Flu.

My youngest Sister rung me the other day to inform me that my eldest Sister has Flu but she is getting better now. She told me that the Doctor was called because she was feeling very poorly and could hardly stand. The Doctor told her she had Flu but my Sister then let him know that she had already had the Flu jab. He then told her that this year the Flu jab was not as good as in previous years. That of course gives us all a vote of confidence.
 As for me and my journey to see the doctor, once more I have to have further Blood tests not that I have zero, as one knows I have Blood tests every 3 months.
 On Saturday the lad came round for dinner, I first made some spray up for the fruit trees and after a small port and lemon we went outside and sprayed all the fruit trees. I then told him that we would go round and spray his Pear tree which surprised but pleased him.
 We then had dinner, loin of Pork with Apple sauce  with roast and boiled Potatoes together with Brussel sprouts and his favourite Peas. We then had Christmas pudding with a Rum sauce which he thoroughly enjoyed. Whilst we were easting the doorbell rang. I went to answer it and found his Carer with a key in her hand letting me know she was going shopping and that he could let himself in. He did say with me till well after 2.30.pm. and left. Naturally I was tired but I did enjoy the meal and  company too although I have to listen hard to catch all he says.
 This morning I went to get some milk and washed the car for I do not intend to go out again till next year.  Whether I can will be up to others but hopefully I will manage it. I definitely have enough food and milk to last me for the rest of this year.
 If I do not post anymore for some time may I wish all who read my blog a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous 2018 More soonish.

Backwards and forwards

Over the last few days I have been trying to get an appointment to see a doctor. yesterday I was determined to get to the Surgery just after it opened. The journey was not great, Black Ice but I didn't expect it as it was raining at the time. I did however notice the Ice warning on the dashboard, I soon realised that it was not great because I felt the back slide going round a sharp bend.
 When I managed to get to the surgery I asked, as there was nobody else there if she had an appointment to see the Doctor available. Immediately she told me that there was no appointments available but if I wished to go to Mablethorpe another 7 miles in icy conditions, I could join the waiting list of people wanting to see a G.P. I decided that this was not a good idea as she told me at that moment there were 12 persons waiting so I asked her if I came back the following day would I get a Doctor's appointment, this she told me that I would especially if I got there early.
 This morning I arrived just after 8.00.am. There was a guy lying on some chairs, it looked as if he was sleeping but although there were 2 receptionists there they made no attempt to call me over.
 After 10 or so minutes the sliding window opened and the receptionist apologised for making me wait. I told her that it was no problem because she was a lot busier than I was. I then requested an appointment so soo a GP. only to be told that no appointments were available. I told her I was surprised as I had been informed the day before that if I came early I would get an appointment. With that I was told that one of them was not coming in due to ill health. I was eventually offered an appointment but it would be in Mablethorpe. I did accept this appointment and it turned out to be the same Doctor who I last seen.
 I explained to her that my right leg was swollen and I had already reduced some medication. She took note of what I told her then had a look, took my B.P also checked my Lungs and Heart. I did suggest to her that I change my prescription for cholesterol but she persuaded me to stick to what I was on, I then told her to delete my 5 mgs. of BP treatment which she agreed measured my legs and told me that she wished me to have further tests in early January next year. A nice New year to look forward to but if all is well then it will be worth it. Mind you I hold my breath because I think the problem is the amount of medication I am on. Still I do feel alright in myself. More soon.

Odd health problems

The lad didn't go to work much last week but called to see me on Wednesday to let me know he was on Respite, well his Carer is so he has to go somewhere else for a few days which of course means he will not see me. He also told me that although he will only be away for a few days in February next year he will be staying at his temporary place for at least 2 weeks as his Carer and Husband will be going to Australia well that is what he thinks. He is probably correct as her Daughter lives in Australia. He also wished to know at what time this Saturday he should call round, I am having him for his Christmas Dinner.
 I notice this morning that my right leg is swollen so I will have to make an appointment to see a Doctor. As I rarely go to make an appointment for a Doctor, heaven knows when an appointment will be made.
 We were lucky over the weekend as we missed all of the snow. On Sunday morning around 8.30.am. I saw some raindrops on the bedroom window as the wind was from the East. I didn't expect any snow at all because when the wind is from that quarter, unless it is very cold we get no snow or if we do then it doesn't last.
 Yesterday was cloudy and cool but most of the Country eventually saw the sun but this morning it dawned sunny but very frosty. We had some ice on the pavements because we had a shower the night before just as it was getting dark so obviously it froze It has been freezing all day but it is supposed to cloud over later tonight and lift the temperatures a little.
 As the first 2 bottles of LPG ran out late Saturday I had to ring for a couple more but to be honest I was surprised just how many times I had to ring up before I managed to get through. Not that it did a lot of good for when I tried to order I had the reply to give me my telephone number and they would contact me later. It was certainly later for I had given up any chance for them to contact me when the telephone rang. That was about 2 hours later, to be honest I was within 5 minutes of contacting them once more. Anyway the guy took my order and I paid by debit card and he informed me that delivery would be on Wednesday. What I did forget to ask him was when they were open over the Holiday period for I expect to run out of the next 2 bottles within 3 or 4 weeks depending on the weather.
 More soon.

Grantham

Yesterday I travelled to Grantham to see my Sister's but my eldest Sister wasn't feeling too good so I didn't see her.
 I also did my shopping at Morrison's which I like and I also filled up with petrol, a lot cheaper than round here sone 5p a litre cheaper. To be honest I find it more challenging as each year passes and I was tired out after travelling about 120 miles in a day. With increasing traffic which I am not used to really tires me out.
 My Sister told me that Grantham is getting worse for traffic problems and that she hardly uses her car but prefers to walk down into Town then catch the bus back home. I did remind her that getting the last couple of miles into Grantham is a nightmare especially as I hit the School run in the morning. It is dreadful from about 8.30.am for the next hour.
 Now to my produce, I have finished my eating apples called Sunset, they don't keep that well and with this Autumn being very mild at times I did have a few go rotten. They did both me and the lad from next door for each day he went to work I gave him an apple together with a plum tomato.
 This morning I gave him what I expect to be the last plum tomato this year, I still do have a few ordinary tomatoes but I don't expect to keep them into the New Year which I have done in previous years. I did pick a small cucumber last week but it was not of sufficient quality for me to give it away although I still have it and may have a taste.
 I did have a disaster with leeks, all of them went to seed which is something I have never experienced before. I will try to sow more Musselburgh next year and keep my fingers crossed.
 Last Friday I had to go for my 3 monthly blood test and saw the Nurse who performed it last time. I asked her about Thursday's weather which was poor, snow on and off for most of the day. She told me that it had been planned that she would go out on visiting calls but as she only had a small car decided not to venture out and all visiting calls were cancelled.
 I wondered how one would go on years ago when the weather was decidedly far worse than it is now, if we didn't go to work when the weather was bad. I guess the Country would grind to a stop. More soon.

Snow

Yesterday we had an awful lot of heavy rain in showers so this morning it dawned with a sharp frost, the first of the Winter and although it was cloudy to the East on the western side it was blue sky. Then it came cloudy and soon after 8.00.am. it started to snow, the weather forecaster had informed that Scarborough had a few centimeters of snow so I did expect some. The trouble was that we had continuous snow for well over 2 and 1/2 hours and of course with the temperature being so low it settled. Around 10.30.am. it stopped and for a very short period of time we did see a little sun. Now it has been snowing once more for about 30 minutes, the good thing is that the temperature has risen to just above freezing point. The forecast is for it to gradually get warmer so that tomorrow it will be more rain and sleet rather than snow. Just as well for I have to travel to the Surgery for my quarterly appointment for a blood test.
 Now to a little more about the Old Gentleman who was in Lincoln Hospital at the same time as me. He told me he had been lucky all his life starting when he bet on a horse in the Lincoln Handicap, the opening of the Flat Season. It was run for many years at Carholme in Lincoln. He told me somebody had told him many months before to put some money on Over Coat ante post. I immediately told him that I knew Over Coat had won and told him what my father had related to me many years ago when he took me to the St. Leger in Doncaster and we saw Prince Monolulu with his coloured plumes on his head shouting "I gotta horse." My father saw this small man go to Prince Monolulu and ask him for a tip for the Lincoln Handicap for he had lost almost all of his money. He put his arm on the man's shoulder and told him to not forget his overcoat. As my Father heard him say this he decided to have a small bet. He told me that with the winnings he had more than broke even on the day.
 My Father only used to go to the Lincoln Handicap but when it was moved to Doncaster he then went to the St. Leger meeting. This was the one and only time he took me for I told him that it was not for me.
 Mr. L then told me he had won enough money to start a Taxi Business but as his win came I think in 1936 he no sooner started his Taxi Business when the War broke out. He told me once again he was lucky for when he was called up there were about 10 men and the Officer in charge picked him out and told him that he would be immediately promoted to Corporal and would be in charge of the other men there. He then told me he finished up as a Sergeant. He then told me that he started his Taxi Firm and made a success of it making enough money to buy a house in a respectable area in Lincoln.
 As he was 91 he soon came tired and told me that next time he would tell me of all the cars he had owned but unfortunately this didn't happen for the next day the Staff Nurse told me he was going to order a Taxi to take me home, this was a Sunday, in fact Mothering Sunday for the guy who took me home informed me that he was offered the Taxi for the day because the Owner was taking his Wife outy for the day. He added that if it wasn't for the journey that I had it would have been a wash out. More soon.

