Nearly there ...

Finally made it - hello and welcome.  Thanks very much to VofT for your contributions - more later.  The presentation? It went very well - I thought.  One 'problem' is that, years ago [when I was in a youth organisation], I was taught to give presentations in a certain way. Margaret Thatcher used to use the same 'style'. 'Tell 'em what you are going to tell 'em', 'Tell 'em', 'Tell 'em what you have told 'em' [or something like that] - it has always stuck with me. So it came to pass.  I know, deep down, it all went well.  I am a touch concerned, however, that it might be viewed as formal and not 'touchy - feely' enough. Perhaps the presentation should have been more a discussion than a lecture?  Too late now.  We shall have to wait and see.

Today has been a mammoth effort working on one of my reports [the more complex one - as indeed I was last night - that's why there was no post yesterday, sorry]. I will not get it finished tonight, as I had hoped, - the report, so far, is reasonably 'tidy' but I need to do some more reading to, hopefully, get it finished by the weekend.  It's due in at the end of May [as is another report - yet to be started].

Good news! Those amongst you that recall my birthday [end of Feb.], will recall that, having reached a certain age, my 'frozen' pension was increased and will rise each year, in line with inflation.  Pay day today and there was another increase! Yeah!! Increase #1, a one-off, occurred on my birthday and, today, was the annual increase - not a lot but, as The Senior always reminds me: 'it's an income, better than a bill' - so true.  The other money, that I am owed, will not be in the bank [hopefully!] until mid May - watch this space #2.

It's a fact - I am, so others inform me, a 'self harmer' - I don't mean to make light of this subject or others that are affected. I attended a seminar, yesterday, where the subject was 'self harmers' and it was suggested that those staying in an abusive relationship, that they preferred not to be in, are causing themselves to suffer guilt, low esteem, feelings of being worthless, able to be manipulated, difficult to communicate and a raft of other identifying characteristics. Of course I refer to the situation here at CS.  I know that I want to leave 'the job' [I don't need the damn job], I know I want to sell up and move out and I know I am 'too soft' to 'see The Elder et al' out on the street.  The guilt demotivates me leading to downward spiralism - that's one of the reasons why I like to 'blog'.  I have 'met' some delightful people, I am able to express my feelings and, usually, people leaving comments are, whether or not they know it, very supportive - some very much so.  I was recently advised 'you are good at writing down what you would like to say' - you have to tread carefully - long letters etc [a bit like today's post!], may be seen as 'evidence of stress etc symptoms'. Of course I am not really a self harmer [in any fashion], but the comments etc heard yesterday certainly made me feel uncomfortable. Best I move on from this sensitive subject.

The Dog?  What a smart boy!!  Friday, however, he is at the vet.'s [The Elder changed the appointment] - he's in for surgery [dental extraction/s] and, probably, something else.  We both worry about him - once he has his hair cut, you are able to see how skinny he is and, consequently, in good shape for his age - the fact is, however, he is elderly. Best move on #2.

That's it for this evening - it's been another cold and wet day. I have been working in my room all day, The [skinny] Dog, bless him, has been curled up and snoring.  Lucky old thing!  In tomorrow and Friday off.

More later.

A charged meeting ...

A busy, busy day. Thanks, as ever, to VofT for your comment - the presentation takes place tomorrow, the thing is not quite finished and I am putting the finishing touches to it this evening [like now!]. Not helped by having an aching arm following my visit to the local nurse for an armful of drugs [being of the medical and not the illicit type - the drugs, that is].

This evening it was to The Organisation where the 'senior members' [of which I am 'one'], meet with the new 'Chair' [the 'Chair Elect] and we go through what will happen at next month's meeting when he assumes his 'office'.  I have a lot to do for then.  My attendance tonight was brief - I opened the meeting, approved the previous minutes and, as was expected, handed the rest of the meeting over to the Chair Elect.  Whilst I am expected to see the meeting through to the end I immediately asked to be excused [and left]; the looks of hate [perhaps I am jazzing this bit up somewhat], will stay with me but I held my head high - I was always taught, and encourage others the same, 'hold your head up and maintain your dignity - whatever critics might say, don't let them make you feel bad [or at least don't show it]'.  Anyhoo, that's that - till next month.

The car didn't go anywhere today - I used The Elder's car. For the technical savvy amongst you the test, for suspect battery / generator problems, is to check the car voltage at the battery [with a volt meter].  It should read anywhere over 12 volts. Start the car and check the volts again - this time it should read somewhere between 1 - 1.5 volts above the first reading. If it does then the generator is doing its thing.  Switch on lights and fan and the reading should stay the same as the generator auto adjust for the extra load being placed on the battery. To cut a long story short it all checked out.  Clearly the battery isn't charging due to some battery fault and I have to buy a new battery.  It could have been worse - the generator costs would be more than I would have wanted to pay.  Consequently, I woke this morning [at 04 bloody 28] with my head spinning - I was cheered by the comment [thanks again].

The Elder has been busy, all day, sorting out the black bags from the outbuilding - so that's some comfort. The Dog?  I got my days mixed up - he's at the dog grooming place tomorrow - I am at 'work' [as you know] but, on my return, I should be able to relax and, hey!, I have Wednesday [and Friday off].  I wanted to have one of the reports written up Thursday morning - unless I make a mega effort on Wednesday then it's looking like it's going to be a tight schedule - we'll cope - we always seem to, don't we?

What next ..?

Hello and thanks for the visit.  A rather difficult day, for one reason or another, ending with my car struggling to start - I suspect the battery but it might be the alternator - dilemma - do you buy [and fit yourself] a new battery only to find, afterwards, the battery is OK and I should have had the alternator checked [replaced]?  Problems eh? Most car electric outlets [garage] should have equipment for checking what the problem is and most offer a free fit service - so, we shall have to see what tomorrow brings.  The only consolation is that The Elder is off work and has agreed to lend me her car see, there is some method in my madness [allowing The Elder to remain in occupation]. I could do without the hassle though - the next four weeks are 'difficult' with a lot of places to visit / attend.  The Elder pulled a sour face when I asked if I might borrow her car - the car's an old thing but, it's running!; when I moved out to divorce [nearly four years ago - how the time flies], I left what was then the family car [i.e. the only car we had] here at CS for The Elder's use.  I paid for the repairs, the tax and, even, the insurance. All The Elder had to do was put fuel in the damn thing and here she is, tonight, pulling a sour face - it's times like this when I could simply call it a day - but tomorrow's bound to be a better day [it can't be any worse].

More, sombre, news.  My Mother attended the various graveyards, attending the three graves, as best she was able, accompanied by my cousin.  The weather, she tells me, was horrible - cold and the rain lashing down.  She starts to get 'stressed' if the graves are not tended say every three weeks.  I patiently listened to details of the sad events. Trying to end on a positive note fell flat as my Mother, The Senior, then started to remind me that 'when I have gone no one else will pick up the reins'.

Apologies for being so miserable - I am not really - just a bit fed up - like we all are, from time to time.

I will leave you on a more positive note - one of the reports requires I give a presentation [Tuesday morning] - it's all finished, rehearsed and ready to rock'n'roll.

More later.

Early to bed and early to rise ...

Leaves me knackered at the end of the day ...

Good morning!  So, farewell Humphrey Lyttelton the 86 year old compere of a radio show that I have followed for years. As a host his 'style' was '... a mix of silliness, wordplay, innuendo & ribald double entendres ...' - I am a devoted fan or should I say that I was.... Humph's gone but, as I have in my daily conversation [for years], I will continue his style in the blog for which I crave your indulgence.

Another early start - 0545 - the temperature is in the mid 60s and it's all very mild. The Dog is asleep, you know where, probably dreaming about the lady that he is going to see tomorrow. A shower, for him, followed by a blow dry, haircut and nail trim - he just loves it and, as I have said before, he looks so good afterwards going from a size 20 to a size 10 [or whatever]. I am paying for his haircut and The Elder is paying for the vet. fee [dental work]. Luckily I have a couple of days off at the end of the week and will look after my patient. I hope he's OK - after all, he is knocking on.

Busy day today - hope your day's a good one.

A good (ish) day ...

Thank you all, you kind people, for your comments and e-mail - I am thrilled. Watch this space.

The news? A bit more done with the reports but, sadly, a bit too much rehearsing my 'speech' for next month's meeting of The Organisation and, bother, bother, bother [or something like that] - computer problems.  I have installed software that, in simple terms, prevents your computer being written to [during use]  - sure, you are able to save your work {or whatever] on another drive / USB flash drive and the like and the idea is that when you switch off everything written to your PC [except saved work - I am sure you got the idea] is deleted.  The PC boots up the same every time.  Anyhoo, there was a problem - all sorted out but I was, practically, pulling my hair out and that's not a good idea.

My Mother has decided that she is not going to relocate after all.  Another long chat with her this morning - she doesn't apologise for her 'aggressive' behaviour [well, it is to me and I never expect my Mother to be like that - clearly demonstrating my gentle upbringing [if you believe that then you will believe anything!  Read on Dear Reader, read on...]]. She is recovering from her cold and so is that bit more brightened up.  Tomorrow she goes off to the cemetery, for a short time, to attend to my Father's grave [and the grave of her son - died when he was about eight months old].  She has attended his grave for 60+ years.  My Father is is in the same cemetery and, afterwards, she will attend another cemetery where my elder brother is buried [dies a couple of years ago - the big C].  Family, we, 'our side', never really got on with 'her side' though a polite atmosphere usually prevailed.  Alas, following his death, my brother's wife etc have simply abandoned him in the graveyard.  The grave is as it was when filled in - no stone, no border - just a pile of earth that has settled and become, naturally, grassed over.  My Mother does her best - I feel guilty, being 400+ miles away, that I don't attend / visit her more often.  You can see now 'The Big Plan' [in theory at least].  If / when I dispose of CS then I might move back up t'north and take the burden off my Mother - she discourages it arguing [as she does] 'it's a good idea in principle but who will follow on when you have 'gone'?'.  The sad fact is that no one will and my Mother is of the view that the regular maintenance should end when she has 'gone'.  All very macabre I'm afraid.

The Dog is much better - bouncing about and bringing his toys. His paw appears to show less signs of being a problem so that's good news.  The dream, last night. My Mother had bought a small house and I, without realising what she had done / where she had bought, purchased a property for myself just a street or two away and we bumped in to each other at the nearby shops. Spooky ...

Hope, if you are out tonight [or not] that you have a pleasant evening.

Lovely ... Friday ...

So, Friday evening is with us again - great! Thanks to VofT for your comment and I hope the weekend for you and all others is everything you would want it to be. The sun continues to shine and I continue to have a great deal of work etc to get through(!) This weekend I have, practically, locked up my desktop PC - using my principal  PC i.e. my laptop [with no Flight Simulator}. After this evening, 'cos you know I just adore Friday evenings, it will be all hands to the pump, this weekend, as I have another busy week ahead of me - though I do have another two days off (next week).  The week after next I am 'working' "out of the office" on the floor, so to speak - looking forward to that but somewhat apprehensive - hey ho - it's only until the end of July after which I have a lengthy summer break - lots to do in the house at that time - ideally, by then, I will have had the new windows installed, the outbuilding cleaned out and a new roof on it [I am hoping to renew the roof myself - a colleague has assured me that it's not too difficult a job to rip off old roof felt, prize up the various flat boards and replace the same - sounds reasonable to me].

