More about my windscreen as soon as I have news.
I do not know if I mentioned this but when I purchased the new car I asked the internet company how long it would be before I received my old log book. I think it is called V5C registration certificate.
Well when I sold my Peugeot I duly sent off the part of the log book. I also wrote in a separate letter a note informing them that I was now the owner of the Vauxhall Corsa but would not have the log book for at least 6 months.
Well on Saturday morning I received a letter from DVLA stating that they could not deal with my application for a registration certificate as the current certificate had not been received by them. Enclosed was an application form to register the said vehicle.
I decided to give DVLA a call to see what the problem was as I was only informing them that I was now the legal owner. Oh my god. If anybody has tried to phone DVLA they will know just what a maze it is. First you are given, I think 6 options once you have decided which option is applicable you are then given another 4 options after selecting the one you want, you are then given 4 more options. I pressed the one for me, it then gave the same response 3 times stating that I must apply for an Application for a vehicle registration certificate. This I have already. I just sat there in a stupor. After being on the phone for at lease 20 minutes. I though I would have to go through the whole operation or more likely forget about it. By the way the phone line seemed dead with no dialing tone at all.
All of a sudden a voice, yes an actual voice not an automated voice came and asked me if he could help me. He was very nice and his name was Al. What he told me was enlightening. I explained most of what had happened. He stopped me 3/4 of the way through my explanation. He informed me that several online motor salesmen do this but it was not legal for them to hold on to a registration certificate after it had been sold. He then asked me for my details, checked on his computer and told me that there was nothing on their screen. I then told him that if I applied for a certificate what would happen if they also did this. He just said that it would be their fault and it may throw their system out a little. He then told me to fill the application form in, I then told him that I would tomorrow go and post it in the envelope provided to DVLA by 1st class post. He said it was a good idea.
It was such a nice change talking to someone who was so pleasant and understanding, also explaining all so well. A great thumbs up for DVLA once you managed to find a human being.
Tomorrow I should have news of my windscreen but I don't expect any joy. More tomorrow.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Friday, 11 March 2011
To continue
As mentioned I had a telephone call informing me that my dentures were once again ready.
Well I got the car out and started to drive to the town which is around 8 miles away. I noticed a mark on my windscreen, at first I thought it was water but when I looked again a few seconds later it seemed to me that it was a little longer and looked very much like a crack, not a jagged crack but a crack that you would say was made with a knife. Well I got to the Dental Surgery picked up my dentures and headed home. It was certainly getting larger it was now not in a straight line but was going at a sort of angle.
As soon as I got home, I found out where to ring, what a waste of time really. They are so friendly and polite but direct you to a windscreen repair specialist. I did explain what had happened and was told that the crack would indeed grow longer, the woman then suggested that I take it to one of their depots for examination to see if it was a manufacture fault. I told her that I was certain it was but there was no way I was going to travel the best part of 35 miles to their nearest depot. She then suggested that I take it to the nearest Vauxhall dealership which I did. I went there and of course wanted to know why I had not bought the car from them. I told them that even today, they would not have this car in and I had this car on order since October last year. This good looking young lass said to me that she was going to photograph the crack. Producing a digital camera struggled for a while and told me that it wouldn't let her take a photo. I suggested that she check to see that the batteries were not flat. They were, so after another few minutes managed to get some replacement batteries and went to take a photo. She asked me if I had a piece of paper to cover the interior of the windscreen where the damage was, I did this and she took a photo. She told me that it was going to be sent heaven alone knows where for it to be examined. I am definitely not holding my breath.
When I returned home the woman from the Windscreen Repair Company asked me how I had got on. I told her everything and she told me that as I had given her my Car registration, it was on file and all I had to do was mention my number and up would pop all the relevant details.
Today, as expected I have heard nothing from the local garage. It is only about 4 miles away from me so on Monday morning I will see if anything has happened. I doubt it.
To be honest, a £75 cost for windscreen replacement is nothing at all after watching the horrific scenes in Japan following the wost ever earthquake there. The tsunami was frightening, I guess the death toll will be in the thousands. It is these things that really bring us back to reality and realise just how fortunate we are. More soon.
