03:55hrs: Woke up, and almost like a robot, out of the second-hand, £300, c1968, rusty, not-working-again-today thanks to Brother-in-Law Pete damaging it, while he was flat-sitting, when I was in the Stroke Ward, and he fitted new CCTC cameras, and searched for my valuables, which he found and took, (I still haven’t got them back yet four-months later), recliner. Had a wee-wee, but could not find the GPEB (Grey-Plastic-Emergency Bucket), I don’t know why, but I could not find it at all! Nae bothers to me, I seemed to be in a very laid back state? I poddled to the wet-room, and needn’t have worried more about what came out, or instead didn’t. It was of a PWWDIB (Pathetic-Weak-Why-Did-I-Bother) mode.
To the kitchen and moved the hand-washed last night, long-sleeved shirt onto the airer. Then I took my medications. Made a brew. And got the computer booted up. All these actions were done in a very matter-of-fact way, and no thought-storms or worries bothered me! Somehow this made me worry.
I did the updating of the Wednesday post. So quickly, I kept thinking I must have missed something, surely. Maybe I did, but haven’t worked out what it is yet? Odds are this is what happened. Haha!
When I made a mug of tea. It had got light, and I drew back the curtains.
I moved the stepladders back inside from the balcony. Because opening the curtains, more of the hooks fell off the top rail. Oy Vey! It took me ages and many brave actions up on the step-ladder to get the hooks put back on the rail. But still no hassle or bother to me. (Have I been taking something I ought not to have taken?) My unflustered, unworried, unnatural mood continues!
Then to my amazement and flabergastation, I noticed that the newly made-up three-wheel-guide that I’d left out there yesterday with the stepladders, had moved to the right end of the balcony! Tight up against the right side? Is this possible? I thought? Then the worrying, fretting, nervousness, and the uncomfortable neurasthenia kicked-off. (It had to come!) I pondered on what could have caused this. Ghosts, Aliens, or giant Boll-Weevils? Hehe! Then, I remembered the falling bit of concrete or cement that I spotted on the balcony yesterday!
The joke I put in yesterdays dairy about the crumbling balcony, isn’t so funny now. Hahaha!
The whining and droning noises were still all around. But, someone starting the drilling and banging (Fire Sprinkler fitting?) in the flat nearby, took off the hassle of the ever-present humming noise.
I got the ablutions sorted next. With stunning results… are you ready? Here goes; Only two dropsies! The battle with the sock glide was won, without pain or injury! And, the sink water was flowing away much easier! The pins I thought were looking a bit betterer today, too! Smug Mode Engaged! Jim-dandy!
The delightfully appealing Phlebotomy Nurse arrived and soon had me sorted out, and the blood was taken. (And cheered up a little, her attendance always cheers me up, even when she tells me off. Hehe!) I was too late to catch the 09:30 bus to town. So, I titivated around a bit. Then got some computer checking on the updates done and corrected, computer off, and readied the things for the outing to the City Centre. I think a World Market is on in Nottingham’s Slab Square; I might get around it and take some photographicalisations.
I set off, dropping the black bags down the waste chute, the knees giving me agony, (Two 19-hour plus days and not getting out, has annoyed the knees. Hahaha!), down in the lift, and along the link-passage into Winwood Court, and to the Obersturmfhuress’s and Catwalk Models Wardens Julie and Deana’s interrogation and holding cells office, where Julie was with a gang of builders. I just walked into the middle of the huddle and disturbed them, handing out the nibble bag. Then, out to the bus stop on Chestnut Way.
A super chinwagging session, with a lot of laughter, sarcasm and mild insults flowing to and fro. Great fun! The L9 to town arrived first, and I mounted with some other tenants and got the crossword book out en route.
I got off at the terminus on Queen Street, and poddled down to the Slab Square and Council House. There was a ‘Spend Your Money’ market on. Foreign foods, knick-knackery stalls, etcetera available for me to wander through taking photographs, later on, after the urgent job of overspending on things unneeded at the Poundland shop, which I visited first thing.
I noticed a Your Bus pulling out, bound for a roundabout route to Derby. I felt a little sad, that I have not been to Derby on that bus, since having the stroke, and determined to try and get out again sometime.
In the Poundland Store, I did the usual buying too much. I arrived at the self-serve tills with a right load. Pork Farms pork pie (2), More drain unblocker, bleach, Gold bars, Poptastic crisps for the nibble bag, Dettol disinfectant, Almonds and Cashew nuts as a self-treat, and a BLT ready-made sandwich. Enough to have to use the heavy-duty carrier and fill the trolley bag.
I paid up, and as I was leaving the store, Dizzy Dennis attacked, and I had to stop for ten-minutes to regain my equilibrium. I was left feeling so weary and tired afterwards, it bothered me. So, against the wishes of my RAI (Rheumatoid Arthur Itis) knees, I foolishly had a sit down on one of the benches outside for a short time. Oh, getting up again was a heck of bother and discomfort, Tsk!
But up I did get, and painfully moved over to South Parade and into the Slab Square for a photograph session.
Walking was not easy, RIA and a few more mini-dizzies saw to that for me. Humph, and thanks for that!
I made my way into the Market Place, and nervously got hobbling along the lines of stalls to see what was on offer. Various take-way food stalls, finnimbrun, Wine stalls, foreign beers stalls, and the regular alcohol stand for Nottingham’s bibacious addicts:
Alcoholics Delight!
Avenue One
Avenue Two
Crepe lovers Delight?
This Police Car and another one, were patrolling through the crowds all the time I was there?
I wish I knew why. Terrorists? Escaped prisoners? Meal selecting officers? It must be important to let two vehicles and four officers out knocking over shoppers, surely? Hehe!
I later had a look to see if I could find any reason on the web.
I couldn’t but did find this snippet: Old Market ‘Scare’ (instead of Square) will be returning to Nottingham as Slab Square’s next big event – and there’s going to be a terrifying new attraction. Halloween?
I had a walk around the outside of the Council House and took this snap from High Street up towards Upper Parliament Street, though Clumber Street. Showing the gay, abandoned, merry, happy smiles of my fellow Nottinghamian’s as they go from shop to shop on their shoplifting and benefit claiming outings. Hehe! Sorry, I couldn’t resist it!
I limped down Long Row, up Queen Street, and to the L9 bus stop. I started to fade, flaked-out, succumbed to the sudden fatigue, while waiting for the bus. No more dizzies, though, just weltschmerz, all-in, and unbelievably exhausted! Concentration dissipated, interest flagged, and nothing mattered more than my desire for sleep. So much so, that on the bus home, I fell asleep several times, and was lucky enough to wake up at Winwood Heights bus stop, as it went around the island and I nearly fell off of the precarious side-saddle seat! Else I may well have missed it, and ended up in Bestwood! Still, I could have swiped my pass again and stayed on for the return journey. But, would I have fallen asleep again and ended up back in town. Hehehe! Oh dear! Tsk!
I can’t really recall getting from the bus to the flat.
I took the medications. Handwashing was ignored. Got the meal ready, an all-cold affair, I dare not have risked any cooking, and falling asleep again!
I think I enjoyed the meal, though. Found a scribbled FR 8/10 on the notepad later. I assume it was for Flavour-Rating 8/10.
Then, the phone rang out. It was Tamsin from the Falls Team. She had arranged for a chap to call on me, regarding the wheeler guide and they may have one to swap the current one with, that might be of a more stable- design for me. Initially, the date given me for the gentleman to visit me, was next Thursday, but not until 15:00hrs. I explained about this being a little late in the day for me, and she kindly looked up the next free date and booked it in when I agreed and thanked her graciously. This would be for Friday 11th October, at 09:30hrs. I wrote it down on the pad, to remind me to add it to the calendar in the morning. How kind of Tasmin!
I managed to get the washing up done.
Then just as got down in the grotty recliner. The landline rang and flashed again! I struggled up and got to the phone in time before it stopped. It was the Doctor’s surgery, with the INR results and new dosages for me. Mon 2, every other day 1½. (So, the dubious-looking to me pill-splitter should get some use this week, Hehe!) The next date for an INR Warfarin blood test will be for 3rd October, and she will inform the Phlebotomy HQ for me. I thanked her, and considered suicide… but decided instead to try and get some sleep…Please! Hahaha! I added the date and time to the list on the notepad.
I got down again, in the Brother-in-Law Pete damaged while he was stealing my valuables when I was in hospital, £300, second-hand, near-dilapidated, gungy-beige coloured, c1968, sometimes working, but not tonight recliner, I nodded off within a few minutes. But soon woke with a jump. Wondering what day it was, where I was, who I was, and why! Unfortunately, this repeated itself, many times, and getting to sleep proper, took me hours. So much for catching up on my sleep, then. Grumble-Sodit-Blast!
A most irritating feeling of ‘Feduppedness’ festered!
03:15hrs: I woke, reluctantly, and in a self-imposed, premeditative frame of mind. After just a few moments vacillating, I decided to get at least a start made, on trying to sort-out the Amazon deliveries. It was manifest that the trolley-guide delivered was going to need some construction, assembly, and DIY skills to assemble it. Such skills and capabilities that I do not possess! No-Confidence-Mode-Adopted! But, at least I was in a slightly better mood this morning, and was determined to have a go!
Oddly, I felt I was more clear-headed than for a long time, as I rose from the Brother-in-Law Pete damaged while he was flat-sitting, when I was in the Stroke Ward, and he fitted new CCTC cameras, and searched for my valuables, which he found and took, (I still haven’t got them back yet four-months later), £300, second-hand, near-dilapidated, gungy-beige coloured, c1968, recliner. No wee-weeing was required?
I noticed the ordered things in a neat pile, completely blocking up my mini-hallway. They’ll have to be sorted soon!
I wandered into the kitchen, and got the kettle on, then imbibed the medications. A call to the Porcelain Throne arrived via the suddenly rumbling and almost squelching movements and sounds from the innards! Off to the wetroom. Well, well, the evacuation was practically a pleasure! Much more comfortable, and no bleeding! Wunderbar!
I decided as I was in there anyway, to get the ablutions done early. An ablutionalisationing session with a series of dropsies throughout. Toilet roll dropped (straight into the WC!), Toothpaste then the toothbrush. Facecloth (x3), Razor (x2), and the aftershave bottle. No toe-stubbings and I avoided using the injurious, dangerous sock-glide, I left the socks off! Hehe!
I did have a sudden Hitler Salute from the right arm, and a little Neuropathic Schuhplattler dance from the right leg – both at the same time! I’m not sure how or what I had cut my head on. As a guess, I’d say the razor in the right hand, as it offered it loyalty to Herr Hitler pose. Then it shot off into the shower area as the dandy lost its grip, and rebounded back down on the bonce!
Yet not one outburst of frustration from me, I took it all in my stride. (Smug-Mode-Adopted) Not a single naughty word passed my mouth! (Although, a couple may have sneaked silently into my mind) Haha!
The pins (legs), were looking a lot better this morning, and no bleeding from any papsules or clopidogrel’s welts. Plus, the fluid retentions was still low. I was pleased about that! Lucubrations permeated the brain for a few seconds or so. But not the worrying, all ‘Doom and Gloom’ regular ones that visit me! This little brain-blast was merely to inform me that the sorting-out of the new arrivals must be tended to, and the expected strawberries and limoncello treats on there way from Morrisons, taken to the wardens holding cells, and the Spices down to Jenny’s, later.
I unpacked the deliveries. As should have been axiomatic to me, the new Made in China, (come think of it, everything I ordered was Chinese made) three-wheeled tri-walker, I found it to be in need of a lot of assembling. The empty box, I am going to use for the recycling storage, before taking it down to the caretaker’s room on the front of the flats, when it get filled-up.
