Month: April 2016

Inchcock Today Thursday April: Looks like being a hectic and worrying day to me!

Thursday 21 April 2016

SatBad night for repeatedly waking up, and in between, the dreams kept coming.

Ulcer and Anne Gyna both giving me bother when I woke around 0530hrs.

WC’d made a cuppa and got the laptop on to finish off the diary – the stomach began rumbling, and I visited the throne. The mind was torturing me as I sat there, Got to meet Steve at the solicitors for ten o’clock. Got to get the Gas bill (Red letter) sorted ASAP. Must remember to leave the flat no later than 0900hrs, can’t have a bath before 0700hrs, but must get the ablutions tended to then and ready all the things for the solicitor and all me British Gas (You know the one, that’s owned by the French) paperwork folder with me as well… on and on the mind rattled away, and the ulcer and Anne Gyna continued to hassle me.Not feeling too good at all, but hopefully if I get the solicitors and Gas bill sorted, things might feel better?

Not feeling too good at all, but hopefully, if I can get the solicitors and Gas bill sorted, things might feel better?

When things eventually moved the blood flowed from both Haem Aroid and Little Inchy. This did nothing to cheer me up or bring me out of ‘Panic Status’.

I decided around 0610hrs to take my bath and do the ablutions early, so I can concentrate on things that need doing and make notes to take with me for Steve Age UK, not that he has time to do anything for me today other than to go with me to the FraserBrown solicitors, he’s already made that plain the other day.

Sister Jane rang to wish me luck today bless her.

I got the ablutions done early so I could take my time and have a bit of a soak in the bath, I wish I could clear my mind and wash away the concerns, angst and worries.

Smelling sweetly, now. Hehe!

Took the three bags out to the rubbish chute and made a cuppa as I had the time before going out to walk through the park and into Sherwood to catch the bus to town at 0930hrs when the Pensioners Free Bus Pass could be utilised.

While in the bath, the radio warned of the weather going to be a lot colder today, so I made sure I’d got my usual masses of clothes gloves and hat on for the trip to see FraserBrown. Departed at 0855hrs, that should leave me adequate time to get to the bus stop.

Though Woodthorpe Grange Park, left up the hill and down it to the bus stop in Sherwood.

Arriving with plenty of time, so I nipped into the paper shop and got a TV magazine for next week.

Got into town around 0945hrs and poddled through the square and up Friar Lane to the solicitors. Steve was waiting at the top of the lane for me. I told him about the red Gas charge and he said let’s get the solicitors done first, so we did.

Good job he was with me too, I can tell yer. We went into a room and my Solicitor Karen Brammer got me to sign a form about the sale, and the buyer Kelly’s lawyer entered the room with a Bible for me to swear on and sign another form. He then departed swiftly. Karen explained about the ongoing access problem now being solved, but the buyer was now concerned about the triangular bit of land at the gable-end and the access gate at the end of it. I explained that there has never been a gate there, it is a narrow fence! She changed the wording on two bits of paper from gate to fence and I had to sign that I’d never had anyone asking or complaining about this land.

I also had to supply the door key to them or the Building Society.

Also, I had to sign for a Providence Insurance, the cost of which will be taken off the monies received along with the costs of the solicitors, assessors, and other legal fees. I think it was £69 or £169. I didn’t get a copy so can’t be sure. But she said this will solve any issues on this subject. I needed to take the utility meter readings and supply them, then hopefully next Wednesday the contract can be signed and legalised?

She will contact Steve Age UK and he will let me know for sure.

What a  palaver!

What happened next after we had left and was walking into the slab square down Friar Lane, may take some believing, but it’s true enough: Steve said he’s call to see me around 1600hrs today. I spotted the Boots Opticians shop and remembered I had to get some replacement glasses for the ones I sat on the other day. So I told him and crossed the road to get back up to Boots. As I walked up the street, two young girls stopped me, schoolgirls, both tall and spoke perfect English. They were on a trip from Belgium and wanted to ask me some questions, so I answered them. Wished them well, and walked in the opposite direction of Boots down the hill into the City Centre, forgetting all about the glasses again! I told you it was hard to believe, Tsk!

The sun nearly came out as I was taking a photograph looking up from the front of the Council House, with its British flag fluttering to celebrate Her Majesties birthday.

She owns over 84 billion pounds worth of residential premises you know.

I bet she doesn’t get as much hassle from them all put together as I have suffered selling my little place. Jealous? Me?

Hehe!

There were 25 minutes before the L9 bus was due, and I foolishly had a walk around the book shop next to the Council House. Oh dear!

Another few quid were spent. Huh!

The sun faded a bit and the clouds thickened as I arrived at the bus stop,

 and it arrived a few moments later.

I got on, settled and had a good read of one of the books en route.

I was enjoying and nearly missed the stop at the flats!

However, I did remember to call to try and see Deana about the more rathe worrying letter Red letter demand for payment that I’d had from the French-owned British Gas company.

She was very calm and pointed out that it should have been delivered to Nottingham Homes and not me. Despite it showing my address? I was a tad confused but so pleased that it wasn’t my bill.

She did ring them for me, to confirm this, bless her.

I nearly almost started to feel a bit better in the mind and thanked her and returned to the flat.

Where a letter arrived offering me up to 44% off if I rejoined the RAC!

I was a bit peckish, but with Steve coming around 1600hrs, I thought I’d wait until he’s gone and then get the fodder done as it will not take long today, as the plan is to do some smoked bacon in the oven and have it with a tin of beans or tomatoes perhaps, with some Irish Batch Bread.

Got the laptop on and updated this twaddle, made a cuppa and took the medications, a little early, but best do it while I thought of it.

Reflections on the day so far:

  • At last, the house sale seems to be moving, but of course, FraserBrown had told me this several times before over the ten months since I accepted the bid in the first place. No confidence yet. Can’t relax yet
  • So pleased the situation about the British Gas bill has been clarified as not mine!
  • Felt such a fool when I went to the opticians and got side tracked. Huh!
  • The health problems are still lingering, but I hope when and if the house gets sorted and sold, things will improve.
  • Lovely messages from the TFZ gals, and help from Deana and Steve is so valued.

Steve arrived to pick u the keys. We had a gossip and he said he’d get back to me when things needed signing over the old house, then he would go through the things that will be needed to be cancelled with me.

I got the nosh on, having tomatoes and pork loin with some Wieska.

Soaking up the tomatoes with the Irish Batch Bread made pork loin sarnies made this meal so good.

Rated this one as a 9.1/10

Took the medications and sat doing nothing at all or a few hours, apart from trying to get to grips with the wandering mind, before nodding off.

I failed to get to grips!

Inchcock Today Wed 20 Apr 2016: Bad news in the mail, Tsk!

Wednesday 20 April 2016

0320hrs: Woke from the dreams and reflected on some of them being different for once, not good, but different at least. One, I can recall some details of. I was carrying people by grabbing them with my arms around their mid-drift and running along uphill on some grass in a field, I wondered why I was doing this as I was doing this. Then it got a bit scary as dozens of individuals wanted a lift, people were stopping their vehicles on the motorway nearby to run over the field and scraps ensued as they tried to get next in line sort of thing?

I didn’t dream anything like or about the photo on the above right, but I wish I had. Hehehe!

