The man said ...

Hello and welcome.  Many thanks to VofT for your kind words.

Today's title?  OK, for the first time in years, it was a visit to the Doc. and, fancy, yours truly is depressed (as if you didn't know!) and, has a blood pressure of 155/95 - this is not good.  Sympathetic noises / comments etc are welcome and should be posted without delay. I have a meeting tomorrow, re 'work' that will not help, together with a series of physical tests on Friday - hopefully it should all come to nothing (so why did the Doc. prescribe a spray that has to be used in the event of any breathlessness?). Anyhoo, now you know.

 

 

 

 

 

Otherwise, today has been a very lazy day - I set out to prepare a sort of script, for tomorrow, and then thought 'oh, what the hell - que sera sera. The weather has been great, the day warm, sunny and bright.  The day started well ( I woke up!), and after returning to my room all hell broke loose, outside, with the arrival of the highway's people, digging up the roads, in the area, to recover / repair the broken / cracked roads. How we all laughed!  The Dog has barked for most of the day and The Elder, 'full of hell' lurched out of her bed and descended downstairs in rather a bad mood.  She brightened up when the tennis started up on TV. I'll fill you in on the events of tomorrow.

• What do you think will happen at the meeting?
• What do you think the outcome will be?

More later, I can smell burning, no probs - it's The Elder's turn to cook ((frozen) pizza and chips) - yum, bloody, yum.

Well, we made it ...

So, welcome back and I hope you have had a good day / weekend?  Me? Oh, much the same.  The microwave has been used and I have to, smugly, state that my Yorkshire puddings were the best that I have ever made - a rising to make your eyes water.  Inevitably, of course, I made the dinner and, inevitably, of course, The Elder was parked up in front of the TV.  Anyhoo, I like to put my hands to good use and so there's a degree of pleasure.

If truth be known, I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders, nothing to do with the Yorkshire puddings that have deposited a great weight elsewhere.  If I choose to leave the 'job', maybe at the end of July, on the assumption that I am not asked to resign / get sacked, then my leaving will be on my terms.  I feel, it's spooky, that, suddenly, I am in charge of my destiny - I could elaborate but I am sure that you have the picture. Pay day tomorrow! Yeah!!  The money, my previous employment pension, goes in on the last day (of the month), but the bank updates my account, in these circumstances (if transactions will occur on the Monday), just before midnight.  The monthly 'pleasure' quickly follows when I deduct all the bills to leave me with whatever is left for the month.  First thing I usually do, when I have calculated the 'spare' money, is transfer part in to my savings account. I was always taught to put savings away as soon as you received your money - it's so easy to 'spend up' by the end of the month when the 'theory' - 'I will save what's left at the end of the month' fails. Still anxiously waiting for the pet insurance to settle the claim for The Dog's treatment - in the meantime I have received details of the monthly charge, pet insurance, for the next twelve months (nearly $60 per month), but he's worth it.

Talking of health and don't be alarmed, this boring, old, green eyed, fart has to attend the Docs tomorrow with a certain complaint. Can't say where, the 'complaint' and not the Docs, but it's above my belly button, below my shoulders and does not involve my lungs, kidneys, diaphragm or stomach. Mmmmm - it's probably nothing except the irksome 'twinge' is happening a bit too often - a bit like someone poking their finger up an orifice e.g. nose (feel free to select an alternative orifice of your own choice, preferably your own orifice).  I'll keep you informed - problem is that the symptom is occurring just a bit too frequently - hey ho off we go. Nothing that a good woman wouldn't sort out - steady on SEH and stop being mischievous.

The good news, with respect to my virtual flight, is that I have landed, for the day at  Narsarsuaq (Greenland) and this was preceded by Hofn (Iceland), I have let the software identify the circular route, which includes airports with the identity of KDFW, 4XS7, wherever they are, and others. Canada tomorrow and then south west - it's so exciting - isn't it?

More later. The football calls - either that or a murder mystery drama.

Friday et al ...

