In the bank ...

Greeting cyber friends - hope you had a good day.  The good news is that the expected money has been deposited in to my account - it's never as much, as big as you hoped for but you have to make do - as long as it doesn't get any smaller then we are able to cope.

Back to work tomorrow - still have lots of work to do, that should have been done over the last two weeks [and hasn't]. Today the weather has been wonderful - I was out, this afternoon, to a meeting, with others, to a charity that I support - it was a good afternoon.  Well, not strictly true ... The location, some thirty miles away, and the last minute departure meant that I was 'pushing' it to get there on time.  The principal road was what we call 'single carriageway' i.e. one lane, only, going in each direction.  The road is a busy road and, it was just my luck, I was stuck behind another driver, a Sunday driver, who tootled along at 38mph on a 70mph road.  The driver even braked violently to let a rabbit, or something, scurry across the road.  If I had 'gone up the back' of this driver then I would have been at fault. Consequently I arrived at my meeting somewhat flustered, hot and bothered.  The meeting was a success.  The only other worry was that the car's temperature gauge was higher than normal - most worrying.  Arriving at the venue I decided, after it had finished, to top up the car's radiator only, later, to find it full.  Perhaps a sheet of paper or something had become caught on the radiator, falling off when I slowed to park up @ the location?  Anyhoo, the drive back to CS was uneventful with the temperature gauge displaying the normal reading - honestly the weather was so good - if you had a soft top car you would have folded the roof back [or whatever you do].

The only problem at the meeting was that I was the only single guy - everyone else was with their wife or partner.  It doesn't bother me [no, that's not true - it bothers me a 'bit] because everyone knows I am single and, to be honest, it doesn't bother them what my status is and quite right too. The only, other, problem was that I asked The Elder to record a TV prog for me ... and she forgot.  I knew I shouldn't have asked her.  Argument, of sorts, this evening. The TV was switched on.  It being Sunday afternoon it was a religious programme ['Songs of Praise'] - an 'article' featured an interview with a person that had 'suffered' a failed marriage partly because of their spending habits.  The person now worked as a financial advisor at a church based charity advising those with money problems - The Elder watched with interest.  The person on TV, as they do, said they had 'found God'.  The Elder said out loud [at this] 'so why did God let the person descend to this level'. My suggestion that the person had accepted their own failings was wasted on The Elder.  The Elder couldn't see how the person, on TV, could have been at fault 'Where was God to help this person' asked The Elder?

So now we know - it's God's fault The Elder spent all her money and racked up the huge bills.

Off to bed @ 2325 BST - the clocks have gone forward so it's in bed an hour earlier - means if I get up tomorrow @ 0630 BST it's only, really, 0530 - changing the clock play's hell with The Dog's meal timetable. He gets fed at fixed times three times a day.  So, when the clocks change he is either having to wait an extra hour or gets fed an hour early. It makes you laugh when the clocks go back - he brings his dish at e.g. 1230 - his body is telling him it's 1330 and he cannot understand why his dinner is late.  Of course, like us humans, he settles in to the regular routine after a few days.

Technorati tags: Bank charges, God, clocks

Music calms the fevered brow ...

Here we are again, another Saturday night ... you know the rest. The rain, which has persisted throughout the day, has eased but I dread looking at the outbuilding.  The Elder has returned back to CS and advised me that the glass panel in the door is cracked - more expense! Just wait until she 'throws' the old favourite line: 'you "robbed" me when we agreed a price for the house [my share that I sold to you]'. Life, however, goes on.

In a quiet, reflective, mood this evening. Sat up in my room - attempting to read [unsuccessfully] and listening to various mp3 or whatever, mostly, on YouTube. Unusually[?], I may have previously advised you, I am not baptised into any particular faith or belief.  The situation is, if I want to share The Senior's faith, awkward resulting from my divorce [x2] - though I have not been married in a church [or similar]. So, where am I leading?  Call me an old fart ['hey, SEH, you're an old fart [thank you]], but I really enjoy, at 'quiet times', such as this evening, listening to choral music especially when sung by Mario Lanza - Ave Maria & I'll Walk With God make my hair stand on end - beautiful music ... sigh ...

The Dog is much better and readily assisted me in making The Elder her evening meal - bacon strips in rice with fresh vegetables - a sort of risotto - absolutely yummy! The risotto was, as I guessed, insufficient for The Elder and she prepared toast [and some for me!]. I was sprawled out on a settee in 'the lounge', a cover over me, I was practically falling asleep not helped by having The Dog, lying on my lap, well actually quite a lot lower, away with the fairies, twitching, snoring and dribbling on to my jeans - and why not?  The toast was served [I remained sprawled out] when there was a slight movement under the cover - ah ha! The Dog knew there was food.  It was comical - I was passing him, under the cover, bits of toast and all you could see, if you looked under the cover, was a little mouth, taking the morsel and then a crunching as he devoured the treat before resuming 'the position' and waiting for the next.  Faithful to the end, when he realised there was no more he did the only honourable thing - of course, he 'surfaced',abandoned me and trotted over to The Elder. I came upstairs in disgust.

A good month for saving - I am pleased with my efforts.  The way things are, at the moment, is that I am able to pay all the bills, inevitably, and pay 25% of the mortgage.  The 'rent' that I receive from The Elder, pays the remaining 75% of the mortgage and this means I am able to save a bit and, more importantly not touch my savings - this cannot be maintained, the not touching my savings, as a number of jobs must be done - the outbuilding roof for a start, then double glazing, decorating, painting and so on and so forth.  I could afford not to work [lovely position to be in], though I would have to watch the pennies so, I suppose, if I continue earning, however little, this other income will go someway to paying for the essential repairs.

Now, I think I will listen to Matt Monroe ... another stunning voice ... The Elder also has a stunning voice though for different reasons.  Matt Monroe's voice, when he sings, makes my hair stand on end.  The Elder when 'she starts' also makes my hair stand on end ...The Dog sleeps through it all - he is partly deaf.

