today. Off we went to another consulting room where another Nurse was administering some injections. Claire asked her about the Shingles jab but was immediately informed that there was none available and I should make an appointment but not for a few days because they haven't got any of the preparation there so I guess it will be sometime before I get my Shingles jab. More soon.

Cooking apples

On Saturday the lad came round to help, to be honest he really came round to have a nice meal but we did do a little work.
 He was talking about how many days he has to go before he flies to Mexico he is really looking forward to the trip. He told me he had his Tablet repaired so he could take it with him, he even bought it round to show me but then the excuse was that he wanted to take a few photos of the car which he did soon before going home.
 Yesterday I picked about 2 stone of Bramley cooking apples, some will not keep as they have been attacked by grubs. but there are still quite a few on the tree yet.
 This morning I went for my haircut, the car park was almost full to be honest there were just 2 spaces and I took one. When I walked into the Market Place I could see why, there was the normal Tuesday market with perhaps 10 stalls but also there is the Auction, as I walked by I noticed quite a lot of bicycles there, to be honest there were loads of items to be auctioned.
 I carried on to the Barbers and there was one person in the chair so I didn't have to wait long.
 When I went to pay she told me that it was free this time as I had paid for I think 5 haircuts, this was refreshing as I have to save up for the Dental treatment which will cost me well over £250.
 By the way, we had on Saturday for dinner steak pie with potatoes a few runner beans, peas ans marrow. For pudding we had blackberry and apple sponge which of course he had second helpings. I don't mind as he enjoys it a lot.
 On Friday I go for my Flu jab and next week again a visit to the dentist. More soon.

Too busy.

 On Monday I had a delivery of shingle and wood, this came just after dinner. I had earlier been in the garden cleaning up and also taking a few shrubs out.
 Tuesday I went to the Surgery to make an appointment for a flu jab, got my State Pension and went back home. I needed to get my Pension as my mate was calling on Wednesday and I would owe him at least £100.
 Later I shifted some shingle from the front garden, it came in a bag which held a ton. I shifted about 25% of the shingle and transferred it to my orchard where the shingle had become a little sparce.
 Yesterday my mate called, it was nice to see him as it is a couple of months since he last called, one way and another we seemed to have something on. He did a few jobs but we had plenty of time to talk also. By the way I did owe him a little more than the £100.
 I guess I am feeling my age as most afternoons I need a nap, with this in mind I said to him a little after 2.00.pm. I suggested he leave for home. I thought I would get a little rest but the lad from next door came to see me, he had been on holiday at Hastings for about 5 days break. Of course he had to tell me all about his break but was more happy because he wasn't going to work  this week. Among other things he let me know that on Tuesday next week he would not be calling to see me. To be honest he very rarely visits me on a Tuesday. He let me know that he had a visitor so of course I asked him who it was. He tole me it was a speech therapist. I told him that his speech had improved and my best Pal had told me that he was talking much better. I think that is because I get him to talk a lot and if he says something wrong then I get him to say it so that all can understand. By the time he went home it was way past my teatime.
 Today I dug up some more shrubs and pruned the remainder. I also shifted another load of shingle and there is less that 25% of it left. I also made some more bread rolls so all in all I once more have had a busy day. I guess I will take no rocking off to sleep tonight.
 Incidentally the lad will be here on Saturday morning to help me, mind you I will have done the majority of work but that is just as well because I have just seen the weather forecast, not great for Saturday. More soon.

