Category: The Nottingham Lads True Tales of Woe

Inchcock Today: Monday 27th March 2017

1Mon03

Monday 27th March 2017

Italiano: Lunedi 27 Marzo 2017

Up late 0445hrs. Feeling fatigued, enfeebled, wearily tired and with so many ailments and pains, I could hardly believe it myself. Shattered and feeling so depressed.

The memories from the dreams I’d had in my marathon sleep session were not pleasant either. I think I must have had at least 7½ hours kip, a lot for me.

As soon as I moved to get out of the £300 second-hand on-its-last-legs recliner, the innards started rumbling away, and nothing else mattered other than to get to the porcelain throne ASAP!

In my panic to do this, as I stood up I trod on the headphones. The torch and TV remote thingy fell onto the floor, and I stubbed my big toe against the Ottoman footstool, and then again, against the wet-room door as I scrambled in, then hit my already bruised elbow from yesterday’s Accifauxpa on the cabinet as I sat down!

The evacuation was over in seconds, with much blood loss from Haemorrhoid Harold as well. I cleaned everything and myself up, and plonked myself back down on the throne; Feeling right sorry for me! I think all my common ailments were acting up, apart from Arthur Itis wh0 was little bother this morning – the elbow I clouted when I fell backwards over the Ottoman yesterday was stinging a bit too. I took a few second to try and compose myself.

Into the kitchen to make a brew and take the medications. This was when I realised I had not taken last nights doses or had a meal yesterday? No wonder I feel so rotten.

I’d planned to do the laundry this morning, but it was too late to get a machine by now. So I got the computer on and found an email from Sister Jane. She informed me that Arthur had been put to sleep.

Email: “Poor old Arthur is no more, but lovely Vet was so kind. Pete gave him a kiss before he went (not the Vet).
Arf had a lump on his side and had lost a lot of weight and being almost 20, we all decided the inevitable had to be done. They wrapped him in a lovely blanket and Pete dug a grave next to his Mum and Sister in the back garden.
Strange now only 21yr old Fooey Posh Cat and Alberto (about 8yrs).
Sending v.last pic of Arthur on his cushion on the floor as he couldn’t jump up on his fav chair anymore.”

Poor Jane and Pete. I feel so for them. Had a little sob.

By now, I felt horribly down, discouraged and pessimistic about life. The bank problems and the Bully problems joined the health ones in going around and around in my head. I don’t know how long I sat there in a dream world of disturbingly confusing thoughts.

Never felt like this before!

Got a good stab of pain from Duodenal Daniel, into the kitchen to get a healthy swig of the rather ineffective medicine, and saw the street lights going out below.

Somehow, I associated this with my life as it is today? I’m sure at this time I was going to sink even lower in spirits… down to the next level of incapability, a resignation, the need for Nepenthe… Luckily, as I was dropping to this level, things suddenly felt not so bad. I thought of the family members of the victims of the terror atrocities, the children, old and young dying in the bombs… and I felt so ashamed of myself.

I’m not saying there was sudden bright light and I felt elevated or anything like that, just that I stopped feeling sorry for myself, and felt a little guilty for doing so in the first place.

By gum that was an intense few moments of writing from me? Sorry about that.

Got yesterday’s diary completed and started this one off up to here.

Did some blogging followed by Facebooking.

Carried out the ablutionisationing, put some antiseptic cream on my battered elbow and dressed ready to catch the L9 bus into town to look at the cameras on offer at Jessops Camera Store.

Took the rubbish bags, four of them today, cause yesterday I wasn’t up to bothering. (Shame indeed!). To the refuse chute on the way down to the foyer.

Hat a gossip with some residents also waiting to go out for the bus of their choice.

The Newcastle Lady from the 14th floor told us that the L8 bus is stopping the service next or this week !?!?! We don’t know it this is for the period of the updating the flats (Mind you, that is going to take a minimum of two years and six months!) Or if it is being deleted permanently? Not good news that!

Got into town and walked straight to the Jessop Camera store on Clumber Street.

Where I succumbed to the selling skills of an annoyingly young fit looking assistant with hair. Haha!

Ended up by buying a Nikon Coolpix B700 – ANIKOCMO 85282559 camera.

Well, that’s what the receipt says anyway.

I tried to remember the tips kindly given me by Timothy Price, an expert on these things. Being reduced on special offer might have tainted my choice, but the main thing was, the bloke said this one had the highest zoom at X60. I think he said it was a ‘Bridge Camera’, not aware of what this means; I’ll try to remember to look it up later.

I tried to remember the tips kindly given me by Timothy Price, an expert on these things. And, I think I understood some of the things he said, thanks to the advice and tips given me by Tim. Thanks, to Timothy Price.

Being reduced on special offer might have tainted my choice, but the main thing was, the bloke said this one had the highest zoom at X60.

I plodded down to and through the Slab Square to the M & S store and up to the Gentlemen’s outfitting department.

Where I bought some braces and a pair of comfortable looking cotton jammies.

Down the escalator’s, I went into the food section in the basement. Coming out with some Lamb Stew meals and a small loaf of batch bread.

Leaving the store, I  gave a Big Issue Seller a bit of cash. Oh, the look on her poor face as she was totally being ignored, got to me.

I decided to go to the Primark store to see if they had any cheaper braces in stock so as to treat myself to another pair. They did not have any in. So I checked the timing for the bus and decided I had time to go to Victoria Centre and get some nuts and have a look around the market.

Leaving Primark, I came across another Big Issue Seller; he was so obviously trying to look cheerful I gave him a bit of cash too. If I saw any more of these poor soles, I’d have to avoid them, or I’d go broke. Haha!

To Upper Parliament Street and over the walkway into the place. Got some nuts and a pair of trousers cause they were 27″ leg, and I don’t often see them this size, just my barrow too!

Left by the same route. The canned tinny music as normal, the leaking roof with buckets and a warning sign near them at the end of the passageway, the flakes of cheap paint dropping down looking like small leaves.

Had a hobble around with the now cumbersome and full bags hindering my progress. I know, it’s my fault! Huh!

I timed it well as it happened, arriving at the bus stop and taking this photograph at midday.

The L9 was due at five past the hour.

I enjoyed a little chinwag with a lady at the bus stop.

Getting on the bus, the heavier of the two bags slipped but being the fit quick wizard that I am; I caught it before it fell onto the floor… clouting my damaged elbow on the door edge as I did. Humph!

Toyed with a crossword en route, off the bus, and up to the flat and into the porcelain room. Checked things out, and found the blood had been flowing again. Change of clothes, a wash-up and into the kitchen to put the kettle on. I thought how annoying it was that I overslept for the first time ever, and had no time to do the laundry, now I was getting short of clean clothes due to the extra dirty clothes thanks to the bleeding starting once more. I really must get my head down quick tonight, so I can rise early in the morning and get the laundry done!

Not having a lot of good luck the last few days. But still, no complaints from me (I lie! Hehe!)

Got the food away, new apparel and put the new camera away ready for later, when I hope to have the time and concentration to work out how to set it up, and it works.

But, while storing the box with the new camera, I thought it best if I was to put it on charge.

That did it, I got all confused. The charging plug was in three pieces. I had bits and pieces I cold not identify and didn’t know how to fit the strap. Got the booklet, tiny print.

Got it on charge an hour or so later, but no lights or whatever showing. Tried to use the camera, nothing happened.

Eventually, I realised after opening it, there was no battery in it. Back to the box and found it. Fitted it and put one of the old SD cards in.

Ah, it was charging now. Unplugged and took a photograph of the radio in the kitchen to try out.

The real test will come when I try to get a distance shot later.

Well, it works!

Put it back onto charge, took the photo.

The green ring light was flashing on and off. I assumed that means it is nearly charged?

Must keep my eye on this. Don’t want to spoil the new battery now, do I?

I got the mushrooms in the saucepan of water, added some Soy Mushroom Sauce them simmering.Put some chips in the oven.

Put some chips in the oven.

Updated this blog up to here.

Checked the TV magazine to what to watch, lots of interest tonight. But the eyelids were growing heavy, and I knew the chances of any viewing would be rather slight. 

Got the fodder ready.

Cooked meat, cheeses, beetroot, mushrooms and chips. Not cooked enough, but there you go… further proof I’m not a cook or chef. Hehe!