Sunday morning ... a cool, fresh morning.  I like Sunday morning - especially early.  I am able to wander about, no one else is up and awake, wander about in my PJ bottom and a tee shirt, with my slippers, of course.  However, I don't like the rest of Sunday which stretches out and you count the minutes until you have to go back to bed - in between there's ironing, cooking and I really should get round to cutting the grass. That said I am 'off' until Tuesday at the latest.  I *might* be returning to 'work' after Tuesday but if and where remains to be discussed / approved etc. So, what's happened?

Friday I attended 'work', 'High Noon' and met two people from 'management'.  I was asked to explain my understanding of the events from last Tuesday when I was exposed to bullying and harassment.  At the time my only options were fight or flee and the former being desirable but, ultimately, a career ending option I had no choice but to walk away from work.  Wednesday I stayed away suffering blinding headaches and, Thursday, #3 having departed overseas, I returned to 'work' but, events having escalated I was prevented from 'clocking in', so to speak, and sent home. The outcome of Friday's meeting was that I was able to offer my understanding of events leading up to my leaving work - it was reasonably well structured and although the 'other person' attending tried to be clever they only ended showing themselves up.  At the end of the meeting this other person stood up and left the meeting giving me looks that were meant to alarm me - phut! In the bigger picture of life, it's not that important.  Anyhoo, the outcome is that I have been invited to meet the guy that, in my view, is the cause of the 'problem', next week, together with one of the pair I met on Friday - not the one with the 'I weesh to keel you you rrrrr'shole' stare. So watch this space. Oh yes.

Inevitably nothing heard from #3 though I understand she has arrived safely. Nothing heard about The Elder's CT scan. The Dog is much better almost back to his old self and me? I have treated myself to a new microwave cooker. Bad mistake.  I 'cautioned' The Elder that I would be doing so, hey! it's my bloody house after all!!, asking her to make space on a work surface - no problemo.  Arriving back at CS The Elder's first comment was 'oh, it's a small one' (how true, Dear Reader, how true). Size apart, the thing is efficient, does what it should do and looks attractive (as does the microwave). Her comments being so destructive, there's a bit more to it than that, and with me so fed up, as I have been for some time (as you know), disillusioned about continuing the 'job', the situation quickly deteriorated where she, as bullies do, started to support the actions of others at work.  I suggested that, after next Spring (the end of the current 'Arrangement' about her occupying this property), if, as I expect to, I have left the 'job' then, at that time, I will seek to improve and dispose of the house - it will not be that quick resulting from the depressed state of the market that those of you in financial occupations will be only too aware of - there's also The Dog. If she moves out perhaps I could take in a lodger? The government, kindly, does not tax individuals for doing so. A better option would be to rent out the whole house through a management company. Last year the house behind, a much smaller house both in size and ground space (certainly not measured in acres), became available and the neighbour, knowing The Elder wanted to 'find somewhere' 'phoned me up and asked me to inform The Elder.  I did tell her but, first, 'phoned the management company.  The rent for the house was about $1250 per month and then there are other bills e.g. local taxes, water and utilities. The Elder declined - it would cost her about $2000 a month. Occupying this dump costs her about $500 per month - it makes you wonder why she is so bloody minded at times... Anyhoo, where were we? Oh yes - I could let the property out and live elsewhere. Maybe move to Spain or somewhere hot and sunny. Who knows?

Talking of travel I am, once again, on a round the world Fight Simulator trip. So expect to be bored over the coming days at least I know you will not criticise me - I hope!

On her way ...

So, farewell #3 - en-route to the other side of the world.  It's been such a long day - she, let alone all here @ CS must be very tired.  Off she went - no comment / goodbye or anything to me - one minute she is rushing about and the next I hear The Elder's car start up and then silence.

There's a problem at 'work' - I have to go in tomorrow to meet with certain people following certain events this week when I 'walked out' i  went in to work today but was denied access to the office - life's a pile of crap (and then you die).

Best I get to bed and hopefully a bit more refreshed tomorrow - I am knackered.

Told you so ... #2

So, the house is now minus 1 - and don't we bloody well know it.

