The Nottingham Lads True Tales of Woe – Page 94

Sat 11 July 2015: Inchcock Today – Whoopsiedangleplop encountered!

Saturday 11 July 2015

**0540hrs: Out of the kitchen window – Wonderful!**

DSCF0061 — **0540hrs: Out of the kitchen window – Wonderful!**

Up at 0500hrs: Mind racing trying to remember what I had to do, I knew there were some important things that I didn’t have time to do yesterday. But could I find the list wot I wrote yesterday?

No!

The skin cancer wound was itching like mad again, the little Inch had not been bleeding so much thankfully, Anne Gyna was a tad bothersome, Arthur Itis not too bad yet. Ulcer okay despite me having had me chips last night, the hernia playing up, but with all the lifting I’ve been doing I sort of expected this.

Had a dizzy spell when I got up and moved the quilt throw and jammies into the empty bedroom. Bit bothered about this, I don’t usually get them early in a morning?

Probably all the hassle and worry about so many things to get sorted yet and no progress being made.

At least it’s weekend now, so I should have time to get some things done without appointments.

Duncan, a cyber-mate is coming on Sunday to see me – not only that, he’s bringing a swivel chair he no longer uses for me! That is really kind of him and appreciated. Lifted me this news did. He said he’ll be here early on Sunday – I’m really looking forward to meeting him.

This will be the second cyber-buddy I’ve met. Lynton Cox (A grand bloke) came to see me at the flea-pit earlier this year, and we had a jolly good chin-wag and he helped me with advice and encouragement too. Another decent sort indeed a bit special my Cyber-mates are.

He treated me to a nosh in a cafe as well.

Made a cuppa and took me medications.

Noticed that the bruising on me wrist that no one seemed concerned about when I tripped on a lose kitchen floor tile and reported it to the City Home Obergruppenfurher, had got bigger?

They just may read this and feel guilty about ignoring me plea for the tiles to be secured? Or not like.

Hey-ho, I’ve glued it down now, hopefully.

I checked the bus time-table, there are only four buses to town on a Saturday. First one at

1030hrs. Last one back from town at 1505hrs. Still, better than a Sunday there are no buses on Sundays. Still, the pensioners free bus-pass is getting less use.

I keep checking the hot water situation, but it is not hot enough to have a wash in yet, let alone have a shave – back to boiling a kettle then later perhaps? Not good!

Made another cuppa and carried out the porcelain functions. No blood from the haemorrhoids.

So busy it’s unbelievable – I had hoped that when I got to old age things would settle down and be easier. But no, it’s more hassle and hecticness than ever before – can’t remember half the things I need to do, let alone get them done.

Still no hot water Tsk!

Did some Facebooking and started this blog off.

Put a photo of the bus time table on TFZ, here it is.

Eight trips to town on a weekday, four on a Saturday and none – yes, not any on a Sunday.

This will take some getting used to.

I thought about sorting the carpets out and then thought maybe best to get all the repairs out of the way first? I don’t know, feel so alone and useless at the moment.

So much to do and nowt much getting done like.

Not feeling too good now for some reason, feeling a bit queasy and light headed. Oh dear.

I decided I had time to make up some pots of medications – oh dear…

Just about half way through them and noticed as I counted each pot, that one of the morning pots only had 8 pills in it – worked out which was missing (Beta-blocker) and opened the cupboard above to get some out and Arthur Itis made me fingers stiffen and do their own thing and I knocked over the boxes that fell onto the open pots below that I’d just made up, spilling them all over the damned place.

Took me ages to sort them out, throw away the ones that had been on the floor and checked to see that the right pills were replaced in each pot. By then it was getting close to the bus coming time and I had to rush and have a wash and shave in semi-warm water – naturally I cut missen shaving again. Wot a plonka!

Got missen ready and things that I need (I hoped) for the trip in me bag and set off to the bus-stop.

I caught the L9 bus and enjoyed the elongated route it took to town.

No idea how the driver got it through the tortuous side roads it had to take.

The locals on the bus were in a chatty mood between them themselves – by the time we had gotten into town I was particularly worried about Enid and her arthritis in her left shoulder.

And Gladys was desperate to find and buy a tea-cosy like the one her mum had knitted for her in 1944.

A chap who’s name was not mentioned was running low on hearing-aid batteries.

I hobbled down Queen Street across the slab square and down Exchange Walk to the bank.

I asked for and got, some 20p pieces I could save to use in the flats launderette. Then had to see an advisor to get me address changed.

She informed me that I had got me security code numbers wrong on two occasions, and they had to be changed. Huh! If I couldn’t remember those how do you expect me to remember a new one!

Ah-well, she suggested if I had a new flat, I could use that number and the number of the old house or visa-versa. I was getting headache now. After much mind puzzling thought I came up with random numbers and just hoped I’d remember them. (Mmm…) we’ll see.

Left and went to call at the Jessops camera shop to ask them if they could show me how to change the size of photo’s stored on me card in the camera – but they were too busy.

I nearly set off to walk to the Audio Clinic – but being as keen as mustard and having a sharp alert brain – I’d only got half way there when like a shot, I realised it was Saturday. (Fool!)

So I poddled back down the hill into the City Centre.

Where I was glad to find the Nottinghomian citizenry had not lost their ability to ignore the red pedestrian crossing lights on Red.

I only saw two or three pedestrian cyclist in town today as well.

On me way to the Pound Shop I passed a couple of newly wedded personages outside the old Victoria Hotel, now named the Hilton Hotel on Milton Street.

I took photo of them so Mike and Shirley, or any other couple could do some reminiscing like.

The Jaguar E type they had hired wasn’t half stinking of petrol – a leak there somewhere there must have been. Even the shoplifters nearby where mentioning it – but the happy couple didn’t seem to mind.

I was a bit bonifate in avoiding a turbo-charged Mobility Scooter driven my an aged lady with gritted teeth and a stare on her face that said without sound “Move!”

got to the pound shop and got some bits I thought I might need – a strainer, two fresh air citrus bulb things that I can’t make smell of anything when I got back to the flat?, oven tray for me chips, laptop hoover, a box of tea bags, a mug and a little sewing kit. I ask you, wot a plonker! Buying a sewing kit with my arthritic hands? Huh!