Best I could grant this effort score-wise was a 5/10.Took the medications and tended to Haemorrhoid Harold’s discharge.

Took the drugs and tended to Haemorrhoid Harold’s discharge.

Got the goggle-box on and managed to stay awake for a full programme.

Yet another weird dream. I was flying (literally) all over the world (in seconds) trying to bring peace and harmony. Of course, I failed, then I decided I had no option other than to blow-up the Earth and hung in space watching the explosion. Felt pleased that I’d eradicated the violence, hatred, greed and animosity… then I faded out of the dream – and believe it, cause it’s true – I found myself in a TV commercial for Fairy Snow soap powder as a women doing the washing, but singing the 1962 Pepsodent toothpaste jingle ♫ “You’ll wonder where the yellow went – When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent!” ♫

I woke again and realised I’d only been sleeping for few minutes? How can one do so much in a dream in seconds? Anyway, I know I wrote down all about this dream cause I found it on the pad in the morning.

I couldn’t get this tune out of my head!

TTFN.

Insanity has arrived in my brain!

Inchcock Today: Sunday 26th March 2017: Whoopsiedangleplop and Accifauxpa!

Sunday 26th March 2017

Swahili: Jumapili Machi 26, 2017

Must have been tired, well, I was so tired last night. Didn’t nod off until gone midnight and then kept waking up regularly. When I stirred once more around 0500hrs by then, I disentangled myself from the £300 second-hand recliner and took the dirty pots things with me into the kitchen, got them put them in to soak in the sink.

Made a strong brew of Thompson’s full flavour tea and took the medications.

While drinking this, I sorted out next weeks dosage pots.

The tea had gone cold by the time this was completed.

So I made another mug of tea and took a photographicalisation from the kitchen window facing East towards the City.

A tad hazy this morning, the streets below having more parked vehicles than normal reminded me it was a Sunday.

It looked lovely out there, but it was only 60°f inside the flat? I had the heating on, and it was working alright?

The need for a heavy duty session on the porcelain throne presented itself, so off to the wetroom. Oh dear, things were different this time; Haemorrhoid Harold was been bleeding badly during the night. Had to clean up and cream certain areas, change clothes and get the used ones into soak with antiseptic disinfectant. Bad leak this one, had to clean the wetroom and porcelain too. This, along with a great soreness from Little Inchy, put me on a downer.

Made yet another mug of tea, determined to drink this one! Hehe!

Got the computer on and finished yesterday’s post and sent it off.

Sneezing a bit then. I opened the curtains to reveal that I’d left the flipping window open all night!

Took a photo through it before closing it and despite the bad start to the day, I had to admire the view and appreciated living here once more.

I thought I was coping well with things this morning.

Then… Whoopsiedangleplop!

As I stepped away from closing the window, I fell backwards over the ruddy Ottoman storage box – come foot stool, hitting my elbow as I landed in a heap entangled in the now crushed Ottoman storage box with its rather damaged packs of nibble fodder.

Gingerly I eventually got up, shook-up a bit but soon recovered. Sorted out and threw away the damaged food, cleaned the cover and the box, the carpet and myself.

So glad I bought the cordless vacuum cleaner now. As I was doing around the area I heard a clunking noise and investigated when I emptied the machine, to see if I’d picked up a coin or something.

I found a toenail clipping and a granite hard garden pea in there! Hehe!

Took the photo of the Ottoman and it’s cover and realised I’d missed some bits (bottom left) They turned out to be more toenail clippings. Got the hoover out again, and that hurt the elbow. Humph!

As I started to create this blog, I had the stab under the fingernail and now the clouted elbow giving me grief as I typed, not to mention the Haemorrhoid Harold’s stinging away at my lower region. Not one of my best starts to a day, but I’ve had far worse.

So, I think it was the third mug of tea now that had gone cold and undrunken. Back to the kitchen to make another mug. In the distance, I could see a tree with its blossom blooming and had to take a photograph of it.

I bet the house owner’s neighbours aren’t too keen on it, as it is sure to cover their cars with petals of blossom later? Haha!

I felt drained already now, and it’s only 0825hrs.

Did some WordPress reading and made some comments on other folks work/blogs.

Went onto Facebook and got carried away with it.

Finished the latest TFZer graphic for Marie and Lyzzi and friend Mary.

Posted to each of their Facebook pages, suggesting it might make a good Caption Competition.

Very tired and a bit dizzy now. I’ll have a sit down with a cuppa I think.

TTFN, back in a bit.

Didn’t wake up until 0445hrs Monday!

Inchcock Today: Saturday 25th March 2017

Saturday 25th March 2017

Estonian: Laupäev 25 märts, 2017

Stirred around 0245hrs, the dirty dinner plate on the next chair, notes about a dream on the arm of it and desperate for a heavy duty session on the porcelain.

Untangled my ever increasing body mass from the delicate and rickety £300 second-hand recliner chair and off to the porcelain throne. Once again, no bleeding from the front or rear… I’m beginning to worry about Haemorrhoid Harold, Hehe!

Got the dirty pots washed up, made a brew and took the medications, then trimmed the carrots and got them into the slow cooker with Mushroom Soy Sauce.

Performed the Health Checks. All looking good here too!

Perused the scribbled notepaper, and found I’d been dreaming apparently, about an underground fight with gigantic earthworms… or was it that I was shrunken? Whichever, after the conflict I found myself in a room being interviewed by, well some secret service type people I reckon, they were not messing about, and I was bloodied and battered during the conversation about my not renewing my TV licence? The words Linctus and Doormat (I think that is what I’d written) on the paper meant nothing to me?

Got on and spent the next two and a half hours or more, sorting yesterday’s mammoth diary and got it posted off. A long busy day, leaving me with photographicalisation to sort and post as well as recall all that had happened… mind you, seeing the photos helped me.

The view out of the window was almost pretty, with the sun coming up and creating shadows over the houses.When I took the photo, I thought I could see an aeroplane on the right, but it seems to have disappeared?

When I took the picture, I thought I could see an aircraft on the right, but it appears to have gone?

Guess what? I’ll tell yers… I went into the other room to do the weighing of my fat frame, and I found the missing camera! Perfectly naturally and to be expected, it was in the laundry bag! Huh?

Oh heck! Back up again by more than it went down yesterday! Humph!

But all the other reading seemed about right and no surprises.

Even the pulse had gone down nicely. Add the fact that Haemorrhoid Harold and Little Inchy had not been bleeding and Arthur Itis was so kind this morning, even after yesterday’s struggle in town. And Duodenal Donald had eased too, things were looking good I thought – That was before I tested the carrots again and managed without any bother to stab myself between the fingernail and finger with the sharp end knife!

Someone (Well a lot of folks) have said I am too much of a pessimist. Here is proof, or one of the root causes that I am one. Every time I start to get that dreaded feel-good factor in my life… Mr Thatservesyouright visits me. Humph, Hehe!

It’s a good job I’m used to it, or I could get discouraged you know!

Started this diary off, then did some WordPressing.

Did some Facebooking then.

Got the ablutions tended to, in time I hope, to catch the first bus at 1030hrs into Sherwood. Missed the bus, so walked down to Sherwood.

Limping along Chestnut Walk passing the vehicles and on the right, I fell in love with a single Daisy. All on her own she was. I had a chat with her. Hopefully, no one realised this.

Onto Winchester Street Hill. Halfway down I took this photograph below left, and near the bottom the second photograph.

These represent the beauteousness weather and the wonder of nature.

Also, that Arthur Itis was still kind to my knees and ankles as I poddled along slowly but fairly comfortable this afternoon down to the shops.

Arrived at the Continental Food Store and invested in some of my favourite Roast Belly Pork with herbs and garlic, and two slices of another belly pork that looked good, without herbs. A small sliced Continental loaf and a jar of garden peas and carrots with flavouring.

Arthur was beginning to affect the fingers for some reason.

I lazily strolled very slowly up the hill on Mansfield Road and called into the Wilko store to get some disposable razors. I left with the blades, a Citrus body deodorant for men (Of course, Hehe!) some disposable oven trays, Vitamin B complex tablets, and electrical extension lead with four sockets with on/off controls on each and one more of the Pure Citrus fresh air without water sprays at half-price, £1.50!

