Whoopsiedangleplops – Page 98

The farcicalisational hiatus ridden bathroom to wet shower room conversion continues. Humph!

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I’d like to thank my beloved new landlord, Nottingham City Homes, who after only a month or so after my requesting this be done after falling getting out of the bath for the third time, agreed to forward my application to convert my bathroom into a Shower Wet Room. After their Occupational Therapist Assessor interrogation… I mean interviewed, me to assess my disabilities and needs, then agreed a few weeks later, to do the conversion for me. A good patient chap name of Joel, thanks to him too.

A few weeks later, after their considerate Occupational Therapist Assessor’s interrogated… I mean interviewed me to assess my disabilities and needs, they agreed just a few weeks later, to do the conversion for me, in theory. The psychoanalyst was a nice patient chap name of Joel, thanks to him too.

A few months later, a letter arrived informing me they had agreed to the work after assessing the state and conditions of the bathroom and would soon be advising me of a date for assessment to take place.

Only eight weeks later, a chap arrived to do the rating and risks of the job for me. He must have been magnificent, perhaps an expert at his job because he had a Biro pen behind his left earlobe, oohed and sighed professionally and he only took four minutes to do the evaluation of the job. I gave him a cup of tea and some caramelised biscuits. He was an expert biscuit-dunker as well. He told me I’d get a letter in a week or so, informing me if the application had been approved. I thanked him, he passed an emission of wind and departed.

Sure enough, three weeks later I got the letter telling me that the commencement of the alterations would be in four weeks time.

**Sad to see the bath go, but tripping and falling getting in and out getting too often and was too much of a Whoopsiedangleplop risk to life and limb!**

Initially, I was a little sad at the thought of losing the bath, because I do love a good soak in Radox and scrub up with carbolic soap. But so many slips, trips and bruising of the elbows, head and hips, while getting into and out of the bath was getting a little risky for me.

Two weeks later another letter informing me that the date had been put back for another week arrived.

It was now only eight weeks away.

At least the Paramedics should be happy now I no longer have a bath! *Hehe!*

All the experts who spoke to me assured at the most it would be a four or five-day job.

I felt sure I’d cope somehow without a bath or use of the WC.

As the day drew near, I had the mammoth task of taking everything out of the bathroom in readiness for the arrival of the chappy man or men, who was going sort it out for me.

**Bathroom all cleared ready for the man/men**

Heck of a job, carrying the cabinets out to the spare room with all the other unsorted dollop of bags and boxes. I got it done the night before the arrival was expected, well-drained I was.

The day arrived, and I waited nervously. Kevin, the workman, showed his appreciation a the bathroom being cleared, saying most are not and the first thing he has to do normally is clear it all away himself.

Tuesday 31st May 2016. Day One

The man, Kevin did all his work on his own throughout, up until his work was finished and the electricians attacked my flat later.

He showed care, consideration and kindness during their stated 4-day operation, even afterwards on the many more day it turned out he needed.

The bloke liked strong tea and caramelised biscuits, wanted the UK to leave the Euro, was sociable and kept me up to date with what was going on and future plans, and he was interested in photography too!

Wednesday 1st June 2016. Day Two

**Bath out, pipes blocked off and tool in ready for further work!**

He was a grafter too. He soon had up the tiles and got his stuff in to build a wooden frame, presumably, it was to contain the shower rail area?

The bath was out in no time.

I kept plying him with strong tea with demerara sugar and caramelised biscuits. Good job I had a fair stock in.

He shown interest in the smells coming from the slow cooking with its seasoned vegetables in stock, and even noted down the recipe as he left for the day! I asked him if he’s like to try some of my seaweed, but wouldn’t risk it. Hehe! He even found times for the odd times for a little chinwag.

Thursday 2nd June 2016. Day Three

Getting a bit fed-up with the twice daily rigmarole of having to get all the stuff for my ablutions out of the spare room and into the kitchen, standing in bowl of Radox and Dettol for me feet to cleanse, while shaving then stand-up washing, of my more than amply adequate flobby body and cleaning me teggies. Then medicating the areas needing medicating, and putting everything back away again. Then getting it out…

This Thursday I had to go out for my blood tests that fell at the same time as my social hour, so I had to miss that, cause Dean Walker, the sex-pot coordinator of the flats came to do the tenants interview.

0805hrs: Kevin the maintenance man, arrived, made him a cuppa, and we had a chinwag. He set to working.

Deana Walker came to do the tenants interview with me.

I hobbled to the doctors. Got some shopping and returned to the flat. Trevor had gone by then, I trusted him and had given him a key to use to let himself in and out.

Trev had been hard at it making the frame that it now seems, will hold the wall tile from the actual wall.

So I missed some of the noise of his electric sawing today.

He warned me yesterday that Friday would be the drilling of the floor day.

He’d done a lot more work again and had gone home before I got back. All clean and tidy.

Friday 3rd June 2016. Day Four

Trev arrived, had a cuppa and bickie and set to work with a vengeance.

Soon he appeared at the living room door, with his face mask, hearing defenders and gloves on, to warn me about the upcoming noise and dust. He disappeared into the shower room and closed the door to help keep the dust from spreading a bit.

Trev had got the floor drain installed, covered it temporarily and had readied the floor for the floor men to arrive next week.

He tried, but could not get a day and time for me, despite his many calls to try to.

Nice chap.

Saturday and Sunday Days Five & Six

I only titivated the place, as we were also expecting the electricians sometime next week, and were both aware of what to expect with them to clean up after them. A thing coating of dust had covered everywhere, as is to be expected.

Monday 6th June 2016. Day Seven

Electricians expected today, Kevin though.

He had his cuppa and biscuits and got on with the job again as usual. He posed proudly at the nearly finished wall tiles when he’d done for the day.

Nice to see a pride in someone’s workmanship.

Only one more day to go working here for Kevin now.

He took some photos for me to use later, with his posh camera and showed me some of the options on it. I may be tempted to get one later. But I’ve got to sort out and get some shower furniture when it’s all done, cause the cabinets I used in the bathroom will I think, be too wide for the available space between the water power box and the actual shower and will get soaked as well as be hard to get to. Huh!

Tuesday 7th June 2016. Day Eight

Trevor arrived but did not know when the electrician would be arriving, if at all. I went to ask Julie or Deana if they could find out, they couldn’t. I left.

Clinic day today. Waiting for the electricians to arrive.

On the laptop hours later before going out and I made a brew and took one for Trevor, the electricians had arrived, not introduced themselves at all and had started working?

Working away at making sure the carpet had bits of cut-off wire and plastic from I don’t know where, dust twinkling bits of metal, streak marks down the paintwork, chips of plaster off the corners in the hallway.

I took a surprise photo of them, that didn’t please them at all. The younger one said: “Wot yer doing?” Which is more than the older said for hours, he didn’t talk to me!

I went to see Deana about the double electricity bill I’d had delivered, one saying New Account and I owed them £289! The other one was right and showed me direct debits paid?

