Update ...

So, here we are then. I attended an interview for 'as and when' 'agency' work [in connection with the 'work' in which I am involved] and, surprise, surprise! - I was successful at interview - I was absolutely amazed. Anyhoo, it was all good news - the various forms are being sent off to make the various checks and we stand by for a start date. I have another interview, up t'north, next Monday but it doesn't look like I will be attending.

Over the weekend I was away up t'north where in addition to being involved in my 'other' part time work I was able to visit The Senior [on her birthday].  It was quite a touching re-union. We haven't seen each other since last year. The work over the weekend was most enjoyable - trust me [I am sure that you do], it was a complete change of role - from being 'a pensioner' involved [for the time being] in certain work and going to a position of authority, many responsibilities and certain privileges - most enjoyable.  The journey back to Chez Shithole was not so good as, on more than occasion, I found myself in traffic jams that seemed to go on for miles - I was shattered when I eventually arrived back.

Over the weekend, and sleeping elsewhere, I wore new night time attire [what it was / is - you will have to guess].  So what? Arriving back here it was back to the 'usual' night time gear [recently washed and ready to wear]. So what #2?  Well, dear reader, this morning I awoke extremely sore  [we needn't go into the finer points but, suffice to say, it was a bit difficult walking] and I found out - da da da dah! - I am allergic to the washing powder provided by The Elder.

Otherwise a restful day - washing, paperwork to complete, preparing for tomorrow - when I am back at work - meeting up with a classmate [don't get excited] and then the rest of the week off.

Thanks to Mel for your kind observation - I am afraid that, it appears, my flight destinations must remain virtual - but I do promise to wave as I fly over.

Technorati tags: Allergy, fly past

No more flying ...

Welcome.  Apologies for the lengthy rubbish about flying [last night].  Just a quick update on this subject (last ever). Having landed at the far end of KDFW I clicked on reverse thrust and the 'plane started to reverse back along the runway - idea is to give me a long runway to take off from.  All went well.  I switched off reverse thrust, the plane's momentum kept it moving back, I applied the brake and the 'frickin nose lifted, lifted a lot, the 'plane had, of course stopped, so down came the nose and the nose wheel / nose of the 'plane embedded themselves in runway 18R of KDFW - last time I go there - the bloody place seems to be jinxed!

Otherwise a busy day at 'work'. The Elder is much improved, health wise - otherwise just the same.  Me? Off on Weds / Thus and Fri PM. I have a job interview, for an Agency [part time, hours to suit me, when I am off 'work',] on Thursday so wish me luck.  The bloody bank!  I called in to the city today and went in to a branch of the bank.  I asked to withdraw (only) £10.00. The 'assistant' glanced at my card and handed me the money - honestly, there was no other security check, they do not 'know' me and I could have found the card on the street.

To post or not ...

Hi to one and all ...

In some ways a very lazy day except that I have managed to complete a load of 'personal admin' i.e. washing, ironing, tidy my room, sort out the junk on my PC, updated my web site [there's no site, as such, just a load of files etc - I use the site as a sort of online filing cabinet, and, eventually, got round to compiling more of this rubbish. One thing that I rarely do these days, steady on, is watch TV - though I have to confess to recording films only to forget that I recorded the thing and which, slowly, disappears into a collection of identical, nameless discs. Not to worry. Presently I am listening to the radio, via the Internet, to a programme about Spike Milligan. Tomorrow? It's off to 'work' then to the shops to get The Senior a birthday card [I am off up t'north to see her at the weekend] and, finally, reflect on why I haven't been shortlisted for the job up t'north. Finally, today, I have, once again, sought to get from an airport up t'north to KDFA - last night I flew 4000 miles and crashed on landing.  Trying again today and 250 miles to go.  To be honest, as I tend to be, once the thing has taken off the autopilot does all but change speed / lower gear / set flaps and having taken off this morning the 'plane has been left untouched all day. However, we are now getting to the exciting bit ... See, it doesn't take much to get me excited ...