The Elder has been sent home from her workplace with, as you recall I mentioned (a few days ago), serious stomach pains - she has consulted the Doc and, it appears, she has pulled a muscle in the area where her operation scar [hysterectomy] is healing up. Anyhoo, she has been told to take it easy  - so no change there then!

The Dog is much more his old self - this morning it was the usual paw washing routine followed by special cream to be applied between his toes [or should that be claws?]. I have the insatiable yearning [steady on there] to treat myself to an IPod - The Elder, through her work, is able to order the thing for me and she qualifies for a 10% discount hey! it all counts. See, she does have her uses!!

As you know I use Windows Live Writer [WLW] to create and post this rubbish.  Several software developers have created free add -on software to make WLW easier to use. E.g. I am able to capture anything from my screen and include as a graphic on the post, tags in the same way and so on.  The latest allows me to edit, resize / include video e.g. from YouTube [and others] - here's a scary vid of an aircraft, a Learjet, coming down in severe gales force winds {my recent flight around the world was in a Learjet].

I have just spent 1.5 hours on the 'phone talking to my Mother.  It's the same old story - if you 'phone daily [because you are concerned] then, it appears to me, a degree of ungratefulness, on Mother's part' raises its head.  However, 'phone, say once a week, and you are welcomed like the long lost son!  Mother is looking for alternative accommodation [see previous].  A suitable property has become available and when you try and show enthusiasm you are met with a load of [semi] aggressive feedback - your 'view' is seen as fair game for an argument and you find yourself descending into a more and more 'destructive' discussion.  I have been trained to 'break away' and so I nip this sort of discussion in the bud - this action also causes problems because my Mother recognises what I have done and which is on the back of her [as she knows] difficult behaviour. Give me strength.

Time for bed ... to enjoy the sleep of the innocent.  Good night.

Disaster in one form or another

I really must 'put this to bed' -- the round the world trip - has ended successfully though not without a fright.  The landing [at Horta], prior to my final landing up t'north here in the UK was a bit rough and I burst my nose wheel tyre.  Luckily I was able to take off but the nose gear wouldn't raise and landing at my final destination was a bit hairy. Now, you might ask, 'doesn't that count as a crash? [end game], not at all, Dear Reader, the 'plane was able to take off and land at the next [final] airport.  If I had further 'legs' then I would auto repair - anyhoo, that's enough - never to be mentioned again.

Money in the bank [not] - my nerve 'went' and I wrote to the people concerned [not a two bit organisation] 'payments have been delayed until May' - so, now we know - watch this space. On the news I learn that a pub, frequented by The Younger and myself, in our naughty, pre-marriage days [where we used to retire 'to get our breath back'], has blown up -  a gas explosion. No big deal I guess but it's a memory gone forever - visually at least. Consequently I have spent the afternoon listening to our favourites of the time - 'Bread', 'Chicago', 'James Taylor' and 'Jack Jones', to name but a few.  Look them up on YouTube and chill, virtually, with me.

Wonderful dinner this evening - oh yes!  The Elder arrived back from her work and within three minutes her dinner was ready - lamb chops - mmm mmmmm! Only problem was that, as I prepared to place her dinner on a tray, I stumbled and dropped the whole thing.  I sacrificed my own dinner to feed her - The Dog thought his birthday had arrived.

My Mother has applied for local authority, rented, housing and has been successful - the 'highest priority' - all based on her physical state - many medical issues.  Whether she gets anything / anywhere is another matter; she has to apply for vacant property - apply is the wrong word - she has to bid for vacant property in competition with others.  She is as sharp as a needle and, despite her age / medical condition, knows exactly what she wants and will, probably, arrange it all unsupported.

The Dog continues to limp despite my bathing his feet in disinfectant solution. I am making too much solution and so the surplus is used to wash his rear end - disinfectant smelling poo - that should, pending collecting the stuff up, keep the slugs etc away!

Hi VofT thanks for the mail - it cracked me up [as we say]. Simply not the 'punch line' that I was expecting.  I sympathised with the victim - though that, which he lost, I would have gladly given him of my own [at the time I was being inoculated for mumps - last autumn]. (The offer is now withdrawn). Friday tomorrow and another busy weekend lined up.

Thanks for visiting.

Those mid morning blues ...

Hello, good morning and welcome.

Day off today - ha ha!  Busy morning, so far, putting stuff, in my room, away and generally getting my desk space clear. Depressing [slow] mail - a letter from the tax people, a bill from my previous ISP and other, silly, junk mail.  No money has been deposited in to the bank and I have had to send an e-mail to the organisation concerned - I am sweating on the reply.

Otherwise the weather is fine - temperature in the mid 60's, slight breeze - yeah good.  I should take The Dog out but he's taking this limping 'problem' as far as he is able. This morning's, round the world trip continues - flown right across the USA, West to East - no stopping. After my next landing there is only one other landing and then finished.  I promise, in the future,  as I have before, not to mention flying again.

Must sort out lunch, feed The Dog and concentrate, for the rest of the day, on the work in hand - I don't want to waste today's 'opportunity' - if I waste it then it will only make me feel guilty - still, life goes on.

Goodbye ...

Slow down! Don't miss a heartbeat! The 'goodbye' refers to my departing the office of Chair in The Organisation. To be honest the meeting was quite enjoyable with an atmosphere, sort of, like the last day at school [or what / wherever]. The work for the year has been completed - as in life there were the ups and the downs but, like a splash in a pond, given time the ripples [of discontent] level out and 'harmony' returns. So 'that's what the goodbye refers to and good riddance.

Thanks to VofT for the comment and the pics - simply stunning. Arrived home early this afternoon and The Dog was pleased to see me [and get his lunch / empty his bladder and, having been awake since 0600 (not in that order) crash out on my bed where, 'lovingly', with a home made [delicious] 芙蓉蛋 in my stomach, I fell asleep [next to him]]. When I came round it was to answer e-mails, brood on why the money has not been paid in to the bank, iron my clothes for tonight and then 'phone my Mother - she has a cold and has been upset by a neighbour - won't bore you but it's hard work, when I 'phone her, and it all comes out. Off work, again!, tomorrow - all I will say is ... reports. 

The round the world trip continues - 200nm from San Francisco having departed from Hawaii earlier this afternoon. The distance is approx 2000nm meaning, to use fuel economically, flying speed is about 250nm / hr. At least 35 minutes to go - I must be mad but, I guess, you already knew that! Mad but harmless ...

What goes up ...

Hello!  Belated thanks to VofT for your comment and thanks, also, to Mel for the mail just received and on which I must reflect. Both comment & mail are much appreciated / welcome and will be replied to, as appropriate, shortly. Anyhoo, what's happened since the earlier edition?

The rain is lashing down, The Dog is brighter but has taken a distinct dislike to having his paw washed [in a disinfectant based solution]. It's amusing - he stands in the kitchen, warily eyeing me fill a container with warm water and the disinfectant ['Dettol']. I take his towel and the solution outside and call him - he moves not a centimetre [or even 0.4 of an inch in old money] - looking round the door, from outside, you can see he wants to 'obey' but is struggling to 'comply' [excuse the terms]. He has to be dragged out, paw washed after which he returns to the house like someone demented and dislodges every cushion on the two settees / two chairs.  A treat returns him back to normality. We, The Elder & I, are both concerned about him - tomorrow I will be out at 0830 and The Elder about an hour later - means The Dog is alone all day.  There's nothing worse than being on your own and I guess The Dog will be affected as much as any human.

Emails continue to be exchanged between myself and one of the organisations that is causing me grief.  After a series of e-mails, all of which contain my e-mail address [based on the ISP I previously used], the latest idiot begins by asking me to provide the e-mail address from the account I closed - the damn things on the previous e-mail!! Just drives me mad - it's almost a case of them saying 'hey, we have a bite - let's see how far we are able to push him '.

Back to work tomorrow - some good news - the principal report is developing well and, with a bit of luck I might have it finished by the end of the month [still lots to do afterwards though]. I have received a letter, from a government organisation, asking that I confirm the various states of my immunisation - TB, Polio and all that.  I have contacted the Docs and they, looking up my details, have lost my records!  Means I have to attend the Docs, early next week, to get an armful of innoculus cocktail. Regular readers may recall, from my earlier blog, the dreadful suffering I experienced caused by an inoculation for mumps ['MMR' and not MMM's]. Abridged extracts are still available for private viewing.

The money, which I am owed, is still not in the bank and I am apprehensive that I might not receive it - I, worryingly, watch this space. The UK housing market is going t's up with owners, needing a new mortgage, not being able to get one, property not selling / house prices being reduced [next door has had £10K ($20KUSD) knocked off the asking price].  After next March my mortgage rate, presently 'fixed' reverts to the lenders standard, variable, rate - on today's figures I would have to find in excess of another £100 ($200 USD) a month - more if the rate continues to rise.  The sharp eyed amongst you might ask ' but the Bank of England has just reduced the bank rate' very true, Dear Reader, very true - rather than me confuse you [and myself], here's a link to a newspaper [I don't read it myself], which explains all.

On that depressing note - move over The Dog - The Master wants some sleep!

Here comes the sun ...

Hello and welcome to this little part of sunny, pleasant, downtown UK - the sun shines and all is well with the world - oh yes indeedy! Not.

First, however, here are messages for our friends overseas -

• The bat cannot see, the bat cannot see
• The shop is not closed, the shop is not closed
• The book is unread, the book is unread
• Birthday next month, birthday next month

That's enough - 'they' will be along to fit me to a secure jacket at this rate. What's it all mean? The Elder has complained to the optician but has accepted her new specs are OK though still complains, to me, she cannot see through them. The organisations I was dealing with, yesterday, are, with respect to money leaving my bank, still messing me about and the situation can only deteriorate, [easy one this] - the reports remain unfinished and, finally, I recently applied for part time work, at an agency [first job I have applied for for quite some time] and all my 'checks' - health, criminal record [none!], references have been approved. I start, days / hours to suit myself, next month. Yeah!!

The lure of flying, my principal vice, continues to hang over me.  Another round the world trip - oh yes!  This time, 'in legs' from mid UK via SW Europe to Australia, New Zealand and up, NE, to California.  I have always wanted to visit Australia and, at this time my circumstances limit me to a virtual visit via my Flight Simulator prog.  Yesterday, after departing Jakarta, I arrived at Ayres Rock - brilliant except it was night and there was nothing to see.  I could have changed the time on the PC's clock, whereby the prog would change from night to day, but that's cheating.  This morning it was onwards via Nowra {New South Wales] to Christchurch [NZ] and, at this time, NNE to Tonga, then Hawaii next San Francisco, Beaufort, Horta [Portugal] then back to Dear Old Blighty.

Must rush - The Elder returns with certain desires of me ... oh yes, make her bloody lunch!

Old stinky breath ...

Hello!  Thanks for your various comment and e-mails.  Visitors are encouraged to visit Mel's blog and take part in the online vote. Before casting your vote be sure to read the [adult content] various postings. Hi Mel & VofT and thanks for the very nice and informative e-mails.

The Dog?  He is well. Seems he has an infection in his paw and a dental problem.  He is booked in for surgery etc. next week.  The Elder has said that she will pick up the bill though we might be able to claim on the pet insurance scheme.  Watch this space.