So, onward to Tesco and got some bread thins. some individual long life Carnation milk pots in case I run out of milk again and some New Zealand apples. Nice they are, very juicy and crisp!

Had a while before the bus back was due, so had a plod around the slab square amidst the roller-bladers, skateboarders and shoplifters having a rest and bite to eat.

Caught the bus back to Woodthorpe Court.

Dropped off the bus at Woodthorpe Court and as I entered noticed the laundry had a free machine and drier – so went up and deposited me bags and took me laundry down to do. Cause hopefully tomorrow when Dunc’ the Man comes I’ll be busy like having a great chin-wag.

When I got in the room one of the washing machines had no water? So I used the other one. Not used that one before and it was different to t’other one and I last me money first go. Tsk! Tried again and got it right. Went into the foyer with me crossword book and had a chat with some of the ‘girls’ having their hair done in the next room.

Transferred the clothes into the drier, they seem to have been cleaned well and did me cross-wording again in the foyer.

Two police officers arrived and ran to the lift and up to a flat or other.

Hello I thought! Well, yer would wouldn’t yer like?

The officers cam back down and out to their car, looking very gloomy-faced?

I went out fro a walk as the drier takes an hour to finish.

I soon came back in sharpish – blimey the weather up ‘ere don’t half change quick. Talk about blowing a storm up, the wind was cruel! Mind you, they have given heavy rain out fer Sunday and Monday.

I thought the drier had done an excellent job again. Said me cheerio’s to the gals and made me way back up to the flat.

Put the togs in the airing cupboard – and put on the immersion heater as the water was cold again.

I opened one of the pound shop Air bubbles and could smell nothing at all?

Zilch in the aroma stakes!

I tried to read the instructions on the other one but it was impossible – the letters looked like dots they were so small. Huh!

Hey-ho!

Made a nice strong cup of tea, well mug of tea with the pound shop tea ‘D’ bags.

Laptop on and updated this tripe.

Found a good station on the internet – listening to Big Band Swing at the moment on there Jazz section.

Bloomin’ good stuff! and free!

Big Band Swing music classics.

Just made a cuppa and toyed with the lemon air freshener thingy again – I now have a lemon scented kitchen floor, slippers and trousers.

going to do some Facebooking now although it’s getting late fer me – I’m all excited about Dunc coming to see me.

TTFN.

Fri 10 July 2015: Inchcock Today: Oven chips and a new Heroine!

Friday 10 July 2015

**0330hrs: View from the kitchen window**

Up at 0250hrs: took me quilt and throw into the bedroom, from the kitchen where I’d been trying to kip – WC’d kettle and laptop on – and took a photo from through the kitchen window.

Then started the flat-wide search for me hearing aids!

Found them in plain view on top of the fire surround in the living room on me third search of the living room. Tsk!

The haemorrhoids were bleeding, the angina worse than it’s been for ages and the skin cancer wound a bit naughty and stinging again.

But, all in all I was not too bad – then when I opened WordPress I’d got an offer from Dunc of a free office swivel chair – and he offered to delivery it for me! That made my day, thanks Dunc!

Here I am, sat sitting in me only chair on the laptop (without me hearing aids in)… and realised what the clonking noise was throughout the night. It was the fridge freezer letting me know it’s still working.

Took me medications. Made a cuppa, but could not face any porridge again this morning – I think the nerves are playing up a tad, stomach joining in with me other ailments, churning away. Huh!

I’ve got one of the City Home ladies calling today (Not the Frau Obergruppenfurher Kommandant, but Deana Walker, my Independent Living Co-ordinator. To have a talk about things.

I’ll have to call in at the GP sometime to clarify the date of me next INR blood checks. And call at the bank to make sure they have me new address – and… Oh it’s too much. Wouldn’t be so bad but everyone keeps telling me to phone them and I really can’t hear what many of them are saying and make errors… Me mind is ready to explode… still, there won’t be much collateral damage. Hehe!

Made some notes of things to remember that need doing – but it is a long and confusing list – wouldn’t be so bad if I could read me own writing!

Got me bag of rubbish ready to take to the rubbish chute and letter to take to the shed… then could I find the door keys? – No!

After 40 failed minutes searching the same place I’d already searched I decided I was going potty! I’d come back from me walk last evening so I had them then… Searched all the bags, laundry bag, cabinets and cupboards, storage box’s to no avail – frustrated and annoyed with myself I was – when Deana arrived for her interview session.

She dug in searching with me again – we’d got to point where I thought they ain’t here!

And then…

After ten minutes she found them in the laundry bag in me pyjama pocket!

Well Done Deana Walker!

Saved me bacon there she did – and me sanity too!

She then conducted the interview of sorts taking all me details as required by Nottingham city Homes.

She fitted the Lifeline Connect system.

That’s where I can call for help when if I think I’m going to conk-out.

Waiting now for the Tesco delivery.

Then I hope to get a bus into town and change me address with the bank, hearing aid batteries from the audio centre and call in Jessops to get help with the camera. But I forgot about the Tesco delivery.

I put the oven on ready so I could put me oven chips and roast parsnips in when the delivery arrived. (Says him salivating at the thought)

Having sausages and petits-pois with em I reckon, they are ready in the tray to be microwaved.

The delivery arrived and I put the nosh in the oven first, then put away the frozen food that came.

And do you know… there was a French Horn Fresh cream cake with them… don’t know how that got in the order. (Cough cough)

I’m somewhat disappointed with the oven chips after waiting for three years to get some again – they were a disappointment – with me recent experiences with Tesco I should have known and expected less. I bought some ‘Tesco brand Homestyle oven chips’… tasteless! Such a let-down! Boo!

The skin cancer wound is itching like mad now. Huh! Just can’t resist having a good scratch and rubbing me shoulder against the door edge.

Got me quilt cushion and throw, fashioned a bed on the kitchen floor got down and read some of me, Berlin the downfall by Anthony Beevor, and this time I did nod-off quickly, despite me brain being confused and ever active. And… I don’t think I woke up during the 6 hours before I sprang awake.

TTFN.

Inchcock: Woodthorpe Court Situation Update

Woodthorpe Court – Situation Update

Pandemonium, panic, confusion, Whoopsiedangleplops, calamities, mix-ups, medical mayhem and insanity best describe things at the moment here at Woodthorpe Court

The furniture.

Not a lot of furniture in the flat yet I admit.