My mind shifted to the things I had to remember for today. I had planned to go to the launderette in Carrington to get the washing done, changed my mind and decided I would use the Laundry Room at the flats straight away, being around 0350hrs, I thought the machines would or should be free. I must get the telephone number of my mystery phone caller and hand it to Deana. And I must get the kitchen cleaned today.

I moved, remarkably almost painlessly to the WC, thanks to Arthur Itis, Rea Flux, and Anne Gyna all being kind to me. Mind you Little Inchy and Haem Aroid were both bleeding away, so I medicationalised them both. Made a cuppa (Trying not to notice the state of the kitchen), and took the morning medications.

Got the clothes, crossword book, and cleaners ready and went down in the lift to the laundry room. Eerily quiet on the way down, and a bit nippy in the lift. All the machines were free, but I had to clean the filters out first due to the previous users being unable or too idle to do it after using them. Got the washing going and retired to the foyer to sit and do some cross wording.

As I sat there, a bloke came through the foyer to go outside, I’m not sure who got the biggest shock, him or me, at seeing another fool up and about at this ungodly hour. Hehe! We managed to mutter greetings to each other.

I took a couple of photographs outside the front doors, there should have been a squirrel on top of one of the concrete posts, but he was far too quick for me.

Moved the washing into the dryers. While I could, I used bothe dryers, one for the heavy stuff like the jeans and dressing gown. Then returned to the flat.

As I was updating, well starting this diary off, I felt the horribly intimidating wet and warmth between the legs. Little Inchy was bleeding again. So I had to clean things up and dry everything off carefully before applying the cream once more. A painful job, but it had to be done. I hope Inchy isn’t going to be a bother today, things medically have started off so well. Huh! We’ll see how it goes.

Posted some photographs to the TFZ site, then returned down to check the laundry.

All done and finished, I removed the clothes and folded them into the bag. It was nice to get the jeans out dried properly. I cleaned both filters and sprayed some air freshener around then made sure I’d left no mess and returned up to number 72.

Put the clean clobber away in the airing cupboard and hung up the jeans and dressing gown. Made another cuppa and back on the laptop and updated this tosh.

While typing, ‘Made a cuppa and back onto the laptop to update this tosh’ Grammarly informed me that: “To-infinitive instead of the bare form” I know I’ve not had any education as such, but what do they mean?

Brewed another drink, and then made some graphicalisations for later use on CorelDraw 8 and Paint 8.

Got the ablutions done, then called to see Deana a the Community Shed, but all locked up. I returned to the flat and updated this, then decided as it looks such a beautiful day, and no appointments on the calendarI’d have a slow meandering walk into town. A bit far, but it will be interesting to see how long it takes me.

TTFN, back later. (Pease let it be! Hehe!)

Met a fellow tenant on the way, he said the City bound L9 had not turned up. I walked with him to the number 40 bus stop, looked at the time table I keep in my jacket and found he only had eight minutes to wait for and gave him the timetable to keep, as I could get another. (Hehe, silly me, I should have added if I remember, which I didn’t. Huh!) Wish him well and plodded on down the hill in Sherwood and called at BJ’s house to tell him about my not being able to get to the Social Hour, just in case he was going to come. He was not at home, though.

Pressed on up the hill and down into Carrington and I called in at the Chemists to ascertain when the next prescription would be coming. (What me forgotten… Hehe). I made a note and put the date on the Google Calendar later.

Onward into town. Near the Rock Cemetery, a Burke on a bike nearly had me from the rear as passed by, rather too close to me for my liking, the Swine!

Pressed on up the hill over the lights and down towards the City Centre.

Arriving at the Victoria Centre (Mall) I cut through the bus station into the shopping area. As I did, I noticed a wood pigeon way down near the old train station brickwork on the masses of weed that was prolifically growing, forcing its way through the thousands of nub ends that had been tossed over the wall where the nicotine nellies accumulate to have a last drag before going in to catch their buses. In fact, one bloke threw his over as I was taking the picture here.

If any workers in the future dig up this area, they will all die of nicotine poison. Hehe!

I checked the time, and it had taken me only 1 hour and twenty-two minutes to get there from the flats, not bad I thought. Considering I had a natter with the tenant, diverted a bit to call at BJ’s and didn’t rush in the slightest. Perhaps I got the timing wrong come think of it, surely I didn’t do it that quickly? Hey-ho!

Had a wander through the top mall, window shopping and perusing the open market, then left through the walk-over passage at the end and took this photo, that shows the many different colours of buses in Nottingham. Confusing for us old ones yer know!

The day was warming up nicely and I began to think maybe I shouldn’t have put so many clothes on today. Tsk!

Three police cars arrived at the centre as I got to the bottom of the stairs the other side. The officers all went into the Boot’s superstore.

I ventured into the Pound Shop and spent a bit. Got Citrus scented fresh air sprays, som minced beef and onion slices and a few nibbles for the gals and medical staff. Also, a multi-card reader for the laptop! It can’t be any good at £1 can it? I’ll try it later on. Oh, and a pack of caramelised plain biscuits.

As I started to walk in the direction of the L9 bus stop, another damned Pavement Cyclist nearly hit me as he weaved between the poor pedestrians.

The Git!

There was a massive queue at the stop, so being as there were eight minutes to the ETA for the bus, I hobbled to the first stop. No one was waiting there at all so I could get one of the wider seats to get me bags next to me legs. Cunning eh?

At the Victoria stop where I’d walked from instead of waiting, the bus actually filled up. Did some cross-wording and didn’t fall asleep either! We were soon arriving at the flats where I was the only passenger to get off the bus.

Up to the flat and got the bits put away, WC’d and made a cuppa.

I rang BJ and we had a little gossip. Got the laptop on and I’d gotten a message from Duncan Robertson. He is retiring now on April 28th. Boy, is he looking forward to this! He’s going early so he can get the holidays owed to him. Say’s if all goes well he’ll be up to visit me Saturday after next – Yippy!

Made another drink and got this updated again.

Three letters arrived in the post:

Bank letter, statement. A bit of a shock!

British Gas letter, informing me I owe them £180.60 and they will be charging me for none-payment from now until it is paid. I thought Steve or Deana had sorted this and I got a new payment plan?

Age Uk letter – just waffle.

Panicking now I called Deana and Steve on phone no replies. Went to the Community Hut, all locked up. Got all the paperwork I have in the folder to take with me when I see Steve in the AM. Sent Deana an email about it.

Really well pissed and worried, I got the veg ready and into the oven and in the saucepan and returned while it is cooking with the lamb casserole to update this yet again.

Called Janet to tell her about the problem. She wants to know how I get myself into the messes I do. (So do I, Hehe!)

Tried to concentrate on the nosh and it came out alright.

Minced lamb, sliced potatoes, carrots, parsnip, swede, onion, peppers, bread thins and peas, followed by a vanilla dessert that I dipped two caramelised biscuits in.

Happy with the meal, but twisted inside with the thought of the solicitor and Steve Age UK and having to get the Gas bill sorted, the duodenal ulcer kicked off.

Humph!

Inchcock Today Tues 19 Apr 16: Tired out later, poor old chap!

Tuesday 19 April 2016 

Slept far longer than average last night, through necessity I think, I was so worn out and weary after yesterday’s almost debilitating series of mental and physical disappointments, ailments, and frustrations.