So, it was back to 'work' - a poor start to the day as the rain was pouring down. I have to confess to being 'agitated' because I had not completed all I wanted to complete during the recent break.  My 'workmates', as it turned out, were all, equally, agitated having not completed or, in several cases, even commenced the necessary work.  All in all a bit of a tense day - we have tomorrow off and we each have assured each other that we will be making a determined effort from now on - yeah, OK, right...!

The money has STILL not been deposited into my bank account and, to make matters worse, on my return / checking my e-mail I find e-mail from various organisations, that I have previously had dealings with, and they have each messed up how they claim monthly subscription from my bank - it meant that I had to spend an age 'phoning to try and get matters sorted out - one call was routed to a service centre in India - madness - me with my distinct accent and the call centre person with their distinct accent.

At a break, this morning, a female, about my age, was asking why (in my 'situation' - retired, financially secure, no ties etc), why I was 'working' and not enjoying more of life - doing the things that I had never done (wanted to do) but never found [never looked for] the opportunity.  Certainly got me thinking. In a sort of 'substitute' letting go , after work, I went in to several, large, department stores here in the big city - I wanted to 'treat' myself to several, er..., 'treats'. Not one of the stores had the items I was looking for!

Finally, on a rather 'earthy' subject - success!  Before he went to vet.I tried 'expressing' The Dog's anal glands - situated, at his rear end, one each, at 8 & 4 o'clock. I will leave out details of the actual process but it's another notch on my self taught achievements - not something I raise in general conversation but I thought you would share my 'pleasure'. Next time you see a dog's rectum - well, think of me! [or someone you don't like].

Technorati tags: Blog visitors, Pet illness, agitation, debt, anal glands

Back to 'work' ...

Well, that's another Sunday almost over and, for various reasons, it's been quite an eye opening one. Another early start [0530] and I am struggling to stay awake!  Pauses for a moment to listen to the rain lashing down.

Perhaps the most significant event has been the discussion with The Elder about 'finishing' / 'continuing' the work that is strictly speaking, her 'responsibility' - I mean, of course, her bedroom and the outbuilding.  I started off, gentle and sensitive as ever(!) more likely brusque, brash and bombastic [not really, well, perhaps a bit], and the situation soon became tense. The long and the short of it all is that I have requested, 'formally', that she completes the sorting / removing of the crap etc by the end of May.  This has not been well received. Anyhoo, that's the current situation. To her credit she promptly started on her room - though I suggested she leave it - today being, after all, her day off. I was ignored - can't say I didn't offer.

So, it's back to work tomorrow and I have to confess that I didn't get as much done as I had wished - there are others, like myself at 'work', and I am sure that I will not be the only one 'sweating' that the required reports are not completed. Hi Mel, thanks for feedback - seems like you have had a good weekend - I am pleased for you. Hi, also, to VofT - hope my response was of some use.

Spent quite some time [read that again: wasted loads of time], configuring my PC so that my backup software would auto save [whatever I wanted] to a CD and then, using other software, copy the saved [documents] to my online storage facility [provided by my ISP]. It seems to have taken ages but, eventually, it was all sorted out. It annoys me that the money, owed to me by the government has still not been paid in to my bank - it's not so much the amount [couple of grand, if you must know], no, it's the principle.  I guess I am fortunate that, if I had any outstanding bills, I could 'cover' them but spare a thought for the poor soul that is 'banking' on the deposit being made - it's all so wrong.

TV prog, last night, about how the UK is seen as 'Treasure Island' by manufacturers, from overseas, based on the price they are able to command for goods, the same goods, being e.g. 20% cheaper after customs and whatever taxes have been paid bringing goods into the country or ordering via the Internet - that's a bit complicated isn't it?! Buy / order goods via the Internet. Pay customs etc when goods arrive in UK. Enjoy saving anywhere between 10% - 20% than if you had bought in the local UK shops.  The recommendation was that, taking a holiday in the USA, the savings [on the price of the goods if bought in the USA], meant the goods practically paid for themselves - oh, I am sorry I am rambling.... Soon be time for nurse to put me to bed - what am I saying? There is no nurse - silly old man. [Just being flippant and sarcastic - but you knew that!]

Right, OK, I am away to my bed - I am shattered.  Hope you all enjoy the week.

Technorati tags: Sundays, housework, backup software, online storage, owed money, Treasure Island

Man's best friend ... (much longer?) ...

Dear All - thank you very much for the visit(s) and your kind comments / mail - I hope to catch up tomorrow.  A bit of a stressful day, I'm afraid, The Dog is just not himself - sprightly at mealtimes but the rest of the day ... sleeping and not doing much else.  He's at the vet.'s on Monday - more later.

May I bore you with the events of last night? As you know I attended the pre meeting of the principal meeting [next week] when my successor is elected and I, thereafter, have just the one month 'in office'.  Last night the mood etc verged on hysteria - we have a lot of practical matters that have to be adhered to and we have a member that coordinates these practical matters - a sort of 'Marshall' if you like. As 'Chair' I have to appear quiet and reserved, almost regal [honestly!], whilst my 'officers' get on with job.  Honestly, you have seen nothing like it.

Yesterday's enthusiasm has, sadly, receded and, again, I have struggled to find the enthusiasm etc. to get on with the reports  The 'problem' is that, without sounding smug, I don't need the job and I am quite content to stay at home working in and on the house. Let's see what happens with the reports - if it all goes pear shaped then I might simply step away from the 'job'.

Otherwise a busy-ish day - up early, washing machine on and my clothes washed, then in the dryer [it has rained all day - I dread looking in the outbuilding - the inside looks like a collection point for a relief agency i.e. it's piled high with [as you know] the various and many black bags.  I fear I must give The Elder an ultimatum - her problem is that she wishes to 'sort' each and every bag before the bag etc is consigned to the rubbish tip [or wherever]. In some ways you can only feel sorry for her - #3 [yes, #3!] has simply gathered up whatever came to hand, in her bedroom, stuffed the whatever in to a sack and dragged it, plus 30 or so others, outside and into the outbuilding. The contents are simply unknown. I want to get new windows installed, sometime in May, and this cannot happen until the garden is cleared - the contents of the garden [principally a trailer presently stored in the garden] will then be stored in the clean and tidy outbuilding but... work it out for yourself! So, The Elder will get a month's Notice commencing 01 May 08 i.e. 30 days, to clear out the crap in the outbuilding - watch this space.

Finally, other news, and as I mentioned previously - The Elder had her eyes tested at a place [let's say location A], other than where they were tested [location B] prior to her buying her new specs [at location C]. It appears the new eye test matches the original eye test and the suggestion is that the shop that made up the specs [location C] using the prescription [from location B] should not have used the style of frame [limited lens height] for three vision lenses.  the Elder is going in to sort them out - more later #2.

That's it for today - no flippant comments etc. - though I am sure there will be tomorrow!

It starts flowing ...

Finally, joy, at last, sheer pleasure - oh yes... and so on.  Well, it has taken some getting started but now I am going for it, my body tense and quivering as it lies there, open, in front of me. Stop, start, stop start and then, with a rush and my hands trembling, a sweat breaking out on my forehead the first words of the report end their journey from my brain, through my hands / keyboard and on to my word processor. You have no idea about how long this has taken to structure the thing together. I have to confess I am pinching the framework from someone else's work i.e. the structure of the work and how it is [has to be] laid out and which is perfectly in order. There now follows a writus interruptus whilst I go downstairs, with The Dog, and get myself a stiff cup of tea.

I just thought you might want to share this.

Friday - my good day ... not too sure ...

Hi, hello and thanks for calling by. Thanks, especially, to Mel and I look forward to the results!

This morning a fair degree of upset - not with myself, you understand. A number of years ago, here in the UK, if you needed to 'phone someone from a public telephone you could, as in most places, reverse charge whereby the recipient of the call would be contacted by the 'phone company and asked if they would accept the cost of the call - I am sure you know to what I refer. Anyhoo, this crappy country having had most if not all public services sold to the private sector, reverse charge calls have become big business [managed by the private organisations] .  Now, you dial the freefone number, ask the automated, voice recognition operator to call the number [that has to pick up the cost of the call - if they accept it], the number is dialled and the auto voice thing asks if the recipient will accept the call.  If they answer in the affirmative the auto thingy completes the call. Good stuff eh!  However, the fixed cost to the recipient is approx £4 [that's, what? $8-9 USD].  So what? The 'game' now is for young kids to 'phone the service, specify the number and the recipient, if they are 'caught' ends up paying to listen to a load of kids swearing, laughing or simply hanging up.  Guess what? Yup - The Senior was 'hit' last night, several times, meaning that when I 'phoned her, for my daily chat [this morning] she was nearly stuck to the ceiling with worry about 'what the hell is going on'.  I contacted the company and you are able to be 'blocked' for the next five years - OK but you have to pay a premium rate number to have the block applied - absolute, sheer, bloody madness - the 0800 company makes money, British Telecom makes money and for their £4 the mug gets bugger all. These events have messed up my day big time.

Anyhoo, the weather is crap - raining and cold.  I am struggling to get to grips with the report thingy and I guess it's making me a touch fractious. Out tonight to The Organisation, for a pre meeting before the principal monthly meeting next week.  After that I have just the one month in The Chair and then I am finished and bloody good riddance.

Right - big determined effort now - on with kettle, wash the dishes, cup of coffee and don't leave the PC until I have something to show for it.

It takes all sorts ...

Apologies to the, nameless visitor that left a sarcastic and unpleasant comment - follows my most recent post. Yeah, OK, I suppose I shouldn't have used the term that I used 'electric v....' - if I offended then I am sorry.  You didn't expect me to publish this did you? Well I have. You are welcome to leave a comment and, unless it's a ranting then I promise to consider everything you say. Sadly, the way you expressed your views about the lava lamp and how I refer to The Elder quickly went from a potentially interesting reply to ... well, need I say anymore?  Sorry if my post offended I suggest that you visit an alternative blog. Thank you. Well, Dear Reader, you will, probably, have guessed that a comment has been left that started well and finished in an unpleasant way. I refuse to post the comment [or expand any further on it] but I have published an apology and will be more careful in future about what I post.

This evening I met with two auditors from The Organisation.  I am pleased to report that my accounts have been found to be in good order and this means I am able to 'step out' of a voluntary role that should have been one year but ended up being eight years.

Putting fuel in my car has been a shock.  I have not needed my car for well over a week and, this evening, I had to buy fuel.  Honestly, those of you outside the UK don't know the half of it.  Fuel is now £1.20 per litre.  In $US that's about $2USD per litre [at least]. How do you fancy paying $11USD per gallon?

Worrying trends in connection with property prices.  On TV a single mother, two young kids, was interviewed.  She [like myself] has a fixed interest rate mortgage and which is about to reach the end of the fixed rate period - these periods vary - in my case the fixed rate ends next March.  She has struggled to get another fixed rate mortgage with anyone else and her lender is going to be charging her the [what we call] 'standard variable rate' - means that she will have to find approx £200 extra per month [$400USD] and she simply doesn't have it. I fear that we are heading for recession, negative equity and other worrying financial changes.  A TV presenter showed, on TV this evening, a programme made this time last year.  Last year he interviewed three financial experts and, to a man, they all said property prices would rise by 10% - 15%.  The TV presenter, as it showed from last year's recording, suggested prices would go down by 10% - he was laughed at.