Dental Problems

Yesterday I went to the Dentist informing him that the time was limited for my only molar on the lower jaw. I also informed him that the propriety brands of fixing the dentures in place was a waste of money. On inspection he told me that my mouth had receded a little so the dentures were not fitting correctly. I told him they really never fitted and asked him for his professional advice.
 He first told me that he was retiring, I was somewhat surprised as he is not old. He told me that he was 60 and Dental Surgeons that worked for the National Health could retire on a full Pension. He then suggested that he made new impressions for a complete upper and lower set and when they were ready he would extract the loose tooth and fit the dentures. He told me he would make sure that he would see me alright as he was not going to retire until the Spring next year.
 No price was given but when I signed the consent form I saw what the price would be, together with the Inspection visit the cost will be well over £250. This may I remind you is what they call looking after you from cradle to grave. The cost is in excess of 2 weeks State Pension.
 When I went to reception I asked the receptionist iif I could pay by Debit Card but she noticed it was a contactless payment card too so she just waved it over the paying machine and that was that.
 On the way out I tried to see if anything was happening at Lidl but I could see nothing at all.
 I then made my way to Louth to Aldi, it is a fine store and the parking facilities are fantastic with the parking areas similar to those offered for disabled parking. In I went and the aisles are very wide. The selection is similar to Lidl but I think the meats are a little better quality. I also bought some coffee, it was cheap and well acceptable.
 When I left I called to see my Italian friend to take him some tomato seeds and a tomato. They are plum tomatoes but when I gave him them he told me he was buying the pasta sauce. Still he may grow some.
 By the time I arrived home it was well into the afternoon and by the time I had put the groceries away it was way after my dinner time. Still I bought some cooked ham pieces and had a couple of sandwiches which was very nice. More soon.

Nuts

A couple of days ago I checked to see my hazelnuts only to notice that the squirrel had found them so I had to go and pick the nuts, not that I had too many this year. The lad came round and I shelled most of them for him. I have dentures that are not the best fitting so I didn't mind giving him the majority of them. I am sure he would not be able to shell the nuts without squashing them to bits.
  This morning I saw the squirrel hopping along the fence at the bottom of my garden so obviously I just collected the nuts in time.
 We have had poor weather these last few days, no sun at all and plenty of rain. Not that it has made things grow, my runner  beans have taken a rest and I don't expect to gather to many more, this morning I didn't even gather enough for a meal. I am not grumbling though because in all honesty I have done well for beans. My marrow plants had a second crop and was thrilled by how many I gathered off one plant. The other plant I managed 3 marrows, the last one being the best which I picked off the plant this morning. I have had double figures from the other plant, I guess it is 12 in all. I hope to have one for my mate who hasn't been here for several weeks. He like me has had several things to do, in his case waiting for a plasterer for a couple of weeks but last Friday he asked him if he could leave his gear there so he told him that was fine. When he rung up on Saturday he told me that this meant almost certainly he would be there this week. Let us hope it does mean that. He also goes to the dentist this week as I do, I am going tomorrow soon after 11.00am. which did mean that if he wished to get here tomorrow it was not possible.
 yesterday I saw the Postman, he gave me a letter incidentally from Calor, we discussed how things had grown this year and we both agreed that it has not been a good year for gardeners.
The letter gave me the news that Calor was no longer giving a Boiler Cover but did give me an alternative Company to contact. I thought it was funny because they are quick to send out a renewal notice. However they will honour any contract for 6 weeks. More soon.

Apples

These are Sunset apples, they are a Cox's Orange Pippin substitute because they tend to grow better in the Northern areas. I have had no disappointments regarding the fruits. This year I have saved in trays over 200 apples. Those which are photographed loose are slightly damaged so they will not keep.
 If last year is anything to go by I will be slinging about half of those I have carefully saved away. Last year was so mild and damp so I hope this year will be a lot kinder to my fruit.
 In the polytunnel I have removed most of the broad beans I set in the heat of the Summer. I can't grumble really as the lad had a portion and I have had a portion and I have enough beans for a couple of meals.
 My Neighbour next door told me that his Wife had ordered a Mitsubishi Hybrid car with all the extras. The colour is white and delivery is Thursday, . The neighbour next door to him also bought a new car a Citroen together with a Camper Van, not new but a newer one than they had. It is said he won the Lottery and with the winnings bought the house. It wanted so much doing to it but he has spent a lot on it and it now looks nice.
 yesterday was red hot and I had to go to the Surgery and all I had on was a trousers and shirt. Today has been a lot cooler, this morning it was dull but the sun broke through late morning but there was a cool wind off the sea, still I am not complaining. More soon.

