ON THIS DAY IN 1960, INCHY STARTED A JOB AS A STREET GAS LAMP LIGHTER & SNUFFER IN NOTTINGHAM. It is believed he made £1.10.0 a week, but he earned more than that from people asking him to hit their bedroom window with his pole to wake them up. We suspect the money was used for his other interests. See photo left.
As of this moment (15:35hrs), I’ve been clear of any Accifauxpas, serious Whoopsiedangleplops, and even free of Electric Shocking Sherida! But the day has brought some terrible back pains. I assume this was caused by my launching off of the stepladder. The painkillers and Phorpain Gel have been heavily used. But I know it could have been worse, and I might have ended up in the hospital… having meals fed me. Hahaha! There has been little worth mentioning, apart from the short mini-seizure I had when the Carer was here. It won’t be in his log book, as he was leaving when I had it. He told me it lasted only a minute or so. But I’ve never had a seizure before when I was stood up. Always when I was lying or sitting down. Even CorelDraw has not crashed. I shouldn’t have said that! Silly Boy! Very few photos were taken. As usual, I struggled with the typing errors, spending more time correcting than perfecting. Humph!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – After a three-day test of my IQ & EQ, if I passed, I would be permitted to apply for an interview with UPS at their first opening in the UK at Sandiacre. Each failed testee (one of whom was me) was spoken to and given advice on their best job opportunities elsewhere, which they thought would suit us each. I was the last one to be called into the office. Three men sat at a desk and informed me that my rest results over the three days revealed that I had the lowest IQ ever recorded by any UPS applicant, and they have been doing this method of applicant sorting all over the world for 35 years. The directors of UPS were in the building and asked me if you would mind them having a talk with you? Naturally, I was confused, but I agreed. In walked two men with deep southern American accents and shook my hand? What’s going on here? I said to myself. It didn’t take long to find out, and I was amazed at the same time. The top dog man proclaimed that my EQ was the highest they had ever encountered in the USA and Europe! They handed me the advice print-out sheets, and as they confused me more with their questions, I bluffed my way through the answers, and off they went. Then the English chaps went through the advice with me. The job they recommended to suit my skills (more like lack of) was in the Police Force! Considering that it was donkeys years ago when Nottingham Constabulary would not entertain anyone under 6 feet joining them, how the men hadn’t noticed I was only 5’3″ tall baffled me even further.But a new urgent task took over, and I thanked them and departed. I went to the roof car park, got in my Skoda Estelle, drove home, got in, and got onto my computer to look up what EQ was. My lack of education caught up with me! I wandered off of the subject there, sorry!
I’d fallen asleep last night in the c1968, tatty, scruffy, unkempt, uncomfortable, virus, microorganism, bug, bacterium, bacillus, germ, parasite producing, and disease-fermenting second-hand, eyesorely-horrendously grungy beige-coloured, £300, charity shop bought, crumb-retaining, moth-eaten, non-working, itch-encouraging, incommodious, Haemorrhoid Harold testing, catheter tube yanking, recliner. The nocturnal catheter bag was removed, and I was shocked at the darkness of the urine again. There were little bits of something in the bag, like dried mint or oregano. (The district nurse rang up later to say that the Warfarin DVT blood test showed a deficiency. No idea what it was of. But they would call between 09:00> and 11:00hrs in the morning to take another blood sample from me for urgent testing.) This means that in the morning, I’ll have even less time to complete the blog. It’s 20:00 hrs now, and this is as far as I am with the blog! There is no chance of finishing even this one, let alone starting on tomorrow’s blog!
Why? I’ll tell yers! 1️⃣ Tomorrow, I have a food delivery arriving. A Cardiac nurse or nurses are coming to inspect the mechanical aorta valve in my chest. The community nurse or nurses will come to get another blood sample to test for the deficiency. Someone from the bank will be telephoning me between 10>13:00hrs. 5️⃣ Worst of all, the TV Licensing Enforcement wallahs are coming at an undeclared time of the day about prosecuting me, and no doubt threaten me with the £1000 fine! How can I get anything done? From now on, I will have to put snaps with comments on them. Sorry. Oh, Bother! Carer Kimberley said someone may be coming to see me tomorrow. Unbelievable! Another painful visit.
Shots from the balcony. Or was it the kitchen?
Waste bags sorted.
Carers Shaquille, Marie, Kimberly, and Israel served me this wonderful Wednesday. It wasn’t, but you can bet it will appear so compared to tomorrow’s football match. I may actually end up with 10 people here at the same time. Hahaha! Scary!