I extracted it from the box and moved the guide to the front room. To await my attentions and no doubt feeble efforts to assemble it. I have a fitment coming today, so I can take the walking stick with me when I use the trolley. I’ll most likely make a cock-up of fitting that as well and then brakes, bars, basket etc. Humph!
The Chinese made… (Oh, I’ve already mentioned that, sorry) Oven ‘Copper-Crisper’, must be resisted for the moment. Since I am making a determined effort to cut back on the chips intake, I’ve been gobbling! Whether I will be tempted today, is questionable, to say the least. But being as I had planned a salad of sorts, maybe my fortitude and strong-mindedness will prevail?
The Hearing Aid Impaired Wristlets were utter and complete, absolute rubbish!
The one of the two I bought and adorned first lost its lettering doing so!
Never mind, the Warfarin one should be arriving today sometime.
The ‘Tablet crusher and slicer’ has a blade in the lid for slicing pills. I assume because there is no instructions come with it. It looks very delicate, so I’ll take care when I use it for the first time tonight.
I then ignored all the mess around me and the apartment and got on the computer to update and send off the Tuesday post to WordPress.
Made another brew, then I went on the WP Reader.
Then took two photographs from the gallery of the morning view.
The Morrison delivery arrived at 06:55hrs.
By gum, it was raining out there! The poor chap dropped the wet bags inside the doorway, and seemed to in a rush, as he was only just within the hour allotted for the delivery. Nice chap. He sounded Polish or Lithuanian. Thanked him and wished him well as he shot off.
I moved the ordered goods into the kitchen, working my way through the rubbish and mess the place was now in. Tsk!
I’d not over-ordered this morning. I got some treats for Jenny and the Wardens to hand out later. If the Amazon stuff comes early, I might get out to the shops, properly. We’ll see.
I got the bags unloaded and but the stuff for the fridge and freezer on the server trolley. I’m so glad they have the limoncello desserts on offer, so I can hand some around.
The apples were English Worcestershire. But I can’t wait for Cox’s Pippins to arrive. I had got too much milk in, but this was soon corrected when I made another brew. The smell of the Cavendish bottle in the fridge encouraged me to throw away the contents. Eurgh!
I started doing some graphics on CorelDraw for the dairy, or even Diary Tops.
0850hrs, I took the treats to hand-out for Jenny and the wardens. I went without the camera, Tut! Dropped the straws and limoncello off at the Wardens Holding-Cell/Office. On my way back, I diverted from going to Jenny’s, as I thought it might be too early to catch them awake and about yet. I’ll go later.
As I got back in the flat, that droning noise seemed to be getting louder again. Drives you bonkers! On the computer and…
Hard work! The landline rang and lit up. The line was so bad, the lady who I think from bits of the conversation that I did get was from the Falls Team, was impossible. She rang back, and the line was much better. They’d had a cancellation and wanted to call to see me this afternoon around 14:30hrs. I thanked her and assured her I would be in.
I carried on updating this blog for hours. Now with Amazon expected at any time, and the Tamsin Peach (It sounded like anyway) calling from the Geriatric Falls Team, I will not be to visit Jenny with the nibbles. Ah, well, plenty of life in the limoncello yet.
I set about building the new three-wheeled-guide. I cannot express in words, the struggle, farce, frustration and failure in my enterprise of putting together the ill-made poor quality various parts! The handles I cannot get to fit without rattling around in the slots. A DIYer, I’m certainly not. I can’t even blame the fingers, hands, shoulder or leg for my downfall. Because they were not playing up. Tsk!
As I was finishing, or rather giving up on mechanical stuff, the intercom rang out. It was the Occupational Therapist, Tasmin Peach, from the Falls Team come to see me.
We spent a couple of hours going through things. Blood Pressure reading and making sure the current medical history is up to date. History, hopes, and taking extra care were disgust. A charming, social and delightful lady, indeed.
She departed, which made me sad, it always makes me feel a little blue when any carers leave, me. (Yes, I’m a sad old scoundrel! Haha!)
I got the chestnut mushroom in the saucepan with some Balsamic vinegar, and Light Soy sauce added.
I got returned to the updating of this diary. Got carried away a bit, and the smell of the liquid coming out over the saucepan onto the stove, made me panic somewhat! Grumble-Sodit-Blast! Argh! One heck-of-a-job cleaning that all up! I had to transfer the mushrooms to a larger one, and wash the semi-burnt receptacle! Humph!
I took a photo of the view outside, bootiful it was!
I spent a few minutes pondering over if there is something I’m doing wrong, that might be causing the falls.
Then had a rarity for today, a wee-wee.
Back to the computerisationing. I checked on the Tracker again for the Walking Stick fittings. Judging from what I learnt from yesterdays timing, I reckoned there would b about two hours to go before it would arrive at the apartment. It already being so late in the day for me, 17:00hrs, and well beyond my head-down time, I must ensure that I keep doing something. I do not want to fall asleep and miss the intercom or doorbell sounding.
I updated this blog to here and started to do some graphics on CorelDraw to use as page tops headers and ‘Thoughts’ for later on.
The curtains suddenly fell off of the hooks on the balcony top! I kid you not! Without rhyme nor reason, I had to rehook six of the flaming things! I got the stepladder from the balcony, and gingerly mounted it. Only two steps, but it was painful and trying for the RAI (Rheumatoid Arthur Itis) knees. More worrying than the hassle and pain, was the mystery of why they would all unexpectedly, and instantaneously drop off at the same time? Tim Hancock will know. He worked out that: The Mysteries of my beloved Woodthorpe Court. That lies somewhere between the twilight zone and a wormhole slipping through a tear in the fabric of space & the universal continuum, illusion, delusion, & hallucination! Aliens, perhaps? The Return of the Boll Weevils? Ghosts? Or the building’s getting ready to collapse? Ah, I had a look outside and found some crumbling of the new cement and concrete above the balcony! Also, found some bits of grey coloured stone had fallen onto and in between the planks! Dang dang, dang! Well, it has been done for about two months now. One cannot expect it to last much longer. Sarcasm thrown in there, my pleasure!
In the event of Woodthorpe Court flats collapsing shortly, would you please:
Kindly let the Nottingham City Homes Management, know that I warned them! Hehehe!
Oh, and remind Sister Jane about my funeral all being paid for in advance, she’s got the details.
Yes, and Recliner-breaking crook, Brother-in-Law Pete, tell him not to bother returning the valuables he stole while I was in the hospital. But only, of course, in the event of my being crushed to death, or however I croak out. For God’s sake, don’t tell him to keep it if I’m still alive! Thanks, Tim, Lynton, Ian and Clive.
The tracker for the parcel was in the same position when I rechecked it again. It’s not easy for us older folk, having to not fall asleep! Staying awake is just as hard!
Phlebotomy nurse arriving in the morning to take the Warfarin INR blood. Wonderful woman, I hope she will take some Manner Lemon Wafers, as a thank you, for her patience and extra help phoning the surgery etcetera, and her tolerance and understanding with me when I get dates mixed up and so on.
The computer still very slow, I gave up again.
I did the handwashing and hung it to try, only one shirt tonight.
As the thought of the daily battle with the sock-glide, which more often than not, the sock-glide would win, combined with my not needing them with staying in again all day, I just left the socks off. (Coward Class 1 – Grade A, speaking!)
I checked on the brand new, not-working now correctly, again intercom screen, to view the Foyer entrance. Boing! The Mysteries of my beloved Woodthorpe Court. That lies somewhere between the twilight zone and a wormhole slipping through a tear in the fabric of space & the universal continuum, illusion, delusion, & hallucination, strikes again!
19:50hrs, Amazon arrived. I didn’t hear the pathetically weak, considering they have put them in an old folks dwellings, and it is still not working correctly. The delivery driver had got in anyway and delivered this parcel for me.
I just photographed it, put it down, and made a start on making the nosh, I was as weary and tired as I have been for years.
Straight on with nosh making. I weakened in my resolve about not eating any chips (fries), but at least I only did a few. I used the new Chip-Crisper set-up. I agree with the claim that it would make the food crisp, it did. But, some of them had hard bits in the middle? I was not impressed at first but thought afterwards, I may not have left them in long enough, with my impatient craving for food? The Morrison chestnut mushrooms might as well have been slices of cardboard! Morrison’s organic tomatoes (that I cannot remember ordering?), were bitter. The Morrison Worcester apple, soft fleshed and crumbly! The Morrison chopped beetroot reminded me of grape nuts! The Milk Roll bread from Morrisons on Special Price was alright, as was their butter on them, but the German Smoked Ham was bland, tasteless and plastic-like. Morrison’s salad was okay. Even the Limoncello dessert tasted just like sugar – what happened to the lemon? I may sound critical, and possibly my overtiredness affect the flavour? But for a Taste-Rating, I give only 5/10!
I went to do the washing up, as I was handing paraphernalia onto the drying board, the dang right arm gave just one, not too violent, imitation Hitler salute. But it was enough for me to end up with a right mess and mangle of plates, dishes, pots, cutlery and trays, knocked off of the draining board, landing on the floor and my corn! Oh, and bruising my knuckles against the cupboard side, on the wall! I thought about fetching the camera but decided I’d had enough Whoopsies, and got on with retrieving and rewashing them, and cleaning it all up. The place looked a right mess, even after I’d tidied it up!
I eventually made my way, bypassing the giant box the trolley came it, being used for recyclable storage. The shrewd about bits left-over from new Walker construction. Tools. General rubbish that reminded me of Steptoe & Son’s front room, in miniature, and into the £300, second-hand, c1968, horrendously beige-coloured, rickety, not-working (Thanks to Bother in law Pete!), recliner.
03:00hrs: I stirred, in a strange to me, pacificatory, leisured, relaxed, an almost nonchalant frame of mind. Life felt copeable with, and no mind-blasts if uncomfortable nervousness and worrying. Even when I freed my staggeringly-large bellied body from the £330, second-hand, rickety, c1968 recliner (One one that was damaged by Brother-in-Law Pete, while he was flat-sitting, when I was in the Stroke Ward, and he fitted new CCTC cameras and searched for my valuables, which he found and took (I still haven’t got them back yet four-months later), there was little pain or hassle from many of the ailments. Was I still asleep and dreaming of waking up?
I had a PWWDIB (Pathetic-Weak-Why-Did-I-Bother) mode wee-wee and went off to the kitchen. I noticed that the handwashing and pot-washing needed doing. This reminded me of last nights farce when I left the hot water tap (faucet) running in the wet room sink! (Red-Face-Mode, at the recollection, adopted). And prompted me to run the tap… Phew! Hot water on again! So I got the pots done, and then did the handwashing, got it rang out and onto the airers. I had to use them both, with there being extra togs washed. I took the medications.
Made a brew, then got the computer going, and looked up the Amazon orders, which after much going back a forth, I collated as:
Three-Wheeled Rollator – Tuesday (Today) Delivery by Unknown
Crisper non-stick baking tray – Tuesday (Today) Delivery by Amazon
Hearing Impaired Alert Bracelets – Tuesday (Today) Delivery by Amazon
Pill cutter-crusher – Tuesday (Today) Delivery by Unknown
Walking-Stick Holder for trolley – Wednesday Delivery by Amazon
Warfarin Alert bracelet – Wednesday. Delivery by Royal Mail
All (apart from Royal Mail) showing up to 22:00hrs!