It all kicked off @ 0300 - I kept out of the way as previous experience with The Elder has shown that the slightest expression of opinion, on my part (especially if a problem is being experienced), results in a major bollocking and vast amounts of energy being used up, against me, sounding off (relieving their own tension) - I have experienced it too many times.

They (The Elder & #3) have been gone for just over an hour - maybe The Elder is waiting to make sure the train arrives? Oh, by the way, there was nothing said, to me, from #3 - well, you wouldn't expect anything would you?

Told you so ...

Well, perhaps I should start 'doing the lottery'? I mean, I must psychic ... The Mystic SEH predicted that, as the day progressed, #3 would do nothing (about packing and getting ready to depart), leaving it all until this evening. Oh yes.  It's now 2225 - The Elder is getting up at 0300 and you may rest assured that, at that time, no one else will sleep.  In the meantime #3 has the washing machine in use, to be followed by the tumble dryer and, I guess, she will not be in bed much before midnight.

You can see why people fall out.  Best I get myself to bed before the 0300 + commotion.

Nearly a week later ...

Wednesday morning (1200 BST) ... Hi and thanks for calling by.  The good news, about the report (last Friday) was wiped out by the bad news that an earlier report didn't make the grade.  I have been asked to resubmit the report and I have a few weeks to do so.  The Dog is well.  The Elder has attended for a CT scan, earlier this week, and anxiously waits for the feedback.  #3 returns, somewhere overseas tomorrow (Thursday); to meet the train, get to London on time, The Elder is getting up @ 0300 when there will be chaos because #3 will not be ready / packed and then The Elder will drive #3 40 miles, each way, drop her off to get her train and then return back here to CS and get herself ready for work.  Other?  I am in bother at 'work' because a supervisor, normally quite a good guy, has 'turned' and become increasingly unpleasant towards me.  Meant, yesterday, I walked out, should be in today but I have a blinding headache. Not looking forward to tomorrow.

Apologies for not updating the blog / posting comments - you know why.

SSDD

Guess what ..?

Hurrah!  This weary, bleary / bloodshot [green] eyed old fart has finally finished report #1.  The thing is printed off, all the i's dotted, t's crossed, weak bladder crying out to be emptied and rumbling stomach now going to be sorted .  It's been a dreadful week, as you know, and I apologise for not updating the blog etc.  It was a big mistake updating the blog yesterday - I thought, ha ha ha, that I had far more time than I actually had. Now, it's a straight eights days at work ... sigh...

This and that (none of the other) ...

Thursday afternoon - still working on report #1 - plodding away, as the saying goes, and I hope to complete later today, probably this evening [so why am I wasting time updating the blog?].

The Dog has survived but it's been a close call and a very traumatic time for all. We wait, apprehensively, to see if the insurance company will meet the claim - if they do not The Elder has stated she will pick up the bill - mmm - we shall see. Other news? #3 flies back, allegedly, in the next few days, to wherever it was she departed from - Canada, I think. Her behaviour whilst here? Exactly the same - I could weep.  I tried, desperately (on her arrival), to make her feel welcome, acknowledged the jet lag and stayed out of her way as she shrugged off the jet lag, was quiet in the house as she slept [every bloody day, throughout the day], didn't make a fuss when she reverted to the 'old trick' - late night cooking, late night shower, TV on until the early hours and so and so forth.  In some ways she could have used this visit to make peace / build bridges etc but she is either unaware of the upset she causes {and, clearly, has not recognised / been aware of} or else she is enjoying all this.  I have advised The Elder that there is no way #3 will be able to return, in about three months when her 'gap year' ends (apparently). #3, if necessary supported by The Elder, will have to make alternative arrangements. It's not my problem. I cannot help thinking that there's mischief afoot - is #3 back for good? ... The Elder says she doesn't know / is not able to advise of when #3 departs or, even, if she has booked a return flight. Silly, silly SEH - an ideal object for a controlling woman, some might say - but, watch this space.