No wash, got on the computer to catch up. But, of course, I just get further behind.
I dropped a handful of paper towels, bent down to retrieve them, and Dizzy Dennis gave me a turn. I didn’t hit the deck because I was lucky enough to clout my head on the heater. Now the new spectacle frame has an arm loose. Fed Up? Me? YES!
Back on the computer between the Carers calls.
I’m not pleased with this week’s health check figures!
Two unknown what or why photos were taken today. It beats me! Then, most things do.
I did it again! Put the wrong cream on the wrong ailment. ARRGH!
Must make summat to eat now. I may be back, but with my luck, you never know! Haha!.
I wonder if I’ll ever get time to blog again and onto the WordPress Reader? I can’t believe so many visitors will call on the same day, and then there are the Caregivers to squash in.
Oh, cobblers! In fact… Oh, Cobblers! I can’t get owt to eat, and the Amazon batteries for the keyboard haven’t arrived yet! It’s dark and late, and I’m wee’d off with life’s waywardnesses and difficulties. Still, Chin-up! I suppose!
Took this snap.
Stayed up until 02:00hrs to get this far on the blog.
Then, I made a meal. Tasty! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – (Carer Israel came earlier) Got in the bed and went into the bliss of sleep. No Thought Storming-Steve, no shocks, no tingles, just sweet peace… For an hour! Then…
Frit me, that did! About 04:00hrs. I had no option other than to clamber hastily out of bed and hobble around in case of a fire. It was this flat’s alarm, so I looked around everywhere. At one point, the long nocturnal catheter and tube got stuck as I meandered around the flat. Poor Little Inchie took the brunt of the pain as the tube jerked. That was the end of my night’s (Hour-long) sleep. I stayed up and did my ablutions. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – was by far the worst ailment I had today. I have to find a dentist soon. Otherwise, I may find myself going stark-raving-mad. come think of it, I think I’m at that stage now. What would be the next one up? Away with the fairies, barking mad, non-compos mentis, or nutty as a fruitcake, Hehe!
The meddlesome medley of like yesterday relented. However, I did have one hell of a mind-blank this evening that lasted for at least three hours. During this, Carer Joanne discovered that I’d cut up and seasoned some mushrooms earlier in the day and left the heat on under the pan when she did the taps and cooker checks for me. I genuinely thought she was joking at first. I went into the kitchen to her, and sure enough, I had. Why the hell I couldn’t remember doing it – and equally worrying, is how I did it without knowing and had no accidents, Accifauxpas or Whoopsiedangleplops doing it?
I also took some sky photographs as well.
But the mini-blanks, unless I didn’t realise, which must be possible, did not affect me much at all. On this long one, no blogging was done at all. What was I doing then? That’s a silly question. I was doing the mushrooms, but that wouldn’t have taken me three hours, surely. I found the sharp knife hours later, underneath the microwave cooker. I assume I’d used it to slice the mushroom with.
I used far too much of the pain-killer spray on the teeth today. was hardly any bother at all, up to now anyway. I’m going to ask a Carer to call the doctor on Monday. I’ll get to the surgery somehow or other. I rankling me now.
Getting yesterday’s blog done took me ages. This is surprising, really, because the toothache hadn’t been bothering me too much until today. Thanks to the pain-killer spray.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Cor, blimey. Must tell the doctor.
My first shot of the morning.
No mud, no rain.
Ablutions & Porcelain Throne time. Urgh!
On and off of blogging.
These were found on the computer later.
Not only did I not recall doing the mushrooms that Joanne found, but I can’t remember taking these photos. But once I saw them, I remembered. Hehe! To this one, after I’d sliced and seasoned the mushrooms. Boy, did I season them!
Strong soya sauce, oregano, liquid smoke flavour, Polish Worcester sauce, sea salt, black pepper and some onion granules. I’m not sure, but I have a strange feeling, just might have added some mint? Just a feeling, like.
Afternoon view.
I wonder where the liquid in the car park came from?
No car washing, water shortage?
Beautiful clouds later on.
The big Blank arrived.
Two lovely sunset shots. Smug-Mode Adopted.
But I was still bothered about the blanks.
Better put this result on while I remember. I got eight of them in four hours. Haha!
Smug-Mode disengaged.
Waiting for Carer Precious to come.
I’ll go on WP reader and comments.