One other time wasting action today is to complete jigsaws - hey! don't get me wrong - these jigsaws are on my PC and the prog, obtained for free, allows me to make a jigsaw from any picture I choose e.g The Dog or even an individual - all I need is their picture.  212 miles to go - at the moment the 777 is simply on route to the airport; when I get down to about 150 miles then I reset the flight plan to my chosen runway [18R].  The software takes over and lines the up the 'plane - at about 50 miles, from runway, I have to start getting my act together.  I wonder what, once they have taken off,  'real' pilots do for the 10 hours or more that a journey involves?

[Especially] boring stuff follows - you might want to skip this:

Back to the flying - just reached 150nm to go and switched on the auto pilot to the desired runway.  Clever stuff.  The 'plane's software changes the plane's direction to intercept the line-in and, at the same time, increases the altitude.  As the 'plane climbs, the distance to the runway decreases and the computer is continually recalculating / lowering the altitude. Yeah, I know, I should get out more often. Presently at 20000 feet [and climbing], the sky. in Texas, is blue, no clouds and with unlimited visibility. Imagine, if you will, flying from two o'clock to the centre of the clock. Having selected my runway, the 'plane, at the right time, automatically changes direction and is now flying across the clock face - say from 2 o'clock to 10 o'clock. My chosen runway is 180' and I am flying from east to west, 5 degrees away from the turn to line up [i.e. 184']. When I reach 180 the 'plane will automatically turn, the descent rate will be calculated and [with 100 miles to go] the excitement builds up.  The turn executed OK and we are now 98 nm away from the runway, lined up, on 180'. I cannot believe that you have read this far. The plane is still climbing - the recalculated height is 28000 and shortly the 'decision height' will be arrived at when the 'plane will start to descend on a newly calculated angle / rate of descent. That's it - we are descending - arm auto spoiler, 5' flaps, air speed 225. 60 nm to go and descending rapidly - now at 19000 ft. 15' flaps, 200 air speed, 50nm to go, 16000 ft. Looking good - 40 nm out, altitude is 13000 and speed is 165. The ILS will become active at about 25 nm to go.  About 10 nm from the runway I switch off the software for bringing the 'plane to the airport and switch on autopilot to lock on to the ILS. Exciting eh?!

30nm to go - nothing to change until I get to 20 nm.  At 20 nm it's full flaps, gear down, autobrake set, and throttles to idle. 23 nm, ILS to become live anytime now - 20 nm ILS active. All equipment set.  Next is at 10 nm when the speed will be reduced to 140. Stand by [runway visible]. 15 nm - all OK. On the glideslope, speed set to 140. Auto throttles off at 2 nm to go and the 'plane should land itself.  All I have to do is apply reverse thrust and parking brake when it stops. 8 nm to go. Switched to inbuilt ILS. 4 nm to go. 2 nm to go! Auto throttle off.  We are down OK [a bit wobbly], and parked up.  Thank you for flying SEH Airways and we look forward to your next flight with us.

Technorati tags: Flight Sim, Spike Milligan

In the air ...

First of all, well done Mel on your Shaolin kung fu progress. Hope you progress further and pass the exam [funds permitting].  Hi to Jimmy - all I am able to say is hope things work out. [New readers really should hotfoot to Mel & Jimmy's blog].

I have noticed, for the last two months that The Elder has received, at about this time, a letter that looks like it contains a cheque - a cheque from an organisation rather than a personal cheque.  She, quite rightly, has not discussed this with me but, of course!, curiosity killed the cat - not quite.  I always knew in the year when she reached a certain age that she would qualify for a pension associated with her former profession [left it many years ago - when she married a mug that was needed purely to sire the children she desired - don't mean to sound so bitchy]. Anyhoo, seems she is now in receipt of a monthly income - I guess she will have, also, received the associated 'lump sum', that goes with the pension, and that, most definitely is something she will keep to herself [in more ways than one].  However, I must be coming across as if I care - I am not & do not.

This morning a pleasant waste of time getting to grips landing a 777.  Poor old KDFW [look it up if you must] is getting a serious pounding with my various attempts at landing.  Anyhoo - I have sussed it.  On the glideslope, 10nm out, IAS 140kt, 30' flaps, gear down, spoiler armed and autobrake switched on. The thing practically lands itself - just a slight lift of the nose immediately prior to touchdown.