Technorati tags: Another Saturday Night, relective mood, baptised, Mario Lanza, risotto, fairies, savings, mortgage

'The Chase' ...

Good morning and thanks to VofT for the terrific e-mail - I was quite touched by the contents - the dedication of other members of society, despite their own problems, leaves both a warm and a guilty feeling. Hi Mel thanks for the comment - I will be responding on your page.

The title? One of my [many] strange ways is that if I set my mind to something [less often these days!], I steadily pursue the issue until I have 'mastered' it.  One of the earlier projects related to the making of 'Yorkshire Puddings'.  In the end, after muchus trial and error I accepted Delia Smith's recommendations, prepared as recommended, measured accurately and timed to the minute [or so] - result puddings to die for [I really must get out more often].  The next goal was cooking boiled rice.  I suppose I could use 'boil in the bag' but I wanted to be able to succeed 'manually'.  Delia's recommendations about using a large frying pan were quickly absorbed [ha ha ha  -  no pun intended].  But how to cook in a microwave? 

Many efforts and many failures - I melted the microwave plastic container, I had water boiling over making a mess in the microwave, the finished product either came out like a flat [hard] biscuit or as a sticky mass. What to do?  Brainwave! I turned to the USA rice industry's web page and followed their advice.  Third time lucky!  1 of rice, two boiling water, power level 40% for 13 minutes - sheer joy!

The next 'chase'? Who knows ...

I receive my monthly pension on the last day of the month and, as is common, do not receive a pay statement unless the amount is going to change by more than a few pennies.  Such a statement usually arrives several days before the money goes in to the bank.  I am expecting a tax refund, to pay less tax in the year from April and a rise in my annual gross income.  The expected statement would inform me the good, or other wise, news.  No statement has been received in today's post - bummer, the money has not been deposited in to my bank - double bummer [should be there after 0001 on Monday morning.

Another cold day - #3 is at home having commandeered the washing machine - best stop out of her way. The Elder is at work, The Dog is asleep and me? I think, at 0955 GMT, it's about time I got dressed!

Technorati tags: The Chase, humanity, Yorkshire Puddings, Delia Smith, boiled rice, cooking, income, pensions

What's afoot ..?

Greetings and, once again, thanks to VofT for your kind and helpful comment - it really is appreciated.

The title?  Quite a busy day today - oh yes!  The principal task was to identify when the 'reports', waiting to be completed ... after I get round to starting them :), are due to be handed in.  Two in mid May and two in early June ... mmm ... I had better get started.

Out with The Dog as he shuffled, with me [I shuffled in sympathy], to the post office - about 15 minutes walk away.  I secured him outside and whilst queuing heard barking from outside ... not, I am pleased to say 'his' barking.  Going back outside I find The Dog seriously stressed as this rat sized dog barked [the barking] at him.  My poor [much bigger than the rat sized offending canine], dog, anxious to be re-united with someone that thinks the world of him, practically leapt in to my arms - well that was his idea.  It was then his age shows.  Previously it was his 'party trick' to leap, from the floor, into my arms and, like a parent, I beamed with self pride in response to the admiring glances.  Now, however, The Dog simply gets excited, wagging his stump [that's how it was when I took 'ownership twelve years ago], and makes to leap up but isn't up to it. Anyhoo, we gently shuffled back here to CS where The Dog had a large drink [of water] - myself? I resisted.

It never ceases to amaze me how selfish / indifferent people can be.  On the way to the post office we came across a refuse container - not much different from the picture.  Today is 'collection day' and householders leave the bin near the front of their property.  The men come, empty the bin and return it to the front of the owner's property - easy huh?  Today has been a fresh, windy day.  As we shuffled along the pavement [sidewalk?], we, well I don't know about The Dog, could see a bin spread over the pavement - the wind had blown it over - they weigh little when empty.  I watched as three different people walked by the bin and left it where it was. Of course I picked it up.

Now, on the subject of flying, I guess you will be wanting to know how the two legs went?  Arrived Ascension Island OK and from there the, worrying, journey [1000nm] to Brazil and, of course, I ran out of fuel.  I have sworn never to do that journey again - well not in the same plane.  'We' are en-route, again, but this time in a Learjet - twice as fast and a much greater range.

The monthly income has not been deposited in to my bank [bummer] and, as you recall, the social event [should have been this weekend] being cancelled, I offered a 'gift' to the charity arm of The Organisation.  Needless to say the cheque has been presented, cashed and without, as with the other punter ['The Entertainment'] even so much as a thank you.

Otherwise, finally, today has been a good day when I finally worked out how to use certain software. Hi Mel, excellent post.

I have just crashed my 'plane - again....

Technorati tags: Post Office, dog, wheely bin, selfish, indifferent, flying, charity

The North Wind Doth Blow ...

I think I am going to have to invest in thermal underwear - the weather is perishing! Thanks, as ever, to VofT, for your kind comments - much appreciated.

I have to confess that today I have, activity wise, done very little. That's not true - I set up my new VHS recorder / DVD player combo. The price, these days, defies belief.  In 1981, when The Elder & I were living together, unmarried!, we rented a VHS recorder complete with remote control - the remote control was connected to the VHS by a connecting cable - these days, of course, remote means remote. Back to the story, the monthly rental was, then, £28 per month. In 1981 I guess that would be at least £35 today. $USD? You'll have to work it out yourself! The point I am, eventually, getting to is that the new VHS / DVD thingy cost, to buy, about £40 - amazing.  You might recall that I wished to record a film, the other night, it being Mel Gibson's  'The Passion of The Christ', well the recording failed and so it was a case of out with old and in with the new.

Presently flying, south east, en route to Roberts International, Monrovia, Liberia.  Not making the same mistake as the other night [whilst flying in the dark], Roberts International has runway lights - oh yes indeedy! Once bitten twice shy [or in the case of failed marriages - twice bitten - thrice shy]. Expected time of arrival approximately 15 minutes [approx. 2145 GMT.