Caught the sunset for once. I took these on the new Kodak.
Thanks to , the rating for the meal of the day was lower than it really deserved. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
EPILOGUE Carer Precious took off my socks. Checked the taps and stove, and was happier because he was on his way home. Good for him. A nice lad. I kept nodding off and waking up for hours. It was a bad night, broken by , the odd strike, but most often it was who woke me up. Terrible night!
Possibly my most confusing day for weeks now. In and out of control of things and happenings. One late morning and Gawd knows how many more throughout the day. I can’t recall being in such confusion for a long time. I found out later that I’d placed an order for J Sainsbury. But it’s all a mystery to me. Looking at what I ordered really made me wonder how the hell, why, and when I made it. I can’t help but occasionally worry about it and myself.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – It’s too dark yet again. It usually clears a bit later.
Taken while getting the Nocturnal Cather Pouch unattached. The white spot is the flash from Kodak Tim.
Made up a waste bag and hoovered around the main room. It’s that Inchy, you know, forever dropping crumbs, pens, torches, mobile phones (when he can find them), and anything else that is not attached to him is droppable, really.
Ablutions, medications & Porcelain Throne Visit(s) I carried out another Whoopsiedangleplop after the first painful use of the Porcelain Throne – I forgot all about, or maybe I might have thought I’d done it, the shaving! As with yesterday’s first attempt, the movement was showing no signs of any interest in escaping the depths of my heavily fabbed body and innards. So, I got the crossword book out. Flipped it open and started on the random one. I also got a few answers; I got two more answers anyway. Then, the pain started, which again caught me by surprise. All the signs were that it was going to be a Trotsky effort. To take my mind off the pain, I counted the cracks on the wet room ceiling for a while. There were 27 cracks up there, I think. The pain suddenly reached a crescendo, and a tear came to my eyes; I gritted the few teeth I had left in my mouth, cringed and anticipated that a lot of blood would need cleaning up when it finally arrived. As it almost shot out, the pain eased, and the plump, plump… plumps were heard as the almost cube-shaped giant, Kharki-coloured Oxo cubes hit the water – to be followed by what I thought would have been the first things to exit… Whoosh, splatter, all done! I reckon it was controlled by 15% of Constipation Conrad; the rest was definitely a Trotsky Terence follow-through. This horrendous evacuation may have helped me forget I’d not shaved. The medicationalisationing went tremendously well! Getting the PPs on was not so easy. With the assistance of the small pick-upper I keep in the wet room and sticking my butt in the corner near the door for support, I was pleased with how I got the right leg in the pants so comfortably. I had to lift my left leg with my left arm to get it high enough to go into the leg hole of the pants, keeping the pick-upper in the same hand to pull at the pants to get my foot in. One second, I was struggling to keep my balance. The next second, I clumped down onto the floor on my knees. This upset, , , and in both knees, they let me know their discomfort in the usual fashion. Arrgh! didn’t seem too bothered by my tumble. This shows he’s healing up a bit. Even crawling on all fours to the recliner to regain my feet was almost tolerable pain-wise. It took great effort to clamber up on the £300 second-hand shop-purchased, c1966, welt-causing, uncomfortable, not-working, itch-inspirational, crumb-containing recliner. I stayed there for a minute or two. As I grabbed , I’d left in the wet room and rose gingerly from the chair. Carer Christopher arrived. He seemed in a light mood, bless him. He got the one diabetic sock on and medicated me fully. I decided a brew of Thompson’s Punjana was in order. I limped, with surprisingly little pain, to the kitchenette. I took this Kodak Tim of the grim view on offer. I think the sun will struggle to get through today. As usual, my eyes were much better in the morning than in the afternoon. So I made a mug of tea and pressed on with yesterday’s blog while I could see well enough.By 10:30hrs, the double shadows started to kick in. Krunglebumps! But I did get the blog finished and posted.
FLAT FIRE ALARM: I forgot to mention in yesterday’s blog that the Fire Alarm went off. This was the first time it had activated since they installed the new, louder one, and I did not hear the old one when it was activated. I had a hobble around to check things in the other rooms, but all looked well. I imagine it must have been a test. Because no brigade or staff members had arrived to check things out. They may have changed the day of the tests. When I could get about, any changes used to be amended on the notice board in the foyer.
The new nightshirt was delivered. I got it hung up to get into later when I’d shaved. Carer Kara visited me. She opened yesterday’s mail, both letters were from the bank. Nowt to fret over, she said. She asked how I was feeling and checked the catheter bag. Kara kindly took the laundry bag down with her.
