Wednesday, and the weather was cold, but fine, so the trip into town was on. Cag wanted another ring, I think mainly because her sister had purchased one recently, and she wanted to 'join the club'. I was a little unsure because it 'had' to be diamonds.
I knew the ring she would have as soon as we got to the shop. A three diamond cluster, a real sparkler. It has to be made smaller, she has such small fingers, but the wait will add to the expectation. The owner of the shop had already included a discount before I paid, returning customers always get a discount, a good policy. And now the wait.
Thursday, and a wasted day. The Community Nurse was due to call to see Cag. She phoned to say that she would be with us in the afternoon. Cag took the call, but never asked when in the afternoon. She knew I needed to get some shopping, but never thought to ask. I hate the term ' I never thought', because I have to think. I have to think about everything I do, where I'll be, what I'll be doing, how long it will take. I have to think for two people, often more, so 'I never thought' is not in my vocabulary.
I spent the afternoon waiting on other people, and I hate waiting on other people. The Nurse arrived at about 4.30pm, too late for me to go out, a total waste of the day. The evening has been somewhat frosty, not outside, but here, in the home. I think Cag realises that a little more thought in future would be appreciated. I've been getting more 'thank yous' than usual!
Thursday 31 January 2008
Tuesday 29 January 2008
Monday and Tuesday........
It's not that I'm lazy, covering two days in one entry. It's just that now things are back to normal, and we have a routine, very little happens during the day.
A lot of Monday was spent keeping an eye on online statements, awaiting transfers, that didn't happen. A cash payment at the bank was shown on statement an hour later, so I knew somethings or someone was working. A further check this morning, and everything was completed. Just a case now of waiting for January's interest, and I have a final figure for my Mother's estate. Done!
My daughter phoned this evening. She and her partner are coming down to see us on Tuesday of next week. I've already made a list of the things I have to discus with her. I have to do that or I'm sure to forget something, and some subject are best handled face to face than over the phone.
Cag wants to go into town tomorrow. I think she has designs on another ring. She has a need to spend some money. If that's what she wants, within reason, then it's fine with me. She has so little to get excited over these days.
A lot of Monday was spent keeping an eye on online statements, awaiting transfers, that didn't happen. A cash payment at the bank was shown on statement an hour later, so I knew somethings or someone was working. A further check this morning, and everything was completed. Just a case now of waiting for January's interest, and I have a final figure for my Mother's estate. Done!
My daughter phoned this evening. She and her partner are coming down to see us on Tuesday of next week. I've already made a list of the things I have to discus with her. I have to do that or I'm sure to forget something, and some subject are best handled face to face than over the phone.
Cag wants to go into town tomorrow. I think she has designs on another ring. She has a need to spend some money. If that's what she wants, within reason, then it's fine with me. She has so little to get excited over these days.
Sunday 27 January 2008
Saturday and Sunday............
Saturday was a bit of a recovery day. I planned on taking things easy, just a little gentle shopping in the afternoon. Cag didn't fancy doing very much, so we were both happy.
Sunday, what a beautiful day. Temp gauge in the car showed -2c first thing. The sun was soon shining, the sky so blue, and it stayed that way all day. More please!
Our usual trip to the Market this afternoon, for a bite to eat, and buy some food for the bird table. Meal worms (not for us), dried, not wriggly ones. Robin will sell their souls for them and will even eat out of your hand with a little tempting.
Phoned our daughter when we returned home. Told her I had a settlement figure on my Mother's estate and asked her to come and see us in a week or so. It will give her time to think about what she wants to do with her share, and I need a few extra days to finalise a few things regarding our situation. I'll be so glad to draw a final line under things.
Saw this one today. It's one for the note book.........
Denial is not a river in Egypt. It's an effin ocean......... and we're all drowning in it!
Sunday, what a beautiful day. Temp gauge in the car showed -2c first thing. The sun was soon shining, the sky so blue, and it stayed that way all day. More please!
Our usual trip to the Market this afternoon, for a bite to eat, and buy some food for the bird table. Meal worms (not for us), dried, not wriggly ones. Robin will sell their souls for them and will even eat out of your hand with a little tempting.
Phoned our daughter when we returned home. Told her I had a settlement figure on my Mother's estate and asked her to come and see us in a week or so. It will give her time to think about what she wants to do with her share, and I need a few extra days to finalise a few things regarding our situation. I'll be so glad to draw a final line under things.
Saw this one today. It's one for the note book.........
Denial is not a river in Egypt. It's an effin ocean......... and we're all drowning in it!
Friday 25 January 2008
Friday and the visit.......
A good sunrise, so we could look forward to a pleasant day, at least weather wise. I didn't delay and got on with the chores so I'd be ready when the 'outlaws' rode in. I'd asked them to phone about quarter of an hour before they arrived, time enough for me to get Cag dressed and into the lounge, so she was comfortable and settled. I needn't have worried. Even after the phone call they were 30 minutes late.
They had spent the day in the area, lunching on a local crab salad in a rather good restaurant at Charlestown, a privately owned port and heritage site a couple of miles from here. They then drove around the Roseland Peninsular, a beautiful area, and found a well know farm shop. They came loaded with gifts, a bottle of cab/sauv, which looked suspiciously like the one I had presented to them at Christmas, a calendar from the Farm Shop, and two cauliflowers!
They stayed for about two and a half hours, good company, but plenty long enough for Cag, who was tiring fast. We shan't see them again before they leave for a holiday in Hong Kong/ Australia/ N.Z and Singapore. We won't be able to visit them on their return, too close to my operation, so they have promised to come and see us. We look forward to it.......and the inevitable photographs.
