Random Jottings Of Gildersleeve

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Location: United Kingdom

Perhaps you'll learn more about me as you read my blog. For anyone who translates my blog using the translator facility, don't forget if you wish to read the comments in your own language to click on the title of the post down the left hand side otherwise they will remain in english. Also I assume that the translation is accurate but I don't know, so please allow for errors.

Saturday, February 28, 2015

I Listened To A BBC Radio Drama...

trailed all week, a world premier by the world renowned playwright Alan Pinter and directed by a Sir no less. Its over and if I'm honest I'm non the wiser what it was about. But certain people are revered by the elite and we are expected to go along with them. Its kind kind've funny that I made a comment about the broadcast on Twitter and next minute I had an account holder who must be a fan of Pinter following me.

A better day today, I could go out but I'm staying in. I am like a hermit and could very well stay put until tomorrow night. Nothing is required.

I can survive until Monday when if I have not made any bread of my own I'll buy a bloomer and perhaps one last runner. I will attend my little bingo meeting the same day. On Tuesday I could be visiting my friend in hospital once more and its the music club in the evening. So the week is punctuated with various little events to break up the days. Its a routine I suppose. March has a few events that will take up my time. and then before you know it Spring will be here and the clocks will go forward.

Update:My friend continues to improve in hospital and now I discover his Step Dad(the person who has been "really" ill for years)and who we thought was being rushed into hospital and then it turned out it was my friend is now in A&E in the same hospital. So we'll have to see what happens next. The difference a few hours can make.

As for me though Saturday was OK I'm taking painkillers, having a hot drink, my joints are quite stiff and I am slow but as I am in my bedroom with a toaster, a kettle, milk, water and coffee. I'm OK. Just discovered a letter from the Dr's surgery in my letterbox asking me to contact them, I hope its nothing but until Monday when it opens again I won't know.

At 3am on Sunday morning I was eating Chicken Broth soup. Because I can...

Friday, February 27, 2015

Friday Is Almost Over...

And to be honest one I am happy to see the back of...no particular reason, just one of those kind that drag ever so slowly...which is ironic when time is precious and flies by far too quickly.

Now I think I know the answer before I write this, should I hop on a bus and ride all day around the N East and see how far I can get or stay close to home? Hearing what the weather is likely to be and there are some things on TV, a day of Westerns so I may very well stay at home.

I Ain't Going Nowhere...

They say to expect rain, winds, ice and colder temperatures. I will stay put perhaps until Sunday night. I have salad/fresh veg(prepared and not prepared)I can even make my own soup. Earlier tonight I came home from the bingo social club and perhaps it seems a strange mixture but it filled my tummy and tasted great. Baked beans, potato wedges and the remains of a kind of Shepherd's pie from last night containing pork mince, gravy, broccoli, cauliflower and mashed potato. Comfort food and the using up left overs.

I finally have all of my carpet runners, if I stop purchasing any more. I could add another three or four to complete the job but generally its not necessary. They will hide the carpets I have until they are replaced or can be placed on the new carpets to avoid them wearing out, getting soiled especially in areas where I walk a lot like the hall and entrances of rooms. Its not been cheap and I am fortunate that I could afford to buy them. Then again could've spent probably much more.

Earlier in the day I saw my friend in hospital. You can tell he's been through it and is still doing so but he is definitely looking much better and sounding positive. There was talk that he may come home next week but before we arrived on our visit, he had been for a scan and there is still fluid on his Pancreas so they are keeping him in a while longer.

Because of all the tubes that were in him for the previous 4-5 weeks and spending so much time in bed his throat is sore and he requires a fair bit of physiotherapy. But he was more as I know him. I could be going to see him again on Tuesday. Sadly, my friend is a fish enthusiast and has two aquariums that mean a lot to him and with him being away with such a serious illness and his Mum and family being so concerned though she has tried to see that they are looked after, one water pump failed and one tank of fish has been lost. Some better news is that the one that contains the most of his collection is still OK and fewer fish were lost than could've been.

I guess that brings us up to date for the moment.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Perhaps Things Are Looking Up...