She was very busy but kindly dealt with it for me.

They, (British Gas, the French-owned company) told her I had two meters installed??? There isn’t room for two meters in the cupboards where the are kept, even if I did want to have two? They kept her waiting so long with tubed music in between and passing her to other departments, she told them to ring her back. She said she would let me know the result.

Later, just after Trevor had said his farewells, Deana called to say that British Gas who supply the electricity are cancelling the second bill. I thanked her muchly.

I went out to the clinic and when I returned the ‘sparkies’ had gone. The rubbish they made, they had left behind for me, mind.

A double light switch that looked second hand to me. (Above) They decorated the carpet nicely. Trevor had left the bathroom… sorry, shower room all ready for the arrival of the floor layer men.

Electricians placed the new power switch on the hallway wall, that was conveniently placed at a level with my glasses and nose, just in case I wanted to walk into it… Yes, I did!

Wednesday 8th June 2016. Day Ten

I had a lot of running around to do and no one had arrived before I went out. When I returned, the place looked like it did when I left?

Closer inspection I found the headphones were stuck under the recliner. The phone in the hallway was not on the stand properly, and some new bits of dust and wires were on the corner near the door?

No one know who it was that came in?

Might have been the electricians or the floor men? Still, no problem.

Thursday 9th June 2016. Day Eleven

The floor people had not been by the time I had to go out back to the surgery, so I left the note about calling Deana on the door again.

I returned many hours later to find the door unlocked. A few telltale bits of dust and the panelling with a new scratch on it near the shower room door were noted, and I opened the door to have a look in:

The floor had been done. But dare I use the WC by walking on the floor, no! I remembered being told it will need a day or two after completion before it was safe to use the shower, but could I walk on it?

I could not find anyone to ask.

Friday 10th June 2016. Day Twelve

Another search to get help or guidance on if, and or when it will be allowed to have a heavy-duty movement and or shower…

No answers to phone calls or emails.

Well, it is Friday, early finish day for Council Workers innit!

Looks like Monday then before I can use the shower.

Monday June 13th The Fifteenth Day since installation began!

No need for them to worry about an old man wanting a shower and a…

Goog innit?

Well, never mind!

Inchcock Today Thur 9 June 2016: A frustrating, hard, long day & now no access to the WC! Huh!

A Nottingham tenant in a toiletless apartment in an Old Peoples Flats Complex is protesting at the local Ice Cream Van, the noisy jingles, the van obstructing the free bus-pass services access, blocking his wheelchair and above all the children as they noisily queue for their ices. The man Juan Inchcock, told the Marissa Bergen, the Drummers Weekly reporter: “I don’t mind about all this really, it just annoys me that the chap has sold out of all his 99’s to the ankle snapper before I can get out of the flat, a lift down 13 floors, get the lobby doors to open and hobble to the van to knock them out of the way with me walking stick! It’s just not fair!

______________________________

Thursday 9th June 2016

Stirred around 0525hrs, the second hand £300 recliner chair operated without any hiatus and let me out of it to pass water and use the throne. Much blood from the rear, a tiny bit from ‘Little Inchy’s lesion.

I’d dreamt something about my being in outer-space in a powered shopping trolley, wearing a leather hat and trying to catch butterflies with two saucepan lids with Acker Bilks ‘In a Persian Market’ playing in the background? I can remember all these facts, but nowt else about it. Tsk!

Took the medications with a cuppa and pot of porridge, then tackled the job of getting all the stand-up bath materials and paraphernalia and got myself cleaned up, the best I could. Made substantial use of the underarm spray and after-shave. Although, once again I managed to spill the bowl of soapy water I’d soaked me feet in while stood at the sink washing.

I didn’t know if the flooring workers were coming and if so at what time? But knew I had to go out to the INR blood test, clinic and to take sister Jane her pressies. (Having done that now, I can show you picture of them).

Two cushions with photographs I’d took of Mr Fooey on the left, and Tabitha, who passed away a good while ago, as she jumped up on the counter and looks for all intents and purposes as if she was checking out my pension paperwork for me. My two favourites of her cats, but I like them all mind.

I went on Facebook, checked the emails and did some graphic work for ages and ages. I thought the workmen might come the same time as all the others did, o800 to 0830 hrs, but none had shown by 0930 hrs, and I did not know if they would be coming or not. So I got the nibbles and meandered to the Tenants Social Hour at the hut. To my pleasant surprise, I saw BJ arriving and going in as I approached the shed. Julie was in the office and I explained about my concerns about leaving before the maintenance men arrived. Being as I did not know where the men were coming from, she said there is nothing she can do.

So I went back in the meeting and had a chinwag with BJ, Toni, Bill and Eddy for a while.

BJ said he’d lift me to the doctors and suggested I go back to the flat and see if they have arrived yet. So I did, then returned. BJ said to put a note on the door – ‘ Floor men – for access please ring…’ and add Julie and Deana’s phone numbers. I should have thought of that myself really. William kindly got and wrote down the numbers for me. Back to the flat and put the note on the door. BJ lifted me with my two bags to the surgery, dead on time. Thank you BJ.

The nurse soon saw to me but refused to let me take her photo today because she didn’t like the last one I took.

I took her likeness as she turned away. She had to laugh.

I thanked her, gave her some nibbles and departed out to the bus stop on Mansfield Road.

One arrived and in fifteen minutes I was dropping off in town and walked through Victoria Centre (Mall) and up the new escalator to the first floor.

IT came out between two fast food eat-ins. This car was part of one of them.

As I walk the length of the centre, I noticed this chap on the ground floor giving a piano some hammer and singing! There was writing on the side of the handsome white pianissimo, inviting anyone to give other shoppers a song? Thought it was a great idea!

Hobbled along and out into the walk-over. Where three young girls were smoking something very odd smelling with guilty looks on their faces, one of them was wafting her hand around as I approached. I noticed through the window, a youth who it appears, had just got down for a kip on the pavement outside the Boots store?

I took two photographs, one wide and a close-up of the youth and made this up.

Lovely weather today. I went over and down then around and to the West Bridgford bus stop, where a number 7 was just loading up.

Alighted on Central Avenue in West Bridgford and being a tad early for Jane’s, I called in the Iceland store. Got a bag of eight little wholemeal cobs, some chicken thighs and desert treats for Jane and Pete.

Hobbled to the Mansion where Janet and Pete live, it only took about 12 minutes to get there.

They seemed in good spirits. I nipped into their front room and placed the cushions on their settee for them to see later. I should have taken a photo shouldn’t I?

First attention was given to Mr Fooey of course. I gave him some and Arthur some nibbles, and they both loved them.

I got myself down (nearly) to Fooey as he was relishing his little treat.

My getting back up, was some amusement for Sue and Pete at least. Hehe!

I had a go at sorting the picture out on Pete’s laptop, and we worked out how to get his homemade videos onto his display programme. I love it when I can help, be of use like.

Then I invited them to go into their front room to see their pressies… Thank heavens they loved them.

