Grapevine

I don't make New Year's resolutions but I was determined to get rid of my grapevine in the greenhouse.
 I guess it was about 10 years ago that my italian friend gave me a few cuttings of his grapevine all which took. Naturally I only needed one so I asked my mate if he would like one and naturally he told me he would.
 To be honest we both found the grapes wanting. They had tough skins, very small and had plenty of seeds in them. They were however sweet to the taste if you left them on the vine long enough though they some of the grapes tended to wizen.
With that in mind I did do some preparation to remove the plant. I first took the gravel off and removed the weed suppressant then dug a hole outside the greenhouse about 15" deep and left it for the lad to assist me.
 I saw the lad on Friday off the bus and asked him if he would help me the next day. Naturally he told me he would so I asked him if he would like dinner, this he told me he would.
 On Saturday soon after 10.00.am. the door bell rang, it was the lad, I told him I was pleased to see him early for we had a lot to do. First thing I did was make sure he was suitably dressed with overalls a wooly hat and a pair of my old shoes.
 I explained what we were going to do and he understood but when trying to explain just how deep and how at right angles we had to go he wasn't so sure. I got the spade to go down another 6" or so then told him to use the hand trowel to remove the soil from the base, I then went into the greenhouse to remove the soil from the vine.
 It seemed to take us hours to get down to the depth where the grapevine went from inside the greenhouse to the root outside. What one has to do with a grapevine is to plant the vine root outside and then persuade the vine itself to grow inside the greenhouse as most are not hardy, well they weren't then but there are a few now that are capable of performing outside, in fact the one I am going to replace is an outdoor variety but it states that it will perform better in the greenhouse further north. So I will plant it outside and train it inside.
Eventually I managed to remove the vine and did more digging in the greenhouse making the hole larger. Meanwhile the lad was working well with me telling him what to do, eventually he understood what we were doing, meeting about 20" under the greenhouse and meeting outside with a hole.
 I went to look for a metal pole and knocked it in with the hammer to where I thought the holes should meet. Suddenly the lad told me he could see the metal pole so I then told him to keep tunnelling towards the greenhouse. After a further 15 minutes or so, suddenly his hand trowel appeared so we had a hole at last.
 Needless to say we were both covered in mud and the first thing I told him was to clean the tools this took about 10 minutes then I let him know that we must cover the hole up so that no vermin was allowed in the greenhouse.
 By the time we had completely finished it was around Noon. As I had promised him a mixed grill I had to immediately start preparing the meal. Naturally this took about an hour . While I was cooking the meal he was playing on the computer. What I had done for him and me was sirloin steak, Pork loin chops bacon sausage and chips in the Phillips Airfryer.
 He called me in whilst my bacon was under the grill informing me that my Internet Security had paced a warning. When I managed to get to the Internet all it informed me that my updates needed to be on as the latest virus was being protected by Windows so I went to see the Updates and sure enough it was downloading. By the time I had just checked the smoke alarm went off, the bacon under the grill was well done but after a minute or soo with the door open it shut down again. At least I know it is working.
 I then put the chips on and got everything ready, the chips look after themselves and take about 20 minutes from turning on the Airfryer. I buttered the bread rolls knowing full well that almost certainly he would make a chip buttey. I called him to tell him to turn off the computer and come out for dinner was about ready. He told me it looked nice but I did point out to him that the rashers of bacon we both had were well done and probably had to eaten by hand which in fact we did. It tasted very nice indeed. It took him some time to eat his dinner and I told him that if he didn't want any pudding I would understand but he told me he would want pudding.
 I only had a few chips and finished my dinner wat before he did. It did give me chance to wash some of the pans and while I was washing up he told me that he would only have Christmas Pudding alone and no custard as he was getting full. I was still finishing off when he had finished so I told him to do his usual, that is make the coffee. I had shown him how to use the new microwave and he made them very nice indeed.
 Needless to say I was absolutely tired out. He stayed for some time and I lay down on the sofa and he played on the computer. More soon.