Late last week my friend in hospital was given virtually no chance of surviving through the night but days on he's looking happier and seems to be improving once more. So much so I may be visiting him soon. But it will be a long journey back to health. He needs a nurse with him 24/7.

I have purchased another runner which I have placed on the landing and later today I think I shall be buying another. They are hiding the old carpets for now but they will protect any new ones I have laid later in the year.

They are flat so I am very unlikely to trip over them. So there are no safety issues.

I had a small win at the bingo on Sunday but I had to share otherwise I would have been £2 in pocket but the win meant the night only cost me around £5.

I found out too late that on Saturday in Durham's market place there was a celebration of the Chinese New Year with a dragon and dancers, had I known I would've made the effort to see the event, its something I have never seen and I am told that there was another event in Darlington even closer to where I live. Perhaps next year I'll get the chance.

Yesterday I had a small shop(that's when I purchased my runner)and found some nice items but I discovered that a baker was selling their potato and corned beef pasties and I suddenly decided I quite fancied one for my evening meal with perhaps baked beans and potato wedges but they had to bake some more and by the time I got back to the shop after a hold up they had closed so I may buy them today. They are good value at present because you can buy two for £1 instead it costing £2.24 for two.

I ended up having chicken sandwiches. I have said before when I see the price of meat I often baulk at the price but when spread over a number of meals and worked in with ingredients it is not to bad especially if you do not waste it. If I have a pasty for lunch I will have potatoes, chicken, vegetables and gravy for my main meal followed by a dessert in a pot(so easy)or fruit pie with custard. I'm still making an effort and I do like my food.

The weather has not been very good over the last few days, heavy rain, some snow and a bitter wind. But its still Winter after all and good heavens what should we expect. In reality in my location its been mild(if a bit cold)snow hardly stayed around, the worst time probably was a four of five days where ice refused to thaw which if you "have" to go out is bad for all especially if you have to walk, worse for the elderly and infirm, luckily I did not have to and though some laugh, having a store of food, milk, tea and coffee and at a push able to make bread not forgetting to have a flask of hot water in case the electric went off, I was ready for just about everything.

As Monday evening progressed it became quite windy and since the upgrade to the heating system when the wind blows it gets quite noisy in the airing cupboard next to my bedroom(any bedroom) where the combi boiler is located and the same in the chimney. If you have the sound turned up on the radio or computer(not that loud)sometimes its hard to tell if its someone knocking at the front door downstairs or just the wind. It can get a bit annoying.

Update:Its a bit wet, windy certainly but the noise inside the house has stopped, pasty is on hold. I'll buy the runner and my TV magazine on the way to the music club as I go for the bus as I pass the shop on the way for my bus and when rolled up its easy to walk with. I can even put it a kind of carrier bag. And I get a ride home in a taxi at the end of the night.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Had I Made The Effort...

Its quite a pleasant day outside. I almost wish that I had but where to go? Hopefully, I will start my travels soon. And I have slept well so that is good.

Today would've been Mum's birthday, the third since she passed away. For many others it will be closer or farther away than that so either still raw or livable with. We all deal with it in our own way. If they have their own families or live away or never experienced that closeness between a parent and child or are emotionally cold for whatever reason it is as individual as everyone of us.

But though I am thinking of Mum its not a bad day...not bad at all.

Cannot decide whether to have a wander down the supermarket just for the sake of it or stay in it won't make any difference if I go today or tomorrow. I could buy milk but if I am caught without I do have some cartons of long life and powdered so I can still have tea or coffee. I will probably buy some buns if I leave until Sunday. I could buy another runner but I think there will still be some there tomorrow. And tomorrow that supermarket gets new items in stock anyhow.

I may have another couple of some sausage rolls I have in the house for a snack later(it gets them used up)then get stuck into making a meal for the early evening, I'm thinking salmon salad. Virtually no cooking involved in that.

The only TV programme I am thinking of watching tonight is an Agatha Christie Miss Marple mystery which I will probably watch whilst eating my meal. Some programmes if I turn them on would fill in the time but they are not "Must see" TV and others I may like to see I cannot because I don't pay to watch those channels. The older I become I am more selective and choosy about what I watch.

