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.

ANOTHER FIRST

 THURSDAY - Was up just before 04.00 a.m. pain ok did take some paracetamol and liquid morphine.

Took the hounds out Rosie and Bailey for their morning walk did father than I have walked since getting home and was not as out of breath a good sign things are improving  

We have hair appointments this morning in Slaithwaite a few miles away a couple of villages away from Holmfirth it takes around twenty five minutes by car we set of in plenty of time and we got there for our 11.15 a.m. appointments ten minutes early the haircut by Sophie at HD7 as always perfect thank you Sophie .

Stopped of at Compos fish and chip shop on the way home we got fish chips bread cake and Chinese curry sauce bliss , but no good for the waist line but very nice all the same they seemed to have improved since we ate there last , or is it just because we was both craving them .We sat outside usually we mess the car up Helen went in to the shop to buy them which is another first .

ANOTHER BREAK

 WEDNESDAY - We needed milk and other items I had a craving for a fresh chicken Tikka Masala for tea I also needed brown sugar for my coffees its the little things you miss or take for granted .I had not much choice I drove the car to Aldi a few miles away because I had no morphine apart from first thing as I was waiting for delivery I decided to jump in the car and drive Helen and I to Aldi . I made it ok Helen was my eyes and look out  a couple of speed bumps caused a twitch but the car seat was good support .

Luckily I got my curry as well as brown sugar happy again it doesn't take much it is the little things I crave another food item on the list is of course fish and chips which I always crave when I am laid up or ill  .I made it round the aisle's ok no one bumped into me it was late evening so it was quieter we also got beef mince , bacon , swede , salad items , bread and bottled water . 

Helen's dad rang later on in the evening to say Joan Helens Mother had tripped and fallen breaking her wrist again which is the worst news possible its the same arm she broke the other year also from falling over .

Felt a bit out of it was really sleep and was having hot sweats and stomach cramps not sure why it lasted for about a hour and was back to normal .

Watched Deadpool I have all three films to watch getting up early in the morning any time between which is so far been between 04.00 - 05.30 depending on the time we go to bed 

HOME DELIVERY NOT AMAZON

 MONDAY - Woke up had my best longest sleep yet by far first time I laid under the duvet it was cold not sure if that the reason because I felt more secure or snug but I had well over six hours which even when I am well would be a longer sleep than normal .

Helen has readings this afternoon so I will cook us dinner Helen bought a joint of beef will cook it with rosemary we grow in the garden , with roast and mash potatoes ,mashed carrot and swede , and of course Yorkshire pudding will also have horseradish and thick beef gravy .

Phoned the doctors surgery told then I was running out of Oramorph and needed another bottle its addictive so I will have to see the receptionist said she would speak to one of the doctors if they will prescribe it  I wont find out until later tomorrow if I will be allowed it.

TUESDAY - Didn't have a great sleep I was not comfy was to laid down I couldn't adjust myself I got dressed nearly messed up putting my socks Helen helped dress me  , I made it down stairs made a coffee .and watched the newest "Mission Impossible " film .

At half past eight I phoned the Doctors the prescription as been processed its at the Chemist ready to pick up .I phoned the Chemist to double check it was there better still they are going to deliver it to my home address result very happy not just because of the pain relief it makes me drowsy which helps me sleep if I don't fight it .A very nice delivery man brought it this afternoon thank you it does help seeing that for the last five days I have not been taking the Dihydrocodeine I would rather be able to go to the toilet which is Mission Impossible whilst popping them .

A WEEK ON

 SUNDAY - One week on and I went for my longest walk yet with Helen and the dogs did over 2000 steps when you're daily average has been no more than 550 its a good achievement I made it to the field I usually do a lap around I left them there  Helen and the dogs continued on without me , I made it home with Bentley my cat who likes to follow .

Helen cooked me a full English breakfast which always tastes better when someone else cooks it unless they cant fcuking cook or burn everything .

Helen finally manage to inject me to help stop blood clots forming she did ok was really good not totally pain free but as good as it needs to be .

I want to buy a fast charging block and lead for my iPhone but also which also has a usb c connection for headphones and other items that all use usb-c which is mainly everything now .I need a charging dock for my Apple watch as a back up for when I am out and about in hotels out for the day or God forbid in Hospital again .

Because my accident was not planned what accidents are ever I went to Hospital with the clothes I had on my iPhone ,  a back pack with a Anker charging block and  lighting lead for my iPhone with wall plug  , my Bluetooth iems , an aluminium water bottle with blackcurrant dilute juice and a pen .No toiletries , no deodorant , no change of clothes .

