CRACK ON

 THURSDAY - Another day of painting just got the middle ceiling left to do then that's the living/dining room completed Helen has had a massive declutter and thrown out stuff to make it look more minimalistic which makes less dust collecting .We had rain come in through the bay window the leak was fixed but need to get some stain block paint paint over the stains does not work its ok when its wet as soon as it dies the stain reappears rode a tin on Amazon Prime comes tomorrow .

FRIDAY - Have had confirmation the bed is coming Saturday need to paint he back wall the bed is going to go on didn't start it to late after midday and I go to work at half four so the pressure was on to get two coats done had no choice but to crack on knuckle down and load the roller why couldn't it have been just a flat wall if life was that easy . .I did it was ten minutes late setting of to work can make that up on the motorway .

JONES SHUTTERS AND LAMPS

 SUNDAY - Bought 10 litres of paint , paint tray and rollers , masking tape and brushes guess I 'am painting the main room wants the ceiling and walls doing in white one wall is getting a colour the biggest wall .I also bought a oscillating multi tool I have been wanting one for ages ..I Also bought all new black hinges and door latches and handles for all of the interior doors in the house .

TUESDAY - Went to Next Sheffield Helen bought three light fittings two for the living room one for our bedroom which is now going in the downstairs toilet 

WEDNESDAY - Started painting the living room /dining room have all the walls and ceilings to do so far so good I aint rushing it  ,I had four hours sleep its snowing I am sleepy and need to crack on preparation is everything so they say. We had a quote for some interior shutters three windows and the patio doors £2570 for making and installation its 8/10 weeks before they will be ready I  paid 50% deposit by bank transfer it will be a good start to the new year and will make the house look different again .Helen is happy she is already visualization how they will look keeping up with the Jones's whoever they are .

ZORRO AGAIN

 FRIDAY - The pressure washer and leaf vacuums came both package up together was quite a weight the pressure washer was easy enough to assembly got the model up from the previous one I had. Which got fcuked when the water inside freezes and expanded a component that made it shoot water out from the from the front vent not ideal .

The leaf blower/vacuum a bit more difficult you have to take a part of either you cause it as a blower or a vacuum you have to remove and add parts if you want to use it as a blower or a sucker its way heavier than the cheaper model I bought of Amazon a few months ago which is totally shite , as always you get what you pay for .

The weekend always seems more special when you have been in to work its like you deserve it more its a reward for working all week .I have always loved the weekend regardless after all these years I still look forward to them .I don't sleep in I have not slept past nine a.m for years regardless off the time I go to bed I will be up if its midnight or three I get to sleep I will always be awake .Time spent in bed is ok if your ill otherwise get the fcuk up life is too short chances are you will die in bed get out of it its a death trap .

bought some chorizo sausages from the local farm shop I have been waiting three weeks for them to do another batch final they hit the shelves I bought a dozen I might go back and buy twelve more .Another discovery is clotted cream fudge from Aldi think it is £1.25 a box check it out .

SATURDAY - Helen had readings to do in Aldmonbury I picked her up just after half past five .We drove over to Fox Valley we decided to eat out at Zorro Restaurant we have had a meal here before the food is good buy it is a limited menu .Helen had the Louisiana chicken I had the Mediterranean Mezze grill chicken skewer , lamb kofte and prawn skewer with fries and flat bread very nice , 

The drive home was very foggy it was thick fog on narrow country roads we had to go to Shepley to  a garage to get cigarettes it was slow and very dense visibility was 10 yards  to make matters worse it was rain and the car wind screen need cleaning it was like one way glass when another car approached with its lights on of course we made it home safely it did tak three times as long .

UNDER PRESSURE

 MONDAY - This year is flying it is going to be Christmas before we know it we will put the tree up on the 1st of December and take it down after Boxing day or maybe the new year. Helen wants just the tree and lights and no decorations I think it will need some but not loads less is more .

Not had any stollen yet I have had an iced Christmas cake and I did buy six mince pies don't think I will bother with Greggs festive bakes since watching a You tube video my impressions have changed  the only thing I will buy is fresh sandwiches and coffee or tinned drinks. 

WEDNESDAY - Day off work due to my phased return schedule .Helen had reading to do in Halifax at five p.m she had six .I had a fish buttie and a Chinese curry sauce will I waited .it was a long four hours it is noy often I do these lengths of waits so I don't mind it too much and it helps Helen .

I ordered a Karcher pressure washer and a Bosch leaf blower / vacuum off Amazon they come tomorrow cant use the pressure washer yet due to the ongoing  hose pipe ban , and the leaf's are way too wet and soggy to suction up due to all the rain that's been constantly falling so cant use either of them yet.

Bought some wagyu rib eye steak for tea will have it with boiled baby potatoes and mushroom and onions or maybe mashed potatoes and  sweet corn .Cheaper than eating out have a chicken tikka masala for tomorrows night tea before going to work.

 

TWO DINNERS

 SATURDAY - Had a shower before walking the dogs it was not a bad morning not cold but not warm .

for dinner we headed to the Strines Inn on Mortimer Road which is steep in places it has sharp bends and deep inclines there are forests with autumn leaves falling from the trees everywhere it is very scenic with reservoirs along the way .The Inn was first a Manor house built in 1275 a few years later in 1771 was converted to an Inn. It is popular with dog walkers and cyclists .The first time we went they had peacocks everywhere on the roofs in the trees perched on  the outside tables.

We ordered the giant Yorkshire pudding Helen had pork I choose the roast beef it came with vegetables and roast potatoes and lots of gravy I had a pint of Thatchers cider Helen a pot of tea for desert I had biscoff cheesecake with ice cream , no kidding it is one of the best cheesecakes I have ever had .

SUNDAY - Went to my daughters house we were invited for Sunday dinner it has been awhile since we visited she cooked a full roast dinner with red cabbage and cauliflower cheese also roast potatoes mash potatoes and Yorkshire puddings we ate the lot it is always taste nicer when someone else cooks it .She showed us around the house the rooms she has decorated she is very a good painter she also had bought a corner sofa for the dinning room/lounge which you downstairs to with patio doors opening into the garden.