Well I got the car out and started to drive to the town which is around 8 miles away. I noticed a mark on my windscreen, at first I thought it was water but when I looked again a few seconds later it seemed to me that it was a little longer and looked very much like a crack, not a jagged crack but a crack that you would say was made with a knife. Well I got to the Dental Surgery picked up my dentures and headed home. It was certainly getting larger it was now not in a straight line but was going at a sort of angle.
As soon as I got home, I found out where to ring, what a waste of time really. They are so friendly and polite but direct you to a windscreen repair specialist. I did explain what had happened and was told that the crack would indeed grow longer, the woman then suggested that I take it to one of their depots for examination to see if it was a manufacture fault. I told her that I was certain it was but there was no way I was going to travel the best part of 35 miles to their nearest depot. She then suggested that I take it to the nearest Vauxhall dealership which I did. I went there and of course wanted to know why I had not bought the car from them. I told them that even today, they would not have this car in and I had this car on order since October last year. This good looking young lass said to me that she was going to photograph the crack. Producing a digital camera struggled for a while and told me that it wouldn't let her take a photo. I suggested that she check to see that the batteries were not flat. They were, so after another few minutes managed to get some replacement batteries and went to take a photo. She asked me if I had a piece of paper to cover the interior of the windscreen where the damage was, I did this and she took a photo. She told me that it was going to be sent heaven alone knows where for it to be examined. I am definitely not holding my breath.
When I returned home the woman from the Windscreen Repair Company asked me how I had got on. I told her everything and she told me that as I had given her my Car registration, it was on file and all I had to do was mention my number and up would pop all the relevant details.
Today, as expected I have heard nothing from the local garage. It is only about 4 miles away from me so on Monday morning I will see if anything has happened. I doubt it.
To be honest, a £75 cost for windscreen replacement is nothing at all after watching the horrific scenes in Japan following the wost ever earthquake there. The tsunami was frightening, I guess the death toll will be in the thousands. It is these things that really bring us back to reality and realise just how fortunate we are. More soon.
Thursday, 10 March 2011
lost a day
Yesterday seems to have been lost to me and I just don't know why.
Anyway I forgot to mention it but on Tuesday I went to pay my T.V. licence. £145.50 by cash and by Pay Point. I walked in the newsagents as usual and went to another till where payment is taken. I was amazed when the proprietor said to me that they no longer dealt with Pay Point, they now use Payzone. A thing I had never heard of. Anyway I said to him I was disappointed as it was always my plan to use all local services as often as I could and if he didn't have Pay Point who did? He told me that the supermarket in the next town had this. His wife then chirped up saying that they had nothing but trouble with the system so that is why they changed. She then suggested that I could pay by cheque. I thanked them and left going to the next town's supermarket. In I went and found a supervisor and asked her if they used Pay Point which she said yes and I then asked where I could pay. She pointed to a queue and just said there. I went and joined the queue. Nothing seemed to be happening so I asked the woman in front if she had been there long. She told me nothing had moved for a few minutes. I told her that all I wanted to do was pay my T.V licence and she showed me several bills saying that is all she wanted to do. It transpired that the queue was for cigarettes and spirits plus the lottery so we had a few minutes wait. Eventually another member of the staff arrived so that there were 3 people working. All of a sudden the woman in front and I moved at the same time. I gave the lady the money and the bill. It was on that has a scanner on so that it is automatically scanned. No such luck with mine. After about 5 minutes she finally had to input all the numbers by hand. eventually I was served and I just said goodbye to the other woman and left.
Now this morning I had to see the G.P for my B.P. It was down a little, I think he helped because he had the utensil that is used for testing the wrong way round. I burst out laughing. I said to I liked seeing him as he was on of the old timers. He told me that he was soon to retire. I asked if he would do any part time work. He then informed me that he would wind down slowly, it would be easy for him to work at the surgery part time as he spent 2 days a week at Grimsby Hospital. Anyway he told me that it was much better and we shook hands and I left.