Forgetful

I completely forgot to post anything for the last few days, not that much has been happening.
 Saturday as I was having my dinner(mid day meal) the doorbell rang, it was the lad from next door, he had been to Skegness to do a little shopping and to see his pal but as he couldn't find him he decide to catch the early bus home. As his carers were going to a Pigeon either a club or a show he wasn't sure but he didn't fancy going.
 Anyway I had a full description of where he went, even to him telling me he went to the toilet but his legs ached so he came back. I did ask him if he wanted anything to eat or drink but he told me he had his dinner early I think it was a tuna and sweetcorn sandwich from I also think from Home Bargains. He also had some Zero Coke that he told me he had bought it from Poundland also some sweets which he had eaten. I then told him that after my dinner which I had almost finished I would make him some pudding. I try to give him some responsibility so after mixing the custard with the cold milk I told him to light the cooker top gas ring and start to stir. I then cut some cake and put it in the microwave whilst he kept stirring soon he told me it was beginning to thicken up so I took the hot cake out of the microwave and poured the thickened custard to make a hot pudding which he told me was nice.
 He wants to get back to play on his XBox but as they had not got back he decided to go on the computer playing  a game while I tried to watch the qualifying of the Dubai Grand Prix. Eventually they arrived back and he was soon back at home. Before he left he told me that he was in the spare room as they were decorating his room, this meant that he large T.V. was not in his temporary room but he added that his XBox was there so he was happy.
 I don't know if I did mention this but when I was in Hospital come 14 or so years ago I was left with an old Man that admitted, I was getting over from having my Gallbladder removed he told me he was 91 years old and proceeded to tell me of his life which I will relate more soon.
 My mate is calling tomorrow, the first time in several weeks so it will be nice to see him and show him some of the alterations that have happened. More soon.

Power cut

We had a power cut on Sunday evening just after 6.00.pm. I was out in the Kitchen/Diner when I was plunged into darkness. I was left groping about for some time but eventually found a solar light that my mate had suggested I purchase, the trouble was that when I came to turn it on I couldn't find the button to press. So off I went with this in my hand to try to feel for a lantern battery torch. After knocking down several items I did find the torch, turned it on and then found the small button to turn the light on. It certainly showed enough light for me to see but as I had tried it out in the late Summer as it became dusk, I was surprised just how long it lasted. I did, however have it on maximum power so this time I managed to get a candle and lit that turning off all other lights. I as you know have a solar Roberts Radio so tuned in to Radio Lincolnshire to see if there was any information about the power cut. Unfortunately it was a music programme playing very old music. After that the announcer informed us that for the next 2 hours it was music all the way. So that was that for the information or lack of it. I then tuned to Radio 4 but only after 10 minutes or so the power came on. It had been off for something like 45 minutes.
 Yesterday morning I went to have my hair cut, as it was a dreadful day with rain and drizzle I half expected the Barbers to be closed but as I approached I could see there was lights on. When I entered I saw there were 4 gentlemen in ahead of me which surprised me especially as it was just after 9.00.am. It opens at 9.00.am. More came in after I had arrived, anyway the next man to sit in the chair was an old Man, he had trouble walking, the hairdresser told him that she was going to get the coffee for him first but she was using her own mug. She made the coffee with a Nescafe machine added the sugar for him and gave it to him asking him if it was alright. His reply was beautiful. He went on drinking whist she cut his hair. He was quite talkative and she asked him how he was getting on at the Day Centre, he obviously goes there to meet other people. He then told her it was good and he had met someone he had not seen for years. He mentioned his name but then added that the guy wanted to die because he had lost his Wife. Eventually he left and when it was my turn the Hairdresser told me about the Man. His Wife bought him down and asked her to make him a coffee, she added that before she opened the Shop she did cut a few men's hair at their home and he was one of those that she cut adding he was also suffering from Alzheimer's plus Dementia but if he was it certainly didn't show. Then came a surprise for I asked her if the coffee was free. She told me that it was but you would have to use the cups provided. I also noticed a bowl of sweets which I presume was also free. Needless to say none in the shop had a drink.
 I must add this, most of the Men there knew each other and the Hairdresser also knew them too. To be honest I did inform her that for the first time in years I had found a Hairdresser that cut my hair just as I like it. She charges I think for OAPs £4.50 or less I gave her the usual £5 because I think it is well worth it. I still can't get over the free coffee and that is a Nescafe machine. I have never heard of another Barber's Shop offering free drinks. More soon.

History

Firstly I must tell you this.
 I had an e-mail from Argos and it had a Black Friday special. It was for an Air Fryer from Phillips costing £79.99p The recommended retail price is £179 I do have one and the Diabetic Nurse told me that she had one and it was very good. I am thrilled to bits with mine.
 Now to the history. As many would know that after the war the Country was in a dreadful state with it being up to the hilt in debt. What a lot wouldn't know that demobilization of the Armed Forces did not happen straight away and it would be a couple of years before the last of the personnel managed to get demobbed.
 To add  to this we had the worst Winter in many years in 1947 and of course this Country had to pay the USA what it owed for the lend lease and it was not until the late 90s that we managed to finally repay what we owed.
 This is what the Country was like, a lot of repair work and no tools to speak of. In fact the big freeze of 1947 saw many Council workmen using pick axes to break the ice on the main A1. I saw this for myself. We had no reserves of salt and grit to use on the roads. In fact it was 1947 the Government raised the school leaving age from 14 years to 15 years. As my Sister was born in April 1933 she was born 3 days too late.This was for anyone born after March 31st. 1933 so she had to stay on much to the dismay of my Mother and my Sister. What most people would not realise that in Lincolnshire being a rural County people who did not either go to a Grammar School or Secondary School had the chance to put their name down to be allowed to go potato picking for 2 weeks in late September or early October, whenever the potato harvest was ready. This was in 1946.
 Luckily enough my Sister was one of the children chosen so for 2 weeks together with her selected schoolmates went to a farm only a few miles away from the school. I think they were collected and bought back by the local Farmer. As for my Sister she thoroughly enjoyed it. This happened the following year too. I don't know if it was carried on after that because my Sister left school in the Summer of 1948. More soon.

Family.

As I hadn't heard from my Sister for a little while I decide to give her another call. I got my Brother-in-Law who gave me a detailed report as to his Son, incidentally who I don't care for at all.
 He had as I know it had trouble with his breathing but as he was, to me obese I thought it was his weight. This turned out to be not the case as the medical staff at Leicester Infirmary informed him the he had to have a by pass. So he of course had to wait, anyway when I rung up last time he had just had the operation. My Brother-in-Law gave me an update. When they opened him up they found a tumor but it was in the early stages and he didn't know if he had to have any radiation. This was according to him.
 My Sister rang me up yesterday morning early and filled me in with further details but then told me that he Daughter had finally decided to move and that she had been busy so she had not contacted me before. It turned out that she, together with har Partner and 3 children the eldest being 10 was on the move that very day. The destination being Cornwall some 6 or 7 hours journey and that is if there are no holdups. Naturally my Sister is upset but as I told her my Mother told me ages before she died that the kids lead their own life and don't take their Parents into consideration. She was hoping that my Sister would look after her but that didn't happen.
 My Sister has done a lot for her Daughter who is not 100% fit, she does an awful lot of washing for her and most week ends she has at least one of the children to look after so she will miss her for that if nothing else.
 I did tell her that she must look for something else to do suggesting that she could go to Car Boots with my eldest Sister who she goes shopping with to Lincoln and Newark.
 This also means that I will not be able to take the Christmas cards to my Sister's to be picked up so I asked her for the new address where she is moving to. I think it is Helston in Cornwall.
 I then told her that I intend to call and see my Sister's in early December. More soon.

