Sunday, 22 June 2014

Diary of Woes - June 2014

Tuesday 3rd June

0430:
Depression not too bad on waking today.

0530:
Did me ablutions and changed into togs. Porridge and a cuppa.

0600:
Did some black bags up for Sister Jane and brother-in-law Pete to sort for me. (I'd be lost without their help.
0830:
Walked to the QMC for my INR level checks and Renal checks (1hr 44m).
While taking my seat in the queue, a woman on a disabled scooter, ran into the chairs in front of the one I was taking my seat in, and pushed the front row of seat into me, taking my row of seats into the one behind. I could feel her continuing to accelerate as I was squashed between the seats for a few moments. The nurses from the haematology room ran out and checked I was okay. Twisted me arthritic knee a bit, otherwise felt okay. They said they's make an accident report. Got a bit of extra fuss from the nurses - I liked that! (Hehe)
That made it the forth time this year that I had been injured by a disabled cart driver!
First time while walking to town on Mansfield road, a chap ran into me, knocking me over and running over me leg with a wheel! He then sped off swearing at me!
Second one, in shopping centre, I was hit from behind and crumpled to the floor. He just kept on going.
Third time in Derby, a woman hit me sideways, and I fell into a display of women's knickers!
Hey-ho!

0925:
Visited renal unit.

1010: Walked back into town (55min's), and did a bit of shopping, bread, tomatoes and seaweed.
Caught bus back to the flea-pit. Made another bag for sorting.

1240:
Had a salad, and fell into depression - read paper and watched DVD.

Memory bad again today.

Wednesday 4th June

0600:
Up feeling good for a change. Knees a bit stiff from yesterday I assume. Chest pains rampant. Lousy night again, full of bad dreams, mostly about things from the past I think.

0700:
Computer would not load/open. Oh dear! Tried various tactics without success.

0830:
Got things ready and went to launderette.
Nothing worth reporting for the rest of the day - other than no sign of the yobboes, that's good!

Friday 6th June

0525:
Feeling okayish this morning.
(So glad I've managed to find the interest to do this diary again, after such a long period of low worthless depression.)

0615:
Grape-nut flakes and a cuppa, ablutions done.

0645:
Computer back on line of its own accord? Very slow, but working.
Felt very guilty of not partaking in social sites, so many folk out there I want to touch. Sorry Patti, Frank, and all of you.

1100:
Walked into town and called in the Coouncil offices to see if any suitable sheltered housing available - None there.

1244:
Caught bus to Mansfield, poddled around and got some porridge from the B&M store. Caught Mansfield Road bus back and dropped off in Bosnia... I mean Carrington.
Thank heavens for the free pensioners bus-pass!

Saturday 14th June

0630:
Feeling okayish again, but have a feeling this is not going to remain long. Don't know why, just me EQ I think.

0700:
Ablutions, then porridge and a cuppa.

0720:
On laptop, looking at Patti's painting that she sent me, and pondering on my faults and pains - I feel really guilty about not getting in touch with the girl. Must make the effort when I can get back to a decent connection. I'd like to thank her here and know for her patience. XXX

Stayed in all day today, yobboes lurking in the area again. They've been in me yard and thrown the rockery stones about.


Monday 16th June

0525:
Feeling horrible this morning. Depressed beyond anything before. Scared, nervous, shaking hands, chest pains and lost me hearing aids, took me hours to find em - I'll not tell where I did find em... too embarrassing!

0615:
Grape-nut flakes and a cuppa, ablutions done.

0800:
Had me second home delivery from Asda (Walmart) today. Three substitutions, the bread and cakes were squashed with hand impressions, and the lemon curd was missing! Sent them an email indicating my displeasure. Later they sent one back saying they are refunding the cost of the damaged goods from my next order. Don't think I'll be placing another order with 'em though.

0830:
Launderette done. Fed the birds.

1015:
Had a walk into town and around. Spent too much on things I didn't need. (More guilt - Tsk!) But managed to find shop selling dried seaweed in Friar Lane.

1315:
Bus back to Stalingrad. No yobboes around.

1730:
Took med's, and phoned Sister Jane. Not feeling very good at all. Shame.

Tuesday 17th June

0545:
Feeling okay this morning, another bad night (as usual really) for kip and bad dreams full of guilt.

0600:
Porridge and a cuppa. Did some bag sorting.
Got laptop going. Went on NHS options site.

0710:
Had a Morrison's home delivery. No problems.

0825:
Walked into town, then caught bus out to QMC for me INR checks. Walked back into town, and caught bus back to the hoppit.

1200:
Yobboes circulating, but not on my street at the moment.
Rang Jane.

1430:
Snuggled down in hibernation.


Wednesday 18th June

0615:
Grape-nut flakes and a cuppa, ablutions done. Feeling good.

1300:
Pete called and collected the black bags of unwanted crap and nosh. Took it home in his car, to kindly sort for me. Most appreciated.

1400:
Had a walk around, but only got myself depressed looking at the state of the area.

1500:
Had some lamb hotpot, bitter orange juice and ice-cream. (By gum I live well!)

Friday 20th June

0445:
Ablutions, porridge and a cuppa, then laptop on, but playing up. I lost no end of emails.

0845:
Walk to town and caught bus to Derby. Poddled around, fed the ducks.
Right hearing aid fell to pieces, patched it up until I got home, will have to cut and replace new tubing.

1100:
Caught bus back home.