The Elder has decided she need not go to hospital after all - so that's good news.

It's now 0012 Friday 18th.  I have been up since 0500 and I really must get my head down.  Hope you all are well and apologies again for my lava post.

Electronic 'vomit' ...

Hello! Good morning! Greetings!  There, that's enough being so cheerful at this time of the morning. Another strange dream - I was in an aircraft e.g. a 777, en route somewhere,  up at the 'front end' with the driver and his mate, the mechanic and the person that decides which direction the driver should be steering the 'plane, [you can see that I have done a lot of flying]. Why I was with these people is not clear and, in any case, matters not. Anyhoo, we had arrived at some airport or another - the driver was getting the tanks filled up [and a free windshield wash] when, suddenly, the driver's mate opened the door, of the 'plane', jumped down to the ground - no steps had been brought over and breezed in to the terminal building.  The driver was mad with him and told me I had to write up what had happened.  I was given a complicated form and, whilst sat staring at it, I woke up. Greetings to Mel and thanks for including me in the links list - I feel that I have finally achieved something!

Turning to the rather disturbing [for this time of morning anyway], disturbing title. Are you old enough to remember 'lava lamps' [I am sure that you are]. Trawling through the items in The Elder's bedroom, earlier this week, I found one of the said lamps in its box [the lamp belongs to me]. Recovering the thing I plugged it in and switched it on.  Well, the lamp came on and the wax, or whatever it is, remained at the bottom of the tube affair [see, so early in the morning and I am talking about affairs].  With nothing happening I began to realise why it had remained in its box. All of a sudden, da da da daaaaa, the wax [stuff], which had clearly melted and now being of a lighter density than the water it is contained in [being heated by the lamp], hurled itself upwards - vomit style where, as it reached the cooler water, the wax solidified and now, in a column, hangs / stands frozen [like vomit] in time. As I watch and as the water heats up / the density of the wax changes, the column is slowly collapsing - fascinating.  The designer of these lamps is quoted as saying '...if you have a lava lamp then you don't need drugs...' - who am I to argue?

Here, in the house, there are signs of activity - #2 is up and about and The Elder will be staggering out of her new bed [she still doesn't like it and is minded to sell it to her friend]. Hey! I might even get breakfast - normally, if you really need to know, it's a slice of toast and [of course], tea but, today, woohoo! - a treat - a bacon sandwich.  The only 'problem', in my own house, is that those just mentioned complain about the smell of bacon cooking. What it is to be dominated [don't you just love it?!].

Technorati tags: Female domination, lava lamp, aircraft, vomit, drugs, bacon

Happens in threes ...

Hello! [I must confess that I don't like the above term, not that it matters].  Hi to VofT - thanks for the email and attachment - excellent stuff.

Well, where to start?

You may have noticed, further to this morning's rubbish, that I included another 'feature' [over on the right]?  The idea is that 'it' monitors the blogs I subscribe to and when an update occurs it 'sees' this, updates what's on my blog so anyone visiting, at that time, will be able to see the update and, if they wish [abandoning me] go & visit the other blog ... something like that, except the thing doesn't update!  I wouldn't mind but it's part of the Google 'system' so it should be well managed [i.e. work as designed] - in all fairness it is at a beta stage so there might be problems.  I have just added two blogs that update frequently to see if the thing is working. If the 'feature' continues to fail then it will be removed. Thanks for reading this / your patience [tolerance of my ravings!].

More - The Elder has decided the new specs are unsatisfactory - she is struggling to get used to them.  She is able to return them and the optician guarantees to sort out problems with the lenses to the customer's satisfaction - sounds good?  Except - The Elder had her eyes tested elsewhere and, having been provided a prescription for the lenses , went to a different outlet to choose / buy specs.  She chose her new specs, presented the prescription [obtained elsewhere] and asked them to 'make up' the new specs - which they were happy to do.  It now transpires that The Elder was unhappy with the eye test [elsewhere] 'they rushed me' and is in an awkward situation.  If she returns to the dispenser [of the new specs], they might argue their 'guarantee' only covers eye tests that they carried out.  Advising The Elder she might have been better choosing the specs, wherever, first and then getting the eye test [where she proposed to buy the specs], didn't go down well.

More #2 - The Elder has received a letter advising her to attend the local hospital to have certain matters attended to.  I am not at liberty to say what these are but, afterwards, she should find sitting down a pile more comfortable.

So, there you go!  Me?  I have plodded on with the research - the problem has been that I have to prepare a report in a certain way, which, with this particular 'workplace', I have not done before.  I have asked for advice but merely get referred to the Internet where 'advice' overwhelms me - however, thankfully, I have identified information that spells out, step by step, what I need to do - oh, the relief!  A very busy day tomorrow then!

The Dog is booked in for a haircut - he is so different afterwards - he goes from a size 20 to a size 10 - incredible.  The problem is that his fur grows outwards - compare the growing to that of a sheep - some time next week it will all be off - The Elder has offered to pay but, despite her good intentions, I have to decline; sadly, others might interpret her well meant efforts as 'a significant contribution to the running of the house' and, ultimately, try to get a share of the capital. I am sure that's not her intention but where money is concerned, others have suggested, fairness, honesty and emotions fly out of the window when the door of financial opportunity opens.

More tomorrow.

PS - whilst 'closing', my RSS reader, part of my e-mail prog, told me that I had incoming blog updates [notifies you in the same way you get notified of incoming e-mail] - on checking, it was Lone Black Spider's blog [an excellent blog] - the blog had been updated and, nervously checking the thingy [referred to above], I see it has updated - yeah!  Apologies if this is boring or confusing - I know what I mean!!

Technorati tags: Google Blog List, finance, spectacles, Farmer Giles, research papers

If It Ain't Broke ...

Hello world and how are things? Me? Oh, much the same - almost 75% of the break over ... bummer!

The title? Boys will be boys ... or One Thing Led To Another ... viewing Mel's recent posting and, in particular, the video, I decided to visit Google's home page where I discovered more, yes, even more!, Google goodies to 'enhance' my blog.  Out went the 'Blogosphere', 'Blogcast' and 'BlogRolling' things and in came the all new, all singing Google RSS reader and display [on your blog] thing.   I like it [to quote someone else]. I have set it to display the five most recent postings from the blogs I monitor.  I still use my separate RSS reader part of the 'Thunderbird' email prog. Anyhoo, enough muttering - I like and it stays.

Today, as you will already be aware, is a busy day - oh yes indeed ... must maintain the enthusiasm of yesterday.  A pleasant morning, the sun shines, though the temperature is only about 55'. All this small talks masks the dream of last night - most disturbing and, in many ways, a repeat [tut, tut ... everything you watch is a repeat] ... It was way back in the mid 1970's when some of you might still have been at school(!)  I had met, see previous post, and married The Junior - I loved her with all my heart and, even today, I miss her [and my #1 - my son]. Back to the dream [with apologies to those that have 'heard' it before]. [Long pause]. I am sorry, I won't detail any more - the memories are deeply embedded and it serves little public purpose to show off my dirty washing again [so to speak].

I have to confess that the saving money, to keep the house 'going' is starting to wear a bit thin. I did have in mind the idea of spending up to a maximum of e.g. £10K on improvements / decoration, leave a year's mortgage payments in the bank and treat myself to something with the residue [yes!, there's residue!!] I don't think I will ever buy a house again.  As kids we were indoctrinated to get a house, your own house, enjoy the security of your own house, eventually sell and enjoy the capital raised from your own house - you get the idea. The dream, as it appears in The USA, has turned sour.  I am fortunate in that the house is worth far more than the mortgage. Selling the house, here are the local figures, and repaying whatever is owed is still likely [let's not be too confident], to leave money in the bank.  I have a guaranteed pension income from my previous employment - though I have years [double figures] to go before I qualify for my state pension and, all the time, my 'value' increases. The Senior and my sister have both sold their house and now live in rented accommodation - sure they have rent to pay but there are no worries about repairs - no worrying about how will they pay for the unexpected expense. BTW, I have 'provided' for #2 & #3 [though not #1 - he is 30 years old and we haven't seen or had anything to do with each other for 29 years - I am both bitter and sad].

Apologies for labouring this issue.  I watch the news on the BBC's web site and, with respect to property prices, it's not the same across the country. One householder, I cannot find the link again(!), was interviewed and described how a similar house 'down the road' sold, last year for £300K.  Influenced by the likely return he carried out many improvements to his own house. The [DIY] improvements were financed by him charging his credit card - you can picture the scene ' ... once we have sold [at the profit we expect] then we pay off the debts and enjoy the profits... ! ... easy'. Of course it hasn't worked out like that and you are able to see the bitterness written across his face as he explains his situation. Frightening.

On a more cheerful note - it's time for a haircut.  I keep my hair short and, as some of you know, it's a snip [ha ha ha] for myself to run the cutter over it - maybe tomorrow. Too much to do today.

Now, let's have a look at the online shops etc. I really do deserve a treat or something.

Technorati tags: House prices, strange dreams, the '70's, BBC, haircut

Size matters ...

The Elder has returned from the nearby town complete with her new spectacles - I have to admit they really look good.  Apparently there are three types of vision through each lens - short sight correction for looking in the distance, near sight for reading and something else in between - don't ask me.  Anyhoo, she has returned, looking cool but grumbling 'that everything looks smaller than it used to' - I didn't feel it appropriate to make any comment.

Anyway, what a busy day - again.  I am pleased to have completed my PowerPoint presentation - well, OK, just a few snippets of text to paste in but the structure, timing, content and what have you are to my satisfaction. In addition, I have ordered books online, enquired about a course I need to attend, location TBC in the summer, liaised with colleagues, in connection with The Organisation and other tasks that have left me drained but, what's the word?, satisfied with my achievements - the various tasks were listed first thing this morning and there's a sense of pleasure in ticking them off one by one. Still a lot to do but it's another tick in the box.

So, what sort of day have you had? I pity Chris being so cold at work - contact lens?! I had enough of them when I was a young man - I kept them in too long, hard lens in those days, and I had to be carted off to hospital to have them levered of the surface off my eye - that's where I met The Younger - I must have presented as a vulnerable young man, in need of TLC - I certainly received that and then the rot set in - ah memories - no point in ruminating - life's a one time event. Hi V thanks for your comment etc. Hope you have had a good day.

The weather has been fine and, no, the money that I am owed has still not been deposited in my bank - grrrr! I meet with two representatives from The Organisation on Thursday to have my accounts audited - I am the outgoing Treasurer in one of the sub branches of The Organisation. That's another job I want to see the back of.

More later.

Technorati tags: Size matters, contact lens, PowerPoint, accounts

Sunday Mk #2 ...

A long day ...

Hi - and thanks for calling by.  As you know I have been up and on my feet since very early this morning. A sort of productive day [see previous posts] but not entirely. The Elder has been off work [day off today (and tomorrow)] and, to her credit, has been quite busy in the house. To my dismay I still have not progressed as far as I would have liked to on the work I have to submit - the PowerPoint presentation came to nothing and I am retiring to my bed, securing my specs somewhere safe, with a bit of a heavy heart - it's not the end of the world - it just means that I will have to be more determined tomorrow.