It took me a long time to remove myself from my scratched broken 1959 imitation armchair I was ensconced in (Arms are getting ever closer to collapsing or imploding). I lay thinking of the ambivalent dreams I’d had for a while, they are not suitable for relating to others on this occasion.

I must remember to go see Deana about the calls from the Nottingham City Council I’d been having and missing, and see if she recognises the number of the caller on the mobile.

Feeling so tired still.

To the kitchen, kettle on, then to the bathroom porcelain. The body seemed to ache all over as I moved my a short, plump wobbly little body around the flat this morning.

The stomach still grinding a bit, Arthur Itis still in attendance at me knees, ankles, and hands, however, Anne Gyna was being kind to me, Little Inchy bleeding only a tiny drop or two, and Roger Reflux is working well. It’s the mind that giving me concern, in case I’ve forgotten something that needed doing today?

I know I have to see Deana, go to the Optician to order some new spectacles and a thought lays loosely in my head somewhere about my having to go to Arnold for summat?

The tummy seems to be growing a bit more agitated as the morning goes on, it might be an idea just to have some soup for nosh later today, but I’d put the money on me having roast vegetables and sausages or something like that.

I tried Facebook to see if it would be playing up again, although running a bit slow, it allowed me to.

Not feeling very percipient at the moment. But I did remember what had to go to Arnold for today, some fresh vegetables from Asda (Walmart).

I took a quick but invigorating bath, used the new bath creme thingy I got from the Pound Shop. After having the tub, it took me ages to remove the suds down the plughole. Still, no complaints at all about this morning’s ablutions. I got into it with relative ease, out of it without much hassle or pain at all. Little Inchy didn’t bleed much when I medicated him, and no bother from Haem Aroid either! Put the jeans in the dirty washing, noticed the laundry bag was getting full.

Plodded down to go see Deana, and she was in the foyer chatting to some of the Woodthorpe Court lady tenants. I waited until they had finished and asked her about the City Council number. She noted the number and said she’d try later to find out for me. She scurried off, cause she’s very busy. I gave them all a choice of Quality Street nibbles, and we all moved out to catch the bus.

The sky from the bus stop looked fantastic again.

I wondered where those people that were inside the plane crossing the sky were bound for.

The others had a natter and caught the City bound bus. I waited, doing some crossword fun and caught the outward bound L9 into Arnold.

I went into the cheapo food shop and got some tins of potato cubes in water and one of baby carrots. Then hobbled over to Asda (Walmart) and spent rather too much again Huh! I got some lemon desserts, a pack od four small pots of honey and lemon flavoured yoghourts, honeyed cashew nuts, Marmite ones too. A small loaf of Irish Batch bread then I went to the greengrocery section. I got a tiny turnip, a parsnip and a pack of small carrots. (I think I might be overdoing the vegetable Hehe!) So it looks like oven roasted or Crock-Potted veg with something tonight?

When I’d paid and wobbled to the bus stop, there was a sign in the shelter telling us that the bus-stop will not be in use for four days while road works take place from the 19th to the  23rd of April. But there were no road works taking place, and some of the buses did stop. This confused the prospective passengers waiting at the shelter, a bit and me. Luckily the L9 stopped to pick me up – or rather maybe to drop off some others, and I nipped on quick as I could.

On the way back through Daybrook, St Paul’s Church looked radiant in the sunshine. I took a photo through the bus window. I associate cold weather with St Pauls, cause I go to the remembrance service there, which is as you know, in November.

On the way back the bus was nearly hit by someone in a new Mini, who belted passed the parked at the bus stop bus and tried to swerve in front of him as he pulled away to turn left. Papping horns ensued, and I verbally agreed with the bus-driver that the Mini was a naughty Mini driver!

When the bus got to the flats…

Traffic commotion and the Fire Brigade in attendance.

As I walked back to take the photographs, one of the tenders was pulling off, the other one remained. But… luckily they were at the Winchester Flats and not my Woodthorpe ones.

Weariness overcame me when I got in the apartment. Severely, so suddenly drained.

I put away the fodder and got the laptop on to update this before I fell asleep.

I got an unsolicited phone call an Asian woman asking if she was talking to the owner of the house. I told her this is not a house and rang off. I nearly told her to go forth and multiply but managed to resist the urge.

I got the vegetables prepared and in the oven. A few whole baby carrots, two slices of turnip (A first for me), sliced onions and slices of parsnips. Luckily I still had a good supply of medicated plasters and TCP in stock. Humph!

Got the fodder sorted and watched an Auf Wiedersehen Pet DVD.

I stayed awake for two episode, then drifted off into the wonderful land of nod – well, it should have been the wonderful land of nod, but I kept waking up during the dreams or nightmares, and they were not all good ones.

Inchcock Today Mon 18 Apr 16: Not a lot went right today again – Humph!

Monday 18 April 2016

No sleep – Dentist – Bus to Mansfield – Shopping – cleaning windows, rumbling innards, Little Inchy bled, Whoopsiedangleplops, Arthur Itis & Anne Gyna for company, tired and weary, ageing, had the shakes, broke his glasses, sat on them, Internet connection went down for 3 hours+, panic attack, good & bad news from the Steve Age UK & the Solicitor about the house sale, and have to miss Thursdays Social Hour!

Got up around 0300hrs, after a night of dreams and a few sessions of sleeping for a few minutes at a time, a bad kip!

WC’d, blood from Little Inchy again, the toilet was not flushing properly, made a cuppa and took the medications. Had a swig of the cough remedy at the same time.

Laptop on, Coreldraw not working properly again (All bar, the group and ungroup icons that were not working), ended the Sunday diary, checked the emails and started this journal off.

Opened Facebook in the hope that it would let me actually post something photographic-wise today. It did for a short time, about half an hour or so then started adding words to what I was typing? Humph!

Checked emails and then had a bath and medicated Little Inchy. Smelling sweet then (hehe), I took out the bins to the rubbish chute.

Came back to the living room to check that I had turned off the laptop properly, sat down and felt the reading glasses as they crushed beneath my bottom and the chair! Whoopsiedangleplop number one of the day. Tsk, Huh, and Gobbleknobends!

I set out on the walk up and down through the park, left up the road and down it into Sherwood.

I got a call on the way but was too slow to hear and answer it – the number was showing, but I didn’t know it – so I rang them back and got a recorded message: “Thank you for returning the call from Nottingham City Council – we cannot answer your call but will attempt to contact you later” Or words to that effect.

Steve Age UK Councillor rang me

Just after taking the photo above of the traffic, I got another call, this time from Steve Age UK. He said the solicitors (FraserBrown) woman had called him, and he had got a call from Deana Walker, did I know what it was about. I thought it odd getting a call from Steve after so long. I told she had helped me greatly by contacting the solicitors to find out what the situation was with the house sale. He then said he had spoken with them early last week, and things were going alright. I told him they told Deana last week it should all be sorted by next Friday? He said I’ll still have to go into the solicitor’s office to sign some more paperwork about the access passage to the premises again when they let him know the date, he’ll contact me? I thanked him. My head was spinning now!

Went into the Co-op food store and purchased a short dated salad bowl and a small loaf of bread.Out and to the Dentists to explain why I had to change my appointment date with them due to the Haematology appointments coming on the same day.