Still busy

Well!! this is the new car I had delivered to me last Friday. Not that I have had much time to enjoy it as I have still been very busy. It is a Ford Fiesta Ecoboost Titanium
 Today I went to the bottle bank, having over the last 2 days picked up the broken glass panes which had been trodden on.
 I originally planned to take them to the bottle bank in the bag which came with the Ton of shingle but it was too heavy for me to lift and I dragged it to the back gate. Unfortunately the bottom became frayed in a few places so I had in reserve a few bird seed bags which I ordered previous and they held 25 kgs. of seed. Anyway I filled 3 of these bags with enough glass so that I could lift them.
 Off I went to the Town where the bottle bank was only to notice that they had small port hoes so I pushed in what I could and came back home to break the glass into smaller pieces to fit the portholes.
 I had to make 2 trips and still have another one to empty but I am going to the Surgery tomorrow morning to have blood tests so will dispose of the glass then.
 The man next door has done all he can do for the present time regarding the fencing, he told me he has to make some more panels but did comment on the chicken wire that I had fixed to deter the rabbits. Yesterday I removed all the chicken wire and spent much of this morning flattening the wire so that I can place some of it in the recycle bin. Still the weather has been kind apart from Saturday where it rained all day. It started around 6.00.am and stopped about 12 hours later. More soon .

Very very busy

This is a short note informing you who bother to read my blog that I have been very busy.
  Last Friday I spent most of the day sorting out the purchase of my new car.
  On Monday I had a delivery of a ton of shingle which I started to get ready to put it where I needed it.
  Tuesday the lad from next door came to help me, if you could call it help, but in fact he did do a little to help me. I had to get up early so as to get the dinner ready. He wants a pudding, also he likes gravy and told me he wanted peas. Anyway we managed to get most of the shingle disposed before we had dinner. While we were eating dinner he suggested that we call it a day. I told him that we must get enough out of the bag so that we could lift the bag and put it in a wheelbarrow and take it round the back garden. This we did but to be honest I was tired.
 Later that day the man from next door started to erect some more fencing panels and had to move some posts that I had. They had rotted in the ground so today I have been lifting those posts, replacing the rotten posts with newer posts which I have once more concreted in, incidentally the
 old ones were concreted  so that they were hard to dig up. I have just finished and the time now is just after 6.  00.pm. More eventually.

Red sky at night

I was always led to believe that red sky at night was a shepherd's delight meaning that the next day would be nice and dry.
 This went out of the window for Friday night the sky was as red as I can remember for many a year.
  Saturday dawned rather dull with a little rain and to be honest didn't improve much during the morning. In the early afternoon it brightened up a little but soon after 3.30.pm. it went as black as night and not long after 4.00.pm. the heavens opened up with very heavy rain, torrential at times with constant thunder and lightening. This lasted until soon after 7.30.pm. Needless to say the garden was waterlogged and together with the strong winds the leaves from the trees were scattered on the ground.
 Sunday morning I went up the garden to see that most of the water had subsided considerably but in the orchard plenty of apples had fallen off the trees. Mainly James Grieve  and Bramley.
 I picked a few more James Grieve apples as you can see by the photo. They are an excellent dual purpose apple, rather sharp to taste but very juicy, also as you can see they are excellent as cooking apples boiling down to  a fluffy state.
 I had the Italian friend and his Wife come to visit me. They had a couple of coffees and she had 3 teaspoonfuls of sugar in her coffee. I picked about 6 James Grieve apples for them. To be honest they could do with about another week or more on the tree. I had boiled some up for my apple sauce and asked her if she would like to have a taste showing her that they boiled down well to a fluffy state. I expected her response which was they were not sweet enough for her but I told her to use them in a pie or crumble.
 The Bank Holiday has now gone and today has been a glorious day with almost unbroken sunshine and a pleasant breeze. Still the weather over the last few days didn't deter the traffic. To be honest I think it has been as busy as I have known it. Mind you the Children got back to school next week so hopefully the traffic will be back to normal. More soon.