They had spent the day in the area, lunching on a local crab salad in a rather good restaurant at Charlestown, a privately owned port and heritage site a couple of miles from here. They then drove around the Roseland Peninsular, a beautiful area, and found a well know farm shop. They came loaded with gifts, a bottle of cab/sauv, which looked suspiciously like the one I had presented to them at Christmas, a calendar from the Farm Shop, and two cauliflowers!
They stayed for about two and a half hours, good company, but plenty long enough for Cag, who was tiring fast. We shan't see them again before they leave for a holiday in Hong Kong/ Australia/ N.Z and Singapore. We won't be able to visit them on their return, too close to my operation, so they have promised to come and see us. We look forward to it.......and the inevitable photographs.
Thursday 24 January 2008
Thursday 24th and...........
The electricity was switched off at 9.02 am. Thankfully the morning was bright, and the sun made it's appearance soon after to last throughout the day. Water for tea or coffee, boiled in a saucepan, never quite tastes the same as that from a kettle..... but we survived.
Our Postman, Sticky Bun (Ricky Dunn) brought some really good news this morning. Now, I have to apologise. I thought that the Equity Company, who held the funds for the sale of my mother's house, would hold the money until the end of the month............ but NO! The money was transferred today...... plus interest....... to my account. Not that it will stay there for very long, because it's already on it's way into a holding account, or will be tomorrow.
I managed to get an hour out of the home this afternoon, to do some shopping. Poor Cag had Radio 5 Live to keep her company while I was out. I caught some of it's discussions on the car radio. It was mostly about the future of teenagers in England today. What amazed and annoyed me the most was, that the English people on the phone-in could not converse in English! Sumfing is verri rong somwear! Why should England weep?
Surprise! The electric was restored, as promised, at 3.30pm.............. a long daaaaaaay! Within minutes, we had a phone call.................... from our Bank, asking me if I was aware that a large deposit had been made to our account, and, was I planning to do anything with it? They never miss a chance. I get the feeling, if I were to piss crooked, someone would know about it within seconds!!!!
Our Postman, Sticky Bun (Ricky Dunn) brought some really good news this morning. Now, I have to apologise. I thought that the Equity Company, who held the funds for the sale of my mother's house, would hold the money until the end of the month............ but NO! The money was transferred today...... plus interest....... to my account. Not that it will stay there for very long, because it's already on it's way into a holding account, or will be tomorrow.
I managed to get an hour out of the home this afternoon, to do some shopping. Poor Cag had Radio 5 Live to keep her company while I was out. I caught some of it's discussions on the car radio. It was mostly about the future of teenagers in England today. What amazed and annoyed me the most was, that the English people on the phone-in could not converse in English! Sumfing is verri rong somwear! Why should England weep?
Surprise! The electric was restored, as promised, at 3.30pm.............. a long daaaaaaay! Within minutes, we had a phone call.................... from our Bank, asking me if I was aware that a large deposit had been made to our account, and, was I planning to do anything with it? They never miss a chance. I get the feeling, if I were to piss crooked, someone would know about it within seconds!!!!
Wednesday 23 January 2008
Wednesday 23rd............
It had to be a clean up day today. We have visitors on Friday, just for the afternoon, so a little bit of polish will make me feel good, if nobody else. Our electricity supply will be off from early morning until mid afternoon tomorrow, to lay in a new supply cable, so I needed to get tomorrows jobs done today. Just the lounge to put the final shine on and then everything will be ready.
Whilst dusting and tidying, I started to count pencils. I have a lot of pencils. I prefer them to Biro's or those gel things. Pencils write uphill, don't blot, and if you make a mistake.........! I counted 32 mechanical pencils and 7 of the old cedar wood variety, all within easy reach. Burrow around and you could find a couple of dozen more.
My favourite, a T.5mm Rotring, part of a drawing and inking set, most used, Staple's own .7mm, or possibly an ASDA's own mb7104 .5mm, supplied with spare erasers (made in China wouldn't you know). Ok, Ok....... so I'm a little nuts about pencils. It's not my fault. A sign of a deprived childhood.
At infants school, mine was always the last one in the jar. The sticky one, the one with the badly chewed end, the one who's lead would break as soon as it touched the paper, or the one that was not really a pencil, more a stub.
I've tried all sorts of writing instruments over the years, and paid a lot for the pleasure, but have always returned to a pencil. Don't you just love the black of a 5B or the lightness on the paper of the 5H? A pencil suits the way I spell ................. and is easy to rub out. Unlike other mistakes in life.
Whilst dusting and tidying, I started to count pencils. I have a lot of pencils. I prefer them to Biro's or those gel things. Pencils write uphill, don't blot, and if you make a mistake.........! I counted 32 mechanical pencils and 7 of the old cedar wood variety, all within easy reach. Burrow around and you could find a couple of dozen more.
My favourite, a T.5mm Rotring, part of a drawing and inking set, most used, Staple's own .7mm, or possibly an ASDA's own mb7104 .5mm, supplied with spare erasers (made in China wouldn't you know). Ok, Ok....... so I'm a little nuts about pencils. It's not my fault. A sign of a deprived childhood.
At infants school, mine was always the last one in the jar. The sticky one, the one with the badly chewed end, the one who's lead would break as soon as it touched the paper, or the one that was not really a pencil, more a stub.
I've tried all sorts of writing instruments over the years, and paid a lot for the pleasure, but have always returned to a pencil. Don't you just love the black of a 5B or the lightness on the paper of the 5H? A pencil suits the way I spell ................. and is easy to rub out. Unlike other mistakes in life.
Tuesday 22 January 2008
Tuesday 22nd..........
I think I may have, at last, sorted out my Tax situation. I've filled out and returned exemption forms on our savings accounts, and contacted The Revenue, who will be contacting my private pension suppliers, so the pensions will be paid gross instead of being taxed.