As I was taking the change from the helpful lady serving me, the damned fingers froze. I had to walk further up the road to the bus stop with the receipt, and a fiver stuck firmly in my grasp! Tried to prise them out and the receipt got torn in half, but the five-pound note was okay as the fingers relented and loosened their grip of steel.

Roy was at the bus-stop and had a right laugh over my fingers declaring independence, as he said. But it was a hard conversation as we had both not got out hearing aids in. What a pair we are!

Chinwag with Roy and back to the flat. Wee-wee, put the things away and made a cuppa and onto the computer to update this diary and do some work on graphicalisationing.

And there I remained for seven hours. The result (below):

Very late by the time I’d got it finished, and I was so tired, but semi-pleased with the resulting graphicalisation.

Got the nosh ready. The red carrots cooked in the crock-pot with mushroom soy sauce were appetising, the belly pork divine with the beetroot cheeses and pickled eggs.

Lemon Fool to follow with a banana.

I devoured it with relish and settled into the £300 second-hand recliner with a mug of tea and digested the evening medications, rather later than usual with the good strong Yorkshire tea brew.

The finger I had stabbed down the nail with the paring knife in the picture on the left seemed to smile at me with a metallic glint that said threateningly; “I’ll get you again Inchcock…Hehehe!”

I knew then that I was either overtired or going bonkers… perhaps both?

I repeatedly drifted off for a few minutes, woke, realised the programme had finished, drifted off again, realised the prog… you get the picture. The mind was seemingly over-active, and I have no idea when I eventually nodded off proper-like, but it was well after midnight.

I must remember tomorrow to add some of the Polish half-rye-half wheat Sourdough bread to my order for next Wednesday.

I did wake momentarily during a dream. I lay trying to remember it, but nothing there in the memory of any details.

Inchcock: Friday 24th March 2017

Friday 24th March 2017

Luxembourgish: Freideg 24. Mäerz 2017

Woke around 0400hrs, the mind in a twisted contorted demented condition. Mixed sentiments, ranging twixt utter fear, contentment, panic, admiration and confusion. I lay back on the £300 second-hand recliner for a good while trying to rearrange, organise these rambling thoughts into logicality, make sense of them and fight some of them off. I felt the nerves were winning the battle.

Around 0440hrs, I dismounted the recliner, seeing some notes I must have made from the dreams, placed it near the computer to look at later, there were no memories of any dream, just the scribbled notes

Into the kitchen, via a wee-wee in the WC, made
a mug of strong tea and took the medications.

Did the health checks, the pulse was well and truly high, I didn’t do the weighing of my aged flobby-body. Decided I could not face another disappointment at this moment.

Decided I could not face another disappointment at this time. Hehe!

Took a photograph from the kitchen window.

Finished yesterday’s diary off and got it posted to WordPress.

Checked the email, and one from Sister Jane brought me some more sad news. She is taking Arthur the cat, to the veterinary today, in anticipation that he will recommend him being put down. All thin, but Jane says he is eating well?

She sent this last photo of him in their garden. I hope she doesn’t mind me putting on here, but a picture can say so much more than words sometimes?

I bet poor Jane is in turmoil about which route to take. So much love and joy shared between them.

I cried to myself for Jane and Arthur. Done a bit of that recently, crying. The atrocity in London, Olive’s suffering… The memories cannot be taken away. The Vet might decide Arthur can carry on a while longer, best to take his advice. Poor Jane.

I went into the kitchen to make another drink, again via the WC for another wee-wee (?).

Noticed the sharp change in the view from earlier, so decided to post them both together below.

Did some graphic preparation and then saw the scribble about the dream on the pad about the dream, so took a look at it: Many of my words were undecipherable I’m afraid. Mighty gale – died. Alone, pitifull. Hate. Orange beast, electricity and woeful were the only things I could read?

Carried out the second health checks:

The Pulse seems a bit high still, but I was well pleased with the weight!

I could not find the camera anywhere?

So had to resurrect an old little one, search for batteries and find a card to use.

Had a search all over for the newer camera, for an hour almost, without any luck.

An absolute mystery to me? Very annoyed with myself again! Humph! I’ll need an afflatus to solve this one!

Facebooked for a while.

Then did some blogging.

Got the ablutions tended to, wrapped up and set off to catch the L9 bus into town to look into buying a camera to replace the lost Lumix one. Missed the bus.

Walked up by the Copse and down through Woodthorpe Grange Park, then up and over and down the hill into Sherwood and caught a bus into town.

The weather was grand, proper summer like.

Sherwood was busy but with vehicles not many shoppers or pedestrians about today again.

The bus was full, and the passengers seemed to be in a talkative mood between themselves… or maybe the hearing aids had started working better?Dropped off the bus and walked

It’s odd that, how sometimes I can’t hear any gossip and another, like today, I could actually pick up bits of the people’s conversations.

Dropped off the bus on Upper Parliament Street and walked down Queen Street.

Took what turned out to be a reasonable photo of the Council House with its flag at half-mast.

Walked across the Slab Square, having to dodge between a street guitarist, a Muslim preacher, a Christian preacher, a Big Issue Seller (slipped him a quid) a penny whistle-blowing chap in a wheelchair and a large group of students protesting about something or other. And noticed that the closed-down clothes shop was now a 24-hour

Noticed that the closed-down clothes shop was now a 24-hour Burger King eatery.

Just what Nottingham needs that.

Three independent cafes, two… no, three coffee shops, two McDonalds, Cosmo Authentic World

Down Exchange Walk

Kitchen, a Hungry Pumpkin, Loch Fyne Fish Restuarant, Bills, Wimpy, Hart’s, several pizza places, eleven Coffee Shops, Two Fish & Chip shops, Bennies, three Indian Restaurants, two Chinese, two Turkish.

Plus two Maryland Chicken, an Amigos, Patisserie Valerie, two French restaurants, Chinese, Slug & Lettuce, two Italian, Greek. Five Subways… all within a minute’s walk (Well, three minutes for me, Hehe!) not to mention the 15 or so pubs that sell food and the many others I can’t remember – just what Nottingham needs another eatery! 

Oh, I forgot there are the mobile eateries scattered all over the place too.

Hobbled down Exchange Walk and through a lot of folk lecturing and preaching outside the church and Marks and Sparks (No one was listening to them mind).

Went into that store and had a wonder around the Menswear department – a mistake that, or at least rather damaging to the bank balance as it turned out. I spotted in a partly hidden corner, some racks of attire that were either To Clear or Reduced in Price.

Hobbled around and came out with three pairs of trousers and a thick shirt for winter. Carrying the carrier bags with me as well, I wondered over to look at the things on the proper price shelving and racks. A few minutes later I was struggling as the clobber being carried over my arm stopped the blood flow, and the left arm froze and ached a bit.

I asked a lady assistant in the ladies clothing side if she would mind me taking a photo or two of the ladies dressing gowns, as I was hoping to treat Olive when she comes out of the hospital after her operation to one.I thought it best if I show her photographs first to see if she

I thought it best if I show her pictures first to see if she liked any of them first. She allowed me and even held a floral version of the white one while I took the picture. Was kind of her that.

This one was thin but warm.

Back to the gents attire, “Are You Being Served?”

Bought and paid for Lycra Cord Trousers, Honeycomb Trousers?, Borg Shakett trousers all on Sale Price, Value Linen Trousers, Linen Trouser, Value Chino Trousers. They should see out. Took the names from the receipt.

Made my way out, well I meant to. Couldn’t find the down escalator, went the wrong way and I found myself back in the Mens Attire section again – this proved to be an expensive Whoopsiedangleplop. Because I spotted, they had some Loose Fitting Cotton Boxer undies and some nice thick socks with strengthened toes and heel parts. Joined the queue at the pay desk again. This receipt said I’d bought: Tile Print, Tonal Ombre Pack and a 7PP Htooth Sole?

The total spent on this days visit, first load £131.00, second £48.00. Oh, dear me! Tsk! Both receipts informed me that I have only until 24/04/2017 to return any of the On Sale goods for exchange.

It only took me around ten minutes or so to find the way out, then walked down towards the Broad Marsh shopping Centre. After noticing the new eatery earlier, as I hobbled along Albert Street/Lister Gate to the centre, I counted the fooderies on that street.

I was surprised to see only four and the mobile Hot Potato van, although many of the shops had eateries inside of course.And Broad Marsh had a good few to pick from too.