As you can see I have been messing with the blog again - on the right is a blogger feature that shows my links and auto-updates to show you, lucky, readers when a link updates.  I am still working on this, I have other links to add / remove and I might delete the preview option. Watch this space #2.

Much uncertainty about what happens, job wise, later in the year - I have so much on my mind! The situation is aggravated by the death of a cousin, Tuesday, up t'north, and this is causing The Senior to get stressed out by her co-coordinating what happens next. The cousin has already lost his parents and The Senior senses that the rest of the [deceased's] family turn to her for 'what do we do now?'. My suggestion she simply lets others sort it out falls on thin ice. Any critical comment about how it affects her (health) and the stress it causes others (moi!) just leads to her 'going ballistic' - women, eh, who'd live without 'em?

The Elder has just taken #3 to the railway station, she is going 'in to town', maybe #3 is off to sort out a return flight ticket? Who knows and, sad to say, should I care?  One of these days it will all come together - I look forward to it.

(Almost) alone ...

Saturday morning - probably the worst few days of my life.  The Dog is still with us but he is gravely ill and, I fear, he might be put to sleep on Monday.

I have decided to suspend the blog / associated e-mail address / comments during this difficult time.  The Dog aside I have never felt so low I would say and alone but, thankfully, I have been supported through e-mail etc, by a blog reader - otherwise, at this difficult time, I have simply had to get on with it.  To the (one, only) individual concerned, thank you very much for your support.

More later (if and when),

A sad day ...

Hello.  Arriving back at the house I was sensitive to no barking from The Dog.  Entering the house - still no dog.  Where is he?  I looked around the house, it's been a hot day, maybe he was stuck somewhere, I couldn't find him.  Alarm bells started to ring when I saw his lunch, untouched and a note from The Elder.  The Dog was at the vet's.  'Phoning the vet. I learned that the chemotherapy has, as you would expect, lowered The Dog's white cell count, he is now prone to infection and very anaemic.  The Elder, on her return at lunch time, found him in his basket.  He struggled to his feet and his legs gave way.  She rushed him to the vet.  The vet. explained, to me, that The Dog's  cancer appears not to have spread but the end is, clearly, approaching.  The Elder brought him back this evening.  He has laid across a duvet all evening - not, apart from his breathing, moving.

I have stayed with him, watching his chest rise and fall, erratic, sometimes shallow breathing.  He has not eaten all day.  Occasionally his eyes open and he looks at me, his eyes meet mine and you almost sense a 'don't worry, I know you love me' then his legs twitch, his eyes close and he drifts back to sleep.  You continue to watch his chest rise and fall - frightened when it appears to stop moving when, suddenly, he will take a deep breath and settles down - until the next time.  I have to confess to watching him the tears rolling down my cheeks.

I will keep this short and keep you informed.

A long day ...

Good evening!  Well, what a long day - been up and about since early this morning (as you know). The Dog being left on his own the day appears to have passed without incident though he was like someone demented when I arrived back [before anyone else] Bad news!  The microwave cooker has packed up.  I am quite saddened.  I bought it when I moved out in late 2004.  I managed to obtain rented accommodation, in the red light district of a northern city [my home town] and the micro was, practically, my pride and joy.  It was new, just about the only new thing that I owned.  To say the flat was depressing is putting it mildly.  The woman next door 70+ was an alcoholic and every time I hear Paul Simon's 'Mother & Child Re-union', I think of her.  She would get drunk and fall asleep leaving the stupid CD playing repeatedly.  Before now I have been banging on her door at 0300 in the morning to no avail.  Anyhoo, back to the micro - what I really liked about it was that it was a combination cooker and the little fan oven was brilliant.  I learned how to make my Yorkshire puddings in it, ah well, stop ruminating - it gets you nowhere.

Today, at 'work', I was able to run the structure of the remaining report by someone else and I have got it all together.  I know what I will be writing about and the key components that the report should contain - so that's good.  More good news - the bank has agreed to continue my interest free overdraft for another year.  I had to get together what I owe to settle the overdrawn account [next month] in case they didn't extend the arrangement.  What it means is that money, saved, is now able to go into a tax free savings account [ISA] - means that I should make something over the year as interest added to my account. Sure beats being charged monthly interest.