We had a visit from the PCO, they are having bother with a horrible neighbour.

I gave them half the cobs and the trifles and departed, unsure if I would be in time to catch the last L9 bus from town, I decided not to rush, and I could grab a number 40 and walk missing having to climb the big hill at least.

At the stop, a female Pavement Cyclist all but hit me she belted by, naughty girl! Then as the bus was arriving, a bloke Pavement Cyclist was on the other sideway! Tsk!

It turned out when I got in town, once again like the other day, for some reason the 39 bus did not leave on time, and again I made it in time due to his leaving late and got the bus back to the flats. Hell of a job staying awake, I think I must have nodded off around four or five times en route, but was awake when we arrived at the flats.

Eagerly and apprehensively I made it to the apartment to see if anyone had been to tend to the shower floor… The door was unlocked, no one about, but I knew someone had been in due to the dust and bits on the hallway carpet. Gingerly I opened the WC door… Dang dang dang…

The shower room floor had been laid! I dare not go in because they had warned me ages ago that it will need two/three days to settle before the shower could be used and it was safe to do so. And, I don’t know if it is finished or not yet, there might be a waterproofing layer to go?

I popped down to the Community Hut, and luckily Deana was in.

She had told the workmen to ring her when they had finished, and she could come and secure the flat. They didn’t, so she didn’t. So, we don’t know if they have to come back tomorrow or not? The farce continues!

Deana asked me to send her a copy of the photograph of her I took when she helped me out again with sorting the ‘double’ electricity bills I’d had yesterday, that I’d doctored.

Back to the flat none the wiser as to if I had to stay in or not again! Humph!

I sent the doctored graphic via email to Deana.

When it came to me updating this Inchcock Today – I found I’d lost all the content! Gnash! No idea how I managed that. So I started from scratch again. Took me flaming hours!

Decided to treat me, this time, Chicken thigh, chips, garden peas, onions, peppers and beetroot… oh and two little wholemeal cobs.

Very late for me by the time I’d got the updating done it was hours passed my bedtime.

How I was going to manage without using the throne, I didn’t know. But no one knew really, if I could go into, or when I could stop on the shower room floor to get to the loo?

Friday, as long as I don’t go out, I can use the Community Shed toilet. Between 0830 and 1600 hrs at least. But the shed is not open at the weekend as there will be no staff on the complex? What then?

I’ll have to see and bother Deana again in the morning to see if she can find out if I can go into the shower room, without using the shower of course?

Fed-up, tired, feeling a nonentity, learning new sufferings as I am forced to try new ways of holding back the urge to use the porcelain, feel a nuisance to all and sundry and a sense that I’m suffering occulcation.

I’ll see what tomorrow brings – respite and conclusion, and being able to use the throne would help! Hehe!

Inchcock Today Wed 8th June 2016: Mega Whoopsiedangleplop!

Pensioners Thoughts

Wednesday 8th June 2016

To Do: INR Tests – Clinic – Leave the Electricians on their own to find any area they have not already soiled, dirtied or dropped wire ends on or cracked any plastics – Horrible Sore Throat – Anne Gyna sad… Tsk!

0425 hrs: Horrible Sore Throat throat. The £300 second-hand recliner allowed me to get out of it this morning, a bit of jerking from the mechanicals as it raised, and lowered but still.

The First thing was to tackle was the assembling of all the ablution paraphernalia together and take it to the kitchen for the stand-up bath at the sink. This morning, I managed it without knocking my elbows or hitting my head on the drainer. Pleased with this, I returned the stuff to the rubbish room and returned to empty the bowl – half over the floor as it turned out. Humph! Cleaned it and to the throne… oh dear: Anne Gyna kicked off, Haem Aroids bled extensively, and I noticed the wood panels around the shower area were all bare wood? Maybe after Thursday and Friday when the tiler-men have hopefully done, they will waterproof it… perhaps?

Cup of tea and took the medications, gargled with TCP (That’ll get some odd responses when I get the bus back from the clinic later, Hehe!) It was actually painful swallowing the tablets. Anne Gyna still bad, and the legs back and ankle pains I put down to the electricians mess needing cleaning up last night.

Up and down to collect the broken bits of plastic, cut off electrical wiring, chunks of plaster etcetera left me with aches and pains. Poor old mite!

Got the things ready to take with me, INR anticoagulation record card, letter from the surgery about booking the CHD checks, Clinic registration card and nibbles for the nurses.

Then I stood at the kitchen window and daydreamed, while drinking another cup of tea. I suppose that it is my sore throat, that is making me take more liquid? Not a good idea, with me having to walk for forty minutes to the surgery, then catch a bus to the clinic, then a bus into town, an hour walking about to try and get some pill-pots that Mary of TFZ fame advised. Some fodder too. Then a bus back to Sherwood and a long walk up to the flats. I waffled on a bit there didn’t I? Sorry.

The greens in the view never seems to fail to please me, and I felt a little cheered as I walked into the front room to get the laptop going. I trod on a screw that I must have missed last night on my clear and clean up session following the attack from the electricians. Ooh, I did jump… well nearly!

A sense if trepidation loomed, at the thought of the electricians letting themselves in and having their usual onslaught on anything not yet damaged or broken as they scatter bits and pieces all over the place. And, I’ll be out best part of the day concerned at the medical procedures I’ve to get through and fretting about what I’ll find when I eventually get back to my once tidy clean apartment?

As I started this post off I remembered I’d not done the BP tests, so did them straight away. Sys 143 Dia 61 Pul 82 Temp 34°f and Kitchen 70°f. No hiatuses there methinks.

Time was getting on now, about an hour before I should set off on my hobble to the surgery.

A bit apprehensive about what state I’ll find the place in when I get back in four or so hours.

Got the stuff ready in my bag and pockets, bus-pass. mobile phone, appointment cards, etc. ready for the day out medicationalisationing. (Although, it didn’t turn out that way, as you’ll read further down – Whoopsiedangleplop time ahead again!

Hurridly got yesterday’s diary finished and posted, then off.

On my way out, I dropped the bin bags down the chute, and called in the Community Hut and gave Deana some nibbles and had a natter, Julie who has been off poorly arrived, not looking too good, bless her.

Pressed on down onto Sherwood and up the hill towards Carrington. I was soon at the surgery, feet stinging, but Anne Gyna had eased off. I was told that the appointment was for tomorrow, not today.

I did feel a fool!

Made an appointment for the CHD checks and asked for a sample pot which she gave me. Friday 8th July 0830 hrs. Of course, not point in going to the clinic was there now. Humph!

So, I hobbled into town. I’d only gone about two hundred yards when I came across the first Nottingham Pavement Cyclist of the day.

Ten minutes later, near the Gregory Boulevard traffic island on Mansfield Road, the second Pavement Cyclist appeared.

And very nifty too she was! Belted by me and weaved between some other summer-frocked and most beautiful Pedestrians before disappearing at high speed around the corner and out of view. Only just caught her in time.