It was a much nicer day today so I decided to sow a few vegetable seeds, mind you I tripped over a piece of wood and went all my length. Thank goodness I didn't hurt myself but I had a lot of peas that had to be picked up as they were strewn all over the place. eventually I set them. covering them to save them from being eaten by mice. I came back into the house when the phone rang. It was the Dental Surgery informing me that my lower set of dentures were back. I told her that I would be there within the hour. Mind you what happened then I will tell you all tomorrow.
Anyway I forgot to mention it but on Tuesday I went to pay my T.V. licence. £145.50 by cash and by Pay Point. I walked in the newsagents as usual and went to another till where payment is taken. I was amazed when the proprietor said to me that they no longer dealt with Pay Point, they now use Payzone. A thing I had never heard of. Anyway I said to him I was disappointed as it was always my plan to use all local services as often as I could and if he didn't have Pay Point who did? He told me that the supermarket in the next town had this. His wife then chirped up saying that they had nothing but trouble with the system so that is why they changed. She then suggested that I could pay by cheque. I thanked them and left going to the next town's supermarket. In I went and found a supervisor and asked her if they used Pay Point which she said yes and I then asked where I could pay. She pointed to a queue and just said there. I went and joined the queue. Nothing seemed to be happening so I asked the woman in front if she had been there long. She told me nothing had moved for a few minutes. I told her that all I wanted to do was pay my T.V licence and she showed me several bills saying that is all she wanted to do. It transpired that the queue was for cigarettes and spirits plus the lottery so we had a few minutes wait. Eventually another member of the staff arrived so that there were 3 people working. All of a sudden the woman in front and I moved at the same time. I gave the lady the money and the bill. It was on that has a scanner on so that it is automatically scanned. No such luck with mine. After about 5 minutes she finally had to input all the numbers by hand. eventually I was served and I just said goodbye to the other woman and left.
Now this morning I had to see the G.P for my B.P. It was down a little, I think he helped because he had the utensil that is used for testing the wrong way round. I burst out laughing. I said to I liked seeing him as he was on of the old timers. He told me that he was soon to retire. I asked if he would do any part time work. He then informed me that he would wind down slowly, it would be easy for him to work at the surgery part time as he spent 2 days a week at Grimsby Hospital. Anyway he told me that it was much better and we shook hands and I left.
It was a much nicer day today so I decided to sow a few vegetable seeds, mind you I tripped over a piece of wood and went all my length. Thank goodness I didn't hurt myself but I had a lot of peas that had to be picked up as they were strewn all over the place. eventually I set them. covering them to save them from being eaten by mice. I came back into the house when the phone rang. It was the Dental Surgery informing me that my lower set of dentures were back. I told her that I would be there within the hour. Mind you what happened then I will tell you all tomorrow.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Update
The first signs of spring I hope. These were taken a few days ago before we had a couple of fine sunny days. The first shows my new potatoes in the greenhouse, the second a few polyanthus. I am surprised just how much the potatoes have grown these last couple of day
With regard to my back, I wish to thank those who have shown sympathy. To be honest, I have had twinges for several days before I went to dig the lavender up. I only think I aggravated the cause. I am sure that I have had, and still do to a lesser degree Fibrositis. My hot water bottle treatment certainly has helped a lot.
As you will know, today I had once again to go to the surgery for several tests, including a B.P. test. I knew this would be very high. I guess I am fortunate in as much as when I have high B.P. I have blood vessels burst in my eye. Generally my right eye but the other day, it was my left one. I now have to see a Doctor. It is obvious that I am not responding to the medication that I was given. I saw the receptionist who I know and like very much. She told me that there was not a vacancy to see a Doctor until next week. I told her it was urgent so I will go on Thursday morning to see the Doctor who I saw last time so that is good, I also like him as he is thorough. By the way, although my back is not completely free of pain, I will not be using my hot water bottle. If the pain returns then reluctantly I will have to go on a course of treatment which I do not really want. I will keep my fingers crossed. More soon.
