Saturday 5th August 2017
Yiddish: שבת אויגוסט 5, 2017
0505hrs: Woke feeling a lot better than I did last night, physically speaking. Although, I considered advertising for a famulus to train up to help with the wandering brain. Hehe!
After battling briefly with my own reasoning, thoughts and lack of perspicacity, I decided I would start the big cleaning up sessions. The plan was laid; I’d get the laundry done first, the tackle the cleaning of the balcony windows and door, then get the kitchen sorted, starting with those pesky ever present and growing in number, little tar-marks on the outside. After that, I knew no plans could be made. Because my EQ told me things would get bad again later with the ailments.
Proudly forced my
self out of the £300 second-hand recliner, and nearly toppling over, such was the pain from the right knee and hip as I stood up. Straight to the medical drawer took a 60g Codeine, then the rest of the morning medications, with a brew of tea in the new little cup.
Sys 153. Dia 76, Pulse 81, Temp 33.2, Weight 14.82 – Nothing to complain about there… well, maybe the weight? Humph!
Did the health checks and off to the Porcelain Throne. After some examinationalistic activity, I found Little Inchy in remarkably healthy, pain-free and not bleeding, Duodenal Donald absolutely no bother whatsoever, Hernia Harry trouble free, Haemorrhoid Harold barely bleeding at all, and no 
visitations from either Shaking Shaun or Dizzy Dennis! Only Arthur Itis and Hippy Hilda any bother, and they had calmed down since I got up. Excellent start I thought.
Checked on the CCTV on the TV, no one lurking about downstairs. Got the clothes sorted and accoutrements gathered, out of the door. Oh dearie me? Dirt dust and bits all over the communal entrance, out of the door to the lifts and found, even more, mess all over the place. Tsk! I’ll have to hoover the flat entrance later.
I’d have thought one of the caretakers would have done it before they left, knowing they would not be around for the weekend? (Did I actually ask that question? Maybe they are going to have their mobile phones surgically removed from their ear-holes? Hehehe!)
Down and got the laundry in the washing machine and nipped outside to have a nosey.
Back up and had a wee-wee.
Got the things ready to have a go at the windows later. Razor-scraper, vinegar cleaner, paper towels and just in case they are needed, the bottles of nail-varnish-remover.
0559hrs: Down to move the laundry from washer to dryer. I timed it spot on, as I arrived at the cleaning machine, it stopped its cycle. (I’m getting a bit worried about all this good luck today you know. Ailments being kind, health- readings being almost perfect, no Accifauxpa, most unsettling for me. As history has made me a cynic and alarmist, I can often get into a panic when things do not go wrong. Haha!)
As I went to get the lift back to the 12th floors, this little mite was there on the builder’s carpet protector strips.
I tried to catch him as he panicked and shot all over, easily avoiding my efforts to put him outside. It even took me several shots with the camera to get a clear photo of him, bless him.
Once back home, I had another wee-wee and gathered all the pieces of the stand I’d bought to give to the Nottingham Hospice, another go at erecting it.
After several attempts and nearly two hours of trying to understanding the vague instructions and a failing to get some poles linked that I found were the wrong ones, I gave up, defeated and annoyed with myself.
Spotted some new posters on the OBergruppenfurheresses and Tenants notice boards.
So I had a perusal of the same.
The first one informed us only: ‘It’s been confirmed. Sliding doors will be installed!!!’ I was not bothered either way much which type of doors were fitted to the balcony. But, being a Profit -of-doom and a worry-wart, I anticipate trouble more likely with the slider ones than the regular opening one?
Nice to know that the cleaning of communal areas has gone from daily to weekly now? No wonder we don’t see them very often. And of course, their telephoning other caretakers with updates and possible financially beneficial gains and the latest bookmakers odds… No, no, no, only joking!
Mind you, when I do see him he’s on his mobile 90% of the 2% of the time I can actually find him. And I get the hand in air palm facing me, indicating ‘Not now, I’m on the phone!’, as he natters away into the ether, with a grave expression on his face. Not the most helpful or polite person. Unless there is a big tip promised, or other financially based inducement involved. But I’m not saying this, in case he sues me for telling the truth.