1330:
Had a massive tasty salad. Tomatoes, white cabbage, pickled onions. mushrooms, caramelised relish, beetroot, seaweed, bread... Mmmm!

1720:
Yobboes appeared on street - retired upstairs.


Sunday 22nd June

0645:
Porridge and a cuppa. No ablutions yet.

0730ish:
Laptop let me update this blog.

0945:
Made up some bags of stuff for Pete and Jane to sort. Bless em.

1240:
Two new yobboes outside on street - mobile phone, football, and baseball bat hitting the bins etc.
Took photo of em.


1310:
Decided to  move upstairs out of the way. So heated me sausage and mash dinner, and took it up.

Monday 23rd June

0530:
Amazingly, on awakening from me three hours dream filled kip - I remembered not to eat or drink owt but water - in readiness fer me appointment CHC with the GP nurse later this morning. So no porridge and cuppa for breakfast (Tsk).
And got me sample tube done ready too.

Took med's, and just stopped missen puttin' the kettle on!

0700:
Had a search on the council independent living site - nothing on I could apply for.

0905:
Put some snap in me bag to nosh after GP visit, and set off to the surgery.

0928:
The nurse was her usual scary mix of compassion and domination. (Hehe!)

0944:
Tests completed, I left some nibbles for the staff and departed to hobble into the town centre.

1018:
Caught bus (that free bus pass is a much appreciated gem yer know, oh yes!) to Mansfield, the round about route one, and enjoyed the scenery en route. Had a walk around the city centre, during which I asked a chap if there was a Shoe Zone shop nearby - that was an interesting discussion of sorts, he turned out to be deafer than I am, he signed, I didn't, I read lips, he didn't. Still the chap managed with ease to guide me to the shop. And thank him very much.

1035:
Then caught the bus back to Nottingham. And to think people climb mountains, go bungee jumping, take drugs and sail single handedly around the world in 15ft yachts for excitement... Huh!

1045:
Went on the web after I'd settled and made a cuppa. 
Rang sister Jane to see if it was alright for me to visit them tomorrow after me INR level checks - said she'd get back to me.

1300:
For some unknown (as usual) reason the depression came over me again - the fear and worry, the self hatred... reitred upstairs in hibernation, read book and watched DVD (one Pete made up for, bless him)


Tuesday 24th June

0630:
Woke up, knees okay, chest okay, bladder fine, dried blood from where the Obergruppenführer nurse had taken me blood yesterday, shakes okay, looking good health-wise this morning (in the event of my croaking out today, I might regret saying that, but don't worry, I don't mind), if a bit depressed.

0655:
Started laptop, and while waiting for her to load, went up and did me ablutions. Piles no bleeding that's good, growth on chest and ribs looking calm, no pain or itching there yet.

0710:
Down to the laptop, had a cuppa and grape-nut flakes with me medications. Still no pain from me knees? Crossed fingers! Mucked about on laptop, but some connections not being allowed for some reason.

0830:
Did this update, then got me things ready for the QMC and going to see Jane and Pete afterwards. Because I'm carrying a lot of weight in the bags, decided to catch the bus into town, then to QMC, and get me walking in back to town to catch bus to Jane's, cause the load will be lighter when I give the girls in haematology their nibbles.

0915:
Final wash and brush up, hearing aids cleaned, glasses and head polished, and off to town.

0948:
Caught bus to the hospital. Had INR and renal stuff attended to - then walked back into town, taking the longer scenic route. (Oh me poor knees and feet hehe!)
Bought some seaweed.

1050:
Caught bus from town out to Jane and Petes,  Pete ran me home at around er... well later anyway.

1540:
Sent email through Virgin site, asking for the tarmac to be mended on their connection link outside the house - no reply yet of course. Explained that a hole had appeared and was getting bigger all the time. Attracting the attention of the local yobs.

1549: Put an order in for Asda home delivery - fingers crossed, but I didn't risk ordering anything breakable or crushable this time.

1650:
Put the TV on (Yes it still works, mind you it does keep turning itself off now and then, nothin' new there!)
Suffered the England v Puerta Rica match. We wus robbed, it should have been a penalty! Not that it matters really now. Tsk! 

1945:
Watched an old DVD, feeling very fair tonight, as I have done all day?

Wednesday 25th June

0430:
Up, did me ablutions, no bother at the moment from the angina, knees or anything really - but the low depression has returned. Shit!

0445:
Updated this blog, cuppa, medications and porridge consumed. On first visit for a heavy duty, found that the piles were bleeding. Ah well! Can't have everything.

0525:
Hello hello... toilet again, oh dear.

0540:
Part of the problem with the bins hereabouts. A constant flow of bin-searching immigrants, tearing open the black bags in search of something usable, poor devils. Then of course the council refuse to empty the bins, and sent us notes pointing out how much we can be fines for not using black bags for the rubbish... ah well!

Thursday 26th June

0500:
Seemed to spring awake this morning. Angina not so good, depression lingering still.

Got on here, made a cuppa. Visit to the toilet was painful.

o700:
Finished making up some bags for Jane and Pete to sort in readiness for any move that might appear. (Huh!)
When sorting out the chest of drawers ... the drawers collapsed... hey-ho!

0800:
Did me ablutions and got ready for a good walk to Bulwell. Deprted 0840hrs - returned to the dump 0855hrs, after realising I'd left the laptop on 'Sleep'.

0910:
Set off again on me walk. After three miles, me knees and feet were aching a bit, but I took me time.