Halfway up the hill near the Rock cemetery another naughty Nottingham Pavement Cyclist was tearing down the hill towards me.

He lost his balance a bit and nearly went over.

Shame that, the nearly bit like!

Down to the bottom of Mansfield Road and I took a photo of yet another Nottingham Pavement Cyclist on the opposite side of the road.

I’m not sure what I did wrong, but it came out in Mono? Nice print, though.

Throughout the rest of the trip out there were so many of the offending cyclist I gave up trying to photograph them. Humph! Down into the city and caught a ‘Free shoppers bus’ to the Broad Marsh Shopping Centre (Mall). Had a wander around on the ground floor window shopping, then went up to the 99p shop to see if they had any Shower stuff or mini pots to use for the medications.

The 99p Shop has now being operated by Poundland. They did have some Radox shower gel, but only the one bottle left, so I took it, well, bought it I mean. Got some various liqueurs, as raffle prizes for the Tenants Social Hour Meeting, not that I’ll be able to attend this week cause of the appointment cock-ups again. Huh! They also had some of the Neutradol Deofab sprays, so I got three of them, bearing in mind how I’ve been struggling to clean myself recently. Hehe!

Out of the mall, and made my way back to the City Centre along Bridlesmith Gate.

A Big Issue seller was putting on a brave face and smile as she gently quoted “Big Issue” to those walking to the other side of the road to avoid her.

I slipped her a £2 coin, and a big smile and her face lit up.

Then I realised that if I were to catch the L9 bus on Queen Street, I’d have to get a move on… three paces later, Whoopsiedangleplop! A dizzy spell and I toppled over. Huh! Some good citizens came over and helped me up asking if I was alright. I clasp my hand to the pocket with the money in it, and thanked them assuring them all was okay.

I should have missed the L9, but when I got to the stop, the 39 bus that should have gone out minutes earlier was still there and prevented the L9 from pulling in. So a bit of luck there, and I caught the bus. At the next stop, Victoria Mall, a chap I’d seen before from the flats, he got on and had to sit next to me. We had an awkward conversation, as I could barely decipher what he was saying and got the feeling he couldn’t hear me either. Hehe! But it’s great to talk!

Dropped off at the flats and had another little chinwag with one of the tenant girls and Frank. I like it here!

Got back to the flat to find the key had been posted by the electricians as they left. Not much mess at all thankfully this time.

This cheered me up, and I called sister Jane to see if I could go see her and take her pressies tomorrow after the INR tests. I was informed that I could, not before 1300hr. Told her about my Whoopsiedangleplop and she told me I was stupid! Can’t fault the gal, she’s right!

She’s good at FIGures as well. Hehehe! Good job she has a good sense of humour innit.

Made a cuppa and took the medications and got the laptop on to update this.

I renewed the mail redirection via the internet as it said, in the letter that this is the easiest way to do it. Within an hour and a half, I’d got it done!

Did some graphicalisationing for later. Spent hours on Facebook’s Troll free Zone. Well, I enjoy it.

Got the nosh in the oven, I’m having some of those chips that Martin Shuttlecock advised me to try. Rooster I think there are called. A couple of large hot dog sausages, beetroot and tomatoes.

The chips were tasty, the sausages alright, the beetroot and tomatoes absolutely lovely, the Cox’s apple tangy… the dessert I put to one side and forgot about, it had curdled by the time I remembered it. Hehe!

Had just two slices of bread with it. (And they said I couldn’t keep to my self-imposed dieting – Humph!)

Did the washing up, hated looking at the mess the kitchen was in with all the kerfuffle about the bathroom had caused.N.

No injuries at all from my toppling over earlier?

Had a look at the TV paper and picked out the ‘In or Out’ debate to watch later, then planned to watch some ‘Pie in the Sky’ episodes. I managed the debate, but soon kept nodding off, so gave up and sat contemplating on things for a while, but didn’t like the mental images I was having. Hehe! I think I soon nodded off, for a while.

TTFN folks.

Inchcock Today Monday 6th June 2016: Pining for a shower now… Humph!

Senior Citizens Reasons

A mammoth session at the kitchen sink last night.

(I forgot to put it in me diary, Tsk)

By the time, I’d fetched all the things needed and set them around the kitchen sink, got my feet in a bowl of warm medicated water and had a shave – plans had to be delayed due to an urgent call to the throne.

Came back after having left feet marks and drip of water everywhere, did me teggies, had a shave, cleansed the wobbly body, medicated the areas in need, applied the pain gel to me knees feet ankles and wrists and cleared the things away and cleaned the place up.

I reckon it took me well over two hours! Hey-ho!

I had mentioned my problem with sanitating myself to a few neighbours, but no offers were made.

Maintenance man Kevin will be back today, perhaps the electrician too? Or he might come, maybe tomorrow or Wednesday?

Six days up to now, with a hope it might be done by Tuesday night. Later I was informed it would be Friday night, but would have to wait two days for the tiles to bed in and the grouting to dry before using it. Argh!

Monday 6th June 2016

Horrible dreams. Stirred at 0435hrs and climbed out of the none-working £300 shuddering second-hand recliner chair and into what was once the bathroom, to utilise the porcelain throne. Excellent results, no bleeding from either front or rear end. The only worry this morning is dizzy spells and the right hand, wrist and arm… up to now. Luckily I had the first dizzy while sat down like! Hehe!

Made a cuppa and took the medications then tackled the now daily performance of the ‘Stand-up-wash-at-the-kitchen-sink struggle. Humph!

Carried out the BP tests etc. Sys 153 Dia 68 Pulse 69 Temperature 36.1 All looking okay.

Observed a group of people outside on the corner plot of land through the kitchen window with their dogs, tails wagging furiously (The dogs).

Scenes like this make my day now I’m here at Woodthorpe Court.

I binocularised them for a while. They all seemed so happy. Hehe!

Got Corel Draw on and worked some more on getting photographs doctored to use in the future and the one at the top of this page.

Maintenance Kevin arrived, made him a cup of tea and biscuits. Had a chinwag.

**Neighbour Frank at the bus-stop, chatting up a fellow tenant girl. He’s married to Jenny as well… Tsk!**

Doing the graphicalisationing and it sprang to mind that I had not collected Jane and Pete’s pressies from Asda! Managed to rush about and get down in time for the half-past bus to Arnold. Forgot the hearing aids and went in the wrong glasses mind. Humph!

Got on the bus, moved one stop to the Winchester Courts and the driver told me to get off and run (Well, I say run) to the bus behind. So I did.

I was soon pulling up in Arnold and made my way swiftly (Well, I say swiftly?) to Asda (Walmart) and their photographic counter. I was a bit concerned about catching the L9 bus back to avoid marathon walks and had about 15 minutes to get to the bus stop, and wanted to get some vegetables as well. Naturally there were two people waiting in front of me, but the second lady gave up and left. The other woman took a minute or so, and then I handed in my ticket for the… Whoops! I nearly let out what it was I bought then! Musn’t let Jane know what it is before I hand it to her.