Supermarket

This morning I decided to travel to Skegness to go to the new shopping precinct that included ALDI and B&M.
 I entered ALDI and of course everything was new to me and quite different to Louth. Firstly the car park bays are a lot smaller than Louth and secondly the layout was not the same but I managed to find  the first thing I was looking for and that was the meat section. I immediately noticed that since I had called at LOuth ALDI in late July most things had increased. I looked at the Sirloin Steaks up from 3.07p to 3.29p.
 I had to ask where the coffee was and informed that it was opposite the flours. I once again noticed a difference in price from July  an increase of some 5%. I went to look for frozen Cod and once more an increase of about 7% but I did buy all those items mentioned. Then it was off to B&M.
 I entered the store and found it very large indeed and of course I had no idea as to where anything was so I wandered about and saw some pillows venturing a little further I saw something that I was after, Duvets and I had gone Online to price 18 togs Duvets but only a couple of Company's bothered to sell them and at a huge price. These were 15 togs at £14.99p so I bought one and saw an assistant asking her where the cleaning materials were and she pointed to an aisle but to be honest it was not really what I wanted but I did purchase something but with the Duvet it was all I could carry so off I went back to the car and travelled back home.
 The first thing I did was to take off the existing Duvet and cover from my bed and put the new Duvet with a new cover to replace the old one storing the old one for when it gets warmer.
 I only hope that it will be warmer in bed tonight. More soon.

Double Wammy

Yesterday late afternoon I ran out of the first 2 bottles of LPG so this morning I rung up to order 2 more. I already knew there was a price increase and when she told me how much I was a little disappointed but she told me that I had a good deal as some customers were being charged at least £5 more a bottle. She then added that from the next delivery there was going to be a delivery charge. She explained that this was because of the diesel costs had increased and labour costs too had increased. So what that means is that I will wait until I am on the last bottle of LPG then I will order 3 instead of just 2. Not that it stopped there.
 Later this morning I saw the Postman friend and we passed pleasantries asking me where I was yesterday for I had ordered some Winter tree wash and as I was not in he had left it in the dustbin at the side. I told him I was in the polytunnel doing a few jobs there. He gave me my mail which included junk mail but one important letter was my renewal for my Motor Insurance.
 I had already been Online checking up the premium and an increase of approaching 20% was given by most providers.
 When I checked the price offered for the next 12 months I was very disappointed for the increase was over 30%. I decided to go Online and ring Direct Line, they came up with the best offer including a no claims protection  about £60 less than my current Insurer and that was without any protection. Had I decide to go without no claims protection the savings would have been over 30%.
 Anyway I rung them up to inform them that I would not be renewing my Motor Insurance and added that I was not happy for I had been with them for several years and loyalty meant nothing for they had increased my premium by more than 30%. The guy on the other end then informed me that he would do his calculations to see if he could reduce the premium. He eventually came back with an offer which reduced the cost by just over £30  but it was still more than I have been quoted and also he let me know it didn't include the no claims protection.
 He realised that I was not going to continue paying with the Company, he apologised for the hike in price, told me that within a week or so I would get confirmation of  my decision not to renew my policy with them, so that is that. More soon.

Time flies

I think I mentioned that the other week the lad next door went with me to the Garden Centre, there we met a Lady who was looking at fruit trees and asked if I thought they would have an Apricot tree which was mentioned on Gardener's World, I of course told her that it was almost certain they would have none in stock.
 As Gardener's World was repeated the following morning I took particular notice of the tree mentioned by Monty Don. It was called Compacta so I then decided to go Online to search for this Apricot tree. It was not surprising to read that there had been a huge increase in demand for the tree that all the stockists that had advertised the tree had sold out and several orders had been taken for next years stock.
 I decided to investigate further and checked many sites, most had already the sold out sign but I did find one site that said nothing about the Apricot Compacta and a different site that gave no indication of any trees of that name.Anyway I did e-mail both sites requesting information about the said tree. I did get an immediate reply from one site informing me that they had already sold out but if I wished I could forward my name to be put on the waiting list for next year and it would be on as a first come first served basis. I did not forward my name.
 The following morning I did receive an e-mail from the second site informing me that they had a few for sale in 12 ltr. pots. I immediately replied saying that I would love one and gave them my name and address. A quick response was given with the price excluding delivery asking if I wished to proceed. I then confirmed that I did and asked her how could I pay either by debit card or Paypal. Almost immediately came the response requesting me to forward my telephone number so that the Lady who I was dealing with could contact me so this I did.
 Within minutes she contacted me and I gave her my card details and then she told me that it would be dispatched on Monday this week arriving the next day.
 Tuesday I was making my bread rolls when the phone rang, it was the delivery man informing me that he had broken down but hoped to be with me later that day. Soon after the phone rang again, he was full of apologies because he could not get to me this day but promised the next day he would be with me. I thanked him but wondered if my bread rolls would be alright because any delay on bread making is not good but as you can see they turned out very good.

The next morning around 11.00.am. there was a knock on the door plus the door bell ringing, it was the delivery man who shook my hand and again apologised for the delay, I told him not to worry as everything would be fine. The tree was the best I have ever had for being protected and it had in large letters, Live Trees in Transport. I then removed the packaging and stood the plant outside and gave it a drink of water, not that it really needed it  and yesterday morning I decided to put it in the garden although it is a compact tree quite capable of standing on a Patio. After planting the tree I sent the Lady who had dealt with me an e-mail giving her the latest information, also stating the the tree was looking very good. Naturally I had a swift response from her which I had expected.

I went Online to look for some old fashioned Tar Oil Wash which has now been banned, I presume by the E.U. but there is an alternative, whether it is as effective I just don't know. It is commonly called Winter Tree Wash, it is supposed to kill the wintering bugs and their eggs off fruit trees and fruit bushes. I did check the local shop which sells a lot of gardening equipment amongst other things but on the search box it informed  me that there was no such match so I went the search Online and of course found one with free delivery at about the same price as the shops were advertising so I have ordered a bottle. So that is one of the next jobs I will have to do but it is not important to get it done, I have until the end of February next year to complete the process.

By the way, I have managed due to the mild October to eat my runner beans into November, today being the last day but tomorrow I will have the last climbing french beans together with the last few runner beans. So from now on it will be winter vegetables such as cabbage, carrots and leeks. More soon.

Sorted eventually

Just as it was getting dark I went out into the kitchen/ diner and noticed that my electronic ignition was flashing so I went to feel the radiators and found then coolish so I turned the thermostat up but nothing happened.
 Early Friday morning I decided to ring up British Gas as I am on Level 1. This includes a free service but if anything happens to the boiler or thermostat I have to pay £60 but no more.
 Anyway after about 25 minutes the young lass told me that someone would be calling between 9.00.am and 1.00.pm. so I waited. the time lapsed and nobody called so just before 2.00,pm. I rung up again but I had to wait for about 10 minutes. I told the young Lady that I wished to be put through to a Manager and explained what had happened but she then told me that it would be best if she dealt with the situation. To be honest she did a great job because after a few minutes promised me that somebody would be with me today.
 About 3.30.pm. the telephone rang it was the engineer informing me that he would be at mine within 30 minutes. Soon after 4.00.pm. he arrived. He told me he would do the service at the same time. He noticed the fault but when he tried to locate it the boiler decided to fire up so he had to check all to see if he could find the fault. About 5.00.pm he told me he had not the time for any further investigation but told me he would contact his colleague who would be here on Saturday. True to form he arrived early Saturday morning and proceed to investigate further  and eventually told me that it would probably need a new fan so he proceed to dismantle the machine which was not easy. After a further 20 minutes or so finally had the fan out but when he went to his vehicle noticed he had not the replacement fan because my boiler was rather new. He then got in touch with Worcester to check what fan he needed, they concurred so he ordered the replacement fan but told me he would have to come back on Monday to fit it. He reassembled the boiler which was working well and left  before 10.30.am.
 The lad came round and I told him I have been busy with the engineer but had got the dinner more or less ready. We had planned to get the tree grease on the dozen fruit trees. He is a lot more nimble than I am and got on his hands and knees to do the job, at least it was not cold and t was also dry.
 After a port and lemon which he loves we then went out and dug a load of young strawberry plants, 36 in all. We then went round his garden painted his tree with the tree grease and while he was getting his watering can full I raked the garden nice and level. I then showed him where to put the plants, I then set them and he then watered them in. I told him that there was nothing more to do with them until next Spring.
 We then went back to mine, he played on the Computer whilst I prepared dinner. To be honst I was feeling rather tired because I had been up and down Friday and had been on my feet all of the morning.
 After dinner he told me he would go home and download some games, to be honest I was pleased because I felt tired. More soon.