PEN & INK

 WEDNESDAY - Back at work tonight until midnight got tomorrow off l soon be back to my normal hours in the next few weeks .Things will return to normal its already feeling Like a toil and that I have never been away new managers same shit .Our old Manager got shipped out to a different wing for issues  with staff guessing both medical and non medical .The assistant manager shipped out to a different hospital and demoted to a supervisor not sure why some dodgy dealing at least they were not sacked guess its a lot better outcome than being sacked and out of work specially if they have a pension .

Went to the local garden centre for fish and chips specifically said no mushy peas it came with mushy peas they were on the side of my fish totally pissed off they replaced the meal but still had peas on the fish won't go back there for another meal , they were not that great anyway .

THURSDAY - Day off work went to Asda bought some prawn toast , spring rolls prawn crackers and a special fried rice and a chicken curry and some chicken and sweet corn soup for tea was ok .

FRIDAY - Ordered some new 2026 diary I week on two pages inserts for my Filofax along with a packet of lined paper. Might see if I can get  a nice pen for the pen holder at the side for my hand written pen and ink  entries. Helen went to Scarborough she went with her cousin and picked her Mother up on the way .I had to go to work which was extremely busy .Helen got dropped of just before midnight out side the A&E Department and we drove home together after I finished my shift  at midnight  .Helen took some photos using her Iphone 17 max pro very impressed with the low light quality some really great shots credit were credit is due .

                                                                                                                                                   

NO WORK TODAY

 MONDAY - I got up just after six not a great night sleep went to bed at eleven Sunday night after half an hour I woke up thinking I had been asleep for hours and I never really got back into a deep sleep I was restless and woke up every couple of hours .

I am still doing a phased return at work this week I am working three days Monday , Wednesday and Friday doing shortened hours 18.00 - 00:00 , I am getting used to shorter hours and less days working part time suits me its best of both worlds subsidies my pension and get me out of the house with purpose it will either shorten my life or extended it .Hopefully the later .

My Iphone 13 pro max for the second time as not recognised the sim card in the phone when this happens I reboot my phone to reset it and so far it then recognises the sim card .I have been told  it is because its an older phone if it persists I will have to get a new phone might get the 16 pro max who wants and orange phone that scratches easily and turns pink .The other option is to install a E -sim which is in built to the phones mother board or workings I have checked my Iphone supports one .

TUESDAY - Day off work went to Meadow Hall Helen had some jumpers and jeans to take back to Bershka it has a great check out you just throw everything into the drop box and somehow it scans everything inside you put your phone number in and email and once you pay it sends you a email receipt you then take of the electronic security tags super easy super fast .Helen bought a bag from Urban Outfitters BDG. 

On the way back home stopped at Fox Valley to get dog and cat food we had a coffee and toasties  at Costa I bought a couple of cups and drink containers with a gift card my daughter had given me for my birthday.

FREE TRAVEL

 SATURDAY - Went to Meadow Hall Helen needed to shop at Primark I hate the fcuking place it makes my blood boil everything about it I hate , and  if I  never had to shop there again it be too soon .

On the way home stopped off at a McDonalds at a service station another hate give me Kfc any day of the week not into fast food burger places specially big macs , I got a double burger with cheese bacon and maple syrup and a banana milkshake which was ok one of the better choices I have made.at least it saved cooking tea .

SUNDAY -Helen's parents were not answering their mobile phones or house phone this was just before 11.00a.m.We rang their immediate neighbours who went round to the house and banged and knocked on every window it is a static home it is all on one level no response .He went back a second time no response he again knocked on the doors and windows no movement no sounds from them inside their car was parked up doors and windows locked ,Helen was getting worried I was concerned we heard how loud their neighbour was knocking he was on the phone it was loud the ret of the street would hear it .We was about to leave our house and drive over when her Dad rung her they had slept in it was just after eleven a.m. panic over .

We told them we wanted to take them out for Sunday dinner .I booked a table at The Ship Inn for 14.30 .The food was really good the three of them had the roast pork with Yorkshire pudding roast potatoes and various veg  , I had the trio of meats with the same side of veggies  the food was really good .I was the only one who had a desert , The apple crumble with custard and ice cream ..I told them it was to celebrate me becoming a pensioner and receiving my first monthly pension both from work and the state .I also applied for a free West Yorkshire bus pass which gives you free travel on off peak services it is unlikely I will ever use it but its there if I need it who knows .

Their street and local surrounding houses  had a power cut , so the  the internet Wi-Fi was down and not working. I  phoned up the internet provider said it be around five hours before it went back online the hub and router should automatically connect once power was restored , which it did. We told them to put their mobile phones and tablets on charge the always need charging . 

TRICK OR TREAT

 WEDNESDAY - Went to Wentworth garden centre bought a pre lit 7foot Christmas tree I swear this is the last Christmas tree I am going to buy  ever I believe the same tree should be used time and time again my parents only ever had one tree for years and years my sister Anne as it and she still puts it up in one of her rooms every year its well beat up well old and well beat up but its an antique .

THURSDAY - My first state pension got paid into my bank account in the early hours Until you get your first payment paid you wonder is it going to happen have I given the right bank details it is nice to know all is good I paid twenty percent of the money sent into my savings account . Also won £3.00 on the national lottery haha.Second day back on my nights saw more staff I had not seen on my return to work on Monday did 15702 steps up from Mondays 12,927 which is 2775 steps more.

FRIDAY - Took the car in to the mechanics it is having four all weather tyres and front brakes renewing also hopefully they are sorting out the 12v cigarette lighter sockets which I need for recharging the phones and tyre inflator etc .As it will take a few hours booked a taxi to take me home way to far and up hill for walking home .

latest tech bought of Amazon two Apple Watch chargers a cable and a dock one is for home and when for my work bag which working the times I work usually need to charge the watch and a Anker usb c 7 port hub .A Anker 4 port usb 3.0 hub with a two foot cable .Usb C to usb A adapters .

Had quite a few trick or treaters out some had made huge efforts with he face painting and costumes we still have loads of lollipops and master eyes left .

LEATHERED UP

 TUESDAY - Day off work we went to Meadow Hall I bought two white T's from Joe Brown two for twenty five pounds .Helen got a brown Leather jacket so we both have new leather jackets well we will if mine arrives by delivery .The best of it was they had the jacket I ordered in the shop after saying they wouldn't be getting any more in stock I tried it on it fitted perfect at least I know when it lands it will fit ok . . I also needed some going out going out shirts after our restaurant visit to the Fox House I felt a bit under dressed . So I purchased  two going out shirts from Fat Face which I needed since the others I own are a bit too tight but  I will keep these just encase I loose weight one never knows .Helen went to the Office show outlet and bought a pair of Ugg trainers super warm super comfy that's Uggs for you .