Down a final trip to retrieve the washing from the dryer.
Cleaned the filters, sink, taps and drums of both machines used.
Back to the apartment did the health-checks again: Sys 159, Dia 78, Pulse 90, Temp 35. Then got the clothes stored away, had a wee-wee and bravely (I thought) Had a go at the kitchen window and the tar marks again! Sprayed lots of cleaner stuff onto the window (Which I opened without getting any bruises, blood-blisters for cuts to my hands or fingers), set about the window with the Razor-scraper.
This was a long, tedious job. Some came off, some just moved to another position on the glass, and some would not move at all! Percy Verance helped, and eventually, I got most of them off. After much-repeated spraying and scraping, scuffing, scraping and scouring – and, without my cutting myself once on the blade!
Which, as you can see here, the scraper acquired a brown tinge that is unremovable. This might be a clue to someone more cleverer than I am, as to from where the marks came from and what they consisted of? Something potent and corrosive, judging by how quickly they turned the razor blade into rust?
I think Andy from Canada had the best guess, of airborne bits of tar, so far?
I then moved onto cleaning the inside and outside of the balcony windows and door.
Feeling rather proud of my efforts, even more bravely, I had yet another go at assembling the stand for the Hospice. I really would like to get it done and delivered today.
The lady in the shop was saying about how they would like it 
donated and would sell in moments, last week when I chatted with her.
So I set about studiously working out the oh-so-simple instructions.
After much sweating, profanity, frustration, bruised fingers and knuckles, a wee-wee and more swearing – I ended up as pleased as punch with my progress until a Whoopsiedangleplop took place.
I was pressing hard on the screwdriver when it slipped and stuck itself in my left hand, which I had foolishly put in a position to 
enable it to. Hehe!
The blood flow seemed to stop quickly. This made me think that perhaps the INR Warfarin level had gone down? A moment later, strangely I hear the letter box clap to, and it was the INR reading from the Deep Vein Thrombosis unit. It had indeed gone down, to 3.9 now. They had left the dosages for this week the same. (Good timing that delivery, just as I was typing about the blood, too!)
Amazingly, after only about two-and-a-half hours or so, I got it finished, and it looked okayish. All ready for me to carry to the shop later.
Full of pep with my little victories, I set about finishing the kitchen cleaning. Cleaned the counters, shelving, drawers, cooker sink cabinets, hoovered and mopped the floor.
The feeling of threat of an impending further upset, Whoopsiedangleplop, Accifauxpa or Farcicalisational occurrence, still lingered?
Took the rubbish bags and put them down the chute. Seeing the mess on the carpets in the access area near the doors, I got the vacuum out and hoovered it. Still, no tiredness or hassle from Anne Gyne or Arthur Itis, in fact, no bother at all? Am I dreaming? Haha!
I part cleaned the wet room, just around the Porcelain Throne base where it was bad, then got the ablutions tended to.
A few orange recycling bags came through the letter box… is the caretaker doing over time? I really will feel bad if he is working and I’ve cleaned the entrance for him? Grumph at the thought!
All clean and fresh now, I got dressed and somehow managed without too much difficulty to carry the erected shelving and a bag of clothing up through Woodthorpe Grange Park and to the Nottingham Hospice Shop.
En route, I noticed some food stalls getting ready for customers near the Mansfield Road entrance.
Limped along, without too much bother with the shelving and met a lady Tenant in Sherwood and we had a gossip for a while.
On to the Hospice and gave them the bag and shelving.
A thank you from the lady, who was very busy, and I departed back through the park to the flats. Stopping a few times to enjoy watching the dogs walking their owners, and training them on how to fetch the ball themselves. Hehe!