To continue.

The lad from next door came home with another parcel, it contained a pair of heavy boots and another pair of trousers. He told me he was pleased with the boots but yesterday I had no intention of seeing him but I was outside when the bus dropped him off. He called me to say he had a poorly toe, his boots were not as good a fit as he had hoped. I told him that they needed bedding in and he agreed.
 My mate from Skegness has been  a less than regular visitor this year. He came to see me on May 17th. and the next time was on September 13th. Why you may ask the gap but it was because he will only visit me on a Wednesday and it clashed with both his and my appointments and he will not visit me during the School Holidays because the traffic at Butlins is at times chaotic.
 I wanted him to come to see me about a vinyl flooring I wished to have down in my dining, kitchen  part but all he kept saying over the phone was the best thing was floor tiles. He, of course has them fitted but only because he managed to get a load FREE. I told him I was not interested in fitted tiles. Anyway he eventually came to see me, I had put off the quoting of a vinyl floor because I wished to give him the opportunity of doing to job himself. So when he came I told him what I wished, he suggested something that I didn't quite agree with but then he told me he didn't think he could do the job because his knees were playing up. He had complained a few times about the difficulty of getting up after being kneeling on the floor. I then made him promise that e must see a Doctor for he could possibly be in a wheelchair within the next 10 years. He did promise me that he would go and see a doctor, I then told him that his knees must be bad for it was the first time he had told me he could not do a job.
 After he had left I went straight to the shop in Alford and arranged for a survey which happened the next day. The young Man told me that the shop would contact me the next day(Friday) with a price. Unfortunately my telephone was faulty for that and the following day but the shop rung me on Monday and the job was completed by Friday the same week.
 I wished to get the work done well before the colder weather arrived. Anyway I then decided to buy a Roberts Radio that is solar, electric and DAB. We had talked over the phone but I decided to wait for him to visit me and set it up. However the other week when I rung up there was on the answerphone on but a couple of days later I had an e-mail informing me that he was not well at all.
 Last Saturday I rung up to get no reply but about an hour later the phone rang, it was my mate, he sounded rough so I did not wish him to be on the phone too long, his Partner was there looking after him so we only had less than 10 minutes chat. On hanging up I then decided that he would not be here for at least 2 or 3 weeks so I decided to set the Roberts Radio up myself which I did very easily.
 The lad will, hopefully be here on Saturday so that he can put tree grease on my fruit trees also his Pear tree and then we hope to go and plant some strawberry plants in his little garden which he had dug, he came round to show me what he had done so I told him we would take my easy to use rake and smooth the ground before we set the strawberry plants. More soon.

Forgot

I have had approaching 3 dozen cucumbers, these are the latest, I had 3 but gave one to my Postman friend. These are at least getting smaller, just under 12" long.
 On Thursday the lad from next door came round, his Carer had gone out and would be back on about 20 minutes. He carried a large bag with him and told me that he had been given from Butlin's a new set of clothes because on Monday he was changing jobs and going to Environment. He then took the things out, there were 3 T shirts, a couple of pairs of trousers  2 jackets, one was lightweight and the other heavyweight He also had a sort of waterproof coat together with a wooly hat. He was thrilled with the new set but added that he had to take the old set in but there was no need to have them cleaned as they wold do that there.
 He then told me that on Saturday he was going to have his flu jab and would be round as soon as he could. I had planned to go to the local garden Centre mainly to get some more John Innes No. 3 compost.
 Saturday morning spot on 10.00.am the door bell rang, it was the lad, he told me that it was not this Saturday but next Saturday he was having the flu jab. I had originally told him that we would have Chicken but as he had told me he didn't know exactly when he would call I told him that we would have sausages beans and chips, followed by a damson and apple crumble. Naturally I had to stone all the damsons so that he didn't swallow any.
 So off we went to the Garden Centre, as soon as we entered the main road we had problems, not with the car but the road. Every 50 yards or so there was a ramp and there were about 8 vehicles in front of us going at no more than 5 miles an hour, mind you that was fast enough for the state of the road. I told him that we would not be coming back this way although it put about 7 miles on the journey.
 When we got to the Garden Centre it was quite busy, the first thing I told him was that we would look to see if they had any John Innes No. 3 which they did have so it was off to go inside. I told him that it was large and he could get lost, immediately we entered there was Christmas goods everywhere but we went straight through looking for seeds which I found quite easily. We picked a couple of packets then I told him I would show him the tree selection, this was outside and while we were there a Lady came and asked if they had any Apricot trees like that advertised on Gardener's World. I told her that they certainly would not have that Apricot but if she wished an old apple tree there was one available and it was called Ashmeads Kernel but she didn't seem to want to know about that.
 Then it was back into the main area and I asked the lad if he could find his way out and he told me definitely not for he would get lost. As I have been there about 4 times before I knew more or less my way round and took him to the sign that said Pay Desk and way out. I did see that they had some Barley Sugar sweets so picked up a couple of packs, put them and the seeds and told the lass that I would have 6 of the Compost. I paid and she gave us a ticket which we had to give to the lad outside so that he could load my car.
 After waiting several minutes the lad told me that he was over the far side of the car park loading some gear in a car. Eventually he came back and told me that it was all or nothing for he had been idle for about an hour then everybody wanted him, he loaded the car and off we went.
 When we got back I told the lad that I would open the gate so that he could get the wheelbarrow to transfer the compost 2 to the greenhouse and the other 4 to the polytunnel.
 He went to play on the computer while I prepared the dinner, first cooking the crumble and then cooking the sausages in the George Foreman grill. I then had 10 minutes with the lad but soon it was time to cook the chips in the Air Fryer, it really is a great machine. I have to thank my Pal for this as he told me all about them and he got me a second hand one, It was a lot cheaper than a new one but it was also dirty.
 It takes from cold about 20 or so minutes to cook chips, the only thing you have to do is give the chips a good shake after about 10 minutes, I drop the sausages in  about 5 minutes before the time is up just to get them hot once more the fat or most of it has been got rid of by the George Foreman grill. I gave him a bread roll for he loves to make a chip butty. I told him the when I was in Hong Kong in the Army the NAAFI which was run by the Chinese there were no rolls but if you wished to have a chip butty it was made with a couple of slices of bread and was called a Chip Banjoe, well that is what the Chinese guy used to shout when it was ready. Enough for today more soon.

A So So few days

On Friday morning I rung British Gas to make am appointment to have my LPG boiler serviced.
 What a palaver, when I managed to get through the guy tried to get in to the system but try as much as he could he had no joy. I was kept in the dark for some time and I kept asking him if he was still there but he just confirmed and told me he was still trying. Eventually after some 15 minutes he asked me if I could be put on hold which I agreed. Another 10 or so minutes passed then he came back on only to inform me that he had no joy and would take my phone number so that he could ring me back at 4.00.pm. Needless to say no phone call was made.
 I had planned to go to have my haircut on Monday early so off I went to arrive at the Barbers shop just after 9.00.am. only to find it closed so I went into the cafe next door to have a coffee, off I went to the counter and was asked if I wanted a milky coffee which I said yes, I was then requested tio sit down. Soon after a coffee arrived and I asked how much it was and was told £1.60.p which I duly paid. It was a sort of froffy coffee but although it was piping hot was too strong for me personally but I did manage to drink it. Anyway ir was off next door to the Barbers only to find it still closed so I decided to go back home but on walking back I noticed another Barbers shop with the lady sitting down. I walked in and told her I had been to the other Barbers but she was not open. She told me she was pleased that I had given her the chance to cut my hair.
 In all honesty she cut my hair as near to how I wished it to be far better than I have had it cut for these last 10 years or so. When I came to pay she told me it was £4 but I gave her exactly the same as I would have paid at the old Barbers and told her that I would certainly be back. She then gave me her card with the opening times and I made my way home.
 I decided to call British Gas once more. To be honest it was not a whole lot better but I did manage to get an appointment for a service. For a start the lad told me that they had problems logging into the system. Believe it or not I was once more put on hold but not for that long. I let him know that I was not happy with the service and he asked me if that was a formal complaint but I told him it was not but it must be noted which he did. Eventually he gave me a date. Monday 21st. of November. I told him I would consult my diary for  I had several appointments. Immediately noticed and let him know that Tuesday was the 21st. of November and Monday was the 20th. He corrected himself and confirmed that the service would in fact be on the Monday between 8.00.am. and 1.00.pm. I reluctantly agreed but I though to myself. I am paying £132 for level 1 and have to wait well over a month for a service. I doubt very much if I will be renewing my contract next year. More soon.