Out and to the Dentists to explain why I had to change my appointment time with them due to the Haematology appointments coming on the same day. I have to admit, the reception staff at this dentist outlet are such natural givers of contempt with their sneers and withering look giving abilities. They remind me Nazi concentration camp guards. Which, may be a deliberate and clever ploy from them – cause if you’re scared to death of the office staff, chances are your fear of the dentist will be less? No? Just a thought like.

Into Wilko and bought the fifth tin opener since moving into the flat, all the earlier ones have stopped working or fell to bits. Also got a mini-whisk so I can mix my gravy for the Crock-pot in a narrower tub when I don’t need to make so much. All good value mine, the tin-opener was £1 and the whisk only 39p. 

Hobbled over to the bus stop and caught a Pronto bus into Mansfield. Getting a couple of crosswords done en route! Well, I’d already started them and had several goes over the months, so I finished a couple anyway.

In Mansfield, I left the bus station and walked down to the precinct and went in B & M to look for some bargains. There wasn’t any! However, I did treat myself to a bottle of ‘Cattlemen’s Master Reserve Kansas City Classic BBQ Sauce’ Mouthful innit?  Original Trademark of Memphis in May was printed on the bottle? Hope it tastes good. Also a packet of Maryland Big & Chunky Cookies and some fancy soups.

When I made my way back to the bus station, I recognised ‘Bob’ the ten-shilling note pigeon with some of his family, so slipped them some seeds and dried earthworms on the way.

The bus arrived within minutes of my getting there, and I was soon off on my way, back to Nottingham. Had another bash at the crossword book. I dropped off in Sherwood. Had a natter with another tenant who was also waiting for the L8 bus.

Back at the flats, I called to see Deana, to see if she knew the number that had been calling me on my mobile, but she was not in.

Back to the flat, WC’s then put away the bits I’d bought.

The potato and leek, and spicy parsnip soups I thought maybe I could use in the Crock-Pot while doing some other vegetables?

I’ll ask the girls on the  TFZ site later, they’ll know and explain things to me, bless em!

I managed to spill some cleaner on the kitchen floor when I was wiping the cooker, so did the floor as well. Got the shakes while doing it. Tsk!

The sky was beautiful, so I tooketh a photographicalisation of it.

Got the oven on heating up, the plan is for some oven chips, beetroot and pork loin (or Wieska sausage?) with the just out-of-date salad, bread, and butter later perhaps?

A sudden change of plans on the food front: I’ll have battered fish fingers, fish cake, the salad with beetroot and bread and butter (Well, olive spread).

Got the laptop on and checked the emails then updated this tosh to here.

Another shaking session. But still, I ain’t complaining, not feeling anywhere near as bad as yesterday.

Turned the laptop off. Got the fodder laid out to I tuck into it!

As I photographed the meal, Steve Rang. The solicitor wanted to meet me on Thursday (First thought was having to miss the Tenants Social Hour – Sob and spit!). I’ve to meet him on the day at the solicitors offices.

I turned the laptop back on to look at the Google calendar – no signal, unable to access the internet. Told Steve that I’d call him back shortly: Being confident I could sort out whatever the problem was. (I say the most stupid things at times yer know!)

The fodder had gone cold by then. (life can be a swine at times!)

Rang Steve back and just agreed to meet Thursday, anytime after eleven o’clock – he said both he and the solicitor can only manage to meet at 1000am (The starting time for the tenants meeting – Grr and shuttle-pinkies!).

Had to agree, just to get the house sale moving at long last!

Threw the dinner in the bin and had a go at sorting the lack of Connection with the Virgin Internet box thingy. I got out all the paperwork from the Virgin folder seeking a number to ring for assistance. There was a free one, and one that cost £1 an hour plus connection fee. So first, I examined the mysterious (to me) Router box and found a reset hole. So I stuck a pen in it for a few seconds and the lights all came back on the box! By the time I got the laptop going, they had gone off again! So, I turned off the power to it, waited a few moments and turned it on again. Nothing, no lights came on, all five were out.

So I rang the free helpline. Thinking like a clot, that it must be better than the old BT helpline that had foreign assistants and even if could hear their voices I couldn’t understand them. That’s the reason I swapped from BT to Virgin when I moved to the flat. This was even worse, it was all press button number options, press so and so if… Your know what I mean. But the voices were mostly indecipherable to me, and when I didn’t hear or understand something, it moved on to the next option or told me to start again! It wanted the account number and area reference to be inputted – so I gave up and started again when I found these figures. Eventually (I think) it said ‘We will assess your system, please wait.’ So I did, for forty minutes of silence. Foolishly, I tried again and the same ending. Tried a third time and the voice spoke so quickly I couldn’t make out what she was saying right at the end. The only bit I understood was ‘You must ring back!’

So I sobbed and rung off. Turned everything off apart from the box and had in place of the cold once tasty food I threw away earlier, two biscuits and a slice of Marmite. Then put a DVD on and watched it, as I stewed inside and worried in case I’d done something wrong to the system.

Fell asleep for fifteen minutes, woke up and saw all five lights on the Virgin box were now lit up! They were flickering a bit mind. Gingerly I got the laptop on and opened the internet. (Gawd it was slow, but at least it worked!) Got this updated again.

Tried doing some Facebooking, but after a while, I was just so tired and drained. 

What a messy, niggly, frustrating day I’ve begotten!

Inchcock Today Sun 17 April 2016: Housework got done – well, a bit!

1984  17th April 1984

WPC Yvonne Fletcher a London police officer is shot and killed while helping control a small demonstration outside the Libyan People’s Bureau Embassy in central London. The police can not enter The Libyan building as it has diplomatic immunity but the building is surrounded by armed police officers. Meanwhile, Libyan soldiers have now surrounded Britain’s embassy in Tripoli trapping the 18 diplomats inside. Following the breakdown of diplomatic relations between the two countries, British Diplomats leave Libya, and the Libyan diplomats leave England including the person who had killed Yvonne Fletcher. Diplomatic relations with Libya are restored after 15 years in 1999 after the Libyan Government had admitted it bore “general responsibility” for WPC Fletcher’s death. R.I.P.

Sunday 17th April 2016

0510hrs: Having spent the night repeatedly waking, hazily pondering on life and nodding off again, the bladder insisted I get up and visit the throne. Where coughing and sneezing, the mind still proffering forth complicated points and personal conundrums for my consideration with a worrying vagueness, I discovered Little Inchy and Haem Aroid both bleeding and in need of medicationalising. Then Anne Gyna, who last night had given me rest, also joined in the discomfiture and started to let her capability for scaring me to death be known.

It took ages for her to calm down to a level I could coexist with, giving me a worrying few minutes I can tell yers! Still, pleased she had, and I was mobile once again, I hobbled into the kitchen and made a cup of tea and took the medications.

The stomach started off grumbling and bubbling again, and I have to admit, I was not a happy laddie and long for some relief. Made sure I’d got my health-alarm wristlet on, though.

Laptop on and recorded this to here, then updated the Saturday and posted it. I felt a little apprehension at the fuzziness in my mind remaining for so long.

Got some of the things needed for cleaning the living room and kitchen windows with later on.

Not a job I’m looking forward to mind you.

But, it has got to be tackled, the dirt is driving me barmy! I just hope I don’t knock myself up like I did last time.

Decided to do the living room ones first, because they are more numerous, hard to get at and the stretching and ladder needed to do the job, are best tackled first methinks.