I haven't mentioned The Elder recently.  It appears she is well recovered from her 'down there' cancer and is avoiding, I nearly said 'going out of her way to avoid at all costs', any form of confrontation.  She has, no doubt, come to realise when she is on to a good thing. It's The Dog that keeps us all together, as a house in multiple occupation as compared to a family in residence. By that I mean, of course, The Elder [and myself] knows that neither of us would cause The Dog any suffering in his twilight years. Best we move on.

I will finish with something that may make you smile.  Naturally cautious with avoiding unnecessary bills, when I moved out, in 2004, I joined a local social club in the area where I had moved to.  Nothing special - a lot of the members were middle aged and beyond. Anyhoo, when I left the area I renewed my annual subscriptions by sending a cheque to the organisation and asking, because I didn't know what the subscription rate was, that any surplus went into a local charity fund at the club. I did the same last year and this year.  The Treasurer has now written to me advising that the subscriptions are 20% of the amount on the cheque - bother!  The amount I have paid, in excess, over the last three would have paid my subscriptions for the next ten years! 

Pause now, as I line up for the landing ... touchdown!  Ascension Island tomorrow - SSW for 900 miles and then W 1000 miles to Fortaleza, Brazil - this last leg will take all day as the 'plane [which is on auto pilot - please don't think I am sat hunched over my PC all day!], will have be flown at minimum speed to avoid running out of fuel.

What an exciting life I lead.

Technorati tags: Thermal underwear, The Passion of The Christ, Mel Gibson.Monrovia, ovarian cancer, Ascension Island, FS2004

Day #1 of the new ISP

Having returned from The Organisation's meeting [and buffet] I give myself a pinch to remind myself that I only have one more meeting before I hand over,  Back then, to the new found pleasure provided by my new Internet Service Provider. Click to connect .... and it failed to connect.  I will spare you the boring bits but, eventually, it, as so often is the case in life, it all fell into place. Have you had a good day today? I am now, unusually, savouring a 250ml bottle of Carlsberg.  I don't drink much but the Carlsberg was 24 bottles for about £7 [$12 USD?] last Christmas and I bought a box - the box is still 2/3 full.

A kindly soul, at the meeting tonight, asked if I wished, with 'your lady' & others supporting my [cancelled] 'social night', wished to attend a dinner / social function that he was able to arrange.  I thanked him for his kind thoughts and gently reminded him I was single 'Oh', he said, 'I am sorry I only arrange for couples'.  Somewhat hurt I nearly advised him that I would hire an escort, bold and brash, but that's not my style.  The Elder went out with me, to one social function or another, three times in the 23 years that we were married, so no point in developing that possibility.

Tomorrow [fast approaching]? More flying and making a fuss of The Dog.  Tonight, so I understand [after I had returned from going out ], and he had been left alone for no more than 20 minutes, The Elder told me that he was howling as she arrived back here.  I can see problems next week when I go back to 'work'. I guess he gets lonely and needs social company / support and, there again, I guess we all do.

Time for bed.

Technorati tags: ISP, Carlsberg, Christmas, 'your lady', single, escort, FlightSim, Dog, howling, problems

A mixture ...

Greetings from cold, wet and windy - the weather that is.  Here in downtown UK it's bright but cold and, my, but I don't like being cold.  Anyhoo, enough complaining, what to tell you?

The new ISP [Internet set up] is up and running.  Speed is about 3.5 faster than before PLUS I am provided an extra 'phone line to make free, between 1800 - 0700 daily and all weekend voice calls PLUS a new handset for said voice calls PLUS unlimited accessing the Internet, wirelessly, via 'hotspots' PLUS a new router / modem type thingy that I could allow other users e.g. #2 to connect [and use the same connection, at no cost to her, to connect to the Internet, finally I am able to use my PC or laptop, wirelessly anywhere in e.g. the house, garden or, even, toilet.

More good news - I pay my car insurance. monthly, and I had put aside the payment for March - and it hasn't been claimed from my bank - bother.  Then, looking at the small print, I learned that payment is over 11 months so this month is 'free' - yeah!! Money to spare!!!

VofT, I have taken your advice and sat down to watch a movie [film] - it was the first one that I found, recorded previously, being James Bond in 'The Golden Gun'.  I promptly fell asleep with The Dog asleep on my lap - bliss!  The air journey, around the world using my 'Flight Simulator' has not been a success. Starting off, from the beginning [again], I 'flew' past France, Portugal, Tenerife and, it now being dark 'outside', sought to land at an airport at' Hastings' about 10 miles southeast of Freetown [Sierra Leone] - why I programmed that place in to my route defies belief.  At Hastings the runway has no lights - bad place to land in the dark.  I had insufficient fuel to get anywhere else and, inevitably, crashed. 

You live and learn and that's what life is all about.

Did I speak to #3? Silly question!  In fact no one spoke to #3 - though to her credit she sent a text message via her mobile 'phone from way out west to here in downtown UK. I don't know what the term means, or even if the term should be applied here.  In truth I live in a glorious part of the country - not my birthplace - that is the place [even colder than here], to which I seek to return in a couple of years - maybe or possibly move to Spain, Cyprus or somewhere where the sun shines.

I don't like being cold.

Technorati tags: Cold, wet and windy, downtown UK, car insurance, James Bond, Flight Simulator, Spain, Cyprus

How clean is your kitchen ..?

On the eve of my changing ISP this might be the last post for a couple of days - I am out tomorrow night, to The Organisation, on my penultimate meeting that I open and close.  It cannot come soon enough.

Today? Well, what a busy day.  The kitchen, at CS, is a long 'galley' type kitchen with a food store at one end.  The food store - a walk in pantry, is so disorganised it would make you weep [it has done]. Previously I have taken everything out, re-arranged the contents - until next time.  'Next time' turned out to be today though, to my surprise, this time The Elder helped me - a job that might have taken an hour or so took most of the day as The Elder, very much against her nature, decided to throw away items that she had retained for years - cake tins, cookery books and a whole host of stuff that really need not have been there but was - based on a loose 'food connection'.  Anyhoo, it's all gone.