Top of hill on the footpath and right down to the apartments, and as I descended the gravel path, 93-year-old Polish Eddie was walking up it. I don’t know how he gets about so much, often and without any seeming effort, he can walk faster than I do. A grand chap too. Had a little natter with him as we passed each other.
At the bottom of the path near the car parking on Chestnut Walk as I crossed over to get to the foyer doors, this little squirrel kindly froze and gave me time to get closer and the camera out again.
When I got in the wet room, had a wee-wee and got the kettle on – it hit me! Suddenly a drainage of power, enthusiasm and tiredness, weariness. All hopes and interest in doing any more cleaning faded. Still, I thought I’d done well up to now, so I hope that a similar situation; No ailments to bother me in the morning, and I can get the front room and wet room cleaned properly, and the paperwork sorted out.
I got the garden peas and potatoes on the boil and set about starting this diary off to here.
Into the kitchen to make a mug of tea, and noticed this lady collecting blackberries. Nothing new or of particular interest in these shot, you say? Well, it was the poor dog’s oh so obvious, displeasure with his owner that tickled me pink.
He, or she, did not like all the stopping off and Mother going into the bushes. Hehehe! Bless her/him. Did his best to stop her, one time, laying down and she had to drag it to get to the fruits. Just a thought, but I hope that the berries have none of these tar like spots like the one on my windows falls on these fruits?
Then I realised I had not finished yesterdays diary yet. Not surprising, it was a bad, bad day for me. Which makes today’s good day even more enjoyable! (Up to now?) Got the Friday post finished and posted, better late than never. Tsk!
Feeling a bit drained now, but still smug with myself.
Got the meal all ready. Used the portion plate.
After so many successes with my fodder lately, this disaster was all the more sad for me. Everything, apart from the fresh peas and the potatoes, was disappointing. Mostly due to my own fault and after getting it presented for eating, demands for the use of the Porcelain Throne, added to the meals misery as it had gone cold by the time I got around to eating it.
Maybe it was because I was feeling tired after my many physical efforts, and was feeling well worn-out. Perhaps the screwdriver holes in the hand starting to bleed over onion bhajis and mushrooms as I dined, did not help? I’m not sure which or if it was a combination of all of them. But, definitely have had to leave so much of the meal uneaten and to drop the plate, as I took it to the kitchen and the non-slip tray, did not help things. Tsk!
Raining now, glad I went out when I did and not leave it until later on.
Health checks and medications were taken.
Had a wee-wee, and settled into the £300 second-hand recliner to fall asleep during the first set of commercials to come on.
Long sleep followed I reckon I got in a six-and-a-half hour session in.
Got the mini-cup of tea brewed did the Health Checks and took the medications. All were looking good to me. Well, temperature a little high, but that is how it has been for a few days now.
I got the cramps in the left arthritic hand and fingers as I started typing.
0500hrs: Out of the £300 second-hand recliner and off to the Porcelain Throne. Much internal bleeding from Haemorrhoid Harold this morning, a lot of cleaning up and medicating needed and done.
Made a brew, did the Health Checks and took the medications.
Started to do this diary and it dawned on me that it might be an idea to get the vegetables ready for cooking later, for when I tackle making the Beef in Black bean sauce meal.
Off I went to make another brew, and the sky looked a bit threatening but beautiful at the same time.
Did the ablutionisationing, dressed and set off to the Temporary Winwood Social Shed for the chinwagging session.
Had a few good nattering sessions, all the same. Handed in the raffle prizes and gave out the nibbles. Said my farewells and went to the bus stop.
down the hill, where I dropped off and got the brolly out, and wobbled down to the Polish Food Shop.
Sourdough bread. Never come across this before, just hope I like it?
Roy took one of my bags to carry on the top of his four-wheeled trolly for me, and I got the brolly over us both in return?
I got into the apartment, and the Porcelain Throne was facilitated.
Nosh sorted. A bit of a job getting it all sorted, but it tasted lovely. Onion Bhaji’s, black bean sauce (from a jar), diced swede, diced carrots, red peppers, red onions, tomatoes, one little sole lonely potato (Haha!), fresh garden peas and shredded beetroot (from a jar). Followed with an apple and lemon-curd yoghourt.