Then I concentrated on updating the Sunday blog. (Which was completed about three hours later). Two more wee-wees during the updating. Both of the same variety, and so different from the first one. LSPDO (Long-Slow-Painfull-Drawn-Out) style. And two mugs of tea, both went cold before they were drunk up!
Yet another wee-wee when I’d finished the post and sent it off. Amazingly, of the VSBBS (Very-Short-Bursting-But-Sprinkly) type. I’m certainly getting a right mix of them this morning. I bet some folk would be jealous. All that interest in just wee-weeing! Haha!
I visited the WordPress reader.
Then went to make another brew and check on the airing of the handwash clobber.
Using the two airers, because I did a few extra items in the daily handwash. But they were drying pretty quickly… well, very slowly really! Tsk!
I got around to making the brew, Glengettie, the best Gold blend. And the leg started to offer me an imitation-neuropathic-schuhplattler dance. It didn’t last long, however. It was an energetic effort. It was soon over.
Made the mug of tea, and blow-me, I needed the Porcelain Throne! I felt it might be a long session, the stomach felt bloated but hard with it. So I took the tea in with me. I’d drank the whole mugful, and still, nothing had moved from the insides! I did a bit of crosswording, in the hope that something might escape, but no chance. Good stuff Movicol is, it usually gets things activated in about an hour or two for me. The reason for the blockage in the intestines, I could not work out.
I photographed the pins before leaving, and they did look even paler than usual, but the blotches, scabs, blood papsules and clopidogrel all seemed to be far less vivid. I think some of the papsules had disappeared as well, they do that sometimes you know.
So I dressed washed and to the kitchen and took a Movicil sachet. I had to have another wee-wee, of the LPSAOS (Long-Powerfull-Spraying-All-Over-Splashback) variety. What next? Hehe!
Started this diary off. Then, in the middle of doing this, a depression, for that’s the only word I can think off, came over me, almost instantaneously! My spirits sank to a non-existent level. The flood of fears, hatreds, worries, troubles and uncertainties filled the mind. Every other thought or idea I was seconds earlier using of, was replaced with consternation, anxiety and trepidity.
I stopped on the computer and walked to the kitchen, uncaringly hung the stick on the door, opened the light & view-blocking window, and it was drizzling lightly. And took a picture. I even thought at the time, ‘It’s doing this on purpose, to annoy me!’ I was not manic about things, just confused as to why the sudden change in my outlook. I’d been singing to myself minutes earlier, ‘Beautiful Dreamer’: ♫Beautiful Dreamer, wake unto me, Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee; Sounds of the rude world heard in the day, Lull’d by the moonlight have all passed away!…♫, and making light of everything. Yet, still, the view seemed so pleasant to me. I spent a few moments genuinely concerned for my sanity. Sorry, but it’s real!
A determined ‘Pull yourself together’ session failed to get me out of the megrims. For the first time in many a year, I was so glad that I did not have any alcohol in the place! Even after so many years, I would have been tempted, if there were any… no, I’d have drunk it!
Things are muddled as to details of what happened next. But I found myself on the Throne, struggling to pass anything. The stick was on the door handle. The crossword book was in my hand, and a blessed evacuation was on the way! Ginormous!
I still felt a bit down, but not so bad. I returned to the computer. Sister Jane rang. We had a natter, and I told her about how I felt.
Back to the updating of this post. But not for too long, the hands and fingertips joined in with Shaking Should Samuel, and I gave up.
I got the black bags taken to the shute on the way down, and went out in the rain to take the cleaned and rinsed empty glass jars to the green bin.
The rain had been and was still pouring down at a fair rate.
The puddle in had spread over Chestnut Walk to the other side. The drains were not coping with the precipitation. I suspect the falling leaves were the cause of the problem. But, I’m probably wrong, I usually am. I’m good at being and getting things wrong, you know! Hahaha!
I didn’t hang about too long, although I would have enjoyed just standing and looking at the rain. There’s a word for that, but I can’t remember what it is… erm… nope, can’t recall it, now. Yer I can remember Impluvious: Unaware that it’s raining. The brain and mind are not so reliable nowadays. Oy Vey!
When I got back up to the apartment, the door had been opened, and a note left for me! It was from the Chiropodist in Winwood Heights. Offering me a service and the prices of each one. Routine foot care: £30. Nail Trimming: £25. And Verruca Re-dressing for £20. Also, it mentioned a Loyalty Card, you can sign up for, which gives £5 off on your tenth visit!
As I was putting the kettle on, I looked out of the light and view-blocking, thick-framed, impossible to reach for cleaning new kitchen window, getting soaked by rain that had accrued while the window was shut… where was I? Oh, yes! I thought I could see an Amazon lorry below. So, I thought it must be delivering some of the things I’d ordered. I took a photo, and it turned out to be an Argos van.
Still not feeling like doing any computerisationing much, I pondered over what to have for the day’s meal. After much dithering and vacillating, I decided on a tinned nosh. Well, with having to stay in for the deliveries, it’s hard to get fresh food in! But no problem, plenty of cans in the cupboard. Chilli, garden peas, black bean sauce, tomato-slicer-sliced twice tomato chinks made and added, with some vinegar; and a sourdough baguette to soak up the liquids, sound good to me. But no point in making it, until all off the deliveries have arrived.
I had a look at the Amazon delivery tracker to find out what’s what. The fit-on Walking Stick attatchment, for the walker, and the Warfarin wristband will arrive tomorrow. Expected today are these four. That’ll frighten the Bank Manager. Harf-Harf!
I tried updating the TFZer Facebook page and my photo albums. But it was not easy:
Got the nosh prepped and in the saucepan ready, and warmed it up up, stirring it all the time. The tomato-slicer is great for cross-slicing the fruit. Added the black bean sauce and chilli-con-carne earlier.
Put the sourdough baguette and two cobs in the oven for ten minutes.
The serving up of the nosh was fraught, I had the feeling that the deliveries would start to come as soon as I started eating it! Haha! It wasn’t so. I consumed the delightfully tangy meal, Taste-Rating 7.8/10, and got the washing up done. Then got the days handwashing done.
I sat watching a Rumpole of the Bailey DVD, with subtitles on, so I could have a chance of hearing intercome when it went off. No headphones on, as I usually would have.
I had a check on the deliveries progress, and got this on the screen! Close!
I’m afraid I kept nodding off for a minute here and there. So I got up and tottered about. 16:35hrs, now. I took a look at the rain-soaked road below. No signs of any delivery lorries, not that I could see much!
Reluctantly, I got the computer back on to do the updating, and the intercom rang!
Aha, the deliveries all in one arrived! Looks like I might have to build the new trolley? Argh! All items were made in China.
03:10hrs: The body stirred reluctantly, with my mind doing so with even greater disinterest, foreboding and a certain irresolution, and great hebetude. The EQ was advising caution be taken today, physically, mentally, and verbally! But Wednesday would be an even higher risk for me. A clear message, same as I got yesterday I think. Talk about developing an early-warning-system. Straight through to me. Oy Vey!
I carefully rose from the £300, second-hand, c1968, rickety recliner, that Brother-in-law Pete broke while he was nicking my valuables when I was in the hospital after the stroke. And, with more ease than is usual. Oh yes!
I got the slippers on, caught my balance, grabbed the stick, and to the Grey Bucket for a wee-wee.
The first real surprise of the day. The weeing session turned out to be an ELDOP (Extra-Long-Drawn-Out-Persistent) type. I felt drained in all departments by the time it had finished and had grown five-minutes older too! Hahaha! The bucket needed emptying, cleaning, and sanitising, so off to the wet room to do so.
Both lower legs seemed to feel all tingly as I started to hobble to the wet room. I had a decker at them, and they did not look so good as they had been doing for the past couple of days. I reckon a couple more f blood papsule have erupted, yet the red spots seemed to have reduced? It’s not really so difficult to understand how, when I go into a treatment room, the smile disappears from the face of the Doctor and nurses! Hehe!
Took my medicine and made a brew, then got the computer going. Took the tablets and capsules, started off this blog’s graphics, imported and touched up a photo or two, and needed another wee-wee!
Which was another of the ELDOP variety, but I was more prepared for this one.
Then, I got the Sunday post updated. So many photos to sort, so it took a long time. But the hands, fingertips, leg & arm were all kind to me. The shoulder played up a lot, but hey-ho, I can cope with that.
While I was checking out the Emails and comments, I came across this gem, on the local newspaper’s site! “Things you can no longer do in the Slab Square!”
I doctored the graphic up to add my views. Hehehe! However, the toilets being removed from underground can be understood, just a shame they didn’t build any new ones for us. Imagine nowadays what it would be like down there. Muggers, beggars, pick-pockets, bag-snatchers, druggies, drug-dealing… no, fair enough! Come think of it, I’m not sure I’d be able to get down and back up the steps now. I would not leave the three-wheeler above ground with the shopping in it – that would undoubtedly get nicked!
Went on the WordPress Reader.
Then I ordered from Amazon, a pill-splitter & crusher £3.87, ETA Wednesday. (Thanks for the tip Tim). Warfarin & Hearing Alert wristbands £8, ETA Thursday. A trolley-guide that I hope will have a better basket on it. £59. ETA Tuesday! The current one is now tatty, ripped, and not very much use. It also has a fear of going downhill, and plays up something rotten! He-he-he! But I suppose it’s me, really. Tsk! Also, a wire oven-crisping-tray with built-in drip tray. ETA, also for Tuesday.
Then I got the ablutions tended to – the hilarious, absurd and comical ablutionalisationing session! After yesterday’s ‘Much less dropping stuff’ session, this was an ‘I’ve never dropped so before” one! A moment guffawing! The pins looked to be improving, blood papsule-wise, but still too pale!
I had plenty of time to catch the bus up to Aldi. So I departed and took a leisurely stroll along Chestnut Way. I, of course, avoided the newly built lakeside road outside Woodthorpe Court, as I casually limped along, gazing up at the nubilous sky, like-wot us luftmenshes tend to do. I made my way to the Winwood Court entrance.
I called to ask one of the Cat Walk Model, Generalfeldmarschalless Wardens if they knew anything about Josie. But the Interrogation Holding-Cell office was locked up.
So, I took an amble around the ground floor of Winwood Extra Care Court. Taking a couple of photographs on the way around. The first one, made near the doorway of the stairs, revealed that the new tenants have plenty of options for entertainment an the like. The roof terrace on the top floor. 3rd floor, A TV lounge. The second floor, A games room, and the big activity room on the ground floor.
I took a snap of one of the photos on the wall. It was of the completed (Well. not inside, apart from Winwood Court). Woodthorpe and Winchester Courts are still waiting to be finished inside.
I realised on putting this picture on the blog, that I had taken it, and caught the big windows in the reflection. Well, I never claimed to be a David Baily. Haha! Bath it daily, maybe! A touch of heterophemy there, sorry about that. I meant Bathe it, my inorthography. I love that word! I’ve wanted to use it for years! At last, my chance!
Out to the bus stop, and met and chinwagged with many of my beloved neighbours. ( I may have got some of the names wrong, if so I do apologise, it’s the Cisplatin drug, you know, Humph!) Doris, Margaret, Betty, Joanne, Abilene, and Pete and Roger. Which perked me up considerably. Thank you, folks!
I caught the town-bound L9. Got to Mapperley tops, and alighted the bus. I rounded the corner on Woodborough Road and looked at my destination, further along, the Aldi store. I hoped I would control my spending and choice of goods I bought this time. I’m getting a little fed-up with my overdoing things when out shopping.
It’s usually worse at times like this when I’ve not been out for a long time. Humph!
I turned around and took some shot of the traffic light junction.