I have washing to iron, for tomorrow, but it'll have to wait, I am looking, lovingly, at me bed - I think, in a couple of minutes, we are going to get to know each other - I just wish I could sleep through the night. I need something, or other, to 'knock me out' - any suggestions?

More later.

Hot and sticky ...

Not good - awake @ 0300, very uncomfortable meant that, eventually (0415) I had to get up, tea (hurrah!) and feed / sort The Dog.  Checked my mail (thank you VofT for your comments and lovely mail), and now muchus confused. Back to bed - exciting!! Just me and a sheet - hey, why should I be the only one that doesn't sleep.  I can see me being wrecked this evening (when I get back) and what about #2? The Elder is at work today, but will return, briefly, at lunch time to sort out The Dog.

More later (more detailed 'personals' on Friday).

It's a conspiracy ...

Hello and welcome back! A good day - a very good day.  Many thanks to VofT and Chris for your comments etc. the cryptic comments, in one case, that are being reflected upon - oh yes. The weather has been extremely uncomfortable - very hot - 80'F though, as I compose this rubbish, the temperature is dropping and the wind, outside, is picking up. As soon as you arrive back from work - it's off with all, cool shower and on with the minimum [not, not a thong or similar, but thank you very much for visualising] - just sensible shorts and a thin top.  Dinner, which, as yesterday, I made for myself and, of course, The Elder was pork chops - I just couldn't eat - I should have had a salad or similar - maybe tomorrow. Weather forecast is change over the next few days with rain likely - good.

The cost of fuel continues to rise at an alarming rate and there are problems / worries about fuel delivery drivers blockading the various works - it's all a pile of pooh. Guy, on the TV, this morning, was asked 'why are interest rates rising [for house purchasers] when the bank rate is remaining unchanged? You live and learn - seems lenders do not borrow from the banks but borrow from other organisations.  Whilst the Bank of England is happy to present a degree of confidence, these other organisations are less confident - sure they will advance cash to the 'middle man' - the lender ['building societies'] at higher rates of interest and which high rates are passed on to the borrower - here's a link if you want the UK version of a problem that is affecting both sides of the pond.

I was in bed (alone) early last night - I was just so tired after the stressful weekend [working on report #1]. I didn't sleep through the night, I never do (these days) but I have felt better today.  The 'cold' is, in fact, 'hay fever' - not suffered for years. The Senior is up to her old tricks, see previous, as if the events of over a week ago never happened - me - I muchus wiser - I simply do not 'argue' with her but merely listen and cautiously choose my words when replying.

The Dog, bless him, is now 100% back to normal in the output department and The Elder acknowledges, not that I wanted to score a point or two, that chemotherapy, for The Dog, was not such a good idea. I really must start #2 tomorrow (or so) - I am starting to feel guilty that I am not making more of an effort. Back to 'work' tomorrow - oh, I got my hair cut - hurray - did it myself on Sunday evening [post pic] - it's so easy, for obvious reasons - 10 minutes with the Remington, vacuum up the bits, trim the neckline, in to the shower - hey presto - ready to think about joining any conspiracy, whatever a conspiracy is ...

More later.

Aftermath ...

Monday (I think) - hi and welcome back.  The last few days have been a blur with most of my time spent writing report #1 - it was due to be handed in today and so it came to pass - hurrah.  Report #2 remains to be completed and I have a little under two weeks. Lot's to tell you, in what will be a most disorganised fashion.

The Elder continues to have 'problems' and is required to attend hospital, in the next week or so, for a scan of the space, following the cancer op, from where the plumbing had been removed. It's a very tense atmosphere, quite stressful for us all leading, with the hot weather, 85' [and no air conditioning for us - huh!] to everyone becoming debilitated and slightly touchy. (How do you cope with 100'?) Watch this space. Staying with The Elder, so to speak, she has had to visit the dentist where he has identified an infection requiring root treatment - all part of the insurance so no expense - yet.  Without being cynical [who, moi?], I reckon, a bit like the vet, he will have The Elder attend for repeat visits whilst he, subsequently, bills the insurance company for each visit.  So what? Well, Dear Reader, the premiums will rise next year - it's all so patently, bloody, obvious. Everyone seems to be on the make.

