HAPPY 2022

 THURSDAY -  Will need to go to the tip our black bin does not get emptied today it is going to be next week it is full now I need to take some bags to make room for further waste , I will also take some waste from the green bin and bottles to the bottle bank .

We took all the Christmas decorations down three trees which we had in doors the indoor trimmings and the lights outside all down and back in the loft until next year hopefully I will be up the ladders taking all the boxes back out  for Christmas 2022.

I was supposed to go for a drive through test at the hospital I work at they rang me and refused to do it because I have a slight cough and sneeze slightly tied and feel warmer than usual .Trying to get a Pcr test online waiting for an email for a code to enter which so far has not appeared in my inbox .When I did get the code I was told none left where this leaves me I have no idea no one seems to have any PCR test kits .

Helen finally received her £981 refund from Ikea it is back in the bank we can order order our corner sofa from Ikea.

NEW YEARS EVE 

Finally managed to get a PCR kit should get it in the next few days not sure if New Years day holidays will affect its due date or not it might come special delivery by courier either way I can not go to work until I have the results of the test , I have also agreed to do an antibody test.

Started to play on the 'Guardians Of The Galaxy its really good just getting used to the controls but so far I am enjoying it .

Took the second turkey crown out of the freezer it is going to be for dinner on New Years day it is why too much for the two of use guess both cats and dogs will ge to pig out again.

Helen tried ordering the corner sofa parts are not n stock until end of January that's next year .

Here is hoping you all have a great new years eve and a wicked 2022 hopefully we all get to see Christmas 2022 fingers crossed .

A GLITCH IN THE MATRIX

 WEDNESDAY - Another Christmas been and gone all for one day a big commotion loads of preparation organising and buying more food and drink that you will ever eat .I think I over spent this year I did spend a lot on Helen I think off it is to do with covid also my ex wife died two days after Christmas got to big it up and live it whilst you can , because we do never know what the future holds .

Its no good predicting what 2022 holds just going to have to wait and see hopefully less and less people die from covid . Hope a war in Europe does not happen and Russia does not invade or attack the Ukraine if it happens who knows it really might be the last Christmas that lots of people have just celebrated hopefully not.

We have both finally finished with 02 our phone provider for the last five years we have made the move over to Vodaphone unlimited data cheaper bills and a one year less on contract hopefully a win , win , win for us .Watched a You Tube video about Tesla phones I reckon both Apple and Samsung are going to loose customers they look and perform that good maybe we should have waited before upgrading ,The iPhone 13 pro is good but its nothing much new apart from the camera the sound quality is better and the battery life lasts all day which is good .

Watched the first Matrix film with Helen we have the other two to watch before the latest release I think you need to at least watch the first one for the latest film to make any sense .I have not watched the final film only a small part .Think for the last two years there has been a major glitch in everyones Matrix ,

THURSDAY - Booked a PCR test yesterday morning have still not got any reply other than my application had been accepted as far as I know they only work a few hours per day so it could be Friday New Years eve ,I do feel ok I have a slight soar throat and a very mild headache which comes and goes sometimes I will also feel warmer for no reason and I will need to stand outside if this is Omicron I  am not worried in the slightest , saying that I believe I have just got a mild cold .

TESTING TIMES

 MONDAY - Loaded the Guardians of The Galaxy on to my x-box one . Its back to work enough side .

TUESDAY HELENS BIRTHDAY - Bought Helen a Michael Kors brown leather bag she chooses before Christmas but as she knew I bought it as she was with me . I wrapped up a bottle of Lady Million and dropped it inside as a surprise present .

Had to leave work half way through my shift had a phone call from Helen someone we have been in contact with over Christmas  have tested positive for covid .

WEDNESDAY - Booked a PCR test not sure when I will get my appointment could be tomorrow which looks like I won't be back at work until Monday, now I have booked the test I feel shit ..Give me time to play on the X-box .My Son also text me to say he was not feeling well he stayed with us Christmas Eve , day and Boxing Day .

To be honest I did not want this to happen chances are I will go back to work then if I get snowed in it will mean more time of work , but either situation I have no control over its out of my hands .

Order three tubes of face wash gel and a large pump action shaving gel from Amazon using a gift card I received for Christmas .