Hobbled along, nice and steadily to the shop, and had a dangerous nosey around. I say dangerous, due to the absolute panic and rush most of the people were in. I was bashed and shoved about as people barged by me to get to the fodder on the shelves! I thought something might have been declared about national food shortages or something! I’m not kidding. Blimey, I was lucky to get to the checkout without being harmed! Tsk! I got the shopping, and paid without any dropsies, and packed the trolley, had to buy another long-life (At my age, Giggle!) bag. The same colour as Angela’s coat, that cheered me up too!
The walk back to the flats along Woodborough Road, down Mapperley Rise, Winchester Street, Chestnut Walk and into the Winwood Extra Care flats, was most pleasant. Although controlling the three-wheeler was troublesome at time.
Nottinghamian Street Art on woodborough Road
I got back to the flats and into the Winwood Court. I noticed Deana outside with the disabled tenant and chap of Winwood, as the pair got into their car. So I waited, reading the notices for Deana to return. Which she did, and I asked her about Josie’s situation. She’s away on holiday for a week or two. I wish she’d told me – then again, maybe she did and I forgot? You never know! The main thing is, she is in no danger! I thanked Deana for putting my mind at rest, and gave her some fresh cream doughnuts, for looking after me.
I took the link-passage beck to the rather sad looking Woodthorpe lift foyer, as it waited for being upgraded.
However, I can’t remember if I mentioned it earlier, but things had improved, as we now have both elevators in working condition at the same time. Which is nice!
As I got out of the lift on my floor, neighbour Malcolm, was there, he said something I missed hearing, and I followed him into our flats lobby. He handed me a parcel, from Amazon, that he’d signed for! Good of him that! The puzzle of what could have been delivered already, confused me a bit. I got in the kitchen and put away fodder purchases. I’m glad I didn’t really overdo it, what with buying stuff from Amazon as well. Liquid Soap powder, beetroot, the bag, two waterless citrus room sprays, Sourdough baguettes A Swiss lemon roll, Doughnuts (Treat for Deana for her help), Caramel wafers for the nibble bag, and a vanilla dessert.
Then, I scrutinised the Amazon parcel!
It was two boxes of Manner Lemon wafers? I could not remember ordering these, so I had a look at my orders page on the web… What I discovered was Amazing… I have ordered some for every month, monthly like! I know I thought about getting one for Christmas as an extra treat for Sister Jane and Pete, who love them? But every month? That’s what it said, I’d opted for a discount by ordering regularly? Erm, err…
I thought of tonights fodder-feast. I decided it would be BBQ flavoured rice, with black bean sauce, and added a two-ways-cross tomato, using the new slicer, the last of the garden peas were thrown in the saucepan and left to marinate! I hope when it gets done, it comes out like my first one, that tasted grand. Fingers crossed anyway.
I got on the computer, not on top of it like! Haha! And made a start on updating this post.
The tissue, well, sheet of kitchen towel I’d just used to clean the spectacles, had formed a particular shape of an animal. To my mind, anyway. So I photographed it, just to see if anyone else can see it. A touch of pareidolia, there!You may have to look this word up… oh, alright then… it means “The science behind seeing faces in everyday objects” Smug-Mode Adopted!
Then, after an hour or three, I got the nosh prepared! Oh, Gastronomer God, please let it come out alright. Cause I’m so looking forward to eating it. Hehehe!
The rain started as I got the nosh readied. Not too hard a job, but the timing had to be right. As planned, I had to get the black bean sauce, with the chopped tomatoes, peas, added oregano spray, and some vinegar; bring to the boil, (so no chances were taken in leaving it unattended), then add the rice for five minutes, continually stirring the concoction.
Unfortunately, just as it started to simmer, the Porcelain Throne was needed! Argh! I thought quickly; ‘I can’t turn it off and reheat it’… oh dear! I trotted off to the wet room a fast as was possible, and the evacuation was mercifully quick and no struggle! Quickly washed the hands and rushed back to the kitchen. As I added the franks to the pan, it was apparent that the rice had burnt a bit. My heart sank! I tried a spoonful and boy, it was so gorgeous! Phenomenally flavoursome! I must remember to try and overcook them next time, too! Hehehe! I can’t remember enjoying a meal being enjoyed like this for ages. A worthy 9/10 recorded for Flavour & Enjoyment! Super!
The prime causes of this gastronomic delight? Was it the German Frankfurters? Was it the American Uncle Toms rice? Maybe, the so-tasty Dutch tomatoes? The black bean sauce? The cunning addition of the garden peas? The dash of garlic? The adding of the vinegar? Perhaps, the brilliance of the bald, deaf, lonely, depressed, ageing-fast, peripheral neuralgia, CIDP, Rheumatoid Arthur Itis ridden, decrepit, Nottinghamian pensioner, in adding the oregano? An amalgamation of all these things?
Nope, I reckon the crucial action, was the burning of the meal, that made the dinner into a feast, and so gorgeously tasty! I took the medications during eating.
Went to do the washing up and handwashing, but found the hot water was no longer hot? I just knew what had happened! I shot-off (well, severely-hobbled) to the wet room, and as I thought, I’d left the hot water tap running! Amongst the self-aimed insults and curses, I settled for “I’m just pathetic and incapable”, as the main reason for this Whoopsiedangleplop! Miserably inadequate is another fitting description.
I’ll have to leave the handwashing, and pots, until morning.
Just to add to the frustrations, yet again, sleep was reluctant to take a grip of me!
Tusk! Nauseating! Annoying and Disheartening!
Ah well, I’ll see if Red Dwarf is on any channels. Nope!
Tusk! Nauseating! Annoying and Disheartening!Hahaha!
01:35hrs: I woke, thinking I had overslept for some reason.
The droning noise from somewhere outside must be driving the tenants with decent hearing, mad! It’s doing me no good! Tut-tut!
I fumbled to get my overabundant flobby-body free of the second-hand, c1968, horrendously beige-coloured, rusty, but working today, Brother-in-Law Pete damaged recliner while he stole my valuables while I was in the hospital after the stroke. I had a WWW (Weak-Wimpish-Wee-wee), then made a brew of Yorkshire tea.
This was when I discerned, it was only 01:35hrs! I’d only been asleep for about an hour-and-a-half! And much of that seemed to have been filled with nightmares!
I tried to remember them, and fetched the notepad, and found some scribbling on it, but most of it was indecipherable. Seems one dream was played out backwards, I was dead, lying in the grave, and falling or being thrown out of a window, worked back to being chased into a burnt-out destroyed block of flats… Puzzling! The other one, I only remember being afraid and in a plane or helicopter. The words I could read on the pad, were: Flying, beheaded (I think) and school?
I took the medications and got on the computer. With a determination to get caught up with the graphicalisationing, if possible today. I answered the comment and soon found that the fingers were not responding to touch very well. This made typing difficult.
On to WordPress, and had a session on the Reader. Then made up the ‘Day’ graphic on CorelDraw, above. With the fingers playing up still, it took me ages to get done! Next, I got the template done for this blog, then updated the Saturday see-nobody, chatterless post.
The breathing was uncomfortable. Involuntary intakes and outtakes, and the chest and throat felt very tight. The peripheral neuralgia shoulder, fingertips and hands were playing me up now. Looks like it’s going to be a miserable day for me, today. Well, fancy that! Haha!
I got the updating done and sent off the Saturday post. Added to the Pinterest page. Made another brew, Glengettie Gold this time.
The droning noise from outside was relentless!
I went on the TFZer Facebook for a while, I couldn’t stay too long, as the ablution time was nearing.
I managed a few minutes on YouTube before starting the scrub-up! A stand-up jobbie at the sink job.
The legs were looking a lot more colourful. But also they had accrued a good few more papsules, spots, clopidogrel scars and blotches, overnight it seems? I didn’t think to check elsewhere, I might have the measles as well. Hahaha! The dropsies were unanticipatedly few, considering how the hands and fingertips were.
I took the black bags to the waste chute on my way out, to welcome, and to hopefully talk to, some of the new Winwood Extra Care Court residents, and take some photographicalisations of different area, and the rooftop plaza. I tried Josie’s bells, but no answer.
Now they have their alfresco furniture back out there.
When I got out of the foyer, the drizzling was still coming down a little. The new brickwork is forming puddles already.
I slowly meandered along Chestnut Walk. The fallen leaves sticking to the three-wheeler guide trolly wheels. Tsk!
I kept stopping to look up at the grey sky, appreciating how it still looked marvellous, to me anyway, and getting splattered in the eyes (Hehe!),
At the Winwood Court Extra-Care Flat’s foyer, I stood for a while, pondering on nature, health, life, and Nottingham Forest and Burnley both winning a game.
Then I took a shot showing Winwood, with Winchester Court in the background. It all looks very new, which of course it is. See how quickly I gleaned at? Haha! There are no flies on me, the zips broken! Harf, Harf!
Then into Winwood, and up in the lift, to the third floor.
I popped out of the cage and took a photo of the corridor of the floor of flats.
I’d not seem anybody up to now, anywhere this morning. But I felt confident I would see someone to have a chinwag to up on the 4th floor, in the Winwoodonian’s perfectly arranged and laid out relaxation room.
Top Lounge and rest room, on entering
Out into the roof to check the flodded tarmac - still the same!
Roof shot towards Basford
Patio funiture, now chanied up!
Patio funiture, now chanied up!
Roof shot, towards Mapperley
Boot prints are stil looking decorative, Haha!
Roof, Winwood lounge and Winchester Court in the background
3 / 8
As I returned inside the lounge, the rain stopped altogether. No residents were seen around.
I spotted another ‘Dulux’ dog. Behind the easy-chairs, and he looked so real, it made me jump for a second! Don’t laugh! Oh, go on then! I moved the synthetic fur away from his eyes and took this picture.
I popped into the big meeting room, but again, could not see anyone about to talk to.
I reckon the lights must be on a sensor motion control, cause they came on as I entered the room. Good idea, I like it!
I decided to go back to Woodthorpe Court, via the link-passage. Thought I’d try to find the part-time hairdressers and podiatrist. It seems they are sharing the same room together. Handy, that is! I must look again later, and get the foot treatment prices on the list.
I mused on how to cook and present Josie’s cheesy potatoes as I rambled along the corridor.
I stopped and turned around to take this photo, to make my way back a distance, so I could have nosey at their new laundry room.
As I turned, Dizzy Dennis gave me a visit. A long one too. But not a really serious one. I don’t think there was the slightest chance of me going over. The three-wheeler guide brakes were put on, and I had ten minutes or so recovery time.
All was okay again, and I went to peek at the laundry room. Blimey, it looks unused! No caked-on soap powder over the drawers. Very-most posh!
I pressed on back down the alleyway and into Woodthorpe Court. Seeing the new Winwood Court laundry room, I thought I’d take a photo of our old Woodthorpe Court one, just as a comparison, like.
Angela was sat in the lobby, I asked Angela if I could take her photograph, and she let me. Which was kind of her! Then again, she is a lovely lady (Roy’s better-half!) I got a chinwag in at last, with Angie! But it had to be cut short Sob! Her and Roy, who I’d not noticed earlier, was outside the Foyer door, sat on his four-wheeler seat trolley, waiting for their taxi to arrive.
They both looked spick & spam and smart. I assumed they were off to meet some of there family. They were patient enough to let me take a shot of them both as the taxi arrived. Grand couple!
I took to Angies mustard coloured coat, a warm, friendly colour. And Roy looked a lot better today.
I got in and made a start on Josie’s nosh. Mixed Leicester and mature Cheddar cheese, butter, a pinch of salt and an iota of Basil, all bashed up for what seemed like three hours. Hehe! To make them as soft as I could, so she can digest them easily!