1030:
Arrived in Bulwell market. Went in Boots to get a dropper bottle for me ear stuff. Looked in the two bargain shops and got some bit of chocolates for the nurses at the QMC next Tuesday. Called in B&M, but they had no porridge pots left.

1112:
Caught bus back to the dump. Had a go at the crossword book - and missed me stop. Never mind.

Friday 27th June

0500:
No kip at all - but the knees felt okay, the Angina had eased, the piles were okay, and the depression had lessened. (Crossed finger here) Up and at em - took rubbish out and got bins ready for collection. Filled some black bags with things for Jane and  Pete to collect and sort. (Bless em again!)

0540:
WC activities - no bleeding, good again!

0555:
Had a go on the web - and got email form Virgin about me request for them to sort the sinking tarmac/hole in front of the house. They wanted conformation of address, and that it was their doing in the first place. I replied it was the cable company they had bought that laid the connection.

0619:
Made up some black bag for Jane and Pete to help sort for me. Thanks Jane and Pete.

0710:
Bin-men (I mean Waste management and disposal technicians) called and removed some wood from the bin before emptying it, and just threw it on the floor?

1100:
Did me ablutions, and got ready for me walk into town.
When I set off, the rain convinced me to catch the bus instead. (Buy gum it's good to have a free bus-pass innit?)

1118:
Had a walk around town, and managed to get a DVD I'd always wanted. Victoria Wood in Pat and Margaret, a TV film.
Went into the market for a look around at the stalls that were not empty - and bought some fresh (although it turned out they weren't) pod peas. 98p a half pound.



1230:
Caught the bus to Derby, to see if they had any shops selling seaweed.
Decided that en route I'd nibble some of the pod peas I bought from Victoria market - oh dear! 
I did find some pods that had eatable contents amongst the mouldy, maggot ridden, shrivelled, and bitter ones that made up about 75% of them.
I recalled the signs on the fruit and veg on display, and realised that none of them had the Country of Origin shown - I thought that was a legal requirement? I know in my days in the trade it was, and we had to display a class of quality too?

1300:
Arrived in Derby, and took a good walk around the Eagle Centre and nearby streets, from last week when I did this, there was another three shops closed down! Never saw a Policeman or PSO in all the hours I was roaming the streets of Derby City Centre (as if to put it).

1515:
Caught the bus back to Nottingham and me dilapidate home. By gum the driver pushed it, didn't have time to read the free Metro paper before we had arrived back at Victoria bus station.
Caught the bus to the crime ridden hamlet of Carrington 'wot is where I live like'.

1700:
Depression took over, and I soon retired into hibernation with me DVD player and watched the Pat and Margaret film, but did not enjoy it being in the low state I was. Must watch it again when me spirits are higher.

Saturday 28th June

0500:
Awoke urgently needing the assistance of the WC - no blood, no pain... Yahoo! And, the knees were okay, angina not bad, breathing fair, not in good, bit not in bad spirits either.

0525:
Took out some bags to the bins. Tried to clean the doorframes a bit, but the angina started again - soddit! Updated this rubbish, while having me porridge and cuppa Yorkshire Rwanda brew tea. Put me hearing aid plastics in soak.

0920:
Made up some stuff to be sorted.

1148:
Blood from me nether regions, both back and front. Angina started playin' up too. Tsk! Must keep an eye on it - stopped doing anything physical.

1324:
Noticed yobs wandering about on the street.

1408:
Heated me Lamb hotpot - added two microwave sausages, and went upstairs for peace in which to eat it, and watch me Victoria 'PAt and Margaret film again.
Really low now. huh!
Depression, Frustration and Isolation.


Sunday 29th June

0330:
Sprang awake, and recalled dreams I'd just had - wrote down notes so I could put them on this blog - in the hope that some dream-reader might read them?

0400:
WC, more blood and pain. Must maje an appointment with the GP on Monday.

0407:
Down and made a cuppa, nothing to eat, stomach churning already.

0445:
Wrote down about me dream from notes and memory:
The Dream
I was travelling around Nottinghamshire, first on a bus, then on push-bike, then a car, then a lorry - someone was with me in the lorry, but the character in the passenger seat kept changing, I think I was trying to make deliveries, but kept getting lost or the deliveries refused, shops involved somewhere at time, hilly areas, some I recognised some not. I found myself back on buses, searching for someone, they were 1960s AEC Regent buses?
Suddenly I was stood in front of a door, I could not get any response to my knocking, someone was with me at my side, but they never spoke or interfered. I was begging to be admitted, shouting, quiet frantic.
As I grew weary from knocking, the door itself dissolved, and there stood three people, two women and a man. They were semi-transparent (Unrecognised by me).
The man at first told me: "You are not wanted!" and repeated this over and over, and a clock chimed - all three then grabbed at me to pull me in through the door.
The next second I was looking at myself being thrown out from the door - and my saying "Sod it!" and crying?

Can any dream interpreter help me with this one - as it is so very rare for me to recall my dreams with any clarity or detail?

0515:
The angina is fine this morning. Arthur Itis is not bothering me. No dizzy spells. Piles (as I mentioned earlier) flowing and bothersome. Not to good emotionally. Pathetic really.

0600:
Rang Sister Jane and Brother in law Pete to see how they were getting on. He said he would call later and pick up the black bags of stuff to sort for me.

1025:
Pete arrived, and we had a little natter over a cup of tea. Good of him to help out... again!