Actually, I ended up listening to old programmes on BBC Radio 4 Extra instead.

Friday, February 20, 2015

I was So Tired...

I left home far too late for the lunchtime concert and arrived with seconds to spare and had to sit where I could see very little. The venue isn't very good because the seats are not raised and unless you are near the front or sitting on the end of a row its no good. I could've perhaps got nearer to the front but my bus hit every possible delay from road works to holdups that you could not work out why.

The trio played music composed by the pianist Oscar Peterson. And as the works are longer than usual they dropped the last tune in the programme and finished promptly on the hour. Why they could not have played the whole selection I have no idea. They could've played it as encore. But it was an enjoyable hour. Quality Jazz.

It was quite warm in Durham City and I was so tempted to go off and take some photos but I was tired and I will be there again soon so I'll get my chance again.

On the way to the bus station to catch my bus home I was able to pass all the shops I needed to and buy a few things I was missing and avoid having to do it when I reach my town...so I have my crumble mix, sea salt, tomatoes, broccoli, broad beans, some sliced meatloaf and corned beef.

I was going to cook something tonight but I have some sausage rolls to use up so may have some of them with buttered bread. And a mug of coffee. I may follow it with a chocolate caramel ice cream lolly. Later, I may have a bowl of potato wedges.

The programmes on the TV aren't that great tonight and many are being repeated over the weekend so I am going to get all cosy in bed and listen to the radio, perhaps I'll watch them tomorrow or Sunday.

Had A Late Shop...

I had not realised that the discount supermarket near me had changed their opening hours and now stay open until 10pm so I purchased some bread and one of their Special Buy offers that came in today(a carpet runner and a similar doormat)for inside the hall.  A Bloomer loaf and some odds and sods(canned chopped tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, small potatoes)potato wedges, roast potatoes, salad, kale and a cucumber.

However they are the only place on the town to sell fruit pie fillings but I could not buy crumble mix so I will have to go to another one that has that but not the pie fillings.

I watched(for those living abroad)a TV programme on BBC TV "Question Time" that is a political discussion type where the audience asks public figures questions on current affairs. Its not worth going into details but I wasn't impressed, I know because someone I know was in the audience and had some very good questions to ask and did not get the chance and the topics chosen which were populist how skewed the programme is. It was a waste of my time and I think I will pass on it again. Its not a good thing to watch before retiring to bed, you won't go to bed in a happy frame of mood. You'll be disillusioned. angry, scared, sad by the quality of answers from the panel and some of the questions asked.

I was thinking of getting into something nice to eat after I came home but will think of doing that later today I have had a chicken in the slow cooker. I'm wondering if I should have a go at roasting some vegetables in the oven. Its just as easy for me to do them than buy them that way.  I had some tomato and crisps in buns(not together)and was given a butterfly raspberry/cream butterfly cake by someone at the bingo which I had with a mug of coffee, think I'll have another coffee. And watch an episode of Father Brown, I thought that I had two remaining but today's was only aired a few weeks ago so its still fresh in my memory and has obviously been slotted into the schedule just to make everything tidy and finish the week off neatly.

I have to be on the bus to Durham no later than 11.20am for the music concert at lunchtime, then decide whether to come straight home or hang around awhile longer seeing that I have made the effort to go out.

I am debating whether to get more runners for other rooms in the house whilst they are available(they'll hide my carpets for now)and when I do change them I can put them on top of the new one's to help protect and stop them wearing out. I'm thinking one for the landing(just wooden boards)at present. The lounge and possibly my bedroom. They will come around again if I miss out this time.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Amazing...Its 9pm already...

At least I can sleep soon. Not an exciting day. Not really sure we were meant to have many of those kind of days and then when one comes along it means more. Exciting does not always mean its good. Lately too many people I know are having hard situations to deal with.

Still been living off tomato and ham sandwiches. All used now. I haven't watched any TV. Been a radio day. Perhaps tomorrow will be different. I could go out but it seems pointless.