Solar Radio

A couple of days aga I ordered a Roberts Solar DAB plus mains radio. Today it came and I read the instructions and read that it recommended Nicab batteries which were supplied. It also stated that to charge plug into the mains but it would take about 7 hours to charge. I was surprised to see that it had been fully charged within the hour so tomorrow I will see if I can get it to work.
 I must admit that the cucumber plant has been a headache, so much so that I gave my mate the remaining seeds for I have had well over 30 cucumbers off the one plant. This morning I went into the greenhouse and saw that I have one more ready although it is a bit curly, another will be ready within a couple of days that is straight and about 14" long, a further small cucumber is about 6", I don't know whether I have an unusual plant or if this is a norm for Burpless Cucumber.
 I am still picking a few runner beans but I don't think I will attain my goal of eating runner beans into November as there are a few left on the plants. However I have done well with my climbing french beans. I set the seeds late July and wondered if I would get any at all but today I picked enough for another 3 meals and there are quite a few beans still forming.
 A couple of days ago I dug up the marrow, I did have a small one forming but with the recent cold weather it just dropped off the plant but I managed to use it as a courgette. All in all I have done fair with marrows although the season started late but I do have one marrow left which I will start eating at the week end. The biggest disappointment is my leeks, without fail all have bolted and gone to seed. The only thing I can think of is the weather for I have used the same seeds for years, Musselburgh.
 The lad e-mailed me yesterday and asked me to look at his tomato plants but as I had watered them on Monday I told him they would last. He said he would see me on Friday, if he comes round there will be a few alpine strawberries for him and one or two raspberries those of the late variety. Today we have seen some sun unlike the last few days, it has been dull and just a little rain but the ground is wet enough anyway. More soon.

Oh Dear!!

Yesterday I don't know why but I suddenly thought about my car and the renewal of my Tax although I don't have to pay any as my car is zero rated and was registered before April this year. In fact it was registered in September last year.
 I decided to ask at the Post Office when I got my State Pension which I did. I was informed that I must register my car for tax although I don't pay any, each year and she asked me when it should have been registered. I told her that it was first registered on September 1.st. last year, she told me that it must be registered and if I didn't could face a fine. I told her that I would probably call next week and off I went to the Co-op. to do my shopping.
 I picked up some plums milk and pudding rice and off I went to the check out but when I placed one of my 2 x4 pints of milk it started to leak so I hurried to swap it. When I came back I asked the Woman at the check out if she had a cloth, I know her well and she is nice but after looking for a cloth for a while decided to give my some paper wipes. I made a good job of cleaning the conveyor belt so it looked like new. I then asked the Woman on the check out where she had been for I had not seen her for some time. She leant over so nobody could hear her and told me that they had been messing her around and she had been working afternoons but preferred morning work but added that she would be here at the same time next week.
 Off I went back home and after doing a few odd jobs decided to look at the Registration Certificate, this replaces the old Log Book. That gave all you wished to know about the car for it was a cardboard sort of paper folded up with the details of the vehicle on the left but on the right hand side it gave a list of ALL previous owners, when they bought and when they sold also it gave the recorded mileage. There would sometimes be as many as 8 different owners but remember this there was no MOT in those days.
 Back to the new Certificate and there in one section it did say that each year it must be registered even if DVLA did not send a reminder, in my case they did not and I could do that at a Post Office or Online. With that I thought I would go immediately back to the Post Office and get the deed done.
 It is typical when one is in a hurry for I had put my dinner on thinking I would only be 20 minutes. Eventually I was served and the lass noted I was back again. I gave her my Registration Certificate and she started to put the information in the Computer, then she asked me if I wished to register it for a 12 months which I told her that I would like it to the end of September but she then let me know that she could not back date it. I told her that it was alright because it would make no difference. All she told me was that she was not that sure. I will wait ans ee what happens next if anything. More soon.

Visitor

My Best Pal rung up to see if I would be in that afternoon and I confirmed I would so he came to see me.
 before he called I went out and picked  some runner beans french beans then I went into the greenhouse and picked several tomatoes which are still going strong because of the sun which has still some power in it.
 Some time ago I cut some pieces of the old rose bush, I don't know what it is called but it has some dreadful thorns but the scent of the rose is fantastic. It is also a very dark red colour. My late Mother had it when we lived at Grantham she then dug it up when she moved and once again when she finally moved that bush went with her. When she died I decided to dig the bush up and set it in my garden. It must be well over 60 years old and became woody with a declining flower performance. Anyway I took several cuttings well over 2 months ago. To be honest I wondered if they would take, the lad told me more than once they had died but I kept watering and nurturing them and gradually I noticed some very small shoots appearing. Then on Gardener's World the Presenter told us that if we decided to take cuttings of rambling roses to be patient as they would take many months to get established. I decided to pot one of the cuttings that began to show signs of life but also noticed there were no roots on the cuttings at all.
 I told my Pal that his Wife must not move the cutting from it's pot until late Spring at the earliest. I had taken a couple of cuttings from a Weigela called Bristol Ruby and they had taken well. So much so that I decided to dig up the old Weigela up and plant the young plant in a different place. I noticed the other day it had flowered so it is happy.
 I told my Pal that she could plant that out as soon as she wished. Together with a few eating apples he was well stocked up. We had a good old natter, I half expected the lad to call for he e-mailed me to tell me he was not at work for tomorrow(today) he was going on holiday and would call to see me before he left.
 the bell rung soon after 9.00.am. this morning and it was him, we went to check to see if there were any strawberries in the polytunnel, which there were and he ate them up we then went to see if there were any raspberries ripe which indeed there were so he ate them up and told me they were very nice.I gave him a few plum tomatoes and he left saying he would e-mail me when he was on Holiday.
 This afternoon I went to have my flu jab, I go to Mablethorpe because it is more rganised so it is not crowded. In fact I arrived at the Surgery about 2.55.pm. My appointment was for 3.02.pm. The logest wait was to book in and that was only for about 3 minutes. I was then told where to go and no sooner had I at down when the Nurse called me in. We passed pleasantries and she let me know it was some time since she had seen me. I had my flu jab and left, got in my car and looked at the time, in fact I had my flu jab a little before I was due to have it and that I was leaving the area just about the time I was due to have it so I was very pleased. I then went back to Sutton to book a blood test which I duly did for the first day of November so I made my way back home. More soon.

Short visit to Ford

This morning I decided to go to the Co-op for my milk and a few other things. On getting in the car I tried to change from my C.D. to radio. No such joy so off I went to do my shopping and when I had finished decide to call at Ford once more. On entering the Showroom I first saw the man who to be honest was pleasant enough but had no idea how us old folk struggle with the new technology. I then noticed the guy who I had first seen so I told him what my problem was, he then said to me he would come out and have a look.
 On looking at the radio he then told me that they are very sensitive and just to touch the buttons lightly but very quickly. He then set it up once more but I had a far better idea of how to use the radio once he had shown me.
 I thnked him and went off to the local warehouse where I call pretty regularly when I am in the area. I had decided to buy some potatoes but as I went round I noticed that they only had  25 kg. bags and to be honest as one gets older, well I do anyway the weight seems to get a little heavier. I did, however get a bag and rested it on the top of the trolly and after getting a few bits and bobs went to the checkout. I know the lass well and we had a few minutes talk, nobody was waiting to be served then off I went to the car. All I had to do was to sort of lift the bag and slide it into the boot and off I went home.
 I had decided to get the car in the garage first then lift the bag of potatoes out which I did, mind you not without a bit of a struggle but managed to get the bay into my extension.
 With the thought of lifting the potatoes I managed to forget to call at the surgery to make \n appointment for \ blood test at the end of the month at the request of someone. I will be going for my flu jab in Mablethorpe on Friday so if I remember I will call fist at Sutton and make an appointment for nearer the end of the month for the blood test.
 I managed to pick another marrow yesterday but almost certainly that will be it for this year but I am still getting runner beans and my climbing french beans are producing plenty of beans so I should have enough for a week or so, they are protected because they are in my polytunnel. More soon.