And Broad Marsh had a good few to pick from too.

At first, I thought there were two of the Costa coffee places within yards of each other. Closer inspection revealed that the distant one was closed down. I think in a desperate move by the Council, they are offering rate reductions to anyone moving into retail property there – so Costa may have moved to get the tax free perks?

I wandered in the Shopping Centre (Mall), and it was so depressing with the closed down shops (Although the eateries seemed plentiful).

 I came out and made my way back up to the City Centre Slab Square.

The afternoon sun provided me with an opportunity to take some shadow photographs.

The weather remained summerish.

I hobbled around the square amidst the most appalling gathering of foul-mouthed yobboes I’ve come across in ages on Lister Gate.

Obviously, I did not take any images of these foreign speaking gentlemen with their cans of XXX lager and threatening defiant attitudes.

The nearby imitation police officers did not seem interested. I can understand this to some degree.

If they did approach them, they would claim to know no English, and if the police took any details, they would have difficulty in spelling Celestyn Wiśniewski, have to get an interpreter on their mobiles and actually do something other than fine people for dropping a nub end or parking on a double yellow line for 20 seconds. Can’t have that, can we?

The street musician on the end of Queen Street had a lot of admirers as he twanged his, to me, horrible sounding guitar. He was trying to play classic style music, but it came out far too clangy if that’s the word. Mind you, I am tone deaf so he could have been playing good or got his friends to film him for Facebook. No one donated any money while I was there, though.

A while before the bus was due, I popped into Debenham’s to compare their prices with the ones I’d bought at Marks & Sparks. I got down into the menswear in their basement and spotted a rack, just one, with To Clear goods on it. They had sets of jammies there, reduced to only £49! What, £49 and on offer to explain! I eventually found the way out and limped up to the last L9 bus stop.

Had a chinwag with a lady there. She lives on Winchester Street, used Yorkshire tea bags and was intent on having a brew as soon as she gets in, she was weary. We discussed getting old and how we can’t do what we used to. Lovely lady. 

Said cheerio to her as I got off the bus, waved to her when I made my way to flats. Where a heavy duty session on the porcelain revealed no bleeding from either back or front. Pleased with that.

I decided I’d have Meg-Super sandwiches for tonight, got carried away and added some other bits. The sandwiches in production and the nosh prepared!

Carrot and Parsnip puffs, Marmite crisps, vinegar pea-rice, a banana and a Lemon Curd yoghourt. 9.64/10, super delicious it was! Ate it all as well, no wonder the weight had gone on Saturday morning. The pig motiff on the paper towel was most apt! Tsk!

Remembered I’d forgotten to look at the cameras today. Huh!

Got the TV on and fell asleep.

TTFN all.

Inchcock: Thursday 23rd March 2017

Thursday 23rd March 2017

Tamil: வியாழக்கிழமை 3 வது மார்ச் 2017

Got out of the wobbly shaking unbalanced £300 second-hand recliner and off to the porcelain room. Very little sleep again last night.

I pondered on the dream, Olive’s condition and the banking fiasco, I felt more down than I have done for a good while. The thought of the Thursday Tenants Social Hour did not cheer me up.

Still, no bleeding again this morning. I got the nibbles and prizes for the Social Hout raffle ready.

Made a brew, took the medications and did the first Health Check.

Finished off and posted Wednesday’s Inchcock Today, did some graphicalisationing and started this one off.

Sneezing a bit this morning.

Worked on the graphics some more for hours.

Viewed the news about the cowardly killer in London. Words cannot help coming from me this time, or next time. Sadness is in my heart. I will try my best not to refer to this again in my blogs, it hurts so. Sorry.

Did my ablutions and readied the things, the raffle prizes and nibbles, for the Social Hour and set off, taking the glass jars to the recycling bin on the way. Everyone there seemed determined to have a good time this morning. Defiance I think? No one mentioned anything other than normal.

I gave 94-year-old Eddy a loaf of Polish bread, and he seemed happy to get it, bless him. Gave my raffle tickets to 86-year-old Bill (William on Sundays) and felt tickled pink when he won five prizes. I’ll give them (the raffle tickets) to some else next week. I enjoyed a few decent nattering sessions on the day.

Back to the flat and got the things in the bag to go to see the new Bank Manager in Sherwood. I’d got a new ID letter from the Council, but felt very confused as to what I was doing. I could do with some help really. I knew I had to try out the old replacement card from the old bank to make sure it worked. And I wanted to get clarification about what further ID was required. The new statement from the State Pension people had not yet, arrived.

I met some new tenants on my way out. Two of them spoke and talked, the other was a bit aloof. Maybe through his being new?

To the end of the road, taking a lovely photo of the dock leaves and nettles coming into bloom.

Despite everything going on, I do appreciate the new growth that the coming of Spring brings with it.

Just up the road a bit, I saw such beauty again in one of the tree’s roots and gave myself a moment or two admiring nature as I had not done before I moved into this flat and the amazing scenery and greenery that surrounds it.

I thought my struggle with the ailments, the bank and the depression are nothing compared to nature’s beauty in it’s fight each and every year.

I turned the corner and down Winchester Street toward Sherwood, and took yet another photographicalisation that I found remarkable.

Pressed on hobbling down and over Mansfield Road and into the bank.

Joined the queue and tried to sort my brain out with what I had to ask. When my turn came, I approached the lady and asked if it was possible for me to have a word with the manager. I was informed he was away on holiday this week but would be back next week on Tuesday. I could have cried after all that effort sorting the paperwork and getting my head around things!

I departed after having a little none-insulting moan, to the lady.

Out and tried the card in the ATM, it accepted the old code, so at least I know I can get to the money now. I had feared the card might have gotten swallowed up by the machine. All were working.

Crossed over and down the hill and went into the Polish shop and got a small continental loaf and some roast belly pork with herbs.

Then up the hill and went into Wilko and bought Dettol, Lavender Antiseptic Disinfectant (Excellent value at £2 a bottle), Citrus Men’s Deodorant Even better value at 50p a small spray), Spectacle cleaner Not cheap, but very good, and a pot of Cod liver oil capsules Good value at 85p.

Out and up the hill, over the top and down to the entrance to Woodthorpe Grange Park and through the gates, up the path.

The day was windy but not cold, and the sunshine, hazy at times was very pleasant.

Very few pets or people about as I entered.

The coming lush greenery was a pleasure to behold.

A few hundred yards up the footpath and lady overtook me., then a Footpath Cyclist appeared

Then a Footpath Cyclist appeared at the top of the hill coming in my way direction.By the time I’d got my camera out.

By the time I’d got my camera out, he almost level with me.

This chap was definitely a candidate for the next Olympics. Give him credit, he did move to the other side of the path in time as he flashed by.

The top of the hill as I turned right to go down by the Copse and the gravel footpath where I met 94-year-old Eddy feeding the birds the other day, the ground was mud covered and soggy?

I suppose there will be a logical, rational reason for this quagmire? But I can’t see why it was so at that moment?

I got into the flat and made use of the porcelain. Still no bleeding from either Little Inchy nor Haemorrhoid Harold. I was doing so well again healthwise. Only Anne Gyna was giving me much stick, even Duodenal Donald had eased off. So, no grievance in this department today.

I called Olive, gave it plenty of time ringing in case she was not moving very well, but no answer. I hope she is okay.

Updated this diary for an hour or two. Then tried ringing Olive again. Same situation, I am fretting, a bit now.

Did some Facebooking.

Finished off the latest TFZer Film Production graphic, from Sandie Lentz Films.

Tried to make it a little surreal with putting things from different time periods on it.

Reasonably happy with it.

Rang Olive and got an answer. She was having family call and stay with her, so didn’t want me to visit her until Monday at the earliest. I felt so pleased she was getting help, especially from her loving family, but a little weakly sorry for myself that I could not call to see her, but I did understand, and she managed to tell me off a bit, and that’s a good sign.

With mixed emotions, but gladness that she is home and sounding a bit better, I got the meal prepared.

Mushroom pate, beetroot, belly pork with herbs, soft and cheddar cheese, vegetable stuffing slices, pickled egg, soy mushrooms and some Marmite crisps. And bread and real butter. Followed by a luxury lemon curd yoghourt and a banana.

I couldn’t eat it all. But enjoyed what I did eat.