When it comes down to the bottom line, my only taxable income, other than the small amount of pension and savings interest, is the Care Allowance. I'm allowed to claim about £48 a week. Not bad for being on call 24/7x52. I wonder just how much I am saving the local authority, or Government?................. but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I've been checking daily our Bank Statement on line. I'm expecting the proceeds from the sale of my mother's house to be added to the balance sometime soon......... or am I. It's getting quite close to the end of the month, another months interest, so would I be in a hurry to transfer monies if I were in their shoes? It will be interesting to see what happens. It's like being screwed....... without being kissed!
I phone a solicitor this afternoon, to update our Wills and to arrange a Lasting Power of Attorney for Cag. It's about time we put certain thing on a legal footing. Being an executor has made me appreciate how much easier it has been when everything is tied up and on paper. I have learnt another lesson in the process, keep it simple.
When it comes down to the bottom line, my only taxable income, other than the small amount of pension and savings interest, is the Care Allowance. I'm allowed to claim about £48 a week. Not bad for being on call 24/7x52. I wonder just how much I am saving the local authority, or Government?................. but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I've been checking daily our Bank Statement on line. I'm expecting the proceeds from the sale of my mother's house to be added to the balance sometime soon......... or am I. It's getting quite close to the end of the month, another months interest, so would I be in a hurry to transfer monies if I were in their shoes? It will be interesting to see what happens. It's like being screwed....... without being kissed!
I phone a solicitor this afternoon, to update our Wills and to arrange a Lasting Power of Attorney for Cag. It's about time we put certain thing on a legal footing. Being an executor has made me appreciate how much easier it has been when everything is tied up and on paper. I have learnt another lesson in the process, keep it simple.
Monday 21 January 2008
Monday 21st.............
A bit of everything weather wise, but did manage to get some washing almost dry outside today.
Payday, but it took an age. Only one lady in front of me in the queue at the Post Office (we still have one!) but she must have been 'doing' for the whole village.
A busy afternoon. Had to make a deposit at the bank, then a dash to The Market House and the hardware store there. I needed a different whisk. My old trusty rusty is falling to bits. Then back to the opticians, an eye test and some new frames. My eyesight hasn't altered but I do need a new pair of specs. Sitting on the ones I now wear has done nothing for their fit and comfort.
The sale at the Clark's Shop was still on and I spotted another pair of eight and a half's. The were a 'glove fit' and at 70% off, a must have. The only disappointment came at the solicitors, he was out for the afternoon, but it was nothing that couldn't be arranged on the telephone tomorrow.
I arrived home and found Tina, one of our Community Nurses in with Cag. She had come to do the nursing care assessment for when I have my operation. She said she could have done it in the office, because she knows us so well, but 'the system' requires it to be done in the home and signatures to be taken. What would we do with out paperwork?
Spent the evening toasting Freebird on her birthday........ as if I needed an excuse. Happy Birthday FreeBird X.
Payday, but it took an age. Only one lady in front of me in the queue at the Post Office (we still have one!) but she must have been 'doing' for the whole village.
A busy afternoon. Had to make a deposit at the bank, then a dash to The Market House and the hardware store there. I needed a different whisk. My old trusty rusty is falling to bits. Then back to the opticians, an eye test and some new frames. My eyesight hasn't altered but I do need a new pair of specs. Sitting on the ones I now wear has done nothing for their fit and comfort.
The sale at the Clark's Shop was still on and I spotted another pair of eight and a half's. The were a 'glove fit' and at 70% off, a must have. The only disappointment came at the solicitors, he was out for the afternoon, but it was nothing that couldn't be arranged on the telephone tomorrow.
I arrived home and found Tina, one of our Community Nurses in with Cag. She had come to do the nursing care assessment for when I have my operation. She said she could have done it in the office, because she knows us so well, but 'the system' requires it to be done in the home and signatures to be taken. What would we do with out paperwork?
Spent the evening toasting Freebird on her birthday........ as if I needed an excuse. Happy Birthday FreeBird X.
Sunday 20 January 2008
Saturday and Sunday...19th & 20th.
I've noticed that many bloggers seem to go missing over the weekend. Too much to do, or is it a case of not being at work, or in the office, so there's no need to fill in the day?
My life really has taken a turn around in 2008. I'm managing to fill the day but actually achieving very little in the process. Saturday I did some extra shopping which we didn't really need, and Sunday I took Cag out for our usual lunch time bacon butty at the Market, just for something to do.
The week ahead looks busy. Appointments, and must do's, income tax to sort out, then a visit from 'outlaws' on Friday. The only problem with this is that we shall be without electricity for most of the day on Thursday, major repair work to our site, so I won't be able to get ahead of the cleaning that may be needed. I know they always say that they haven't come to see the dust, but I know it's there, so.......!
I'm still poised, waiting on others, so I can dot the 'I's' and cross the 'T's' on my mother's estate. It's shouldn't be long now, but it's only me in a hurry, not the people who are to make the payouts. Strange that I haven't heard form our daughter recently. I would have thought she would be keen to how things were developing, after all, it's in her interest.
My life really has taken a turn around in 2008. I'm managing to fill the day but actually achieving very little in the process. Saturday I did some extra shopping which we didn't really need, and Sunday I took Cag out for our usual lunch time bacon butty at the Market, just for something to do.
The week ahead looks busy. Appointments, and must do's, income tax to sort out, then a visit from 'outlaws' on Friday. The only problem with this is that we shall be without electricity for most of the day on Thursday, major repair work to our site, so I won't be able to get ahead of the cleaning that may be needed. I know they always say that they haven't come to see the dust, but I know it's there, so.......!