Mind you, getting the kitchen was ones done is no picnic either. Turning the big window around and Arthur Itis, not being happy with getting in the narrow gap to turn and hold the release button, getting all the stale rainwater tumbling into the kitchen when I turn the thing… hang on, I’ve said all this in yesterday’s diary didn’t I? Sorry.

I got the beef and veg in the Slow Cooker, made and added some seasoned gravy to them, turned it on to the low setting, and returned to the laptop to update this tosh.

Half an hour later I went to check on the Crock-Pot… it was cold?

Confused now, I turned the selection button over to other settings in the hope that it might begin, no luck. Felt a bit sad then, so made a cup of tea and checked again: Huh! The electric plug was not pressed into the socket firmly enough!

Tried to go on Facebook, but it wouldn’t let me post anything again! Frustrated with this now!

Checked the Crock-Pot, all going well. I’ve put vegetables similar to the Lamb Stew I made the other day; Parsnips, Swede, Onions and carrots. I added a touch of salt to it. Then turned the laptop onto sleep mode and set about getting on with the living room window cleaning session, I hope it doesn’t rain while I’m outside. (Or do I? Hehe!).

Battled on and eventually got the outside then inside done of the front room windows and frames.

Felt a bit worn out, so I rang Sister Jane and had a jolly good chinwag with her.

Then read her email she sent earlier that she told me about. I was glad to hear she was a bit better in herself and happier at the moment, out in her garden at her mansion having a nibble and cup of coffee with Pete. Hehe!

Then I got the kitchen window and frames done. A lot easier task as it turned out, apart from getting the thing to turn around that is.

Not too pleased with the front room window cleaning effort, but it was a bit better than before anyway.

Back on the laptop, only to find that CorelDraw8 had reverted to all defaults, and I lost the links to previous work done. So I set about redoing my options and preferences, I even had to set up the colour pallets again. Still, I’m not moaning, just glad I didn’t lose the whole lot when it froze.

Fatigued now, updated this again and kept checking on the Crock-Pot meal.

Anne Gyna was still with me, she had been all day on and off. However, no dizzies was good news. 

I got the meal ready: Beef Stew, leg of beef, carrots, parsnips, carrots, onions and savoury gravy, which was soaked up with the Polish Cottage Bread and went down very nicely, despite the rumbling innards. Which didn’t seem any worse after I’d eaten the meal. A small pot of fruit dessert to follow. All this rated as a 9/10.

As I sat in my damaged 1959 imitation leather armchair, I spotted many streaks in the window glass that will need attention tomorrow. I couldn’t tell if they were inside or outside. I suppose if I had the energy I could have got up and taken a look, but all the drive and pep I had earlier, was no longer around nor available! Tsk!

I must remember to go see the dentist in the morning to beg them to change my appointment as it now clashed with the INR blood test and skin cancer assessment with Dr. Vindla.

Trouble, with many sudden trips to the throne being necessary late in the night? Little Inchy bleeding but not Haem Arroids. The real hassle was the WC was not clearing away everything, no matter how I manipulated the flush-lever. I hoped that the Crock-Pot meal hadn’t been the cause this sudden series of evacuational needs?

The tummy ensured that is was hours before I managed to get off to sleep, then Anne Gyna woke me with me struggling a bit.

Gave up around 300hrs, and got up and on the laptop. Humph! 

Inchcock Today Sat 16 April 16: The Lads Ailments Increase! Humph!

Saturday 15 April 2016

Worra night of dreams! I opened my eyelids, and the memories of bits of the thoughts flooded into my weak mind, reliving them was not nice. At one stage it was literally Pie in the Sky time. With me riding atop a giant pie of some sort with wings, and trying to break into the crust using a hammer and chisel, and not fall off of it? But my efforts were in vain, and I toppled off as I hit my knee with the hammer? I think I was remarkably calm as I spun down towards the earth, but cannot recall landing. 

Another episode of this apparently unending nightmare had me once again on the rooftops clambering over chimneys, ariels water-towers and up the sides of buildings with much physical ability, the usual gang of unknown people chasing me, but on the bright side, the dream avoided the usual scary falling into water scenario.was

Sat at a table, I was greeting people from a long line of them in the queue, each one I gave a little easter egg. Then they would either swear at me, or hit me, then thank me and wander off?

There was a lot more I felt, but could not recall any other details.

0455hrs: The moment I moved bodily, I knew I was in for a bad day. Feeling unwell would be an understatement! The cramps started, Arthur Itis and Anne Gyna joined in with venom, and it was a long time before they allowed me to rise up on my feet to get to the bathroom. The reflux valve decided no to miss out on the ‘Give Inchock hell’ attitude of the other ailments, and stuck while I was on the throne. I was as close as I’ve ever been, to pressing my Health-Alarm wristlet button. The stomach started rumbling Haem Aroid was bleeding, Little Inchy too, in a right state he was. Thank heavens the reflux valve eased a bit, and I could breathe reasonably well within about five minutes of it sticking. I was glad I had not pressed the button then.

I cleaned up the blood, and made my way painfully thanks to Arthur Itis and his return to form, to the kitchen to put the kettle on, I thought for a second something was leaking, down through the ceiling as liquid dropped onto my glasses? I looked up and as I did, realised it was blood coming down from the little scratch on my head. How that had started leaking I didn’t know, but no problem. I wiped it with a kitchen towel, returned to the bathroom and put some aftershave on it, and it ceased flowing.

What a start to the day!

Mind you, on the bright side, there were no dizzy spells to contend with. Being so kind to me for days now, the return of Anne Gyna and Arthur Itis to their old ways was not welcome.

I made a cuppa, and took the medications, taking some extra antacid for the rumbling stomach, and an additional painkiller for Anne and Arthur.

I got the laptop on and was working o CorelDraw 8 when a message on a blue screen came up! “Your PC ran into problems – Needs to restart and assess. Gathering information. Will restart after analysis.” 

Oh shit, I thought. Medical mayhem, now the laptop joins in the tribulations and hassles of the day! Humph!

As I waited for the laptop to do its thing, I pondered on the situation with the house sale. I should have been happy with what the solicitors told Deana yesterday, that things will be sorted within the next week, but they have lied to me twice before telling me things will be sorted. I felt a touch of depression and self-pity starting to rise. Bile came up from the rumbling stomach into my mouth.

The laptop restarted, but I didn’t know what the problem was or had been? I started this diary off to here and realised I’d not finished yesterday’s off yet. So I did. Hehe!

Determined to cheer myself up a bit, I got a good soak in the bath, and decided to have a walk through Woodthorpe Grange Park to see if I could find owt interesting to photographicalise.

At the top of the gravel footpath into the park, I was impressed with the greenery starting to return.

There were many dogs, taking their owners for walks.

I stood and watched them for a good while, and enjoyed just looking at their tails wagging away.

On the way down the path, it came over a bit darker and the sky was looking so picturesque.

I plodded on into Sherwood and checked the times at the bus shelter so as to catch a number 40 one the three stops back up the Winchester Hill after I’d got me bits.

Called in the Co-op store and wandered about, got some reduced short date items, a £1 dessert for 29p, and a box of Tangerines for 89p down from £1.59.

I started to feel a bit better as Anne Gyna departed my company. Arthur Itis I think, will remain with me for a long time yet,

By the time I got off of the bus and started the walk back to the flats, I was even perkier, and started singing to myself, starting with Lonie Donegan’s ‘My Old Mans a Dustman.’

