A few photos

These are the latest pictures of the grape vine. If you zoom then you will be able to see the young grapes beginning to form.


These are peas. Little Marvel. Outdoors they grow to about 2ft to 2.6ft. However in the polytunnel they grow to over 3ft. As you can see they are just in flower. They take as a rule 25 days from flower to full pod, so by the end of May or the first week in June, I should be picking peas.

Now to the only cauliflower I managed to salvage from the ravages of winter. Originally I set about 15 cauliflowers and about 18 cabbages. I set nearly all of them on the south facing side of the polytunnel. unfortunately all were damaged by frost and had to be slung away.

I had 4 cabbage and 3 cauliflowers on the north facing side. I managed to salvage 3 cabbage and 2 of the cauliflowers I had to use as a sort of white broccoli. however, this last one did me proud. I had to pick it a couple of days ago because it was beginning to bend the stem because of the weight. As you can see it weighed just about 4 lb. Also it was beautiful and white.

I have had 2 meals off it and on Friday, my mate is coming to do a little work, I will cook a chicken and give him cauliflower as one of his vegetables. He loves cauliflower. More soon.

A little rain

Well, we were promised rain. On Saturday, I rang my Sister and my Brother in Law answered the phone. He told me that it was raining there, not a lot but it was raining. Here it was a little dull but soon brightened up and was once again nice and sunny.
We were promised rain, plenty of it overnight Saturday into Sunday morning. I got up soon after 5.00am to see that it was raining, very light rain but it was raining. I waited for it to get heavier, it never did. To be honest, I guess I managed to collect about 2 gallons of rainwater in my water butts. Later on Sunday, the sun came out and in late afternoon it was impossible to see there had been any rain.
As you know, I always have a bath on a Sunday. Last week I used the water for my plants, well this Sunday I decided to set my runner beans and courgettes. When I dug a hole it was completely dry so I poured a bucket full of bath water in each hole before planting out my plants. I then watered the plants in. The remainder I used on my Lilac trees that I planted in the ground about a month ago.
I took the odd photo of my greenhouse and polytunnel so perhaps tomorrow, I will transfer them to my computer and post a couple. I managed to get one cauliflower and it weighed about 4lb. beautiful and white, tastes great too. More tomorrow.

Conclusion

Well the day arrived and for the first time a car arrived, albeit late but it was full when I got in the car. The journey to Lincoln was uneventful, the other two passengers were going to have their eyes tested for cataracts.
On arrival at the reception, nobody seemed to be expecting me. eventually a Doctor came and asked me to go to his office. He asked me what I was doing there. I told him all. He just said that they didn't mind me coming to hospital and something would be arranged.
It was late in the evening when I was assigned a bed, the Nurse told me that the next morning I would be transferred to Queens Medical in Nottingham. I was to be ready from 8.00am. the next day.
Well before I was ready, the new Nurse on duty came to see me, I guess it was about 7.00am. She told me to take everything with me as I would NOT be brought back to Lincoln. She told me that as far as she was concerned, Queens Medical should have arranged all of this. I reminded her that I had the original operation at Lincoln. She also told me that she would NOT be giving or sending any of my medical records. I thought so much for the co-operation between hospitals.
About 8.30am the driver came to pick me up. He immediately told me that he would not be able to take me to the ward as he was running late and had another passenger who he was taking to Nottingham City Hospital. He also told me that he had been told that if at all possible, he was to pick me up after the operation and take me home. He warned me though he would not be able to stay and wait for long.
Well we arrived at Q.M. and he dropped me off. If any of you have been to a large hospital, you will realise just how large the place is. I was very lucky that I did remember the way to the ward, unfortunately with the driver running late I was late also for my operation.
Luckily, I saw the same Nurse who I saw last time, told her what had happened and that if at all possible, could she have me discharged form here. I then told her that I had no medical records. She smiled and told me that she understood, she had kept all relevant details for the last visit and told me that if all went well, she would see that I was discharged from there.
I had to wait about 45 minutes before I went in to have my anaesthetic. Once the operation was done, I went into the recovery room, the Nurse gave me the news that all had gone well and she would arrange that I would be discharged and there was no need for me to make any other appointment.
I was still drowsy when the driver came. He asked me if I was ready, I told him to see the Nurse to make sure I could leave. A couple of minutes later he came back, took one look at me told me that I was allowed to leave but he told me to take his arm, he would carry my gear as he realised I was still a little unsteady. We hurried down to where he had parked the car. He told me he was worried as the wardens are strict, you are only allowed to pick up or drop off patients. There was another passenger in the car, he was going to drop her off at Lincoln, she told him that the warden had been to see her and if the car was there when next he came a ticket would be issued. He helped me into the back seat he told me to sleep and he would wake me when we got home.
That didn't happen because within 10 minutes I was fully recovered and an uneventful journey home took place, trying to work out how many cars ambulances etc, the cost to the NHS would be huge. It must be borne in mind that originally I went in for keyhole surgery for the removal of my gall bladder. Had I not had diabetes and had no blockage, I would have arrived at Lincoln on a Friday morning, had the operation and been discharged Saturday morning.
I must admit, I have had much more than my monies worth with the National Health. More's the pity. I would much sooner say I have never had a penny spent on me by the NHS.
Now no more about health issues. Something different next time.