I took this photograph on the left of it.

I got it from the charity shop £8 – then bought two tie-on cushions to make it less painful for me haemorrhoids.

This didn’t work out so well.

A tie broke first time I sat on it. By the time the painter had left, all the ties were broken on it. Tsk!

The lifts are speedy and the grandeur of Woodthorpe Court is shown by the quality of the 12th floor lift area.

The designer décor seems to be of a 1940 style with simulated bomb damage.

Perhaps the Nottingham police used the lobby as a training area for their fingerprint apprentices?

The fridge freezer eventually arrived.

I’ve even got food in it – Not a lot! – but food at last.

This is the most affectionate fridge-freezer I’ve ever come across.

It calls out to me every now and then with a clunk-shudder to let me know it’s still there and need some attention and or affection?

Currys supplied this little gem.

So be warned. Model Logik LFC50512. Cheapest model available.

The cooker, also supplied by Currys and the cheapest model available CFSEWH/14.

They advise you to burn rings and oven on full power for so long before using.

Be warned: If there is a smoke alarm fitted and working within 2 miles radius of the location of this machine, expect it to go off!

It has a nice misleading smile though.

Still awaiting its first use – lurking smiling as if it knows something you don’t – bit worrying that.

Some food in the cupboard at last too.

Luckily I’d got a little screwdriver and Allen-key multi-pack set things.

They came in very handy for adjusting the doors so they almost fitted flush with the cupboard sides.

You may notice the inordinate amount of baked beans in comparison to other products?

That is because I like baked beans, especially after I’ve marinated them a mix of mustard, mild curry powder, sultanas, Marmite, black pepper, sea salt, Worcester sauce, bacon crumbles, unrefined Demerara sugar and dried onions for a day before heating em up.

The fan heater in the kitchen is of particular interest.

The turn-on switch needs a stepladder to reach to activate it – and I do not have a stepladder – so, it is economical not to run?

Not that that matters, because the first time I tried it the pull string came off in me hand and the casing cracked.

The plastic Asda storage bins (Made in the UK) are sitting awaiting location decisions in this photo.

Since then I have put one set of three drawers in the bathroom where they can resist the damp due to their being made of plastic. I’m quick yer know!

The drawers take a bit of effort to pull out as they tend to bring the rest of the them with em at the same time.

But failures like this I have got used to over the years and take it with a pinch of salt.

Talking of salt, I dropped me pot of Himalayan Red sea salt yesterday and broke it.

Bent down to clean it up – nice new bruising on me arm where I banged it on the door as I avoided banging me head on the wall as I toppled over.

Used the laundry room for me washing for the first time the other day. The driers take an hour, but they are good.

Took a photo of one of the machines and realised I’d caught the bruises on me wrist where I tripped over a loose floor tile in the kitchen the day before.

I mentioned this to the staff in case they were worried about the elderly residents Health and Safety. They weren’t!

The entrance to the flat.

Looking rather gloomy – and this is after the so-called painter had done his work.

Still, now he’s finished I can eventually when I find the time, enjoy cleaning up all the paint splashes all over the flat, he managed to sprinkle paint everywhere, even gave me cleaning things a sprinkling of paint, me clothes, the bath, the sink taps, the kitchen sink area looked like it had been snowing.

Still, yer don’t like to complain does yer.

Ah, the bedroom.

Vincent Price could have used this as a location for one of his horror films.

Gawd it’s cold in there.

Of course many past residents must have clocked out in there over the years I suppose, so understandable.

The living room.

A little sparse of furniture innit?

I can’t get any carpets in yet, as the repairmen have to come and mend the floor panelling at the bottom of the walls – sink they have come loose.

Some paint left over from the decorator – well I say decorator…

Me bathroom.

I must get a large cabinet fitted. The Age UK people have a list of Trusted Suppliers yer know – the Decorator who splashed the paint on in the flat for me was one of them. So I do not feel confident in getting a ‘Trusted supplier’ via them to do me carpets or fit me cabinet… oh dear, problems problems…

Still the hot water supply seems to be getting better. But we’ll see.

The kitchen is me living room, study and bedroom at the moment.

The microwave is working now.

The cooker is operative but I’m too scared to use it.

The clunk-clank fridge freezer is hammering away.

I still need a proper waste bin and curtains cause the sun is showering heat onto the fridge and I have nowhere to move the fridge out-of-the-way.

Internet and phone connection completed.

Virgin media have fitted me up.

The internet connection was perfect to start with.

Since the second day I keep losing the connection now and then – fancy that? As if it could happen to me? Hehe.

The land-line phone.

Up and working.

I’ve had three calls on it up to now.

Every one a wrong number!

Hey-ho.

It’s been used to dial out and has big number and a clearish signal.

Not that I can afford to use it.

Repairs.

Many things needed putting right.

Many things still need putting right.

The kitchen, under the sink false draw-front collapsed, shelf below supports broke and window too stiff to open.

A bloke did open it for me all the way round so I could clean the outside – but 4 holes in the frame let stale rainwater run out when it was upside down and drenched the kitchen, soaked me paperwork, splashed on the microwave etc….

This they had arranged to do yesterday – but due to the emergency INR level blood test needed had to be re-arranged for Monday 20th July.

Kitchen Air-vent coming off the wall – arranged for the 17th July.

Living room panelling came away. To be tended 17th July.

In the dark and dingy windowless passage the immersion heater that doesn’t always work was mentioned, but no one came to look at it. Here it is switched on, but no power light?

Smoke detector test arranged for 29th July.

The kitchen tiles that had come loose and I tripped over causing bruising didn’t seem to worry them, so no action taken.

But, however and notwithstanding all this…

I love it!

All but the cold at night!.

Thu 9 July 2015: Inchcock Today – Oh dear…

Thursday 5^th July 2015

Up at 0225hrs. Had to kip on kitchen floor on a quilt with throw over me and plenty of clothes on – Gawd it were cold!

Cramps were not so bad last night, and little ‘Inch’ was bleeding far less. Angina not so good, the wrist improving, reflux valve naughty and worried about what the day will bring.

Cuppa and medication taken. Laptop on.

I got a nice comment from Kentucky Angel. It’s so nice that I have folk who show compassion and would be lost without them in these trying times.