I'm still poised, waiting on others, so I can dot the 'I's' and cross the 'T's' on my mother's estate. It's shouldn't be long now, but it's only me in a hurry, not the people who are to make the payouts. Strange that I haven't heard form our daughter recently. I would have thought she would be keen to how things were developing, after all, it's in her interest.
Friday 18 January 2008
Friday the 18th.........
Another iffy day. Mild if you can find a sheltered spot but still a bite in the wind.
I spent the best part of an hour this morning, trying to contact Customer Services for two of my on-line savings accounts. What with finding the wrong departments, waiting in queues, being asked to hold while they seek more advice over my questions, and having my ears pounded with tuneless 'lift music', it was not a happy time (reminds me of a dwarf!).
A dental appointment helped 'fill' the afternoon. I was there dead on three, went straight in, teeth checked and out in under ten minutes. The only painful part was paying the £25 to a smiling receptionist........... when it would have been free a fortnight ago. I will make enquiries about finding an N.H.S dentist, but there's little chance in this part of the country, other than that, it will have to be some sort of insurance............. and I hate insurance.
The copy and paste is going well. The Blog should fit into about 60 pages. I'll print out half a dozen pages tomorrow to see how thing work out It will be available in hardback, for only £15.95, sometime this Summer........................ in my dreams!
I spent the best part of an hour this morning, trying to contact Customer Services for two of my on-line savings accounts. What with finding the wrong departments, waiting in queues, being asked to hold while they seek more advice over my questions, and having my ears pounded with tuneless 'lift music', it was not a happy time (reminds me of a dwarf!).
A dental appointment helped 'fill' the afternoon. I was there dead on three, went straight in, teeth checked and out in under ten minutes. The only painful part was paying the £25 to a smiling receptionist........... when it would have been free a fortnight ago. I will make enquiries about finding an N.H.S dentist, but there's little chance in this part of the country, other than that, it will have to be some sort of insurance............. and I hate insurance.
The copy and paste is going well. The Blog should fit into about 60 pages. I'll print out half a dozen pages tomorrow to see how thing work out It will be available in hardback, for only £15.95, sometime this Summer........................ in my dreams!
Thursday 17 January 2008
17th.... a Thursday.
What a difference a day makes............ reminds me of a song. A blue sky morning, with vapour trails. I wonder if one of them was inbound to Heathrow from China?
I thought it would be a good day for washing, clothes, not me! I had some shopping to do in the afternoon and thought I would be able to take it in, almost dry, when I returned home. Wrong! It started to rain on the way home and by the time I arrived, it was bucketing. Another trip through the spin dryer and then the tumble dryer. Nothing saved!!
Two bills have finally caught up with me from my mother's house in Torquay. A gas account for just under £200 and an electricity account, or rather two accounts, topping nearly £1,000. They are in fact, addressed to The Occupier, and two phone calls later, these bills have joined the pile of papers for the shredder. It appears that the old suppliers send out estimated accounts to get a reaction from the new owners of the property, and then hope to open an accounts or switch sell.
I'm politically incorrect. I have no time for the 'lefties' that are telling the British public what they can say without offending the odd one legged, coloured, Jewish gypsy, with curly hair. I don't go out of the way to be confrontational, but if it funny and makes me laugh, then it's just funny, not politically incorrect, or even racist. I had a golliwog when I was a small child, so there!
He storms over to my car, looks up at me and says angrily, "I AM NOT HAPPY!"
So, I look down at him and say, "Well, which one ARE you then ..........Dopey?"
And that's when the fight started . . . . . . . . .
I thought it would be a good day for washing, clothes, not me! I had some shopping to do in the afternoon and thought I would be able to take it in, almost dry, when I returned home. Wrong! It started to rain on the way home and by the time I arrived, it was bucketing. Another trip through the spin dryer and then the tumble dryer. Nothing saved!!
Two bills have finally caught up with me from my mother's house in Torquay. A gas account for just under £200 and an electricity account, or rather two accounts, topping nearly £1,000. They are in fact, addressed to The Occupier, and two phone calls later, these bills have joined the pile of papers for the shredder. It appears that the old suppliers send out estimated accounts to get a reaction from the new owners of the property, and then hope to open an accounts or switch sell.
I'm politically incorrect. I have no time for the 'lefties' that are telling the British public what they can say without offending the odd one legged, coloured, Jewish gypsy, with curly hair. I don't go out of the way to be confrontational, but if it funny and makes me laugh, then it's just funny, not politically incorrect, or even racist. I had a golliwog when I was a small child, so there!
HOW THE FIGHT STARTED
I rear-ended a car this morning. So there we are, and slowly the driver gets out of the car in front. . . and you know how you are sooooo stressed that life seems to get funny? Yeah, well, I could NOT believe it . . . he was a DWARF!He storms over to my car, looks up at me and says angrily, "I AM NOT HAPPY!"
So, I look down at him and say, "Well, which one ARE you then ..........Dopey?"
And that's when the fight started . . . . . . . . .
Wednesday 16 January 2008
16th Wednesday.....
Troubled by the fact that I couldn't get two on the main channels on the new television, I thought I would wait until I had time to sit down with the instruction book and see if I could find out what was wrong. After the chores were dealt with I switched on the set. Perfect...... all perfect! All the channels, nearly 100% with good pictures. Must have been a transmitter glitch that caused the problem yesterday.
Now I wonder which one of our neighbours will be the next to get a new 'flat screen'? It's a bit like that around here!!
I took the old set to the Municipal Recycling Emporium, or the dump as we call it! It didn't end up in the skip, it was 'saved' by one of the attendants for their own recycling programme. Well, if they can make a tenner out of it, good luck to them.