Quite a sad day - #3's birthday and, whatever else, your kids are your flesh and blood.  I guess she will 'phone tonight - do I speak to her? Sadly the answer is 'no' - she has already made it quite clear that she will not speak to me and her Mother will not even tell me if she rings - not through any desire to be malicious but, simply, to avoid a scene.  If, however, #3 did [ha!] ask to speak to me then, of course, I would speak - something about the return of the prodigal son seems to be stuck in my mind - this [blog] discussion is unnecessary because it will not happen / she will not speak.

On a more cheerful note - I wonder what my pension will be when I next get paid [Saturday or even Friday]?  I am expecting a rise in the pension, because I have reached an appropriate age, I am owed a tax rebate, for the current year, and my tax allowance is increased wef April [next month - where does the time go?]. We shall have to wait and see.

Thanks for the kind comments [VofT] - it's been a long day and both The Dog and myself are tired - not helped by having a large evening meal [cooked by moi].

Technorati tags: ISP, The Organisation, disorganised kitchen, birthday, flesh and blood, pension, tax

Birthday girl ...

So, happy birthday, youngest

Wherever you may be

We've always truly loved you

Shame you couldn't see

Maybe your break has changed you?

For the better should be your aim!

I might let you live back here again

Your behaviour?  Not the same!

Enjoy your day, overseas

We are sure that you're not all bad

With lots of love and kisses

From your stupid, daft, old Dad

X

Technorati tags: Birthday, daughter, estranged, love, overseas, Dad

The daily dose ...

The good news is that The Dog appears to be much improved.  Granted, he still has a slight limp and, dutifully, holds his paw off the ground especially when I am cooking something but things are looking up - much like he does as I cook ...

The bad news is that my DVD recorder, connected to the TV, is 'playing up'.  No problems making a recording, a single recording, but the instant you add another recording, well it will not play the contents, reporting a faulty disk.  This is annoying though not sufficient to get worked up.  I might have to 'write off' the disk and reformat it - as it happens there are two programmes to record, when I have gone to bed [soon] and this appears to be the only solution.

Please be advised that I am changing my ISP [Internet Service Provider] next Wednesday or, more likely, Thursday - I apologise in advance for any loss of transmission [and inevitable disappointment(!)].

As you may have noticed I have been messing about with the blog.  I am trying to get to grips with 'Trackback' - it is, if I understand correctly, well, let's stop fumbling - have a look here if you want to know more [I still can't get my head around it all]. Another 'feature' relates to 'Comments' - name, email and / or URL are not essential.  Humour me - please whilst I play with the blog set up.

Otherwise I have had the trusty Flight Simulator in operation. Oh yes indeedy - on another round the world trip.  This time instead of flying up north e.g. Leeds, across to Ireland, Norway, Greenland, Canada then USA and so on ... I am flying a 'plane with less range.  This means that I am flying from, e.g. Leeds [UK] down south through France, Lisbon, along the African coast and then across to Ascension Island then on to South America,  The 'worry' is the 'leg' from the African coast to Ascension Island - approx. 1000nm.  My rule is that if I crash then I have to start all over.  Last week I 'flew' from UK, as described and ran out of fuel with the runway in sight at Seattle - oh well, it's only a game.  I really should get out more often and meet someone - someone e.g. wearing a red leotard, sorry, a little 'private' joke. Thanks for the mail, Mel - hope it all works out.

Lots to do tomorrow - various 'reports' [x4] to be completed, 2 in mid May and 2 in early June - I must crack on.

Technorati tags: The Dog, cooking, DVD recorder, Trackback, Haloscan, FS2004, leotard

Where it began ...

[With apologies to Neil Diamond - "Sweet Caroline"]. I thought you might have wondered about how the background to the divorce, between The Elder & myself, began?  If you are not interested then please scroll down. Otherwise -

It's quite simple - I was holding a senior managerial position at work at a time when redundancy, cutbacks, job evaluation, budget cuts and having to apply for your own job was all the rage.  I devoted myself to the job principally to protect the family, to ensure that there was an income and to ensure that we had a roof over our head.  The Elder remained at home, as the 'dutiful' housewife, looking after the kids and, unless there was a problem, I was left to fight for survival at work.  Money was not a problem - the government provide an allowance - 'Child Benefit' and my salary together with the benefit The Elder received, from the government [as all parents, here in the UK, do] appeared to keep everything running smoothly at home.  One 'difficulty', with The Elder, was that she would, for the kid's benefit, spend money she didn't have - by the use of credit cards.  Guilty that I was not fully involved I would, as the need arose, settle The Elder's credit card bill.  The end, at work loomed - I was one of those 'selected'.  Knowing this I gave The Elder every spare penny, to put in the bank, so we would have something to live on, with the redundancy money, when the cuts came [a few months down the line]; and so it came to pass. On my last day, at work, I returned home with a sizable cheque and this was shown to The Elder.  There were lots of tears [from her].   My efforts to calm her came to nothing and she then showed me her credit card account - it was huge £'000's.  I went straight to the bank and, using part of the redundancy money, I paid it off. 

'Oh well', I thought, 'we shall have to tighten our belts a bit more'.  Back to the house, hoping to cheer up The Elder, more tears ... I was then shown a bank loan statement - she owed £'000's. I couldn't pay this. It seems that The Elder had been providing whatever the kids [#2 &#3] asked for and her government benefit and a large amount of the housekeeping, I gave her, was being used to pay these bills. It would have come to a head eventually.  Tension and resentment built up and we decided to separate.  Eventually I moved out and commenced the divorce proceedings.  The final straw had been to learn that an insurance policy, that had matured - £'000's, was not in the bank but had been spent by The Elder.  We divorced and I moved back, in to the same separate relationship that we had 'enjoyed' for the last 10 years, the idea being that I bought her share of the house and she moved out.  As you know, she is still here.