 Forgot it was half term from school and the hall was packed with kids so we didn't both to get anything to eat .On the way home we stopped of at Fox Valley and went to a little restaurant called Zorro's Helen had a bacon and cheese toastie and I ordered a  flat bread Lamb kofte kebab we shared onion rings and fries the food was really good we had seen it in passing almost every time we have been to Fox Valley but never ventured inside .

I bought two now Levi T's and another two pairs of black socks . I also bought a bottle of Mont Blanc platinum explorer, I tried some of the fragrance on in Meadow Hall and I really liked it . its not often I find a scent I like this hit the spot and seeing as  I have had not had any new cologne for  the last couple of years maybe even longer I invested in a bottle as pricing goes it is extremely affordable  . I bought Helen a bottle of Ysl Libre Vanille couture .

Good news my leather jacket I ordered online last Saturday arrived just after seven p.m. we was waiting to go to Helens brothers house in Crofton .

REJOINING GOING BACK

 MONDAY - Not sure why but I rejoined Netflix for £5.99 a month with adverts they still had a lot of the same films and series that where on when I first joined will give it a few months if I am not using it will sack it .

Back at work it is amazing what you forget after a few months off the like of user names , passwords , and logins plus my desktop had changed we upgraded to windows 11 so it was a new desktop so all my saves and short cuts not just  no longer worked they were not present .I am on phased return and finished at twelve o'clock midnight I got on to the motorway when I remembered I had left my wallet in my desk drawer I had to u-turn and go back I was twenty minutes out before I could turn round I eventually made it back and retrieved my wallet it was well after half one when II got home battling the rain and wind .

I t was nice seeing staff I didn't get to see everyone but telling everyone my updates did kill the time I quite enjoyed being back it was very nostalgic I know that will be short lived back to reality will eventually kick in .My next day at work is Thursday nice one .

DINNER AT THE FOX

 SUNDAY - Clocks fall back one hour its that time of the year again darkness is coming the temperature as already dropped some .

Went to Fox Valley stocked up on cat and dog food and human stuff like brown sugar , coffee , tinned tuna and Pek all of life's essentials .

Booked a table to eat at the Fox House it has been refurbished and reopened a few weeks ago I booked the table for half past six we ordered the same pork to start and pork for the main course the food was really good I had a desert Helen didn't .

The starter was pork with a nice crackling the sauce was superb really nice 9/10 .

The main course was again really nice nothing to dislike I ate it all the only thing I didn't eat there was sugar peas in their pods I disliked so left them .

The choice of desert was limited so opted for the chocolate brownie the bill came to £92 with drinks a pint of cider for me  and  a lager and lime for Helen and service charge of 10 % .The interior very nice staff a little slow but it was quite busy .

HANGED UP

 SATURDAY - Yesterday went to Meadow Hall I was going to buy the patch leather jacket which I saw on my last visit and I swore I was going to get it in the next few weeks if it is one thing I am is patient ,It was sold out and they didn't think they would get anymore in but told me it was still available to order online which I did hopefully as I never tried it on that it fits and it suits me .I didn't try it on in the shop when they had them in stock I tried another similar style in the size I wanted and it was ok .

Helen was having second thoughts bought the size of the corner sofa we ordered yesterday another concern was the ottoman bed headboard wether it would go up the stairs we went back to Furniture Outlet store to change them both we took out a section from the sofa and completely change the ottoman for a different one with a smaller head board which has led strip  lights around the headboard good news we are getting a refund for the price difference of £300 .

Went to Marks & Spencers food hall to the restaurant no hot food the oven was out of order .Went over to Next bought three pairs of Jeans and two set of white duvet and pillow cases for the new bed .We then went to Curry's and I succumbed I couldn't help myself I bought a 15" Mac book air in midnight I have wanted another Mac book since I bought the Lenovo think pad a couple of years ago the build quality not a patch on Mac books .Did I need one no but the last Mac book I bought is thirteen years old if I could update the IOS to Sequoia or the latest being Tahoe I would have not bothered .

In the evening I drove Helen to Bramley she had three readings to do I went to the Tesco where we use to shop just for old time sake bought some dog and cat treats .On the drive back home we stopped at the Kingfisher chippy and got two chip butties with scraps  I had a curry sauce .

SUNDAY - Finally mad the coat hook wall hanger and shelve and stained it with some dark pine wax looks ok its rustic plus its done its job got all of Helens coats of her seat at the dining table .

BORING

 THURSDAY - Its my birthday yippee and my twin sister Anne .Got a new debit card still waiting for a pin number so can only use it to transfer and pay bill through my online banking app .Helen bought me a chocolate cake candles and most of all pouring cream. .

Went to B&Q Helen bought some wood and coat hooks so i can make a feature in the hallway to hang up mass coats and jackets mainly Helen's .She also bought me a Bosch cordless drill with two batteries its only for hollow walls , wood and screwdriving screws in or anything else I want to bore .

FRIDAY - Stayed up until after one checked my bank my pension as been paid out so I paid of some bills which will save me money each month  /

Later we went to Furniture village paid for a electric reclining corner sofa and an ottoman king size bed there was change from £3k the sofa we have as seen better days the bed with added storage is a big plus.

After later in the afternoon we drove over to Meadow Hall to drop Helen's phone she was trading in when she got her Iphone 17 max pro .We had fish and chips from one of the outlets on the food stall they were ok .

IT'S A SCAM

 SATURDAY - Went to Fox Valley bought a chicken tikka masala for tea with sticky rice and nan bread .Helen bought three new sweat shirts from Regatta she shops there a lot so much all the staff recognise her I have had a couple of jackets from there in the past .

SUNDAY - Went to Helens parents at Acaster Malbis York we went to the Wetherby Whaler again we are getting regulars I had a large haddock and chips with baked beans yum , yum .

MONDAY - My bank account or card got scammed and my card got blocked I went to buy some Jalapeno and cheese Max crisps I tried to pay using my phone it got declined .I remembered I had a email from Virgin saying my the was fraudulent action on my account I thought it was a scam email anyway I rang my bank someone had tried to use my account to buy bus tickets to the cost of £48 it got declined then my account got suspended so I have a new card coming in the next few days .I have cancelled my payments for Amazon , Ebay , Google and PayPal.