I hastened limpingly around and got some bits, decided to get the prepared veg today, I got a bag of cut swedes, onions and red onions. I have half a parsnip left in the fridge that’s passable. Also got some more tomatoes a turnip and some Batch Bread.

And… do you know, two of them cheeky little pots of Lemon Drizzle Desserts magicked their way into my shopping basket again!

I just can’t understand it, no way did I intend to get such unhealthy foodstuff… er…

Bit of luck then, as I got to the bus stop it was a minute or so passed the time it was due to leave – but someone poor devil, was having trouble getting off the bus, and a queue was waiting to get on, and this allowed me just enough time to get there and catch it! See, I don’t always have bad luck…

The sun came out brightly as we drove back to the flats.

I phoned Janet to tell her that her secret gift was now in my possession, and I’d get it to her ASAP. She couldn’t talk because they were having lunch – only at the Hutt Restaurant in Newstead Abbey.

Very posh.

Jealous? Me? Never…

Only joking honestly!

Put the fodder away, and Kevin returned from his lunch.

After a few words, it became obviously apparent that the shower would not be ready until Friday evening at the soonest.

I went in the other room and cried for a few seconds.

I got the Crock-Pot vegetable stew going. Seasoned it with vegetable stock cubes, vinegar, rosemary and oregano.

**Jane ‘drinking’ her chocolate birthday pressie last year. Hehe!**

Sister Jane called back. I told her about the problems with the shower and what I had to go through each day with the stand-up kitchen sink palavers. She couldn’t offer me the use of her shower, as it was playing up too. I told her that I’d put a bit in this Inchcock Today about her going out for a meal, and she said she hadn’t gone out for a posh meal after all. I must have misunderstood her. I felt a fool!

I asked her if I could leave the piece I did in this post, and she laughed and agreed.

She then pointed out that it is Wednesday and Fridays when she goes out for a posh nosh. Hehehe!

Got on with updating this and touching up some graphics.

Trev departed around 1600hrs, and I started the horrendous procedures of another ‘Kitchen Sink Ablution, self-harming and frustrating effort.’

Found two letters had been posted, both from British Gas with my name but different account numbers? One demanding payment of £250.32 in seven days? I’ll have a word if I can with Deana tomorrow, see if she had offer advice and contact them for me.

Kept stirring the Crock-Pot vegetable stew for hours. Worked on the laptop.

Soon, the simply seasoned parsnips, swedes, red and white onions, red and yellow peppers and parsnip concoction was ready and served up. Had some batch brown bread with it, and it was one of my best efforts ever with the crock-pot cooking. I added some vinegar to the seasoning and enjoyed it so much.

Electric charges were stopping me getting to sleep. I thought Steve had sorted them all out for me long ago? Thank heavens for Deana, she might be able to help again. I’ll try to get to see her in the morning. I sent her an email telling her about my plight.

Getting to sleep was not easy, Gawd knows when I eventually got off… Tsk!

Inchcock Today Sun 5th June 2016: Got out for a bit of a walk – Arthur Itis not happy about it mind. Hehe!

A misty Sunday 5th June 2016

I woke around 0300hrs, passed some putrid scented wind and fell asleep again.

Jumped to life at 0440hrs, the memories of the dreams had lucid parts. I was definitely at Stalingrad 1943, no idea which side I was on, but I was ensconced in a battle-scarred building, had no food, ammunition or water and had a wound that had, wait for it… a Native Indian arrow sticking out of it?

The mind then considered the ailments, and I found that Anne Gyna was letting me know she was there, the sore throat a lot better, no coughing although I did sneeze a few times. Arthur Itis had bent the right foot to the outside right again, the itching across the chest and left arm had returned too. Nevertheless, Little Inchy was not bleeding, even if Hem Aroids was flowing again. Tsk! Overall, not too bad at all, though. Roger Reflux had gone down nicely as well.

But I must get a good wash of some sort early today… the pong yer know! And, also and besides, thankfully the rumbling stomach had eased off somewhat.

I pressed the down button on remote of the £30 second-hand Recliner, nothing happened, so I climbed carefully out of it and made my way to the porcelain to clean up the mess from Hem Aroids and get my clothes into the laundry bag, then made use of the accoutrements. Much blood, but it soon stopped after I’d cleaned, creamed and medicated the area.

Into the kitchen, kettle on and took this photograph of the dim view from the window.

When I looked at the outcoming photo, I thought the aliens were arriving?

Reckon it was the reflection from the kitchen light fittings?

Assembled all the thing needed for a good ablutionising session at the sink. Took a while having to collect everything from all over the place, forgetting where I’d put stuff when I moved it out to make ready for the shower work stumped me at times.

I stood in a bowl of water to soak and freshen the feet while I did me teggies and had a shave.

Tried to cut my toenails, but Arthur Itis was having none of that this morning.

Eventually after much hassle, I got it all done (Apart from the nails that is!) Made a cuppa and took the medications, then did the BP tests. Not too pleased with the test results this morning, though: Sys 133, Dia 66, pulse 70, temp 34f. Bit different to the usual. If I remember, I’ll do them again later. But I wasn’t feeling anywhere near as bad as yesterday, and no dizzies yet.

I thought I might risk a walk in the park and to the shops later, although being Sunday and no buses to catch back in case of bother from Anne Gyna or Arthur Itis, and they’ll be no fresh foods in the stores… maybe not? But I’d like to get out, fed-up with being stuck in.

Cleaned up the things from the stand-up bath. Thanks to Hem Aroid I now have extra clothing that needs washing and the laundry bag is nearly full – Humph!

Laptop on and started this, then finished yesterday’s waffle.

Decided that I would risk a walk out this morning, so set off for a hobble into Woodthorpe Grange Park, took my camera with me.

Plenty of dogs with tails wagging in the park. Stopped and had a watch of them on the way into Sherwood.

There were many of the Pavement Cyclist about too. If I’d photographed them, all the SD card would have been filled!

Got into Sherwood and called in the Co-op store. Spent a bit on the Special Offers. Walker’s Bugles and Blitz Towels. Got some English vine tomatoes, a fresh looking salad pack and a Newspaper.

I got some Vouchers at the check-out. One for £1 of your next shopping. One for 50p off your next shopping and one for 50p of any Co-op pizza.

Out and walked down to the bus-stop to see if a number 40 was due soon. I had time to nip down to the Wilko store and get a roll of black bags. When I got back to the bus-stop, the chap from the fifteenth floor was there. We had a natter, and I told him I’d bring the Sniper book up to his flat later.

We caught the bus the three stops up the hill and hobbled back to the flats. I took the bits back to the apartment and collected the book and took it up to his flat. He kindly gave me a cup of tea and let me take some photographs, from his windows and his kitchen.

His is a double flat. The kitchen is ginormous! Of course, it is for two people.

Lovely views. We had a good chinwag, and I had to leave because he was due to go out again. I thanked him and returned to my own single flat. It looked terribly cramped compared to his, but that is the beauty to me. Less cleaning!