I returned to the wet room, determined not to have any more tumbles, to get the shave I forgot about earlier done. I had a Porcelain Throne Mark2 visit. No chinks this time, straight to the slushiness if a regular heavily Trotsky Terence commanded evacuation. Well, at least I get diverse, multifaceted, distinct evacuations. Hehe! Then, I tackled the shaving. There was just one tiny cut, nothing to bother about. It took me much longer than planned because I couldn’t find my spectacles after getting on the new nightshirt. (I found them later)
My eyes are fading now. I’ll make a meal while I can do it a little more safely before the eyes get worse.
It’s not a bad effort visually. But the beef and I found both bits of it between the grizzled and fat, was disappointing, as was the so-called gravy. So much for ready-made meals! Thankfully, the potatoes that I baked to accompany it were superb. They were seasoned with black pepper and some of the adorable No-butter butter, but even this did not fill me. So I backed up the sad-tasting but good-looking meal by delving into my favourite biscuit box! Vegan cookies and Lemon Tartlets. They were nice!
Carer Christopher arrived. He took off my one diabetic sock. Dealt out the medications, and then I asked him to take a photo of me in the new nightshirt. Chris took a few snaps, this one on the right being a first in many ways. ① The first shot of me wearing the new nightshirt. ② The first picture I’ve ever looked at and expounded a loud exclamation; “Arghhh, look at the size of that belly!” ③ And most uniquely, this is the only time anyone has caught me having two of my shakes on camera simultaneously. Bearing in mind that they are rare and usually do not last for more than a minute makes this all the more remarkable. I ought to be in the medical Gazette! Hehe!
I can hardly recall the details of Carer Chris’s last call. He woke me up but was in no mood to be activated. As for her leader, she never stops her bemusing, irritating meddling with the synapses and memory cells. is to blame overall, I think. But I could be wrong, of course. Perhaps failing was involved in the brain invaders’ plot to send me into another world of confusion. For all I know… which is more guesses than estimates.
Unknown why I took this. I can’t recall taking it.
Morning.
Taken seconds before the tumble. Struggled to get the slippers on. You can see the loose carpet I slipped on seconds later between the slippers.
Waste sorted.
Bootiful!
Food delivery. 4 Frazzles were ordered and charged for, and 2 arrived.
Football Match. Seizure.
Taken to the right. Taken to the left, both from the kitchen.
Still kaki, almost cube-shaped. Had to patch up the compression dressing, then do the usual medicationings, olive oiled the wears, and Germoloided the haemorrhoids. Acne and Barrier creams were applied. Had a struggle to get the PPs on today. And getting the Phorpain Gel on; It was as painful as it had ever been. Talk about making myself jump, which, of course, got the Cartilages playing up. With the compression tackle on the right leg, I can no longer use Phorpain to ease the agony. Hehehe! So, more painkillers were taken. At least getting dressed was not so bad; it was just the long pullover nightshirt. The carer arrived and got the one odd bamboo diabetic sock and slippers on for me.
Fantastic sun rays are coming through the cloud to the right of the balcony. Had the alien invasion started? Hahaha!
Lamburgers with sliced tomatoes in sourdough rolls, & a can of carrots & peas were cooked and served up. A pot of mandarin segments in orange jelly was the day’s dessert.
What a great hue later on! A Pareidoliaising Delight! Heads, eyes, animals, Great!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – I couldn’t see one of them! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – I have never faced such difficulties in finding words to start an introduction for the blog before. In a way, I’ve been acting like Jeckle & Hyde and Steptoe & Son, struggling to communicate with myself. My moods were ever-changing, going into reverse modes and back again into sort of semi-contented ones. My fears would rise, and minutes later, nothing mattered. Then, I’d sink back into a self-pity mode again. It has to be a record for me today; I went into so many Mind-Blanks, or maybe they were what the doctor calls them, Non-Epilectic Seizures, I’ve ever had before. Accompanied by Memory blanks, some of them unbelievable, even to me. I had to keep checking what date it was; I forgot if a Carer had been or not. As for where the utilities needed were on CorelDraw, everything was taking me so long and still coming out wrongly. Even doing the graphics for this blog, I saved them all to different folders, and I spent hours trying to trace them, I ended up thinking it would be quicker to do them all again. Which was a big mistake; it wasn’t any quicker at all, the opposite, in fact! Up until around 19:00 hrs, the day seemed to reek of the absurd, bizarre, inexplicable, unexplainable, asinine, and undefinable. When I realised my cock-up with saving the files in the middle of trying to sort them out… CorelDraw Crashed! And all these farces to both legs being so painful, Cartilage Chloe in the left, and the ankle ulcer now pouring out liquid from when I dropped the oven tray on it, this was not a good day. After many trials and tribulations, I finally got around to doing my ablutions. Apart from not being able to stop the bleeding, shaving cuts (4). After completing the ablutions and medication duties, the only nasty bit was when I was trying to get the Protection Pants on. With both legs in a delicate situation, I lost my balance a few times and acquired some new bruises on the left leg, the cheek, and the right knuckles. But I didn’t go over; I hit the shower chair, door and sink instead.