I've started to Copy and Paste the early entries of my Blogs. They need a bit of trimming and adjustment, but I would like to see what they are like in a hard copy. Hardly Samuel Pepys, or the diaries of Wedggy Benn, or even Adrian Mole, but it's the nearest I have come to keeping a daily journal for the whole of my 28 years.
Now I wonder which one of our neighbours will be the next to get a new 'flat screen'? It's a bit like that around here!!
I took the old set to the Municipal Recycling Emporium, or the dump as we call it! It didn't end up in the skip, it was 'saved' by one of the attendants for their own recycling programme. Well, if they can make a tenner out of it, good luck to them.
I've started to Copy and Paste the early entries of my Blogs. They need a bit of trimming and adjustment, but I would like to see what they are like in a hard copy. Hardly Samuel Pepys, or the diaries of Wedggy Benn, or even Adrian Mole, but it's the nearest I have come to keeping a daily journal for the whole of my 28 years.
Tuesday 15 January 2008
15th....Tuesday, a promise kept.
Almost four seasons in one day. A touch of sleet, but no snow........ and gales of everything else.
A lot to think about after the talk with Wendy yesterday. Cag hasn't said much about it, and I don't want to until I know more about what will happen. I just hope my recovery rate is faster than anyone expects.......... me included.
Delivered the morning papers as usual, only a little earlier today. My neighbour was at his P.C. He switched off the monitor as I walked in, but left the speakers on. Twenty past ten in the morning, he's watching porn, and I haven't even had my breakfast!
The new television was delivered about midday, as promised. That allowed me to do the shopping as usual, then plenty of the afternoon left to tune the new set. It's good. Our reception is not perfect, tree problems, but the digital picture on most stations is excellent. Still can't figure out why there is no BBC1 or BBC2 on FreeView when there's everything else, but still have analogue and digital through the Sky box.
I'm glad I didn't fall for the 37 inch screen. It looked fine in the shop, but would would have been a monster in out lounge. Cag's going to have problems with the zapper. Every thing's backward to the one she is used to. She'll be adjusting the volume and the programmes will be changing. Should be interesting. I leave the room now and when I get back we are on a different channel. I never seem to watch a programme all the way through these days.
A lot to think about after the talk with Wendy yesterday. Cag hasn't said much about it, and I don't want to until I know more about what will happen. I just hope my recovery rate is faster than anyone expects.......... me included.
Delivered the morning papers as usual, only a little earlier today. My neighbour was at his P.C. He switched off the monitor as I walked in, but left the speakers on. Twenty past ten in the morning, he's watching porn, and I haven't even had my breakfast!
The new television was delivered about midday, as promised. That allowed me to do the shopping as usual, then plenty of the afternoon left to tune the new set. It's good. Our reception is not perfect, tree problems, but the digital picture on most stations is excellent. Still can't figure out why there is no BBC1 or BBC2 on FreeView when there's everything else, but still have analogue and digital through the Sky box.
I'm glad I didn't fall for the 37 inch screen. It looked fine in the shop, but would would have been a monster in out lounge. Cag's going to have problems with the zapper. Every thing's backward to the one she is used to. She'll be adjusting the volume and the programmes will be changing. Should be interesting. I leave the room now and when I get back we are on a different channel. I never seem to watch a programme all the way through these days.
Monday 14 January 2008
14th and a Monday....
A troubled nights sleep. Too much happening yesterday, but the day started with a smile. Payday! The weather, a little better than yesterday but worst to come tonight and tomorrow.
Got the morning chores out of the way and then spent some time on clearing the loose end of my mother's estate. A letter to the Equity company to release the percentage of the house sale, another to a Friendly Society for a small death benefit, and the best one of all, a letter the the Revenue, to claim back paid income tax.
Wendy, from Adult Social Care was due to come to see us at 2.30pm. She arrived at 3.40pm. This all bodes well for the future, and it messed up the afternoon. I think we may have got a care plan sorted out to take care of Cag while I'm recovering. There are some ifs, and a couple of buts, I would expect no less at this early stage. It depends on whether the care suppliers can come in line with the times, so there's still a way to go. We're flexible, well I used to be until my knee trouble!
Wonder what joy or misery tomorrow will bring?
Got the morning chores out of the way and then spent some time on clearing the loose end of my mother's estate. A letter to the Equity company to release the percentage of the house sale, another to a Friendly Society for a small death benefit, and the best one of all, a letter the the Revenue, to claim back paid income tax.
Wendy, from Adult Social Care was due to come to see us at 2.30pm. She arrived at 3.40pm. This all bodes well for the future, and it messed up the afternoon. I think we may have got a care plan sorted out to take care of Cag while I'm recovering. There are some ifs, and a couple of buts, I would expect no less at this early stage. It depends on whether the care suppliers can come in line with the times, so there's still a way to go. We're flexible, well I used to be until my knee trouble!
Wonder what joy or misery tomorrow will bring?
Sunday 13 January 2008
Saturday and Sunday.........
I wish the weather would buck up. I'm feeling soggy due to all the rain that's been falling on me. I have enough wrinkles, and don't need anymore from being waterlogged!
I received the Probate certificates in the post, so I should be able to start to tie up all the loose ends next week, other than that, a quiet Saturday. A trip to the chemist to collect a prescription in the afternoon, followed by a little shopping at ASDA. Some fresh rolls, cooked beef from the deli, Stilton with apricots 'on special', and a check for any other bargains.
An early start for Sunday, as we are off to Devon and a visit to Carole's sister. We arrived at about 1.15pm to be greeted with a table laid for more than four. A few minutes later we were joined by two other sisters and a brother-in-law. Almost a complete set!