CHRISTMAS DONE

 CHRISTMAS DAY  2021 

We was up most of the night cooking the gammon joint soaking it, boiling it then roasting it took the past part of twenty four hours .It was glased using honey and maple syrup it was perfection .We then slow cooked the turkey starting at four in the morning  I got up at half past six to baste it .Dinner was at four there was my Son Guy and Helens two sons Liam and Steve we all ate Christmas dinner there was plenty off food although between us we each ate more than what we should have done. Including both its and the dogs .It was also the first Christmas I have had with my son for in a long time even years .On the evening we sat down together and watched the new Matrix film with Guy , Helen had gone to bed .

Below Bentley tucking in to his gammon and turkey .

BOXING DAY - Went over to my daughters house with Guy obviously his sister and stayed a few hours before dropping my son of back in York . As much as I like Christmas all I have seemed to do is to loose sleep and drive forward and backwards to different locations for the benefit of others .

NEW PHONES

 WEDNESDAY - Helen bought a new ironing board and I bought an electrical steamer its better than the last one but not has good as I thought it would be perhaps my expectations are too high .

Helens phone went of her O2 sim had been deactivated we put her new Vodaphone SIM card in and it was back to normal she also  had a voice mail from Curry's telling her that her new iPhone 13 pro max is in and ready to be picked up .We will pick it up tomorrow mine should not be too far behind maybe in time for Christmas we was both  supposed to get them on the 31st of December .

Went to the Red Lion had beer batter fish sandwiches with a portion of fries we ate in the car .

THURSDAY  - We both picked up our new iPhone 13 pro max so far so good only thing I cant do is set up my online banking app at the moment I am not receiving text massages due to changing SIM cards and network providers next twenty four hours should sort it out .We are both impressed the sound picture and camera quality have all been updated .

Went to see my daughters new home its over four floors it has a cellar do miss hot having a cellar I thought it looked great they need to do nothing in the bathroom its ultra modern the attic room is big the stairs are in the middle it has another rteo bedrooms on the floorr below .The kitchen id big and has patio doors leading to the garden all in all its a nice house they should be very happy.

Went to Asda did some last minute shopping magnet to get bread , milk and fresh orange juice , mince pies and some chicken pieces for my tea .

CHRISTMAS  EVE - Went to the local farm shop at Flowery fields was there just after half past eight I picked up two turkey crowns and a joint off gammon that I had ordered cost  £85 the turkey crowns are for two meals .

We have to drive over to York to see helens parents and to pick my son up as always too much to do so little time .

HOLY DAYS

 SUNDAY - Helens son Liam rang me he wanted to know if his mother would like a. Gucci necklace or earrings I said necklace hopefully she gets what he said he is going to buy her  because she over heard hopefully he is true to his word or she will be upset all of her sons have never really spoilt her at Christmas or her birthday which always annoys me maybe this year its different.

MONDAY - Still waiting for Ikea to refund us £981 so we can buy the corner sofa hopefully this week it will be returned on to Helens card , will be well into the new year before we get a delivery slot .

Two days at work then five days off including Christmas even , Christmas Day and Boxing Day which I am quite happy about , a pity there is no Christmas bonus specially after working through covid the last two years .

Will have to pick the turkey crowns and joint of gammon up either 23rd or the 24th more than likely be on the 23rd if I go early enough I won't have to queue but no choice otherwise it will be a tin of Pek instead .

Shopping yesterday there was loads of food nothing seemed to be in short supply only thing we couldn't buy was our normal dog food as it was al sold out that was three stores that have sold out think its a delivery issue rather than people panic buying .

Be interesting to see if there is going to be another lockdown either before or just after Christmas guess its a case of not if but when ?.

The is a saying "if we aint got it now we can do with out " as there is only so much food and other essential items you can buy in any reasonable quantity unless you are mega rich and buy everything in packs of twenty fours . 

Dish washer tablets , washing machine pods , toothpaste and shampoo obviously  toilet rolls , shower gel cooking oil , salt and pepper and other seasoning herbs and spices otherwise food is bland but where do you draw the line for Helen its a must she has dry roasted peanuts polo mints and chewing gum for me its coffee pods and cider and brown sugar . I cant live without mouthwash and shaving gel I have an electric shaver but prefer a wet shave if I can .

TUESDAY - My Daughter moved into her new house in time for Christmas and I break up until next Monday which is good news for me .

FESTIVE SHOPPING

 FRIDAY - Helens card came from Paperchase its a card that is musical it plays "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" there is a blade inside a globe that spins and creates a snow effect its quite good ,Helen liked it any way .