Today is a bit of pressure, cause I’ve got two repair men calling – and hope that they arrive in time and get the jobs done for me to get to me emergency INR blood-level test at the Doctors. And I have utilities and bank to call to change me details. Also I’d hoped to get back to the old place so I can collect some warmer clothing and carry it back to the flat. Ah-well.

Where the hospital took the sample of skin cancer from is really itching this morning, getting harder to resist scratching at it. Hehe!

WC’d.

I’m looking forward to living a semi-normal existence and finding time to relax a bit – but not much hope of that yet. Tons of work sorting and anguish to go through before that can be achieved. So busy and frustrated with not being able to get things done. Doing this diary is taking up much of me time, but I love doing it so, and get such pleasure when people respond to it and I learn of others problems and admire the way they cope. Apart from one night, I’m not sleeping well at all, so doing the diary when this happens is not too bad.

Need to sort carpets out, rang Steve but no answer, well he is busy and has got many old foggies to tend to.

I need help with the paperwork and getting utilities sorted, but nothing seems to happen and I’m getting a backlog of things that are urgently needing attention. Steve Age UK has not been answering my calls, and Age UK Wendora is only available on Wednesdays – she is a volunteer and I appreciate her efforts. This week nothing got done due to me not having the details that the utilities needed. I feel like giving up… oh dear, feeling sorry fer missen agen! Sorry.

I blame the medications yer know… Hehehe!

The maintenance/repair men coming today (I hope early) should be mending the cupboard and shelf under the sink.

I’ve emptied everything out ready for them.

Caretaker Robert is coming (I hope) to look at me cooker to see if he can connect it, he said he would source the wires needed for me. Thank heavens for some help, especially from people I hardly know. Much appreciated. Especially as I’ve got some oven chips coming tomorrow from Tesco (Then I can return the broken clock and crushed cakes they delivered last time – Tsk!). Looking forward to having them, getting withdrawal symptoms yer know – not had any for many months now… well, over a year really. I must remember at all costs not to do any when I’m tired – last time long ago I fell asleep and the cooker actually burst into flames. Oh dear bad memories!

0500hrs: Still a bit gloomy out there.

I’m in a bit of a depressed mood methinks? Worried about things not getting done that need urgent attention, and me mind is anywhere but where it should be at the moment. Poor old devil, Hehe!

I’ve got to get the carpets sorted out, but Steve not answering his phone (Hope he’s alright) I need him to contact an Age UK recommended supplier. As soon as the carpets are done, I can try to find an easy chair to get. It’s not nice not having somewhere to sit in comfort – the chair and cushion I got is not the most comfortable and if I nod-off I’ll fall off it! Ha-ha!

I’m going have a bath and shave now.

By gum that’s better – and I had the added entertainment of cleaning off the paint splashes the decorator left me with, better than a rubber duck. Tsk! hehe!

Did you notice the carbolic soap? A much underrated soap indeed. Fresh smelling and reminds me of the old days.

0635 hrs. now, all ready nice and early for the workmen to arrive – too early but still.

Noticed the bruising coming up again on me wrist, and the skin cancer wound becoming bothersome – maybe with my INR level so high and blood so thin?

I wrote the other day of how I likes this Virgin Internet connection – I take that back, kept losing it this morning. Tsk!

0920hrs – getting concerned that the men will arrive on time to do the jobs in time for me to get to me appointment at the surgery…

I took the letters that had arrived for the previous tenant to the shed and handed them to the Frau Obergruppenfurher Camp Kommandant – boy was she her usual bundle of joy!

I explained about the situation with the emergency INR tests and the repair men due. she said: Suit yerself, cancel them if yer want to! I sarcastically thanked her and made a hasty retreat to a safe distance and went back to the flat.

I ran into caretaker Robert on the way and told him of me problems and he phoned them, cancelled today and got another date for Monday 20th July twixt 0930 and 1400 hrs made for me.

I asked him about the storage sheds things and how do I get into them. He showed me the code and said I should have a key – which I don’t of course.

Got up to the flat, nibbled a cooked sausage, made a cuppa and went to amend the dates of the kitchen repair on me diary – then found at the same time I had a Cardiac appointment – Why is life so complicated fer me – I suppose it is for others but…. hey-ho!

Robert is going to see me later about sorting the cooker connection out bless him..

When I go to the surgery today I’ll mention it to the nurse. (Best laid plans are often thwarted by a bad memory eh?)

Got missen ready taking the reminder list with me and set off on me marathon walk to the old place and surgery. Must pick up paperwork and warm clothing, as much as I can carry back – not a lot there then.

Back in a couple of hours.

I’ve made it back…

Hobbled into Carrington and got some bits from the old dump – warm coat, sweater, some paperwork, batteries, underwear, socks, radio, attack alarm and cleaner.

Then went to the GP surgery and the nurse listened to me moans, took me blood for the INR test. She was very kind over the clash with the Cardiac blood test and the rearranged kitchen repair team coming on the 20th, and said when she gets the INR results for today’s test with the next appointment date she’ll let me know and try to do the Cardiac at the same time. Bless her cotton socks!

Limped back into Sherwood (The bags seemed inordinately heavy?), for some reason.

Up Winchester Street and back to the Woodthorpe Court flats.

I wus well shattered by then.

Got in put me things away and the paperwork to sort out later.

Made a cuppa and updated this monologue.

Listened to radio 3, nice piece of piano music on.

1450hrs: Robert should be here soon.

Got the paperwork sorted that I got from the old place – I hope they are the one’s Glendora wants?

Cleaned some more splattered paint off the sink area – how come I couldn’t see it before?

Barry Took is presenting a radio show on Radio 4 Extra at 1600hrs called ‘Guess What’ a revival of the old animal mineral or vegetable quiz show. Should be interesting if I can get to listen to it.

Robert turned up, tool bag and thick wires in hand and set about doing the cooker fitting for me.

Much banging and swearing later he’d finished fitting it – and covered the smoke detector with a carrier bag and masking tape (which luckily I had brought with me to the flat this very day!)

I gave him a tenner and some DVDs and he seemed content. Off he went telling me as he left the flat to leave the smoke detector covered until I use it fort he first time tomorrow.

I nibbled some polish sausages with a cuppa and got on with this diary.