I may give in and watch a couple of TV programmes...in bed soon.

Neighbours have been a bit noisy. There is a rhythmic noise some nights that lasts for set period of time and I wonder if its some kind of exercise machine and off and on the dog has been howling and whimpering throughout the day and evening.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Here We Go Again...

The Music Club tonight *o|^_^|o music I'm having a coffee at present and in the next hour I'll have a tidy up, a shave and perhaps think of watching another Western(if I haven't seen it)Its Pancake Day but I am thinking that I may have a couple for supper when I come home tonight and for tea I have decided on sausages, beans and mini rostis.

I was thinking of cooking the chicken but will probably leave that until later in the week. On the way to the club I may buy more vegetables and my TV listings magazine. If I leave in good time and take my painkillers I should be able to go to the club by bus and save using a taxi(the money saved will pay for my raffle tickets and a soft drink or two)The night will come in at around £4 instead of £7-£8. Any saving, however small is welcome.

Its better news regarding my friend who is in hospital, they hope that he will be moved onto a more general ward later today and that they can start to exercise his muscles so he can walk again. All tubes have been removed except the one that feeds him. Its a long road to recovery though but better news than we've had the last 3 weeks or so. No doubt I will be visiting him soon. Others have been but I await the go ahead from those who know him best.

I haven't anything planned in the coming days except one trip to Durham on Friday to see a lunchtime concert by a jazz trio which I booked a long time ago.

Had I mentioned it to a friend at the bingo club I go to(but why would I)I could've had a free egg slicer but the same person popped up to her kitchen and found a cheese slicer that isn't being used. It will be rarely used but its there if needed. I'll admit I haven't quite worked out how to use it. Smiley

Its not a bad day and always happiest when I avoid the news as what's reported is nearly always bad. I have to stay informed a little regarding stories that could affect me but a lot of what is reported I have no influence on or I am responsible for.

Update:Always a good night at the club. I caught the bus and did the small shop(magazine and cabbage)Exciting Huh? Just had some ham and tomato sandwiches when I came in. Its silly not to get the bus when you are able. If I was paying for the ride I don't think I'd save much but whilst the ride is free, why not.

I did not throw a lot of food out earlier but I did get rid of some older items, I can't see me eating cream and it was purchased at Christmas...well past its use by date. I did manage to tidy up earlier as I hoped too. And I hadn't seen the film. I may stay in now as I have no social events planned until Thursday night(on the town)and I can again use the bus...and Friday that lunchtime concert.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Sunday Passed By Quickly...

My radio listening was mixed because I kept dosing off and one show merged into another. I did make a point of watching the Disney cartoon "Lady and the Tramp" I don't really remember it and its over forty years since I last saw it at the cinema(I think)

Not exciting meal today just a pork pie, an omelet and bake beans.

Tonight I had a small win at the bingo and came away with £12 after what the night cost me so that kind've paid for my shopping during previous days.

I'm not sleepy but cannot think of a reason to stay up. Perhaps I'll watch some catch up TV on the internet.

Update:Easier just to add to this post...I had an evening meal of salmon and vegetables. The Western I was going to watch I had seen so in the end I managed to fill my evening some how and will watch another of the few remaining episodes of the afternoon series Father Brown and perhaps the quiz that follows it but The Link is set up in a way it is very rare anyone walks away with any money.

I had another win today and that meant my day was free except for the cost of sharing a taxi home. And that was cancelled out if you take it from my win last evening. And putting my win towards a shop today meant the extra windfall meant it only cost me £3. Had I had to find the money I would've spent £15 but saved £8.

I have some lovely diced slow cooked Angus Beef, a chicken stuffed with sage, pork and onion stuffing to serves 5 and 12 big pork sausages. Some ready made pancakes for Pancake Day and some cans of Rice Pudding and custard. They should do a good selection of meals in the coming days. Across a week that only comes in at around £2 per day but I can make meals and sandwiches.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Even The Pain Killers Failed...

it was like dragging around a sack of potatoes getting around today. Thankfully the part of Darlington I was in has plenty of seats.