The hospital will provide tooth brush and tooth paste , shaving gel and razors obviously they are no doubt the cheapest out there so no branded stuff they I get it they are on a budget and these items are free , the razors just did the job the shaving cream just not quite enough in the sachet but better than nothing had a shave not the best shave ever but did fell better afterwards which is a result so thank you Nhs for then first few days you sorted me out in everyway got to say that  the staff all staff both medical and non medical Legends all working together effortlessly with one aim , one goal to get well enough to go home which the did 100% of which goes without saying I am extremely grateful for .

EMERGENCY STOP

 SATURDAY - Woke up just after four a.m so I had some sleep went to the toilet again was so happy fired up  the laptop a black screen of death nothing happened rebooted nothing happened I couldn't start in safe mode or recovery mode typical but  finally after forty minutes of trying different procedures I got it to boot by pressing F2 whilst it was firing up I was relieved I think it had done a update and this was the issue turned off automatic updates .

Did the walk with Helen got farther than yesterday before turning back for home still haven't got as far as the field working on it .

Cooked a couple of sandwiches for breakfast a mushroom and bacon and a sausage and tom , nothing else to do .Trisha from the house above came and gave me my daily injection to prevent blood clots .

I also had a shower first one since the accident its over the bath with a shower screen if slip guess I be well fcuked washed my hair , Helen cut my toenails and gave me some of her pyjama bottoms to wear and that was the highlight of my day.

My car sits on the drive just staring at me I am tempted to drive but think its too early yet maybe Monday my sister and her husband drove it back from York were it was parked up on the Sunday I had my accident . Least saving on petrol I can get behind the wheel ok I did tried it was easy enough can I drive pain free the legal requirements is I can perform an emergency stop guess if I had to pretty sure that I would  automatically  perform this manoeuvrer  .

TIME TO RECOVER

 THURSDAY - Last day in hospital my daughter is picking me up early evening its surreal I want to go home I miss being there yet its a giant step at hospital you need anything you've got it at home its a different scenario if it was up to me the earliest I would be going is Monday .

I packed all my items I didn't have that much a couple of charging cables my Bluetooth iems and uneaten items that had been brought in one being a chocolate orange and a packet of chocolate  hobnobs.

I was given a plastic carrier bag full of medication  I x box of 500mg paracetamol , 28 x tablets of 30 mg Dihydrococodeine , 28 x Enoxaparin pre filled syringes to prevent blood clots , 100 ml of morphine sulphate oral solution enough for 20 doses and a box of 30 sachets of Laxido they are to make going to the toilet easier but they don't work the codeine makes you constipated .

I got my discharge papers and a sick note for a month I almost dropped my urine bottle laughing I should have I will getting another one of my doctors when needed . 

My daughter arrived it had been sunny and warm all day it still was she carried everything down to her car parked in the multi storey and we headed home .

Was great seeing Helen I had missed her I have not seen her four four days and of course the dogs Rosie and Bailey who were excited to see me home .Getting into bed later in the evening was easier than I had anticipated it was not too bad I was awake at two and went down stairs for a drink and fired up the  laptop . 

FRIDAY - Went for a walk with Helen she was taking the dogs out I only managed to do to the end of the road before turning round I was out of breath and had to make sure far  I was at a point not too far and that I had the energy and breath  to make it home .

Helen couldn't do my injection to stop my blood clots luckily a nurse lives a couple of doors up she obliged and injected me rest of the day spent just trying to keep on top of medication and keeping pain free finally went to the toilet hopefully the first of many .

GOING HOME

 MONDAY - Woke up after first night in hospital in Hdu  I was sore and had not slept .They came with my breakfast cornflakes , But is was too low down in the bed to eat the nursing staff needed to get me sat upright and I certainly couldn't do it on my own II wished I could so they removed my pillows and they put the electronic bed in to flat mode this was strain enough and agony .Then they had to roll me  on to my side to get the sheet under me this was agony I had never felt pain and strain so bad what seemed like ages before I  is was back on my back then they had to repeat the process to get the sheet under my opposite side again agony and pain I was hot sweating , finally they had it in place .

I was laid flat on the red sheet then the tipped the bed at my feet end so the bed went on an angel  and I slide back job done the sheet removed and I was sat up so I could eat the cornflakes that  I didn't really want .