The wind seemed to have dropped a bit and a while after I took this photo the sun came out and I squinted as I passed the window and I Whoopsiedangleplopped me good foot on the edge of the cooker – very nearly swore I did. HeheI decided to go out for a little walk into Woodthorpe Park and take some photographicalisations of the place.

I’m off now again – back in a little while (I hope).

Back sooner than planned… I’ll tell yer about it…

Off I poddled to the lift and down to the ground floor.

Feeling okay at this stage of the expedition.

Passed the locker room, hairdressers and laundry room.

Out into the daylight.

Very warm in the sunshine, not many folks about around this area.

Feeling okay at this stage of the expedition.

Had a little ponder on which way to go, and decided the Muggers Alley was not suitable, left was the way out to Winchester Street – so went straight ahead and up the stony footpath hill that all the doggy walkers, skateboarders and scooterists use.

Up to the top and over to the brow of the hill.

I avoided the interests of a Scottie-dog who seemed to take a dislike to me.

Down the other side were several pitch and putters having an evening round of mini-golf.

At this stage me feet and legs reminded me of the marathon walk I’d already done earlier – cor blimey were they stinging. Tut! Thought I’d make it a short walk in that case.

As I turned to look back I took a photographicalisation of both blocks of flats, the nearest being Woodthorpe Court, the far one Winchester Court.

The night was really warm, well the sun was just like yesterday, until it went in the wind got up and it turned so cold! I expect the same tonight.

I thought thinkingly… if anyone is likely to get a golf ball belting into his head, now who would that be? So decided to walk around the course and got over it.

Then as I started walking – and boy did it come on quick like – the urgent need for the use of the WC arrived, so back down the track to the flats fast as I could… Tsk!

Just made it in time, close, but I made it.

Laptop on to complete the diary.

I was thinking about the Warfarin situation and whether or not or how many I should take tonight – and at that time the surgery rang to inform me. None tonight – 2 Friday – 2.5 Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, & Thurs. Next tests?

I hope the NHS have me new address to send the readings to.

Got me nosh ready fer cooking later.

Any guesses what it is?

Ah… the toilet beckons again…

Oh dear!

Tue 7 July 2015: Worn missen out again! Tsk!

Tuesday 7^th July 2015

Up at 0505hrs – I slept on the floor in the kitchen on a duvet with a throw to cover me last night – and managed to get some sleep in, partly due to sheer weariness and tiredness I expect.

Not so many cramps either. But plenty of fretting and worrying about things I’ve got to do etc. So much to do and so little getting done.

No hot water again – so I put on the immersion heater hoping it will work so I can have a wash and shave before Painter man arrives and I set off to the GP surgery for me INR Warfarin level tests, Meet BJ at the launderette so as to go to Asda to see if I can get some drawers, bin and bits.

Hoping the things (Cooker and fridge) arrive while I’m out. Fretting something awful now.

Laptop on – Made a cuppa and took me medications, started this diary off.

Water getting hotter now, so immersion seems to work in the mornings? But it is an exspensive way to do things – and I’m spending far too much as it is… Worry fretting panic setting in again – Tsk!)

Got missen spruced up and into the few clean clothes I’ve got left. I really must try to get to the laundry room today and find out how things work there.

Had a good wash and shave and then made another cuppa.

Made list of things to do to take with me when I go to the GP nurse.

The pull-start string on the heater on the kitchen wall came off when I pulled it – Tsk! Some things never change.

The painter Paul is late coming, he said he’d be here for 0800hrs so I could have time to walk to the GP appointment and someone would be here just in case the fridge and cooker arrived early.

If he doesn’t get here soon – what do I do?

Missing the INR blood tests is not on really.. ah he’s here…

Got me things ready and left on me 40 minute walk to the doctor’s surgery.

Got there and waited a while and got called in around 0915hrs.

I realised I’d taken the wrong Anticoagulation Record Card with me and told the surgery Nurse – but it was the nice one and she said not to worry?

She had a look at me damaged wrist and said to come back if the blue swelling had not gone down in three day.

I thanked her and made me way to the launderette to meet BJ.

One of the infamous Nottingham Pavement Cyclists nearly had me as I left through the gate – Swine!

Hobbled down and across to the launderette.

Had a chin-wag with Mandy, had her in tucks and all I was telling her was what had happened to me – It must be the way I tell em! Hehe!

BJ came in and his laundry was ready to be taken out of the driers.

We were soon off to Asda. Where I got a call from the Curry’s delivery drivers, they could not get into the flat – no answer to their call!

panic set in then… I called Steve from Age UK and asked him to ring Paul he painter to tell him they were outside.

BJ said a few moments later, ring Steve back and confirm they got in or I’ll run yo back sharpish. I rang him and they had got in – Phew!

Knowing this, I got some butter, sausages, sausages and sausages from Asda. But forgot the milk – hope the one I got yesterday has not gone off. Then got two of the 3 drawer storage thingies.

We made out way back to BJ’s house for him to show me the storage cabinet he’s got from Ikea to see if similar would be suitable for me to get. They were practical, but expensive.

Then he ran be back to the flats and dropped me off outside, thanked him and he shot off.

Got up to twelfth and as I got out of the lift – a pile of shredded foam was all over the area floor! Currys to thank for that. Decided to get it cleaned up ASAP or risk getting a bad name with the other residents.

In the flat I greeted in the kitchen by the fridge all looking nice in the corner near the window, and the new Cooker, unfortunately still in all its wrappings – Foam, plastics, wood slats etc.

Paul painter said they told him not to start the fridge-freezer for three hours? The place was a mess with bits of wrappings all over and Paul’s mementos of spots of paint. Oh dear, just when I was getting to feel drained too!

I struggled but got the cooker wrappings off and broke them down and carried some down and out to the caretakers refuse door – and it was open, so I popped in and found the lad Robert – who had apparently asked the Curry’s men if they had taken away their rubbish and they assured him they had – Naughty! they had not! I told him about the cooker and my ringing the Council City Homes to see if they provided a cooker installation service and they did not.

He (Robert) said he would come up in a bit to see what’s what.

I went back up and started to clean up the mess the Currys lads had left near the lift – no easy task as the giant air-vents either end of the landing were letting in the wind and it was very gusty too! Huh! Took me ages to corner the bits of foam. Hehe, must have been a funny sight!

Then I had a look at the cooker and there were not connection wires as I could see to attach it to the electricity supply box?