Now, this does not explain how, but I got the dressing gown on and went back to the computer. I was at the stage of starting to write this intro. My mind was blank for a few minutes. Then it was as if I’d taken a wonder drug, and the mind seemed to clear. This (having read it now) I think it reads spot on as to what happened. Of course, things have been changing all day, so I hope to keep at it before the dark, dank depression develops. And another miracle, as of this time, the double vision had started earlier than this each day for a week or more, but not today. Not that I’m missing them… this may be a part of my sudden enlivenment? Or not. I do so wish the doctor would read my blog… maybe not, though. She might have me collected by the men in white coats. The only other thing that got to me was Kodak Tim blanks. I’ll explain this later in the blog. I don’t want to upset myself now I’m feeling better. Huh, did I speak again! The bloody leg and have just started! And they are really giving the damaged ulcer what for! Big mouth! Really struggling to walk now, See what I mean? Up& Down! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
05:10hrs: I sprang awake. In need of the Porcelain Throne. Emptied the catheter pouch and off to the wet room. Where was I flabbergasted to see blood in the bag? Seconds later, it soon returned to a normal dark colour. This baffled me. I’ll keep my eye on it. If it happens again, I’ll not mess about this time; I’ll call for an ambulance. There was no real problem with the evacuation, though. It was normal for Trotsky Terence. He’s back with a vengeance. Cleaning up took a while. Carer Maryham arrived and got me sorted out. Bless her. She was just finishing the extra shift she was called in for. I hope she can get some rest now after helping out. It’s been a blessing this week when she’s called. I was committed to finishing yesterday’s blog and made an early start. I’ve explained my situation. Things just got more messy as the day went on. Carer Joanne did the midday call. I like her—she’s straight-natured and not pushy. We sure do have some good laughs with language. Hehehe!
It was well into the afternoon before I completed the Saturday blog. I posted it and emailed the links. Took this snap of the view on offer. Kodak worked! After hours of preparing the graphics for today, I felt a little proud of how well I was doing, but then I found the mess I’d made when saving the files. I’d been working on a caveman graphic and was so glad this one wasn’t lost. I plan to do more on it and make a few changes. The teatime Caregiver arrived. I don’t know his name unless it was Israel. The eyes were beginning to fade a stage and offer double vision. Ah, yes, it was Israel! He’s grown a moustache! I took a snap of him, and later on, it was on the SD card! Then I took his BP. Resulting in: SYS 119-DIA 132-Pulse 69-Temp35.5°. A good one. ‘Give Me Sunshine’, and out came the sun! Kodak Tim seemed to have gotten over his tiff for the moment. However, the snaps still have the blotches. The sun was very high in the sky. (Where else would you expect to find it? Haha!)
One of the shaving cuts didn’t want to stop bleeding. I dolloped on some more of the Brute aftershave. It stung a bit, but it seems to have stopped now. At least I smelt a bit sweeter afterwards. Hehe!
Carer Richard arrived as I was about to sort the meal out. His back was playing up a bit. I put some drinks in the fridge for him in the morning, which was nice and cool for him.
Preparing the Meal… I removed the dodgy Asda potato cubes, and got the few left into the oven. Shelled the pod peas. I watched some TV, football, I think. Well, it was on when I fell asleep, and another match was on when I woke up. Luckily, I’d put the oven on too low a heat. So, nothing burnt. Shortcrust pastry pastie. (Try saying that when you’ve had a few, Hahaha!), fresh pod peas, tomatoes and baked potato cubes. A Reet Treat!