TUESDAY - Rang work going to do a phased return next week I will do Monday 18.00 to midnight will also do this on Thursday the following same hours but working Monday , Wednesday and Friday .Week three doing four days with Wednesday off working 18.00 till midnight , Week four full hours Wednesday off .Week five back to normal .
 

IT LANDED

 MONDAY - Went to Home Sense in Birstall Helen bought new cushions for our settee a couple of throws , a table runner oven gloves nearly £200 and that's supposed to be cheap I have had settees that cost less .

TUESDAY - Went to Home Sense at Birstall Deja vu bought more cushions and one more throw and another plant pot .To make matters worse we then had to go to Ikea prefer the Sheffield store it was a nightmare the self service wouldn't take cash and card although it said it would , you need a receipt to scan to open the barriers plus there is security guards watching you was not a great shopping experience then to top it all we got a hot dog no mustard jut tomato sauce not good enough shitty service not going back  to the Leeds store again .

THURSDAY - Later on Helen received a text message saying her new Iphone Pro max 17 had landed and  was ready to collect we was busy until after seven p.m so we had two hours to get to Meadow Hall Sheffield and get the new phone collected  after showing her passport and bank card we more or less was given the phone and we left on the way out Helen bought another pair of Croc slippers .

Got home started to set Iphone up using using the move to iOS app all it moved was messages and contacts all the other stuff the apps I manually downloaded the only issue was with WhatsApp it worked the date timeline was going back to 2023 this was the last time Helen had a Iphone and I think it backed up using the cloud it is  working just all old messages are included /all in it took a couple of hours thank god for face id and having a secondary device you can link to for authorization purposes .

IN HALIFAX

 FRIDAY - I am with Giff Gaff and at the moment online  they are selling the latest  Iphone 17 pro max in cosmic orange for £25 down then £35.12 an month for 36 months I think that is quite a good deal .Compared to what Vodaphone are charging Helen to upgrade its a fcuking steal .

Completed the first level of my Crash Bandicoot game got to admit its a great game really liking it and I don't mind dying and getting respawned all part of the fun .

Helen had four readings to do in Halifax from 16.00 hrs below is picture of historical monument Wainhouse tower I sat in the car waiting for her I watched some Prime and You Tube just over two and a half hours .Afterwards went shopping got a curry and sticky rice for tea .

SATURDAY -  Went to the local farm shop bought a turkey crown , cabbage , leek and Yorkshire puddings for tomorrows dinner .

Had a minor flood the hose from the dishwasher as a crack in it a large puddle formed on the laminate floor luckily I threw a load of tea towels and got it mopped up and dry extremely quickly. 

SUNDAY - Washed the car which is a pain seeing the hose pipe ban is still in place it was a mediocre clean looked better than it did before I started no spray polish for the paint work so I ordered some of Amazon Car Plan Demon shine spray it  comes tomorrow to be continued .

 Cooked the turkey crown had it with stuffing also cooked some cabbage and leek and mash potatoes the turkey was ok was not impressed with the mash it was bland even though I put butter and milk in the cabbage and leek think it was undercooked it was chewy 

CRASHED AGAIN

 TUESDAY - Helens Esr phone protection screens and iPhone case came today the Esr screen protectors are easy to fit it aligns it self in its special cut out fold cover pull the tab screen fitted no messing she used one for her iPad air 13" and it applied it no messing first attempt .

Helen set of to Skegness with her cousin Sharon who's birthday it is today the are going for a couple of nights in a caravan static home so I am home alone .

I have Crash Bandicoot "It's About Time " , Curry and cider I will be fine plus the dogs and cats hardly on my own am I .

WEDNESDAY - Played on Crash loaded the game had to update the console then update the game played on it for a hour its a great game so better than Zombies and killing people .Crash Bandicoot and Tomb Raider was two games we got with the Ps1 years ago I used to enjoy both , I have the original Tomb Raider on my Xbox one .

Had a curry Dansk for tea with onion bhajis nan bread and rice , took the dogs out for a early evening walk just before dusk spent rest of night watching You Tube .

THURSDAY - Helen will be home later this evening not sure what time , put some washing in will get it dried cleaned the bathrooms , toilet and kitchen , before cooking breakfast .

Completed my Dbs check for my job at Leeds teaching hospital didn't take long to do obviously being an upstanding citizen all my life unlike some  I have no issues convictions or spent convictions I could be come a priest I am that without sin although I am human and  I do have faults just not criminal ones .

Helen arrived home late afternoon she has readings to do from half past five onwards she is also going to be busy tomorrow no rest for the wicked .

MEGA BOX

 SUNDAY - Ribs still hurting , bending , stretching and sleeping is still causing somewhat  discomfort if I am out walking I look fine my breathing is better or at least 98% better and I look fit and well .Its doing household tasks special when trying to bend . lift , stretch that I get pain and twinges a reminder that broken ribs take time to heal and mend , but is a full recovery obtainable or will I never be 100% recovered I can now manage to sleep sort of on my good side but its not comfy its tolerate it for a few hours before I wake up and move back on to my back .

MONDAY - Helen wants to check out if she can upgrade her mobile phone she is feed up of her Samsung and regrets switching from Apple so we are going to check out her option at Meadow Hall after her 11.30 reading .

We went to Vodaphone after getting her details up on their system it was agreed that she can upgrade to the new Iphone 17 pro max costing £1199 ,  of course a new phone will always be dearer than the old phone you are using specially if its been a couple of years and you are getting the latest phone she is getting the 17 pro max in cosmic orange they didn't have it in store it will be around two to three weeks before she can pick it up so its ordered all signed up ready to go .

We went to the Apple store the only iPhone 17 pro max was the 2gb for at £1999 they didn't even have the case she wanted which will be cheaper either on eBay or Amazon .We looked at the Apple watches she will need one now she as both iPad and iPhone it makes sense to get a apple watch.

We went to the food court Helen had McDonalds fillet of fish and I went to Kfc and got the gravy mega box 

 

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH

 THURSDAY - Still waiting for  a letter from Nhs pension with my final statement of my settlement for my lump sum and monthly pension amount if I  carry on working I wont be paying into a pension anymore will increase my monthly pay by around £250 a month , also I will pay no national insurance another monthly increase of around £125 my monthly Nhs  pension at roughly £475 a month and my state pension of £1001 a month plus my wage because as I have retired and returned of around £2350 plus  my lumpsum pay-out from my pensions from 2013  .if I can do it for at least twelve months should 18 months max I will then quit work full stop and life of my pensions and pension credits .