The only exciting, other, event is that I washed The Dog's feet, with a solution of disinfectant and specialist soap - he doesn't really like this sort of activity and he _still_ holds his paw off the ground. I am wondering if he is suffering some form of arthritis or similar.  With lots of warm, disinfected, soapy water left I  applied the same, liberally, to the area at the base of his tail, where it joins his body [his bum, that is].  This time there was no resistance or trying to pull away though afterwards he races into the 'lounge' and goes berserk rolling over the various chairs - no problemo - if it makes him happy then go for it. In this politically correct [to the extreme] country I live in it's only a matter of time until some observer reports me to 'the authorities' for abusing The Dog - I think not.

More later - might not be until the end of the week - hang on in there!

Early morning ...

Good morning! It's the unearthly hour of 0555 BST. Various issues have caused  to stir from my slumber one of them being the weather - almost 60'; we need not expand on other reasons. A bad start to the day - lurching out of my bed I knocked over my spectacles and stood on them - luckily they are a [rather attractive] frameless style i.e. two 'arms, a hinge arrangement and a bridge - all made out of 'Flexon' - very convenient in that you are able to bend them back in to shape - but the cost - honestly! £400+ ... Let's move on.

Thanks for the comments & feedback - well done Mel - 'X' rated - oh yes!  However, only the one X ....! Greetings to VofT - thanks for the feedback etc. Finally, apologies, to al, for any confusion - yesterday's rubbish included "Today's title? #3 was 'out' last night and this morning," - of course I meant #2 - I guess I must be getting confused in my old age(!).

The, eagerly anticipated, money is not in the bank yet - I hate being owed and I hate having bills.  0625 BST and it's light outside - just love it. The early mornings are such an enjoyable part of the day - I might even get dressed and take out The Dog - well, maybe later.

Right - best stop out of the way - #2 is up and about - she's best avoided first thing in the morning [she would probably say the same about me - probably with good cause!].

Technorati tags: Flexon, X rated, bank

Afternoon update - The Elder has been busy sorting out her bedroom, though she is presently occupying the room previously occupied by [let's get this right(!)], by #3. Clothes going back to when we first met have come to light [quite a number of sizes smaller], together with items 'of the time'.  One such item was the wedding album produced when we married - how different we looked - I never realised that 'flares' had come back into fashion! For the first time in many years it's now possible to see the floor in its entirety, in her bedroom, I helped by vacuuming - it seemed to take an age.  For my part I have shredded documents and papers that I have hung on to for years / no good reason. At the back of my mind is a thought that when #3 ends her gap year [next June] then The Elder et al will be moving. Perhaps I am being cynical? Moi?! Only time will tell ... oh yes. One thing that has stressed me out is The Elder breezing in to my room, where I am sat at my PC [working - not!] and I frantically try to hide the screen.  Solved this by installing a freebie that, press F12, immediately blanks the screen - a calm has descended.  Our old friend The Dog is enjoying the company of two - I have tidied, vacuumed my room and he has promptly, as usual, got himself comfortable ... you know where.

Now, no more interruptions until I have finished my PowerPoint presentation - well, OK, I will just set up another round the world trip - this time going North to South and this begs the question - if we go north to south via the 'poles' what do we cross if we go from east to west?

Pass the bottle or maybe not ...

Good afternoon, as it is here, a cold but bright day. A busy day - up early, as usual, and what a busy boy!  0800 the 'stew' was on the stove, I had cooked my rice, The Dog was fed and what to do next?  Of course!  Do what the others, including The Dog are doing - get myself back to my bed.  Thanks to VofT for the comments and the e-mail - much appreciated. Comments are always welcome [from anyone!], but few choose to leave them - which is sad because leaving comments encourages, when appropriate, two way, or even more, ways discussion - anyhoo - some do / some don't.  The blog certainly attracts a [much appreciated] number of visitors and, like other bloggers, this info is obtained from StatCounter.  I must confess I only use StatCounter to provide details of the number of visitors and their location [based on their ISP's location]. 'Regular visitors' [thank you], are able to be identified by the number of times their ISP's name appears.  StatCounter provides a host of other features but, to be honest, I only use a few of them. The hamburgers, last night, were a feast [well, I would say that!]. Oven baked served with rice and tomatoes - delicious. 

I have, in my usual, time wasting, way been playing about the blog structure and, also the site provided by Google.  Obvious changes are the inclusion of 'My profile' and, also, a change to the list of 'The Favoured Few' to 'caution' readers that a link contains content only suitable for 'adults'. Hope this helps. I have learned that the site is able to have HTML etc coding, that I devise [or, more likely, pinch from elsewhere!].

Otherwise, a very lazy day.  The Elder has started on her bedroom [that she has occupied, on her own, for the last ten years].  The bed is out and this has revealed, amongst other items, carefully stacked boxes [flat cardboard], under the bed.  These have been emptied out [once all the dust has been cleared - honestly, it's like a scene from the Addams Family - the boxes etc., that is, not The Elder. Various books have seen daylight for the first time in years including a book on wine making - you have to smile - there are photographs in the book and the heading, on one of them, is ' winemakers enjoy many gay social occasions' - harmless comment in, whenever, but not quite the same meaning today.

Today's title? #3 was 'out' last night and this morning, when she had recovered, was in a talkative mood [just and most unusually!].  I asked her what a typical Saturday 'night out with the girls' would cost her - answer? Typically anywhere between £50 - £100 [that's about $100 - $200 USD].  She can only afford to go, to the venues costing this sort of money, once or twice a month but, she went on, 'the guys will spend £100 - £150 twice / three times a month' [$ work it out yourself!]. I was quite shocked.  It being Sunday, bleugh, I wait with interest to see what, if any, deductions or credits will hit my bank account.  Don't forget late Sunday we get an early view for transactions that, strictly speaking, will not be shown until early Monday morning - how exciting! The gas [heating / cooking] bill has recently arrived, as it does every three months - £110 - that 'covers' mid January - mid March - sources estimate that domestic fuel bills have risen by 50% over the last twelve months - frightening.

Ah well - that's Sunday nearly over. The big plan, this coming week, is to identify the tasks [that I still have to complete], identify the deadlines and, somehow, undertake some of project management - otherwise I can see myself becoming seriously stressed!

Technorati tags: StatCounter, 'Favoured Few, The Elder, gay, 'girls' night out', bills

Finally, as you may know, I, occasionally, post pictures on the blog. These are saved, inevitably, on Flickr.  I have, however, a programme on my PC called Snag-It the world's best screen capture prog.  Still with me?  Posts to the blog are composed and published via a free prog called 'Windows Live Writer'. I have an add-in that allows screen captures to be placed on the Live Writer page that I am writing to e.g. this post / page.  I have added a screen capture and wonder whether or not it is showing on the blog - the capture 'Google' is just part of this screen.  It will show up when I view the blog because it will associate the capture with a file on my PC.  Apologies for going on!! Hope to hear from you!  Thanks.

Tragedy ...

Well, let's not become distraught ... 

Your hero of aviation has been, as you know, on a round the world trip and is nearing the end!  I am landing at Krakow [Poland] and then the final leg back to dear old Blighty. But, 200 miles from Krakow, whilst the 'plane was on autopilot [minding its own business], I minimised the screen to look for a file in my file manager.  This placed great demand on my PC and something had to give.  Up popped the dreaded '... has developed a fault and needs to shut down ...' [or something like that].  This meant that the flight was interrupted - now, does this count as a 'crashed flight'?  The event would not have occurred if I had left all alone - what would you do? (although it might be more productive going to wash the dishes or cut the grass or, heavens, even carrying out research work). The 'rule' is that a 'crash' means the flight starts all over. Life's little problems ...

I have, with nothing else to do [ha!] been messing around with the new SEH site - no link - have a look top right, thank you.  I have added extra pages and one of these pages is a nice picture of my approaching an airport - apologies if this is boring but it amuses me.  The Elder has returned from her work complaining of a pain in her lower [stomach] regions - let's say 2 o'clock high from the water outlet. It's all very worrying - it's not the hernia problem [in her view], but the pain is, ominously, near the area previously affected by cancer [most of which [hysterectomy] was removed earlier]. It's a worrying time then before she goes for her next blood tests when the situation might become clearer. Watch this space.

My Friday night 'excitement' was a damp squib - I need to review files, research papers, in the Adobe PDF style. Using the free software I am able to add comments, underline and highlight etc points of interest.  I made the mistake of installing the update, to the PDF reader and it disabled the free highlighting etc features - sort of turned the freeware with full access to all features to shareware with limited access to reduced features. What a pain!  Meant that I had to remove the prog altogether then edit out registry settings [like playing with radioactive cells] before re-installing the older version.  Result was that I didn't hit the bed until 0145 and then up at 0600 - I am knackered!

Fresh made hamburgers for dinner tonight [I make them myself from fresh mince etc] and then, a bit of TV followed by an early night.  The Dog has slept all day and, having just returned from his walk with The Elder, is bouncing about like a three year old.  Give him ten minutes and he will be asleep - lucky so and so ...

Technorati tags: FS2004, Adobe, PDF, hamburgers, freeware

I really should be otherwise engaged ...

Friday afternoon - yeah!!  My favourite day of the week, especially Friday evening [as I snuggle myself up in bed].  Many thanks to VofT for you mail etc.  'Light switch' - it had me beaten until I switched it on - excellent! I will have another look at the site you recommended later today.'Titter', you might be aware, was a word oft used by 'Frankie Howard' a stage / film / television comedy actor.  In some ways we are much alike though we differ in two distinct ways: 1. He was homosexual and 2. He's dead.  He suffered a nervous breakdown in his early days, but through his determination, recovering from the same to achieve his 'fame'. You may have noticed in this and previous blogs a slight risque style which bothers me not at all. When in a 1-1 situation, however, then I might appear to be incredibly shy - it's true. In a crowd, however, my 'other side' takes over - oh dear - readers might be wondering just who / what this blogger has been prescribed.  Nothing at all, dear, nothing at all.  Talking of 'today' - what's happened? Not a lot if truth be known - The Dog, as ever, is sprawled out on my bed, the weather is much the same as yesterday, I have been looking at the reports and the info that I have retrieved from the Net, supporting my [proposed!] work, a bit more flying and - da, da da daaaaaahhh!!  I have provided a potted history about the divorce etc and this is viewable on my 'site'.

No post today and the anticipated income still has not arrived though my, crappy, previous, Internet Service Provider, even though the account was cancelled nearly a month ago, has written demanding payment for service. Ditto the company that provided my mobile telephone, until February, service.  It makes you wonder how some of these people keep jobs / businesses survive.

Now, back to my flying - the good news is that the round the world trip is progressing well.  Having departed from the north of the UK I have passed my previous furthest point, where I crashed [Seattle] and I am now, having passed Alaska, on route to Japan.  The 'world time' may be either set as UK time or 'local' time and you may fly using either of these times.  I use 'local' which meant that at 0700 or so [UK time] it was about 0300 USA time i.e. it was dark. Having flown westwards, all day, it remains dark!  The local time is now 0430 - I'll be glad to see some daylight.

Right back to the research.

Technorati tags: Frankie Howard, titter, The Dog, FS2004

Not bad, not at all a bad day ...