Got in the flats and called to see Olive at her flat, gave her half the mandarins cause she likes them. I returned to my dump and she followed, I’d left me hat on her kitchen counter. Tsk! And she returned it for me as I was opening the flat door. Felt such a fool again!

Got the potato cubes and carrots in the oven, and cleaned up a bit. Started the laptop to update this twollop and added the sausages fifteen minutes later, hoping they would all be cooked at the same time.

The view from the kitchen window was excellent.

I reckon I’m in for some heavy rain or a storm soon.

I wondered about the photo of the sky looking so overly crisp I suppose you could call it?

Then realised that the control nob on the camera had been moved to another setting, one of the many I do not understand. Huh!

The nosh had finished cooking and came out recent like and appetizing too!

The sausages were done to a crisp, the potatoes nice and crunchy outside and soft inside, the carrots cooked correctly, the beetroot with orange peel was tasty too! Added some potato sticks to it, no bread at all this meal.

As I settled to enjoy it, the stomach started to brew up again and the sides of my torso began to hurt, more a sort of strain than pain, if you get what I mean?

I suppose I should have considered not eating the meal at this point, but it looked and smelt so delicious, and me being so hungry, I consumed it with relish.

Wonderful, rated it another 9.4/10!

Fell asleep (Much needed that).

When I woke up, it was getting dark and the rain was belting down outside.

Went to wash the dishes and make a brew, taking this photograph from the kitchen window. This view impressed me with the sun so different than normal.

Anne Gyna had eased off, the reflux valve was behaving himself, just the stomach and Arthur Itis giving any bother now, and they were livable with.

I must get to the doctors on Monday about the stomach and Anne Gyna, see if owt can be done to relieve the pain a bit. I know Dr. Vindla says she doesn’t think prescribing any more medications on top of my usual would be a good idea, but the hassle today was getting a bit much. I’ll see what she says if I can get to see her soon, I’ll see what appointment are available.

I made the decision that the windows, kitchen and living room just have got to be cleaned tomorrow. Rain permitting, of course. Then at the back of my mind, I hoped it would rain in the morning! What a Plonka!

Both sets of windows are not easy to clean, getting at the kitchen one and turning it around and getting all the bits of rust and black bits of the plastic lining dropping through with the stagnant rain water flowing out of the cracks in the frame of windows and all over the kitchen will ensure that the floor will need cleaning as well!

The living room window cleaning is a horrendous occasion. Out on the balcony, get all the cleaners outside, start cleaning them, the stretching usually setting off Anne Gyna and Rea Flux off! Doing my best to clean them, coming back in and looking through them to find endless bits of smear and dirt I’d missed – the repeating this several time before tackling the insides – all this while balancing on the step ladders, of course, will start Arthur Itis off and Anne Gyna usually stops me and I have to do it again later.

Huh! Nearly talked missen out of doing them there! Hehe!

Watched some TV between nodding off, I’m doing more of this nodding off lately, I think.

Drifted off into the world of dreams at last, around midnight I reckon.

Hey-ho!

Inchcock Today – Friday 15th Apr 2016: Confusing busy day for the Nottingham lad…

Friday 15 April 2016

Stirred around 0400hrs, after a night of waking up and trying so often to recall the dreams I was having without any luck.

I felt I could still taste my first ‘Slow Cooker’ cooked lamb casserole from last night?

I was sat there thinking of what needed doing today.

Eventually, the bladder forced me up and to the porcelain. No bleeding yet this morning, well I mean not from the usual locations.

The head had been bleeding from where I clouted it yesterday, and the bob-cap had stuck to it. Huh! Cleaned it up and put some after-shave on it to stop it flowing. It stung a bit but did the job.

The slow-cooker basin I’d left soaking overnight cleaned up well.Got the kettle on and made a cuppa. 

Had a bit of a dizzy, but a very short one.

Got the kettle on and made a cuppa. Then back to the bathroom to take advantage of the throne. Had a bit of a dizzy, but only a very short one.

Sorted out the contact details needed for the Flat’s coordinator Deana to contact my pretend lawyers for me when I call to see her later, so kind of her. When I get the house sold (If I ever do), it might dulcify my life, and I need some peace of mind.

I must get the paperwork sorted into the folders later.

Laptop on and finished the Thursday diary then started this one.

Made another cup of tea and took the medications.

Checked the emails and did some Facebooking. Facebook is still struggling when I put any photo’s on it, freezes occasionally so I have to close and start it again, but less than yesterday.

Had a glorious scrub-up and soaked in the bath, shaved, teggies were done, and I medicated both of my nether regions.

On the way down to walk to the Community Hut and see Deana, I saw the washing machines were both free. So I nipped back up and got the laundry and took it down and got a machine going while I nipped to see Ms. Walker at the shed.

She was busy on her computer and told me I should have come at 0900hrs, not twenty-five past eight! I offered to return later, but she kindly got onto my problem and helped me enormously. I’m so happy and glad to have such willing help. 

Back to the flats and moved the washing from the machine to the dryer. Then up to 72 and made a cuppa and got the laptop on to update this whining diary.

Deana called, she had got a call from the solicitor, and they said I should hear from them within a week, as the problem with the access had been sorted! Deana said if I don’t hear fro them by next Friday, to let her know and she would ring them again for me.

I embarrassed myself by stretching up and giving her a peck on her cheek with my grateful thanks for the help.

Down to the laundry room and retrieved the clothes. Oh dear… The washing was as wet as it was when I put it in the dryer an hour ago. I suppose I’d got something wrong when setting it because there was no fluff in the catch box? Humph, idiot I am!

So had to do them again, this time, I used the other dryer, just in case the big one was not working properly.

Popped outside to take a photograph of some daffodils struggling through.

Back up to the flat updated this again.

Got the medicine pots ready to sort out later.

Back down to the laundry room to collect the washing again.

Just timed it spot on, the message panel just turned to Finish as I arrived in the laundry room.

After searching for an odd missing sock for a good while, I gave up, thinking I must have dropped it up in the bathroom when I sorted out the washing and powder, etc.

Cleaned the filter and refitted it.

Got back in and put the stuff in the airing cupboard and hung up the dressing gown in the hall near the heater. (It’s the only storage heater that kicks out any real warmth).

Did a bit more on this diary then started to fill the colour coded medication pots with the appropriate tablets and drugs.

Got them sorted.

Then stored them in the medical drawer number three of the Wilko £15 four drawer cabinet in the kitchen.

I remembered I’ve got Morrison delivery coming later twixt 18 > 1900hrs.

Feeling a lot happier now!

What with things supposedly moving on the house front, Deana, Sister Jane, and Pete all being so helpful, made me feel how lucky I am. Yee-Ha! 

Tried Facebook and it was playing up again!

Come think of it (The Lawer problems), they have told me twice before that it will all be settled soon. In November last year they said it would be sorted in a few weeks, then in December they said it would be solved in two weeks? I’m not so confident about it all now.

They had a call from Steve of Age UK, so apparently he’s staying on with me until the house is sorted. I haven’t heard from him and do not know his new number or email address yet?