I got the laptop on to update this, then did some graphicalisationing to use later.

The Nosh.

Appetising, Cod balls (No comments please, Hehe), Apple, radishes, vegetable crisps, mixed lettuce, great tomatoes, beetroot, red and yellow peppers, onions in olive oil and caramelised onion pickle. Ate some wholemeal bread thins with it.

There was a rather unfortunate incident, Whoopsiegangleplop with the small pot of low-calorie ice-cream, though. Tsk! When I was getting it out of the fridge I had to force it out a bit and the plastic bowl cracked. When I started to eat it I discovered that some of the shards of plastic had embedded in the food – and of course, idiot here got one in the mouth, and ended up with a bleeding gum. Hey-ho!

Took the medications and visited the throne. Good news, no bleeding from Haem Aroid or Little Inchy!

Everything I tried to watch on the box, I nodded off at the first commercial break.

Horrible dreams.

Inchcock Today Sat 28th May 16: Indoors all day – computerisationing away

Saturday 28th May 2016

Frequent waking up throughout the night, not a good rest at all this dream-filled night. Dreamt repeatedly of being in long corridors searching for a way out I think, being chased by, it seemed, everything. Animals; wild dogs, budgerigars, dinosaurs and alligators amongst them, along with hundreds of people, so many, they kept getting themselves clogged up in the narrow corridors and lifts and got very angry when I laughed at them?

I attempted to lower the second-hand £300 recliner chair, but it wasn’t having it. So I climbed out carefully and made my way to the porcelain. Oh dear! Haem Aroids had not bled so much before for a long long time. Still, no pain with it. On the plus side, as I made a cuppa, to take the medications it dawned on me that Arthur Itis, Rea Flux and Anne Gyna had all calmed down, even the left knee and right wrist were not too bad at all. Best of all, Little Inchy was not bleeding either!

It felt a bit nippy, though. So I put on my felt lined Flobbadob and Blobbadob hat on. Lovely and warm, but the stitching is coming loose already.

The temperature in the kitchen was 62ºf. Did the BP test thingies: Sys 152 Dia 74 Pulse 74 and body temp 34.2f. Looked alright to me.

An involuntary emission from the rear quarters sent me scurrying back to the porcelain.

While the laptop booted up, I pondered on how I was going to manage to get all the stuff out of the bathroom in readiness for the ‘destroyers’ from the Nottingham City Homes maintenance team coming to create a mess for me in doing the shower to bathroom… no, bathroom to shower, conversion on Tuesday over four days? I must warn me neighbours about the coming noise too. I suppose it will mean another backhander to the caretaker to help me out again if I see him so I can ask him that is.

Started this diary off, then finished yesterday’s and got it posted off.

Spent hours and hours doing graphics and a new Euro post. Took all day really.

So I didn’t get to go to the shops for my TV paper and have a walk through the park. Humph! All day indoors!

Did the ablutions and had a bath, I’ll miss this when it’s gone on Tuesday, but not miss the struggles to get in and out of it. Hope I can get used to the shower quickly. Will there be a seat in it I wondered, there didn’t look like there was enough room to me on the drawing of it? Hey-ho!

Had a breakfast meal for my evening meal.

Baked beans, bacon, scrambled egg, waffles, potatoes and tomatoes. Amazingly, I didn’t eat any of the bread with it!

Although the lemon dessert was not let off so easily. Hehe!

Took the usual medications and some extra bits, and was soon climbing into the now working again second-hand recliner chair to settle and watch some TV after eating the nosh.

Got settled, and realised I’d left the remote control on the sideboard thingy – so, up and retrieved it and got the goggle-box on. The recliner was not o keen to work this time, but I eventually encouraged it somehow to get into a nice comfortable position for me.

Then had to climb out of it (The recliner, I dare not move it again in case it stopped altogether), to go to the porcelain again.

Remounted the recliner with some difficulty, and settled again… but not for long. I just could not stop the feeling that I might have left the cooker on. Out again and checked in the kitchen, glad I did too. I had not left the cooler on but had left the tap running in the sink. Phew, lucky that!

By the time I’d got back in the recliner and got the TV on I was worn out, fell asleep watching the TV, woke up a few hours later and managed to watch some bits of Law & Order between the many nodding off periods.

Ah well…

Inchcock Today Thur 26 May 2016: Winwood Community Shed Social Hour, and confusing call from Nottingham City Homes Repairs

Thursday 26th May 2016

Inadequate sleep, many horrible, or one long dream. Woke around 0200hrs and tried to recall details, but couldn’t. All those embarrassing things, errors, misjudgements and the like had come into my mind and muddled up. In them, I was showing great celerity and physically prowess?

0300hrs: I started coughing and sneezing, but not due to Rea Flux, he was working okay, so I expect I’ve gotten a cold coming on. And cold I felt too, the instant I got out of the shuddering recliner chair to make a cuppa.

Into the kitchen, the thermometer reading 62f. So it wasn’t actually cold, just me who felt it? Made a cuppa, took the medications and did the BP tests. All looking okay to me: Sys 149 Dia 75 Pulse 85 Temp 63f.

The stomach started grinding, I wondered if the meal last night was the cause? Mild dizzies too. Couldn’t help going shivery every now and then, hard to concentrate. Old age I expect, for sure that’ll be it. Hehe!

I got the nibbles, photographs and books in the bag ready for the Winwood Shed Community Hour later.

The rumbling and grumbling innards were no better, so I took some Peptac and Morrisons Cough medicine. I’m not sure if they work together or will cause more hassle? I nipped to the porcelain to try and pass to see if it helped.

Checked the emails. On to Facebook.

The Social Hours was a bit bare of tenants.

I handed in my prizes for the raffle, a tin of chocolates, a bag of sweets, a pack of Beef slices and bag of biscuits.

Mo, on the left here.

She seemed a lot happier today.

In fact, we all appeared to enjoy it today.

I’m glad to say that Mo’s arthritis was a bit easier this morning too.

93-year-old Eddy attended for a short while but had to nip off to sort something. A fantastic chap is Eddy.

This bloke left (Sorry, I’ve forgotten his name) who along with the lady in the bottom photographicalisation, run the Old Foggies meeting, both seemed a little lighter than of normal.

All good stuff.

The chap on the left doesn’t talk much, but I’ve got him chatting a bit bless him.

The organisation lady had time for a talk with so few folks in attendance.

She put on ‘A Face’ for me when she noticed I was aiming the camera in her directions, but she smiled so triumphantly afterwards.

I won a prize in the Super-raffle, the last one, a tin of peaches. Hehe! I gave it to William who I know likes them.

William and I stayed on a little over the time chinwagging – we were soon removed!

I returned to the flat and got the things ready for going to visit Asda to get the photos printed, but left the camera behind. Huh!

I was the only one to catch the bus into Arnold. Straight to the Photoshop and got the printing done. Then around the shop while I waited for them. Got some 125g mandarins in jelly pots 5 for £2, and a ready meal. Paid the lady at the check-out, dropped all my coins while trying to get the odd change for her, and back to pick up the photographs.