A really good afternoon. Christmas experiences, reminiscing, banter and lots of laughter. The inevitable holiday photos and a few photos taken at the table. Some advice for me, as to why I should be not paying tax.......... and what to do with all my spare thousands..... ha, ha!
Something more interesting did happen during the afternoon. Brother-in-law 2 wanted to book a cruise, on an American ship, sailing from Holland in June, cost, just over £3k in the English brochure. Brother-in-law 1 has a friend in the U.S who is a travel agent. They email. Cruise booked, same ship, leaving date etc..... just over £2k!!!!!! Payment made in dollars, no percentage (NationWide card) and friend split the commission. Not what you know but who!
I received the Probate certificates in the post, so I should be able to start to tie up all the loose ends next week, other than that, a quiet Saturday. A trip to the chemist to collect a prescription in the afternoon, followed by a little shopping at ASDA. Some fresh rolls, cooked beef from the deli, Stilton with apricots 'on special', and a check for any other bargains.
An early start for Sunday, as we are off to Devon and a visit to Carole's sister. We arrived at about 1.15pm to be greeted with a table laid for more than four. A few minutes later we were joined by two other sisters and a brother-in-law. Almost a complete set!
A really good afternoon. Christmas experiences, reminiscing, banter and lots of laughter. The inevitable holiday photos and a few photos taken at the table. Some advice for me, as to why I should be not paying tax.......... and what to do with all my spare thousands..... ha, ha!
Something more interesting did happen during the afternoon. Brother-in-law 2 wanted to book a cruise, on an American ship, sailing from Holland in June, cost, just over £3k in the English brochure. Brother-in-law 1 has a friend in the U.S who is a travel agent. They email. Cruise booked, same ship, leaving date etc..... just over £2k!!!!!! Payment made in dollars, no percentage (NationWide card) and friend split the commission. Not what you know but who!
Friday 11 January 2008
Thursday and Friday............
And very little change in anything. The weather is still making everything miserable, cold, wet and very grey. A little blue sky, with a few of those white fluffy things, would make all the difference.
Thursday was a shopping day, but with very little on my list, I was out and back in about 45 minutes.
As for today, I've done nothing other than answer a few outstanding letters from Christmas and the New Year. Doesn't that seem a long time ago now? We did have a welcome surprise in the post today. A letter from a distant relation. Distant, because she lives near Brisbane, and distant because she is a descendant of my great great grandfather's brother. I'll leave you to work it out!
Betty, and a cousin came over to the U.K in the early 1980's, armed with notes collected from another cousin's visit a few years earlier. They scoured the Family History Records Office and traveled where ever a lead took them. They contacted all people they found with the family name, then met and talked to all that they could. With the information gathered, they returned home and wrote a book, The Pride of Christies Row.
The book is about the family and it's development in Australia, from it's roots in 18th century Devon, to the present day. It's an excellent starting point for anyone in our family wanting to find out about where we came from. It suffers from some inaccuracy, passed down family knowledge not being quite the truth, but that's part of it's charm.
I've always kept in touch with Betty because there was only a brief mention to my family line in the book. My grandfather was listed, then the christian name of his eldest son after that. I've been able to add to that line, trace other lines, and to correct some of the untruths. There are still a few people missing, names without faces, but thats the same with most family trees and why we keep searching.
Thursday was a shopping day, but with very little on my list, I was out and back in about 45 minutes.
As for today, I've done nothing other than answer a few outstanding letters from Christmas and the New Year. Doesn't that seem a long time ago now? We did have a welcome surprise in the post today. A letter from a distant relation. Distant, because she lives near Brisbane, and distant because she is a descendant of my great great grandfather's brother. I'll leave you to work it out!
Betty, and a cousin came over to the U.K in the early 1980's, armed with notes collected from another cousin's visit a few years earlier. They scoured the Family History Records Office and traveled where ever a lead took them. They contacted all people they found with the family name, then met and talked to all that they could. With the information gathered, they returned home and wrote a book, The Pride of Christies Row.
The book is about the family and it's development in Australia, from it's roots in 18th century Devon, to the present day. It's an excellent starting point for anyone in our family wanting to find out about where we came from. It suffers from some inaccuracy, passed down family knowledge not being quite the truth, but that's part of it's charm.
I've always kept in touch with Betty because there was only a brief mention to my family line in the book. My grandfather was listed, then the christian name of his eldest son after that. I've been able to add to that line, trace other lines, and to correct some of the untruths. There are still a few people missing, names without faces, but thats the same with most family trees and why we keep searching.
Wednesday 9 January 2008
Tuesday and Wednesday.......
I'm finding it difficult to post daily. I still feel a little lost, with no direction to follow. Other January's have not had this sort of effect on me, so I can only guess it's a hangover from the events of November and the funeral in December. I will buck up!
Cag's mother has had her first morning visit from the extra help laid on by sister-in-law, and it's in trouble already. Mother greeted the lady at the door and denied any knowledge as to why she was there. She then told her that she didn't think she needed any help. The lady left to report back to her office. We are now awaiting news about what happens now.
A phone call this morning informed us that we wouldn't be receiving the delivery of our new television tomorrow. Stocks had not arrived as planned, so the delivery has now been rescheduled for next Tuesday. This is not a problem, and I thanked them for contacting us. Far better than waiting around for a delivery that never happens.
The postman bought grave news this morning. My new dentist has had to withdraw her services from N.H.S patients. She has been in dispute with the local Health Care Trust over their failure to fund routine dental care for children. She has decided to fund this herself but it means that other N.H.S patients will have to pay for their treatment in future. I can still get free emergency treatment at our local hospital, but I would rather have regular check ups to catch problems before they happen.