I am pleased to report that The Dog is better with his faecal deposits being of a more conventional shape and pattern.  Just as he gets better I have returned to 'the job' and, on Weds, Thus and Fri it means that he has long days on his own (The Elder doesn't work Sat, Sun, Mon & Tues). To The Elder's credit she extends her lunch break, on these days, and returns to spend 30 minutes or so with The Dog.

Otherwise, as I mentioned above, the last few days have been a blur - I just need to slow down, a wee bit, and take things a bit easier.

Thanks to Mel and VofT for your comments - they are so much appreciated. I really should get some *fun* but, truth is, whichever direction I turned, for the fun, I am so apprehensive that I would be out of my depth - humour me. I have, stupidly, allowed myself to be 'controlled' for the last twenty years or so - I am sure that it will, somehow, all sort itself out.  Not a worry for the moment - I am ker nack herd and off to my bed - slightly later start tomorrow and then back to the grind, so to speak, on Wednesday.

Hope you are all well?

Little progress ...

Friday evening!  Yeah!! Sadly I have not made as much progress as I intended on report #1.  It has to be in Monday so it looks like it's going to be a busy weekend. So how have I spent the day?; encouraging The Dog to go out and do the business - after the output over the last couple of days - today? Nothing.  I haven't known if he was poorly, 'bunged up', left a pile elsewhere or simply not wanting 'to go'.  Rice and chicken, for him (thank you very much) and when he was not eating he was sleeping. He is an old man, after all, and I guess we, humans, are little different - though I have to say I don't look forward, in my later years, to some nurse steering me into the WC 'go on, have a try for me ... we know you can ... I have the paper ready'. Doesn't bear thinking about.  Me?  If I have any money, or maybe not, I want to go out 'with a bang', so to speak, [Ed. This subject is becoming coarse and is terminated - get a grip SEH].

Hi to VofT and thanks for this morning's mail etc.  I have researched the subject, you introduced, and, well, you certainly live and learn.

Apologies if yesterday's ramble was a bit over the top - I blame the anaesthetic used by the dentist.  I haven't mentioned the weather lately, you may have noticed, it's been fine - sunny, warm and just the weather to get you out in the garden.  I dug out my petrol driven strimmer [and 'brush cutter'] - it really does the job.  Part of the garden has become overgrown and, the thought went through my mind, it might be limiting where The Dog chooses to do the business.  So, out with the strimmer and the grass tumbled - and The Dog still elected not to do anything. This evening, however, as I was eating my salad, The Elder announced 'we have a result, another floppy, squidgy pile - it's sticking to the garden shovel'. I was relieved, as must have been The Dog, but at that moment my appetite deserted me.

#3 'phoned last night, from over the seas, she is, so The Elder informs me 'returning in September' - fancy that.  I was told nothing else and you just know that the seed is being planted to allow her back here. How would you deal with this?  Didn't get my hair cut, tomorrow maybe.

Hope your weekend is a good one and that the sun shines - I guess I will be in my room all weekend - no problemo - I have a timetable, a structure and a plan - it will all come together - think positive and it, usually, all works out.

More later.

Open wide ...

Hello and before you get excited the above title refers to my trip to the dentist, dental surgeon or whatever title you apply, in your part of the world. Sadly the broken tooth is beyond repair and I now have a gap, at the back, where those to whom it appeals, may (if they are so minded), in the gap, wiggle their tongue - or, in the absence of other players then I have to wiggle my own tongue. Thanks both to Mel and to VofT for your kind, informative and suggestive comments. It's nice to be back though the break was short and, yes, I really ought to involve myself in *some* fun - I am open to suggestions.