Monday, 7 March 2011
Backache
Oh well, I finally think I have Fibrositis. What you may ask is the reason I say this. I have tried to get better under my own ways, mainly by using a hot water bottle and heating my back most of the day and night. With some success may I add but I only seem to be able to put it in the background. Tomorrow anyway I go for blood tests and BP test also. I feel sure that my BP will be high so I will NOT use any heat tonight just to see if it is worse in the morning. Now to the reason I think I have Fibrositis.
It must be well over 35 years ago I had a dreadful backache almost overnight. I went to the local Doctors Surgery. It was a small place with about 16 chairs a hatch where you booked in with the Receptionist and then there was his surgery, again a very small place. Anyway I arrived at about 9.15am the Surgery was open at 9.00am but the Doctor very rarely arrived before 9. 15. The place was full and I had to stand outside. Soon after I had booked in a car drove up. It was the Doctor. He walked up to the door, saw me and uttered "Christ all bloody mighty" but only loud enough for me to hear. Eventually it was my turn and when I went in I told him that there was only one other person after me. He informed me that he didn't mind seeing me at all as it was a rarity to see me and when I went to see him there was good reason. He then said this.. "If they made every patient pay just £1 to visit the surgery there would be very few here waiting to see me." Well I told him what was wrong. He smiled broadly then told me that he could soon fix me and wrote a prescription, told me to take it to the Chemist and informed me that I would be right as rain in 2 or 3 days . He was right. I liked him, he was very much down to earth, shirt sleeves, never looking like a G.P. Unfortunately a few years later he had a stroke and died. Anyway I took the prescription to the local Chemist. An independent Chemist. He told me to come back in about an hour and they would be ready for me. I duly went back and he came out with a tin. He just said. "Here you are, I've left them in the tin they came in, there are a few extra tablets so that if you get a bad back again you will have no need to go back to the Doctor as there are plenty. The tin was a metal top and base with cardboard sides like an old Birds Custard tin.
This was perfectly true, I know that in those days no payment was needed when you were given medicine but I still wonder if anybody else experienced anything like that. By the way, I think they were Geigy tablets, large and I think I kept the extra tablets for several years before disposing them. Anything like that would never happen today. Mind you the Chemist was an old fashioned character.
By the way, today has been sunny for most of the day, more about weather tomorrow.
It must be well over 35 years ago I had a dreadful backache almost overnight. I went to the local Doctors Surgery. It was a small place with about 16 chairs a hatch where you booked in with the Receptionist and then there was his surgery, again a very small place. Anyway I arrived at about 9.15am the Surgery was open at 9.00am but the Doctor very rarely arrived before 9. 15. The place was full and I had to stand outside. Soon after I had booked in a car drove up. It was the Doctor. He walked up to the door, saw me and uttered "Christ all bloody mighty" but only loud enough for me to hear. Eventually it was my turn and when I went in I told him that there was only one other person after me. He informed me that he didn't mind seeing me at all as it was a rarity to see me and when I went to see him there was good reason. He then said this.. "If they made every patient pay just £1 to visit the surgery there would be very few here waiting to see me." Well I told him what was wrong. He smiled broadly then told me that he could soon fix me and wrote a prescription, told me to take it to the Chemist and informed me that I would be right as rain in 2 or 3 days . He was right. I liked him, he was very much down to earth, shirt sleeves, never looking like a G.P. Unfortunately a few years later he had a stroke and died. Anyway I took the prescription to the local Chemist. An independent Chemist. He told me to come back in about an hour and they would be ready for me. I duly went back and he came out with a tin. He just said. "Here you are, I've left them in the tin they came in, there are a few extra tablets so that if you get a bad back again you will have no need to go back to the Doctor as there are plenty. The tin was a metal top and base with cardboard sides like an old Birds Custard tin.
This was perfectly true, I know that in those days no payment was needed when you were given medicine but I still wonder if anybody else experienced anything like that. By the way, I think they were Geigy tablets, large and I think I kept the extra tablets for several years before disposing them. Anything like that would never happen today. Mind you the Chemist was an old fashioned character.