Evening all and welcome.  Many thanks to Mel for your e-mail and words of encouragement and, welcome to Steven [all the way from China!].  Steven makes a good point / valid request to elaborate on the divorce.  In the near future I will provide this information [one disadvantage of Blogger compared to Wordpress or your own page is that you cannot have sub pages ... whoa... stop there... Google allows you to have your own 'Google web page', albeit with limited editing options, and I have the said thing here's the link - THERE'S NOTHING ON THE SITE - YET!!!].

Welcome back ...

The Dog and I have fallen out - my fault, to be honest.  This morning, with the weak rays of sunshine enveloping him, I woke him, from his slumbers, a touch too briskly resulting in a lot of growling and showing of teeth [from him].  He, immediately, comes to his senses [without my intervention], and almost falls over me to 'make up' and, of course, you make up - although it has to be said, it's all rather unsettling. Glad to say that I have obtained the information, on critiquing research articles and, with another week off 'work' [next week] - ha ha! I will be really getting stuck in to the task - oh yes.

I see the Bank of England has reduced the 'interest rate' again - third time since December '07.  The Elder is mortified because her portfolio, investments, shares et al will not produce the sort of return that she is expecting - my heart bleeds.

How exciting! #2 has just entered my room - a bit giddy - she has been out with her friend and has put a request to me - don't get excited - it's just to 'book' the washing machine tomorrow - no problemo, of course, it amuses me what effect alcohol has on her [she, like myself, doesn't drink much and when she does it goes straight to her head, bless her]. As for The Elder ... she drinks very little - I met her, years ago, at some 'party' or other - boogying away, with me - can you believe it?!, she declared the room was getting larger - in reality she was sinking to the floor.  Two gallant men and myself [also gallant] carried her off to a quiet room to recover in her own time. [I might add that nothing occurred in the room between her or anyone else]. She quickly came to her senses, sort of, and on exiting the room, where I was outside 'on guard', she took one look at me and told me to 'bog off'.

Who says the age of romance is dead? Looking back I might have been better off following her instruction.

Life is full of regrets.

Technorati tags: my site, China, divorce, The Dog, Bank of England, alcoholic, The Elder, boogie, regrets

Things that go bump in the night ...

Greetings and many thanks, as always, to you kind people for taking the trouble to comment.  I sympathise with Chris - there's not much worse than being cold but, hey!, it's spring here in the UK and, looks across room to temperature gauge, it's a miserable 60' in my room.  The only comfort is that with the curtains drawn back on both windows [facing north and south] at least the room is bright - when [ha!] the sun shines the south facing window causes the sun to shine on my bed - this has certain attractions for the black hairy 'man' that is never away from me.  Hi VofT - thanks, also, for your comment and for being so sharp eyed!  I have to confess that I didn't intend to use the words so as to cause a titter but I will be more careful in future! 

The day so far [as at 1500 BST] - The Dog is spark out, we are both fed - he, The Dog, is enjoying his afternoon nap and me?  I should be working on my reports but just cannot get up the energy to do so - let's have a cup of coffee and that should fire me up. The post, received today, is the agenda etc for the next meeting of The Organisation - for the first time ever I see that my successor, a sort of 'assistant deputy' [not in the cowboy sense (if this makes any sense at all)] [good luck to him!] is named on the agenda - never seen that before - there is, usually, a vote.  On reflection he is the only candidate as, you will recall, my 'deputy' resigned and my successor has to be an already appointed deputy or assistant deputy - ah well, that's that mystery cleared up.

Hope you are having a good day - me? I need inspiration on critiquing published papers - I know what to do - I guess I am looking for a simple(r) step by step guide. 

The title?  The Elder continues to have an uncomfortable night in the newly renovated bedroom - apparently she senses a presence in the room - well, matey, it's not me! That would look good trying to sell the house [possibly next March] 'all mod cons including a presence' - I am just waiting for the pressure to be applied as #3's 'gap year' overseas comes to an end (next June), - she has spent the last nine months in Canada [so I am led to believe] - doing what, living where? It's anybody's guess.  Rumour has it that she, with others, is travelling to another part of the world - even further away. 'Pressure'? - 'so', asks The Elder, 'where is ....(#3) going to live when she returns to the UK?'

More later.

Technorati tags: Cold weather, black and hairy, critique

Social ...

Hi and thanks for calling by.  Grateful thanks to all for the comments.

Righty - here's the news:  The bedroom that was previously occupied by #3 is now, practically, a palace - I am so pleased that, one room at least, is clean, tidy and looking, almost, like a bedroom should look.  It's been a hard slog that finished with me humping, if you will pardon the pun, a huge cupboard, on my own!, down the stairs to be deposited, for goodness knows how long, outside. The Elder has returned and promptly demanded to know that I had not thrown out / away any of her possessions.

A busy day collecting information from the Internet - principally articles from professional journals and setting out what I need for tomorrow's pursuit of the work I have to submit - some good news - I thought the work [lots of it!], was due in at the end of this month and, yippee!, it's actually the end of next month; mustn't, though, start slacking now. The Elder's turn to cook, this evening, and I am now, slowly, slipping in to a coma caused by overeating - I starved myself all day and, eagerly, waited for this evenings' delights [food wise, that is - don't get the wrong idea!]. Methinks it will be an early night for me tonight.

The Dog continues to hold his paw off the ground and I am not sure if it's a bit smelly [his paw, that is] - I wash his paw and there's no pulling it away or reacting in any way - he's a good dog! Once the washing is over he races, on all paws, in to the house where he rolls over the settee, displacing cushions, covers and all - I so worry about him getting older - not much I can do about it, of course, other than making sure that his needs are met.

What else? Not much really - my bedroom, woohoo - naughty secrets?! - 'fraid not, looks like the builders have been in.  I have been moving and sorting, on and off, all day and there's at least an hour's work, tidying and putting stuff back, before I am able to go to bed. Now sweating on a sum of money, that I receive annually [involving a sort of part time job], it will greatly add to the pot but, sadly, I have already earmarked it for another account that I have.  The account had / has a free overdraft that will not be available after July.  I may be overdrawn and not suffer any costs - so I promptly drew out the maximum and put it into my savings account [better rate of interest], sadly it's now payback time. I have been invited out to a dinner, next month, as part of a whole day 'activity' involving a charity that I support.  I will attend the social but not the dinner - the distance is excessive, the cost of the dinner is excessive but includes free wine - I don't drink much [spilling most of it] and certainly not if I had to drive back here.  The Elder, quite rightly, points out the distance to take me, to drive herself back here, to drive out again and then to drive me back - me probably being in a giddy state is 'not really on'.  I could stay at a local hotel, for the night, but I am always apprehensive that I might throw up somewhere or not be able to find the toilet - either finding myself trying to get in to a wardrobe, someone else's room or locking myself out of my room - what a frightening sight it must present! You will just have to take my word for it.

Technorati tags: clean house, humping, research, The Dog, social functions, hotels

Housing market - a sorry story ...

Another good-ish day.  I managed to complete the presentation, c/w video inserts, that is due at the end of this month.  The 'only' remaining work, for this 'report' [though not including the other, outstanding, four reports!], is to tidy up the narration supporting the PowerPoint presentation.  So, reasonably pleased with myself. 

Although retired [far too early], I have been offered part time work on an 'as & when required' basis.  I have had to call in to the office to sort out various papers.  Arriving there, at the office, I asked if I could sit down, at a desk, to complete the necessary paperwork.  I was advised 'oh, that's xxx's chair - she will be back in a minute'.  Jokingly I asked if I might use the desk of the person to whom I was speaking, on the assumption that she would get up and offer her seat or find another and this was readily agreed - but, unfortunately there was no chair available and this resulted in me having to kneel on the floor - I didn't make anything of this but, as the person concerned watched me sink to the floor and struggle to get up again [OK, I am dressing this up a bit],  I thought 'how ignorant are people?'.

I am sure that you want to know - The Elder had a better night - so that's good news [phut - as if I am really that bothered!].  Seems that here in the UK we are following, as usual, trends in the USA.  Figures released show that property prices have risen, over the last year, by approx. 1% and those trying to sell have had to reduce their asking price - you can accept this unless you have previously put in a bid for a property and the vendor holds you to the agreed price.  What to do?  Previously people, when their own selling price had to be reduced because they couldn't get a buyer, would if and when an offer was made, would reduce the offer they themselves had made - are you following this?! Gazumping is, I believe the word - such practice is illegal in Scotland - you are held to the price you offered [and, conversely, the vendor cannot raise the price on the back of ' we have had a better offer - can you beat it?']. To where am I, laboriously, leading you?

The Elder, when she sold her share of CS to me received a tidy sum.  This, we imagine, is now deposited in to a bank, savings or, even, investment account. Now, pay attention, The Elder will be receiving 5% - 6% [at least] on her funds and which will, by and large, be using to pay her rent etc.  Me, on the other hand, I am paying a mortgage in excess of the money I receive from The Elder and the house is increasing in value at a rate less than the rate of  inflation etc. All worrying news - but you get by.

That'll do for today - I do like to get some, anything, posted on a daily basis and to those of you that visit / comment I thank you for your kind consideration [and tolerance].

Technorati tags: Divorce, PowerPoint, freezing, house prices, investments, savings, bad manners

Early to bed and early to rise ...

Good morning [0630 BST], that should read '... early to shiver ...'.  Yes indeedy, the temperature is 47' - bitter!  The Dog shuffles out to do his business and, in this cold weather, has to get a move on ...

As ever, thanks to VofT for your comment - seems you had a good weekend - 100' - sigh ... bliss .... I have been to Cyprus where the temperature was 90+ - the day started at about 0700 - it was far too hot in the afternoon.  Finishing work @ 1430 it was back, for a shower [a cold shower] and then crashing out until about 1800 when I somehow woke up [the mozzies 'helped'].

Lots to do today so there might not be any more of this same old rubbish until tomorrow.

Have a nice day!

Another busy week begins ...

The start of a two week break - yes! - another two week break but, oh dear, so much to be completed over the next two weeks or so. With that in mind today has been a vigorous and determined effort to make some headway, on my reports, and there has been, limited, success.  The big problem has been copying part of an onscreen video e.g. something from YouTube.  Easy to start with - I am able to either download the whole movie or use other software to capture from the screen as it plays.  OK so far.  The downloaded / captured file then required a lot of work to extract just the part I wanted say e.g. two minutes from the start and for a further three minutes - I sorted this out and then became stressed [only kidding], at getting the edited extract on to PowerPoint.  It's finally all sorted out.

Today has been bitterly cold - amazing how the weather changes from one extreme to the other.  I have a weather thingy on my wall, in front of me, and the temperature, you might recall, was high 60's last week and now is the low 50's. I just hate being cold. When the time comes I will travel somewhere hot and sunny - well, that's the idea, it probably will not happen.  In the summer, this part of the UK is very hot - the high 80's  - lovely!  The Dog crashes out on the floor on a bean bag or similar - one of the better ways to spend the day, in the really hot weather, is to wash / bath The Dog outside in the sun - he loves it and I suppose I enjoy it too.  I wonder if there is some sort of paternal emotion being activated? Doesn't really matter.