I made a mistake, recently, of trying one of my 'old (prescribed) pills' - I only managed two of them and I am beginning to wish I had not [they are quite a few years old!].  Problem is that my skin, especially my arms, hands, shins and undercarriage, is erupting with a sort of skin allergy reaction.  Not dissimilar to being bitten by fleas or whatever [no there are no fleas here, thank you], and the 'eruption' disappears after a couple of minutes. Most disconcerting and the skin, on my hands, is very dry / breaking over my knuckles.  Poor old me.

The Elder gets a cheque - I receive a bill.  Bill is for the local 'political' club - I never go but the beer is cheaper and, who knows, I might meet someone else - don't hold your breath!

Public transport ...

Hi to you all - there's a laugh.  Start again; Hi to you. The weather is cold but the good news is that I have received a further cheque book.  Just like the bus, you wait and then two turn up.  Talking of the bus.

I forgot to mention my recent experiences when using public transport.  In an effort to show willing / help the environment, I thought I would, earlier this week, go to 'work' on the bus. Taking careful note of the details in the timetable I presented at the bus stop with some 10 minutes to spare.  The bus didn't turn up.  The next bus duly arrived [I was now late for work] and I climbed aboard.  I paid the fare - exact money and the miserable old fart of a driver didn't acknowledge this.  On the bus itself I saw that the seat 'reserved' for the elderly / infirm was occupied by another bus driver presumably 'learning' the route.  The bus eventually arrived, in the city, when I learned the earlier bus, the one I hoped to catch, running a different route, had turned through a housing estate, the stop before mine before, bypassing my stop, going on to the next stop (after mine). Oh dear.  On the way home I noticed the driver was the guy sat in the reserved seat, from earlier, and he was accompanied by a member of the bus company presumably to help him identify the route he was driving.  The stop before I alighted the bus, suddenly, turned into a housing estate and at the next stop I learned that my stop had been circumvented [a reverse of this morning's fiasco]. So, late for work and an unexpected mile walk on the return journey.

There were no cards etc. for yesterday. None were expected. Did I expect any?  Silly boy. The Elder has just returned from the Doctors - more problems.

Technorati tags: Valentine's Day. bus, public transport

Valentine's update ...

Greeting fellow romantics - no cards in the post. Ah well, there's always next year.

Other post?  A reminder the car tax is due, a reminder that payment has not been received for the gas recent bill [paid last week] and, the bank again! - despite yesterday's online message - I received a new chequebook.  The mind boggles.

After the warm weather of late we are back to the bitterly cold weather.  Blue sky, daffodils blooming, bloom on the trees and frozen 'walnuts'.  Off to the Post Office to pay in the money I receive for the 'work' that I am undertaking.  A good day because it takes the balance, what I call the 'mortgage money', to a nice round number.  Met up with a co-worker this morning [at their house].  I don't think it was such a good idea - it being Valentine's Day, their partner was 'upstairs - in bed' and I got the impression the co-worker's mind was not fully focused on the [appropriate] job in hand, so to speak. It's alright for some.

Work - of a fashion ...

Hello - what an exciting day looms ahead!  Feb 14th - oh yes indeedy!  The postman will, probably, be staggering under the weight of the cards he has for me - right, OK, I have woken up  - what a strange [and sad] dream.  Anyhoo, back to reality.

Day off work today, same yesterday. Yesterday - I spent the whole day 'flying', a 777, from an airport up t'north to KDFW [4000+nm],  only to crash on landing and working on the accounts, of which I am treasurer, for a sub branch of The Organisation. Thankfully everything balanced out [eventually, in a fashion].  I have confirmed, to myself, that I would never be an accountant in real life. Having withdrawn my offer to be treasurer of a principal branch of The Organisation I nearly relented but quickly reigned myself back to normality. With respect to my social function, next month, last year's 'Chair' 'phoned me to discuss progress.  I must confess I opened up to him and received little comfort when he advised that he had been treated in exactly the same way - his advice? 'Get your priorities in order - put yourself first' - I hardly needed telling but it was good of him to share experiences.

The Elder remains poorly - coughing, spluttering and putting various muscles, which we need not identify, to the test - sometimes unsuccessfully.  The Bank! The crap bank.  Having succeeded in recovering the cost of my 'phone calls, made to them, you will recall that they decided to reduce my overdraft limit.  Having gone online and ordering a cheque book I have received a message that 'we are unable to provide you a cheque book for this [my principal] current account'. Now what?