I got the pots washed, and as I was doing so, I felt a warm, wet sensation in the lower regions; it was Little Inchies Fungal Lesion bleeding. I went to the wet room, washed, and applied the Daktarin. While there, I cleansed the skin and applied the new Barrier cream to the ginormously flabby, wobbly belly folds and underneath the armpits. I then needed to utilise the WC. What a flipping change this time! Trotsky was losing his dominance. It’ll be interesting on the morning visit. I decided against taking any anti-diarrhorea capsules. But did give both of the Cartilages and Arthur Itis knees a good rub-in Of the Phorpain™ Gel. My rear end was blessedly washed and medicated with the soothing Germoloids™ ointment.
Back to the computer to save everything to date, then put it in sleep mode.
Before climbing into bed… Yes, it’s not easy, but once in and adjusted, Sweet Morpheus is usually satisfied. The nocturnal catheter pouch was positioned, and then the regular frustrating routine began: Did I turn the taps (faucets) off? And close the fridge door? Turn off the cooker? Close the windows? Leave the lights on? I hate it when this doubting comes! I had no choice but to struggle out of the bed, get upright, carry the night pouch, get the walking stick, and do a mini-tour checking everything was safe and sound. Then, I struggled again to get into the bed! I reset the nocturnal catheter pouch, and as I settled again, I heard a noise from the kitchen – at least, I think it was from there. It must have been loud, else I would not have heard it! : I found that the washing-up bowl I dried after using had slipped off of the trolley I’d left it on. Hitting some spring water bottles on the floor, which had rolled around the kitchenette floor, with one of them bursting open! Arghhh! Naturally, to make more mess, it was only the bottle that was carbonated! So, I ended up retrieving the bottles and bowl and mopping the floor while carrying the Nocturnal catheter pouch, and the walking stick, gave way while I was doing this! My language was extremely volatile. It must have taken me two hours to get the kitchen back into a mock-acceptable state. My ingrowing toenails, knees, Harold’s Haemmorhoids, the ankle ulcer, and Little Inchies Fungal Lesion were all hurting.
I did take this Kodak of the night view earlier but forgot to put it on. Sorry about that.
By the time I wearily got back to the bed; then I faced climbing into it again—I was tired out, frustrated, and in a self-hating mode. I decided not to attempt the bed again, and I was convinced something else was going to disturb me, I plopped my rhinoceros-like body into the £300 second-hand shop bought, c1966. moth-eaten, bedraggled, grotty, cringingly-beige-coloured, much-dilapidated, crumb-containing from my nocturnal nibblings, bug-ridden, itch-inspiring, not working recliner. I’d left the small picker-upperer on the chair! I don’t need to tell you how painful it was or where it struck. On top of all the other ailments playing up after the workout in the kitchen. Once again, it was back to the medicine cabinet in the wet room. Cleaned the rear end up and applied some Daktacort this time. Back into the c1966, £300 pound, second-hand charity-shop bought, crumb-containing, odour-retaining, Harold’s Haemorrhoid-testing, nauseatingly beige-coloured, non-working, virus-breeding recliner. Initially, prevented any thought of getting to sleep. This was probably due to the joy and ebullient nature that must have been in, after her success at making my life hell! Well, as miserable as she can.
0600hrs: Naturally, the memory was blurry, but I could not work out why I still had my socks on and no nocturnal catheter pouch either. It may come back to me later. First, the apparently urgent need for the Porcelain Throne arose, and a response felt urgently needed, so I fumbled and fought my elephantine-bellied body up and out of the itch-creating, bruise-giving, catheter-tube-tugging, crumb-decorated from my nocturnal nibbling, God-awfully uncomfortable, cringingly grotty, no longer working, dirty beige, anti-sleep designed, c1966, second-hand bought for £300 twelve years ago from the charity shop in Sherwood, recliner. Although hobbling precariously quickly to the wet room, the urgency turned to panicky as the need got more urgent; I somehow found time to worry about my not having been sleeping in the bed? My mass of confused thoughts and fears were relieved by being replaced with an immediate emergency. I sat down just in time to keep the evacuated product contained and released while I was seated and not standing up! A near calamity was avoided! The evacuation process took maybe 3 seconds. Splugh, done! I emptied the day pouch again. It was a little dark in colour—and not a lot of it, either. If I was seeing okay, the amount indicated on the wee-wee jug showed 120ml. As Paul Daniels used to say, ‘Not a Lot! ‘ I started to have a wash, and Carer Marham arrived. She kindly shaved the back of my neck for me; bless her. Then, she swapped my socks for me. Medications and a little quick chinwag were enjoyed.