As darkness descended I pondered, now the rain had stopped, to clean the pots and having a go at the tar marks on the outside of the kitchen window!
Off to the Porcelain Throne. No adscititious ailments, only Haemorrhoid Harold bleeding a lot.
The sky outside did not over encourage me on the coming weather.
Off to get the ablutions and medicationalisationing done.
Onto Mansfield Road up the hill and observed that the Restuarant Car Park sign had been tended to by ‘Nottingham Street Artists Blolblets’, again.
Unfortunately, he turned left as I took the picture. Humph!
got to the Surgery with plenty of time to spare.
Limped along into Carrington.
I crossed over the road and into Carrington proper.
Further along, near the Co-op store, a Nottingham Street Artist had been at it again, decorating new benches with an empty can, bottle and prettily spread sick underneath it, in a heart shaped design.
As I moved on to be insulted and cheated at the Lidl Store; Yet another Nottingham Pavement Cyclist had a go at me!
The rain started to come heavily, as I got in the concentration camp… sorry, I mean Lidl’s. I noticed that all four check-outs were abandoned and only the end bit with the self-serve tills was in use.
To the bus stop and caught one to Sherwood. I long wait for the L9 bus, just as well because I remembered to go to Wilko and search for a razor scraper. Came out of there spent up as well, having got; A measuring jug, Dettol disinfectant, Citrus deodorant, Cooking foil, black refuse sacks, toilet cleaner blocks, kettle descaler, fragrance booster, foil trays and…. Yes! I did it, I got a Glass razor scraper!
Had a chinwag with 93-year-old tenant Polish Eddy at the bus stop.
he TFZers and Facebook friends.
The meal took a lot of preparation tonight, but it was worth all the effort.
Took the medications and did the Health Checks.
Food delivery arrived.
Hobbling along Chestnut Walk and realised that I had not picked up the note of things to do! Humph! There were five things on it, I remember that much.
Dropped off on Queen Street and limped down through the Old Market Slab Square, which was designated as The Nottingham Beach with its rides, amusements and highly priced eateries, etc.
But some families had laid claim to the favourite corner positions on the beach. I wondered if any of them were German holidaymakers? Hehe!
Up the road and into the Hearing Aid place. Logged in with Snottypants on the reception and got the crossword book out.
I thanked him and departed. Noticing the rough sleeper had gone, and the shop opposite that was signed as being up for lease or sale last week, were now To Let.
way to it via the Nottingham Beach.
Across the road and through the square.
The last amusement ride I looked at was also moving fast and up and down.
the paper shop on the corner of Queen Street.
At the flats, I found this parked outside the apartments.
Had a bash on Facebooking.
Went to do the washing up and the rain had returned.
Gave up trying to catch up on any sleep again, and went into the kitchen to do the Health Checks and take the medications.
Hope to go into Arnold, visit the Arnot Hill Park and feed the ducks, then walk into Arnold proper and call at a few shops in the hope of obtaining some cheap nail polish remover and a Razor scraper. So I can tackle the kitchen window tar spots again later.
At the bus stop, the bench was filled up with tenants, female tenants. And good chin wag and laugh ensued while we waited for the bus. ‘All Aboard’, and in Sherwood, everyone, bar me got off. I was abandoned!
Dropped off and hobbled towards the park and pond.
I left through the top gate and gingerly hobbled to the bus stop, just as the sky began to threatened rain or a storm.
Again, I was the slowest of us all in hobbling back along Chestnut Walk to the apartments from the bus stop.
Got the fodder prepared and digested while watching some Boon DVD episodes.
To the Porcelain Throne and washed the dining pots.
The view through the window had that bluish tone again, but it soon brightened up.
I started to complete the Saturday Diary and had to return to the Porcelain Throne. Little Inchy had to be cleaned of blood, and Daktacort creamed again. Tsk!