Out today to a 'work mate's' house - he is unsure about a task that we have been set and has asked if I will call over to discuss the requirement - no problemo as I haven't the faintest idea myself.

Technorati tags: FlightSim, Accounts, Ex-wife

Birthdays ...

Good morning.  Today is my [lost] son's 30th birthday - I guess he will be married, family? Hey - I might be a Grandad - guess I will never know.  I must confess that I had clean forgotten until I switched on my mobile 'phone and the 'event' flashed up as a reminder. A sad day.  I visit The Senior, next week, for her birthday and my own birthday follows the week after.  I have applied for either of two vacancies, up t'north, and going to see The Senior ties in well with the interview dates, if I am selected [I am off 'work' that week] and, finally, the weekend 22/24 Feb sees me attending a part time job, which I attend only three times a year - again up t'north.  So, a busy and reflective second half of the month.

Day off today - I am taking The Elder to the docs.  Her chest is bad and other matters need to be discussed between her & the Doc. Her cancer appears to have been nipped in the bud but see here [for a sad and worrying story].So, farewell Roy Scheider - he didn't know it but he had a part in a memorable event, at the local cinema involving The Younger and myself some 30+ years ago. Memories - eh?

Today I must sort out the accounts for another branch of The Organisation - I am treasurer but have stepped down with effect from the next meeting.  I need to publish my accounts, once the bloody things have been audited.  As for going in to 'work' to collect the 'feedback' - it'll wait until tomorrow. More later, probably.

Technorati tags: Birthday, death, money

££££££££££££££££££ ...

A good start to the day. The mail had been delivered and one of the letters, addressed to myself, was from the organisation that administers my [previous employment] pension.  You might remember, from an earlier post, that once I reach a certain age, in the next few weeks, my pension increases, having been 'frozen' for the last few years.  Anyhoo, the letter shows what is effectively a s £1200 pa pay rise so - yeah!! Other post was a bulky letter to The Elder from her bank.  We had an argument, of sorts, yesterday.  The Elder came on with the old 'you conned me out of a fair price when I sold [my share] to you'.  I retorted that if she was renting elsewhere she would be spending a minimum of £9000 pa more than she is at present. This brings her down to earth but it leaves a bitter taste.

A good day today because a friend [yes, I have them!], came to collect me and we went off to a nearby pub for a couple of pints.  Well I had a couple - he only had the one followed by a glass of lemonade.  Pint of beer and half a pint of lemonade - £? - £3.95 - how do they do it?  I watched a prog the day before, caused the discussion referred to above with The Elder, where people living on credit / overspending, a sort of enjoy life and hang the worry of repayment are spending £100 per night on going out - the mind boggles.  I worry myself witless, I said witless, about paying bills - latest news is that lenders repossessed 27,000 homes in the UK last year.  One couple had a mortgage of £30,000, were struggling to pay it, ended up borrowing from Peter to pay Paul [but were unable to repay Peter] and ended up owing £147,000.  Their house was repossessed.

Talking of housing - I have learned that the neighbour, lost her husband last year, is putting the house up for sale. Brace yourself.  Whilst the house is smaller than my house [I just lurv saying 'my house'], it will, no doubt, be sold at a price that exceeds the price The Elder and I agreed on, for this house, previously.  The Elder looks at the price, compares the price/s and the nasty digs etc. start - again.

Hey ho - soon be back at work, though not until Tuesday. I might go in on Monday to get the feedback that will have been published - there again I might not, suddenly the 'work' isn't that important - what with the rise in my pension, the money I receive from The Elder and money I receive from another activity, I am reasonably 'comfortable'.  I'm off - I am starting to wander - again.

Get a life ...

Special greetings to Mel and sincere sympathies on her recent and sad loss. 

I am pleased to say that I am back to my 'normal' self.  However, The Elder is now, as expected, suffering the same condition - she is off work.  Today I have had another 'free' day, not due back to 'work' until Tuesday.  There might have been a chance that I go in on Monday but the people concerned have not sent out an e-mail confirming this so, even if they do, in the next day or so, I, for one will not be going in.  That said I should go in, because work that I have had to submit [let's say 'two reports'] is due to have 'assessment feedback' on Monday and whether or not I continue at the 'workplace' depends, a great deal, on the feedback.  If you are able to follow all that.