The new bed - The Elder has wandered around the house [her day off], a bit like Quasimodo, she has not had a good night, her hip hurts, her shoulder hurts, her skin is sore where she vigorously scrubbed off the oil from her legs [a couple of days ago] and, to cap it all, it being a single bed, her bedding has continually slipped off resulting in a restless night and, this morning, presenting in a slightly agitated mood. To her credit that has worn off and she has set to, in the bedroom that used to be occupied by #3, and wait for it ... the room, apart from the already is situ bunk bed, contains nothing associated with #3.  Everything has either been dumped or taken away for storage [at The Elder's expense].  The off site storage that she originally signed up [$40 USD a month], is insufficient and now she is paying $80 USD per month for increased storage space. In UK pounds [£] that's about £40 per month. What would £40 per month be better spent on? 8 gallons of petrol or 14 pints of beer or 40 cheeseburgers or 75% of the monthly electricity bill or whatever - you get the idea? You wonder why she just doesn't dump the whole lot - still, as I have previously said - it's her money.

Hi to VofT, hope you enjoyed the weekend and thanks very much for your kind comment - made me blush [and that happens so easily!]. It's been a long day today and I am going to crash out in a few minutes - another busy day tomorrow.

Thanks for calling by.

Technorati tags: Youtube, Camtasia, PowqerPoint, being cold, hot weather, new bed, Quasimodo, blushing

Fit for a 'princess' ...

Hello! Twice in one day!! You certainly get your money's worth - oh yes indeedy.

Sad events of the day - in reverse order:

Barnsley failed to get to the FA Cup Final

My Yorkshire Puddings were too 'short'

Otherwise a great day. Lots of restarting my round the world flying trip, lots of research and using a prog that helps with 'brainstorming', revising for the final meeting of The Organisation - next May, one other meeting before that, reviewing my finances, sorting out the PC brought here by The Elder's friend, making a delicious evening meal and, generally, doing not much at all - and feeling good about it.

As you know I dislike Sunday because, to me, it's such a long day.  The weather has been cold and wet, all day, meaning that I have hardly stepped out of the house. You may be wondering to what the title refers?  The Elder has set up her new furniture in the room previously occupied by #3.  The item in question, as you will recall, is electric allowing for various positions of comfort. It might be of significant interest to a couple, especially a young couple, but I am sure The Elder purchased the thing for the purpose for which it was designed - and very nice it looks too [the item, that is, a bed if you haven't already worked it out]. Extremely comfortable - it was a real pleasure to see the room, for the last 18 years a progressively worsening eyesore [and possible health hazard], looking 'lived in' - if it could speak I am sure the room would be as pleased as I feel - how strange to suggest a room could have feelings - but you never know(!).  Princess? [Princess & the pea - fairy story - geddit??] The Elder is far from that - but I wish her well and hope she is comfortable.  The big plan is that, tomorrow, the room she uses [her bedroom] will be cleaned out and the new furniture, somehow, manhandled into her room.  I can almost feel my back protesting but it got to be done. Amidst all these good feelings that some progress is being made you cannot hide the fact that if The Elder wants something doing, in the house, for her benefit then she gets stuck in.  My questions about the black sacks, oh yes, still 'resting' in the outbuilding saw a change in the tone of her voice and a silly, churlish 'I'll get stuck in to now' as she slammed down her breakfast [at 1153 AM] - she didn't start the job. Anyhoo, enough grumbling - one step forward is better than two steps back.

What about my old friend The Dog? A limited activity day - a very productive barking day.  I made the mistake of asking him 'what time is it?', which of course I am sure he doesn't understand - what he has worked out is that when he is asked, the question is quickly followed up by his meal.  On being asked his routine now is to race downstairs, bouncing about on his legs and bark, bark, bloody bark. It's a detached house so, hopefully, the neighbours will not be affected. I watched The Dog as he ambled around the garden, this afternoon, there's no doubt that he is looking his age - smelly breath, stiff joints, lethargic - well, that's enough about me - The Dog's much the same [ha ha ha].

Off tomorrow and lots to do.  Hope you have enjoyed your weekend and that the rest of the week is everything you want it to be.  Bye for now.

Technorati tags: Charlton Heston, Barnsley, Yorkshire Puddings

The pleasure of sleep ...

Unusually, an early morning session - this is all true:

A disturbed night's sleep [probably as a result of eating after the new furniture was delivered], where was I? - disturbed sleep.  In my dreams, prior to my waking, I dreamed that I was at a sort of rehearsal for a play - the nature of the play eludes me but it involved, with others, running on to a stage waving my arms and generally acting silly [I found the latter part easy!]. Now, I had been attending / rehearsing for several weeks and things were going on fine.  Then we had a new producer - a guy I worked with about twenty years ago - sadly, as, at the time it turned out, he was an a alcoholic and his hiding, attempting to hide, his personal habits made life difficult for all.  Anyhoo, that point is included to aid the rest of the story. So, this guy takes over as producer and we, immediately recognise each other - I say nothing about what I already know and he does not disclose anything to the rest of the crew.  On to the stage I leap, Nureyev style [though in appearance, at least, that's where the similarity ends - if you know what I mean]. I go through my routine and the producer calls me over and tells me has awarded me a minus score, -50 to be precise. Unusually, very unusually [honestly], I become slightly agitated and, like a classic actor, storm off the stage.

Outside, it's now midnight and, by the way, all this is occurring in the city of my birthplace, it's dark and the rain falls. For unknown reasons I have not travelled to the location using my car.  I ask another member of the team for a lift and he readily agrees telling me to wait at the exit of the car park from where he will collect me. The rain falls, the car park empties. I wait. I wait. The colleague doesn't show.  There I am, miles from home, after midnight, it's dark, cold and raining.  I have no transport or the means to pay for what would be a huge taxi fare. I stand there bitterly reflecting on life and then, in that strange state of being half awake / half asleep, I wake up [in my own bed].

This morning I have a blinding headache - probably as a result of banging the back of my neck just below the base of my skull, following the The Elder's new furniture being loaded into my car. I had loaded up the car, got in to the drivers seat and nearly knocked myself out. I should feel pleased with myself - The Elder, in gratitude for my assistance gave me a 200g bar of chocolate, plain or dark chocolate - the nature of which leaves me a gibbering wreck and a willing slave to anybody.

It's now 0800 BST, the rain is falling, the weather is cold, 51', it's London Marathon Day, no I will not be running, I would like to but I don't think I am quite ready...

Bloody hell! It's snowing!! Honestly - early April and it's snowing - best I get back to bed - The Dog's already there.

Technorati tags: disturbed sleep, theater, play, alcoholic, Nureyev, midnight, sleep, headache, chocolate, Marathon

Back to 'normal' ...

Hi y'all and welcome.  Many thanks to VofT and to Chris for your comments / e-mail - as always, gratefully received and much appreciated. Let's hope the following rubbish is 'lighter' than yesterday's soul exposing.  It can only get better!

The good news is that the money is in the bank!  Yeah!! Annual credit interest and, you bet, it's a lot less than I envisaged - not to worry. The Elder and #2 have both been at their respective employment and so, as the sun shone, though the temperature steadily reduced, we, The Dog and myself, had fun with each others company.  On balance he had the most fun - I have been baking and he, The Dog, keeps his cataract affected eyes focused on the floor for the slightest deposit.  The Dog is a cocker spaniel / springer cross.  I purchased him when he was about nine months old and had already been through three other homes. Anyhoo, being the [cross] breed that he is when he is looking on the floor, for something to eat, his tail, rather the stump, wags furiously - there's no reason for it but it makes you smile - well it makes me smile.

Saw something today that I have never seen before - it's true, Peter Falk, in his 'Columbo' role, when he takes off his coat - amazing. I only watched about 10 minutes of the prog. This evening I was asked to assist The Elder collecting her new furniture - honestly, people must see her coming.  There again, it's her money and not my place to pass comment.  Somehow, back at CS, she found she had oil stains all over her legs and rushed in to the kitchen, where I was, as usual, making the evening meal, shrieking about oil stains and showing me, the extent of the stains - which appeared to lie between her knees and her stomach. Having not seen these, particular, views for quite a few years, it was all a bit too much for me and I had to step outside, in to the fresh air, to compose myself.  The Elder rushed upstairs to the bathroom from where, as I stood outside, I could hear her grumbling and talking, in a demented sort of way, to herself about 'the bloody oil'. Eventually a sort of calm descended.

I did, you will be pleased to know, get quite a lot of research completed for the presentation that I have to give in about a month's time. I am quite comfortable with progress and, with that in mind, it has been quite a good day.  What was not so good was having to get up this morning, at about 0430, when I realised that going to bed on an empty stomach though having swallowed a large cup of tea, before going to bed, was not a good idea.  The Dog, hearing me lurching about in the dark, desperately trying to come to my senses, with a growing need to rush to the bathroom, whilst falling over various items in my bedroom, started barking.  Picture the scene - yours truly in the bathroom doing, with some early morning difficulty, what had to be done and The Dog, downstairs, barking to be fed / let out - remember it was only 0430.  My own problem being sorted I went downstairs and sorted The Dog.  Five minutes later I was back in my bed and which was now occupied by something black and hairy.

Wet paws, in the small of your back, is not one of the most enjoyable ways to get back to sleep - it didn't bother my bed partner.

Technorati tags: Bank credits, Dog, cataracts, Peter Falk, Columbo, exposure, bladder, wet paws

Pause for reflection ...

OK - I guess I lost my nerve - no picture on the earlier post.  That's the end of that. I understand the reason the picture didn't show was because I copied it from my PC and, of course, viewing the blog, the link to the pic, which is on my PC, then uploading the post / pic broke the link - obvious really which is why people use Flickr and the like.

On a more cheerful note - another great day!  The sun has shone and I have copied old VHS recordings on to DVD. Mmmm ... a slight itching on my right palm ... a sign, I am told, that money is coming your way soon ['receive with right, lose with the left], tomorrow the anticipated deposit/s, annual interest, into my savings etc should be in the bank - a restless night [I think not]. Where was I? Oh yes - copied old videos and bathed The Dog - great fun.

This evening I have, unusually, little to tell you.  OK, if you really need to know, I have washed all my clothes and hung them on the line, outside, to dry.  So what? Well, my little furry friends, I just wonder what the neighbours must think when they see washing being hung out and the said washing clearly belongs only to the person hanging out the washing - I mean, they would never see me hanging out a bra or briefs etc and, conversely, The Elder would never hang out a pair of boxers [oh, I dunno though...].

Tomorrow I really must make more of an effort to complete [start!] the work that is due in next month and June. One item requires me to give a presentation - no problemo and I will be talking on a subject, the nature of which I gave a presentation twenty years ago(!).  To make it more interesting I will be adding a video insert [now you know why I wanted to be able to copy VHS tapes on to DVD] and include the previous presentation in to the new - my, but how I have changed - still tall, a little heavier but, oh dear - where has my lovely brown hair gone? Of course! It's been replaced by my shiny silver locks though not, it has to be admitted, with the same volume. We digress - but I just wondered where have the years gone?  When the original video was made, #2 was 5 years old and #3 about three years old. 