Back to the computer, and heard some noises similar to gurgling sounds? Went to the kitchen, where I thought they were emanating from and had a look around and out of the window. Checked the Crock-pot, sink, cooker and fridge. The noises did not return and the mini-tar-like marks on the window that had increased in number since yesterday started to annoy me again! So I set-to giving them a good soak and scrub with the scouring pad for ten minutes or so.
The window control box, cleverly positioned on the right with about ¾” of space to get your fingers into to pull out the blunt lever so you can close or open the window to turn it around for cleaning; Trapping my knuckles against the frame as I struggled to turn in into position.
But, I did not swear, curse, accuse Nottingham City Homes of being Silly Billy’s in locating the switch where they did or use any bad language at all. Oh, no. Hehe!
Made a flask of tea went to put this the medications with it near to the computer.
All settled now.
Got the dinner ready.
In between watching but not fully absorbing the England v France football Match, many wee-wees had to be tended to, very many!
Health Checks. Weight still 14.88, Tsk!
But, after my disastrous attempts at freeing the stuff from the window, the view was still breathtakingly 
Got the food ready, with the intention of settling and watching the Women’s European Championship Quarter Final match, Netherlands v Sweden, and then switching channels to enjoy the Denmark v Germany games with the prospect of the France v England match to come on Sunday.
0108hrs: Woke and forced me out of the £300 second-hand recliner.
things up and washed some pots I missed doing last night.
Up and got the Health Checks done. This looks okay to me.
Made a brew and took the medications.
yobboes trying to get into the building to create more havoc and vandalisation.
0250hrs: Down to check on and collect the washing.
I’d taken the camera with me again and took this photo. I thought I could use it as an ‘Identify This’ competition on the TFZ?
0325hrs: Down to collect the laundry and titivate the room and machines up a bit. A good idea I thought at first, but this proved to be an Accifauxpa and Whoopsiedangleplop exciting activity. Huh!
The Nottingham City Council had kindly supplied us with a Pound Shop brush and vintage circa 1965 rusty dustpan, so we could clean the Laundry Room and save the Caretakers time so they can use their mobile phones more often and avoid them being required to do any cleaning whatsoever, in the laundry room.
Good job I keep a bottle of cleaning fluid, paper towels and freshener in the laundry bag at all times. Well, it wouldn’t feel right to have to disturb our friendly conscientious caretaker, just for him to some caretaking, now and then, would it? 
A little light drizzle and high winds as I departed the flats and had a walk around to the back of them.
As I took this photograph, the rain came down with a bit more gusto.
My heart went out to one little Buttercup (I think) flower in the thicket at the top.
Through the trees and near the top of the access to the gravel path down that goes alongside the Copse down to the flat, I took this unintended picture of my foot. Tsk!
The Tree Copse has never looked better. The rain had given it a distinctive glow of sorts to the greenery.
to Mansfield Road, turned left over the hill and down into Sherwood.
Dropped off at the Chestnut Walk bus stop and hobbled to the apartments.
Pod peas in the fridge, wee-wee, and got the dinner on the cook.
Went to do the washing up, and the rain was belting down something awful. Good job I didn’t go out later than I did.
Washed up and back to the £300 second-hand recliner. By then I’d forgotten all about any dreams until I saw the scribbled note on the pad.But, they meant little to me
Checked the Emails.
All medicated and cleaned up, I set off to the new Community Shed.
Looking down the hill through the trees and bushes I spotted a squirrel.
along my chosen route.
I tried to get a picture of it, but off it flew at just the wrong moment. Tsk!
Generally a muted session I’d say.
A new poster was on the board near the elevators this morning. Seems that many others were not enamoured to the way the letter about moving the door-mats was written. Nottingham City Homes Obergruppenfurheress Angela Gould signed the original demand and threateningly worded letter, too!
Chinwag in the lift on the way up with some tenants.
Ah, it is now!
Had to get up to sort out the Little Inchy leakage, out on some protection pants (How I hate wearing these nappies for adults!) to be on the safe side