Suddenly feeling drained, I got the TV on (DVD still not working again, humph!) and promptly fell asleep.

TTFN all.

Inchcock Today: Tuesday 21st March 2017- Whoopsiedangleplop Ridden!

Tuesday 21st March 2017

Finnish: Tiistai 21 maaliskuu 2017

During the night, I thought I had woken and written down some notes about the dream I’d been having… When I woke and stirred at 0325hrs, I could find no note – perhaps I’d imagined I’d dreamed of making the record?

So I got out of the £300 second-hand shaking and shuddering recliner chair (Like myself, I don’t think it has long left, Hehe) took off the wonderfully warm cover and the cushions and searched all over for it, in the certainty that I actually did write it. Guess what I found? Think food…

Yes, another of the escaped and hidden garden peas from when I dropped the dinner plate last week.

Rock hard it was. I had to smile to myself! The cleaning ladies, if cleaning is the right word to use here, had taken everything off of the chair as I asked them to in cleaning it for the first time since they had been coming, stripped it they did, and they didn’t find it. As I didn’t when I looked under the chairs with a torch after the Whoopsiedangleplop occurred? People were talking about ants taking over the world, but what about the garden pea danger? Orbb 80, a wonderfully caring and humourous blogger on WordPress knows about the danger, she warned me in a comment. Honestly!

I made a brew and got the computer on.

Feeling a tad more content this morning, up to now like. Worried about Olive, though, I’ll call her at a reasonable time, just to see if she is okay and if there is anything I can do to help. She is going out with her daughter today so I might not catch her in.

I changed the Morrisons order I’ve got in with them. Took two items off and added six. The banking fiasco going on, I’m surprised they are still accepting the card, that’s why I added some things, just in case the card fails later.

I was summoned to the porcelain for a heavy duty session. Splendid, no bleeding from either front or rear! Arthur Itis was hardly noticeable, Duodenal Daniel was not bad at all, Reflux Roger was active, but this was not due to the valve sticking and not painful in the slightest; This wind was due to last nights nosh I’m sure. Hehe! Hernia Harry was all calm too. Only Anne Gyne with her new pain on the left chest and up under the left arm was giving me any real grief, and that was far less than last night.

So, things medically were far easier today.

Worries me a bit that, mind. Haha!

The only concern was my so regular visitations to the WC, where’s it all coming from, I’ve only had half a small mug of tea?

Bravely I made another cup of tea.

Then I took a photographicalisation from the kitchen window. All looked so calm, no rain belting down, no high winds howling yet either.

Not a soul in sight, no moving vehicles, lovely and peaceful.

Got on with finishing yesterday’s diary and started this one off.

Did some blogging and commenting on WordPress. Took a while catching up.

Then onto Facebooking.

Graphic creation next, I made a start on the next TFZ series, but only got two completed and it was time for me to do the ablutions if I am to go out for a wander and window shop.

Wrapped up well and set off down to the bus stop (Oh, I do appreciate my free pensioner’s bus pass).

Another bit of a Whoopsiegangleplop here (I know, sad);

The bus was in, and I jumped on it (Well when I say jumped… hehe) it moved off immediately, and got out the crossword book and realised later, it was the City Centre Bus and not the Arnold bus I was travelling on.

“Nae bother!” I said to myself, hearing my old neighbour and best mate Jock Kirkpatric’s voice saying the same thing, and I revelled in the memories that flooded back to me of those days of life, love and laughter and fishing holidays, now long gone.

No morose memories and they did not get me feeling sorry for myself or unhappy, just so appreciative that I met and palled up with this older man from Stromness in the Orkneys, who became a gunner on the bombers in the second world war, and ended up as a part of my life as a next door neighbour and an example and guide to me, bringing so much to admire and respect.

I waffled a bit there, but that is how I felt at that time, proud to have known him. I anticipate when I go, he will have got a job at St Peter’s gate and will make sure I get through to join him if he can. Hehehe!

It dawned on me then as I looked around that I was on the wrong bus… Again! Stayed on and went to the City Centre and had an aimless wander around for a while, taking some photographs as I did.

Not too many folks around today. Plenty of street artists, beggars, Big Issue Sellers and pavement cyclists, though.

I did a circular walk around the Slab Square, feeling amazingly calm in myself?

Making my way back to the start point, I called in the book shop and had a perusal, but they had nothing that drew my interest.

Then had a nosey in Marks & Spencers food hall – and came out buying nothing!

Felt a bit chuffed with my new found resilience to spending.

Came down Long Row and foolishly strayed into the Primark store. Where an incident took place that took me back to the Security working days. (Full of memory prompting today was?) I went into the ladies section to get some photographs to use on the TFZer site graphic series. That was when I saw a family of Mum, Dad and four kids, Mam was shoving things into the pram of the youngest child and covering them up. This was in the fashion clothing section. For some stupid reason, I followed them.

As the Dad decided to join in and was putting an imitation fur something or other behind the kid, Mother spotted me watching… said something to Dad, they both gave me a stare for a few seconds, and I got out my mobile phone and pretended to use it as an RT.

After a few words, they got all the stuff hidden in the pram behind the child out and just dropped them on the floor in the aisle, then partly kicked them under some display racking.

They then calmly made their exit from the store, seemingly laughing with each other as they went through the doors?

Naughty people!

I went up to the Gents department to have a look to see if they had any of the ‘loose fitting’ cotton underpants on sale. They did, and I got two packs of three, to replace the ones I could not find in the flat. I was so sure I’d bought a bag of this type of undies from Asda a while ago, but don’t seem able to locate them. Nothing new there, mind, Tsk!

Back to the bus stop and didn’t have long to wait for the L9 bus, which whisked me back to the flat. Bill (William on Sundays) from the flats whom I sit with at the Tenants Social Hour got on. Later I moved and sat next to him for a gossip. He looked exhausted.

Back at the flats, the wind was howling, the sun disappeared, and the rain just starting, missed it nicely, by the time I’d got in and up the lift and into the flat, it was belting down!

Got the oven on warming ready for me to cook the crisscrossed smokey bacon and vegetarian sausages to have with the flavoured tomatoes for my meal of the day.

As I was throwing away the empty can, I caught the finger end on the edge of the cut metal edge and got a cut down between the finger and nail. Don’t half bleed those types of cuts, Hehe!

For my next Whoopsiedangleplop: I put a Boon DVD into the slot on the TV, and it refused to play? It went to the opening screen with the option to play, but no response when I pressed the button to play, would move between options on the screen either? Unsure of the problem, I changed the batteries in the remote thingy. Still no joy. Turned off the set and rebooted, tried again, same frozen screen. Tried another DVD, same thing. I reckon I can safely say, the DVD drive thing is now Kaputt! Humph! 

Went onto the TV mode and the things worked as normal. But could I nod off as normal? No! Which is a good job, ’cause I smelt the bacon burning!

I rescued the bacon and sausages and dished them up with some mushrooms in the new deep dish.

I thought this fodder looked like it was going to be great tasting.

It wasn’t!

The bacon was burnt on the outside and undercooked on the inside, the flavoured tomatoes tasted terrible (No idea what I put in wrong?). The bread had gotten dried and hard around the edges. The sausages were very nice, as was the Lemon Curd yoghourt.

In slightly lower mood now, I went to wash up the pots as they say. A farcical Whoopsiedangleplopped event if ever I’d had one!

  • Dropped and broke the blue mug…
  • Opened the cut in the finger when I caught it on the knife in the washing up bowl…
  • Banged my knee against the door handle on the cupboard under the sink and started Arthur Itis off, and he’s enjoying himself even now the following morning…
  • Finally the last in this series of Whoopsiedangleplops: Bent down to put the washing up liquid back in the under sink storage and hit my head on the sink!

Then, I spotted the bag with the underpants still inside.

So I thought I’d put the in the hanging fabric space saver thingy on the clothes rack.

This was when I found the Asda Loose Fitting cotton underpants I figured I’d lost before… What a Plonka!

I did notice, that the Asda ones were £10 for three and the Primark £4.50 for three?

Both claim to be Cotton Rich loose fit Boxers, but the Asda one being Jersey Cotton Rich loose fit Boxers?

At least, I should have enough Cotton Rich loose fit Boxers to see me out now!

Unless I lose them again? Hehe!