So, all in all, a quiet day - excuse me while I just whip out off my clothes ... it's suddenly become very warm in here.  All sorted, thank you, now, where was I? Oh yes - today.  When not sat 'in the chair' attempting to focus on a poster of Thomas The Tank Engine, pasted on the surgery ceiling to entertain (kids) - huh! It did nothing for me, I had to endure the man doing his thing. 'Just a small prick', said he, 'I'll soon have it out', 'I just want to put this in your mouth', 'there, all done ... now, just rinse out your mouth'. Honestly you could be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere else.

The Dog has been asleep most of the day except when he has rushed out to empty his bowels - he wobbles back, after the event, where Nurse SEH administers warm, soapy, wet tissues to his, The Dog's, bum to wipe away any residue - I am sure that he, The Dog, is developing piles. Anyhoo, he just stands there while I get my kicks, perhaps this is *some* fun(!) - as with the poster (above), it does nothing for me.  The Dog, however, stands there, tail up (I am sure that he has a sort of not here grin on his face), before shuffling to his basket.  He is eating OK though he is very loose, which is accompanied by an all intrusive odour - hopefully he will improve.

Busy day, otherwise, working on report #1 - I still have a lot, a bloody great deal, to do (for Monday) but I am optimistic it will be finished.  I want to leave Sunday free to do my washing, sort out for my return to 'work' on Monday.  The Senior, now that we are big mates again, is concerned about my back and the nature of the work in which I am involved.  I have advised her that the 'work' may end after the summer at which time I become a man of leisure and my back, or anywhere else, should not be at risk - it doesn't touch. 'Why are you working when you don't need to?' she wails.  She misses the point that 'working' gives you structure to your day, allows you to socialise, lust [from afar and utterly out of my depth if there was ever a favourable return eye contact] after women and, probably / maybe. be lusted after by certain men - hey ho - it takes all sorts.

Back to bed, watch a bit more of 'Blade' [Wesley Snipes] - recorded yesterday.  Haircut tomorrow [no, not like 'Blade'] and then ol' green eyes has various tasks to complete that will, probably, spoil someone's weekend.

Thanks for calling by - more later.

Midweek news [and blues] ...

Hi folks - thanks for calling by, though to be truthful, looking at the list of visitors, it does appear that I am 'off season'.  Grateful thanks to those that continue to visit - you know who you are and, for those that have had a rotten night, last night / this morning, I hope things have improved.

It seems an age since my last post - where to begin?

The Elder has attended the Doc and is having the problem 'looked at' - most worrying. I did not contact my Mother until earlier this evening and, when I did, she burst in to tears - she is acutely aware that I have not contacted her for several days [as indeed I am also aware] and her words, between sobs, of 'we only have each other' left me quite moved - I do wish that, just for once, I could get away from it all - truth is I am able to but appear to lack the whatever - who knows? A trip to cowboy country remains a possibility [though not for some time yet].  The Dog is ill - very lethargic [all to do with his recent chemo] and has been stinking the house out all day - little wonder why, bless him, as I found when I went to clean up after him - suffice to say I will never eat 'Angel Delight' or, especially, chocolate mousse for as long as I live. The Elder took him to the vet.'s, this evening, where he, The Dog, has been dosed up on something or other.  The vet suggested The Dog have minced steak [no, not 'minced meat', but 'minced steak'] - sheesh - of course The Elder agreed and returned with a nice steak [for The Dog].  Me?  I have had a tin of soup.

To conclude this news briefing of woeful comment - some good news!  I received a small, very small cheque for a few shares that I own [only about $50 US but an income is better than a bill] and my back is improving.

Semi falling out, this evening, with The Elder.  She has been off work for the last two days [four days if you include the weekend] and the the thorny subject of cleaning the house arose [again].  A new tactic on her part 'what do you want me to do and when?'. it's called carrying the monkey - she is passing 'responsibility' for making any decisions back to me.  Simple answer - 'you know what needs doing - you don't have to be told - please get on with it'.  All said with cold [green] eyes guaranteed to make women wilt - hee hee hee - see what a little bit of scoring a point does to me?!