Correct

As I expected Sky did not visit me and I waited in all morning which is not good. The neighbour was working on the fencing and called to inform me that he had some trouble but all I could tell him was that I was waiting for a phone call and if I went out it was bound to ring and I would miss it. He them let me know that he was going to call it a day for now. I did manage to get a picture myself.

Although the waether has not been good at least it has been a little warmer although we have had lots of rain and very little sun but it has been kind to the marrow plants and they look about done for they have produced a marrow. With the photo of the marrow was a last, hopefully massive cucumber. I have had well over 30 cucumbers on the plant and it is producing 2 more small cucumbers but I don't expect them to be of any value, mind you I have known to be wrong.

This morning I went to the Ford Garage with a guilty look for I let the man know that once more I have made a mess of my radio. He did no more than take me out and told me to sit in the drivers seat, he then showed me how to get the stations. What I was doing wrong was to touch the button for too long, it seems as if you only have to touch the relevant button for a fraction of a second, anyway I think I have managed it. Back we went into the reception area and then I let him know that I must have the car back by 11.00.am. at the latest as I had another appointment at 11.20.am at the Dentist. He assured me tghat the car would be ready by 10.30.am. I then left to get a paper and went back to sit and wait. I must be honest the the time didn't seem to drag too much for at 10.15.am the original man who I first made the appointment came to inform me that the car was ready. I asked him how much it was and if he could let me have the details of the roadside assistance. This he told me he had printed it out and marked it for me. The total was for £159.99.p this include the roadside assistance. This I thought was a decent value . I paid there and then and I decide to travel home and on my way home I decided to have £20 worth of petrol. I arrived home about 11.35.am. had a coffee cleaned my teeth and dentures and made my way back to |Mablethorpe to be well in time for my Dental appointment. I arrived about 5 minutes early and did not have to wait too long. In I went and let the Dentist know that I was happy with the dentures but although the were uncomfortable as time went by my mouth had adjusted to the dentures and would need no more than a tweek at the most. She looked at my gums, then let me know that everyone with new dentures had some sort of problem but she could see a small area thet needed to be adjusted. She did that and asked me if it was better. I told her that it was but to be honest they were not that bad before I saw her. More soon.

Autumn

On Saturday the lad came round and we took the netting off the apple trees and also peeled back the top of the fruit cage, this is done because if it snows the weight will bring down the gage itself. While he was helping he told me that he had a new Boss. I asked him why this was so and he told me he had asked for a move because he was fed up with litter picking. He will now be in the tarmac department, he told me he likes the smell of tarmac. Not that he will be doing too much as he also told me he is going on Holiday on October 6th. He is going to Kent I think but he is looking forward to his break. Unfortunately he has no go in him at all.
 Last week we had traffic lights because B.T. were threading cable but yesterday morning they had disappeared completely. I naturally thought they would be going to the Exchange but all they seemed to do was go to the end of the properties leaving about 300 yards short of the Exchange so I assumed that all they were doing was to ensure that sufficient Internet speed would be maintained if there were more properties built.
 This morning I went to Lidl to do a little shopping, there were not too many in the store because I arrived there soon after 8.45.am. I did my shopping and went to the checkout but could see a few loitering. I then walked to each checkout only to see that they were all closed. An operator was standing at the Automatic scanning checkout, there are I think 3 and an elderly couple were in front and the operator called tem to her and she proceeded to do the checkout for them. Once she was about done she told me that there was another Automatic checkout but I told her I didn't know how to work them, a younger Man said to me that he also didn't know how to work the machine. Anyway she told me it was dead easy but I did tell her that I was born in a house that had no electricity at all and this was not the way to attract customers also asking if this was to be the norm from now on. She assured me that it was only from about 8.30 t0 8.45am. I immediately informed her that the time was after 9.00.am.
 It is well known that Lidl is so easy to get in the store but difficult to get out as they seem to have very few on the checkout and most times you are in a queue of several customers.
 If this happens again, I will definitely not be going to shop at Lidl.
 Tomorrow I am supposed to have Sky come to repair my Box but as I have heard nothing form them I am not holding my breath but will keep you informed. More soon.

Ups and Downs

On Wednesday I was out the front sawing some of the branches off the dead Lilac when I heard what I thought was a strimmer. Naturally I thought it was the Gardener next door working but when I carried some of the branches round the back garden I immediately noticed something different namely some trees missing. So I went down to the bottom of the garden and could see a couple of tree fellers with chain saws cutting the larger branches up having already felled 2 or 3 large trees.
 I went inside and tried to turn on my Sky box only to get a signal informing me that no signal was reaching and I should go Online  which I did. Incidentally B.T. are working down to I suppose the Exchange and a Guy let me know that they are threading a larger cable, whether it means more speed for the likes of me I doubt it very much.
 I was first informed that I must create an I.D and password which I eventually did, I was then given a forward date of which the Sky engineer would call. What I did also create though was a Sky Sports app which I did activate on Thursday. Unfortunately for me I just have about sufficient download speed to get a sort of picture but hardly enough for me to write on my blog. This is why I didn't write on my Blog yesterday.
 Yesterday morning I went to the Surgery for my appointment with the Doctor, whilst I was there I did book my Flu jab in Mablethorpe but not until next month.
 Eventually I went in to see the Doctor, I immediately noticed that she had probably broken her wrist or some fingers. I first asked her if she had enjoyed her Holiday which she told me very much. I then asked her where she had been and she told me Italy and she had been there several times because her Partner lived there. She then added that she was going to Italy next week for her Birthday.
 While I was in the Waiting Room I heard this conversation. A Woman was talking. "Yes I also bruise easily in fact you only have to look at me and I bruise". I couldn't stop laughing for a couple of minutes.
 I forgot to mention but the Neighbour with the learning difficulties people informing me that if I wished to pick any damsons I was more than welcome to pick some off the felled tree. I told her that at the moment I was watching the Wold Championship Time Trial in Norway but as soon as it was done I would pop round.
 About 40 minutes later I went round and was invited in I then told her what I know about Solar power which is next to nothing and told them that my mate was the one to ask questions and I would contact him to see if I could give them his telephone number. Unfortunately he is not available at the moment, eventually I will have contact with him. I did get about 3lb. of damsons with the help of the lad. The next day I decided to get another load so I collected about 7lb. in full which I have froze most of them down. Incidentally they wer very ripe so sweet. More soon.

Problems

I didn't realise until Saturday morning when I tried to contact my mate that I had problems with my telephone.
 To compound things there were workmen around with traffic lights close by. Anyway I decided to e-mail my mate with the news I had no dialing tone. He replied stating that he had tried to contact me but all he had was the engaged tone but he did suggest I tired the neighbours.
 I went round next door and I was surprised that she had contact so I went back home and rested.
 About an hour later I though it was funny that my mate when he tried to contact me it was an engaged signal. So decided to check to see if it was me so I changed the telephone, not easy as I the telephone is stuck in a corner position and naturally the connection is next to the skirting board.
 This in fact did the trick so I tried to phone my mate only to find him not at home but the answer phone cut in so at least the phone was working.
 The next day I rung him  up only to get hold of his Partner, I immediately asked if he was there wondering if I had inserted the wrong numbers, in fact I hadn't as both had been out and just arrived back to his home.
 On Friday morning I went to the dentise, the day before they had contacted me to remind me that I had an appointment so on Thursday the phone was working. On Monday I had a phone call saying that they had tried to contact me on Friday but had no joy. So obviously the phone stopped working late Thursday or on Friday.
 I went to book in and was told to go to the waiting area. I sat next to an elderly Lady who spoke to me so we struck up a conversation. I asked her which Dentist she was seeing, it was not the same as mine. She then told me that she had a filling drop out and her appointment was for 11.05.am. and the time was 11.20am. She told me she had a Taxi waiting because she was in her 91st year and had problems with her sight and DVLA had to take her driving licence off her about 18 months earlier. She then let me know that she had been driving ever since she was 17 and missed the car more than she ever thought she would but had resigned to the fact that she had to use taxis now. I thought it was a pity for had she not a taxi waiting I could have taken her back home. She then told me she was going to reception and I thought it was a waste of time and when she came back she more or less said the same. I then informed her that she should play on her age and tell the dentist the tooth was playing up because she had told me that she had expected to have an inspection only and would have to make a further appointment. Whilst I was telling her what to say she was called in and I hoped that I wouldn't see her immediately appear. Luckily enough it was about 10 minutes later when she appeared with a thumbs up stating that the filling had been done. I was then called in to my Dentist where the new dentures were ready. She did tell me that almost certainly there would be spots where they would rub but I mustn't take them out but keep them in so that she could see just where they were rubbing. With that I paid and left but sure enough a spot is causing some discomfort but I will give it a fair run before I will go to the Dentist. More soon.