I got the vegetables, parsnips, carrots, onions and swede coated in oil and in the oven, I was hoping the Morrisons man might come earlier, and I could get the chips in with it then when they arrive – best-laid plans eh? I should know better! I’ve turned down the oven but expect they will be beyond salvation by the time he comes. Hey-ho, my own fault!

The Morrison man arrived and helped me take the stuff into the kitchen as I had too much stuff to go on the trolley in one go.

Put the stuff away, wanting to get it done as quickly as I could before the meal burnt to a crisp.

But no, I’m not that lucky. The three for £6 lamb meals were only two, and one of them had split open and covered the other stuff in the bag with gravy. The cakes were mangled up. The bleach had leaked in its bag and caused damage to the foolishly placed in the same bag bread!

I got a feeling that things were going to get worse, it’s me high EQ yer know, I’m never wrong, but hoped I would be this time. (Ahem)

I cleaned up the mess and put some sausages in the oven to have with the veg and gravy.

So after much kerfuffle and messing about, I very belatedly got the fodder prepared. Which consisted of:

Black beans (tinned) with added tomato puree, baked beans, roasted parsnips carrots and swede, and the sausages.

I had the one undamaged batch loaf that had been delivered, (despite it being misshapen, it warmed up well in the oven for a few minutes), and enjoyed the meal so much.

The vegetables had crisped up very pleasantly. I rated this as one of my best-tasting meals ever! 9.55/10!

Getting late now, I tried to watch a New Tricks DVD, but soon nodded off.

TTFN all!

Inchcock Today Thu 14 Apr 16: Winwood Social Hour today. First Slow Cooker meal too!

Thursday 14 April 2016

Worra night of dreams!

I was chased and hacked to death by a gang of youths, I laughed while they were cutting me up, and they got annoyed at this… then I found myself sat at a desk being either questioned or counselled by a group of people sat opposite me. No idea who they were, but one of the panel looked a bit like Idi Amin. This seemed to attract my attention and I could not concentrate on giving answers to the group. They sentenced me to imprisonment in the Tower of London.

That was no picnic I can tell yer! Each morning a guard would come into me bare damp brick cell where I was chained to the wall, and put a cockroach or worm into my mouth for breakfast, then cut or hack off another bit of my body. Then drain some of the urine I’d leaked and squeeze some into my mouth and tell me they’ll see me in the morning and wished me all the best? The bits cut off would grow back eventually?

Many years later apparently, the guard told me I was to be released that day, and I begged him not to?

At some time, the usual chasing or being chased on rooftops dream came in again, and having to jump over a drainage ditch in which the yellow water bubbled and steamed was scary?

I woke up around 0500hrs, and made for the WC, then made a cup of tea and took the medications.

The kitchen still looked a mess after yesterday’s Nottingham City Homes Repair Farce and needed attention to rectify. But not yet, today being the Windwood Residents Social Hour, and my needing to fetch food and get the photographs developed seemed more important to me.

I rang Sister Jane and embarrassingly told her of how I felt depressed and worried and asked her if she or Pete would please come with me to see the solicitor when they had time. She said I was to ring the lawyer and explain about my losing the services of Steve from Age UK and someone would be taking over (Jane and Pete) as my advisor and they want to talk to with them about the sale of the house already taking months too long. Good thinking there from Jane) Of course this will not allow a meeting because we don’t know when Jane and or Pete will be free, but as Jane says, it might shake them a bit into action?

I met Deana Walker later at the meeting, the friendly coordinator at Winchester Court and asked her if she could ring the solicitors for me and tell them this, the I could let Pete or Jane know what they said. Dean is very busy today, so told me to call int he morning and she’d ring them for me. Bless her cotton socks.

Got the laptop on and did the diary for Wed, and started this one.

Did some graphicationalisationing for use later. Checked emails, medical appointments for the surgery confirmed: Monday 25th April 2016 at 10.30am with Dr Vindla and 11 am with Nicole for your INR Blood Test.

Got a bath and ablutions tended to, then got the things ready for the Social hour.

Took the recycling rubbish box down to the caretakers on the way to the Winwood Community Hut, for the social session.

Not many folk there again today.

Toni was in a good mood and chatted to me a bit. Eddy, our much-loved 93-year-old was deep in thought about something.

BJ didn’t come again but having noticed a missed call from him, I presumed that he wouldn’t be coming.

Busy lad.

The few that did come left early for some reason? I managed to get a few photographicalisations of the some though before they absconded. Hehe!

On my way back to the flat to prepare for catching the half-past bus to Arnold, I spied a tenant using several of the orange recycling bags for her shopping – Naughty thing!

Hehe!

I set off and caught the bus to Arnold, going in Asda (Walmart) to get the photographs developed before wandering around the store for a bit.

I ended up buying more than I had originally planned to. (So much for me taking a list of purchases of five items with me, Tsk!) Got potato sticks, Irish batch bread, lemon dessert pots, parsnips, carrots, swede and 

Got potato sticks, Irish batch bread, fruit dessert pots, parsnips, carrots, swede, leg of lamb chunks, TV paper and a Wiejska sausage ring. Paid the lady on the checkout and remembered to return to the photo section to collect the photographs.

After a wander around the main street window shopping, then made my way to catch the last L9 bus.

I noticed the public seating bench had not lost yet further planks from the seating area. Doing well. Hehe!

Got the bus back to the flat and was just in to use the porcelain in the bathroom.

Start the slow cooker cooking!

I set to, using the slow cooker for the first time. I cut some of the fat off the lamb chunks and put them in the bowl. Prepared some swede, parsnips and carrot of about the same size for each of them and added them to the lamb. Made some lamb gravy and added some seasoning, herbs, vinegar, and mint.

The first check on the food, looking good!

Got the laptop on to update this diary, and checked the food about an hour later. I planned according to kind advice that I had been given, for the food to be ready to serve around 1800hrs or so, but realised I’d have to keep checking it regularly until I get used to the cookers foibles.

Checking it again an hour later on, I realised that the slow cooker doesn’t half give off a glorious aroma when cooking. It seemed to be coming on nicely, so I turned down the cook level from high to low.

Half an hour or so and another inspection and stirring the pot was made. All good! Taking its time, but smells just great! Really, getting hungry now.

Went on Facebook for a while then. After much hassle, Facebook was not responding; or posting on its own while I was writing or uploading a photo and general mayhem with trying to type I had to give up. I did manage a message informing the TFZers of my problem. Humph!

I tested the fodder a few more times and it is coming on just fine. I reckon a stew like what I’m doing will take five hours on the low setting in future.

Beneath the seasoned gravy in this dish, lies some appetising carrots, parsnips, swede and onions that were delicious indeed. The lamb chunks, were not so tasty, though. But I still gave this ‘Slow Cooker’ prepared concoction a rating of 9/10.

Getting late for me now, but the fatigue didn’t kick in as early as usual? Still, it came later. Hehe!

I must get the things ready in the morning, for my visit to see Deana about calling my imitation solicitors FraserBrown to sort out why things are not moving with the house sale, and my losing my Age UK councillor Steve, and Jane and Pete taking over as my advisors.

The befuddled brain resisted sleep for a good while. Humph!

The latest Nottingham City Homes Repair Farce – Inchcock Today Wed 13 Apr 16

Wednesday 13th April 2016

I woke around 0245hrs, actually sweating, shaking and with Little Inchy in a right bloodied state. The dream I’d been having felt horrendous, once more the rooftops and cliff ledges were involved?