By the way, today has been sunny for most of the day, more about weather tomorrow.
Friday, 4 March 2011
Nothing happening
Well, for the last few days nothing has happened because of my back. My fault entirely as I had a touch of a bad back before I decided to lift and remove the old lavender which had been there for I guess well over 10 years.
I tried most proprietary brands which didn't seem to help at all. On Thursday morning I resolved to an old fashioned remedy, a hot water bottle on my back. It did ease just a little but my friend called so I could not use it during the time he was here. In fact I had to supervise him as he made my greenhouse secure from mice, well we both hope so. I had caught 5 in the greenhouse alone so here's hoping.
We did nothing else, I had promised to lift some snowdrops and also was going to give him some carrots. Neither happened but I did manage to cook him roast leg of pork with crackling which he enjoyed.
He left early in the afternoon and immediately he left out came the hot water bottle. I used it foe the rest of the night, emptying the cool water and filling it with hot water. I also went to bed with it.
This morning, I must admit I did feel a little better with my back certainly better. To be honest though, I wonder if it will be 100% successful. I am going to the surgery on Tuesday for a few tests so if it is still playing up, I will mention it.
Now about the weather. Every day this week after Sunday has been dull and very cold. That is until tonight, about 5.30pm just as it was beginning to get dark, the clouds disappeared and there was blue sky. Obviously no sun at that time of evening. I do expect though a frost. Still every day is getting closer to the spring so we live in hope. More soon.
I tried most proprietary brands which didn't seem to help at all. On Thursday morning I resolved to an old fashioned remedy, a hot water bottle on my back. It did ease just a little but my friend called so I could not use it during the time he was here. In fact I had to supervise him as he made my greenhouse secure from mice, well we both hope so. I had caught 5 in the greenhouse alone so here's hoping.
We did nothing else, I had promised to lift some snowdrops and also was going to give him some carrots. Neither happened but I did manage to cook him roast leg of pork with crackling which he enjoyed.
He left early in the afternoon and immediately he left out came the hot water bottle. I used it foe the rest of the night, emptying the cool water and filling it with hot water. I also went to bed with it.
This morning, I must admit I did feel a little better with my back certainly better. To be honest though, I wonder if it will be 100% successful. I am going to the surgery on Tuesday for a few tests so if it is still playing up, I will mention it.
Now about the weather. Every day this week after Sunday has been dull and very cold. That is until tonight, about 5.30pm just as it was beginning to get dark, the clouds disappeared and there was blue sky. Obviously no sun at that time of evening. I do expect though a frost. Still every day is getting closer to the spring so we live in hope. More soon.
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
A little more
A little more about my meeting with the man at the dental surgery.
When he came out of the surgery his wife was soon called in. He told me that he had been a month or so earlier and told the dentist that his filling in one of his teeth was loose. The dentist told him it was O K. Now it had fallen out and it had cost him £45.60. I told him that my dentures had cost me £198. He replied that it was not a bad price. I then reminded him that it was 2 weeks pension. He told me that back home(wherever that was)he heard this receptionist tell this man that his new dentures were ready and that there was a cost of £600. He told her he could not afford that much and offered to pay £50 a month. I told him that he must have gone private. He readily agreed. He then told me that all he received was the annual £250 fuel allowance. I told him that I also received that and was greatful for it although it nowhere paid for my winter fuel. He then said his gas and electric for the Christmas quarter was just over £230 . I told him that people on the National Grid did not know just how lucky they were. 60% of my weeky pension was taken by 3 items, Council Tax LPG and electricity. I then told him that the gap between rich and poor was ever growing. I had heard earlier that day that the Railway Drivers were on strike in Wales. They were striking(for 1 day) for better working conditions and an increase in pay. The basic pay of a Driver was £39.000. He then said to me that it was not a bad wage. I told him that it was £750 a week for 4 working days. They would be expected to work occasional Sundays. I told him that with night work and Sunday work most Drivers would be on about £1000 a week. Far different to me as a fireman working 11 day fortnight. Never ever getting more than time and3/4 no matter how long you worked on a Sunday or Bank Holiday including Christmas day. Unfortunately his wife appeared then from the surgery. She looked like thunder. "Come on" she said. He asked her what was the matter. "I must have a tooth out but I can't have it taken out here because the dentist wants to take an Xray and there are no facilities here so we have to make an appointment at Skegness". I remarked that parking was a problem in Skegness. He also pointed out that it was about a 35 mile round trip. All his wife kept saying was. "Come on let's go" so after shaking my hand they left.