Problems with The Organisation.  We, 'previous "Chairs"' need to meet before my successor is identified and appointed [in the spring].  Historically we meet sometime this month, I 'chair' the meeting [it being 'my year'], and everything should go as in previous years. Except. Except that I cannot attend on the proposed date and have notified the key people that need to know.  I have offered alternative dates.  I have waited for a letter, from the secretary, to suggest alternative dates and, instead, have received an invite to attend the meeting on the very day that I cannot attend.  The 'nastiness' about all this is that even though I am 'Chair' others, previous 'Chairs' [if you are able to follow this], have gone ahead and arranged the meeting anyway - circumventing me - I am well pissed off.  After 'my year' is over, in the spring, I had indicated that I would take on a key office, an office that is hard to fill - because of the developments I have written advising that I will not, now be taking on the job.  It's all going tits up folks.  My social night is a fiasco, the meeting going ahead without me and if I leave the 'work' before the end of March my predicted income / available funds will be slightly affected.

Thanks to Mel for the advice about the bank - I will be making my move after March - watch this space.  I have spent all day filling in an online application form for a job, up t'north.  I might be in with a chance as there are two vacancies at the organisation concerned and, so the profession leads us to believe, there is a shortage of people in my profession.  The salary is below average but my pension will top it up. More later.

Hope, so far as you are able, that you have a good weekend.

Technorati tags: circumventing, Chair, up t'north

Sheer coincidence ... ?

Good morning as strength finds its way round my weary body. A message from the bank. Oh dear.

As you know The Senior periodically deposits money into my bank account [thank you very much!]. As my birthday approaches, The Senior indicated that she would be depositing a monkey into my account. Whilst the birthday has not yet arrived the funds have been deposited. However .... oh yes, however .... The Senior attended my bank, up t'north, advised the 'assistant' of the account details and signed the deposit slip.  I check my bank, online, and, despite The Elder showing the account details, I find that the money has been credited to the wrong account [I have several accounts].  Messages from me to the bank get me nowhere.  I have to 'phone the bank, on their premium rate number, to get the matter sorted.  I demand a refund for the unnecessary 'phone calls - the bank refuses.  I suggest I might have to involve a third party i.e. the press / local media and the bank concedes - I get my refund.  A short lived hollow victory.  This morning I find that my overdraft facility - not needed thank goodness, has been reduced as 'we [the bank] cannot afford to carry the risk'. It's no problem to me but I wonder if it is a result of me getting money from them? [BTW the amount I received was £1].

Anyhoo, as life returns I am enjoying the return of my hearing. What?  After a heavy cold I find my Eustachian tubes become blocked and my hearing is affected,  As the cold etc. recedes the blockage disappears [often corrected by yawning or blowing your nose] and the joy of sound returns. Today? The Elder is at work [I have the day off] and I really, no, I mean really, must get to the bank! Not, I might add, the bank causing me grief but another bank in which I have the bulk of my fortune.

Technorati tags: Bank charges

Life goes on ...

OK I am back.  Thanks for the kind comment.  No need to bore you [any more than usual!], but I have been very unwell.

Back to work today when I was promptly sent home again.  If smokers wake up with a 'smoker's cough', well I cannot imagine what pleasure they get from smoking if they have to endure coughing fits that put to the utmost test your ability to breathe and your ability to control your bladder.  I have been, trying anyway, asleep most of the weekend and I guess I am on the mend. I don't want to go through that again - at least for a while.

Progress!  The Elder has transported about 30 black sacks of toys and clothing, previously in the bedroom occupied by #3, to a local storage unit and which costs her about £25 per month to rent.  In 'the room' it's now possible to see the radiator - almost pristine from being covered over for the last 15 years.  The new windows are programmed to be installed in May - watch this space.

I should be out to a sub branch of The Organisation, tonight, but I am not up to it.  I fear my absence may have adverse consequences.  The social function next month?  Nothing to add. Another disappointment.

BFN

Little change ...

Seriously sore throat, aching head, chesty cough, sore eyes, running nose etc. Thanks for calling by.