On and off, more off than on, I struggled to watch some TV programmes, five minutes here, ten minutes there.

Soon nodded off proper for a few hours…

Inchcock Today: Thursday 16th March 2017

Thursday 16th March 2017

Irish: Déardaoin 16 Márta, 2017

Woke around 0250hrs (According to the living room clock), thought it was much later for some reason. Out of the £300 second-hand recliner and to the porcelain. Little Inchy had been bleeding, Haemorrhoid Harry too.

Then I noticed that the clock in there, indicated it was 0142hrs?

Went into the kitchen, and the clock in there read 0645hrs?

Confused, I made a brew, took the medications and did the health checks.

Then searched for the mobile phone, I found it in the jacket pocket almost out of battery, no missed calls. That and the computer both agreed it was actually, 0330hrs? At this point, I made a connection with the cocks and a dream I’d had earlier, but no details. I put the mobile on charge.

Realising I was probably going bonkers and almost ready to be institutionalised, I tried what logic I could muster to attempt to work out what could have happened here with these clocks. It’s true that I felt a little yonderly and my psyche seemed to have departed company with my brain. First, I thought I might have been sleep-walking? But I don’t imagine that I could manage to get out of the recliner when asleep, it’s difficult enough some mornings when I’m awake? But you never know.

What else could have taken place, though? An Alien visitation? Hehehe! Genuinely worried about this, but I put it out of my mind (An easy option for me sometimes) and got on the computer to do some work finishing another TFZer graphic. Then updated the diaries and got yesterday’s posted off.

At this point I realised, thank heavens, the cramps from last night had dissipated. Anne Gyna still with me, though, and Duodenal Daniel felt like he was on his way to visit me.

Bash on Facebook, then had an hour or so to work on the next TFZer graphic, before I had to get the things ready for today’s Winwood Tenants Social Hour Meeting.

Carried out the ablutions, Haemorrhoid Harry bleeding a bit.

Off I poddled to the Social Hour, taking the nibbles and raffle prizes with me.

All change today, many new faces, tenants relatives, but some old ones missing. There was an atmosphere lingering, at first, I could not understand what or why this was.

I sat down next to a bloke’s daughter, being as that was the only chair. BJ arrived, and old Bill joined us at the table, their seats are always sacrosanct and saved for them.

When the raffle started, it came out as to why some of the old dears were pensive. The visitors won a lot of prizes, and some did not donate any themselves, this was the cause of the silent angst. I found this out afterwards when I handed the nibbles out, and one of my tenant darlings told me. The lady next to me had won five prizes, and this did not go down well, cause they all noticed that she does not bring anything for the raffle with her. I never thought of that.

I had some new pains come on while I was nattering to Bill and BJ. On the left side of the chest and around under the armpit? I’ll not hide it, I was worried and felt proper ill.

Left a few minutes earlier than usual, as I walked out and said my cheerios to the regulars, I was ignored a bit. Possibly they thought the woman I was sat next to was a relative of mine? Or, they were busy chinwagging themselves? Peggy, who runs the Social noticed my discomfort earlier and inquired how I was and told me to seek assistance if it continues.

Walked back to the flat and had a dizzy en route. Only a short one, though.

Got into the flat and got the potatoes boiling and the bacon in the oven. The pain eased but remained on and off. The imprecision and vagueness of mind returned.

I’d intended to get out and see the bank manager, but felt drained already, and not in a good state. Then tried doing the TFZ graphics, but concentration was minimal and tiring.

Blogged and did some more Facebooking without problems, and the meal was ready.

Notwithstanding feeling a little delicate, I did enjoy this din-din.

Small potatoes boiled, pickled mushrooms, beetroots and two bacon pieces (Dribbled with BBQ sauce).

Two slices of the half-Rye-Half-sourdough bread followed with the banana and lemon fool.

Put the washing up to soak in the bowl, had another dizzy and got sat down in the £300 second-hand recliner, put the TV on and fell asleep for a couple of hours, woken by the sound of the door chime banging out a rendition of Dusty Springfield’s “I only want to be with you”. As I struggled to get out of the chair before whoever it was, gave up, I thought it might be someone checking if I was alright? No, it was Don from another flat wanting some 20p pieces for his laundry.

I made a mug of tea and searched for the camera to take this photographicalisation of the Sherwood sunset.

Settled once again to watch some TV – nodded off again.

Woke by the telephone ringing away – another struggle to get out of the £300 second-hand recliner chair before they rang off.

It was Sister Jane, so nice to hear from her. I’m afraid I waffled a bit and didn’t get the full message, as I was a bit droopy from the kip.

She sounded well, bless her.

Something we said must have triggered my thoughts, for I do recall sitting and musing over memories from long ago for an hour or so as I sat there in the dark pondering on life and it’s problems, personal and global, peace being the main worry… I mean, the violence and hatred being the primary concern for the world that needs corrective and compassionate attention – but it will not get it, that is certain.

The engrossment and mortification over the world’s worries had worn me out, but I could not get back to sleep for hours.

Waking up around 0350hrs, drained!

Inchcock Today: Wednesday 15th March 2017

Wednesday 15th March 2017

Uzbek: Chorshanba, 15 Mart 2017

0245hrs: Woke still tasting the excellent meal from last night. Perhaps I’d overdone the flavourings just a bit?  Hehe!

The dreams I’d been having were unretrievable in any detail from my muddled depressed brain. I just knew they had been not nice and muddled?

Spotted that I had not washed the pots either, there they lay on the tray, in the chair next to the £300 second-hand recliner, dried bits clinging to the dish and the aroma had permeated everywhere. No wonder I thought I could still taste it. Humph!

Sprayed some air-freshener around and got the things in soak in the bowl in the sink and let them soak in bleach and washing-up liquid. Anne Gyna started kicking me all over and around the chest cavity early today as I made my way to the porcelain room for a heavy duty session. Not as good as yesterday this one. Haemorrhoid Harold was not as painful, but he had bled a lot, more mess to clean up and clothes to wash. Arthur Itis, Reflux Roger and Hernia Harry were all in a good mood with me. Duodenal Donald began joining in with Anne Gyna playing me up, and the pain forced me to take extra Codeines. Shame I can’t get the morphine sulphate again, they were effective so much more. I’m sure others have got this problem and a lot worse than I, but the constant grinding pains when two of the little aches and pains playing up together stops your concentration, and this brings on extra Whoopsiedangleplops I’m sure. Still, mustn’t complain, many others in a worse state than I am. (I did just complain didn’t I? Sorry about that).

A nice strong mug of Thompson’s wonderful tea and took the medications.

Carried out the Health Checks.

The weight continues to increase over the last few days?

Oh, dear!

The Sys seems to be lower this week up to now, and the Pulse is positively racing away?

Could I find the thermometer this morning? I looked in the drawer where I usually store it with the BP machine, then in all the other drawers. I use it only in the kitchen but still searched around for it in all the other rooms, drawers etc.

Got the computer on to update the diaries. Checking the email, found a reminder that had arrived from Morrison’s that the delivery is on its way.

Went into the kitchen to juggle the fodder in the freezer to make room to put the bread in later. Decided to have another mug of tea – and there it was in the cutlery drawer – The thermometer! Sad, is not a strong enough word is it?

Did the ablutions.

While shaving in the little mirror, I noticed a colourful area on the back lower left arm. Tried to photograph it in the mirror.

I’m not sure what it was or what had caused this decorative scare. No idea at all really. But it didn’t hurt unless I caught it against anything and there was no itching or scratching?

Dressed and made a mug of tea, but the milk had gone off. Tsk!

The moon was hanging in there this morning.

0643hrs, Morrison delivery due in the next hour.

Hello, the intercom is ringing, he’s here!

Non-talkative young man.

He handed the bags to me through the door, took the return bags and he was off.

I got the bags into the kitchen and sorted them out. IT was a bit of a job finding spaces for some of the fodder, might have overdone it a tad today?

No doubt about it, with the fridge freezer as full as it is now, starvation is not likely in the short term!

Hehehe!

If there should be panic and world shortage of Soy Sauce, Fasolka bean bacon and sausage stew, vegetarian sausages or out of date butter, I’ll be quids in. Haha!

The bread on the sink draining board to the left of the fridge is a new one I tried today. Polish half-Rye half Sourdough bread. I’ll give it a try and let you know what it was like later.