Visitor

Yesterday I did eventually get to the Hairdressers for my haircut. I had to wait until mid afternoon as the delivery of my LPG didn't get to me much before 2.00.pm.
 This morning I had a phone call, it was from a colleague from my Business days, he had the similar sort of Business to me and traded near to me. I retired many years ago and he retired several years later.
 His Wife told me she was having trouble walking and that she had a hip replacement about 7 years ago and told me that she should go to see the local G.P. I said that she should go as soon as possible for the G.P. would refer to to Louth Hospital and she would see a consultant with the expectations of an X.ray.
 Her Husband had also had trouble with a growth on his bladder but all now seemed well. We discussed gardening and we both agreed that this year had been a most difficult year. He also told me that his tomatoes had not been good. When I showed him mine he was surprised at the yield I was getting.
 They left for home just before Noon so I prepared to cook my dinner. Earlier I had made a couple of lots of bread rolls, the lad from next door getting me some fresh yeast from Morrison's.
 yesterday and today we have had some rain, not a lot although the forecast is for heavy showers for tonight. We will see.
 This week end sees the late Summer Bank Holiday so  I expect the weather to be so so. More soon.

Extremes regarding weather

Over the week end it was very windy with gales, severe at times and of course played havoc with my runner beans. I did however get my washing dry with possibly the quickest time ever. It took less than 90 minutes to get all of my washing dry.
 Today was dreadfully hot, so much so that my plants in the polytunnel were showing signs of stress. I watered them this afternoon putting plenty of water on the leaves and when I looked an hour later they seemed to have improved with the water I gave them.
 I try to plan everything in advance but the best laid plans go awry.
  I planned to go to the Surgery to make an appointment to have my 3 monthly blood tests. This was a success. I then bought a few things from the local Spar Shop, milk in general, bought my weekly T.V. magazine then went back home. I had decided to then go to have my hair cut so off I went to Alford, I noticed that the free Car Park was nearly full and as I walked up to the market square I could see that there was a Market on, I realised that it was a Tuesday and it is held every Tuesday. I made my way to the Hairdressers only to find a note stating that the shop would not be open until 10.30.am. As it meant I would have to wait an hour I decided to go back home.
 On Monday I had used the 2 x 47 kgs. of LPG so I ordered 2 more but the operator informed me that they would be delivered on Wednesday so it all depends on when they call as to when I go for my hair cut. I have to be in as I pay cash and they will NEVER leave anything if money is not readily available.
 As the Hairdresser closes on Thursday it may be Friday before I manage to get my hair cut, still that is no great problem. More soon.

Harvest

The Farmer decided to harvest his wheat yesterday and the dust was horrendous and with the wind blowing from the East it blew a lot of dusty bits directly on our properties.
 I saw the fella from next door and we discussed the mess, I suggested that he does it on purpose because the last 2 years he has harvested when the wind was from the East. He suggested that he certainly did it on purpose. Anyway I spent a lot of time clearing the mess from my white plastic window sills and ledges. Still that hopefully will be that until next year, unless he waits for a dry time with the wind once more from  the East when he decides to harrow the field.
 the first photo shows the marrow plants, they are the best I have grown and the one furthest away from the camera I have had 8 marrows off it the second however has produced only 1 but hopefully I will get another a little later in the Autumn.
 The second photo shows my runner beans, well some of them anyway. I decided last week to give them an awful lot of water as the weather was warm, this has produced plenty of beans, in fact this morning I picked well over 1.5lbs and this afternoon made the total for the day well over 2.lbs. In new money over 500 grammes. As me neighbour said to me they all seem to come at once which is generally true but not for runner beans as they are the best value for money anyone can say because they produce over quite a long period if looked after.
 The weather over the coming week end is not good, rain but more important gales, the runner beans don'y like the strong winds so we shall see what happens. More soon.