1040:
Added a poem I should have put on Friday's diary.
Addition, forgot to post me poem wot I rote abahrt a yoof in the City Centre:

I wus walkin' through Nottingham City Centre, and this yoof I espied,
His Pitbull on a lead, fag from his lips, and texting with one hand,
6"4' tall, wiv tattoos and hair that looked like he's been electrified,
He walked listening to some music from his ipod, I didn't know the band,
He went into the job centre plus, wearing a sneer that was wide,
I can tell you, my views of youth was transmogrified!

Angina returned - The rest of the day I hibernated, DVD, book and pitiful self pity.


Monday 30th June

0450:
Bad night again, nightmare and bad dreams, but that is normal really. Angina back with a vengeance.

0520:
Booted the old laptop, make me porridge and a cuppa, and started this pathetically demented dairy-log.
Noticed an anagram for the name of the street in which I struggle to exist. ‘Oho... Dork Bearers’ Hehe!

0524:
Had to nip smartishly up to latrine, and slipped on the stairs - now got a naggging back ache from twisting it to add to me troubles - Tsk!

06:35
Thought to myself... They might have taken away me driving licence 'cause of me medical condition, but perhaps...


I might still be able to have a holiday?

Ah well, perhaps not then, it was just a thought.

And believe me, I'm quite happy and contented to be able to still have thoughts that are not of a self-destruct nature!
Hehe!

I am a fool!





0645:
Summoned by me decaying body to the WC again - glad to report no blood, and no tripping or slipping on the stairs!

0700:
Started to create a humorous graphic for Jane and Pete. Rang each first to find out hwat wine they drank, and what paint that Pete is using to do up his ceiling at home, so I could try to find some images of the same on the web to use.
Unbelievably (not really) I had forgotten how to export the image in JPEG to pout it on here - Huh!
Had to do a search on the web - sad innit?

0910:
Finally managed to get it finished, after making repeated errors, frustration, and seven cups of tea! I'm not too pleased with the resulting image though, but it's a bit of fun I hope. I think Jane or Pete will be able to download it to their smartphone?



Pete in Central Avenue West Bridgford, after shopping perhaps?







Saturday, 1 June 2013

Diary of Woe - June 2013

The scintillating daily record of Nottingham Lad, Gerry Chambers

Saturday 1st June:

* Up at 0515hrs, Kettle on, WC (No blood), the ticker, angina, knees, hands, hernia, ulcer, bladder feeling fair this morning. Although a dizzy spell worried me a tad.

* Laptop on, medications taken gels applied.

* Intend to get some serious writing in today, for the Cafe Spike and Soz, along with graphics. (Hopefully that is).


* Eventually forced myself off the laptop, and into the bathroom for my ablutions, then got some nosh made and sat down to eat it while I watched the England v Brazil match on the box.
My opinion of the match:
Embarrassing for us, they let us get away with a draw.


Monday 3rd June:


* Up late for me, around 0700hrs. WC (bit of blood, nowt to worry about methinks), cut meself shaving, dropped and broke me TCP bottle, came down and got on the laptop.... for a couple of hours... well five.

* Decided I needed a good hobble to help free the knees and bit.

* So set off to walk to Bulwell, a decent walk taking about hour and forty minutes. Good weather.

* Feet now getting very painful. Tsk!

* Into Boots (the shop that is), toothpaste, vitB complex, nail cutters and Omega3 tabs.

* To the first cheapo short date shop, got 3 x 200g packs choc digestives for a quid.

* To the second cheapo short date shop, bought nothing, nowt I fancied in.

* To the third cheapo short date shop, got beans, and a giant tin of mushroom for 89p. IT nearly made the pain of me legs and feet worth while.

* Caught bus back to the hovel. Put me nosh in oven, and updated this outstandingly boring diary.

* Big John rang, I'll meet him on the morning at the launderette, and he'll lift me to Asda to get shopping in. Milk, Spring water, cheapo bleach and anything else I see on offer.


Tuesday 4th June:

* Blimey me kness! Woke up around 0520hrs - and boy were the knees bad! After about ten minutes of struggling to get up, a little like a baby elephant would, and a few choice words spoken, I managed to get to the WC (no blood).

* I remembered about the laundry, so got on the laptop, make a cuppa, and took me AM medications.

* Toddled of to the launderette, Big John arrived at same time. took me midday med's with me to take.

* Off in BJ's pappap to Asda, where i spent a bit. Then on to J Sainsbury's to get salad, but they had ran out. BJ kindly dropped me off at the hovel.

* I made a plate of lettuce, beetroot, mushrooms, mini-pork pie and a cheesey potatoe.
I then stubbed me toe while carrying it to the chair!
Then I cleaned up the lettuce, beetroot, mushrooms, mini-pork pie and a cheesey potatoe from the floor!

* Tsk!


Wednesday 5th June:

* Up at 0500hrs, WC, medications, laptop on, Troll Free, Facebook, email, and did some graphics for about four hours.

* Did me ablutions, and decided to have a walk into Nottingham. Fed the pigeons on the way.

* No sunshine today, but the wind was far less, and it was not cold.

* Called in Aldi and got some pickled eggs and their version of Pringles.

* Then hobbled (the feet were hurting and a burnin' a tad now) to the EE phone shop where I got me mobile from, to seek some help in why the red handset and exclamation mark thingy was showing on the screen, and I was getting a green flashing light all the time.
The young man patiently listened to me explaining this (with a look on his face that said 'poor old twit'), then took the mobile, and handed it back to me within about 4 seconds with a chirpy "That's done Sir!"
I felt such a fool!