I let down the people who were campaigning to save the NHS as by the time I arrived they were packing away(blame the buses)however on the bargain shopping situation I found 22 batteries for £1.99, that elusive egg slicer and a meat tenderiser. And near home a bloomer loaf, crisps and kiwi fruit.

I will prepare a meal in the early evening followed by strawberries and ice cream.*=P~ drooling Don't be surprised if I post an image.



I have a couple of programmes that I am interested in watching tonight and will watch them on the larger TV in the lounge "live" one is a documentary about the 60's pop group The Dave Clark Five and the impact they had on the US(everyone always thinks of The Beatles)but many British bands did well at the time. The other is science based and the first is looking at developments in cleaning and sanitation. That sounds rivitting doesn't it *=)) rolling on the floor but sometimes you can be surprised and you can always learn something.*:-? thinking

To use a modern term, I'm now chilling out.

Friday, February 13, 2015

One Of Those Boring...

filling in time kind of days. No reason to go out so I stay in or take a trip just for the sake of it. In theory I can wait until tomorrow, seems pointless.

I may decide to have a meal later similar to yesterday's changing it slightly by having sliced gammon with baked beans and rostis or potatoes.

I might've liked to have had strawberries and ice cream to follow but couldn't find any yesterday in town(I assume Valentine's Day may be the reason)That was the reason for going out, that and also an egg slicer and milk but is it worth the trek.

Update:I gave in I'm afraid...struggled to Tesco's and Aldi's at the bottom of my street. I found Strawberries in Aldi's(last few boxes)a rare event I decided to buy a lucky dip in the Euromillions draw and milk in Tesco's. I found a egg slicer(a posh one)in metal but I'm not paying £4 if I can help it. I'll look for a cheap one in a pound shop.

Now I have a date with a hot water bottle.

Whilst Watching An Episode Of A TV Series...

based on the character Father Brown, another person read the lines of the following poem which I have not heard for many many years. In the days before the internet I can remember a TV programme offered to send it out to viewers if they sent in an self addressed envelope, it is one that I always liked. That will always be so whether we find ourselves in another place or not.

Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me and if you want to, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect,
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was;
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you,
For an interval,
Somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well. 
- by Canon Henry Scott-Holland

Good Grief Its Thursday...

Well it was...early hours of Friday now...

Isn't it strange how sometimes when you do very little time drags and other times it passes reasonably quickly without you becoming bored.

Getting ready for Saturday...I hope to take part in a campaign to once again try and engage the public in how important the NHS is and how its under threat. I could support one of two groups that are trying to campaign for the service(either in Darlington or Durham)the first is much easier to get to so I may take that one this time.

Its Valentine's Day and it all is incorporated into the fact that its February 14th and the slogan is something along the lines of make the NHS your Valentine.

I've nothing planned in the evening but I probably will have something nice for my evening meal and sit down for dinner for one.

I made the effort last night when I came in from Bingo and had steamed vegetables, mini potato rostis and sliced gammon.with gravy. All done within approx twenty five minutes. I did not think that I would be able to eat it when I put it on the plate...but I did! And really enjoyed it. Its a small plate so it looks like an even bigger portion.


I've been putting some images on Twitter as I was looking over some images taken in the last few months(mainly of Durham)I have yet to put them on my blog perhaps later however someone I know took one of the Cathedral(I can't take the credit)but I have an idea where it was taken from now and I am going to try and find the same location soon but as its out there on social networks and not copyrighted I think that I am safe to share it.

It is a city that I love...as is Durham Cathedral.


I'll just say for now that there is better news regarding my friend in hospital but its going to be a long journey. On the other hand more news reaches me of people I know who have passed away or have taken ill. I was told tonight a friend of Mum's who was kind of a companion for many years after my Father passed away has suffered a heart attack. And has spent some time in hospital(I believe he is still there)That's all I seem to hear these days. It comes with age I guess but I probably don't hear it as much as I would if I had many family/relatives/friends. When you are mainly single you are protected somewhat from seeing those around you leaving or becoming ill.