A little more

Let us hope I do not hit a wrong button.
Now it was back to Boston on the Monday morning. I was there with nothing to do and from what I could see was in limbo. Well on Tuesday early afternoon I was informed to get my things ready as I was being transferred to Lincoln Hospital by private car. So off I went, the car was an old car but it was O.K I guess that the journey took about 45 minutes.
I was taken to a sort of basement. I found out that it was an assessment ward and NOBODY was there for more than 24 hours maximum. This of course didn't include me. Again nothing seemed to happen for ages, eventually I was given a bed and that was it. I have never had such a night in hospital like it. The tooing and froing of the staff with patients being admitted and discharged all night with the odd one being admitted to a ward.
Wednesday morning I again was more or less ignored. However late morning a Nurse came and told me that I would have the operation the following morning. I just said O.K.
About 30 minutes later a man in a white coat came to see me, he told me that the next morning(Thursday)I would be transferred to Queens Medical in Nottingham for the operation. He told me that they were better suited to do the operation, anyway he told me they had a good relationship with Queens Medical. I asked him who he was, He told me his name was Jonathan. I then saw his name tag, I then told him that he was a Doctor, he told me he was. I never saw him again.
A lilttle later, a Ward Sister came to see me. She told me that I should be ready to travel to Nottingham by 8.00am the following day and that a Nurse would be accompanying me. I asked her why this was so, she told me it was the rules. Although I would be going by Ambulance and a medic would be in attendance, a Nurse shoud be present. She then told me that she would try to travel with me. She also said it would be nice to do a little shopping while I was having my operation. I thought what a waste of money. A Sister travelling with me.
Well Thursday arrived, I was ready to travel well before 8.00am as the place was just like a cattle market, Beds were used very regular. Most of the others who arrived in the ward was there for less than 2 hours.
I waited and waited, suddenly I saw the Sister, she told me that she was going with me and that the operation was booked for 9.00am. It got to 8.30 when the Ambulance men arrived making some excuse. I then knew it was impossible to get to Queens Medical by 9.00am.
What a performance. I was taken to the Ambulance, strapped in on a stretcher. The Sister sitting opposite me with the Ambulance man keeping a watch. It is very uncomfortable in those Ambulances but we passed the time by talking in general. The Sister told me that almost certainly she would finish her degree and become a doctor.
Eventually we arrived at Queens Medical, the traffic had been very heavy as one would expect at that time of day. I was taken out and people were staring at me, I felt a little fraud, strapped in and being wheeled in the hospital. I don't know why but I took particular notice of where we were going. just as well as I will say why later.
We got to the reception where we booked in, went through to the preparation area. The Nurse there asked me if I could walk. I told her I could if they took those straps off me. anyway the service was excellent. I was wheeled straight in given my local anaesthetic and the next thing I knew was when I was left to recover. Eventually the nurse came to see me, I knew immediately that the operation had not been a success. She informed me that I would have to come back again where all would then be well.
When I was fully alert, I was taken back to the reception area, the Sister was waitng for me and told me we had to wait for the Ambulance crew, a different crew to the last ones.
Eventually the crew arrived. Proper trained Paramedics. they were very professional, checked my heart rate, blood pressure regular. I just thought this was costing the NHS thousands. Well we got back to Lincoln mid afternoon. Back I went to the same bed. However early evening a doctor came to see me and told me that I would be transferred to a Ward and the next day would be discharged. I wondered why I was being moved into a fresh bed just for that night. Anyway about 8.30pm. I was moved to this ward. It was full of men who had had operations, some were very poorly, there was one though who told me he lived in Gainsborough and he too was being discharged the next day.
The next morning a Doctor came to see me, gave me my discharge papers and informed me that I must be back again in about 3 weeks to go throught the procedure again. Transport was being arranged.
About an hour later a man came and this man from Gainsborough went with him. About 20 minutes later, back he came laughing and informed me that it was me who the man had come to pick up. It was only when he asked the guy which way to go that he told him to follow the sign to Gainsborough. Well I was once again taken by private car back home. All I could think of was just how much I was costing the NHS.
Anyway I got home and then waited for Lincoln Hospital to contact me. After about 3 weeks I decided to ring them up and ask what was happening. After several phone calls, one Nurse found out what was supposed to happen and arrangements were made for me once again to attend Lincoln Hospital as an inpatient. The final installment will be tomorrow.