Over to the Fulton Food store, and blow me down, they had some of the tiny Blackcurrant and vanilla ice sticks back in stock. I knew the freezer was full but still bought some anyway. Twit!

To the bus-top and caught the L9 home, a nice word that, home.

Had to readjust things in the freezer again, but got the ices into it.

Call from NCH (Nottingham City Homes) hard to hear, think they’re coming Tuesday to start the Shower conversion?

I must see Deana in the morning, to confirm things, like, how do I go on without a WC while they take four days to do the job?

Cuppa and medications were taken. (Forgot the midday ones, Humph!)

For nosh, I had some fishcakes and fish fingers (Thus making room for the ice sticks in the freezer – cunning!). Now Brother-in-law Pete on his last visit had managed to get the jar of Peppers in oil lid opened for me, I had some of them too. Plus a cup of milk and pot of mandarins in jelly.

And very nice indeed. Wish I could remember where I bought the peppers from. Tsk! Took the medications.

Feeling well worn out then. Watched some DVD and then two hours of TV, and the Land of Nod beckoned.

TTFN all.

Inchcock Today Mon 23 May 2016: Socialised a bit today – oh yes!

Monday 23rd May 2016

Roused into life around 0100hrs – drifted back out of life, until I stirred again around 0400hrs in substantial need of the attention of the porcelain rather urgently. The recliner shuddered a bit worryingly as I battled my way out of it and to the bathroom. I knew straight away Little Inchy had been bleeding by the tell-tale signs of dampness and warmth. Tut!

Messy job sorting myself out, but it wasn’t too painful today. Kettle on and made a brew and took the morning medications near the laptop as I started to complete yesterday’s diary post.

I noted that the back and shoulders were itching and found it hard to resist scratching away at them. Had I put the wrong stuff in the bath last night? The itching, has moved to the neck now? Maybe something I put in the washing machine, as I felt a bit cold, I am wearing the dressing gown for the first time in ages since last washing it? This prompted me to remember to do the BP etc. Sys 139 Dia 71 Pulse 74 Temp. 32.6 KT (Kitchen Thermometer) 61f, recorded these on the graph.

0500hrs: Pondered on what needed doing today. I would like to take another Nottingham book to Jenny, but I’ve forgotten what number her flat was. Tsk! Also, I’d like to go to Arnold and get some photographs printed. No medical appointments today, strange feeling.

Started this post off and did some graphics and got some photographs onto an SDHC thingamabob card, and put in in the camera, to take with me to Asda (Walmart) for printing later.

Sister Jane rang (Also sent me an email) telling me to buy a Nottingham Post today, as the article about Nottingham Pavement Cyclists was on page 8, and an interesting bit on page two.

Ablutions carried out, Little Inchy losing a bit of blood from the lesion. Then I hurriedly got the things ready. Down to the lobby and had a jolly chinwag with some other residents. Then we went out to catch the bus. All bar one lady and I got on the first bus. Another friendly gossip as we travelled into Arnold and got off at the same stop.

I wandered along to Asda to get the photographs done and bought two new camera cards, on 32gb to use at the flat, and one 8gb to use on the camera.

Went to but a Nottingham Post Newspaper, but found that they had sold-out. Humph! Did some shopping. After paying the kind lady, the time to catch the L9 bus back was getting close, so I nipped out the front of the store to find a newsagent to purchase a Post from, but, none in sight.

Got to the bus stop and the lady tenant I’d travelled there with arrived and we had a sit down on a bench and we nattered while we waited for the bus. I realised I’d not got a Post yet, and the lady suggested I drop off the bus in Sherwood and get a Post, then walk back up to the flats through Woodthorpe Park. So I did that.

She then reminded me of the meeting tomorrow night at the Social hut, 1730 > 1830hrs, about the ideas for doing up the flat complex and surrounding area? Not that I’d forgotten about it of course. Ahem!

I got off the bus and waved goodbye to the lady on the bus, I called into a newspaper shop, got two copies of the Post and a Nottingham Bygones.

As I paid him, the newspaper shops owner, sneered through his beard and kindly overcharged me. Swine!

I walked back up the hill, and as I approached the top of it, yet another Nottingham Pavement Cyclist came pelting down towards me, swerving in between the poor pedestrians.

The execrable bully!

But I must not dignorate all Nottingham Cyclists in this way, just those vile ones who endanger and or scare the dotard like members of the pedestrians like what I am, with their dangerous activities.

Limped back to the flat and to the WC, Little Inchy still bleeding a tad, cleaned and creamed him up.

Mail from utility company had been delivered.

Put away my purchases of the day:

The SDHC cards, Irish Batch bread, a tin of potatoes and stewed steak in gravy and the pack of new Walker’s Bugles. (I got these to share out at the next Winwood Hut Social meeting.

Placed the photograph envelope on the kitchen window ledge, surely I can’t miss or lose them here?

Oh, and as for how that pot of Raspberry dessert treat got in my bag?

Hehehe!

Visited the porcelain again, Little Inchy had finally stopped bleeding.

I took the pork shoulder steaks I got on Saturday, you know the ones – those I thought were Lamb should steaks when I bought them. Sad innit? To warm them up a bit before cooking them later.

Made another brew and got the laptop on to update this hogwash.

Did a bit of work on another post and checked emails, then got on Facebook for a while.

For Monday’s fodder ‘s I got the BBQ pork steaks in the oven for half an hour, then later warmed the seasoned BBQ beans up in the saucepan. I used the Patti Beckert recipe for the beans. (Thank you again Patti) Added the last of the tomatoes and consumed all this with some Irish batch bread. The sundae for afters.

Not as good as I thought it was going to be, though. The beans, bread and tomatoes were excellent. The pork tasteless and the raspberry sundae thingamabob was terrible! Hey-ho!

Watched some DVD episodes of Hustle and realised I’d done the washing up yet. Cleaning up pots and pans was not easy because: ◊ I’d left the hot tap running earlier and the hot water was now cold. ◊ I boiled some water in the kettle, to use and spilt it on my right hand. ◊ I found I’d left the oven on, and ◊ I now have one less milk jug after a Whoopsiedangleplop and it fell to the floor.

On the bright side, I did not cut myself when I got down to clean up the broken pieces of pottery – getting back up was another predicament I struggled with. Hehe!

TV on and I drifted off into the land of dreams at the first commercial break…

Hey-ho again!

Inchcock Today Fri 20 May 2016: Long day. Visitation from Sister Jane and Pete – nice!

Thursday 20 May 2016

Awake at 0245hrs, no chance of nodding off again, the old brain was racing away. Off it went: What day is it? What needs doing today? Ah, Jane and Pete are coming to see me… I must get the laundry done early and out of the way. Might be getting a visit from the maintenance department before 1000hrs, must ring to find out what the INR dosage is now and I’d better get up and go to visit the porcelain now. Hehe!