Monday, February 09, 2015

10p Out Of Pocket...

across the day...I'm finding that funny.

I started the day eating ham in sandwich thins(brought home from last night)Had all kinds of plans for meals when I came home but ended up eating what was left of some Turkey in sandwiches. And a couple of small Bakewell slices and a coffee. I had two scones at the bingo club(cheese and fruit one)with a mug of tea.

Won £6 which covered the cost of raffle and bingo cards and a shared taxi home. 10p out of pocket. I was given a couple of scones to bring home. I can always have them with a mug of coffee later or tomorrow perhaps.

The weather turned out beautiful today. I was almost sorry that I had nowhere to go to for a trip out. Everyone is ready for Spring I think. I wonder if I should look into any short breaks to somewhere nice, you know...a weekend away or a Mon-Fri break? If I do I'll have to be sure it doesn't clash with anything I have booked at the theatre.

Earlier I watched a 1959 Western starring Fred MacMurray "The Face Of A Fugitive" I enjoyed it but felt a bit cheated at the way the film ended. I tend to like a proper ending rather than an open ended one. I'm not ready for bed yet but there isn't much of reason to stay up. I'll go to bed and do some radio listening and perhaps watch some TV I've downloaded and need to catch up on.

Its milder again indoors 15c/60f. Suspect not so outdoors. No hot water bottles nor wrapped up in lots of clothes etc...

We'll see how tomorrow goes. I could decide to watch an old comedy film. I think I saw it as a child at the cinema(we didn't go that often as a family)in hindsight perhaps it was too expensive? I don't know. It may just have been film going wasn't that important or work times were difficult for Mum and Dad. I have vague memories that I may've seen it when on holiday in Bournemouth and they ran a big film for the Summer season for all the holiday makers to see. Usually one year a Bond movie, the next a Carry On comedy film.

Sunday, February 08, 2015

Saturday Was Much Improved...

Perhaps because of the anniversary of my dear Dad's passing went OK and its passed by for another year. But he should be thought of and not just when that day comes around.

I watched The Aviator film(heck it came out in 2004)and I saw it for the first time last night. It told the life of Howard Hughes. Perhaps embellished, who knows, I stuck with it. Another I can cross off my list. I do know that many years ago I heard a fair few tales about Hughes possibly via a biography that had been written or in the newspapers after he passed away.

And I made the effort to have a decent meal, Fish, chips and peas. Followed by apple pie and custard. Today I am thinking fish again, possibly salmon with a salad. How easy is that? Not going out during the day, its my radio day. Hopefully I'll go out more as it gets nearer to Spring. Its warmer this evening indoors 58f/14c and that's without any CH but at this time I'm in the bedroom and door is closed. It really can make a difference. When Mum was alive and the heating was on quite a lot we rarely if ever closed any door in the house.

Friday, February 06, 2015

Another Pear Shaped Day...

I awoke feeling a bit down but got up and managed to find ways to fill the time but my quick trip to the shops(the plan was to get home and watch a Western)but anything that could delay me did so that hour became three hours.

Treats included a chopping board, a glass work top protector ideal for rolling out dough/pastry.


Coasters and place mats.


a variety of foil pie and quiche dishes, a gadget that looks like an egg slicer but you use it to slice...strawberries...totally un-necessary of course.




A measuring jug, mixing bowl, a pastry brush. Haddock fish fillets, ready rolled short and puff pastry, marmalade, rice pudding, sweet potatoes and now the fun starts...that will keep me busy over the weekend. I'm staying in and going nowhere. So many ideas home made pies, pasties and who knows what else.

Some items were on offer and by using vouchers I only had to find £5 in cash.

I'm going to listen to the radio and stay cosy in bed but may have fish, chips and peas later for my late supper* I'm not much bothered by what's on TV tonight. If I was already sat in front of TV I might watch a couple of programmes but I can watch them on catch up anyhow.

*I have put the meal back 24 hours and tonight I will either watch the film The Aviator or repeats of Last of the Summer Wine.

Thursday, February 05, 2015

A James Stewart Western...