Had visitors my daughter and son came I got goodies chocolate , coke and fruit they thought I looked ok sat down doing nothing I am not in pain as  I am relaxed and I am at my best 

TUESDAY - It is not fun I cant cough they have me on liquid morphine codeine and paracetamol every two hours I am walking about very slow I sit in the chair most off the day getting in and out of bed is the worst had another x-ray I asked to see it wish I hadn't my ribs were worse than I thought totally out of line how the fcuk these are meant to heal anyone's guess was reassured they will be fine .Still mobile making it to the bathroom doing laps round the ward breathing not great oxygen levels drop put me on a nebuliser to help clear my lungs my breathing always returns to normal so no major concerns .Moved us from Hdu to normal side ward it was a quick move it was only next room down the corridor three of us went I got a bed side of the window I'am a bit like Hannibal Lecter just want a view from a window see the sky clouds cars in the distance etc, etc 

WEDNESDAY - Told I can go home tomorrow I don't think I am ready they said all they are doing is monitoring my pain and I can do that at home by myself so no need to take a bed up  

NOW A PATIENT

 MONDAY - Back to work until the end of the month then I have another weeks leave we will go back to Whitby and Scarborough and of course get fish and chips .

Didn't  have a Sunday dinner yesterday after the pork pies we ate and ice cream with flake and chocolate sauce we was both full so I am cooking it up today . 

THE FOLLOWING WEEK .

Had a major accident feel off some step ladders on to a concrete flower pot long story short Ambulance to the Leeds Lgi from York , Ct scan then transferred to Hdu J84 St. James's hospital five broken ribs sever bruising some fluid on the lung and some air displacement good news no drain needed .It is going to be my home for the next few days. 

U-TURN

 SATURDAY - Woke up I heard sheep Helen will be hearing the sea and seagulls I know what I would prefer the sounds of the coast wins every time specially if we was hearing it in the back of a camper van .

Found a new band that I am currently listening to thanks to Spotify they are called "The Dolly Rocker Movement " they have produced a few albums and have disbanded awhile ago so nothing new being released . they are an Australian psychedelic rock band .

Helen came home just before nine p.m she had a good time she even went on some of the rides .

SUNDAY - Went to Asda bought all the ingredients for a Sunday roast and a few other bits on the way home we went to the garden centre and bought some pork pies Helen bought ten tins of green beans , she likes green beans . We was nearly home when we did a U-turn and went to Yummy Yorkshire for ice cream it was only four five miles away . They also do breakfast and other foods during the day we will go back for breakfast in the next couple of weeks if we remember .

SEE THE SEA

 FRIDAY - Was up at half past five Helen was going back to Scarborough to stay over for the night with her cousin the visit was so they could scatter her aunties ashes whom died last year .I had to drop her off at her cousins house for eight o clock we was dead on time forgive the pun .I headed back home took the dogs to Winscar reservoir we made it back to the car just as the rain started to fall . I spent the rest of the day drinking coffee and watching You Tube .Below the view from her hotel window can see the sea cool .They went to a fish restaurant Helen ordered scampi she enjoys as much as fish and chips .

THREE BEACHS ONE COAST

 MONDAY - Deep cleaned the car interior and exterior a bit difficult with the hose pipe ban but did a fair job .I also vacuumed the interior including boot space which is never 100% effective but after it was all finished  it did look 100% better which is what its all about .The it rained cooked baked beans on toast with grated cheese for tea.

WEDNESDAY - Went to Bempton Cliffs  which is a RSPB nature reserve which is free parking and is home to hundreds of birds including Puffins .It is free parking and there is a café and shop they also sell and hire binoculars for all the twitchers out there .

From there we went the thirty or miles or so to Whitby we parked using the train station car park seven pounds for four hours .We walked through the town centre visiting various shops Helen bought some bon bons and liquorice sticks I walked on to the harbour walls towards the light houses not sure why one is a lot bigger than the other by 55 feet the larger one was built in 1831 and the smaller one in . 1854 .

We went to the Magpie Café for fish and chips we sat down stairs and got a table more or less straight away we both ordered haddock and chips Helen had salad I ordered a side of baked beans white and brown bread  the best fish and chips we have had for ages I had a bottle of Magners the bill was fifty pounds .

From Whitby we drove to Scarborough parked at Sea Life centre it was shut we walked along the sea front made it on to the beach the tide was in and the sea was quite rough on the way back we had a tea and coffee from the crazy golf café , we got back home just after half past ten , 

ALL GOOD THINGS

 SATURDAY THE WEEK BEFORE  - Went to Glossop to M&S bought some chili chicken and other bits cant beat the food from M&S and its not any more expensive the the other supermarket chains but a lot more nicer .