The big big question is how much do I spend on a camper van and when do I  buy one I think early next year either the end of February beginning of March as I cant see us doing much winter camping specially when the first port of call  will be more likely than anything will be Scotland .

There will be other items we need to buy for life in a van purchasing the van will be just the start that is one reason I want to carry on work .Other things I want to buy is a new Mac book might get the Air and not the pro still be a good buy ,  the last one I bought was in 2012 its still fires up ok but cant run latest OS I put a SSD drive in and upgraded the memory it was £999 when I bought it if I get a new one should be good for the next ten years or so .

My current Iphone is 13 pro max upgrading to the new 17 pro max would make sense but just getting the 17 pro even more sense then I would have the  more storage option  at 512 gb .

I purchased my current phone day before Christmas eve 2021 so the changes would be a great  benefit .My Apple watch was a present from Helen Christmas 2020 I have worn it every day should I up grade money soon spends hence the reason  why to I want to  carry on working .

I also want some new clothes jeans , leather jacket , T-shirts and trainers as well as hoddies and after shave  and of course wont see Helen go short of a new phone she is feed up of her Samsung also might get her the Apple watch for Christmas  hopefully then start saving a regular amount of cash every month the concept also with the van if need arises God forbid I could live off my pension using the van as a home .

 

NEW PAD

 FRIDAY - Went to Penistone Tesco bought a Mexican old Elpaso chilli beef burrito bowel  was not that good not very filling less meat than I expected and a bit bland not impressed ,I also bought ice cream and bananas and Mars bars we have peanut butter and Nutella going to make a milk shake with the Ninja blender , Helen bought some thick glass straws for our morning smoothies . 

Storm Amy hit Hade edge its very dark with rain lashing down with very high winds one of the palm trees in the garden looks like it might be struggling keeping rooted I guess it will make it its roots are ok its if it snaps its trunk .

Helen got her £799 refund paid back which means she now can go buy her Ipad  Air 13" in space grey hopefully they will have one in stock .

SATURDAY - Went to Wakefield's PcWorld they didn't have any Ipad's that you could purchase and walk out with we had to upgrade the storage to 256gb and then nearest store which had any in stock was at Pontefract  about twenty minutes away we paid got the receipt and went to Pontefract picked up Helen's Ipad Air .

On the way home we stopped at Burger King as usual the place was empty and the food cold storm Amy was still ongoing although we had some sun got home set the iPad up it took quite a long time Helen never keeps records  of user names or passwords so set applicants up took ages some were set up using emails others with her phone number got there in the end it a nice bit of kit we put on a Esr screen protector what a breeze no air bubbles .

WET WIPES AND BEER

 WEDNESDAY - Raining that's not good for all the weed killer we put down yesterday would have been better if it had not rained saying that the reservoirs have enough water for the next six weeks so I guess we shouldn't moan the picture below was taken yesterday its Winscar reservoir one of a few from around  two miles from where we live all the brown light brown sand earth looking material that is showing should be covered by water hopefully in the next few months levels will be topped up at the moment we are still under a hose pipe ban which as been in place since the start of July this summer. If things don't improve will be wet wipes and beer for us all ,

 Started watching the series Peacemaker I don't normally binge watch T.V series as I usually get bored after a couple but watched the first six episodes of season one in one day John Cena is brilliant the script brilliant , Eagly  the eagle is also brilliant even if it is CGI originally it was going to be a real eagle but apparently it was pissed off and didn't want to be  on set so James Gunn felt sorry for it so scrapped the idea of a real eagle .

THANKS H

 MONDAY - Went into Trust headquarters at St .James's hospital Leeds .I sorted out my pre employment check list all was ok and is getting processed .Then in the same building went to the pension department and sorted that out he checked my forms and will process them asp , I think it will be November when it is sorted they are not quick.

Latest Amazon purchases blue ear pads for my Bose headphones the left one needs replacing they are good headphones but look plastic and cheap think I might look at some different brands see if there are any nicer looking ones with better qualities .  Helen bought me a headphone stand thanks H , it will sit on my bedroom drawers I usually wear my headphones in bed either to listen to music or podcasts sometimes also to watch YouTube.

TUESDAY - Did nothing much Helen sorted out the front garden mainly a tidy up we placed the pumpkins we bought at Gordon Rigg garden centre last Saturday .We also sprayed  the block paving drive to kill all the moss , weeds and grass that are currently growing in between the cracks -

IN GENERAL

 SATURDAY - Ordered a new double dog lead with tangle free shock absorbing properties should make walking both dogs together a lot easier with less pulling and straining issues when they run and get to the end of the lead.

Our electricity supply went off a few weeks ago I was sent a letter asking for my name etc so I could claim £40 in compensation in the form of a cheque I applied via email . I got the cheque I paid it in to my bank using my online app all you do is log in take a photo of the cheque upload do the same to the back of the cheque and upload it easy peasy got a text message confirming it was getting processed job done 

My ribs are still sore I think the worse one is still not healed it still gives me issues and pain when lifting ,  stretching and reaching ,.My breathing is better and I am not getting out of breath anymore on flat surfaces hills sometimes depending on the incline and length but on the whole not too bad .Still sleeping on my back and get no more than three to four hours sleep in any one stretch the earlier I go to bed the earlier I get up .I am constantly falling asleep on the sofa it is something I cant control I be awake next instance I have fallen asleep the naps are short and do nothing realty to relieve my overall tiredness and because I have been up ages then want to go to bed earlier its a vicious circle .

Went to Gordon Rigg garden centre its an hour away the last part of the drive there is the best we have not been for a couple of years and Helen asked if we could go over at first I  said no then agreed do noting all day is boring they are long days , I am missing work not so much the job put the routine and the people and the fact that work does break the day up , I cant see me loving retirement trouble is more time at home means spending more money on going out to relieve the boredom.

On the drive home we went via Uppermill and Saddleworth stopped of at Tesco bought some beer battered haddock , breadcakes , chocolate buttons , eggs , custard and raspberry Bakewell tart , Yorkshire puddings  and thick pork sausages .