With the news from the dentist, there was a letter, along with the Church Magazine, from the vicar in Torquay who conducted my mother's funeral. He directed me to the three pages where he had more or less reiterated the words he said about my mother at the service. It will be a good thing to keep, something more than just the order of service. He thanked me once again for the donation I had given him on the day, a little more than he was used to he said, but small thanks, I thought, for the way he had taken care of a lot of the planning, which made the day so easy for me. We will keep in touch.
And now for the serious stuff. I've finished the 10 litres of wine my cousin gave me for Christmas. It's taken some doing, real effort has been needed, a dedication to duty far beyond anything that I have done before. (Is this a little over the top?) Now I shall endeavour to drink the wine that I bought for myself at Christmas. Only another 9 litres to go!
Cag's mother has had her first morning visit from the extra help laid on by sister-in-law, and it's in trouble already. Mother greeted the lady at the door and denied any knowledge as to why she was there. She then told her that she didn't think she needed any help. The lady left to report back to her office. We are now awaiting news about what happens now.
A phone call this morning informed us that we wouldn't be receiving the delivery of our new television tomorrow. Stocks had not arrived as planned, so the delivery has now been rescheduled for next Tuesday. This is not a problem, and I thanked them for contacting us. Far better than waiting around for a delivery that never happens.
The postman bought grave news this morning. My new dentist has had to withdraw her services from N.H.S patients. She has been in dispute with the local Health Care Trust over their failure to fund routine dental care for children. She has decided to fund this herself but it means that other N.H.S patients will have to pay for their treatment in future. I can still get free emergency treatment at our local hospital, but I would rather have regular check ups to catch problems before they happen.
With the news from the dentist, there was a letter, along with the Church Magazine, from the vicar in Torquay who conducted my mother's funeral. He directed me to the three pages where he had more or less reiterated the words he said about my mother at the service. It will be a good thing to keep, something more than just the order of service. He thanked me once again for the donation I had given him on the day, a little more than he was used to he said, but small thanks, I thought, for the way he had taken care of a lot of the planning, which made the day so easy for me. We will keep in touch.
And now for the serious stuff. I've finished the 10 litres of wine my cousin gave me for Christmas. It's taken some doing, real effort has been needed, a dedication to duty far beyond anything that I have done before. (Is this a little over the top?) Now I shall endeavour to drink the wine that I bought for myself at Christmas. Only another 9 litres to go!
Monday 7 January 2008
Monday......
Another week already! At least it's payday at the Post Office, and I was solvent........ until I got home. To be honest, we haven't spent a lot since before Christmas. The freezer is still quite full, most of the purchases were made with three in mind. The only thing I've been buying is bread, milk, fresh vegetables and general usables.
I understand it's the day, Jan 7th, when the most divorces are registered. About two million people consider divorce over Christmas and New Year. My first thoughts were "....only two million!" Christmas parties, a kiss under the mistletoe, arriving home late, drunk too much, falling asleep in the Christmas diner............ only two million! And the men are just as bad.
Wendy phoned this afternoon. She's from Adult Social Care and is coming to see me next Monday to see what help will be needed with Cag when I have my operation in March. I've known Wendy for years. She used to help out on Sundays at out little paper shop. If there is problem in getting help, she will sort it.
My sister-in-law has managed to get some extra help for my mother-in-law. A care worker will be calling every other day, to keep an eye on her, and when sister-in-law is away in Australia, she will call daily, or twice a day if needed. The problem is ............ mother-in-law! Who ever it is, she won't like. The time will be wrong, or some other reason for not letting them in. And don't expect a 'thank you', it's not in her vocabulary.
Now I remember where Cag gets it from!
I understand it's the day, Jan 7th, when the most divorces are registered. About two million people consider divorce over Christmas and New Year. My first thoughts were "....only two million!" Christmas parties, a kiss under the mistletoe, arriving home late, drunk too much, falling asleep in the Christmas diner............ only two million! And the men are just as bad.
Wendy phoned this afternoon. She's from Adult Social Care and is coming to see me next Monday to see what help will be needed with Cag when I have my operation in March. I've known Wendy for years. She used to help out on Sundays at out little paper shop. If there is problem in getting help, she will sort it.
My sister-in-law has managed to get some extra help for my mother-in-law. A care worker will be calling every other day, to keep an eye on her, and when sister-in-law is away in Australia, she will call daily, or twice a day if needed. The problem is ............ mother-in-law! Who ever it is, she won't like. The time will be wrong, or some other reason for not letting them in. And don't expect a 'thank you', it's not in her vocabulary.
Now I remember where Cag gets it from!
Sunday 6 January 2008
Saturday and Sunday.............
There wasn't a lot to write about yesterday. The weather was pretty awful, so it was a clean up day and the afternoon was spent painting the ceiling in the kitchen. It's finished now, only a little more cleaning and sorting to do.
Today was supposed to be better weather wise, but it didn't turn out that way. We did manage to get out for an hour this afternoon. It's difficult to get Cag into the car, even though there is more than the usual amount of room in our front passenger seat. Whilst lifting her in, I managed to bump her head, but on checking, no damage was done to the car. It's at times like this that I notice the difference in out sense of humour!
We watched a recorded Lionel Richie concert from Paris tonight before watching Sense and Sensibility. I would rather watch him preforming than just listening to an album. The crown was mesmerised, not just the youngsters, but people of our age, late twenties and mid thirties. Guess it's an age thing.
Can't hear the television at the moment because of the heavy rain on the roof. One of the drawbacks of having Decra tiles, they're metal. That's Park Home living for you!
Today was supposed to be better weather wise, but it didn't turn out that way. We did manage to get out for an hour this afternoon. It's difficult to get Cag into the car, even though there is more than the usual amount of room in our front passenger seat. Whilst lifting her in, I managed to bump her head, but on checking, no damage was done to the car. It's at times like this that I notice the difference in out sense of humour!