An uneasy truce now exists - made tolerable by the absence of #3 and my sanity / health [I had become seriously stressed out and this resulted in early payment of my company pension] being restored by not having to live with someone that was, behind my back, taking me to the cleaners. I suppose you might argue it still goes on - I guess it does but, at least the house is mine and I am, speaking for myself, now financially secure. Looking back, I blame myself for the situation developing - I guess it's one of the reasons why #3 has become so difficult - she had her Mother 'dancing' when she played her tune.  Back at home, unemployed, I attempted to 'enforce' the 'authority' that had obviously been absent over the years, through my not seeing the problems at home, not discussing these with The Elder - she wouldn't discuss. This led to #3 'controlling' her Mother and it was a situation doomed to end in a crisis and so it did.

So now you know.

Son of ...

'Son of what, who?' you may ask.  This afternoon, in a good mood and with the best intentions, I turned my attention to sorting out my gardening equipment - mower, hedge cutter and all that, ferocious looking, sort of stuff.  I knew the said items were in the, untidy, garage.  What I didn't realise was that, hidden away under some timber / old doors, were -  da da da daaaah! 46 [more] black sacks of crap. All connected to #3, in one way or another, and all abandoned there until some idiot decided to move them.  The easiest thing would be to simply load them up - I would have to use my trailer, and take the whole damn lot to the tip. However there is a problem ... I'll let you work it out yourself.

The end of my term of office, as 'Chair', in The Organisation is fast approaching.  I have to prepare myself to formally hand over control to a n other by preparing, learning and presenting a formal. sort of, speech.  I will be glad when it's all over.  After the 'transfer' I will not be attending as often and this should save me a few quid, as we say.

The Dog - he is a lot better, the swelling on his paw is reduced though he is still limping.  If I am eating anything, however, and I have something for him - after I have eaten, of course, he will race to my side as if he was a greyhound [which he is most definitely not]. Me?, poor old me?  My back aches as do my shoulders.

Right, must crack on - the dishes are to wash, The Dog has to be fed and I have don't really 'have' to, but I am a soft touch], 'have' to get The Elder's evening meal ready.  She has, after all, been at work today whilst I have had it easy - trawling through piles and piles of crap - it almost reminds me of the Simpson's where Homer and the kids went to the local tip and Homer found a cardboard box, with his 'face' on it, It's been much the same - only I was knee deep in crap.

Sigh.

Technorati tags: Black sacks

The magic of Spamgourmet ...

Good morning! Saturday and the weather is very cold - bright, clear but windy and cold.

Hi again to V of T.  I wasn't sure whether or not you wanted me to include your comments [I have no problem with the contents - thank you for your consideration] - if you could let me know, either way, then I will be happy to 'comply' and at which time I will respond to the issues you raise.  Look forward to the reply. Yourself [or anyone else], feel free to send me an e-mail to voft.blackdogATspamgourmet.com [changing the AT to @].  I appreciate you, quite rightly, might not want to disclose your e-mail address and I suggest you 'sign up' to Spamgourmet - http://www.spamgourmet.com/ here's how it works:

How spamgourmet works

Protect yourself from spam [and unknown bloggers!], in three easy steps:

1. If you haven't done it yet, create a spamgourmet account. Enter your user name and the email address you want to be protected. You will be asked to identify the word in a picture and pick a password.

2. Spamgourmet will forward to this address all the emails sent to your spamgourmet disposable addresses -- that way you don't have to tell anyone else what it is -- this is why it's called the protected address. Of course, this protected address must exist. That's why you have to confirm it. You'll receive an email asking you to confirm.

3. After you have confirmed your protected address, you can give out self-destructing disposable email addresses whenever you want. The disposable addresses are like:

someword.user@spamgourmet.com

You can see how it works - my account name is 'blackdog'  [or anything else I could have called it] and I simply add anything that suits the occasion before the blackdog in this case voft. If you create your own spamgourmet account [free] - it's really simple and safe. Else you are able to use your own e-mail address and send it to the address I have provided..

More later - I am worn out putting this together! Go on - do it!

Technorati tags: Spamgourmet

A restless wind ...

Good morning and here's an early morning quickie [as the saying goes]. The peril of retiring to bed early and in the company of The Dog means you wake early - well I do - my bladder, if you really must know ['we must, we must'!], gets me up. A most restless night - outside the wind is howling and the rain is lashing down - I just wonder, in the outbuilding, how much more ceiling will have fallen down. Also, I have worried about The Dog.  Although there is nothing unusual to see, on his paw, and he readily allows you to wash it / gently, physically examine it, he is persisting in licking his paw.  I found an old sock, actually not that old but I am unable to find the matching sock, and this was placed over his paw for the night. Incredibly it [the sock ... and the paw], was still there when I woke but his paw is definitely swollen.  To his credit The Dog is always a bundle of fun first thing in the morning and he raced downstairs [0500], outside for the business and back in to eat.  I found a tube of gel, Fuciderm,  prescribed by the vet last year - the stuff is still in date and is worth a try. Let's see what happens - in any case the vet.'s are shut until next week and the gel requires applying twice a day for five days.

The Elder and #2 are off work today and I don't expect to see either of them until late morning. I am 'sweating' on certain monies being deposited in to my bank account.  I hate owing money and, especially, being owed money. The Senior brought me up to neither a borrower or lender be and I have stuck to this over the years - the problem is that my mortgage and the necessary repairs to the house means I don't spend anything on myself. I would desperately like a holiday but ... well, it just doesn't happen - my own fault. Where was I? Oh yes... The Elder, on the other hand, especially before we divorced, would readily 'borrow' money with little chance of paying it back. These days she has, I assume, most of the £100K she received when she sold her share of CS to me.  The dilemma I now have is that the 'rent' she pays is largely paying the mortgage leaving my own savings untouched i.e. until the bloody ceiling in the outbuilding shows what it is able to do - we digress. The Elder and, separately, #3 have both offered to lend me the necessary cash to repair the leaking ceiling - #3, in particular, arrived home yesterday and immediately offered to get the money from her bank - I was quite touched but being a good saver I have not needed to borrow.