continued

As there was nothing that could be done before next week.
Anyway I called my mate and hew took me home for the week end and he took me back to Boston Hospital the following Monday.
By the way, I hit some button and lost all what I had written, I am no good with computers but I managed to retrieve it but didn't know how to open the blog up to continue the story.
Anyway I will tell you more about the tale tomorrow. I think you will find it hard to believe all that happens.

The saga continues

Well when I left the Hospital, the Staff Nurse told me that when I felt better I shoud go and see my G.P. and be checked to see if I had Diabetes.

Well about 10 days later I went to see my G.P. taking a urine sample with me. She informed me that the modern thing they did was the glucose test. Drinkng 1/2 litre of Lucosade and I would have to make an appointment for this test. This I said I would do.

Before I could have this test I noticed that I was beginning to turn yellow. I thought I was imagining things for a start. Typical though it was the May Holiday weekend that I realised that something was wrong. First my urine went a bright orange colour and was a little thick. My stools were a whiteish grey. Well on Tuesday afer May Day I went to the surgery and made an immedaite appointment to see any Doctor. I was given a time of 10.30am. I duly arrived and went in to see the Doctor. I informed him that I though I had Jaundice but told him that I thought it was not possible to have Jaundice once your Gall Bladder was removed. He immediately asked me top get on the couch. He got a paper and startid writing. He gave me a quick examination, told me to get dressed and when I sdat at the desk he asked mw where I had had the Gall Bladder removed and when. I told him Lincoln and it was about 3 weeks ago. He immediately replied that Lincoln would not accept referrals. so I would have to go to Boston as I has a blockage. He told me to wait in the reception and once he had arraned everything I would be notified.

It was only about 10 minutes later when the Administrator came to see me, gave me a letter and told me to get to Boston as soon as I could taking overnight clothes as I might have to stay overnight.

Off I went, arrived at Boston about noon. Sast in the waiting room for at least 2 hours, was eventually taken to a ward which looked like an assessment ward. In there was a woman who was a kidney transplant woman complaining of pain, a young lad who was suffering from delayed concussion. He was a passenger in a car which was hit from behind. Nothing seemed to happen much, a young Nurse who seemd to know nothing came and took particulars but could not take blood as she was not capable of doing so.

I guess it was about 6.30pm when the Dr. cmae in to see each patient. I was last to be seen, I noticed that his name was Mr. When he came to me I told him that he was a Surgeon and it was unusual for one to be doing this sort of work. He told me that he was doingit as a favour for a friend. Well I asked him if it was possible for me to gom home that night. He told me in no uncertain terms that I would NOT be going home, he was going to have me admitted immediately as it was potentially very serious. As soon as I weas on a ward, I would go on a drip and a close watch would be taken of me. I was surprised at this as I thought it was not serious at all.

Well all of this happened, but first thing in the morning the head Surgeon came to see me. He told them that there was no need for me to be on a drip, he then turned to me and told me that he would love to operates on me but as the operation was done at Lincoln, they had to get permission to continue. In the meantime, I would go to have X.Rays and an ultrasound. To be honest, I was really looked after there. anyway that was Wednesday taken care of. On Thursday his assistant came to give me updates and told me he would see me on Friday. Well on Friday he told me that if I wished I could go home for the week end as there was nothing