We all change, in appearance, as we get older I guess though, to quote an old phrase, 'people don't change' - I suppose, therefore, that I have always been a soft touch. The initial impression of 'gentleness' and consideration, viewed by others, quickly wears and these traits are then seen as a sign of weakness leading others to take advantage - the relationship deteriorates and, very quickly, the rot sets in.  In some ways I have lost faith in other members of society and I guess this is most unfair on those to whom the 'label' should not be applied. Inevitably I remain somewhat cautious - it's a 'cross' I have to bear and, who knows, given time, when CS is sold, when I have lost The Dog, when The Elder moves out then, if not sooner, maybe I will be able to pick up on the many aspects of enjoying life that I appear to have forsaken? There's so much, despite the flippant appearance / presentation of the blog etc that I haven't done in my life, and in an effort not to 'damage' impressions, the rude pictures etc suddenly seem out of place as I 'revert' to the 'safety' of being polite, courteous and having respect for others - attributes that, these days, people see as odd.  All this rather sad / miserable rambling has been triggered by a line I heard on TV today : 'I have mixed with others for years and in doing so I have been lonely for years'.

I will leave you to reflect on these depressing ramblings. Let's move on - it's the weekend.  I love Friday evenings.  Getting in to bed I am back to my teens - ah! clean sheets, no work tomorrow and so on ... bliss.

Is it in ..?

Friday morning, 62' and off 'work' for two weeks plus - oh yes indeedy - it's a hard life. Hopefully you will continue to visit the blog?  Thanks to VofT for encouraging, perhaps unknowingly!, this shy, gentle, rather reserved man  live a slightly risque moment - will there be more? We shall have to wait and see.

The excitement continues - not quite.  A couple of years ago I opened an ISA savings account [the government lets you deposit into a savings account up to a maximum amount each year and the resulting credit interest does not get taxed]. The interest is due in the savings account, hence the title to this post, and the excitement is building! See, I have lived a quiet, sheltered and gentle life(!). The new tax year starts tomorrow and I hoped the interest would be 'in' today - sadly not but there's always tomorrow.

Bad news for The Dog - if the warm day continues as it is expected to then it's shower time for him - he doesn't mind - he sits in the bath with the shower over him and, on completion, is wrapped up in a big towel and carried, baby like, downstairs where he shakes before rushing outside and rolling on the grass - how we all laugh!

Have a great day - the weekend is here!!

Finally, before you ask, no I am not somewhere in the picture accompanying the previous post.

Technorati tags: Holiday, ISA, runners, quiet life, weekend

Request for help ...

VofT said? Go ahead, post the email, we can handle it.

SEH replies: Ahhh.... out of the mouths of the innocent!

Can I ask a favour?

A group of friends are spending their holidays doing a 'Fun Run'
across the country. They are travelling light and are looking for
places along the way where they can crash for a few days.

I thought maybe you could help out by welcoming them and making them
feel at home.

I took the liberty of giving them your e-mail address. They
left three days ago and you can probably expect them to arrive
sometime in the next 3 weeks.

To help you recognize them (I don't want you to be taking in complete
strangers), I attach a photo of them.

Updated 1330 BST - [RUDE] PICTURE REMOVED  - I LOST MY NERVE!

Apologies if you are offended- hope you continue visiting!

Sun, sun, sun ...

Greetings cyber chums and welcome to this muchus warmus part of England.  The time now is 2335 BST and the temperature in my room is a staggering 70' - shorts only! However, we need not develop this part of the discussion. The light evenings and warm weather bring a renewed vigour to this worn out carcase. More good news - I have worked out how to copy VHS video on to DVD! Yeah!! It's just a matter of using the correct cable and choosing the appropriate recording mode.  Even more good news! - I am off 'work' for another two weeks, as 'we all' are, however, whilst 'off' - I have a huge amount of work to do - 'reports' etc. to write.

The Dog has been left on his own most of the day and my arriving back is greeted with huge amounts of affection from The Dog before he rushes out to empty his bladder.  Thereafter he simply crashes out - as for myself I haven't stopped, no, honestly!, haven't stopped since I returned.  The refuse bin having been emptied I have to get my, er, not sure what they call it - my electric, high pressure water jet thingy - as you have, probably ,worked out it takes mains water in and compresses it out at high pressure - one of the best pieces of kit that I bought - great for cleaning the car, the bin, the windows and so on.  Early use, when I first bought the thing, caused a minor problem - water, at high pressure, went everywhere [outside] including over the leylandii hedges], much to the annoyance of my next door neighbour.

Hi Mel, hope things are OK. Greetings VofT thanks for the comment - teenage girls? I went grey between their ages of 12 - 22.

A colleague forwarded quite a rude, though not porn, a rude e-mail [including picture].  It really amused me and I was going to post it but then modesty, bashfulness etc. overwhelmed me so it's no rude blog post for you; you might be relieved to learn! Otherwise the round the world flight continues.  Having left UK, flying past France, Portugal, Africa, Ascension Island, Brazil and up, via Florida in to the US.  The 'legs' today include stopping at Fort Worth and then on to Chicago Meigs [the 'home of Microsoft Flight Simulator']. Each leg has required a touchdown and refuel though, once airborne, the autopilot does the rest including bringing the 'plane down.  My limited input is applying flaps, lowering the gear and applying the brake! This flying lark is a snip.

Problems with The Senior, she has it in her mind to change her will - again. Without wanting to sound ungrateful I have suggested she seeks legal advice from a professional [hey! I am a professional, several times over, but not, wholly, in law]. Saying too much results in The Senior developing an argument - safe practice, these days, is to say as little as possible - the old saying [Yorkshire dialect],  applies -

Eat all, drink all, pay nowt,

See all, hear all, say nowt,

And if thee ever does owt for nowt, allus do it for thisen!

Early start tomorrow - lots to do.

Technorati tags: England, weather, The Dog, bladder, teenage girls, Flight Simulator, will, legal, professional

Who's a busy boy ..?

Hello and welcome to downtown UK where the sun has shone, The Elder returned from her work much earlier than expected and got 'stuck in' to clearing the landing i.e. the approach path to the bedroom previously used by #3.  Incidentally, #3 'phoned, from far away, last night - no, her birthday parcel has not arrived and ... well, that's as much as I know.  The Elder knows that I have #3's welfare in mind but, unless I ask her, The Elder, I get told nothing ... all very sad.

The new, electric, appliance has not yet arrived and its pending arrival is the cause of The Elder clearing up.  Referring back to the landing, there is, now, nothing on the floor except the carpet - it's the first time I have seen the landing clear since nearly five tears ago. At that time I cleared the landing, though not entirely, and, at the same time, made a token, hardly noticeable, effort to tidy #3's bedroom.  #3 and The Elder were up t'north surveying a possible university that #3 might attend [she didn't].  On their return #3 went berserk because I had been in 'her' room.  She promptly accessed my bedroom and trashed it - what would you do?  The Elder, supporting #3, argued that I 'had no right to enter #3's bedroom'.

Hi VofT - thanks for the cartoon - I was creased - it's the front paws that did it ... So, a ride on grass cutter? Very impressed!

'Busy boy'?  I have turned my room inside out and re-arranged various items - honestly, my room is looking more like a student bedsit or, as I believe it's called in the USA 'an SRO' - 'single room occupancy' - reading this description I wonder if I should review how I describe my status?

I haven't forgotten the comment I propose to add to Mel's blog and, brace yourself ['all of you'], I might be sending an e-mail out on Friday, individual, of course.  The Dog sends his best wishes well he would if he could except that he is spark out on my bed - soft hearted that I am, I haven't the heart to move him.  Late last night he was in the same position when The Elder looked in to my room [to see if The Dog was there - she was locking up the house].  Seeing The Dog on my bed she approached him when he growled at her causing her to back away at a fair and admirable turn of speed.  I think she had disturbed The Dog - naturally I told him off [at the same time giving him a biscuit! - hee hee hee!].

Technorati tags: Downtown UK, The Elder, daughter #3, house cleaning, trashed, bedsit, SRO, The Dog

Count your blessings ...

Yesterday was a 'funny' sort of day - it was back to 'work', a very long day and not returning to CS until quite late.  A quick meal and then out to assist a colleague with their PC, eventually arriving back here, quite late, when I crashed in to my bed.

Today is an easier day and I returned from 'work' earlier this afternoon.  First of all - many thanks to Mel for your kind comment - I am sorry that the link to your blog disappeared.  Like many others I use an RSS reader, meaning that I don't always have to visit 'your' blog and I think 'Blogrolling automatically deletes the link. I don't know, I will keep a sharp eye on the 'list', in future and I apologise for any distress(!) Hi to VofT, grateful thanks for your kind comments and e-mails - I thought the 'baby' was hilarious and your e-mail excellent food for thought.

The weather today is very good resulting in me getting out my trusty lawn mower and cutting the grass.  The garden looks so much better, even if it's only the grass that has been cut and it, also, means that I am able to identify The Dog's daily deposit(s) for prompt collection. I met with the others at my 'work', we each have to submit four reports by the middle of the year and I gained the impression that we, to a man', are well behind where we should be at.

Now, here's a surprise - The Elder has purchased a new item of furniture - not exactly new but a cast off from some person or other that she appears to be friendly with. The item, not going to tell you what, goes in to her bedroom and she lies on it. I understand it has a motor in the thing to raise / lower / set various settings to suit your personal comfort.  If, I am advised, it does not fit in to her room then she, graciously, advises me 'you can have it' - whoa - did I say motor?  I wouldn't put it past her wiring the thing up to electrocute me, generally, or cause electric burns to sensitive, though largely redundant, parts of my anatomy. The arrival of this, potential, death trap requires The Elder to clear parts of the house - hello! The hallway has been cleared out and, well, well, well - there is a door to the side of the house and which was last opened maybe 10 years ago - fancy that. On the subject of a mess I am sure that you recall the 46 black sacks recently found in the outbuilding? When I purchased The Elder's share of CS, this time last year, a surveyor had to visit the property and this involved him going in to every room.  The shame of it all - he couldn't get in to the bedroom previously occupied by #3 and worse the surveyor used to work for the same employer as myself.  Anyhoo, where were we? Oh yes - 46 bags [from the room....#3], outside, 36 [from the room .... #3] or so inside, boxes and bulky items all originating from #3. Will it ever end?

It being the first of April, today we get excited about interest being added to various accounts - another, as it turns out, of life's disappointments - still, as I have mentioned before, a bit extra is better than a bit less - as long as it doesn't get any smaller. The time is now 1850 BST {British Summer Time] and, it cannot help but be noticed, The Elder has been busy a'tidying & a'sorting getting ready for her new delivery. It is almost amusing to realise that she has, finally, 'cottoned on' to the good deal that she is enjoying - based on the amount of 'rent' she pays.  In this part of the world you might be able to rent a three bedroom house, most likely semi-detached, probably unfurnished for about £700 per month [say $1350 USD]. Add to that local authority 'council tax' charges and water service costs, contents insurance, TV licence, 'phone costs, electricity & gas charges and you will not get much change out of £1000 per month.  Then you need to add on your food etc costs - resulting in a combined total of at least £1200 [$2350 USD] per month.  The arrangement here, at CS, is that The Elder buys the groceries [for the three of us plus The Dog], pays me a rent of about £250 per month - total cost, for the groceries The Dog and myself consume, per month? Maybe £350 [say $650 USD]. So, what is she [plus #2], saving each month? A tidy £850 [at least $1600 USD] ... not a bad deal if you can get it ...

More later and thank you again for your, much appreciated, input.  

Technorati tags: Annual interest, BlogRolling, RSS reader, gardening, new furniture, black bags, rent