The giant box of Surf soap powder (Nice scent Lily & Ylang Ylang aroma) on the top photograph was on offer: £5.21 down to £3.00? Converted this means that in CAD $8.57 to $4.93 – USD £5.26 to $3.26 – AusD $8.25 to 4.84. Bargain there, what?

Sorted them and it was such a nice looking morning, I meandered out onto the balcony and took this photographicalisation to the left of the flats.

Not a person in sight, no dogs taking their humans for a walk in the park, either?

A rarity that, mind you, it is still early I suppose. Love the shadows and sunshine effect.

Did some Facebooking for a few hours or more, then tried to get another of the TFZer graphics started off.

The cleaners (Well, I say cleaners…) are due later.

Did a bit more on the TFZer New Home Series. A slow job this, but I want to get them looking good if I can.b

The cleaner gals arrived, I ask them to clean behind the WC today, and not to clean anywhere near the stacks of bank paperwork I have that are lurking on the computer desk, or to touch the second-hand 1969 E-Plan sideboard, cause they always catch the computer screen and it being a touch thingy I usually lose something I’ve been working on, anyway.

I was surprised when they did not find any garden peas anywhere in the front room. We had a natter and laugh while they worked and they were soon off with their bag of nibbles.

Did a good spell again on the TFZer Series graphic creation.

Off the computer, and decided to spray the curtains with fabric freshener, the expensive Airwick Citrus Infusions one, as I turned the blinds to do the other side… huh, another garden pea found! This must be the last one surely? Hehe!

Feeling well tired now, I got the meal cooking, sorted some medications and served up the fodder to myself.

Had a change tonight. Chines mushrooms warmed up in black bean sauce, small potatoes and a rather delicious beef slice in pastry.

A banana and small pot of Lemon Fool to follow. I served it up in the glass oven dish, ’cause after the garden pea fiasco, I didn’t want a Whoopsiedangleplop with the shiitake mushrooms. They are so slithery and resist being forked or spooned up yer know! Hehe! I enjoyed this one, the puff pastry on the slice was too tasty for words.

Got the pots washed up and took the medications then settled down in the £300 second-hand recliner, which was shaking a bit more than usual when operated. Got the TV on, some stuff I fancied watching tonight too. Top Gear, Heartbeat, Law & Order and a nature programme.

Then it started… The Cramps befell me and boy did they stay with me! Started in fingers (Nasty) the legs, down to the feet, then decided to stay in both! How I managed not to scream or call out loud I don’t know. Used far too much than is permitted of the pain gel for 24-hours, even got up and took some extra codeine. Took hours before it eased. Why? I don’t know, but I do know I can do without this at the same time as Anne Gyna is giving me grief. Still, eventually, they both eased off and let me drift off into my slumber.

The dreams came thick and fast, and Anne Gyna ensured there were plenty of waking up struggling, periods to contend with. The thing that hurt most was the not being able to recall any of the dreams whatsoever! Especially with remembering one so well last week. Grumph!

Message to Brain: Don’t bother dreaming unless you allow me to recall them. Thank You!

Inchcock Today – Tuesday 14th March 2017: Thwarted with Problems!

Tuesday 14th March 2017

Turkish: 14 Mart 2017 Salı

0330hrs: I sprang awake so violently I nearly fell out of the £300 second-hand recliner chair. The few memories of the wicked dream I was having, evaporated immediately from my consciousness. All that remained was a sense of nervousness? I hate it when this happens, particularly when remembering so much of the night before dreams too. Tsk!

The call to the porcelain arrived on queue as I dismounted the recliner, and Harold’s Haemorrhoids were hot, sore and stinging like hell. But no bleeding when I passed. Most surprising that?

Made a brew and took the medications.

Did the health checks, and compared the last two weeks total averages, in red.

The battle against the weight increase seems to be a lost cause?

Not a lot of difference with the others methinks?

Monday and Tuesday up to now, this week seem okay.

Apart from the weight of course. I must try harder!

As I put the milk away in the fridge, I noticed something had been leaking into the vegetable drawer. So got it put and cleaned it and returned it. This sounds like a little job doesn’t it? Remember this is me I am talking about. The door would not allow me the room when open as far as it would go – So I had to move the stuff from the side of the damned fridge and turn it as far as I could to make room to get the drawer out, it was still tight and I struggled a bit to do it. Getting the thing back in was easier! Tsk! I’m sure it was less bothersome last time I did it. Maybe the flats are leaning a bit? 

Started doing a graphicalisation for the TFZer site, but had to stop to get the ablutions done, so I can get out to the bank and try the card, and have time to get back to visit Olive.

Set out calling into the Winwood Community Hut to drop off some nibbles for the Kamp Obergruppenfurheresses.

Onward down the hill into Sherwood and arrived at the ATM machine outside the new bank, and tried out the card for the first time.

Fully confident that all would be okay, now I had received the two emails from the bank welcoming me to the new account. Thus began the new:

I put in the new pin number and attempted to withdraw some money, and was informed on the screen that ‘This service is not currently available’ I cancelled it and tried once more – the same failure repeated itself.

I went into the bank and explained to the lady behind the counter, who told me to place my card and pin into the machine on the counter. So I did. “All okay there,” she said and waited for me to wander off. So I did.

Luckily, a bloke in the queue pointed out to me that the lady was calling for me to return to the counter. So I did. She pointed out that there was no money in this account! Almost immediately Anne Gyna started to kick at me. Frustration grew in double quick time, as it dawned on me that the black depression was about to be summoned back by my tormented soul and mind. A touch of annoyance brewed as well.

I thought I acquitted myself well, born through repeatedly being led astray by the bank management, as the manager came out all smile and took me into his office for a chinwag. He started by saying he had been trying to ring me. I replied, “That would be the one missed call on my phone then?” He was taken aback a bit I think, with my new found verbal courage, again prompted by frustration. He said the transfer of money from the Co-op bank had not gone through, due to the Council Tax people putting the wrong postcode on their letter to me. I told him I had followed his advice and shredded the old Co-op card. He did he is best to sound upbeat, then he called the Co-op Bank for me and got them to issue a new card. Another mess to sort out and even more waiting! I gave the Co-op bloke a password and it was sorted. I am to expect a new card within 3 days, and a new pin withing 5 days, then I have to activate them. Great!

That sorted, he then rang the State Pension people and told them about the problem with the postcode – they are to send out a new detail of pension breakdown for me, with the correct postcode on it. I can expect this within 5-7 days. Grumph!

He then told me I need to find a 2017 Tax Code letter and take it in, to him.

The manager did apologise for his part in the farce come error, but I thought he might break a tooth or two as he forced the words through his teggies.

I left the branch almost spitting blood but tried not to show it.

Muttering to myself as I crossed the road, almost walking under a turning left white-van, I avoided the temptation from the fresh cream cake shop and hobbled up to the Nottingham Hospice Charity Shop with some donations to give them and an Easter Egg for the staff.

Feeling somewhat dejected, disconsolate, downhearted, and depressed now. I even managed to miss both of the buses that I aimed to catch back up the hill. So I carried on up and over the hill down to Woodthorpe Grange Park, up the path and then right down to the flats.

I did almost cheer up a bit when I saw someone with two giant horse-sized poodles! Hehe!

Just as I was taking a picture of the lovely Spring flowers blooming, they both raced into the picture.

That was kind of them.

The daffodils were coming through with beauty and aplomb at the top of the hill, as well.

Turning right on my way down the hill, some crows landed in the trees on the outside of the Copse.

Thought it would make a good picture to take them with the flats behind and make a humorous graphic about Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’ at a later date.

But, by the time I’d got the camera out again, the Murder of Crows had fled. Just the one stayed for his photograph to be taken. Haha!

I had a natter with a lady tenant who was waiting for her lift in the foyer. Then went up and called in on Olive. She was in good form. She told me off for getting in a mess with the bank, for putting on weight and for not having gone back to Boots with the new spectacle’s that were leaving painful looking marks on my face and needed putting right. Lovely to hear her like this, I knew she was feeling okay now. Gave her kiss and departed to the flat.

The spirits sank again.

Marinated some baked beans in the pan, ready to have later with the last of the roast belly pork slices.