I started to clean the place up again and Robert arrived to have a look. He tried to sort out the problem with the hot water – but we got nowhere with it – he did explain about the night storage heaters – they were expensive!

Then he looked at the cooker and said indeed the cables were missing to link it up? He would return on Thursday to have another look and will try to sort some out for me. Thanked him an off he poddled.

I went down to the community shed leaned and spoke with one of the two ladies there – not the Frau Obergruppenfurher Camp Kommandant one, I just smiled in her direction but kept out of any verbal communication.

The lady said see how it goes, she’ll ask someone to come and see me. (Loud Tut from the Frau Kommandant on the next table at this stage).

The wind was now the worst I’ve ever encountered locally.

Back to the flat and painter Paul was clearing his thing ready to go – so I paid him his money and off he went.

I relaxed a bit now I was on me own again checked the kitchen out and started to appreciate all the mementos he’s left for me in the kitchen:

Paint splashed on the sink, draining board, laptop, door, cupboards, floor, windows, draining tray every exposed bottle, tin, crockery, the chair, the chair cushion (which incidentally had one broken tie when I left the house earlier and now had four broken ties?) and even the kettle was speckled in magnolia paint!

Took me ages to clean em, in fact I ain’t done em all yet. Tsk!

Just had a peep in the front room – the new Virgin modem, telephone and the windows will need specks removing too.

I’m too nervous to check the other rooms

Then I got the fridge turned on – the cooker in position then made a cuppa.

The cooker looks like it has an expression on its face don’t you think?

Tonight methinks beans and sausage.

Cleaned the sink area but not all the bottles, jugs, sprays etc, just too tired and wanted to get this diary finished off while me memories were semi-fresh.

The bare looking fridge was photographicalised for posterity.

If that’s the right word?

Must try to get some frozen nosh in tomorrow – maybe-not though, I forgot the cooker ain’t working yet – I’m easily confused yer know.Tsk!

Oh that reminds, nurse Nicole made an appointment for me cardiac blood test 0945hrs on Mon 27 July.

Hang on, I’ll put that in me Google calendar now…

Done it, thanks fer yer patients… no I mean patience folks!

The two three drawer storage units I’ve put in the kitchen for now. They are plastic and I thought a good idea for storing stuff in the bathroom?

What do you think?

I just got me first incoming phone call on me land-line – wrong number. Huh!

Hey-ho!

Got me nosh ready to go into the microwave. I’d stuck with the idea of beans and sausage. Mini cocktail sausages.

Had no time to prepare Patti Berkert’s curried bean recipe so had them straight as if to speak.

The milk had not turned or gone off so enjoyed a good strong cuppa with them – (and some un-mangled from being squashed on delivery along with the broken clock) Tesco mini-rolls for afters.

I think Glendora from Age UK is calling tomorrow. Hope she’s been told about me appointment at the clinic.

Tired again now.

TTFN.

Mon 6th July 2015: Inchcock Today

Monday 6^th July 2015

Up at 0125hrs, shivering with cold and wide awake?

The cramps were not so bad and the wounds from yesterdays Whoopsiedangleplop weren’t too bad either.

A few recollections of me dreams lingered:

A woman was telling me off about something or other and I kept pouring cups of tea for her… and could not get the right amount of milk she wanted?… then the door opened and in filed dozens of women and they formed a queue near a snooker table demanding their cups of tea? – In walked Harold Wilson and sat in the chair?

That’s all I can recall.

Had a dizzy-spell later – not good that, I thought they were on holiday. Hehe!

BJ is calling this morning to fetch some stuff for me from the hovel. The decorator is due around 0800hrs – not sure if Steve is coming or not – perhaps Glendora will call?

The patriotic car from yesterday was still there when we passed.

Did some Facebooking – I dare not use the taps for a wash this early – noisy plumbing might disturb me new neighbours.

Painter arrived and soon started in the living room. Sociable chap, very helpful.

BJ rang he’s on his way. Said I’d meet him outside so he didn’t have to come all the way up.

Met him in car park and we set off to the hovel.

We collected no end of stuff, filled his car I think, and took it to the flat.

On the way we stopped at the Co-op store and got some bread (Being as I had got me toaster in the car )and long life milk.

Bit of a job getting it all up to the flat but we managed somehow. BJ had to shoot off and I went down with him and thanked him for his help again.

Realised that until we get the place sorted I could not use the toaster. Tsk!

Then the decorator went off for his nosh – and the Tesco delivery arrived. Well, by the time I ‘d put the stuff anywhere I could find to temporarily, the painter was back.

I got the clock I bought from Tesco out and we both agreed it was knackered – the hands were loose. Tsk!

And the White grape and blackcurrant flavoured spring water I’d bought tempted me to a quick swig – Eurgh! Far too sweet! Undrinkable!

Then a maintenance man arrived to repair the loose wiring in the Intercom line. Soon had it all boxed in for me. He didn’t want any bottles of White grape and blackcurrant flavoured spring water either!

I asked the painter chappie if he would like a bottle of White grape and blackcurrant flavoured spring water, but he was not too keen.

By now with all the lifting and carrying and the nowhere to sit comfortably scenario my back, arms and legs were suffering – also the affects of me Whoopsiedangleplop on me right wrist was humming a bit.

Steve rang, he’s coming later to have a chat.

Feeling well and truly done in now – cramps starting, so tired.

Steve and Paul the decorator got the Fridge freezer and cooker ordered from Currys for me, delivery tomorrow between 0800 and 1800hrs.

But we are not sure if they will ‘fit’ the cooker for me or not like?

The fridge-freezer should be okay to just plug in?

I’m really looking forward to having some oven chips – but with my luck I’m not holding my breath…

I have got a doctors appointment in the morning and then going to Asda to see if we can get some of the plastic drawers on offer.

Steve and Paul left with a bottle of White grape blackcurrant spring water each, and a weary me put the laptop on to do this diary before I fall asleep.

Mind you, I want to have me Marmite sarnies first.

I bet the cooker is still not been delivered or if it has not connected when I get back tomorrow. I’m not that lucky.

TTFN from a tired, weary, in pain and far poorer Inchcock.

Hehehe!

Sun 5th July 2015: Progress – Slowly, but progress plus late Whoopsiedangleplop!