We watched a recorded Lionel Richie concert from Paris tonight before watching Sense and Sensibility. I would rather watch him preforming than just listening to an album. The crown was mesmerised, not just the youngsters, but people of our age, late twenties and mid thirties. Guess it's an age thing.
Can't hear the television at the moment because of the heavy rain on the roof. One of the drawbacks of having Decra tiles, they're metal. That's Park Home living for you!
Friday 4 January 2008
Friday.........pain in the neck.
Just a normal day, with the weekend top-up shopping planned for the afternoon. I managed to get out and back before the weather changed and the rain came in.
Checked with the company that's supplying our new television, and have booked the delivery for next Thursday. All the way from Yorkshire to Cornwall. Ain't the Internet wonderful!
I had an hour to spare this afternoon, after coffee and chocolate cake, so I started painting the kitchen ceiling. I was only meaning to paint around the edges, but the adrenaline kicked in and I did the lot. It must be one of the most soul destroying job ever, painting ceilings, white on white, or near white in our case. Then to know that it will have to have a second coat. A pain in the neck, literally.
Looks like it will be raining tomorrow, so our trip out to the Market for a bacon butty will be put back until Sunday. At least I may be able to get the ceiling finished......... and then where?
Checked with the company that's supplying our new television, and have booked the delivery for next Thursday. All the way from Yorkshire to Cornwall. Ain't the Internet wonderful!
I had an hour to spare this afternoon, after coffee and chocolate cake, so I started painting the kitchen ceiling. I was only meaning to paint around the edges, but the adrenaline kicked in and I did the lot. It must be one of the most soul destroying job ever, painting ceilings, white on white, or near white in our case. Then to know that it will have to have a second coat. A pain in the neck, literally.
Looks like it will be raining tomorrow, so our trip out to the Market for a bacon butty will be put back until Sunday. At least I may be able to get the ceiling finished......... and then where?
Thursday 3 January 2008
Thursday.....a lot of swearing.
A very cold trip to Bodmin this afternoon, to the Probate Office. I nearly didn't take Cag because of the weather. I got there early, went straight in, did a lot of swearing, wondered if the young lady was wearing the right size bra, and was out in ten minutes, done and dusted.
Emailed our daughter tonight, to keep her up to date on progress. I'm hoping to be able to settle everything by the end of February. I'll be glad to get it all over with. Guess it's because it will be a final closure, the real end of 2007.
Then the shuffling begins. By the time everything is balanced, we should still be within the benefit system. I've seen it happen before, when a person has £100 too much in savings, and looses out on £2,000 in entitlements. Hopefully, we will still maintain our standard of living........ and won't have to sell the Bentley.
Emailed our daughter tonight, to keep her up to date on progress. I'm hoping to be able to settle everything by the end of February. I'll be glad to get it all over with. Guess it's because it will be a final closure, the real end of 2007.
Then the shuffling begins. By the time everything is balanced, we should still be within the benefit system. I've seen it happen before, when a person has £100 too much in savings, and looses out on £2,000 in entitlements. Hopefully, we will still maintain our standard of living........ and won't have to sell the Bentley.
Wednesday 2 January 2008
Wednesday.......day 2
My neighbour is home. He's been visiting with relations in the Midlands over Christmas and New Year. I can now pass back the responsibility of his two charges, whom I keep an eye on while he's away. It's funny how they manage while he's away, but as soon as he's home his telephone is constantly ringing........"can you do this?......can you take me there?.......etc".
I said yesterday about starting work on the kitchen. I hadn't meant to do anything until after the weekend. I just happened to have a damp cloth in my hand and I saw a mark on the ceiling. Removing the mark caused a white patch............. and I couldn't leave it like that. Anyway, the ceiling's washed now! That helped fill in an afternoon.
Bodmin tomorrow, the Probate Office, to get the Will registered. It still won't be the end of things, but it will be the beginning of the end. I've heard from an ex neighbour in Torquay about the new owners of the house. Nice people, by all accounts, but I don't envy them the amount of work they will have to do to bring the house into the 21st century. The only thing I will miss will be the view.......... but I have photos to remind me.
I said yesterday about starting work on the kitchen. I hadn't meant to do anything until after the weekend. I just happened to have a damp cloth in my hand and I saw a mark on the ceiling. Removing the mark caused a white patch............. and I couldn't leave it like that. Anyway, the ceiling's washed now! That helped fill in an afternoon.
Bodmin tomorrow, the Probate Office, to get the Will registered. It still won't be the end of things, but it will be the beginning of the end. I've heard from an ex neighbour in Torquay about the new owners of the house. Nice people, by all accounts, but I don't envy them the amount of work they will have to do to bring the house into the 21st century. The only thing I will miss will be the view.......... but I have photos to remind me.
Tuesday 1 January 2008
Tuesday........a new dawn.
Dawn of a new day, and already seven sky writers had left their trails across it's lightening sky.I spoke to my sister-in-law today and made everything right with us. She's worried about her mother, and the fact that she will be on holiday in Australia for six weeks in a months time. She has other sisters who can help, and help they must. But for those who care, it's a worry.
I managed to get the vegetable beds finished today. I still need some more top soil, but hopefully, there will be plenty going begging when the development on the adjoining site starts in a few weeks time.
I've been thinking about how to fill in the extra time I have available now that's there just the two of us again. I've got some work to do on the kitchen, which is a must, and a certain amount of replanning would be good. It's never going to be 'glossy magazine' but with a little thought, it might be easier to work. Or just a coat of paint...............!
Day one 2008 wasn't bad. So far, so good................
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