Miles away

I have been watching the Olympic Games and I have missed the odd post.
 Today with the wind coming off the sea it was ideal for me to have a bonfire. I first checked to see that the smoke would not blow over next door, the carer who has washing out almost every day. It was fine so I made sure that the bonfire burnt well. It was nice and dry, about 10 minutes later I looked over next door because I could hear burning. Sure enough the fire was burning fiercely and the flames were well over 10' high. I went to look over the fence and noticed it was the carer herself. I expected it to be her Husband. She was trying to control the fire with a garden hose. She saw me and asked if I could turn the tap on more, I of course told her I would. So off I went going through the back hedge and up her garden to the tap which I turned on full.
 I could see she was somewhat perturbed and I told her that all was well. She then pointed out the field which had Oil Seed Rape on had caught fire on the perimeter. I told her I would sort it out and she suggested that I take a bucket of water. I told her that it would not work but I would try to sort it out. Off I went and had considerable trouble getting up the slope to the field but eventually managed it. I could see that the Farmer had started to plough the field in readiness to setting some seeds. I could also see the edge of the field which had dry grass had caught fire in several areas.
 I remembered that when I was at the Seafront Cafe on the car park, one day some youngsters had lit fires to start a grass fire. The Fire Brigade had been called but I said to my assistant that I would go and look at what was happening. I waled up and used my feet to stamp out the firs and made sure all was well. When the Fire Engine came up and asked where the fire was I told them that I had put it out. They were somewhat surprised at the way I put the fire out. So I had some idea as to what I could do.
 This time it was more difficult and to be honest the heat did manage to damage my shoes a little but at least I managed to extinguish the fire completely. Then I tried to find my was back to her garden, with great difficulty forcing my way through high vegetation including nettles I gave her the good news that all the fires had been put out. I went home and was shattered but within 20 minutes the lad came to see me. His carer had told him to come round and ask me to go for coffee. It would have been rather rude of me to refuse so I went round.
 After about 30 minutes talking and a coffee I told the lad that we would go out and collect the remaining bits of rubbish together and place it on the smouldering bonfire. I told him not to go and do anything on his own as the heat was still great. We collected the remaining bits and then I told him that when the ash was cold he could spread it on his garden as it would do good.
 By the time I had finished there it was 5.00.pm. and past my tea time but at least we both had got rid of a lot of rubbish. More soon.

Typical hot

It was typical weather on Saturday when I tried to do some concreting. It was far too hot for me, it would have been had I nothing to do. The lad from next door came round but to be honest was not a great help, in fact it made it more difficult for me because I had to feed him but he is a nice lad.

I started to work soon after 9.00.am and finally finished what I would call a mess a little after 11.30.am and by the time I managed to get my dinner with the lad it was about 1.00.pm which is late for me. Soon after 2.00.pm he left and to be honest I dozed off for much of the afternoon, in fact the next day I did nothing but doze off for most of the day.

I saw the guy from next door and he told me his potatoes were the same as mine. He commented that there had been too much rain and he was disappointed but as I said there's nothing we could do.

I am getting plenty of runner beans as you can see in the photos, the other one shows a painted lady on the echinacea. They are Summer visitors generally from France and depending on the wind some years we hardly see any but this year are plentiful. In general butterflies are not as plentiful as normal. More soon.

Some good, some bad

The first photo shows how my main crop of potatoes fared, they were sown in early May and as you can see many were affected with the dreadful weather we had here and quite a lot rotted in the ground and of course many were also damaged by slugs(eel worms). I have managed to get about 28 lbs. in all so can't grumble really.
 The second shows the second marrow I have had, I gave my mate the first one and there are several others that are growing nicely. That one weighed just under 4 lbs.
 The third photo must be enlarged to notice that there is a painted lady butterfly on the lavender. Incidentally just about the best lavender that I have in my garden, the vast majority have succomed to the soggy garden. The painted lady is not as common as some variety of butterflies as they generally stay on the Continent but these last few days there have been quite a few in my garden, however they are very timid and the first sign of movement I make they up and fly away.
 Tomorrow I will try, with the help of the lad next door attempt to improve the floor in my garage. It has deteriorated over the years mainly because the builder made the mixture too weak and it is crumbling. So that is tomorrow sorted out. More soon.