To the bathroom and titivated things up. Returned to my 1959 imitation leather armchair and was soon off into the land of nod again.

I sprang awake at 0440hrs, details of the new dream were sketchy, something about me being in a factory and unable to get things done? To the WC for a heavy duty job, haemorrhoids, and Little Inchy both bleeding again. 

A bit misty again this morning, a strange blue hue in the sky?

Went to make a cuppa and take the medications and noticed the state of the kitchen, with stuff all over the place that I had removed from the cupboards to allow access to the hole in the wall for the Nottingham City Homes man when he comes later today.

Still some bins, pans, kettle, etc. to move out of the way before the man arrives.

The bins need emptying and taking to the rubbish chute too. Still, the mess from the silly Whoopsiedangleplop cleaning up from yesterday has dried nicely.

A busy period was coming up for me after the maintenance chap is finished tending to the hole in the outer wall that’s letting in the draughts. Assuming he does anything, of course, this will be the fifth time that they have been summoned to look at my problem, and they have only done the lower of the two gigantic holes – and that still lets the wind in!

Made another cup of tea, and Anne Gyna started giving me grief.

Got the laptop on and got the Inchcock Today for yesterday finished, then started on this one.

Cleared away the other stuff in readiness for the reluctant repair man coming between 12.30 and 1630hrs.

Got myself bathed and abluted, medicated the bleeding areas (Painful that), Hehe!

Took the rubbish to the chute and called at Olive’s flat, but she was not in.

Awaiting the arrival of the NCH Repairman.

Cup of char and back on the laptop. Did some Facebooking for a good while.

 Still awaiting the arrival of the NCH Repairman.

Did some self-teaching on the new CorelDraw 8.

The intercom rang, and the chap came to look at the problem.

He left to fetch a can of filler.

He returned and applied the filler into the hole, kindly taking off the part air vent with a screwdriver and dropping bits all over the floor, window ledge, worktop and electric sockets as he did so.

He threw the lump of filler into the sink as he unsuccessfully tried to stop it coming out and even further down the wall.

He said: “I cannot put the vent cover back on, but it dries in an hour and you can cut off any overspill then and sand it down!” I couldn’t even stretch up that high without being in pain, Tsk!

The filler that had been thrown in the sink, I had to take out because I thought if it went down the plug hole it might block the pipes as it swells out more?

He left me an artistically designed load of crap on the worktop bless him.

As I tried to clean the sticky mess up on the sink, worktops and power sockets, etc. I made a right mess of my hands too. Sticky goo!

The mess on the sockets will have to wait until later, as I was making it worse by trying to clean it before it had dried?

I thought.

I had to stick paper towel around the falling-out-filler-foam, then I stuck the cover back on in a fashion temporarily. This seems to have stopped it now?

I’ll have to wait and see how it goes I suppose.

The sink is in a right state though.sand

I tried soda crystals, washing up liquid, bleach, elbow grease and swearing a bit, but it looks like it is staying where it is.and

It looks horrible too! Stained and marked for life!

I assembled the rubbish left for me to sort out and filled a black bag with the stuff – including, by the way, £3 worth of kitchen towels used up to now in my efforts to clean the place after he’d gone.

I felt a little sad at how things had turned out with the repair farce.

The sink was stained badly, but I might be able to tackle that when things dry off completely.

I’d put the vent back on after much painful effort, but it was now facing the wrong way, into the kitchen as opposed to into the cupboard.

The cupboard next to the vent was matted with the horrible filler and I could not get to it, let alone remove it.

I filled a black bag with residues, leftovers and used kitchen towels.

Took the bins to the chute and called to see if Olive was at home on the way.

 She was in, so I suggested I swap the new big orange slow cooker, and she hands me her old little old one. She agreed, bless her. So I felt like I’d done her a favour, but she’d helped me more, because the new one was far too big for me, and she has a gigantic freezer so she can cook larger lots meals to freeze and save herself time. All good!

The Social Hour Meeting tomorrow, I mustn’t forget this. (He says hopefully, hehe!)

I got the lamb casserole out of the fridge, only to find that it was six days out of date! Seem to have got things a bit mixed up there. Tsk!

So, I put a tin of mini hot dog sausages in the saucepan and flavoured a tin of tomatoes with basil, salt and black pepper and warmed them both up for me second choice evening fodder.

Had a lemon yoghourt for afters.

Do you know, I really enjoyed this meal, have to give it a 9.2/10 rating.

Tired now after all the cleaning and clearing up after the messy maintenance man.

I’m not going to complain officially. Because he was a polite young man, and my EQ told me he was a bit embarrassed by his failure and the predicament he’d left me in.

I tried to get to kip without any luck for several hours. I tried watching the TV, reading and DVD viewing, well gone midnight before I got off, then the dreams started.

Inchcock Today Tuesday 12 Apr 16: Whoopsiedangleplops visitations

Not his thoughts, of course, some he found on the internet!

Tuesday 12 April 2016

0400hrs: Shuddered awake, immediate feelings of depression and lack of self-esteem were rampant in their harassment of my poor confused mind. I sat there worrying about everything, yet didn’t have the ability actually to tackle any of my problems? I seem to skirt over them and just accept them along with my, pathetic efforts as being normal, yet knowing they weren’t?

After a while, I stirred and to the WC, no bleeding much at all. Decided to take another Bisacodyl.

Made a cuppa, and took a photo from the kitchen window, of the mist and drizzle.

Had to nip back sharpishly to the porcelain for another throne session, a lot easier this one was. Took the medications with a cup of tea and got the laptop going.

I did momentarily consider doing some much-needed cleaning of the flat, but my current apathy decided me against this.

Coreldraw X7 and WordPress initiated, did the top graphic. Photographed the Slow Cooker I bought yesterday. Still not knowing how to use it mind? There was a four-page recipe booklet, but in all of them it says you have to fry the meat first, before putting it in the slow-cooker? Not going to be much use to me this I think? I’ll check with Olive when I see her.

Checked the emails. Then spent four hours on graphic posting and catching up on Facebook at last.

Making the nosh, I did some chilli and added Bovril to it.

The pot I made it in was well stained so I soaked it in hot water, washing up liquid, soda crystals, and Dettol cleaner.

The ingredients formed layers in the tub that looked rather artistic.

I put the lid on and shook them all up to mix the concoction up. As I took off the screw-on cap, the stuff squirted out all over the floor and the three-tier trolley where I had stored the stuff I’d taken out of the cupboard so the workman can get access to the holes in the wall easier when the Nottingham City Homes Repair Man takes off the cupboard, to hopefully block the hole in the outside wall tomorrow.

So I had to clean everything up, and in doing so, I clouted my head on the storage heater getting down to gain access to the shelves on the trolley.

Hey-ho!

Got it all sorted eventually, by which time the nosh had burnt a bit.

Then I had to clean the saucepan and lid and the nosh got cold in the meantime!

Humph!

The baked seasoned beans and steak slice tasted surprisingly good.

Rated this one an 8.9/10.

I watched some New Tricks episodes on the DVD.

Had an involuntary emission of the wind from the rear quarters, went to the bathroom and found the bleeding had started from the haemorrhoids and Little Inchy, lost a fair amount of blood.porcelain

I must remember after the bath in the morning, to treat both departments, before the arrival of the NCH repair man.

I questioned my own sanity.

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