The shit might be hitting the fan at work with the new covid variant Omicron they are expecting hospitals to be over run including the hospital I work at . More than likely they  will be an increase in staff that are off with the new strain so will want the others to work more shifts any do longer hours and cancel annual leave .Should have though about that when they gave us a shitty 3% pay rise , all in this together not this time Boris .

A week today is Christmas Eve how the year as flown bye and the events that have happened has made for a strange year 2022 does not seem to be looking any better who knows who wants to predict what the future holds hopefully we can all live in peace in a better more caring world , not going to happen is it as we never learn .

SATURDAY - Helen had a few readings to do at the salon I sat in the car watching the first few episodes of Squid Game .After we went to Morrisons at Meltham and bought some food and other bits for Christmas including three boxes of Christmas cards and first class stamps  ,

SUNDAY - Went to Asda bought a case of Budweiser as well as more food bought Indian food for sunf=day dinner I also bought a case of cloudy apple cider bought two cases of dog and cat food should keep them going until after Christmas that's over £260 over the weekend .

NUTELLA PEANUT CHEESE CAKES

TUESDAY - I  have been watching  You Tuber Kieun Choi she does amazing vlogs from South Korea the beaches and cafes look fantastic it is a beautiful country which is very modern in architecture and design it is also very clean there is nothing drab about living in South Korea .

WEDNESDAY  - Up at eight took Helen to the dentist in Huddersfield they have decided to sedate her before commencing the treatment which is now going to be after Christmas .

My daughter Tuesday  yes that's her name what a cool dad was I . She is now moving house next Tuesday a few days before Christmas .First Christmas with Helen we moved in to the apartment  on the 21st of December and was one of the best Christmas ever .

 

THURSDAY - Roll on the weekend did some food shopping bought some steak and beef mince as well has duck straws and tempura prawns and sausage rolls bought some peanut butter and Nutella so we can make some more cheese cakes , will need to buy some more cream cheese and digestive biscuits .

MAKE THE MOST

SUNDAY - Wrapped some presents up of course need to buy gift tags and bows well no ones perfect .

Went shopping to Fox Valley outlet to Andersons boutique store and bought Helen  another Michael Kors handbag for her birthday and a silver spoon ring what is made out of a old antique silver spoon then bent in to a finger ring .Had a spray of the Initio Oud mens perfume  still love the smell got some free samples of the  Pegasus and Percival range not heard of them and they do smell good but not better than the Initio , one day .

Ordered two turkey crowns and a joint of gammon for Christmas dinner from the farm shop I need to pick it up on the 23rd or 24th of December least we won't need room in the freezer as it will be fresh .

MONDAY - Asked my son Guy over for Christmas will pick him up Christmas Eve and he will stay over two nights at least he won't be on his own this Christmas .It will be the first Christmas in a l long time I will have been with him on Christmas Day .

TUESDAY - Finished work at 02.00 am at three a.m I was pushing a trolley round Asda buying some essentials for Christmas like stuffing goose fat and two jars of cranberry sauce goes with the turkey as well as other bits like flour and pastry didn't get everything but there is still time it was nearly four when I got to bed after having a shower and a juice .

Up at half past nine a.m chopped the veg and onions for the braising steak I am cooking in the slow cooker we are having it for tea put some red wine and Worcester sauce in should be nice .

Still need to get some beers , cider and other drinks not going mad as we are running out of money I have spent the most ever on Christmas presents its not been a cheap Christmas . I know many people who put their Christmas tree away last year, was for the last time we are all in dangerous times not just with covid but with Russia amassing troops ready for war , China building weapons for use in space   . And all other natural disasters floods , tornadoes and earth quakes .So better make the most of it . 

NO BIRD THIS CHRISTMAS

 THURSDAY - Took Bailey out he has not been out for a week the vet said cage rest plus the weather has not been great he seems to be a lot better he has nearly finished his medication and seems to be walking fine I know he won't be fully healed hopefully his improvement continues .

My Daughter Tuesday has recovered from her bout of covid her smell has slightly returned but her taste buds haven't and she cant taste which must be annoying .

Not sure when to buy the turkey for Christmas dinner will need to make room in the freezer to fit a turkey crown in the latest is born flu thousands of turkeys have been slaughtered if I do decide to buy one  it will need freezing will also need to buy turkey gravy , cranberry sauce brandy sauce and Christmas puddings and pigs in blankets and veg special parsnips and sweet potatoes .I wouldn't mind a decent leg of lamb if the turkeys are a no go .