* On to the pound shop for some more medication dosage pots, bird seed, a John Wayne DVD for Big John, paper plates, and Cycling gloves for brother-in-law Pete.

* Caught the bus back to Carrington, popped in the Co-op for bread. Where a lady did a survey with me. I'm think she might have been depressed afterward, as she held her head in her hands?

* Back to the flea-pit, and put me belly pork in the oven, and on the laptop to do this scintillating account the Nottingham Lads life. (Huh!)


Thursday 6th June:

* Couldn't get to sleep last night for ages. Thus I was up late, and only just within the time limit for takin' me AM med's. Phew! 0740hrs.

* Last night, I was about to change the batteries in the camera, and one of me hands started to play up, so I took a photo of it with hand not playin' up. Come in handy to show the doc methinks, cause the fingers never go twisties on their own when I'm in hospital, clinic or GP surgery to show them.


Saturday 8th June:

* Up around 0530hrs - WC (failed attempt, no blood), cuppa, medications WC.

* Toyed around with Coreldraw, Facebook, Writers and Troll Free. Did some graphics and posted them. Pattie and Frankie doing alright at the moment, so glad about that, hope all goes well for them, a pair of diamonds they are.

* Ablutions, changed (not like Jeckle and Hyde though).

* Had a part-walk to Bulwell, only about a quarter of the way, then caught bus rest of the way.
Spent on things I didn't need, but were on offer and I fancied them. Luxury or what?

* Bus back, and had belly pork, beans and roast potatoes. I can smell em now.. mmm.


Sunday 9th June:

* Not a good day.

Monday 10th June:

* No sleep last night until 0525hrs this morning, took med's - Tsk!


* Felt a lot better when I got up at around 0900hrs. WC (Blood), thought about thinking about the possibility of having a wash and shave... nearly did.

* On the laptop eagerly doing some graphics, posting, and messaging on Facebook.


* Things were going well. I took a break to make some cheesey potatoes. Remembered to take them out after an hour and a half, and scoop out the flesh, and give it me special treatment number 1 - strriong cheese, vinegar, rock salt, and cheese granules, bash it all up,  and put back carefully in the skins/husks, and returned them to the oven to brown off and crisp the tops.
Returned to the laptop.

* About three hours later I smelt the burning... oh dear, another incineration!
One of the potatoes actually burst open when I took it out of the oven, luckily the Germolene was close to hand. (Tsk!)


* Undaunted, I started all over again after cleaning up the mess.

* Two hours later, and success! (on the left here) Had them with some very very mild veg curry... Mmmmm, lovely.
Just how I like em, slightly, I say Slightly burnt on the edges.

* Managed to get to kip by about 0100hrs or so, but it was in ten minute sessions - think I had the usual 'orrible dreams all the way through again.
Just when i really wanted to get some sleep in ready for the marathon walk to the hospital in the morning - Tsk!


Tuesday 11th June:

* Up just before six, after laying there for ages trying to force myself to rise... er... get up. Remembered hospital visit, and stirred into motion - slow and painful, but motion never the less.

* WC, cuppa and med's taken -  things got ready for me outing to the clinic of sorts, and did a bit on laptop. Then off on me walk to the QMC.
Bit of sunshine, not too cold, off down the road, onto Hucknall Road, cut through to Nottingham Road, down that and right onto Forest Road.
Fed the pigeons on the Forest, and continued the mile or so down and up to Gregory onto Radford Boulevard, right into Hartley Road, left into Lonesdale Road, along Croydon Road, right down Brixton Street, right into St Peters Street, down to Ilkeston Road, then left down   Triumph Road, all the way to the end, and right into Derby Road. Nearly getting knocked over again by a cyclist going against the lights as I crossed the road onto the QMC side.

* Arrived at the hospital in a good time, about 1h 20min's. Got seen to straight away.

* Walked along Derby Road into town, and on this walk me feet started to play up, and me limping and pain was a little more severe than I was comfortable with. Hobbled into the pound shop and got some bird seed, air spray, cheddars and microwave burgers.

* Caught the bus back to Carrington (with feet tingling something awful). Dropped off a Lidl and got some bread and yoghourt. New girl on the till I think, she said 'Good morning' to me.

Wednesday 12th June:

* Up at 0545hrs, usual WC (No blood), laptop on, cuppa and medications, and on Facebook, and this blog.

* Did some graphics and posted them.

* Called Margaret to find out if any plans had been made for those going to Stewart's funeral tomorrow, after waiting for a month while the social services tried to find some relatives of his. None made, she will ring me back later to sort. Still waiting.

* Did some cheesey baked potatoes, put them back in the oven to brown and crisp up, and went up to do me ablutions.

* Had a nosh of potatoes, curried beans with sultanas, bacon, and bread, followed by a pot of yogurt.
Boy did that push of the already active wind status beyond the point of pleasure?
Yes it did.

* Feeling a bit low tonight, and didn't go on the web at all - not like me, but I was thinking of Stew.


Thursday 13th June:

* Up at 0600hrs, nightmare ridden night I'm afraid, horrible.

* Cuppa, took med's, started laptop up.

* This is the last photo I ever took of Stew 'Stewart Rowley', when he went into hospital to see why he was losing his balance and falling all the time.
Margaret and I visited, and I didn't see the lad again.