Dental appointment tomorrow and I fear I might part with an old friend, possibly two - such is life.  I am more worried about The Dog - presently he is lying on my bed and has hardly moved - with a steak in him it's little wonder. #2 has returned from an evening out somewhere - within minutes The Elder and #2 are having an argument.  New trick #2 (from #2) -  The Elder shouts to me asking if I want to use the kitchen [I really fancy a slice of toast!] - how kind of her except there's method in her madness - in reality #2 wants to cook something and rather than ask me if the kitchen is free she gets The Elder to ask, in a roundabout sort of way - they must think I am stupid and they are probably right.

Lots to do tomorrow - report #1 to start, due in on Monday - perhaps I ought to make a start! But first, downstairs for my toast.

The last few days ...

Welcome back and, without delay, let me express my best wishes and deep appreciation to 'VofT for the tremendous, friendship, support and encouragement 'etc' over, in particular, the last few days. A more kinder and sincere person you would be hard pressed to find.

The last few days - where to begin?  I recovered from the evening of Wednesday the 28th [see previous], being at work the next day though, thankfully, having Friday, the weekend and the rest of this week off. The Elder, as usual, 'got her way' and The Dog went off to the vet.'s for his chemotherapy.  He, The Dog, returned bright eyed and bushy stump, in the care of The Elder, and, thus reassured, this allowed me to go out, to a charity meeting, involving a charity organisation to which I belong.  On returning The Dog was still bright eyed etc but The Elder was looking pale.  She wouldn't expand on the matter. 

Next day, Sunday (yesterday), started badly with me being woken (0300) by The Dog - he was scratching on my door and clearly wanted to go out.  Having lurched to my feet I followed him, though at considerably less speed, downstairs, let him out whereupon he was violently sick, stayed outside for about half an hour before stumbling back in. I had changed his water and left something for him to eat but, incredibly, he ignored both simply going to his basket and crashing out.  I was much worried and stayed up, like you do.  He slept through until the early morning [0800 or so] before getting to his feet - he has 'picked up' since. The Elder, on the other hand, is in tears.  The hysterectomy etc that followed her ovarian cancer, last year, appears to be causing problems - I needn't go in to much detail but these are worrying times.  Doctor / hospital tomorrow. The morning - it was only 1000 or so Sunday morning continued with me making my regular call to my Mother [The Senior] when it became clear that she has 'got out of bed on the wrong side' - suffice to say she used my 'phone call to 'have a go at me'. The call taught me a lesson - in future I will only call her once each week to see how she is and if there is anything she needs / wants me to do. 

I have a dental appointment later this week though the dental problem is slight - yesterday I assisted The Elder, bringing back here, yet another 'electric chair' - someone else's crap and, in doing so, I have 'put my back out' - poor old me. It's a long standing problem that is, normally, well managed and rarely causes a problem - only flaring up when I make mistakes or 'lose control'.

Big, uncomfortable, tidying of my room, this morning - I have mislaid a cheque for nearly £100 [thankfully found it].  The price of fuel continues to race upwards - now £1.34 per litre that's £6.10 a gallon (what's that in US money? - about $12 US). Reports #1 & #2 [new versions] need to be completed for the 9th and 23rd respectively giving me one and three weeks to get them finished. The 'job' ends in 8 weeks then it's a break for a couple of weeks before, yet to be confirmed, I go off on a two week course in connection with a [different] part time job. Towards the end of August I have to think about continuing 'the job' and, whilst I don't particularly want to, I feel driven to continuing because of the state of the economy [of which I am sure you are, equally, aware]. Property prices are falling, people are not able to borrow, 'chains' of sellers / buyers are breaking - it's a buyer's market. The house next door, occupied by a widow, has been reduced in price by 10% of the original asking price - the for sale sign is now, as they do when 'nothing is happening', is leaning, drunkenly, illustrating to anyone passing by that the house has been for sale for some time.

That's all for now - I need to find a picture and attend to other matters - but first, back to my bed, to ease my aching back.