Wild weather

Yesterday my mate came to see me it is the first time in over 3 months. We seem to have had our lines crossed because when I was available he wasn't and vice versa. U had not much to give him as the wind has played havoc with my runner beans, some have been smashed but hopefully I will get more pickings well into October depending on how the weather treats us. It has certainly been cold these last few days and my Central Heating is on.
 The lad has just called bringing a couple of pears which I will try to ripen for him by first wrapping them up and keeping them warm. While he was here I noticed that one of my apples that I photographed on the floor had gone rotten so I must check the ones that I stored in the garage to see if any  was rotting. To be honest they don't seem to last that long, Christmas time is about the maximum I seem to get any to last.
 Tomorrow morning I go to the Dentist for my final appointment regarding the dentures so I have to pay but The Dentist managed to get me a reduced price although it will be over £70 this is for a bottom set of dentures.
 On Monday as I travelled to Alford to have my haircut I followed a locl firm advertising vinyl flooring as well as fitted carpets and venetian blinds. So after my haircut I went to the shop well today a guy came out and did a quick measure. He then let me know that tomorrow the shop would contact me with  a price so we will wait and see. More soon.

Early Autumn

These photos show just how large my James Grieve apples are. To be honest the lad from next door loves them so I give him almost all the apples off the tree. It just goes to show just how much larger they are from Sunset the apples are beside James Grieve. In fact I did weigh this apple photographed and it weighed just 10 onz.
 On Saturday I though ti was very cool and I noticed that my Central Heating was on. The next day I decided to ring my Sister and the conversation went to the weather and I let her know that my Central Heating wass on once more and she then told me that hers had cut in too. I remarked that this was just a little early.
 Yesterday I went to have my haircut in Alford. I had everything organised because I decided to call at the Co-op after having my haircut. I arrived at 9.00am. and was surprised that there were a couple of people waiting and Man and a Woman. The hairdresser does not do perms but she is willing to cut and shape the Ladies who call. I was out before 10.00am. so off I went to the Co-op, I picked up a basket and noticed thet the lay out was different to when I last shopped there. I do have a card and it was this that made me go really. It stated that as I had not used my card in over 3 years if I did not use it by April 2018 it would be cancelled. It did say that I had about £3 in credit.
 Anyway I went down the first ailse and found nothing to tempt me so went up to the milk department. I was disappointed because there were no 4pints of skimmed milk, they had semi skimmed at the price of £1.47 they also had one only of 2 pint semi skimmed at 99p.
 I did no more than turn around place the basket in the place where you pick up and left for home.
 I thought that I will probably never call there again because they do not stock what I need.
 Today I have had a day off tomorrow I go again for a blood test, my mate will also call to see me, the first time in about 2 months and on Friday I go for the final fitting and payment for the bottom set of dentures. More soon.

A failure

This is a Lilac one of 3 which I planted about 5 years ago, as you can see this has decided to give up which is a pity as it was a sort of maroon colour.

I have had successes though with my apples. I managed to select what I consider an amount that the tree could handle so that the size was good. Over recent years I would discard well over half but still leave somewhere approaching 260 apples so this year I got rid of well over 70% but still I wondered if I had taken off sufficient but I did. They are a little earlier than usual this year and I noticed the odd good one, those without maggot damage was beginning to drop off so on Monday I went out and picked all of the apples off the tree. I was a little surprised because most were ready to drop off. Mind you I did forget this year to put in the tree an apple moth trap so I found that I had well over 20 apples were affected by grubs. All in all I had over 150 apples and have managed to store 72 in my garage and the photo shows about 50 more perfectly good apples which I shall eat some and give some away. The lad who had a taste of one said he liked them so obviously I will give him one each day he works when he has finished the James Grieve apples most of which are very large. The other photo shows that I am still getting plenty of runner beans. I guess that I will, weather permitting be picking them well into October although the weather this Summer has not been at all good. More soon.

I get no better

Yesterday I had another letter from the surgery informing me that I must have another blood test in 2 months time.
 So this morning I planned to first go to call at the Newsagents then off to the Co-op, really only to get some diet lemonade. Lidl sell it but in a 2 litre bottle, far too much for me to use as I in general only have it when the lad comes for dinner. He did this last saturday but we did widen the path in the garden so I was well pleased with the result although I was absolutely worn out. The lad really doesn't have the stamina.
 He bought his Tablet round and showed me how to use it, not that I remembered at all, my retention is that of a goldfish these days. He played some nice music though, he eventually left and I was pleased so that I could have a rest.
 This morning off I went first to pick up my T.V. paper then off to the Co-op I also picked up some milk and a little ham. I then decided to call at the local Ford Garage which is very near to the Co-op. I went in the Showroom department but soon found my way to the service department. A Manager called to inform me that the Service Manager was on the telephone but would be with me shortly.
 After 5 or so minutes the man appeared. I explained that I had bought the car Online but it had a few niggles but ran beautifully. I asked him how much it would cost to remove my radio and replace it with a DAB. He immediately let me know that it would be costly because the wiring and ariel had to be different but suggested that he look at the car. So off we went by now it was raining but he got in the car. Immediately he let me know that I had DAB radio installed so I asked him to set it up for me which he did in next to no time. I then told him that I had no way of checking my daily mileage with an odometer. He then got hold of the indicator and pressed the end and told me exactly what I had done, my average speed and my average MPG. I told him that I had found out the other day how to replay a tune on my C.D that I have. What happened was I was looking at the fuel gauge which is not the best place when I touched the steering column side and the tune I was playing stopped and started from the start.
 The long and short is that my car is as I would love it but to be honest I have no idea how to change the total mileage but at least now I have my DAB. which is fine because that is all I have at home.
 We then went back inside and I asked him how much a service would cost? I was surprised because he told me that it would cost more or less what I paid
 the man who picked my old car up but he did let me know that this included an extension of the roadside assistance. I didn't even know I had roadside assistance. The long and short is that I take it in the end of september and it should take no more than 2 hours
Then it was back to call at the Surgery for first asking about the letter I received but also asking if they were taking orders for a Flu jab. There was little joy on both of the queries, first the receptionist let me know that nothing could be done on the blood test for at least 3 weeks and as for the Flu jab situation she let me know that on the grapevine the earliest they would start was towards the end of September. I just told her that this meant that the vaccine was not currently available so when I go next time, and I will be there another couple of times at least this month. More soon.

Massive

These last few days the runner beans and this marrow have grown. I am now getting plenty of runner beans but my marrows have been somewhat disappointing, not that this photo shows because it is probably the largest marrow I have ever grown. It weighs more than a stone.more than 14lbs and is almost 24" long. What is most disappointing is that I have had a few but unfortunately they came all at once so I left this one on but I could not leave it to grow any longer because it would start to get a little old.
 My tomatoes are also doing well and I have just today I have taken down my shading this will help with the ripening process. I put it up in late May just to keep the temperature at a reasonable heat if not the heat becomes too hot.
 I watered my runner beans the other day and they have responded by giving me an abundance of beans. The carrots in the polytunnel are progressing nicely and the Early Laxton plums have been good although not too plentiful. I have made some jam froze a few and had them  for my dinner and tea for about 3 weeks but now I only have enough left for about a week. Then it will be apples. My Bramley apples are not so good this year and I will only have enough to last me until Christmas. The  James Grieve apples have been large and the Lad loves them, one or two have dropped off but the majority are just about ready. The next ones to ripen will be Sunset, again the odd one has dropped off those that have been attacked but as I have thinned them down more this year, the apples are larger than last year. They are ready in about 3 weeks time. The last ones to ripen will be Braeburn. They will not be ready for at least another month. All in all, it will save me several weeks buying at the Supermarket. To be candid I should be self sufficient until well after Christmas.
 Finally I have decided not to grow any more cucumbers because I am fed up with the amount of cucumbers I have collected. I have had well over 20 fruits off the plant and today I gave next door another cucumber, a couple of days ago I picked one for myself. Just now I have noticed there are another 2 more or less ready and several small ones growing. As I don't eat salads growing cucumbers is not for me so I will give my mate the remaining seeds and next year if I want one all I will do is ask him and I am sure he will give me one. More soon.