Thought we might have had a email saying our iPhones where ready to pick up. Helens phone as started to over heat and mine I can only charge wireless so once we get the new phones the better , plus unlimited data will be a great blessing specially for me at work no more running out currently have 15gb which in this day and age is nothing short of crap .

FRIDAY  - Ordered another two echo dots for presents and another Pandora charm one gift left to buy and that's it no more presents left to buy . My Daughter and her partner might be moving house on the 17th go December not the best date in the world but if it goes through then they will move .

Not too sure if I like the X-box game I bought if I cant get into it I have one on Christmas Day to open and I might go trade my old games in and see if I can get a new release rumours GTA 6 by Rock star gamed might be getting released sometime soon .

CAKE AND PIES

 MONDAY - Ordered two X-Box one games Helen is interested in one "The Plague Of Innocence " and "House of Ashes' hopefully both are decent games .

WEDNESDAY - Went to Ikea got a full refund for the covers we bought the other week once the refund for yer cancelled sofa is refunded we can order the sofa we thought we was buying first time round .

Went to the perfume shop bought two bottled for Helen for Christmas a bottle of Michael Kors and a bottle of Gucci Bamboo to be honest after sniffing ten others they all started to smell the same .

Finally bought some Christmas wrapping paper will have to start to get some wrapped up .Also ordered a card for Helen , and finally had my first mince pie of the season .We have a Christmas cake and mince pies to pick up at the weekend if they are ready .Will need to get a block of cheese for Helen and a block of marzipan for me .

On the way home stopped at Millys chicken shack got another box of chicken was as good as before but fried for a bit less time s it was not as dark but still as enjoyable I got a peri peri mayonnaise sauce think its home made was was quite hot and highly tasty . 

Might buy Ashley Jackson new book he has done a signed book of water colours he has dome over the years he his doing signed copies his gallery shop is in Holmfirth we live two miles away I might call in he is usually in .

TWO ENGLISH STARS

 SATURDAY - Went out bought a large box of cat food and dog food stocked up with essentials for us too bread , milk , ground beef , chicken , beef burgers and veggies just in case we get more snow I don't have to go out .

Listened to the Ed Sheeran and Elton Johns Christmas single I think its easiest one of the best Christmas songs in the last ten years .

Watched the complete series of "Clarkesons Farm " it was after won a.m when we saw the final credits roll was excellent loved every episode hopefully season to is on the cards ,Only Jeremy Clarkson would by a Lamborghini eighty geared tractor that's way too big to go into the barn .

SUNDAY - Gave Bailey his medication he seems a lot better which happened last time he injured his leg he seems vitually back to normal I know he needs more time to heal correctly and he still not finished his tablets and medicine he goes for another check up Thursday .

Boring grey wet day we have a chicken to roast if we cant decide on what to do or where to go its going to be a boring day .Its one of them days you want to do something vaguely interesting but have no idea what , the weather is totally crap .

MORE FRIED CHICKEN

 TUESDAY - Back to work tomorrow spent best part of four hours in A&E with Helens infected tooth which as caused an abscess  she has had another course of  antibiotics prescribed and some codeine to relief the pain .It is going to be a good 48 hours before they kick in and hopefully do some good  I am back at work tomorrow which isn't great , but at least she has been seen and should get a follow up appointment with a dentist in two weeks time .

WEDNESDAY - Helen got a loan authorised to spend at Ikea she wants to order a corner sofa like the one we had but only this one is going to be in dark grey we will sort it out tomorrow as I had to go to work .

THURSDAY  - Ordered another four seater corner sofa in dark grey the delivery is going to be December 31st part of the seat coverings we had to order from our local Ikea and will pick them up Friday but the order is placed and completed .

Ordered two Anker usb - c to lighting cable for the iPhones we are getting at the end of this month. 

FRIDAY - Went to Ikea second time in two days bought a large black and white flecked rug for the living room a potato ricer and a caldron , from the Ikea supermarket food section we bought meatballs , mash and gravy as well as  a jar of berries tea sorted for Saturday night .

On the way home we stopped at Millys chicken shack for the first time will be going back the chicken and fries and sweet chilli sauce spot on so much better then the chicken I had a few weeks back when I went to   Slaithwaite.

Had to takeBailey to the vets his leg flare dup again and he was limping he had an injection some tablets and some medicine £75 he needs to rest no walkies just yet .