I got them on the tray, took the photo and realised I’d missed off the tuna! Schmuck!
Spot on 12:00hrs, I took it on the wheeled server to her door, and pressed her bells. But, no answer. I tried again, still no reply. I was worried, in case she had fallen in the flat. If she forgot, and or went out to meet her sister, fair enough, but I wished I knew. I gave it ten-minutes more and called again. Nope!
I nipped up the Cyndy and Eric’s flat, to ask them if they had heard of Josie being ill, and might have gone to her Sisters? But Cyndy didn’t know anything. She asked if I wanted to ring Warden Deana, but I resisted the temptation and thanked Cyndy, and apologised for bothering them. It is Deana’s day off, after all.
I came down and over the next half hour, tried Josie’s door four more times. The door is locked, so maybe she has just gone out? Worrying! I’m at a loss what to try or do, next.
I washed the cooking things up. and noticed a possible fire on the misty horizon.
As I got the computer back on to update this diary, Dizzy Dennis nearly had me off of the chair. I do hope the Geriatric Fall team call me soon!
Just sat down and I meekly felt sorry for myself. I did try Josie’s door a few times. I had her meal cold, in place of making one for myself. If she returns, I can always make her another one.
I took a photo of the pins as I lay there, in the Brother-in-Law Pete damaged while he was flat-sitting, when I was in the Stroke Ward, and he fitted new CCTC cameras, and searched for my valuables, which he found and took, (I still haven’t got them back yet four-months later), £300, second-hand, near-dilapidated, gungy-beige coloured, c1968, sometimes working, uncomfortable, rickety, rinky-dinked, rattling, rusty, resurrected, reconditioned, recalcitrant, recidivating and rotting-away recliner. Spotty Muldoon comes to mind! Hehe!
Yet once again, despite feeling so tired and worn-out, sleep did not come easily or quickly. But, with worrying about Josie on my mind? I pray she is not ill. Fingers-crossed, I hope to find out more tomorrow.
03:10hrs: I woke, and almost without any worrying, fretting or concerns about anything, I found I had risen from the £300, second-hand, c1968, grungy-beige coloured, rickety recliner, and was on my feet taking a wee-wee, and muttering a few curse words at the pain from the RAI (Rheumatoid Arthur Itis) knees.
The wording changed target, as soon as the GPEB (Grey-Plastic-Emergency Bucket) was utilised. A totally unexpected type, of the HELPSOAO (Hard-Extra-Long-Powerful-Spraying-Out-All-Over) leak! (Caught me off-guard a bit! Hehe!)
I went into the kitchen, put the kettle on and took the morning medications. Moved the handwashing onto the airer and hung the shirt to dry. Made the brew, and the shoulder kicked off with its jumping and jerking for a few minutes, stopped, and the fingers and hand took over. Tsk!
I was sure I heard a bang from outside somewhere, so I ventured onto the balcony to take a look around. With it being so dark, this was not easy. I took a couple of photographs while out there. They didn’t come out very good, though. I shot in Auto mode.
The only thing out of the ordinary, was a car parked with its lights on, all bar one of the front ones, which might have needed the bulb changing. On taking a look an hour or so later, it had driven-off?
A police car came up Chestnut Way to the end, and back out, passing the car twice. There have been incidents of drug-deals being done in the area recently.
As I was getting the computer started, the damned shoulder started off again, with an unusual venom. Not to mention the fingers and hands joining in. (Oh, I did reveal it! Hahaha!) Then, a couple of visits from Dizzy Dennis! Humph!
As I rose to take a break from the hard graft of updating the Friday post, I noticed some guilt-panging signs of nocturnal-nibbling on the recliner cover! Crumbs, but blown if I can work out what they were. Possibly Cheeslets, or maybe the puff-pastry fingers? Contrite Mode Adopted!
When I got back to the computer, I checked the Emails. One from the Sherringham Park Medical Practise arrived, about the Warfarin blood test results.
They added at the bottom: ‘Your next INR is due 26.09.2019. You do not have to attend the surgery as we have arranged community phlebotomy for you.’
Well, well, see? They can communicate sometimes!
I got the updating finished at last and sent it off. Having several more HELPSOAO wee-wees. Then visited the WordPress Reader section. Not a lot on today, but this is not unusual for a weekend. Some people have a family-life to pursue. Jealousy-Mode-Adopted! Haha!
I went to make another brew and had to have another wee-wee. This time it caught me out again, with it being an LRWS (Long-Reluctant-Weak-Sprinkly) variety. That needed a lot of cleaning and antisepticalisationing! Oofta!
I got the graphics done for this blog, then the template and made a start on this diary. It was getting late on now, and I thought about getting out for a hobble. But, I realised that many more graphics and templates needed doing in advance. And decided to catch-up on the TFZer Facebooking first. I enjoyed that!
Realising I had not done the daily Pinterest postings, I got them done next.
I made the Morrison order up next. Arranged for it to be delivered next Wednesday 25th September. My EQ told me that this Wednesday will be, so different, unique or my final one! Gerroff!
Then, off to make a fresh mug of Glengettie Gold. While waiting for the kettle to boil, I stood blankly staring out of the thick-framed, filthy, can’t be reached to clean new windows.
After a while, I realised that the birds were all over the skyline and zooming around the flats. Here was my chance to fetch the camera, to try to get a decent photo of them for the first time ever. It was not to be! I’m afraid! When I returned with the Canon, they had all disappeared! Grumph and Spittlegloblets!
Turning to take the camera and mug of tea into the imitation of Steptoe & Son’s front room, And as Dizzy Dennis gave me sudden pasting, I spilt the tea on the floor, but retained my grip of the mug, at least! The spinning feeling went on that long, I considered pressing the alarm wristlet, for fear of it being something else, such as another Stroke. Especially as an instant headache affected me then. The problem, under the forehead, above the eyes still remains with me an hour later! But the dizzies have gone, so things will be okay methinks.
I had a task-and-a-half in cleaning up the tea! The damned mop broke into two as I was using it. Thus the bucket of flash dosed water was tipped over! I have now got wet slippers and jammy-bottoms to wash. At least I kept my balance. I’m sure I’m going bonkers, cause I laughed at myself as I lunged at the draining board to stay upright! I actually thought it was funny through the pain! Help! Hehehe!
I’m getting a smidge nervous of these new, hit me-like-a-ton-of-bricks, collapsing and giddy-making, light-headed, attacks, and hope that the appointment with the Falls Team, takes less than the average of up to 14 weeks. I found this out yesterday when I looked it up to find out where the Falls Team are located on the web. My nowadays stumbling block, ‘mathematics’ prevent me from working out what the average really is, with the information I found. Up to and For 9/10 patients threw me in a tizzy trying work it out. I can’t believe that at Tesco, I used to cash up for eight tills, and work out the Green Shield Stamps issued, as well, every day! Without any problems! Sad innit? Still, according to my EQ, things will become either clearer or non-existent next Wednesday! I can’t wait to find out what’s gonna go off! Hahaha! Of course, I’ll forget all about this by then!
So, a long time later, after I’d got things sorted again, I went back on the computer to make some graphics up. Four hours later, and I’d managed to do some page headers in advance. But was shattered and all in mentally, drained.
So, I got some fodder prepped. Baked seasoned beans, frankfurters and sourdough bread. If can get me head down afterwards and wake up again, I can work on some ‘Thoughts’ and get some templates done… He says more in vain hope than expectancy. Old Fool!
The nosh was wonderfully tasty. No ageusia today! The chicken franks I got from the Ozan Store, were almost ambrosial. Despite my reading the ingredients on the wrapper! Hehe! Mechanically Separated Poultry Meat (40% Turkey, 22% Chicken), Chicken Fat with Skin, Water, Potato Starch, Salt, Antioxidant: E450, E315, Vegetable Powder (Beetroot), Dextrose, Flavour Enhancer: E621, Spices, Preservative: E250, Beefprotein, Spice Extracts, and Smoke! The sourdough baguette, soaked up the baked curried beans, and a Flavour-Rating of 8/10 given for this one.
I ate it all up! Then got the washing done. Settled in the rickety recliner, determined to get some head-down time. It didn’t happen. I la stewing in my thoughts for around five hours before eventually nodding off, so very late! Grumph!
02:38hrs:I woke and lay there, delicately perched half-on-half-off, of the Brother-in-Law Pete, damaged while he was flat-sitting, when I was in the Stroke Ward, and he fitted new CCTC cameras, and searched for my valuables, which he found and took, (I still haven’t got them back yet four-months later), £300, second-hand, near-dilapidated, gungy-beige coloured, c1968, sometimes working, uncomfortable, rickety, rinky-dinked, rattling, rusty, resurrected, reconditioned, recalcitrant, recidivating and rotting-away recliner. Deliberating, and ruminating on life.
After a few moments cogitationalisationing, I got free of the recliner and swore a little, at the RAI (Rheumatoid Arthur Itis) with its set-in, dilatational, discomfort-bearing knees. I dismounted the not-working-this-morning, currently non-electric chair. I hauled my grossly-flabby bouncing with its excess body-flesh frame, into roughly an upright stance, cursing some more at the RAI’s pains. And nearly fell-back in the chair, when I stood on my slippers. Tsk!
Grabbed the stick, and off to the kitchen, in what must have looked an oddly over-cautious hobble. For the Peripheral Neuralgia leg and arm, were both doing a little mini, shuddering and shaking movements. I went back to the GPEB (Grey-Plastic-Emergency Bucket) and had a PWWDIB (Pathetic-Weak-Why-Did-I-Bother) mode leak.
Back to the kitchen, got the kettle on, grabbed the tablet tray, and checked the handwashing on the airer. Made the brew, opened the medications and returned with them and the tea, to the junk-room and got the computer going.
I had to start a template afresh for today. Make the graphics etc. two hours later, as I made another cuppa, the need for another wee-wee arrived… an what a shock this one was to me! It was a rare CMOUSTSTBOWV (Catching-Me-Out-Unwilling-Slow-To-Start-Then-Blasting-Out-With-Venom) session. Core blimey!
I started the updating of yesterdays blog. The juddering-shaking shoulder joined the arm and leg in giving me bother. But the fingertips were maintaining their sensitivity to touch, which as a relief.
Got the updating finished and sent off to WordPress. Then went on TFZer Facebooking. During which, I took six wee-wees, all of the PWWDIB variety.
I belatedly noticed the sign I’d left on the modern, up to date, tiny screened TV screen. It was for me to know that the phlebotomy nurse would be calling today, between 10:00>12:00hrs.
So I set about getting ablutions done. Then sorted the black bags out.
Graphics were worked on in CorelDraw, for several hours. It was a slow business, with the hands and fingers dancing and jumping.
I got the ablutions seen to. Again, the dropsies were many, but at least different today. Amongst them, was the sock-glide (2), the PPs, radio, and the shower chair! Some luck with the radio, it nearly bounced into the toilet bowl!
Only the legs knees RAI was any bother this morning.
I got dressed and returned to the slow, slow job of making up the graphics. Got the black bags made up. The phlebotomy nurse arrived while I was dealing with the waste. So lovely to see her again. Oddly, as with having the flu-jab, I felt nothing at all when the needle went in? The peripheral neuralgia in the arm seems to be getting worse, or is that better? Hehe!
I got an early nosh sorted-out.
The only cooking involved was heating up the Sourdough baguette. I couldn’t eat it all but managed about 90% of it. Flavour rating: 8.5/10!
Then, while eating it up, Reflux Roger and the tight chest, began to belch and cough, and didn’t stop for ages! Uncomfortable, to say the least!