Today? I must get to the local Tesco - I need fuel for the car - it's mind numbing to see how much fuel [diesel] is costing.  The local garage / filling station has the price per litre displayed and you can almost guarantee, when you next drive by, the price will have gone up.  The conversion rate confuses me but a litre of diesel is now £1.14 - £5.20 a gallon - what's that in $US? About $10USD at today's rate? Roll on to when I am 60 - not for some time yet! At 60 I qualify for a bus pass that allows you to travel on any local bus, across the country, for free.  The 'free facility' starts daily at 0930 and it's like a race at 0930 as crowds of pensioners descend on the local bus elbowing fare paying passengers aside.

The Dog, complete with sock, has gone back to [my!] bed and, in the quiet, you are able to hear his heavy breathing [and snoring] - a while since someone else has been in that situation in my bed.

More later - enjoy the day - I like Easter and, whilst not a bible basher, the religious implications today and next Sunday give me cause for thought.

Technorati tags: Car fuel, Easter

Hello to Anonymous ...

Greetings and hello!  Many thanks to 'Anonymous' for your much much appreciated comment.  I apologise for any 'distress'.  Close the blog? Obviously not - all I am able to say is that we all have our good and bad days. The 'other blog' relates to my 'work' and is, IMHO, more sensible, shall we say, than the old rubbish that I churn out for this blog. The 'other' blog is not quite abandoned but is not being updated - it's unlikely that either blog will be referred to, by name, in its 'sister' - if you follow me.

Today? The Dog's bum? It didn't happen.  The weather has been bitterly cold. I have discovered water getting through the roof of an outbuilding and it has resulted in the ceiling, in part, coming down. Bother. Ah well, such are the hazards of being a house owner.. The evening meal [pork chops] was accompanied with 'Yorkshire Puddings' - I like cooking and although The Senior is able to judge 'by feel / weight' the ingredients, myself -  my skills need honing. It was then a case of measuring, to the ounce, the exact quantities and - success! Huge 'Yorkshires' - more good news - the monthly income has been paid early [because of the Easter holidays].

Sorry, I am waffling again - it's only 2146 but I think I'll turn in - truth of the matter is I have twisted my back, shifting the stuff to the tip yesterday, and when 'it' strikes it limits my action / activity.

Technorati tags: lumbar

PS - Any comment, you might submit, does not get on to the blog unless I preview / approve it.  Therefore, any comment containing personal information, that you don't want to go on the blog AND if you don't want to include any personal identification, with your comment, will not be published if that is your wish [and your comment makes this clear] i.e. anonymous comments are welcome and comments marked 'not for publication' will not be posted / seen by anyone else - meaning you are able to use comments as a sort of anonymous e-mail.

Squeeze 'em dry ...

Hello and what an exciting title.  More in a 'mo.

So, it was up, bright and early and away to meet my friend for our early morning appointment.  A bit of ride across town for me but hey! friends are worth it.  Except that this friend failed to appear.  Perhaps I had read the timings incorrectly? Bother! I didn't have the e-mail with me so it was a case of happily watching the traffic go by for a whole hour.  No show. The [ex] 'friend' is head of a charity to which I belong - used to belong.  This is the third time that he has failed to show. Perhaps I should have 'phoned him to ask where was he? Sorry, I don't work that way.  So it was back to CS where, unusually, the sun has shone and it was, for the first time in a while, open tops and no outside coat.

Back at CS I loaded the car up with yet another pile of crap originating from #3's bedroom and it was off to the tip - again.  I took The Dog with me - he's not well - not quite moribund but definitely not well - his eating, drinking and sleeping [lots of it], are OK and he is sprightly at feed time but, otherwise, he just looks washed out and smelling - phew.  It was, then, outside, The Dog on a table and lots of fun squeezing both sides of his rectum.  Whilst not looking forward to the experience it was hoped his anal glands would empty under my gentle pressure [fumbling and missing all the important sensitive bits - not for the first time in my life and under different circumstances but, we digress]. After a couple of minutes The Dog was getting used to this but it wasn't a success.  The Dog was rewarded with a treat [to eat] and we will try again tomorrow - I am sure that he is looking forward to what he might perceive as some crank groping with his bum and then giving him a treat for enduring this activity. Still, he didn't bite me.

I should be going out tonight but have decided against it. So all in all a day of limited activity. No problemo ...

PS - the timings etc were correct - looks like I was simply stood up.

Technorati tags: Anal glands, stood up

Still here ...

Hello. Some of you may have seen the whole of my previous post, subsequently edited, where I advised that I was closing / shutting / ending or what have you, the blog.  As you are able to see - it's still here.

Off this week and for the last two days I have been helping The Elder as the final touches are applied to sorting out #3's bedroom. It's been a mammoth task and we are, both of us, fed up of the whole thing and increasingly bitter that #3 could let her room, as it was, get to the state it was.  I know, before I am told, that I am equally to blame for not preventing the situation developing - but, as we know, there's no point in dwelling / ruminating on things that you cannot change.

The Dog continues to be cause for concern apart from anything else he whiffs something awful - all from his rear end.  Tomorrow I will have to sort out his anal glands - the practical doing the 'job' doesn't bother me - getting it right to avoid distressing The Dog is the main priority and keeping the resulting 'liquid' of my body / skin.  If you really want something to do then go to YouTube and search for anal glands.  I found one 'movie' where a vet. as calm as you like, no gloves, demonstrates how to do 'it'.  Hardly an after dinner discussion but it takes all sorts.

The really good news is that I have, finally, sorted out the accounts for The Organisation and have already relinquished my role as Treasurer.  I will present the accounts at the next meeting.  Out tomorrow to meet up with a friend [in the morning] and out, again, in the evening to attend [yet] another branch of The Organisation.  On the subject of money - my principal saving's account is now empty, unlike my other accounts, and the mortgage, hereafter, will have to be paid from the 'rent' provided to me by The Elder together with other savings [not much], that I am able to make each month. Time to tighten my belt.