Now a little update on the weather. Quite some time ago one of the Natural History programmes stated that during the winter, male chaffinches go east and female chaffinches go west. I have looked ever since long and hard during the winter months and if I have seen 6 female chaffinches that is all. Now these last couple of days, the odd female has appeared so spring must be getting nearer.
By the way, went in the new car to Surgery about 8 miles. Don't know yet where most of the things are but it rides well and will be cheaper to run I am sure. I just got it in time as my Annual Car Tax was due 1st March this year was £180 also MOT was needed another $50 or so, then it needed it's biannual service.
Weather this week is not going to be great, I hope that it soon warms up as I want to get into the garden. Mind you on Sunday, I went and dug some lavender up. It generally goes woody as it gets older. I have had those in situe for several years. Anyway I have ricked my back doing this. My fault entirely, so I am not doing much at all for the next few days. More soon.
When he came out of the surgery his wife was soon called in. He told me that he had been a month or so earlier and told the dentist that his filling in one of his teeth was loose. The dentist told him it was O K. Now it had fallen out and it had cost him £45.60. I told him that my dentures had cost me £198. He replied that it was not a bad price. I then reminded him that it was 2 weeks pension. He told me that back home(wherever that was)he heard this receptionist tell this man that his new dentures were ready and that there was a cost of £600. He told her he could not afford that much and offered to pay £50 a month. I told him that he must have gone private. He readily agreed. He then told me that all he received was the annual £250 fuel allowance. I told him that I also received that and was greatful for it although it nowhere paid for my winter fuel. He then said his gas and electric for the Christmas quarter was just over £230 . I told him that people on the National Grid did not know just how lucky they were. 60% of my weeky pension was taken by 3 items, Council Tax LPG and electricity. I then told him that the gap between rich and poor was ever growing. I had heard earlier that day that the Railway Drivers were on strike in Wales. They were striking(for 1 day) for better working conditions and an increase in pay. The basic pay of a Driver was £39.000. He then said to me that it was not a bad wage. I told him that it was £750 a week for 4 working days. They would be expected to work occasional Sundays. I told him that with night work and Sunday work most Drivers would be on about £1000 a week. Far different to me as a fireman working 11 day fortnight. Never ever getting more than time and3/4 no matter how long you worked on a Sunday or Bank Holiday including Christmas day. Unfortunately his wife appeared then from the surgery. She looked like thunder. "Come on" she said. He asked her what was the matter. "I must have a tooth out but I can't have it taken out here because the dentist wants to take an Xray and there are no facilities here so we have to make an appointment at Skegness". I remarked that parking was a problem in Skegness. He also pointed out that it was about a 35 mile round trip. All his wife kept saying was. "Come on let's go" so after shaking my hand they left.
Now a little update on the weather. Quite some time ago one of the Natural History programmes stated that during the winter, male chaffinches go east and female chaffinches go west. I have looked ever since long and hard during the winter months and if I have seen 6 female chaffinches that is all. Now these last couple of days, the odd female has appeared so spring must be getting nearer.
By the way, went in the new car to Surgery about 8 miles. Don't know yet where most of the things are but it rides well and will be cheaper to run I am sure. I just got it in time as my Annual Car Tax was due 1st March this year was £180 also MOT was needed another $50 or so, then it needed it's biannual service.
Weather this week is not going to be great, I hope that it soon warms up as I want to get into the garden. Mind you on Sunday, I went and dug some lavender up. It generally goes woody as it gets older. I have had those in situe for several years. Anyway I have ricked my back doing this. My fault entirely, so I am not doing much at all for the next few days. More soon.
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