Sunday 5^th July 2015

**Sorry, I meant through the balcony netting**

Up at 0315hrs.

Cramps were bad last night and even worse the ‘Little Inch’ lesion had been bleeding bad – and I have no cream here at the new flat. Tsk!

WC’d.

Made a cuppa – it seems to taste better when brewed here in the flat?

Took me morning medications with it. Made a list of urgent things I need from the old dump when I walk back to the dump for Michelle to collect me old fridge-freezer.

Must remember to collect Warfarin, Vit C complex, Oil capsules, clock, mobile charger and me curried bean spices.

Then took the photo at the top of this diary – and hour later it looked like this. Beautiful cloud formations I thought?

As I withdrew the camera from between the netting, it caught on the netting a bit and then commenced a few worrying moments as swore as I fumbled and juggled with it to retrieve it before it went over the balcony… (Oh dear, frightening seconds there!)

Somehow I got it back in my arthritic hands and sighed such a sigh of relief. Phew!

A Whoopsiedangleplop of mammoth proportions avoided there!

Had a pot of porridge and enjoyed it. I hope I can get a fridge soon as the milk keeps going sour and the nearest shop is a 25 minute walk each way. Tsk!

Made up me pots of medications last night – but realised I’d missed bringing the Warfarin – so must get them later when I go to the flea-pit to give the freezer.

Went on Facebook for ages, nice having a few folk show interest in me welfare, I like it.

Got missen ready and had a walk to Carrington to do some sorting and meet the folk who are collecting the fridge/freezer.

Took a bag of rubbish to the chute and got the lift down – et a chap at the entrance had a little chin-wag, seemed a decent sort.

No buses on Sundays, so set off down Winchester Street.

No one around much, traffic or pedestrians at this point. I had plenty of time and dawdled a bit, then realised I was missing sorting out time at the dump, so increased me speed to 1.1 mph. Hehehe!

Arrived with 2 hours to spare before the ETA of he people – so knuckled down and shifted the debris and rubbish to make a pathway through for when they come to take the fridge-freezer and its contents.

I was getting a bit weary by then, but foolishly pressed on sorting and taking bags of unwanted crap to the bins.

By the time I decided enough was enough I needed to use me walking stick – good really, cause it reminded me to take it with me back to the flat.

But oh me back and knees – I really must get a bed, that air-bed that Steve lent me is crippling me.

Then came an incident that made me really appreciate getting away from the area. Two maisonettes opposite have been occupied – and here are about eight kids from about three to eleven years of age – and can they scream and ball!

I took me hearing-aids out but could still hear em!

The two men arrived a little late. They knew what they were doing as they had it out in minutes, barrow and straps all ready.

One of the bloke took off with fridge in his van and the other one, both sounded Russian or Polish, offered me some cash and I said no – you’re doing me a favour, one less thing for me to worry about.

Then on impulse I asked him if he could run me back to the flat and he agreed as he actually had to pass it on the way home – lucky that!

His Mother in law lives at the same block, and he warned me about a bloke who has been getting loans of off residents, including his mother-in-law and using the money to get Ukrainian prostitutes in. He said he was about 70 years old and to avoid him. They had gone to the police as others had, but was told there was nothing they can do as it is a private matter? He was telling me as he ran me home.

Realised I’d forgotten to get some milk.

Well shattered I got in and sorted the two bags of stuff I’d collected. Then added the Warfarin to the pots I did yesterday.

Put the stuff away and had a cuppa.

Then on the laptop and added to this diary.

It rained giants droplets for about 30 seconds and then stopped?

Took me medications early so as not to forget them later.

Got the painter coming in tomorrow – doctors at 09… no, they changed it to Tuesday… confusing yer know innit?

Opened the window a smidge and the gnats feasted on me within seconds. Hehe!

I brought me binoculars with me to view from the window and balcony – I’d forgotten how crap they were. A sticker on them says: 6×35 High Power – Phwert!

Checked me emails.

Made a list of things to see Steve from Age Concern about.

Updated me diary.

So weary now, but not tired?

Then it happened…

I was just finishing putting away some things, in the kitchen turned, and managed to trip over a loose floor tile.

Bruised left arm wrist, scratched right wrist and banged me head (No bother on the last one).

Tsk!

Sat July 2015: Inchcock Today –

Saturday 14^th June 2015

Up at 0310hrs.

The bedroom felt cold last night, the other rooms didn’t?

Made cuppa and took me last pot of medications.

Bit of thunder and lightning going on this morning, it soon stopped though.

Then I took a photo from the kitchen window from the same view as the one I took last night. Interesting comparison I thought?

Laptop on, another cuppa and started on this diary.

Must remember what I need to get today.

Back to the dump to get medications, chemist to get new prescriptions, get bread and long-life milk (The little bottle I got has curdled now – no fridge yet! Huh!)

Checked emails and Facebooked for a while.

No hot water this morning, have to boil water in the kettle to have a shave.

The rain turned to mist and then fog after I took this picture.

Managed to force down a pot of Golden Syrup flavoured porridge, cause I imagine it ain’t good not eating for so long. Just not hungry?

Then, although I haven’t got all the seasoning to make curried beans, I opened a tin and mixed in some sultanas left them to soak in. I hope to remember, and be able to carry some of the seasonings from the flea-pit later today. (I forgot – huh!)

There are only four buses today (Mind you, tomorrow there are none!), first one at 1030hrs, so I have plenty of time to have wash and shave using hot water from the kettle – what a farce. I still haven’t seen anyone to ask about this lack of hot water in the mornings and days. (I dare not ask the Camp Kommandant Obergruppenführer woman), but I think a lady told me there are none of them on site at the week-ends.

Ah well, I’ll get the kettle on and have a shave then… back in a bit…

Set off taking the letters for Mrs Leadbetter with me and couple of bags to put me stuff in from the flea-pit and me shopping.

On me way down in the lift I put the camera low so it wont be seen and took a photo of missen – then remembered the CCTV camera, Tsk!

The Community shed was all locked up. So stuck the letters in me bag to deliver later.

Set of on me walk down Winchester Street hill and on to Carrington.

The sun was coming out now.

Got in the hovel and packed some stuff that I could find that I might need, mobile charger, socks, undies, etc. I thought I’d put some shirts in as well, but later found they were some Lounge trews that were too small. I decided to bus to town and get some cheapo t-shirts.