Helen bought me another Mountain Warehouse T-shirt to be fair they are decent quality and 70% off the price .

FRIDAY  - Was up early M.O.T day first one in a long time at least eight years was nervous but it passed a couple of advisory's tyres and front  brakes not urgent but will need doing before the roads get icy  this means I am road legal for another year .Another reason to celebrate today I break up after my shift gor a full nine days .

SATURDAY - Went to Fox Valley bought some cider and chicken and pistachio ice cream lollies all good things ,what more could I wish for .

SUNDAY - Went to Nostell Priory have never been before although I have drove past numerous times over the years .We took the dogs so couldn't go around the house  ,Did over 20,000 steps in total .

SMOOTHIE FOR TWO

 THURSDAY - For the last couple of weeks for breakfast have been blending various fruits to make  a breakfast smoothie including pineapple , avocado . banana . pear , strawberries blackberries , melon and raspberries with coconut water once i pour out a large glass for Helen i have been adding ice cream to mine its more like a milk shake but still go to be better than a cooked a  full English .by the time the fruit is peeled chopped up and liquidised it takes as long on the odd occasion I might cook a bacon egg sandwich  but most days I wont eat anything until my afternoon tea I have before going to work at six p.m.Also having a smoothie always tastes better when the sky is blue and its red hot .

 

PLANTS AND BULBS

 THURSDAY - Went to Ikea at Sheffield we bought various  house plants  with different baskets as well as 8  new led light bulbs and lampshades £200 goes nowhere these days .we had the Korean hotdog and fries on the way out .

FRIDAY - Went back to Ikea bought another plant and two more led  light bulbs good job its only a few miles away , we neither seem to be in Ikea or  Fox Valley .

STEPS AND MILES

 MONDAY - Car had its oil service dropped it off at eight in the morning the cars first  mot is due on the 25th they said that they would give it a quick  once over see if anything jumps out and is in need of attention picked the car up just after dinner I walked all over Holmfirth town centre I had a Danish from Lidl and a white chocolate chip cookie .I visited some areas I had seen whilst driving but had not been to before it was a warm morning .

When I picked the car up I booked the mot for the 25th they said everything was good it will pass its mot no issues which is a big relief as I do around 8000 miles more then the average 12000 a year .By the end of the day I had done 22783 steps .

Bought some mozzarella cheese and some nan breads going to do a ham and mushroom pizza for tea also bought a bottle of coke .

LIGHTS AND LETTERS

 SUNDAY - Went to Glossop to a Mountain Warehouse Helen bought me a couple of T-shirts both in different shades of green look cool they was both £12 each in the sale plus we had a voucher for 15% off .Bought a chicken and some new potatoes for dinner .

MONDAY - The car is fixed no more epc warning light the cost would have been around £185 had it not been under warranty it took well over an hour to fix , luckily it was not raining .Got the rest of the week off but the weather is shit .  

THURSDAY - Went to visit my son a letter had arrived for him at my house so I decided to drive over and hand deliver it to him .I also got mail it was my details how to claim my state pension on the exact same day I also got a letter from my works pension which I can also claim, my birthday is in October and I can officially retire , pack work in I did the online application for my state pension and will phone my works pension and get the forms I need to also claim .My twin sister got her forms the following day .

GOD NOT LISTENING TONIGHT

 THURSDAY - Car problems engine warning light came on its only amber and not red manage to get home and park up , phoned work told them I couldn't drive the car just in case it went to red warning light so no work for me tonight , it was just coincident that it was the hottest day of the year .

FRIDAY - Called Skoda break down AA they came and ran a check one of the engine sensors is fried he has not got one he has ordered on and will be back Monday to fit it  there is no charge as its under warranty which is good news.

SATURDAY - Helen had readings in Cookridge  from six until around ten I sat in the car watching the escalation of the Israel and Iran war .After drove to Adel and went to our favourite church which is grade 1listed and  was built between 1150 and 1170 .Said a little pray for world peace don't think God was listening .

ANIMAL DONT ROAM BIRDS DONT SING

 MONDAY - Weekend was ok yesterday we went to visit a friend she as just recently got her house finished from the alterations Helen had a few readings to do .My daughter is in Krakow Poland its her first wedding anniversary, Today they are going where the animals don't roam and the birds don't sing Auschwitz  Poland my sister also went a few years ago she also felt a deathly silence hanging over the the grounds , it stands as  a reminder of what evil men and women can do its so we do not forget and so it never happens again sadly is has and does and it looks like we never learn .