* It's taken three months of waiting to lay him to rest, and today is the day.
Not a happy one for Margaret and me, but we both agree he is now at rest.


* I met the three girls outside Stew's flat - and we caught a taxi to the crematorium.
Margaret had arranged all the things needed, and I have to say she did a marvelous job bless her.
She picked three pieces of Stew's favourite music. and the upbeat conducting of the service by the minister was appreciated.
The 23rd psalm has been modernised beyond recognition. But I liked the wording.
There were 11 people there. Social workers, mental health workers, and carers, much more then we anticipated.
I think Stew would have approved.

* Got back and I was in surprisingly good spirits, the girls were tearful, but we all agreed, we were happy that Stew had at last been laid to rest, and he was free of his suffering.
Again, thanks and love for Margaret for her wonderful organising abilities - Somehow the constant rain seemed right today.

Friday 14th June:

* I awoke and laid there thinking of Stew and his quirks, bravery and felt so much more positive. I hope to be joining him in a bit, I bet he's up there making them laugh, recording his music, and hopefully waiting for us. I still miss the visiting him each day down here.

* WC (no blood), cuppa, laptop on, and medications taken.

Saturday 15th June:

* Up around 0600hrs, got a bit of kip in, still full of nightmares. Tsk!

* WC, cuppa, med's, on laptop.

* Went up to do me ablutions in readiness to go out to chemist for me prescriptions, and get some bread.
After getting dressed ready and coming down the stairs, I felt a new tingling around me torso? Hello I thought, what's this then.
I'd sprayed meself with fly killer by mistake for deodorant! (Double Tsk!)


* The medications were ready when I arrived at chemists, then I went on to Lidl to get me bread and bits. The usual responses from an obviously experienced Lidl cashier, like: Grunt, Eh?, and a high quality sneer.

* Fed the birds on the way back.

*Nice nosh today.

* Watched a DVD, then decided to do meblog, and have a look around the web on me laptop.
With an hour I'd found me reading glasses. Huh!

Sunday 16th June:

* Up at 0500hrs, WC (no blood), cup of tea, med's and laptop on.
Then the fun started....
When I opened Facebook in Chrome, it went to another old facebook page, and I'd lost all my connections, friends etc.
After much failed attempts, help searching and fiddling, I tied opening facebook in Firefox - and wallah I got the right one.
Sandra from The Troll Free Zone advised me to make Firefox my default in the hope it might rectify the problem. So I did. I just hope all is well next time I open it.
Oh dear...

* Must get out for a walk today, the knees are not very good through lack of use I think. I'll take me camera in case I see owt interesting in town.

Dead centre of Nottingham

Entrance to the Arboretum

Near where I was mugged last August

The Pond - now with fewer condoms but more needles!

Just thought this was a nice sky
 

Tuesday 18th June:

* Dodgy start to the day, dizzies and ankle lesions a bit raw.
Cuppa and took med's, then got the laundry ready for later. Big John is going to pick me up and go with laundry with me to do his, and then take me shopping.
Did a bit on laptop.

* Big John collected me and we went to launderette.

* When the machines were started, I nipped out up the road and called at GP and made an appoitnment, Thursday 0940hrs. Waddled back to the launderette, and got all the news about Big Johns holiday from him. It sounded lovely a place he's visited (Cornwall).

* We moved on to Asda, where things are a bit bit harder for me to recall, due to some horrendous dizzies while shopping affected me.
I rememebr things clearly from when he dropped me off, saying we were over 2 and a half hours in Asda?

* When I got in the house, a pink envelope lay on the mat, it was from Patti in Florida, my cyber-friend and brave girl going through cancer treatment with spirit and amazing resilience bless her - she had sent me a painting on an easel that she had made, and wrote a lovely letter along with it. When I get a new camera (yes the old one finally packed up), I'm going to take a photo of it and post it for you all to see. It must have taken her a great effort to produce, and I love it. It will have pride of place in my hovel. She has painted a plant and  clock, and put it on an actual working easel. She called it "Gerry's healing time".
She also sent a card, that I hope to photo and post as well.
A gigantic Thank You and cyber-cuddle to Patti!

* The fatigue overcame me again, and I faded and just ate, read a bit, and watched a DVD... but at least I got some sleep in for once.

 Wednesday 18th June:

* Up around 0530hrs. WC, cuppa and med's, laptop on.

* Not so good again this morning, good job I'm booked in to see the GP tomorrow morning.

* I went to take out some rubbish in the yard, and to me utter amazement, all the overgrown weeds and plants had been cut back!
I think it must have been my neighbour? I really was choked that someone would help me like this, and so appreciative of it - I really must thank him properly when I see him again. I feel so humbled now.

* I do not intend to try any walking today.

* Not a good day really up to now:

Facebook would not let me post graphics. (and still wont) I love spending hours creating things that Facebook will not let me post. Getting the "There was a problem with this request. We're working on getting it fixed as soon as we can." message everytime I tried over the last ten hours! Grrr....

Then the blisters on me ankle burst. Another mess to sort.

She was only 23 years old as well!
Then I decided it would be a good idea to grill some bacon and make a sandwich... oh dear,... I foolishly nipped back to the laptop to try and fail to get photo's posted, whattamistakatomakkka! When the smoke started billowing into the room, I realised I'd forgot about the bacon cooking.
Taking my panic with me, I got into the kitchen to see the flames leaping up from the cooker. Arghh!! 
I saw the made up spray disinfectant and laundry softener I'd made up yesterday, and sprayed it on the flames - luckily it did the job, although it was thirty minutes or so before I felt confident that the flames had actually been extinguished fully.
What a mess.