Re. Microwave

I did let you know I had to get another microwave, what I failed to let you know that it took a day to find out just how to work it. I did read the instructions but to be honest it didn't tall you about just reheating. All I use the microwave for is just to heat my coffee and cooking my porridge and heating the other cereals.
 I laughed at the antics I got to, what surprised me is that one time I got the timer working and the next time I failed. I found out after many attempts that turning the timing butto to the left then to the right did the trick. Anyway, now I have it all sorted. I did show the lad how to work it and he managed well.
 The weather for the last couple of weeks has been very poor with rain being the big problem. Elsewhere snow and gales has been the problem. I have been Online and ordered several items early, so much so the my Postman friend rung the doorbell and when I went he was feeling the package and rightly enough suggested that they were Onion Sets. I told him he was correct. He mentioned to me that an old Onion was being offered but they were large, I then informed him that I had ordered Sturon Onion and he readily agreed that they were more than acceptable. I will not be setting them until February, well some of them then and I will put them in pots in the greenhouse to give them a good start.
 I have just had notification that Arran Pilot seed potatoes were being dispatched. I will let them acclimatise then plant them in the polytunnel within the next 2 to 3 weeks.
 Tomorrow I have to go to the Surgery and will have to there next Monday morning, I wonder if it is going to be a regular visit. I hope not. More soon.

New Year

I wish all those who care to read my blog A Happy and Healthy New Year.
 Mind you the last week or so of the last year has not been great. A few days before Christmas my Microwave suddenly refused to work but I managed to order and get another one within a couple of days.
 The lad came to see me on Sunday letting me know he had slung a piece of wood over the fence. He had got up and the rest of them were still in bed so he had a shower and came to see me.
 I showed him the Broad Beans all but one had grown so I told him we would put them in the polytunnel, so off we went to the polytunnel but when I went in I noticed the broad beans that I had set had been attacked by mice some of them had been chewed and broken so naturally I was disappointed. I then told him we would take them to the greenhouse which I did.
 He had asked me to look at one of his model cars because he wanted me to take the tow bar off one of the cars and put it on another. I did remind him of this and he told me he would go and fetch the cars. To be honest my eyesight is not good and to see the small screws on the tiny tow bar was difficult. Eventually I did manage to take the old screw out but it was almost smooth with nothing to put a screwdriver in. Off we went to the garage to look in a tin that had screws ans nails. I did find one but it was just a little too large. I could see he was disappointed so I told him that this idea was the last resort. I went and found a 13 amp plug, to be honest hardly anyone saves them because all appliances come fitted with a 13 amp plug. Anyway I found one and got the small screw that holds the wiring and luckily enough although it was not great it just did the job so he was happy.
 He then told me he would probably have a sandwich for his dinner. We then went out and got the wood and he sawed it to the lengths I wished. By the time we had done it was getting on for Noon so I asked him if he would like some soup and a roll. He then went with me to select the soup he wished, chicken as it happened but on starting the soup I asked him if he would like to have dinner with me which he said he would but would tell his Carer he was stopping for dinner. He was gone a short time but when he came back he had bought his slippers and took his top off and put them with his trainers in the bedroom. I had done enough potatoes for 2 days mainly because they were large and I had done minced beef with onion and carrots. I had done some swede and cabbage so I got him to get out some peas out of the freezer so with a chicken soup he had a good dinner. I did manage to get him a sort of pudding which I have that is a piece of slab cake with stewed plums which he enjoyed.
 Whilst I was washing the pots and clearing up I showed him how to use the Microwave so that he made the coffee which pleased him a lot.
 He then went on the Computer and showed me what he was after, a new alarm clock with the latest gadget of being able to shine on the ceiling so that he could tell the time while he was lying in bed.Eventually around 2 .25.pm. I suggested he should go back because she would begin to wonder where he was. He did tell me before he went a couple of things. Firstly he had been swimming and secondly he would not be going to work until Friday. More soon.

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.