A letter arrived, from the Haemostasis, TV (Thread Vein) and DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) Clinic at the Nottingham City Hospital. They wanted to know the reason for my not sending in any blood for testing over the last two weeks!
The was a help-line to ring. Mon to Thurs 10:00 > 14:00hrs, Fri 10:00 > 13:00hrs. So, I decided to do an Obersturmbannführeress, cat-walk model Warden search. To try and find someone, well, beg one of them to call the number for me. Often on the phone in the past, I’ve misheard things, and made myself look a right fool, getting thing wrong! So I could explain about the Sherringham Park surgery and their unilateral decision to stop taking my blood for three-weeks, without even telling me about it! My visit after the falls, and the nurse calling today to take a sample. It had to be done sharpishly, as there was little time left to get the call in on time.
So, I set off taking the black bags to the chute and recycling one to the bin, en route.
Awaiting spare parts
Out to the caretakers rooms
I arrived at the Generalfeldmarschall Warden’s holding cells, but it was empty. Missed them! They will be out and about somewhere doing their duties, can’t be helped. I’ll try again on Monday.
Back to the apartment. Medications were taken, and what bit of spirit and determination I had minutes ago, suddenly malfunctioned. Reflux Roger and Tight Chest Charlie both moved up a gear, and the hands and fingers were of no use for typing!
I gave up on any idea of getting any graphicalisationing done and depressingly plopped myself in the £300, second-hand recliner, in the hope of getting some sleep and peace-of-mind.
Neither came easily. Brain-attacking fears, worries, concerns and hatreds, haunted me for hours! The belching and sharp intake and outtakes of breath didn’t help.
Nor did my ever more believable thoughts that I might be off my rocker, out of my mind, meshuga, nutty as a fruitcake, schizoid, or just stark staring mad? I need help! Hehe!
03:55hrs: I woke very late for me. But then, I didn’t get my head down until four hours later than my usual time. Thanks to Tuesday’s hyperbole, dizzies, tumbling over, physiotherapy frustrations, amidst a day of an unusually high rate of; Accifauxpas, Whoopsiedangleplops, annoyances, infuriations, exasperations, vexations, irascibilities, provocations, torment, inconvenience, bugbears, and pretentious stress! Boy, I’m glad to get rid of that! Hahaha!
After those wild thoughts had come along with many other worries, concerns etcetera as I lay there, I managed to install Inchcock’s usual banal, ‘Thoughtless Amiable Placitudiness’ mode! I did ponder over whether I’d have the time to get to the Doctors to make an appointment to see her about the toppling-over getting a little frequent lately, and call at the chemist in Carrington to get the flu-jab, or at least book it. Then go to Lidl for some fresh tomatoes and potatoes. I hope I can.
But, first things first, I must get the Tuesday blog done, if possible, before the Morrison delivery arrives. So, out of the Brother-in-Law Pete damaged while he was flat-sitting, when I was in the Stroke Ward, and he fitted new CCTC cameras, and searched for my valuables, which he found and took, (I still haven’t got them back yet four-months later), £300, second-hand, near-dilapidated, gungy-beige coloured, c1968, sometimes working, uncomfortable, rickety, recliner, and as usual the GPEB (Grey-Plastic-Emergency Bucket) was utilised, again for a WPTU (Weak-Pathetic-Trickling-Unwilling) wee-wee.
To the kitchen and moved the handwashing onto the airer. Kettle on took the medications and made a brew.
Then the Porcelain Throne usage was called for, so, off to the wetroom. The evacuation was a duplicate of both of yesterday’s effort. Massive! But no bleeding at all. I’d like to know where it’s all coming from?
The legs seemed to be thinner, still so pale, and the flipping knees were still painful when moving. In fact, Anne Gyna joined in with Arthur Itis as the chief angst giving ailments of the morning. On the bright side, Reflux Roger, Hernia Henry, Back-Pain Brenda, and Duodenal Donald, were all being kind to me. And, up to now, no Neuropathic Schuhplattler dances from the leg! Or Shoulder jerking. The fingers seemed to be sensing everything they make contact with, and only the milk bottle has been dropped… so far! So, things might be going to go better today… I shouldn’t have said that, should I? Humph! Hok a chainik? I had another WPTU wee-wee.
With determination, I got the post updated, with no bother from the fingers you see! Super! As I was setting up to start on this post, the intercom went – yes, I heard it this morning? Things are going well today!
The chap, decent sort of bloke, put the bags through the door for me. I’d forgotten to give him the used carriers and went to fetch them. When I got back to the door with them, he mentioned that 80% of his customers forget the bags. I took them a couple at a time, into the kitchen, and set about emptying them of produce.
I’d treated myself to some brown extra-large free-range eggs. Got some black bean sauce on offer for three small pots. Some frankfürters, Polish and German, I thought they might go well with the BBQ rice? I remembered to get some more Senna tablets. And two pots of Sticky Rib Pot Noodles, cause the two of them only cost a quid, on offer.
I intended to put them in there usual spot, on above of the top cupboard… Just at the wrong time, the arm started playing up, as I was gently guiding them into position with the blue grabber-stick… They both fell, as an involuntary Hitler Salute was given! One of them fell into the bowl of water, splashing the kettle and even onto the stove, my trousers and floor! Huh! A bit of drying things up, and I decided to store them behind the samovar on the countertop in the future. Grumph!
I had another WPTU wee-wee. Then got on with starting this blog, up to here. I had to stop, to get the ablutions done, so I would have time to get to the Doctors, Chemist and Lidl.
Back later (All being well, anyway. Hehe!)
The ablution session was chock-full of dropsies like ne’er before! Almost anything dropable was dropped! The spectacles. The toothbrush (2). The mouthwash bottle. The flannel (4). The razor (2), the shaving foam. The Shower-head. The towel. The socks (5-6 times). The sock-glide. The bag of PPs and body spray can! And this list is only the ones I can remember! Oh, and the Drain unblocker!
As I was almost ready to leave and get dressed properly, Dizzy Dennis paid a call on me. How I managed to avoid going over, was thanks to the fact that I just cleaned shower stool, and it was used to support by replete, wobbly mass. It took a while before things settled, so I used the seat for a few minutes. But once they did, all was normal again. Well, I mean as normal as is possible nowadays. Haha!
I took the black bags, and deposited them down the chute, on the way out, and made my way to the elevators. The boot-marks were highly artistically done, I thought. The second lift was still out of order. It was a laugh really, as the one working elevator, went from the 15th floor, bypassed the twelfth, stopped at the 4th, on down to the ground floor. Up to the 6th floor, 9th and then 10th floor, and back down again to the ground floor! It seemed to be determined not to stop at my 12th floor, Snortle!(I wrote this on back of the reminder notes I taken with me, to prompt me later!) Then, up to the 15th, and finally down to the 12th floor! I had a laugh about the lift farce with a chap in the cage, who said he had been waiting for ages, and the last time the elevator got to his 15th, it went straight down again.
I got to the bus stop on Chestnut Way. A good-sized ganglet of Windwoodonian tenants were there. Much nattering, moaning, complaining and joking about was enjoyed between us all.
Boarded the bus when it arrived. I just went the two bus stops down Winchester Street hull, or even hill (Tsk!), and started the hobble along Mansfield Road into Sherwood.
The RAI (Rheumatoid Arthur Itis) knees, got more comfortable as I was limping along. Which they often do. Stopping or sitting for short periods are the worst, like catching a bus and having to get off five or ten minutes later, the agony of getting up again has made me try to avoid sitting down if I can, when out.
As the mind wandered, the EQ told me that things would not be so bad today? ‘You must be joking’, I silently replied to him! But, he is rarely wrong!
Up the hill, gentle and steady, no rush, I was that late anyway. Hehe! Continuing along Mansfield Road, down into Carrington.
A pug-faced, scared to ride on the road, ignorant, uncaring, smug, shorts-wearing pillock of a Nottingham Pavement Cyclist appeared from nowhere and came close to having me over. I turned to take this photograph of the animal. However, I was not as bothered as I usually am by these bully-boys.
As I approached the entrance to the Sherrington Park Medical Practise, I felt a little blasé about the visit, my confidence was low. With all the letting me down over the Warfarin changing and not letting me know, leaving me unsure if I had a blood test due or not, what dosage to take. Telling me my when the next one was, and no nurse turning up, then a Nottingham City Homes lady rang them for me, and found out there is now months to go between blood tests. It made it worse because when I rang them last Monday, and eighteen times, I got different messages, but basically, they all said: ‘All the telephone lines are busy. Please ring back after 11:00hrs’ (and this, even at 16:00hrs!) was disturbing.
When I got in and asked the receptionist for an appointment with the Doctor. She asked me if it was urgent. I explained what the problem was, and I heard a beep from her computer. It seems I am now graded as HR (Whatever that is?), with a flashing red light on top of my page. The lady didn’t seem to mind me sneaking a look at the screen. Hehehe! I am now graded as To be offered the first appointment available in the event of me having an urgent problem? At least I think that is what was explained to me. Something close to, anyway.
She then said… wait for this… “The Doctor can see you in ten minutes!”Blimey! I felt all guilty for my earlier denunciatory thoughts! I thanked her and took a seat in the waiting area. I searched in the three-wheel trolley’s broken, ripped, torn, and the hanging loosely fitted bag, for the crossword book. But it was not there.
Dr Vindla came to fetch me into her room. I explained all about the falls, means, times etc. and what I was doing when I went over. She asked various questions of me, said she was going to refer me to the ‘Geriatric Falls Team’. And she got on the phone and did so straight away. I looked them up in the morning. I mentioned the ankle ulcer might be coming up again, and she had a quick look. No, it was another one of the numerous Clopidogrel rashes coming through, where the ulcer was. Nowt to worry about. The knees were playing up when I came to leave. I thanked her and departed, handing some nibbles to the receptionist on my way out.
I made my down to the Carrington Pharmacy. Where I inquired about booking for a flu jab. I was told if I’d like to wait, it can be done today. So I did. I wandered around the shelves nosing at things, and Deepak, the owner, came over, almost insisting that I sit in one of the chairs to wait. I explained about being better of moving, and why, and he reluctantly agreed. Then, Kiran came over to invite me into the treatment room to have the flu jab.
She was kind and explanatory in what was going to happen and concerned about me being on Warfarin. Also, as she noticed how unsteady I was on my feet, I explained that this was due more to the Rheumatoid Arthritis than anything. But she called a chap in to watch me as she did the injection, just in case. She explained it was going to hurt. When I told her I felt nothing at all, she looked taken aback a little. I explained the Peripheral neuralgia and Axonotmesis nerves dying off, was probably why there was no pain felt. I thanked her for the pleasantly, caringly done, fine service! Thank you, Deepak and Kiran! ♥
I poddled down to the Lidl shop.
The depressed hassled, irritated, perturbed, and irked looking staff caught my eye, Gawd, they must hate the job! I bought some Blush Tomatoes, roasted hazelnuts and a bag of Demerara sugar. Paid at the self serve tills, under the watchful eye of a severely glum, hang-dog looking, obviously well-pissed-off young assistant.
At the bus stop outside, I caught a bus into Sherwood. With the knees stiffening on the short ride, a complete stranger asked me if I needed a hand to get off of the bus. I declined but thanked him for his kind offer. As I stood on the pavement after getting off, I thought to myself; ‘Do I really look that poorly and dilapidated? Getting old can be a shock, you know! Hehehe!