Afterwards I called me brother in law Pete, and he is coming to have a look in the morning, about helping me get a new second hand cooker fitted, and getting rid of the old mangled one. and Big John said he'd call later today to have a look to check all was safe.

What a day! Well miffed with life at the moment.


Thursday 19th June:

* Up at 0430hrs, surprisingly decent kip last night.

* Cuppa, med's, WC (no blood), and laptop on.

* Tried on Firefox to post photo's again to Facebook, without success - then a brainwave descended upon me (very worrying that you know).
I opened Chrome, and booted Facebook, then signed out - rebooted and signed in again - wallah! I downloaded the graphics I'd made post haste to some sites. Crossed fingered it will still work next time go on.

* Got things ready for the GP visit, remembered me list of woes, extra prescriptions required, remembered to put the camera in the bag, and the crossword book, and I was off.

* I was nearing the entrance when I realised I not got my mobile or a pen... huh! So much for ringing Pete when I got out of the surgery. Tut!

* Due to the dizzies I've been experiencing the doc told me how to cut back and finish with the water tablets 'Furosomide'. Half a tablet for seven days, then half a tablet every other day for the next week, then half every three days for another week.
She said the scabs on my ankle were acne, and prescribed some cream.
Gave me prescriptions for extra pain-gel and 40g codeine.
Gave me note asking for a second blood test for hepatitis, tuberculosis and a word I cannot read. I can have this done on Tuesday when I go to the QMC hematology for my Warfarin  Anticoagulant level blood tests.

* I'd only been out of the place 1 minute, and Pete walked up to me.
We decided I'd cope without a cooker for a while, manage with the microwave.
we went to the chemists to get the prescriptions filled. Nice lady there, she nearly spoke to me.

* Back to the hovel and Pete checked out the safety of the incinerated cooker, okay, and the roof's chances of getting through the next three months... not so good.
He then checked me lotto ticket - Aha! I'd won a tenner! After nine and half years, my first win!

*Pete said he would go with me into town for a walk about and get some weed-killer, fly-spray (Forgot that tut!), and a loud timer I could use to help prevent me burning stuff.
We caught bus into town, and on the way round, we noticed some giant raffia-like floral statues advertising something or other all around the centre.
Here are the photo's I took of em:

Pete with his hand up the skirt - he's aging well you know... slowly but well!

Ladies straw-hat

The coffee cup
Ladies handbag
* We hobbled (well I hobbled) around trying various outlets for a timer. Pete suggested trying Maplins, so we made our way there, and got one to try.

* Then to Wilko's and got some weedkiller.

* Pete caught his bus home outside the shop - jolly good egg he is.

* I went into Boots to look see if the hearing centre had any really loud timers - no.

* Popped in the Pound shop and found some weedkiller cheapo, so bought a bottle.

* Caught the bus back to Carrington, and went out and sprayed the garden as such, with the weedkiller. We'll see how it goes, used the expensive one.

* Tried out the Maplin's audio timer, not too bad at all.

* Laptop on and updated this twaddle.


Saturday 22nd June:

* Up really early even for me, around 0400hrs. Bad night's kip, head pains and cramps helped me get up... oh and the call of the WC too. (Tsk!)

* Spent all day on the laptop, doing graphics and posting them. Enjoyed it really, but felt a bit guilty not getting much else done.

* I did nip out to get some bread. I almost forgot I now have no cooker. Made meself sad now at the thought of not being able to have any baked potatoes... boo!

* The new medications might be affecting my sleep somewhat, not that it has been any good for ages anyway. The weaning off the Furosomide is causing me legs to swell a bit again, I'll have to keep an eye on em, not easy that looking down over my belly yer know! (Hehe) But if this helps to counter the dizzy spells, all to the good... I think?

Sunday 23rd June:

* Funny innit? When i first awoke, I could remember nearly all of the horrible dreams I'd been having, and thought I'll tell someone about them. Of course, no sooner had I gone up to the WC - all the recollections had gone into the ether! (Tut).

* Cuppa made, took med's, laptop on, and back up the stairs, so I could stand there like a twit for ten minutes trying to think why I had gone back up the stairs? No idea.

* Posted some graphics on the TFZ Facebook site. And started to sort graphics to add to my galleries. Did a smudge in thanks to Patti for her wonderfully thoughtful artwork that she sent me from America. Lovely thought that was.


Monday 24th June:

* No sleep last night, but i did manage an hour or so earlier on. Spent all night doing graphics for the TFZ folks. Some wonderfully nice people on there.

* I'm going to call in at the Health Centre in town today (I'll try to remember to take me camera just in case owt happens interestin' like). I took two beta-blockers by mistake this morning. Tsk! The new ones are a different shape to me usual ones yer see - that's my excuse anyway. Don't take much to confuse me nowadays.
Then realised too late I'd took a water tablet before going on me walk to the city... Treble Tsk!

* Looked a bit like rain, but it didn't, as I hobbled into the city centre, and made me way to the NHS drop-in centre.

* Managed to fins a public toilet in thVic centre on the way. (Thank heavens!)

* Thinking how clever I was, taking me crossword book with me, as I knew a wait would have to be endured... until I also realised I'd forgot the pen. Huh!