Called at the chemist who told me it’s two weeks yet before the prescription is due. All this hassle got me even more confused than usual.

So back to the house and picked up what medication were there to do-up into pots tomorrow.

Called in Tesco in town got some bread and ham to have with me beans later.

A good few folk about.

Went to the bust-stop to get the L9 back to the flats – next one was due 2 hours later!

There was only four buses running on a Saturday – every two hours over 0930 to 1630. And there are none running at all on a Sunday. So I might get me medication pots done and have a walk locally to get the lay of the land so to speak?

I called in Primark got some shirts and socks then back to the bus-stop.

When I got back to the flat many letters had been delivered. Three for Mrs Leadbetter, and five for me!

One about the direct debit fer the rent, and three giving me dates fro when the repairmen will be calling to do jobs.

The other a con-job from a someone giving me a number to ring to get 200% return on summat or other – binned it.

You should see me Google diary now. Hang on, I’ll try to take a screen shot of it…

I put the hot water immersion on but nowt happened.

An hour or so later tried again and the light came on – it worked?

Searched and searched for me mobile – going potty I was – had I left or dropped it on the bus – oh dear…

Eventually after a beard growth or half an inch I found it – plugged in charging behind the microwave. Wot a plonka!

I had a bash on Facebook to have a break like.

The blow-up bed that Steve has loaned me has a Velcro like coating and every time I moved it holds on to me jammies and this caused a nasty Whoopsiedangleplop within minutes of me nodding off. The little Inch started bleeding rather badly. Spent the next hour or two in the bathroom cleaning missen up and trying to stop the bleeding. Got bad at one stage and I thought about calling for help.

None of the clinics creams or pads here at the flat – an oversight I regretted. Must remember to collect some tomorrow from the dump.

TTFN all.

Inchcock Working away at his move to his new flat

Inchcock Working away at his move to his new flat

Despite his many ailments and his fear of the new flat complex’s Female Obergruppenführer: He carries on getting knowhere in his mission to make the place habitable and not to run of of funds doing so… He’s failing there!

Fri 13th July 2015:

Friday 13^th June 2015

Again not much sleep due to me racing – but getting nowhere mind. Shame that!

Cuppa and medications taken, lesion cleaned-up and ointment applied.

Got down around 0510hrs and straight on the laptop to see what was to be done today.

BJ rang missed the call due to WC’ing. Rang him back.

He came to pick me and some of me bagged-up stuff up to lift me to the flat – bless him muchly.

I sorted the stuff I needed so as to sleep at the flat tonight ready.

When he arrived I asked him if we could call at the shops in Sherwood on the way to try to get a seat/chair and mirror to shave by.

We called in Wilkinson’s and got a mirror.

Then got a very hard wooden chair from the charity shop.

Had an eventful time getting the stuff out of the car and into the one working lift – then up to 12^th floor and into the flat! Tsk!

I made me first cuppa tea in the new flat for BJ – I would have joined him, but I only had one cup/mug in the flat. Tsk!

Tesco delivery and the Virgin Media man arrived together.

The Virgin man was polite and helpful.

I did some sorting of stuff that BJ had lifted to the flat for me and made up the collapsible storage crates, they will come in handy! – while the Virgin chap got things sorted for me.

A few hours later and he even got the laptop working to make sure all was okay and working.

I’d has some more mail for the previous tenant to take to the shed on me walk into Sherwood to get toothbrush, brush and pan, washing-up liquid and cushions for the chair.

The community shed was locked-up, so stuck em back in me bag to try again tomorrow.

Walked down Winchester Street into Sherwood and called at the haberdashery shop and got some cushions to tie on the chair.

Wilkinson’s to get toothbrush and the other bits.

Waited and caught bus back up the Winchester Street hill and the flats.

The shed was still locked-up.

I must find out the times of when things are available as soon as I can – what are the emergency numbers etc?

Some of the residents were out in their deck chairs sunning themselves.

I was hoping to speak to someone about things to sort and to get help with the hot water predicament.

Got in and tied the cushions to the new second-hand chair so I could at least sit-down in relative comfort.

I think it was the third time I sat on it the ties came off and I very nearly had another Whoopsiedangleplop! Huh!

At least I now have something in the front room! A telephone that works, Virgin Internet paraphernalia and me new second-hand chair now with cushions – even if they have dropped off. Hehe!

Steve rang but I missed the call. Rang him back he’s coming to the flat shortly to talk about things.

Started this diary, feeling a bit tired again now.

Took me evening medications with a cuppa.

Thought about what I’d got here that I could have for nosh after Steve’s been and gone – limited choice mind!

Looks like beans and bread up to now. Ah-well!

Waiting for Steve for to arrive I cleaned up the bits and dust the Virgin an left.

Then soaked and cleaned me hearing aid inners.

Then made a graphic adding missen to the photo of the laptop on the internet in the kitchen.

I’ll be glad when Steve arrives, he’s going to pump up the air mattress for me to kip on and I do need some kip! If the hot water lasts I’d hoped to have a bath, but they ask us not to have a bath after a certain time because the noise of the water can annoy neighbours. So another stand-up wash then…?

Steve arrived and kindly pumped more air into the mattress so I cold try to sleep on it tonight – my first night sleeping at the flat. not that I get to sleep like – too excited methinks, still lots to do but I feel I’m getting there at last.

Steve has arranged for the decorator to come Monday and Tuesday, tells me I can rely on the man and leave him alone when I go out for me medical prevarications, clinic appointment and whatever.

Off shot Steve and I had the best bath I’ve had in ages – bit of a soak in Jasmine and Lavender bath suds, and shortage of hot water either – luverly!

But I couldn’t get to sleep at all – despite feeling weary. So carried on with this diary.

Must go back to the dump tomorrow to get some medications and call in the chemist to get me monthly supply – then pick up some more bits I might need if I sleep here again tomorrow night – clothes, nail-cutters, painkillers, bread milk and something else that I can’t recall what now. Huh!

Might call in the charity shop to see if I can get to buy the soft chair and desk I saw earlier. They won’t be able to deliver until Wednesday and delivery will cost £30 minimum – but the chair is very comfy and not too low, and the desk should be ideal for me laptop and things. Hope they haven’t been sold when I get there.

Nightie night all… TTFN