Helen still waiting for her refund so she can get her Air pad hopefully it gets processed quickly and they have it in stock when we go back to buy it .

NEW CROSS

 THURSDAY - Hair cut by Sophie at HD7 in Slaithwaite always a great experience .Whilst we was at the salon Amazon delivered the items we ordered the night before they left them in the bin shed ,

Helen's Air pad air did not turn up yesterday we realised there was an issue with the order even though it had been paid for there was no confirmation email or any form of receipt emailed out to her we went to the PcWorld in Wakefield and got it sorted out for some reason the order failed in the system the guy dealing with us said he would sort it out not to worry and it be sorted Asp .Later during the evening Helen got an email saying the payment is being processed back to her account this could take five working days isn't everyday with computers , the internet and online now a working day and why does it take seconds to remove money from your account and five days to return it .

My twin Sister Anne retires from her job she as been doing for the last 27 years must be very emotional its the final count down the last chapter the final over , or is it escaping the Matrix , Freedom , and a new beginning is the cup half full or halve empty .

Official we are retirement age on the 23rd of October I am retiring and returning to work I have to call into Trust Head quarters Monday with some paper work . passport . birth certificate and driving licence so my redeployment can start on the 27th of October .Hopefully we are going to purchase a camper van medium wheel base and start exploring and going into the wild even if its only England , Wales and Scotland and hopefully Ireland too .Started wearing my new cross and crown necklace I bought it to honour Charlie Kirk it replaced my three nail cross I have worn for the last four years .

SET UP

 MONDAY - Helen went to the doctors for minor surgery they had to remove a cyst from behind her ear she had a local anaesthetic and a few stiches that she will need out in seven days . 

TUESDAY - Went over to Helen's parents at Acaster Malbis we took them to Pc world at Clifton Moor  they was after buying   a new smart TV  they decided on a Samsung 43" it was the last one in stock it was   £259 , the also bought a HDMI DVD player  for £39 

.Helen decided to buy a new iPad air 13" in space grey £799 Pc World being what it is did not have it in stock so it is getting delivered tomorrow she will get a case and screen protector of Amazon .

After the purchases had been put in the car we drove over the road to Tesco we had tea there both Helen and I had fish and chips and they were surprising  really good  it was around tea time and we had  not eaten all day so we were both Hank Marvin the food was freshly cooked and served piping hot .

We got back to Helen's parents house and set the T.V setting the T.V up was the easy part explaining  how to use it is the hard bit and whey it had two remotes the main thing they wanted at that time was to watch the latest episode of Emmerdale which we sorted out and  they watched it on catch up. Finally we set up  the new Hdmi  Dvd player , which was more or less plug and paly another remote control to add to the drawer, 

 We got back home it was dark Helen ordered a Ipad air case in dark green  , an Esr screen protector x2 the fitting process looks amazingly simple we will see  and a Hastraith stylus pen , they will arrive tomorrow . I ordered a crown cross crucifix , I have been wearing my three nailed cross for the last four years decided to swap it out .

TOO GREEN

 THURSDAY - Up at 05.30 its routine now pointless fighting it if I am awake I rise .I do wake up around three thirty a.m but will try and go back to sleep there is early and way too early .

I will make a coffee large cup two teaspoons of coffee and four brown sugars mad with 30% water rest semi skimmed milk .

If Bentley our youngest cat  is in he goes out if George the senior cat  is out he comes in they both usually get feed .

The dogs stay in the bedroom Rosie on my side of the bed Bailey either under the bed or in  his bed , Helen does not stir .

I will check Facebook , and You tube the my emails then another large coffee waiting for the day to get light .

FRIDAY - Up at 03.30 it gets worse each day by this rate I will be getting up before I go to bed .

SATURDAY - Prepared a slow cook stew in the slow cooker it was early not sure why I decided to add green cabbage a bad idea was not impressed will never do that again live and learn Robert .

Went into work had my pension forms signed off by one of my line managers saw the new assistant manager she seems ok time will tell . Helen came with me after we finished we drove over to her cousin's house to drop of a blender from there we headed home stopped of at Asda and bought the ingredients for a slow cooked stew which we will have tomorrow 

SUNDAY - Went to Springs shopping outlet Helen went to Next and bought two pairs of jeans .After we called in to see my sister Anne and her husband Alan we stayed a couple of hours before driving home .

WENT TO WENTWORTH

 TUESDAY - Completed my pre employment check list for my return to work after I have retired in October . I have to take my birth certificate , driving license and passport in to proof my identity .I also have to have a DBS check done this is for the same job with the same hospital that I am employed with and for the last 20 years . My retirement is on the 23rd October I return to work or reinstated on the 27th of October although my sick note is valid until the 11th of November. 

Went to Wentworth garden centre meet up with Katie and Martin spent a few hours looking round going for coffee and pork pie which looked under cooked and walking round the walled garden .

Would love to buy the above building and turn it in to a great late night  coffee shop outlet .

Ordered a laptop bag as a document wallet from Amazon prime just seen Croc slippers and I want a pair plus a red Indian blanket .

BE HAPPY

 FRIDAY - Up early out in the car driving to Meltham for my doctors appointment after checking my breathing . pulse etc walked away with a eight week sicknote which was gratefully received but totally unexpected. 

SATURDAY - Every day is like Saturday did nothing major had a chilled out day again .

SUNDAY - Went to visit Helen's parents have not seen either of them since the accident so it was a nice trip out .They took Helen and me out to the York branch of  "Wetherby Whaler " we all had a great meal it was totally unexpected and a great surprise and very welcomed .

One of the best things about being on sick leave is I am with Helen 24/7 with my dogs chilling out , no rush to go anywhere or do anything when you have all day time is not relevant anymore . Sitting in all day can be boring but it gives you time to think and ponder on what is important in life and what is not .One thing that is obvious is every day that passes is gone forever so make the most of every second .Sleep less go out more in to the countryside , forest  or coast  take photos and videos and make memories for later life's reflections , but most of all be honest truthful and happy .

PLUS FIVE SECONDS

 THURSDAY - Cant believe the assassination , murder and cowardly killing of Charlie Kirk on an American Campus in Utah yesterday .How anyone could go to a University . College campus with the sole purpose of killing this man must be deranged , psychotic , insane , evil and a highly twisted individual he  took the life of someone so serene gracious , loving and religious  individual .