Turkey sandwiches eaten and final remains of diced steak cooked(which I am thinking of having in a homemade pie(I say pie)I'm thinking gravy, veg and beef in a dish topped with mashed potato or shortcrust pastry. I'm cheating...I have some prepared pastry in the fridge.

About to get shaved and head out for my bus to the bingo and on the way may buy a white Bloomer loaf. That's my exciting day.

I may have a TV session tonight. I have found a few things that look interesting.

Update:Well I thought I had found something worth watching late tonight but "No" I was wrong and the only one I really may want to see is on so late I cannot be bothered.

It went a bit pear shaped. missed my bus to the bingo by seconds but I won enough to cover taxis to and from the bingo and almost the cost of bread and sweets so I only had the cost of the bingo books to pay.

Did I say, I think that I have sussed out the problems my attempts at bread making caused last weekend(mainly a gluten issue)needed kneading perhaps a little more. Later today, I think I shall try and make a meat pie and thanks to some help from my good friend Andrea I may even be able to make my own pasties.

Wednesday, February 04, 2015

Considering It Was The Anniversary...

of my Fathers passing, today went reasonably OK. Nothing exciting going on. Debating whether to watch Russell Crowe in a reworking of Robin Hood. I get two chances at 9pm or on a catch up TV channel at 10pm but now I'm going to bed so may just pass on that idea and listen to the radio.

Had a bit of a shock, one of those brown envelopes through the letterbox on today of all days but all is OK at present but there are concerns for the future by what it explained. Confirmed by someone I know who has looked after her Mum for years despite serious health issues of her own and on top of that she is shy and timid. She told me today her Mum had passed away a few weeks ago.

Money will be change and she has been for an interview with those who deal with benefits paid to people who are ill etc...CAB advised her but somewhere along the way something has gone wrong and they reckon she was not forceful enough making her case, an appeal seems impossible and I really wonder how she is expected to live on what she now finds as her weekly income. And hearing of her problems and others coming to light in the media I really fear for many vulnerable people in the population and selfishly what the future holds for myself.

Its scary.

I've cooked a nice Turkey roast type thing I purchased at Christmas so may have some lovely meals over the coming days or be able to have some sandwiches. Today I only had some soup, toast and some potato wedges plus a chip butty. But I feel fine.

I will now go to bed with a coffee and look through my cheap TV listings magazine at all the programmes that I will probably decide not to watch.

I had Plans For Some Culture...

today in Durham but the weather has turned, its cold, icy and by morning could be much worse. It would have to be an early start with using public transport and I cannot risk a fall so I think that I shall decline. Try to stay warm. Do a little more tidying up, I made myself start on that task today and once you do that and are only half way through the work, you have no choice but to continue it to the end.

I plan to cook something nice and I have to decided to watch a couple of old Western movies. They're all new to me, for a couple of reasons, I missed them but for some reason I don't seem to have ever watched many Westerns in the first place.

I had heard of Audie Murphy and the suggestion that he had a impressive career in the army away from the big screen and whilst looking online to find out how long he acted, what age he was when he passed away, I was amazed to see just how decorated he was. Its worth a look. He was not that old when he lost his life and it was due to a private plane crashing. And there is the suggestion that he suffered with something similar to Post Traumatic Syndrome after his service to his country.

Tuesday, February 03, 2015

Missed A Day...

but then again, Monday was not a day where much happened. Unless something unexpected happens today should be no different. No real additional  news about my ill friend. Except...that just maybe they may bring him round today out of his enforced sedation. That depends on issues I know nothing of. He is on a ventilator and he was biting the tubes so he has now had a tube attached directly into his throat.

Its funny the things I fear most about a hospital stay is having tubes up my nose and down the throat or down my throat.

I won enough to just about break even on the bingo so my taxis(there and home)and my shopping trip was covered. And so I was only approx £2 worse off after my shop.

I looked at the listings of the TV for the evening and decided to go to bed, listen to some radio but I was so cosy I kept falling asleep. I have no reason to go out until this evening so I will potter around indoors.