I momentarily considered walking back up Winchester Street hill. I soon realised that was a bêtise, and made my up the road towards the bus stop. There was plenty of time before the bus was due, so I nipped into the Ozan Store for a wander around. I found some smaller jars of pickled mushroom, a lot dearer than the larger ones, but I can’t open them, even using the fancy tool. So, I bought one. Paid and slowly ambled up to the bus stop.
I had a ‘Thoughts Storm’ en route. In the photo above, there has been four Barber Shops open recently? Why? Two closed down last year! How can they expect to make them pay? I passed the corner where a 78-year-old was murdered two years ago. The knees are worse than ever now! Reflux Roger is too, I’ve never had so much hassle and pain from him! The involuntary belching started, and boy was it loud, and every one stung summat rotten! It worried me a bit, this did. Worst of all, I’d forgot to mention it to the Dr Vindla! Despairing-Mode-Adopted! Which should not have, not with the good luck I’ve had seeing the Doctor so quickly, getting the Flu Jab done… Poor old twit!
Waiting for the bus, I decided to have two of the extra strong eggs, no, I mean extra-large ones. I planned the nosh and kept to it as well. Pickled mushrooms, gherkins, beetroot, and tomatoes. Butter some milk roll bread, and make sarnies as I work my way through the feast. I got back to the flats, no residents out and about on the bus or grounds.
And prepared the meal as I had blueprinted in my mind earlier. Oregano and salt on the eggs, sliced with the Poundland shop slicer. It was not very good, but still. I would have put some black pepper on as well, but the ‘Mysteries of my beloved Woodthorpe Court, that lies somewhere between the twilight zone and a wormhole slipping through a tear in the fabric of space & the spacetime continuum, illusion, delusion, & hallucination’, made sure I could not find the pot! Tsk!
When I got the bread opened, the Warburton’s Milk Roll, I found that they had given me what looked like some engine or machine oil for gratis, on the crust! So, anyone who buys this bread should be aware! It’s happened to me before.
However, I did enjoy it, until Reflux Roger started playing up, leaving a bitter sour taste in the throat and chest. Before the acid reflux started, I’d give this meal a Flavour Rating of 7.5/10. After the reflux bother, 2/10, if that!
I got the washing up done. Took the medications, and got the handwashing done. I did manage to get the camera in time though, to take a couple of bubbles, before they disappeared! Hehehe!
I settled in the £300, second-hand, near-dilapidated, gungy-beige coloured, c1968, sometimes working recliner.
Reflux Roger kept me from nodding off for a long time. Breathing with gasps and intake of breath, mini-coughs, then belches that may have woke up someone three floors away!
01:40hrs: As I stirred into imitation life this morning, two things vied for my attention. The first being as I checked the legs for signs of last night tumble I took to the floor, via the Ottoman, and onto the electricity extension box and cables, was how amazingly little damage had been caused! A slight bruising was all that stood out. Smug Mode Adopted! Second, this meant I would, or should be little bothered at the After-Stroke physio torture session!
I extracted my cumbersome body from the Brother-in-Law Pete damaged, second-hand, c1968, cringingly being coloured, rickety recliner, and off to the GPEB (Grey-Plastic-Emergency Bucket) for a wee-wee. I think I did this was more out of habit, than any actual need to use the bucket. The so-called wee-wee was of the PWWDIB (Pathetic-Weak-Why-Did-I-Bother) mode.
Off to the kitchen and got the handwash things hung to dry.
Took a photo of the morning view.
Got the kettle on, took the medications; including last nights that I had missed, Tsk! Made the brew, and got on with the urgent job of updating yesterday’s blog. I did not want to be late for the bus later.
I pressed on with much needed to do computerisationalistical work. I’d not been at it for long when the summoning to the Porcelain Throne arrived.
The pins (legs) didn’t look at all right, to me. They had swapped fluid retention from the left to the right one, the skin was even more salid and pale than ever! Hang on, salid? Is that the word I meant? When I got back to the computer, I looked it up: Nope, wrong word, but I can’t remember what it was I meant to type? Ah, well, back to the wet room!
The evacuation was extremely long (literally), and a time-consuming exercise. But not painful and no ensanguining. The WC system coped with the flushing, but the water rose a good bit while doing so! Afterwards, I took the photo and diligently cleaned the bowl. Then washed the dandies. And the cistern tank was still filling up with water? A problem here, methinks!
I had another search for yesterday’s missing fodder picture, and blow-me-down, there it was, where it should have been earlier, in the picture folder? Baked beans, cold beef pastie (Someone forgot to put the oven on!), super tomato sliced Dutch tomatoes, and some Asda (Walmart), bacon flavoured fries. Highly delectable! – Apart from the cold pie! Tsk!
Then, to add to the mysteries of my beloved Woodthorpe Court. That lies somewhere between the twilight zone and a wormhole slipping through a tear in the fabric of space & the universal continuum, illusion, delusion, & hallucination! I found this photo on the left, of the hallway. Why I took it, leaves me bewildered! I cannot recall or imagine any reason for shooting it at all!
Finally, I got the post finished and sent off, and had to rush to get the ablutions done; to give myself time to get to the bus stop in time for the 40 bus! Into the wet room, and remembered not to use the shower this early.
The dropsies were far fewer than yesterday but were still too many for my liking. Razors, toothbrush, flannel a few times, and the sock-glide, but it missed my toes, feet, and legs today. Hehehe! I got the medicationalisationing sorted and sprayed the anti-smell stuff over me.
As I was dressing, Dizzy Dennis paid me a visit. A nasty one. Not as bad as last night’s, and I didn’t fall-over. But it was severe enough for me to consider not going out to the Physio session. I pondered on what to do. My aboulomania was tested to the full. After a while struggling with the sock-glide daily contest and losing again – I decided I would go, not wanting to let them down after they were kind enough to invite me in the first place. I must remember that there is no meeting next week, the staff are on holiday. And later on, I must phone the surgery (If I can get through!) to ask for an appointment to see Dr Vindla and tell her of these dizzies and tumbles I’m suddenly started having with unwelcome regularity.
I got the black bags taken to the waste chute on the way out.
As I got in the lift, a chap from the 2nd floor, I’d not seen him before, decent enough pleasant sort of chap – had done an Inchcock Whoopsiedangleplop! He’d forgot to take something, and wanted to go back up after he’d got down to the ground floor. He must have back in the elevator, as I pressed for it, and it took him up to the 12th. We went down to the 2nd, and I said I’d send it back up for him. I hadn’t noticed that the other lift was Out-of-Action. So comforting to know someone else has bad-luck and owns a memory like I do; of questionable reliability! Bless him!
I took the route into Winwood Court, going through the highly decorated, picturesque, appliqué, pleasing on the eye, handsomely adorned, artistically-presented, bedizened,festooned with furnishings, garnished, glitzed-up, ornamental, welcoming, resplendent, sumptuous, link passage corridor. A smidge of sarcasm there? Hehe! But only in fun, this common, bare approach is right up my street!
I poddled along to the Winwood Court foyer, and let myself out onto Chestnut Way, and walked to the bus stop on Winchester Street.
I was feeling alright as I hobbled along, hoping that the second-hand, bought from the Charity Shop for £2 wristwatch, with its £10 replacement strap, and £10.99 new battery, was showing the right time. I feared a repeat of last Tuesday, of my missing the bus! I got to the bus stop and checked with the electronic timetable…
What the heck had I done! I felt so sure that when I check the times of the 40 buses, it showed 0727hrs. Yet the sign told me it was due in 18 minutes! Or was I getting myself in a muddle again, had the falls and dizzies sent me dipsy? Haha! But I know I was so tired when I looked it up. Ah, well, a little wait won’t do me any harm. It was a bit nippy, but the sky told me it would soon warm up. The bus arrived, and I was the only passenger on it. I got seated in a side-saddle seat, as usual.
When we got on Wells Road, we picked up at every stop. Suddenly there were about 45 other passengers. Most of them were school-kids, not the nicest of people. I had to move the three-wheeler to let one sit down, and the bus became cram-packed, with about a dozen or more folk standing, sometimes on me! Humph! When the bus arrived in town, I purposely got off last, to avoid being damaged by the stampeding hoards getting off! Haha!
I made my way to the Slab Square, avoiding the many Pavement Cyclists around this morning.
I poddled over the square and to the Poundland Shop. Where I bought unneeded, unwanted, far too many other purchases. What a schlemiel! I got: A long-dated medium pork Farms pork pie, drain unblocker, nibbles, for the hand-out bag, Cheeslets, Golf biscuits, and cheddars. A packet of twelve individual mini-biscuit packs, for the tea-break at the physio session. Dettol antiseptic disinfectant, and two ready-made BLT sarnies for my nosh later. The sweet lady who helped me as she did the Tuesday before, came over and put the things through for me. And she mentioned my looking very white! Bless her for her help.
Then hobbled, with the bags all too filled, to the Victoria Centre Shopping Centre (Mall), and called in Tesco, to buy, a packet of the Puff Pastry fingers, a box of Vienna fingers for Josie, and for myself, a bag of the addictive and oh, so flavourful seaweed crispies. I had a ponder about the shelves but found nothing that appealed to me.
I got to the checkout and bought another big bag, so I could spread the weight of the things bought, on the trolley handles. I paid the lady, moved away from the customers behind and started to reorganise the trolley bag and carrier. I just toppled backwards, without cause or reason? And by good fortune, my back hit the next checkout, which stung a bit, and I avoided going over. For a few moments, I thought I was having another stroke! A kind lady came to me, and told me how ashen I looked, and asked if I was alright. She insisted I take a seat on the bench for a few minutes. I did feel a bit groggy and vague, but much better within minutes. The lady, who had been keeping her eye on me, approached to make sure it was safe for me to walk, and asked if I wanted an ambulance calling. I thanked her profusely, and assured her I felt much better now, which I did!
But the incident did worry me a bit.
That falling on the floor unexpectedly and not being able to get back up – saved by the visit of the Nottingham City Homes girls.
Then last night, I was taking off the trews to get myself settled down, and as I bent forward to place them on the rack… just at that moment, Dizzy Dennis visited, and I toppled over. Falling against the Ottoman and the chair. How I got my hands out in front of me in time to avoid further injury and damage, amazed me afterwards.
The sharp increase over the last few days, of my dropping things?
Earlier this morning: As I was dressing, Dizzy Dennis paid me a visit. A nasty one. Not as bad as last night’s, and I didn’t go over. But it was severe enough for me to consider not going out to the Physio session. Now, I realise I shouldn’t have gone. Tsk!
The utter confusion with the bus time table?
The Poundland lady and Tesco customer worried about me.
Then the Tesco nasty turn, for I don’t know what caused it, I keep putting them down as dizzies, but like this one, as others like last light, they happened instantly?
Later in the day, the Chaucer Street dizzy spell was not good!
I wanted to try and get the graphics done tomorrow, but it might be best if I call at the Doctors, and try to get an urgent appointment? My EQ is speaking to me, andit’s not good!
Then, out into the daylight and cold sunshine. A lot more Nottinghamians and folks of just about every nationality there is were about now. The vast majority were students. The street sleepers, shoplifters and muggers were few in number, it’s still a little early for them to be up and about.
I got to Goldsmith Street, and as I turned left onto Chaucer Street, I had a close as I ever have had without being hit, entanglement with two Nottinghamian Pavement Cyclists. But said nothing to them, and I had a visit from Dizzy Dennis again! I leant on the church wall to look casual to passers-by, while I regained my equilibrium. But it was not so bad, and after only five minutes or so, I went to the entrance and joined what turned out to be, very few other Stroke victims.