Technorati tags: Anal glands

Weekend reflections ...

Hi again and thanks to those that have visited - actually not that many - mostly, in fact nearly all, via BlogCatalog. Please accept my thanks.  Now off work for a couple of weeks or so, lots to do. Do you really need to know this / that?

The nature of my 'work'  is of a type where I have a lot of research to undertake, reports to write and a host of other matters, all to do with my daily existence. You might be aware of my other blog? The other blog 'runs' in parallel with this blog.  Last week I was provided [work] information that could impact on this other blog continuing and I cautioned readers, many more than read this blog, that the blog might have to be suspended [long term]. Yesterday morning I decided the proposed action was necessary and I, yesterday evening, suspended the blog.  So where am I leading you?

The 'other' blog relates to my work and attracts, thank you all, a 'tidy' number of regular readers.  This blog, the one you are reading, on the other hand, attracts very, very few readers and I am, as I said recently, I am struggling to find the incentive / interest to continue with it.

Otherwise I have had a great weekend and I look forward to more of them.

A sudden blip ...

Greetings and many thanks to those that visited, via 'BlogCatalog, this writer's contribution to the blogosphere. As expected, the same was experienced when I 'used' 'MyBlogLog', there was a most pleasing number of hits and then, as expected, well, the rush came and went - no problemo.

Finished 'work' early today and I am off for a few days [up to and beyond Easter]. This afternoon was spent in sending off cheques to cover various bills [that should have been paid in January!], walking The Dog and becoming increasingly worried about his limp. This evening I made the evening meal- a sort of stir fry, fried rice and turkey slices in mushrooms.  Of course I made too much both for The Elder and myself.  I was amazed to see that The Elder saw off her portion - I mean it was a plateful and half! Still, like a Mother, I like to see those I feed getting stuck into their food. 

Some good news - I have been invited to attend a two day seminar [£0}, which should result in a certificate and, most importantly, hours for my CPD requirements.

Strange ...

Greetings and welcome.

You may notice, on the right, the new addition 'BlogCatalog' - it is, of course, a 'feature' detailing my recent visitors - thank you all very much for coming to my blog.  Now, I am still coming to terms with how BlogCatalog works, links and all the rest of it and I promise you that if you add me to your 'collection' then I will do the same - just give me a few days to understand it all- many thanks.

Today has been a long day.  With the property, next door, going up for sale I thought it might not be a bad thing, and certainly overdue, to get the dividing hedge cut / trimmed.  I asked 'the man' to cut the top of the [high] hedge and tidy up the side facing next door's property - no problemo.  Arriving back at CS I find all three sides [top and two sides] had been cut.  The Elder advised me that she had instructed the man to undertake the extra work.  It was with great restraint I advised her that it was not her place to do this.  All done in the best possible taste [to quote Kenny Everett].  In fact I have no reason to complain as the cost of the work was less than I had envisaged / budgeted for so, in reality, The Elder made a wise decision.

Whilst I need not [am not able to] describe the finer points, this afternoon, in the company of others, I listened to a speaker describing how he had adopted several children - not an uncommon event you might think.  He had, however, filmed [video recorded] the children, adopted at the same time, growing up.  All the time my mind was in some sort of shock as he described the adoption process and difficulties and subsequent pleasure.  The final hurt came when, and he wasn't aware, he advised that one of his [adopted] children has the same name as my own [lost] son. I could have wept.  I chatted with him and he was interested in my 'story'.  He floored me when I replied, in the negative, that I had made little effort to contact my son. What do you tell your son, 'lost' 29 years ago, why you haven't  been in touch?

Once again thanks to 'fellow' 'BlogCatalogers' for their visit.

The number is: 34 ...

Yes indeedy - thirty four black [dustbin size] black sacks of crap originating in the bedroom that used to be occupied by #3 and, today, carted [two trips] to the local tip. It's enough to turn your stomach.  God knows [or cares] what the neighbours must have thought as I made repeated trips, back in to CS, to carry out another five or six bin bags.  It almost reminds me of Nilsen - I believe he used to dispose of human remains in black bin liners [as well as flushing remains down the toilet]. Examining the [much emptied] bedroom I am sure that there are still mouse droppings across the floor. Oh the shame and the frustration.

Hi Mel, thanks for your comment - really cheered me up.

Otherwise, today has been largely spent in trying to get financial figures to tally up [all to do with my 'job' as Treasurer in a sub branch of The Organisation].  It all, somehow, balanced out and I was able to stagger back and watch the budget.  Not good news if you drink and/or smoke - the rise in tax on these items comes as no shock.  What, however, was a shock came in the morning mail - my tax allowance [tax code] has been re-assessed and I receive a greater personal allowance [before tax is paid], and the allowance is backdated until last April - I might be in line for a refund.  A further 'Notice of Coding' [a new tax code] was also included for the tax year starting this April.  I guess everyone will be receiving one as, in April, the basic rate of Income Tax is reduced from 22% [after your personal allowance has been taken out], to 20% - not much but a step in the right direction.

Back to work tomorrow - The Dog is limping - I so worry. Finally, the house next door is up for sale [as you will recall from my earlier post] - for a huge amount of money.  My house is a four bedroom job and the house next door, the one up for sale is two bedroom and a bungalow - you simply wouldn't believe the amount that is being asked.  Now, The Elder has, quickly, worked out what this, my, property might be worth and is, as expected, raising the old 'you have screwed me', [chance would be a fine thing], 'when you bought my share of this house'. I guess some things and people never change.

Technorati tags: Black bags, Nilsen, Tax

Finances ...

OK so I returned from my [lesser] social function.  As Treasurer it falls on me to sort out the accounts especially the money collected, cheques issued and other credits / debits.  It means a busy day tomorrow, off 'work', to sort out and get to the bank.