I took this snap through the balcony windows and tried to concentrate on blogging, but I was so far behind that it was unreal.
I nipped to get a cold drink from the fridge and realised I had not sorted out the waste bags yet.
So, I sorted them.
My mind was vague, with a tendency to wander off the subjects and forget the task at hand earlier. I don’t know why I bothered telling you that; it’s such a regular aspect of my life nowadays. Tsk!
Back to the blogging. I meandered of to make a brew of my favourite Glengettie tea. I took this snap of the left and right houses that have been facing work done for months on their improvement work. I’ve not seen any workers at either house for three months now.
The Morrison’s via Amazon food delivery arrived. I got the items put away. Amazingly, there was space left in the fridge, but not the freezer, which was crammed to capacity. I bought some more of the teeth cleaner wash, which was on offer at half-price! What a blessing these are. I no longer brush and break bits of teeth off and tear the dilapidating gums.
I had a minor problem with the box of four Jamaican Beef Patties. They were frozen! I’d got them for the Caregivers as a treat, but I thought they were fresh and had no room to store them in the freezer. Before I knew it, Caregiver Joanne arrived for the lunchtime call. She took them down to the staff room freezer. Kindness again! I got the bags into one bag, and they were taken down late for me later on.
I was so good, I thought. With only one potato to bake, I took one out and left it to bake later so I wasn’t tempted by the others in the food drawer. You see, moments of almost near clarity at times! The eyes began to offer weak and double vision. I knew I had to stop working on the computer, as I had not accomplished much of what I had intended. I can’t bring myself to stop, though. I love doing these things, reading, and commenting on others’ sites.
I watched a Euro football match. Well, I meant to. Instead, when the adverts came on at half-time, I sank into a deep, much-needed sleep. (Old photo used again, Hehehe!) I woke up with a jump as the right Ankle and Leg Electric Shocks kicked off. Off to the wet room I went. I think this evacuation was completed within three seconds as well! I took a couple of the invaluable Galpharm capsules. I’ve got to do something to try and stop the almost liquid flow that evacuated today! I’m feeling a smidge queezy with it.
I put the spud in the oven and sat down again to fall asleep again, watching the next Euro game. Zzzz! Yet again, I was woken up with a jump as the right Ankle and Leg Electric Shocks kicked off. The smell of the burnt potato in the oven caught my nose. I went to investigate. The skin on the red potato was like thick leather, hehe! The flesh was well overcooked. But no bother—it was easy on the teeth to eat, especially after I added a dollop of the tasty No-Butter, Butter, sea salt, and black pepper to the potato. I got the meal onto the plate and tray and wobbled back to the TV. BBQ’d porkpie, freshly podded peas, tomatoes and a well-so-well baked potato. No bread (The no bread is for Sister Jane, just in case she reads this, Hehehe!) Gorgeous! After I settled down after washing the pots, it dawned on me that the teatime Carer had not been. Or they had, and I’d not realised it. I couldn’t rely on my memory, so I checked the logbook. Yes, no one had called. Weekend again, I bet they were having trouble getting cover. But I dare not risk sorting the tablets myself. The late Carer, if one arrives, will issue them for me. Sweet Morpheus allowed me to yet once more fall asleep. A deep and very welcome sleep, even with me worrying over not getting far with the blog.
I was woken up by Carer Maryham leaning over me. (I enjoyed that, Haha!) I was in total confusion, though. Maryham explained that she had been called in to work to cover. I forgot to ask her to take the diabetic socks off and to put the Nocturnal Catheter pouch on. She was pleasant with me. Bless Her. I was still confused in the morning.
Carer Christopher arrived. Medications were issued, and he fitted the diabetic socks on my legs. He was aghast at the state of the leg ulcers. So much so that he took these Kodak Tiom shots of the ankles. No wonder I’d had a few extra electric shocks from them overnight. New scabs, spots, etc., and the ankles gave way occasionally over the day. It’s bad enough with & doing their giving-way moments to have me over.
Late morning dawning.
The drizzle continues. The mud-slide develops.
A box of medical equipment arrived via Vyne. I didn’t know what it was, but I assumed it was the catheter items that had been ordered for me.
Hello, the urine’s got a good flow. 400ml.
Over several hours, the rain persisted.
I pressed on with yesterday’s blog update.
I’m frustrated and disheartened by all my usual errors. Talk about working overtime. Grammarly was constantly popping up. I’d put things right, and seconds later, it came up with the same fault and different corrections to choose from.