All the American universities , colleges should be flying the American flag half mast as a mark of respect  until the culprit is convicted and sentenced for this murderous act . as a mark of respect .

I don't think as a race of people we should be called humans anymore when you look at what we do to each other its very obvious the end of the world is near and most of us deserve it.

 If any Alien nation is studying earthlings its about time they took over because out government's . politicians people of power are totally ruining this planet the animals ,oceans , forests , coral reefs all mankind is interested in is building bigger warships and missiles , planes and machines of mass destruction its a sad mad world we live in .The doomsday clock is currently 89 seconds to midnight I think after yesterday I reckon it got five seconds closer .

RETURN TO LANGSETT

 SATURDAY - Woke up feeling sore must have slept awkwardly but once up felt better still injecting myself with the blood thinning medication on the last box another week and the course of treatment finished which will be an achievement in itself .Got an appointment at the doctors next Friday at Meltham to obtain another sick note . 

Yesterday we to Langsett reservoir a few miles away although we walked more of the walk than ever I have still not done more steps than previously which I though I would have smashed my record I did not .

The water level was very low but that did not stop the amount of walkers as the car park was just about to the max .

The only real issue is the lack of bins to dispose of your rubbish whilst walking specially when you have two dogs with you .There was plenty of seating to sit down along the way and once again we broke no speed records and managed just over 10k of steps my daily goal is 12k I have not achieved that for over a month I will keep trying .

SUNDAY - Up at stupid o'clock again saw another sunrise which is a plus and had a coffee did nothing much each day rolls in to  one . Went out to buy stuff for a Sunday roast dinner did a roast in the bag chicken with swede and carrot also did mash and roast potatoes took the dogs out for a short walk early evening then chilled out watching You Tube .

NEW BOOTS

 FRIDAY - Being on sick leave is boring days are long and there is only so much You Tube and Prime you can watch in any one day if this is what retirement is going to be like .Then I am definitely getting a camper van and getting out even if its only as far as the East Coast it will do .

We went to Fox Valley driving is ok no real problems looking right can be slightly painful and restricted but I always manage to do it correctly even if it causes me a twinge of pain ,We went to mainly get cat food .

Went to Costa coffee Helen had a Latte with a caramel shot and carrot and walnut cake I had a large cappuccino and a chocolate and salted caramel cake , still prefer Starbucks white chocolate mocha .

Helen bought a new pair of walking boots from Go Outdoors taking the dogs out in Autumn and  winter when it is wet and muddy and slippery whilst  wearing white trainers is not a good idea .

My son Guy has left his sister's house and back to doing things that are the worst life choices that anyone could possible make we all feel he is doomed to the path he is taking and things for his health and life style choices will only get worse .With the threat of prison and health issues that will happen not a question of if but when will occur .There is nothing anyone can do it is his choice and he as free will at the moment to do whatever he wants .But everyone knows it is just a question of another another big mistake he has made in the last few years after amazing everyone with his achievements over the last four months he is back to square one if not worse .He is 32 years old he is an adult making his worse decision's ever .

SATURDAY - Up at half five another early start wonder what the weekend and the following week will bring hopefully some sun .

FOOD TECH

 WEDNESDAY = Grey wet day did not go out until late tea time then drove over to Curry's PcWorld at Wakefield it was only last week we got rid of the white Ninja foodi max  air fryer today we bought one in black the model down from the one we had which was now selling at £229 .We also bought a Ninja food processor so much better than the Nutribullet we bought  a few days ago  the Ninja does so much more but did cost us three times the amount of money .

The Ninja below does have the George Foreman grill sat on top this is due to the lack of cupboard space in the kitchen units and lack of free worktop space available .at any given time the kitchen is very small compared to other kitchens in the different houses we have lived in .

The next thing I think we need are a new set of pans and maybe a bigger better slow cooker we did see a Ninja slow cooker I would also like a new coffee machine in black to match the rest of the utensils .

DIGLEY RES

 MONDAY - Woke up  at half past four got up just after five thirty went downstairs going to be another long day.

TUESDAY - Woke up at 03.00 after going to the toilet I went back to bed and got up just before five started watching the film of Jeff Buckley "It's Never Over " not a big fan but what a guy never knew his Father was a performer and died of a heroin overdose age 28 , how sad , after watching the documentary felt what a waste both him and Tupac died way too early both to me are similar people both great and ttue and misunderstood . 

Went to Digley reservoir mid afternoon the water level  was well low we walked the dogs again a double whammy for them we had already been out in the morning with them , breathing still not right still getting out of breath but plod on sitting all day at home does not do me any good I get stir crazy and bored after leaving here did some food shopping bought a chicken tikka masala and rice for tea 

STEWED ALL DAY

 SATURDAY - Days are long getting up at any time between four and half five the last few day are 18 hour days minimum .

Drove over to Tong Garden centre to meet up with Helen's cousin Sharon we ambled around went for a coffee and fudge cake that was not that great we didn't buy any plants and left after couple of hours . From there Helen and I drove over to Fox Valley I wanted to go to Sports direct and buy 20 pairs of socks I also wanted some braising steak for a stew I will slow cook tomorrow I got both three pieces of steak and black socks .

SUNDAY -Started watching "Chief of War" seems ok half way through first episode was up early again started prepping the veg for the slow cooker and doing the stock hopefully it goes ok been a while since I have done a slow cook beef .

Bought some boxers of Amazon waist is fine leg holes way too tight don't think I will be able to wear them .

The stew cooked all day made some dumplings and put the ceramic dish the inner part of the slow cooker minus the lid into the cooker to cook the dumplings , I missed some batter and made some pancakes there was enough for two each .In the picture things look burnt but it was all good and of course you cant have a stew without Lea & Perrins .

Didn't get that many steps in today due to the weather and general lazy day 6097 not good will have to get back on track .

STEPPING UP

 FRIDAY - Have got used to injecting myself it is not the hard to do of course the first one is the worst after that its pretty easy specially when you know it is helping you mend and heal .

Bought a fast usb charging plug with fast charging cables I also ordered a wireless magsafe dock and Iphone 13 pro max case  it is hit and mix if my phone charges using a lighting cable hence the wireless charging dock .Anyways they all got delivered in the afternoon the case and dock really good not bad better than I thought .

Took the dogs out with Helen I was up at four so it was nice to go for a morning stroll we saw the pigs which we haven't seen for a few days which was nice to see not bacon yet .