Today has been a 'busy' day at 'work' and I was glad to arrive back here.  Living dangerously! The car was almost running on fuel fumes - one of these days this running down to virtually 0% fuel will catch me out. Silly boy. Out, again, this evening to a local voluntary organisation, part of an international organisation, where I hold the position of 'patron'.  I don't have to actually do anything and my appointment is based on my professional background and 'status' in the local community(!)  If only those involved knew the difference between my 'image' and the real situation here at Chez Shithole. At the meeting I met the guy that I have had to 'pay off' - he is an entertainer.  He never so much as mentioned the sizeable amount of money that I sent him resulting from my cancelling my social function [at the end of this month].

On the subject of CS it is most refreshing to see that The Elder has kept to her word - a great deal of sorting out has taken place not only in the relevant bedroom but, also, in other rooms within the house. I have a busy day lined up tomorrow - going to the bank, going to the local waste disposal [tip] site and, if the weather stays settled, taking The Dog out. The Dog is increasingly showing his age - both in his looks and behaviour.  By behaviour he is much slower and clearly 'stiff' in his joints.  All very sad I guess it comes to us all. I wonder if he knows how much I care for him and how much he means? We all need a word of support etc. every now and then.

Technorati tags: The Dog, Divorce, Entertaining

In the smelly stuff ...

Greetings from  cold and very, very windy downtown UK. In to work today and back here to Chez Shithole, late this PM, from where, in some what of a rush, I am preparing to go out for the evening - to a 'sister' branch of The Organisation.

The Elder, as promised, has got 'stuck in' to #3's [former] bedroom.  Her job, it appears, is to sort through the many bags that I have filled and to decide what needs throwing, keeping [taking elsewhere] or whatever.  Her second words to me related to her experience, in the room, sorting, when she placed her hands in one of the black bags and found her hand covered in mouse shit - I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Thanks to Anonymous for your kind comment - I really must bring you 'all' up to date with what is happening to The Dog - maybe tomorrow as I am about to rush out.

Technorati tags: Pest, rodents, divorce

Is there anybody there ..?

No progress in #3's [former] bedroom - lots of black plastic bags ['suitable for building rubble' (means they don't split)] are stacked up, full, in the room.  The Elder is off work until the middle of next week and has 'promised' to sort the room out once and for all - there's nothing else that I am able to do now except hump, if you will pardon the term, hump the bags to the local tip.  I have calculated the 'annual rise' in The Elder's 'rent' - basically it is, only, the annual increase for a couple of the services. However, The Elder has been cautioned that this time next year, if she is still here, the rise may have to be considerably higher resulting from the fixed rate mortgage interest deal ending - if that makes sense.

'Work' continues but due to timetable issues I have four out of the next six weeks off [paid].  Just as well as the garden is starting to come to life.  The property, next door, is up for sale - how much? Don't know. Honestly, I am beginning to feel like a permanent feature. I decided, if you are interested, to stop blogging [mid week] but, as others have said about themselves, I have stopped sulking [not actually 'sulking' but feeling better] and, as you are able to see, the old crap continues to be churned out.

You might remember the cancelling of my social function [later this month]?  The function is supposed to generate money for a local charity.  No collection / money, of course, means that I have, to enable me to hold my head up [pride is a costly characteristic], I have had to send money off to the guy that was to provide the entertainment, praying that he would recognise my integrity and not cash the cheque - fingers crossed! Of course he promptly cashed the cheque.  I have a similar amount to pay The Organisation [actually I need not] - but I won't have it said that I enjoyed a 'cheap year' - if truth be known I have absolutely hated it.

Spent most of the day messing around with Outlook 2007 especially its [alleged] ability to download RSS updates [from the various blogs that I have listed] - it has not been a great success.

Technorati tags: Money, gardening, divorce

Midweek ...

Hello and welcome back for a mid week quickie. I suppose the biggest development is that #3's [former] bedroom is now virtually empty, almost ready for redecoration and the other improvements that I have planned.  That's the good news.  The bad news is that, in sorting through all the crap hidden behind cupboards, under the bed [honestly, you wouldn't believe me], I found considerable evidence of a rodent [mice] infestation.  Let's hope my breaking up the harbourage drives them away.  I suppose I need a cat but The Dog wouldn't take kindly to that suggestion.

Another year, another post ...

Another Monday and... but first, welcome to Chris and thanks for your comment and I hope you call again.

'Another Monday'?  To be brutally honest I am finding it difficult to continue the blog [not for the first time].  I do appreciate you that take the time to visit and details of the 'hit' really cheer me up.  I need cheering up.  Last week [28th] was my birthday.  The Senior, bless her, sent me a birthday card and it was the only greeting I received.  I didn't expect one from The Elder / POFM #2 and certainly not from POFM #3 but that's how it goes - a serious disappointment.

The programmed social function, at the end of this month, is now history.  Normally The Organisation provides a contribution towards The Chair's expenses - covering e.g. entertainment, flowers, place mats, seating plan and balloons etc.  Ideally you keep the cost to a minimum and use the balance to offset other costs e.g. the price of your own meal, drinks, taxi home or whatever.  No function = no contribution.  The bad news is that I still have to pay the entertainment and, also, the hotel [the venue] - sizeable chunk out of my personal funds I'm afraid.

The Elder has received details of her various pensions, when they become due, and it looks like she will be very comfortably off - thank you.  I have just learned that the amount #2 pays her Mother each month - say £60 is, in fact, e.g. £180.  The Elder pays one of the quarterly bills e.g £210 and has a balance left, each month, of £110 - thank you very much.  I can't be bothered explaining further - work it out yourself - suffice to say that The Elder & #2 are shafting me.

On more pleasant matters I have finally(!) got the recipe right for boiling rice in the 900w microwave. I use 1 cup of rice, 2.25 cups of cold water, place both in a flat 'Pyrex' dish, in the microwave, full power, for 15 minutes. On completion [and throughout cooking] leave all well alone.  Result? Beautifully cooked rice - all separated - yummy. I'm going to buy a wok tomorrow.

More later [next Monday].

Technorati tags: Birthday, boiled rice