The most exciting part I envisage are my meals so on this cold Winter's morning I will have toast, marmalade and coffee. Fish, potato wedges and vegetables for tea. Followed by apple pie and custard. For lunch I think that I shall have a bowl of soup.

I feel a bit sheepish suggesting the following as some will look down on me for doing so, politicians often have a go at people who watch "Daytime TV" I rarely do but I will watch an episode of Father Brown(rather than watching it on catch up later in the day)a quiz hosted by the actor who appears as Father Brown(it follows the whodunnit series)and as I haven't watched them in years and they cannot be watched/downloaded online, the old comedy series being repeated Open All Hours. That sounds like a lot of TV but in reality its only around two hours. That could be all I will see today.

Sunday, February 01, 2015

I've Missed Talking To...

those affected by my friend being in hospital but have left phone messages and kept a check via Facebook. Its been a quiet day. I have had a corned beef pasty for lunch(it was more full than the last one I had)I am soon going to have fish(haddock)potato wedges, peas and buttered bread. Not a very Sunday meal but its easy and means it is used and not wasted.

As the fish is smaller than I thought, I may have two pieces. That can all go into the oven, the peas in the microwave for a quick steam. No preparation or and little cooking time but a lovely meal at the end of it.

I've cheated and quickly made a wholemeal loaf which I hope will bake OK when it goes in the oven in approx 30 mins. I did this one by hand I have to admit and it is a basic wholemeal loaf nothing fancy. Just an experiment. The disadvantage I have these days is that I no longer have an airing cupboard to offer some warmth when waiting for dough to rise. Really the answer would be to allow the sun to fall across it in the Summer in a windowsill or a day when the radiators are on and place it nearby. Its not very warm but I have tried putting it in what was the airing cupboard and on top of the metal water tank that is heated by the combi boiler, with the door closed it is slightly warmer and a smaller space.

As far as I know I think the little bingo session is still on for tonight but I'm not expecting everyone to be there(obviously my friend won't be, I assume his Mum won't be)but there could still be 5-6 of us. I'll put a little buffet together. I can bring what isn't eaten home with me...ham baps, cherry tomatoes, cheese, crisps and some cake bars. I usually only take one of everything for each of us but they can eat what they like of the cheese and tomatoes.

Update:Loaf of bread almost worked, tastes OK but the inside is too damp and dense...one day I'll get it right.



Back Late...

but safe and sound...

My bus to Durham arrived on time and I was in Durham City by 6.30pm. Slowly(as if I can do anything else)I walked to the Market Place...purchased some sweets and water for the theatre, some sweeteners and a bloomer loaf to bring home. The bread cost 49p more than here but it means I do not have to go out for anything today.

I'm glad as there is a horrible cold wind getting up and some plastic advertising signs are coming loose on a Leisure Centre near my home that mention a basket ball team that plays in some league.

They were flapping about when I went out earlier and they still are. I'm surprised that they are still attached and haven't blown away.

The show finished just after 10pm and I couldn't be bothered to attempt to rush to Durham bus station(I wouldn't have made it)nor pay for a taxi to it. Money saved made my shopping seem in expensive. It only meant hanging around for approx. 45 minutes for the last bus.

Durham was really cold but it was windier and colder when I returned to my own town. But it was starting to change as I left Durham. I was in my home around ten minutes after Midnight.

I feel quite safe in Durham even though especially at weekends there are a lot of people frequenting bars and clubs or walking between various venues but how they manage against the cold I don't know...many blokes are in thin shirts, often short sleeved. The women are often in shoes they have difficulty walking in and a few take them off and walk barefoot! And again the dresses/skirts and tops are thin and very short.

Most bars in the city are safe and not near the river that runs through the city but many feel students from the University have died recently have lost their way, been unsteady and have fallen into it and having become separated from others they were with and drinking seems to have been blamed.

A couple of days ago the police pulled another male from the river in the early hours, he was alive and very fortunate to have been rescued. I do know of a pub in the area he was found and if he was in there, it is very close to the river and I can understand how he may've got into trouble. Tonight around the market place I saw a couple of females who had fallen on the paths and needed to be helped back up onto their feet.