* Sat around for only half an hour or so, and they called me in.
Tested blood pressure and the ticker, said it was alright, and to take normal in the morning, and expect to feel a bit drained later. (Although that is usual for me anyway).

* Got out into the fresh-air, and thought I'd go and take some photo's... got the camera out, and the screen had gone blank, oh dear. I half expected it though, I've had the camera for many years now.
So I walked into Jessops, to view the Grill/Ovens (they had none in stock), and had a look at the camera's. They had one that was reduced from £99 to £69, a Canon Powershot 1300. I weakened and bought it - then had to buy SD card, as the old one did not fit this camera.

* A bit miffed with meself for spending, I caught the bus back to Carrington. Feet and knees aching now, don't know how I'll get on tomorrow when I walk four times as far to the QMC for me blood tests?

* I noticed a distinct lack of yobberism and people on the street as I got home.
Set up the camera, and took these first shots of both ways up and down the street - eerie silence, very worrying.
Don't think they any better than the old camera was though.


Tuesday 25th June:

* At last I managed some kip - dream filled and broken, but kip none the less.

* Up at o4oohrs, WC (no blood), laptop on, cuppa, and when it turned 0530hrs, remembered to take me medications, but not a water tablet. Put things in bag for the hospital, paperwork, camera, mobile, crossword book and even the pen.

* Did some graphics for the TFZ.

* Did me ablutions and set off on me walk to the QMC at 0805hrs.
Fine morning, fed the pigeons as I passed the Forest, plodded on and on Hartley Road, this young bloke walking called me, and said: "I've just come out of the hospital, they thought I'd had a heart attack, but they diagnosed a blood clot on me lung, anyroad, I've got to get home to Hucknall and I ain't go no money...." I searched me pockets but only had about £1.10 on me. Shame.
Pressed on and on arrived at the QMC around 0938hrs.
Straight to the waiting area, and it was devoid of humanoids? So I got ticket from the machine and was called in before it had come out of the machine!
Gave the nurse the paperwork, and she was to take an extra three samples for the checks the GP had requested, and the usual Warfarin one.
I gave her the nurses nibbles bag, and was off outside in a flash.
Caught the bus back to town, nipped in Jessops and got a cover for me camera, then into Waitrose for some bread, tomatoes, beetroot and lettuce.
Caught bus to Carrington, called at number 24 to try and talk to Maxine but not in again, then in the hovel, kettle on, laptop started, fodder put away, made a cuppa, put some Rick Nelson music from MyTube on, and updated this diary.


Wednesday 26th June:

* Cursed at the knees, and they eventually allowed me to get up at 0500hrs, WC (No blood again), Kettle and laptop on, cuppa and med's taken.

* Phoned Big John, and he said he'd take me into town and carry back any table-top oven I find and buy.
Decent chap that, he'll be calling around 1040hrs in the AM. Cheers to Big John.

* I had a walk into town, and called at Argos, and looked in their catalogue and found some Ovens with hotplates on top that I fancied might be suitable to me, but I'd not got me reading glasses so will need verification tomorrow.

* I caught bus out to Morrison's at Colwick. There were three police vans in the car park and I thought I'd take a photo of them - but the nearest one's window opened, and I received a look from the officer that said "What the hell are you doing?" So I took a photo way from their vehicles instead.

* Feeling a bit drained, I caught the bus back to town, and then one back home to Carrington.
Knocked on Maxines door as I passed, and caught her in. So got her email address so I could send her the photo's of Stewart that she's asked for.


Thursday 27th June:

* Up at five o'clock, Kettle on, WC (bit of blood), Laptop started, cuppa, medications taken and on the web.


* Later while doing me ablutions, Big John rang, he was on his way to pick me up to go shop for a mini-cooker.
I got the fodder I am no longer permitted to ear ready for him in a bag, made sure I'd got me cash card etc, and off we went to Argos in Arnold.
BJ helped me though the process of choosing one, ordering it, and then lifted me home with it, and helped me install it and made sure it worked.
He even reminded me of to take me midday med's bless him. He even supplied a high quality steak pie for me to heat and eat.
So today it was oven chips, pie and beans... lovely!


* Feeling tired now, I settled down to watch some TV around 1800hrs, starting with with 'Heartbeat'... but I didn't get to the end of it, and drifted off into glorious sleep, awaking at 0200hrs.

* So I WC's, made a cuppa, started laptop and updated this tosh.
* I must clean up around the new cooker later.

* I went out and got me potatoes with some other stuff, and happy as a lark I turned on the oven to heat it up.
It heated up quickly, so I put in me potatoes, and changed the oven selector from 'Stay-on' to timer for an hour.
As I did this, a loud 'clink' emitted, and it died a death.

* After my emotions died down, I called Big John to ask advice, he said he would be around in about an hour, and we'll have a look and take it back if needed to the shop. I wrote this while waiting for him, grand chap that Big John.

* BJ arrived and after looking at the thing, he changed the fuse, and said try that, if it goes again, we'll take it back.
Bit nervous about that, but it cooked me meal without problems. Phew!

Saturday 29th June:

* Bad nights kip, but I've had worse. The burnt fingers were a lot better, and I can type on computer without pain now.
Yes, I burnt em yesterday on the oven. Tsk!

* WC (blood), laptop started, cuppa and med's consumed... posted a lot of graphics I'd done yesterday for TFZ folks.

* Had me first dizzy spell for a week this morning, caught me out a bit, but all okay now. Still awaiting blood test results.