The 16 or so folks from last week, were now only 12, and that included a new lady! But things were not right with me. Both Jennifer and Lucy, when talking to me, were not getting through to me, they indicated. But I was determined to do the exercises and had the nous not to over-commit myself. I did the first round of them. I must have looked poorly because they let me do them sat down! Which made the knee and the piles worse! Tsk! The next round, was much harder to do, and I soon felt myself being drained of energy, and the pain in the knees was a right handicap.
The relaxation tape session was perhaps the worst thing for me. We had to do whatever the voice said, as some peaceful music played in the background. But I couldn’t hear what was being said. So I kept opening an eye to see what the others were doing. Hehe!
Before the next round of workouts, both trainers came and had a look at my knee and leg. When the movements began, the leg started one of its Neuropathic Schuhplattler dances. And they both came and pressed down hard to stop the legs activities; unfortunately for me, they put their combined weight on the knee, to stop it! Oh, the agony!
The break time came around, and a young lady from Western Energy gave us a talk, on signing up for their service. She gave us all a planned, well-rehearsed sales-pitch, but still, she needed to refer to her notes while selling the service. If we signed up today, a free goodie-bag was ours! I can’t remember it all, but a wind-up torch and other stuff were in the freebie-pouch. If we signed today or later, we would get information about power-cuts as a priority. A free electricity swap supplier value scan. I did not want to get involved in what was obviously a sales pitch. But a few of the gang signed up straight away.
Unfortunately, I fell asleep during the ladies talk. Oh, dearie me! She said; “Am I boring you?” I replied, “Obviously!” I got a look from Jennifer, that should really have struck me dead, instantly!
All the sitting had made the RAI (Rheumatoid Arthur Itis) knee worse, and my concentration was nil! I decided rather bravely, to leave early. The Stroke ladies didn’t seem to happy about this, but I just had to go, I could really not face any more banal exercises. I explained, and said my farewells to the others, only to be ignored. Purposely, in time for me to walk to Queen Street, in time for catching the L9 bus.
A cuttingly worded “If you are really that bad, go and see your Doctor!” from Jennifer, ensured it was a miserable, downbeat, in pain both physical and now mentally Inchcock that departed. It didn’t help my spirits when a pavement cyclist came out of an alley and nearly hit into me. But at least he got onto the tram track road straight away afterwards.
I arrived at the bus stop, with eight minutes to spare.
A lady, at the stop, I knew by sight, who, I think lived on Morris Road, had a laugh and natter with me.
She’ll never know how much that cheered me up!
Back at the flats, I got off last, as is the norm, and made my ay to the Winwood Court entrance. I walked through the linking-corridor and into the Woodthorpe Court elevator lobby.
The same lift was still out of service. Not that it mattered, I didn’t see a soul indoors on the way home from the bus stop.
I got in the flat, to the tune of drilling, banging and humming from above. I assumed that the workers were busy doing the Fire Alarm Sprinkler installation work.
I took a picture from the light & view-blocking new kitchen window, of Chestnut Way, below.
Called in the wet room, and paid my second visit of the day, to the Porcelain Throne. Good Heavens! Where is it all coming from? I was really pleased when the plumbing coped with the enormity of things! Phew!
It was lovely and warm in the flat. I stripped off, all bar the PPs, and got the handwashing done and hung. Put the buys away. Made a brew, got the medications and got on the computer to update this diary.
Believe it not, but to get up to here, it took me six-and-a-half hours! Yep, it is already two hours beyond my usual head-down time! And I’ve only just noticed. (I got a bit over-involved? Haha!) But with all the hassle needing careful wording, and all the photos, it was bound to take me a while to get done. Gonna be another late night, for the old-timer!
I got the nosh started. Mashed the potato in with Leicester red cheese, butter, salt and balsamic vinegar, and got it into the oven. The rest of the meal was easy-peasy! BLT read-made sarnies, and lots of slicer-sliced extra tomatoes!
I checked on the handwashing, and moved it around a bit, so it got dried quicker, I hope.
I got the mixed cheesy spud ready to go in the oven… This would be the oven than I forgot to put on to warm up! It’s highly possible that the Purpose of My Life is Only to Serve as a Warning to Others!
So I did a couple of Thoughts graphics. Then got the pots in the oven. Tsk!
* Oh, the ‘Riddle for Today’ answer: A Candle.
The fodder was okay. I’ve had worse, and I’ve done better. But being so terribly late in the day for me, my tiredness affected my appreciation, I think. A 7/10 rating.
The evening sky looked grand, and although it does not show on the distance shot, I zoomed in to get the plane trail pictured! I might use both photos as ‘Thoughts of the Day’ backgrounds later.
As worn-out as I was, and the late hour, a silly stubborn streak made me get the handwashing done, including the oven-mitts. They should be dried by mid-Novemberish. Hehehe!
It’s been a worrying day for this old codger. I really must get to the Doctors tomorrow, to book an appointment about the scary increase in the tumbling and dizzies department. I’ll see the chemist as well, to get the Flu jab sorted.
After many false starts and waking up again, I eventually achieved the bliss of getting to sleep!
03:10hrs: I stirred into a replica of real life, and the need for a wee-wee (As is usual recently), arrived. I escaped the clutches of the Brother-in-Law Pete damaged while he was flat-sitting, when I was in hospital, as he fitted new CCTC cameras, and searched for my valuables, which he found and regretlessly took, (I still haven’t got them back yet, four-months later), £300, second-hand, near-dilapidated, gungy-beige coloured, c1968, sometimes working, uncomfortable, rickety, rinky-dinked, rattling, rusty, resurrected, reconditioned, recalcitrant, recidivating and ridiculously, relentlessly rotting-away recliner.
I Took the few dodgy steps to the GPEWWB (Grey-Plastic-Emergency-Wee-Wee-Bucket) and had a rather pathetic, weak, approximate quantity, no more than four-fluid-ounces of an INHBT (I-needn’t-have-bothered-trickling) wee-wee. The stomach was still feeling tight, with the odd escapage of wind, amidst the rumblings from within. It’s been about 42-hours since any Throne evacuations. Oh dear!
I got a potato in the crock-pot for me later, one in the saucepan for Josie, and got some peas podded.
The potato in the saucepan was soon losing its skin, which was a good sign, so I lowered the heat on it to a minimum level the stove would let me.
A lot of the peas still had the fur inside the pods, so I had to take care and avoid using them. So many peas shot off all over the place, I think I spent more time searching for them and retrieving the few that managed to find. Bit of a farce, the podding was this morning!
I took a picture through the open thick-framed, light and view-blocking kitchen window. That turned out to be one of my worst ever. I’ve no idea what I did wrong? Unknowingly the shaking hand, I assume, might have affected things? I moved the handwashing onto the airer, and had yet another INHBT mode wee-wee!
I spotted one of the escapee peas on the stove as I was leaving to get the computer on to do the updating, but where the other estimated eleven peas had gone… Well?
I got my nose-to-the-grindstone and got on with the updating. With my late awakening, due to not being able to get to sleep last night, and the Peripheral Neuropathy affected fingers losing some degree of sensitivity when they contacted anything hard, making typing such an ever-mistake making process. It took me a good few hours to get the task completed! Luckily, the Axonotmesis affected leg, did not do any of its imitations of the Neuropathic Schuhplattler Dancing! Although the shoulder did go into its ‘Jij-jig’ routine a few times.
By the time I’d got it all finished and posted off, I felt like it ought to be time to get my head down. Humph! I went to make a brew, before starting on creating the graphics for today’s blog.
It was getting lighter out. But, the moon was still showing occasionally through the clouds.
I got the drink and began on CorelDrawing.
I had nearly got them graphic almost all done; the top Brexit Humour, the thought of the day and the Days dedicated to picture, and I realised that I had not started any prep work for Josie’s cheesy potato meal. I got on with getting the large potato from the saucepan, and into the mixing bowl. Cut it up into small pieces and removed the larger pieces of skin. Added the shredded Leicester cheese to the spuds. Then some butter, onion salt and malt vinegar. I must have spent about half-an-hour mashing it all up together. The hands didn’t play up much, I’m glad to say. Got shaped and into the oven. Back to the computer to make a start on this post.
Sister Jane rang, and we had a natter that I enjoyed. I thought about asking for my valuables back. But the only time I mentioned it before, Pete said they were too heavy to carry. Presumably, they were the same weight when he took them? Haha! He is a rascal!
I stopped computing and got the plate laid out, ready for the presentation display for Josie to enjoy. I got the beetroot, gherkins and sliced part of the Italian-Bull tomato in the slicer, and them onto her plate with the cutlery wrapped in a kitchen towel. I bet she wakes me again by returning them late? Still, she does it every Sunday, so I’ll just have t put up with it Hehehe!
I got the cheesy potatoes out of the oven, all nicely crispified now. Added the fresh pod peas and some mousse to the plate and tray then got it on the wheeled server and was delivered to Josie’s door, ringing the bells at 11:58hrs, The potatoes were still hot. I’m never far off of the 12:00hrs target-time. She was a good time in answering. When she arrived, she said she was on the phone. She liked the look of the nosh, though. And that cheered me up. I wished her happy nibbling and returned to the flat.
I got the black bags sorted, and took them with me to the chute, on my way to the Winwood Court rooftop to have a nosey around and take some pictures.
I poddled along the link-passage corridor, to the Winwood Court elevator. I didn’t see a living soul on the way. I got up to the beautiful, warm, cosy, well set-up leisure lounge they have. No one was in there. So I had a mini-hobble about with the three-wheeler guide and took a few photographicalisations.
I spent about twenty-minutes pottering about. I’d hoped someone would arrive, for me to have a natter too. But no! The felt on the roof was still leaking
I popped into the big lounge downstairs. Again, there was no one free for a gossip!
As I started to walk back through the link-passage, four blokes came in the foyer, and went to the new laundry room? On a Sunday? They were not wearing overalls! Mmm? They looked responsible types. But so did Lord Lucan!
I made my way to the Woodthorpe end on the passage. And turned round to see if I could see the suspicious ganglet of men, but I couldn’t. Incertitude swelled up inside of me.
I wished I’d taken a photo of them now!
I got back up to the apartment and got back on the computer.
It was nearly 15:00hrs, and I would have liked to have got stripped off, and get the handwashing done, and then my head down. But Josie has not returned the things yet. She may or may not return them today, but it is usually late, for me, when she does. It doesn’t matter, but I dare not go to sleep to be woken up in the nude again.
So, I had to force myself to do some more graphics and templates, even though I wasn’t up to at this time of day for me. Oh, I am awkward!
But the weary tiredness, and as I got more so, the hands started playing up, and I even had a mini Neuropathic Schuhplattler Dance from the right leg!
I gave up. Graphics still not even started, let alone done!
I got my meal sorted out. The tomato-slicer was not quite big enough to cut the last chunk of the Bull Tomato, so I… ‘Carefully’ used the steak knife, to slice it. It looked very odd inside, with very little juice. But the flavour was spot on!
The beetroots, so-called, Baxter’s Baby Beetroots, were extremely large and so hard! But, all the rest was fine and tasty. Enough to give it a Flavour-Rating of 7.9/10.
18:00hrs: I was just finishing it off, and the door-chimes rang-out! Josie was returning the things from her nosh. She said she’d enjoyed it, and gave me a chocolate eclair. Bless her! At least with my staying up late, for once I wasn’t woken up. Haha!
I got the pots washed, and settled down in the £300, c1968 rickety-recliner, the one broken by Brother-inLaw Pete when he was burgling the flat when I was in the Stroke ward in the hospital.
All I wanted was some sleep. It took such a long time coming again! “Sleep, sweet Morpheus, sleep…”