More about vehicles

Now more about Mr. L. who was 92. First though I must tell what happened next. I know the subsequent news I will write will be hard to believe, but I assure you it is all true.
So the male Staff Nurse left and all that was left in the ward was Mr. L and myself.
Where we were was called a Day Ward, generally people came in for routine operations on a Friday, most left the same day but odd ones were discharged the next day, mind you not me.
Well we were there on our own when suddenly there was a hive of activity. 4 patients came in together with several staff. We were ignored as they went about their work. After a while some Doctors arrived. Well I asked one of the men who seemed to be in charge what was going on. He informed me that they rented the ward on several Saturdays and did routine operations. All of the patients would be discharged later that day and by 5.00pm the place would be empty again. I asked where they came from and he told me Sheffield, although they were a team, it was rare for the staff to be together as most were from different wards at the Sheffield hospital.
Now as most will know, a mid morning drink is served but we received nothing. Mr. L was beginning to get a little thirsty. I told him not to worry, I would go and walk down to the next ward and see what was happening.
When I arrived at the next ward, the Nurse was surprised, she informed me that as far as she knew, nobody was ever in that ward on a Saturday as it was called a Day ward and only operated from Monday to Friday with the last patient being discharged on a Saturday if necessary. I informed her that there was 2 of us and the other gentleman was 92. She told me that no main meal had been organised for lunchtime and all she would be able to supply was sandwiches. This I told her would be acceptable but was it possible to get a hot drink for Mr. L. She told me that she would arrange for a tea trolley to visit us.
When I got back to Mr.L I told him what was going to happen. To try to take his mind off things I started to ask him about his life in general. It was this that made him talk about all his cars he had bought.
First he told me the story of how he managed to buy his first car. He told me that he had done a favour for a man and as a thankyou he asked him if he ever bet horses. He said he did not. Well the man told him that what he was going to tell him he must keep it to himself. He told him that in the Lincoln, which was run at Carholme, Lincoln. He had good information about a horse called Over Coat. If everything went according to plan, it would run very well and he told him to have an ante post bet on the horse. Well when he told me this, I immediately told him that my Father went to see the Lincoln which was run on a Wednesday, each year with his friend. He told me this tale, he saw Prince Monalulu, a well known African tipster. He wore a sort of Caftan and I think they were dyed Ostrich Feathers. His famous cry was "I gotta horse". Punters would buy tips from him. Well my Father heard this. A man down on his luck went to Prince Monalulu and asked him for a tip as he had lost all his money. Prince Monalulu put his arm on his shoulder and just said to him. "Don't forget your overcoat". My Father saw the horse and with his pal had a little on it. Enough to pay for their day out as it won.
Well Mr. L told me that he went to the local bookmaker and whenever he could he would put a little money each way ante post.
Eventually when the day came he had quite a lot of money on the horse. He told me that when it had won, he went and got his money, it was enough to buy a brand new car.
Now I always thought this was about 1948 or so but I went online today, just to make sure of my dates. To my surprise I saw that Over Coat won in 1936, before I was born.
Now Mr. L told me that he decided to run a Taxi service with his winnings. Although he did not go into details, I think he had a successful business, he told me that he joined a Goff Club. This was an exclusive clan in those days. He then told me that he now lived in one room in a bungalow. His Grandson had asked him if he could help him, he told me he told him he could have the bungalow as long as they paid all the outgoings, gave him a Sunday lunch. I think by the way he was talking, his Grandson and his wife, now do not wish him there at all. To be honest, I think his main problem is loneliness. He told me that he has his room and has Sky T.V and all what he wants there.
Well we had sandwiches at lunch, I asked the Nurse who came round to see if we could have a hot meal at teatime. Soon after she came back and told us that we would get some hot meal but did not know what. She also told us that we would get a hot drink in the afternoon.
Teatime came and we did have a meal of sorts. We both had different meals. I know that I had gravy on my meal and Mr. L. did not, that did not go down well with him.
Now once again we were on our own, the ward was emptied just as quickly as it was filled. Mind you, the Nurses gave it a thorough clean before they left.
Mr. L. then slept fitfully on and off for the rest of the day and night.
Now Sunday morning arrived. All of a sudden, the male Staff Nurse appeared. The one who had looked after me and took the drain out of me. He told me that he was going to get me discharged that day, by the way, it was Mothering Sunday. I told Mr. L.that I may be going home but to be honest, I don't think he realised what I had said.
About 10..00am the Staff Nurse came and asked me if I had anybody to pick me up. I asked him if I could use the phone, he readily agreed. I tried to contact my mate but there was no reply. I guess that he was going out as it was Mothers day. He told me not to worry. He rung a taxi company. Yes a TAXI company. he told me to get dressed as there was going to car coming for me. I told Mr. L. and there was tears in his eyes. He knew that once again he was going to be alone. He shook my hands and told me he had been very happy and we had got on so well together.
Soon after a man came, he was a little surly but when he saw me, he told me that he would take my case, by the way, as I had had keyhole surgery I was still full of air and my trousers would not fit.
Anyway the guy, who turned out to be very nice told me that he was not a regular Taxi Driver but had asked his mate if he could work his Taxi on Mothering Sunday. He told me he had done nothing at all so this job was great. He told me that he was paid£40. He then told me his job was a bouncer in a Nightclub. I asked him if drugs were a problem, not to his reactions. He told me the main problem was drunkenness.
Well I got home and thought that this was the end of my troubles regarding my gall bladder.
Not so. I will tell more tomorrow. You will realise just how much I have cost the National Health.