Laptop on and finished the Thursday article and posted it. Made a cuppa and took the medications, did the BP tests and recorded them. After which, I got the washing and accoutrements ready, then went as quietly as I could manage in the lift down to the laundry room. How time flies, it’s 0325hrs already.

Got the washer going on ‘Quick mode’ and back to the flat, laptop restarted and updated this post.

0405hrs, down to the washing room and moved the clobber into the dryer.

0425hrs: Back on the laptop after making a Whoopsiedangleplop with setting the dryer mode. Somehow I pressed for ‘Woolen Dry’ instead of ‘Cotton Dry’, fortunately, the cycle for the woollens was only four minutes. So I waited until it finished, luckily having plenty of 20p pieces with me, and set it again at the proper setting. It displayed ‘1 hour 1 minute to completion, then seconds later it changed to ’50 minutes to completion’? Back up to the flat and added to this page.

Doing this, I remembered Jane had sent me two photographs of herself with her musical hero Dave Berry. She had these taken at the Concert last week.

Her exact witty words to me on sending the second one were:

“Attaching a dafter photo of me and my idol Dave – in awe, or wot!”

Luv Jane X

For a bit of fun, I found a photo from years ago and doctored it with Jane as she was.

Hehe!

Not changed at all has she?

After getting this far with the post, I got the washing bag nd went back down to the Laundry Room, creeping about as silently as I could, cause it is still only 0515hrs yer know.

Collected the gear from the laundry room, cleaned the filter and brushes, back to the flat and put away the clean washing, put some socks that are a bit tight in the Nottingham Hospice Charity shop bag and back on the laptop to this post, all by 0558hrs. Did this bit of the diary, now I have some time to titivate the flat.

Back in a while folks…

Well blow me down with a feather duster, the new Dyson cleaner packed up with a dead battery after 15 minutes of use! Humph! All I did was the front room carpet and some of the skirting board in the hallway. Grumph!

Janet and Pete arrived 1039hrs. We had a good chinwag, I gave them their bag of nibbles for themselves and the cats. Jane brought me some books from the Jumble sale she is a volunteer at. Everyone looks interesting too, bless her. All I need now is time to read them. Hehehe!

Made them a cuppa after they had taken a peek here and there in the flat, then Jane tried out the recliner chair. It didn’t play up when she was on it?

They were off on the 1139hr L9 bus, walked them to the bus-stop and Julie from the fourth floor got off and I walked her back to her flat.

The vegetable casserole was about done in the Crock-Pot, so I put some roast potatoes in the oven and will add some potato cakes to them later (If I remember – I did remember!).

I really enjoyed this effort. 9/10. I must remember the recipe and ingredients I used: Small potatoes, carrots, turnip, parsnip, red onions. Gravy from Bisto caramelised, Asda (Walmart) Vegetable granules and stock cube, splash of vinegar, oregano and rosemary. And in the Crock-Pot for seven and a half hours on low. Cooked roast potatoes added when serving.

Cleaned the pots then watched some TV until late (For me).

Felt in decent spirits as I drifted off.

Inchcock Today Wed 18 May 16: Deana (Flats Coordinator) to the rescue!

Wednesday 18 May 2016

Up and out of my recliner (Working again) chair and to the ‘tinkle room’. Little Inchy bleeding just a tiny bit. Heavy duty passage was okay.

Remembered that Deana (Complex Coordinatoress) is coming today to sort out a replacement wrist alarm – oh dear!

Made a cuppa and took the medications, did the BP checks then got yesterday’s diary finished and did some graphicationalisationing.

A quick check on emails and Facebook then did the ablutions.

The drizzle started, it looks like it may be going to settle in.

After several hours spent searching in one last effort to find the lost alarm and no Deana arriving, I wrote a note on a stick it thingy, explaining I’d gone to see her and I would be back if she is not there, to adhere to the door when I left to do so. (But I forgot to stick it on the door, cause going out, I had to go back for my hearing aids, Huh!). Deana and Julie were in the hut. Deana had forgotten about the replacement alarm and had also forgotten to take it with her when she visited the flats earlier. I told her not to worry as I was an expert nowadays on forgetting and losing things. She said she’ll be up later. Hope she is not too late, cause I want to go and get some chips, bread and fresh vegetables.

Returned to the min-apartment and waited.

Did some more graphicalisationing and emailed Sister Jane, then Deana arrived: She was in a rush, gave me a reprimand or two, instructed me to give her the Wristlet if I found it later. She set-up the new one, then gave me a friendly smile as she left.

I think she might have forgiven me?

It was starting to spit with rain again; however, I ventured out for a walk up and through the park into Sherwood. Not a single footpath cyclist was seen en route at all, whatsoever… none, I was almost shocked! Mind you, the rain might have had something to do with it?

I took a nice photograph from underneath the mini-umbrella as I started down the hill towards the shopping area.

The left knee started giving way from here on and for the rest of the day? With the right one, that is usually the worst of the two playing up, I began regretting not taking the walking stick with me, Tsk! But that would have been interesting fumbling with the stick, the brolly and the shopping bag. Haha!

I only went into the Co-op store to shop, because I had the money-off vouchers, £1 off frozen foods and 50p off when I spend over £5. The veg I wanted was not in a good condition, short dated and wrinkled like. However, they did have the Blitz kitchen towels on offer again, so I got a three-pack, a packet of vegetable crisps (Beetroot, carrots & parsnip), Wholemeal loaf, Low-fat Oven Chips (McCains – horrible and tasteless!) and some marshmallows on offer 50p off two bags.

The rain had all but stopped when I got out of the store and made my way limpingly back to and through Woodthorpe Grange Park and down to the flats. However…

Hobbling by the copse on the gravel path down to the flats, I came across some of these flowers in amongst the weeds, dandelions, daisies and buttercups I came across.Wondered what they were like?

Wondered what they were like?

The wildflowers there all looked beautiful.

When I arrived at Inchcock Towers, I did my best to clean the wet, mud and grass from the shoes. But still had to wash them in the sink with the scrubbing brush, then clean the sink and brush, and when I’d dried them best I could and went to put them near the door, where I found some mail had been delivered – the left knee gave a terrible twinge and gave way. Huh! Walking about like a poor cripple for an hour or so. If I get to see the ‘Nice’ nurse in the morning, I’ll mention it to her, see what he says. The pain doesn’t feel like the work of Arthur Itis?

Made a cuppa and took the medications, slipped one extra codeine phosphate in amongst them. It (the knee) eased off after a while and I felt only the usual Arthur Itis bother after. Seems that it is coming on only after I’ve been doing a bit of hobbling.

Set to making the nosh, as was getting exhausted for some reason again.

Sliced up a large tomato, beetroot, beef slice, wholemeal bread partially buttered and the terrible oven chips (Eurgh!) followed by two small tubs of ice-cream.

Despite the tasteless chips, I ate it all up, though.

Washed the pots, then put the INR result sheet in my pocket for the mornings INR blood tests.

Watched some Hustle episodes from the DVD, but soon nodded off – blissfully.