Still, the urine comes. A smidge darker, and some bits of what I assume were my crumbling prostrate. Killed by the Finasteride tablets.
Gorgeous evening clouds.
Baked potatoes, tomatoes and red onion. I took this snap of the minimalistic meal. Then, I added some Frazzles to it. I tucked in with more relish than I had been lately. I added sea salt and No butter-butter to the potatoes. Why no meat? You may be asking? That’s because I made some sausages in the microwave and forgot about them. Until I found them in the morning. Humph! It could happen to any idiot, but often, it’s me who forgets. I’ve noticed this! I see a lot of things, you know. But I tend to forget more things that need remembering, more time than not, or should that be done? Erm?
I was washing the pots when the sinking sun suddenly appeared. I fetched Kodak Tim and took these red-eye photographs of the beautiful scene. Mother Nature was at her finest. Unfortunately, the glowing sun scene reminded me of Pucking Putin’s threats! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 04:15hrs: The start of what was going to be a busy day. I got the nocturnal pouch off of the catheter, and my mind wandered to last afternoon’s computer cock-up with the unknown message that informed me that WordPress could not access Jetpack, whatever that is, and would not let me save my work. Heres the wakkle that filled across the screen each time I tried to save the blog… I was washing last night’s things in the sink and had to stop. I needed to know if WordPress would work again, so I got the computer on, added a bit, and then tried to save it. Goodness Gracious Me—it did! I got all excited and got on with doing the work I’d done yesterday, again, as it was lost into the ether when Jetpac interrupted me so rudely. A long slog, but Putin may take the bother away shortly. Many hours later, got up to where I was before (yesterday) and realised I’d not taken a single photo yet, so I thought I should, so I went off to the kitchen. Would you believe this… I’d left my hot water tap (faucet) to run cold! My joy and excitement at finding the miracle of WordPress working faded to pointlessness. Boy, I was so angry with myself. This was made worse by the fact that I had no had a wash or shave, never mind a shower, in my haste to check the computer. Not a good start to the day anymore!
I did take one photo, mind you. I’d hoped to get the two houses being reroofed and extended together—the left and right dwellings. I may not be checking very often, but I can’t recall seeing any worker at either house all week. Carer Shaquille arrived. After I got my medications done and my socks fitted, I got back to Google and blogging. Another two hours or so later, the Iceland order arrived. The first photo was taken as I was putting the food away on the right. Fancy drinks and a Pina Colada for the treats. Kitchen towels, salt, and how kind of Iceland. They sent part flattened, part squashed wholemeal sliced cobs. The bag they were at the bottom of had bleach and a large bottle of tomato ketchup on top of the cobs. Humph! The second photo shows grated strong cheeses, a Cornish pastie, and a few beef slices on the offer price, which looked very nice on the packet, but they had also been pre-mangled. Next snap; the Warburtons sliced Milk Rolls had been manhandled and misshaped in advance, too! The 8 large pork sausages, I was most surprised when I made the order; over £1-50 off of the normal price; great, I thought. Putting them in the fridge, I realised their use date was today! Iceland certainly conned and mistreated me today. I felt more than a smidge irked by being treated like this. I struggled to get the chips and bread into the freezer. A lot of taking out of and reshuffling was needed, but I eventually got them all in. A lot of bits and mess from the freezer drawers fell out on the floor while making room. I took the made-up waste bag to the front door and back to check the kitchen. The floor needed to be hoovered and mopped again. Iceland… Grrr! Had a massive-long ‘Out-Of-It’ Carer arrived, then Carer Kara, that much I know. But recalling what happened is impossible. Hazey, confused, and uncertain about anything. When the ladies left, I was still working on the blog, but it felt as if I’d been sleeping, nodding off all the time. I did once mention this to a nurse, who patiently listened to me as kept looking at her wristwatch. I think I gave up. It was Carer Israel’s turn to call. I gave him some drink and nibbles of his choice. I’m sure I was nattering to him all the while once he’d finished the medications, but what of?
I pressed on with the blog, but all the breaks along with the Mind Blanks, meant when I got back on WordPress, there were so many errors, it pee’d me off! I stopped to take these two views of the amazing sky. I got the sausages out ready for when the oven heats up. I opened the packet of chopped tomatoes, put them in the saucepan, and salted them, adding a bit of basil to tang them up. Saved all the work and closed down the computer