Went to the tip got rid of some garden waste and the cordless Shark vacuum we have used for the last five years we also got rid of the Ninja air fryer a pain in the butt to clean plus it takes too much room the main thing we are cooking in it is oven chips which can be done in the oven , my get a single drawer one depending on size and how we get on not having one .

Did more food shopping bought a chicken doing a a dinner with mash pots , savoy cabbage , carrots and swede mash and button sprouts will also do stuffing balls and ready cooked Yorkshire puddings with thick gravy .

We went for another evening walk with the dogs I achieved more steps today since having my accident which has to benefit me breathing slightly better but still getting out of breath still taking pain killers but not as many .

SLOW ROAD

 THURSDAY - Was up at 05.00 a.m again but did go to back earlier than when I am working so I am getting more hours sleep specially as i am sleeping raised up on my back is not the easiest way to sleep for me so not complaining .

Still in some discomfort getting in and out of bed is awkward and I am careful when pulling myself upright , putting socks on is also done under extreme caution coughing is still a major issue and is one of the things that is painful to do so I try and avoid it at all cost so is coughing to clear my lungs is done as and when and in stages .Getting out of breath when walking is weird it just happens it can happen on longest walks , short walks or even just going upstairs .Reaching for items stored in cupboards in bathroom and kitchen I have to move slowly and raise my self on tip toes instead of over reaching , you soon adapt and learn new ways of doing things .Walking the dogs I go out with Helen and we take one dog each so it is doable .The days are long usually 18 hours before returning to bed .Recovering is a slow progress with some days maybe no progress .

I can vacuum with caution and cooking is not a issue if I don't require items from the lower cabinets specially if things are at the back in the corner of the cabinet .Showering and toilet are ok hardest thing is getting in and out as the shower is over the end of the  bath and not a walk in one .Driving still ok getting in and out and parking so I can get out easier I try and do getting in and out is easier also if I push the drivers chair back to it farthest position got to still be careful going over speed bumps awkward angled junctions and breaking too hard holding the steering wheel does support me as does the car seat with its lumber and side support .

GETTING THE POINT

 WEDNESDAY - Self injected myself with my blood thinning injection Helen hates doing it her brother Martin did it the other day so I thought stuff it and decided to do it myself it was not that bad and less stressful and painful got about another two weeks worth to get through .

The George Foreman grill came today its a fully immerser grill which means you can wash it under a running tap or submerge it in a sink full of soapy water or best yet  put it in the dishwasher to keep it super clean and grease free and hopefully fully water proof .

Bought Helen a large bottle of Ysl Libre intense when did perfume get so dear £131 a bottle don't exactly splash it all over 

MORE STEPS

 MONDAY - Bank holiday although it does not make much difference to me as I am on sick leave for the next couple of months .Put the drone on charge Helen brother Martin his wife Katie and their son Olive rare coming over we are going out to a nearby reservoir  to fly the drones .

It is quite hot high twenties but the location we went to was way to windy that's Hade edge for you .even o n a sunny day its windy. We went to another reservoir other side of Holmfirth a ten a fifteen minute drive away at Riding wood .I t was a disaster the drone crashed into some fir trees and burnt out two of its motor bushes end of its maiden flight if I cant buy new motors then its a new drone at least it got us out of the house and the walk was nice .Went to our local the Boshaw Trout for a pint cheers Helen .

TUESDAY - Went to the doctors got some more liquid morphine which is good .Helen had a few readings two coming to the house .We took the dogs out for an evening walk .Helen still not liking that she has to inject me on a daily basis it usually takes a good five minutes but she get it in the end .Did less steps today than the previous two days .

LONGEST WALK

 SUNDAY - Woke up with slight discomfort and pain must have slept out of sync its hard getting comfortable some nights plus sleeping on my back is not my normal position .

The new Shark Vacuum cleaner is excellent it comes with a car detailing attachments for getting in all the nooks and carnies that you have dust and debris in your car and can never get suctioned out hopefully these various attachment sorts it .

The Nutri Bullet is ok the only thing I don't like is its no stop start button and the amount of fruit and liquid that you can process at one time it chops and cuts and blends  fine , pulps up even frozen fruit to a better consistency than our previous blender so guess its a result .

The four slice Smeg toaster and temperature controlled Smeg kettle arrived this morning more cardboard to get rid of the kettle and toaster we have are only weeks old but Helen wanted to go back to Smeg could have bought an Ipad mini or some new headphones boiled water and toast is the same quality regardless of water you use .

Went to Dunford bridge did  my longest walk since my accident just under 8500 steps which is the most I have done in one day in the last fortnight , I was suffering towards the end of the walk we timed the distance just right .You can walk all the way to Penistone on this route not sure how many miles you are looking at think its under ten .

SUCK IT UP

 FRIDAY - What a long week it's been was up again around half past five once I am awake just lying there with broken ribs seems pointless specially when you need to pee so its toilet , dressed , downstairs and make a coffee this is ground hog day at it's best .fire up the laptop and start writing the blog that I will post tomorrow when I get up after I have checked and added anything to yesterdays blog before posting that days blog .

The worst thing about broken ribs  - Coughing instant pain at its worst , hiccups nearly as bad bearable if in bouts of one , putting socks on ok on good side implications if not careful on injured side , getting in and out of bed each time does get  slightly easier, driving not too bad extremely be careful of potholes and speed bumps smooth and gentle on the gas , codeine tablets bung you up not good stop taking them.

Had a drive over to Tesco at Penistone for a few items got baking potatoes and a tin of chili for my tea sorted will have it with grated cheese  I also for the first time in ages got over 5000 steps in . 

Running out of Paracetamols the box I was given on my discharge as almost gone the morphine a few more doses then that's gone .

SATURDAY - Woke up just after 03.00 am went to toilet instead of getting dressed and going downstairs went back to bed finally got up just after six am .

Went to Curry's pc world Helen bought a Nutribullet 600 and a Shark detect lift away  corded vacuum cleaner hopefully they both do what they say on the box .She also ordered a Smeg kettle and a Smeg 4 slice toaster in shinny black they will be delivered to the house over the next few days .

On the way home we saw the protestors outside the Cedar Court Hotel protesting over its use to house no doubt illegal immigrant's it was quite a good show of people , it looked peaceful a police presence was watching over the proceedings.