!st. Class Service

Today I had to go first to the surgery at 11.10.am. then off to the Dentist at 12.10.am. I decided to get at the surgey early just in case there was a cancellation but when I arrived at reception a Man was there, obviously in some sort of bother because he was there for well over 5 minutes discussing his problems. Eventually anothe receptionist came to the next window and asked if she could help. I told her my name and also told her the Nurse I was booked in to see and then asked if the nurse was running late because I had another appointment in Mablethorpe within the hour and it was about 8 miles away. She then checked and told me that I was next.
 I waited no more than a minute or dso when the Nurse called me in. Immediately she said it was ages since she had last seen me and she was about to come out to see if I was waiting to book in when she had notice that I had arrived. We passed pleasantries and I asked her if she had the day off yesterday as it was   a Bank Holiday, she told me the Surgery was closed so she had a nice walk along the sea front and thoroughly enjoyed her day off. I suggested that she took the blood first which she readily agreed. It didn't take long then she asked me to take my top off for I was having an ECG. She put the sensors on and went back to her computer and asked me to relax. I was told that the ECG and blood test would take 22 minutes but it was completed in less than 10 minutes.
 She showed me the message that the Receptionist had originally written in BOLD letters noting that I had another appointment in Mablethorpe within the hour. The Nurse then informed me that the whole examination had taken less than 10 minutes.
 She informed me that as far as she was concerned all was normal but the Doctor had ordered several tests including B12 Ferritin Kidneys, Heart and some more which I forget. She told me that the Doctor was on holiday at the moment so she would send the results to another Doctor. I let her know that I would prefer to see the Lady Doctor as she was so young and bubbly. With that the Nurse told me that she was jealous of her because she looked so young and slim which indeed she does. Anyway I thanked her but before I left she did book me in to see the Lady Doctor next month then it was on my way.
 As I had been early I decided to get my State Pension, I also called at the local  warehouse more or less to kill time then it was off to the Dentist.
 I couldn't understand why there were so many folks seated where we wait for the assistant to call one in for the appointment with the Dentist. I soon found out however why there were so many folks there. What they were doing was those people with Diabetes were having their eyes examined so most of them had someone with them but it wasn't too long before I was called in.
 It was the final fitting and the Dentist asked me if I was happy with the feel and looks of the dentures and informed me that next time would be the final time and I would be asked to pay for the dentures which I did understand. I did ask her if I could change the inspection from December to March next year as I would have the final fitting in September, she readily agreed and told me to have a word with the receptionist and told me she was looking forward to seeing me soon.
 At reception I asked if I could cancel my December appointment and book another appoitment in March next year. She did that straight away and printed it out for me. So I go in about 2 weeks time to have my new dentures let us hope these are alright. More soon.

Eyes Photographed

Yesterday at the appointed time I arrived at the Surgery car park where the Van is positioned for patients to call. As I walked to the Van I was surprised to see another Lady enter it only holds up to 4 people for they work on a strict basis of time.
 As I entered there were 3 other people there but shortly after one Lady was called in to examination part, she was in there about 5 minutes which is unusually long for it takes about a minute or so to photograph your eyes. She came out saying that the system was not working but I was immediately called in. I first had an eye test then drops were put into the pupils. They are a lot better now for they only sting for a few seconds. I was then told to wait in the waiting area. I heard him talking on his mobile and after about 10 minutes the Lady was called in  and soon after she left saying that the computer was working again.
 Then it was my turn, the Man, incidentally who was very pleasant apologised for the delay and then explained he had replaced some programme and all was now back to normal. I was only in for about 2 minutes maximum and that it was then all over.
 The trouble is that when you have drops put in your eyes it makes your vision sort of out of focus, this lasts for about 3 hours so when I came back home I decided to make some plum jam. I made a fraction over 3lb. and used a little over 1.1/2 lbs. of sugar so all in all it cost me less than 50p a lb. I can't understand why other people don't grow some fruit bushes if it is only an eating apple. They don't grow too large and after a couple of years they will crop fairly well and each year after they get heavier cropping. With my apple trees I will save at least £1.50p each week on the cost of apples and of course they are fresher as you pick them off when they ripen. I should not buy any eating apples until way after Christmas.
 A few days ago I ordered some more bird seed and as they were dispatched a couple of days ago I began to wonder just where the order had gone to. I was lucky for I went outside my front and noticed a guy taking some boxes next door, I couldn't see exactly who the delivery van belonged to as my Lilac trees blocked the view so I went to the edge of my driveway and noticed it was Yodel, the delivery I should have so as the guy got into the van I shouted to him if he had anything for me. He looked and realised that he had delivered to the wrong property. He apologised profusely but I noticed that he had a foreign accent. Anyway I have managed to get my bird seed.
 The lad came round to see if I had a cucumber for them so we went to see if I had one ready, I had one a little small, to be honest it wanted about 2 or 3 days longer. The lad whilst we were looking in the greenhouse told me that on Monday he was having te day off. August Bank Holiday already? Where has the summer months gone? As one gets older the years seem to go by at a gallop. I wonder how many at my age are making their own bread and producing jam. More soon.

More produce

As you can see I have had a glut of marrows, the trouble is that they have all come more or less at the same time. I did mention it earlier that the small marrows were rotting off due to the very damp weather. Now I can see that there is one more on the plants and that will be that so I am a little disappointed but at least I have had several marrows on which I thought I would not get any.

The other photo is of my plums. they are called Early Laxton and are very nice indeed. To be honest I have never seen any other plums of that name. I keep trying to think just where I bought the the young tree, I think it was from Morrison's because they used to sell young trees a few years ago. Mind you this is at least 12 years old and it is severely pruned regular but I have to be careful because with Plum Trees they are only to be summer pruned and if too much they will perish.

 I gave next door some of my larger onions and a marrow, I also picked yet another cucumber which he was impressed at the size, I cutit off the plant and it was still warm when I gave the bundle to him.

Tomorrw I go to the Surgery not in the surgery but there is a Van which is there for Diabetic eye tests. Well not tests as such but they put drops in to make your pupils enlarge, you then have to read just like an eye test and after that they photo your eyes. With the drops it makes your  vision a bit blurred for several hours so I will not be looking forward to the process. Thank goodness it is only once a year that it happens unless they find problems. More soon.

Bird in trouble

I was out in the orchard part of the garden when I wa startled by a fluttering, I looked and noticed a juvenile great tit hanging on my netting which is protecting my apples. It was obviously caught up in the netting. Naturally as soon as I went to get hold of the bird to free it the bird began to flutter.
 I eventually caught and somewhat subdued the bird but found that it had been fluttering and trying to escape that it had really got entangled. I tried without any success but the bird started to get agitated and bit me, it didn't draw blood but it was a sharp nip. I decided to leave the bird and go to get a pair of scissors to cut the netting from the bird. So off I went with the bird dangling and fetched a pair of scissors. naturally the bird once more stated to peck me but ignoring the bird I eventually managed to cut the netting clear altyhough it did take some time. As soon as I had cut the netting I opened my hand and away the bird flew. So hopefully it will be none the worse for the experience.

I picked this marrow this morning for tne neighbour, the lad came round this afternoon to take it round and I also told her that there would be some runner beans for her this week end. The marrow weighed just 5lb. it is plenty big enough as far as I am concerned. Unfortunately my mate who loves marrow will almost certainly not be here this week. I have a fairly large one which I had him in mind. The onions which I have not grown before as sets have done well but I did have a few rot off due to the bad weather we have had.  They weigh just over 1lb. to just under 12onz. To be honest those large onions, and I do have several much larger than the ones I have shown, are a little too large for my liking for I live alone and a large onion of about 24 onz. takes a lot of using. More soon.