Not sure why I seasoned them the way I did, but keeping the fingers crossed they turn out alright. I mixed BBQ seasoning, garlic, demerara sugar, dark mushroom soy sauce, tomato and bacon cooking sauce, tomato puree, black pepper and large spoon or two of black bean sauce together and left them to marinate for a few hours.

Tasted a spoonful to try the taste after a while. I liked it.

To take the stress of the news away, even if temporarily, I found doing the TFZ graphics for my next series, worked. So, I pressed on for hours and hours starting them off. Still only got three of them finished. Want to get them all done, then post them together.

The brain racing and getting nowhere, fighting against invisible, intractable, untouchable enemy problems that were preventing me getting to sleep…

Inchcock Today – Monday 13th March 2017 – Fantastic dreams, then Laundry Room Duties… Then the Whoopsiedangleplops returned!

Monday 13th March 2017

Hawaiian: Ka Poakahi 13th March 2017

What an utterly fantastic dream! Woke (I thought), around 0235hrs, and got scribbling on the notepad straight away.

The Dream(s): I was in on office and interviewing or counselling people and solving every one of their problems and giving them each a £20 note afterwards. I felt ecstatic: Thought I’d woken up to find that myself in the £300 second-hand recliner, but in an old luxury (I think hotel) room, the sounds of bombing in an air-raid… A knock at the door, and it was each of the people I had helped earlier… A maid appeared with cucumber sandwiches… 

Then, I thought I was back in my own flat for real, and grabbed the notepad to record things, and the door chime rang – it was the same folks again, all laughing. We all crowded into the so-called living-room, and we squashed up together as they all called out ‘April Fool Gerry! Laughed and disappeared? 

Again I thought I had woken up, struggling out of the chair, fell, put my hands out to break the fall, the walking stick broke and found myself in a classroom, one that I actually used back in my school days, where it seemed I was too scared to leave the empty room for fear of the bullies… a bit vague this bit: But I think Doctor Who, being Dr Lynton Cox this time, lifted me in his Tardis that was green not blue, back to the flat, he didn’t have time for a cup of tea I recall – I went in, and the lift stuck on the 13th floor? Which is really odd, ’cause I pressed the button for my floor, the 12th? Fire Brigade, hospital, bus… 

0300hrs: Woke up expecting the dream to continue and actually wondered where it would take me this time and half expected the door chime to go… As I dismounted the rickety chair, I stubbed my toe and realised I was actually awake and bruised???

To the porcelain room, very pleased when Haemorrhoid Harry was not pouring blood, just a few specks. Anne Gyna, Arthur Itis, Duodenal Daniel and Harold Hernia were all being so kind to me this morning. No dizzy spells. Even Little Inchy, had not been bleeding. Excellent start!

Full of uplifting inspiration because I’d remembered so much of a dream, at last, I got the laundry things gathered in the bag, and went down to the laundry room and got the washer going, then up to the flat.

I opened the jar of Falsoka, by gum, they don’t half close them lids tight!

Got it into the saucepan and added, what I think was the same as last time that I enjoyed so much.

Tomato & Herb Puree, Soy mushroom sauce and a little bit of demerara sugar. Later when I start to warm it up slowly, I’ll put some bacon bits in the oven and add them too. A right little food experimentationalist,  I’m turning into. Hehe!

Half-hour later, down the lift to move the clothes from washer to dryer. Back up to the flat, and got Olive’s letter for posting and some glass jars for the recycle-bin.

Made a brew, took the morning medications. Turned the computer on and started this post off, and loved having the scribbled dream notes to use, and found I could read them this time?

Down and had a slow hobble out along Chestnut Walk to post the letter in the mailbox, then dropped off the jars in the Recycling bin.

The dark morning (0515hrs) was not cold at all, and no wind to speak off either today.

It was a little enjoyable, this was when I realised I had beaten the depressions for the time being, and sang to myself as I walked back to the flats, taking this photographicalisation en route. I believe I was singing Adam Faiths ‘The Time Has Come’ song.

Back to the laundry room and retrieved the dried clothing.

Sorted the things out so that they will be put in the airing cupboard.

Cleaned the machines and then cleaned the filters.

Made sure the taps were off, filter replaced and I’d got all the clobber from the machines.

The woolly bobble hat had shrunken and barely covers the head top now, but still, Pound Shop goods, so no complaints.

I’ve now got three of these, all a suitable imitation of a kippah.

Up a final time to the flat, stored the clothes away, put the kettle on and back on the computer to carry on with this post.

Made a mug of tea and observed the prepossessing view from the kitchen window was worthy of recording photographically I thought, so I took this one.

Things seem to be improving so much in the down-in-the-mouth-moods.

I’m recognising the beauty in nature again, and find myself singing to myself if you know what I mean.

Fingers crossed please, that nothing untoward occurs to ruin things again.

Then I got on to finishing yesterday’s diary off, better late than never. Haha!

Facebooked a while, then got the ablutions tended to and dressed for the shopping trip to Sainsbury in Arnold. Hoping to catch the 1030hrs bus. (Oh, I do love my free pensioner’s bus pass!)

Feeling rather self-righteous and smug at remembering to put the mobile in the bag and putting the hearing aids in before departing the flat to the lift – Whoopsidangleplop again, I’d got the wrong glasses on – returned to the apartment and swapped them for the bifocal ones. Humph!

Back down in the lift and out to the bus stop. Only one chap was there at the stop, had a little gossip with him. When the City Bus arrived, three of the lady tenants got off, and I gave them a nibble each.

The Bestwood bus was little late, but that is to be expected, because of all the roadworks taking place on the route. I thought I’d photograph the Lady Birds, who were amassed in greater numbers than ever on the bus stop seating and concrete bollards – in fact, there were some in the lift earlier. However, I gave this photographicalisationing a miss. Because I had forgotten to put the camera in the bag. Sad innit?

I dropped off the bus at Sainsbury’s in Daybrook and got some Rye & Sourdough, bread, first time I’ve tried this. I can split it later and share it with Olive… if she likes it that is. A jar of Cantonese cooking sauce, Bacon bits, lemon yoghourts, beetroots on special offer and Surimi fish sticks.

Walked into Arnold and called in Wilko, got some Citrus Air spray on offer and Wash Fragrance.

Then to Chamber’s Butchers and got some delicious looking cooked smoked belly pork slices.

Pottered along to Asda and got two pots of Black Bean cooking sauce on offer and two packs of orange lollies.

Struggled with the bags to the bus stop, and was very lucky here, the bus was early, but I just managed to get on, cause some folks were struggling themselves to mount the bus.

Contentedly I did some cross-wording en route and dropped off at the flats and made my way up… it was in the lift that it dawned on me I had not been to the bank to see if the new card works or not! Plonker with bar, me!

Got in and took the photo of the stuff as I unloaded it, and got the bacon cut up and in the oven, to add to the beans, etc. later. 

Caught up with this dairy then added the bacon, then rang Olive to see if I could get permission to visit her – a bit inconvenient for her at the moment, but she said I could call in the morning.

I set out to catch the bus to Mapperley top and try the card out.

Tsk, Huh, Humph and pickled walnuts!!! Next time I’ll take the card with me!

Missed the bus back and had to walk it up the hill.

Got into the flatlet, feeling that the Whoopsiedangleplops had not deserted me, and a right fool to boot!

But I had remembered to turn the Bean stew and bacon light off, so set to warming it up for the meal of the day.

I spotted outside in the distance, smoke from what looked like a fire.

 Clean looking smoke, though, so it might have been a garden fire gotten out of hand?

As I updated this diary, my acuity faded, so I got the fodder served up and consumed it with great disappointment.

This brand of Fasolka was rather bland in comparison with the more expensive one from Morrison’s.

I’ll stick with the Lowicz brand in future.

Put the washing to soak in the bowl in the sink, and settled to watch some TV. Rubbish programme and I wasn’t in a concentrating mood anyway and nodded off.

Woke a while later with hunger, which confused me with all the food I’d consumed earlier. Made a belly pork sandwich with the Rye-Sourdough bread, settled to watch the football match and fell asleep again – woke up with the half-eaten sandwich and the associated crumbs all over me, the £300 second-hand recliner,  the foot stool and the carpet!

Had a clean-up of sorts then resolved to try once again to watch some TV, Law & Order was on by then. The  first set of commercials sent me off to the land of nod once again, where I stayed until 0330hrs.

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