LET THE GAMES BEGIN

 TUESDAY - We had the newel posts and th e handrail painted black while we had the painter in which was a long time friend of Helen's Sharon we went out to Curry's to buy a new condenser dryer .We choose a 10 kg drum with delivery installation and taking the old appliance away it was £350 and it comes next week on Tuesday .

I mentioned a few days ago  to Helen that two Tomb Raider games are coming out one this year one the next plus there is new resident evil and Gta and that I would need a Ps5 console so whilst in Curry's I bought one and an extra controller I shouldn't have it was  a big expense that I was not planning on well not yet but new year looming worked all three bank holidays so what the heck  to put me on I bought Harry Potter game "Hogwarts Legacy" and "Ghost of Yotei " both bought from Amazon getting delivered tomorrow let the games begin. Its been awhile since I owned a Playstation I know the controller's are totally different and the graphics beyond compare to my Xbox 1 so it will be a totally new experience it can be my new hobby was even considering getting a monitor rather than plugging into the tv .

My Daughter and her husband and kids are all in Thailand they stopped of at Singapore airport for six hours before getting a flight to Thailand nearly thirty hours of travel I aske her if it was worth it she sent me these photos , Silly question really .

MORE TECH

 SATURDAY - Joined Kindle unlimited I cancelled my Netflix subscription have not really been watching anything on there it is paid up until the end of January 2026 .So joining Kindle Unlimited which will enables me to download both versions the written  book to read as well as the audible version so I can both read and listen when needed .I also ordered a Fire tablet  10 so I can read magazines I prefer this to buying just a Kindle E-reader I also ordered a black case I will use it for prime video as well so I will get my moneys worth it will also come in handy when Helen is doing readings and I'am sat in the car for three to four hours it can be a belated Christmas present to myself .

SUNDAY - It is Helen's birthday today bought her a sweat shirt hoodie from Joe Browns in Pink .

The fire tablet got delivered along with a cover got it set up need to side download Google play store will do that tonight .We are going to York to see Helen's parents on the way they asked if we wanted to go to the ship Inn for dinner we said yes if they are tables free we would love to .Had steak and ale pie it was filled with meat the red cabbage was out of this world I had it with chips and Yorkshire pudding Helen had the roast pork dinner so did her mother her dad had the turkey dinner all with veg and gravy none of us had deserts we were way too full her Dad picked up the bill .

MONDAY - Bought a 128 gb micro sdxc card for the tablet and a pair of Kzs10 pro iems and a set of KZ A209 Bluetooth ear hooks to use them with out the wires .These are the three ear phones I have bought the first Anker open ear ear pods not good for Helens ears the second Jlab sports total waste of money to hard to control so she tried mine and they were by far the best hence the buy .

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2025

 TUESDAY - The day before Christmas eve .Went to The farm shop before taking the dogs out picked up a turkey crown , a leg of pork and a joint of gammon as well as pigs in blankets and a giant pork pie £103 there is just the two of us .I went at the right time before I left they was queuing out of the door and the car park was full 

We went over  to Slaithwaite to get our haircut Helen had hers coloured £65 for the both of us very reasonable .The car park at Aldi were we usually park was full there were cars waiting so I packed on a street nearby .

Morrisons for more food and nibbles for the few days over Christmas some party food for Helens birthday couple of days after xmas as well as another bottle of Baileys £166 , and then there was another £54 on four packets of cigarettes it is what it is thankful its only once a year .I was going to get another bottle of Gentleman Jack but there was none left .

CHRISTMAS DAY - Finished work at 02.00 a.m. got home Helen had put the turkey crown into the oven on a low heat setting . I did the mixture for the Yorkshire puddings before going to bed .

Was up took the dogs out went to pick Helens son  up Ste he was having dinner with us returning home did the veg and stuffing sprout and roasted parsnips and carrots as well as mash and roast potatoes .It was a pity I had to go to work ..

WRAPPING UP

 SUNDAY - Did some Christmas wrapping up and writing  and hand delivering  some Christmas  cards to our closet neighbour's , I think they wait to see before sending one back .My wrapping is not the greatest but I do a neatest gift wrap depending on the shape and size . Christmas over the years as lost some of it's magic the main thing I look forward to is Christmas dinner  it that is cooked right and everything is there then I am quite happy the way I see it lots of people wont even have the luxury of eating a hot meal so all those out there moaning Santa never got them what they asked for fuck off stop whining and be happy with your lot .

Went to my daughters house in Kippax , the weather was foggy and raining on the way .They all fly out to Thailand the day after boxing day .She did a buffet and  cooked up some finger food mini chicken Kiev's ,mozzarella cheese  sticks , fries , pigs in blankets   and a couple of  pizzas it was very filling had a cherry Kopparberg cider and a coffee . 

A MAN CALLED JACK

 FRIDAY - Drove over to Meadow Hall shopping complex to get a few things for Christmas .Bought myself a new T-shirt from Joe Brown's and Helen a hoodie they had a pre Christmas sale on so did a lot of other stores and outlets ,it didn't seem overlay busy guess it would get worse once the kids left school .

Bought a bottle of YSL Libre Intense for Helen it is her birthday the day after boxing day for her main Christmas present we headed for the Apple store and got her a rose gold Apple watch 11 , I have also ordered her a Kindle colour it will get delivered Sunday. 

SATURDAY - Lounged about did nothing much Helen is going tech mad she is now looking at a Canon Selphy portable printer to use for her journaling, diary etc. I ordered her some Anker Soundcore ear pods with hooks so she can listen to her audible books whilst in bed they should be good enough. In the evening Helen went to Sister Circle  in Slaithwaite when I picked her up we went to Morrisons bought gift cards for Next , M&S , X-box Waterstones  and  Just Eat presents sorted , I bought myself a bottle of Gentleman Jack it is chilling in the fridge .I sampled it later in the evening it was very smooth it tasted better than I thought if you like it you like it .I usually buy a bottle of Bullet bourbon from M&S but Gentleman Jack was on offer , hence the buy to try .

BREKKIE

 TUESDAY - Went to Zorros for breakfast Helen had the regular I had the big one you got an extra sausage , hash brown , egg and bacon .I also had a large glass of fresh orange juice a cappuccino and Helen had a pot of tea .The bill was over £45 which is average for breakfast in and around where we live unless you do take away .It was very filling I didn't eat anything else for the rest of the day .

After breakfast I went to All Sport and bought a pair of all blacky Adidas trainers and a pair of blue with red stripes £65 for both they were in the sale I have worn these same trainers in different shades for the last ten years .

ANOTHER SOVEREIGN

 SATURDAY - Helen was supposed to go to Sister Circle. She cancelled so we both could go over to my sisters house ,for a family get together .All was there my sisters , my daughters family and my nephews .

Mark also  brought his dog with him , it is a Cockapoo called Mojo we have not meet him before , He was very well behaved so was the dog .

Nobody out stayed their welcome I think we was the last ones to leave it was only ten o clock not burning the midnight oil , on the way to the motorway I cut a police car up they didn't seem phased so all was good not that I was over the limit I don't drink and drive ever so I was not worried about being breathalysed I would have passed easily .

SUNDAY - Headed to Halifax once again we always seem to be getting party bookings for readings in Halifax Helen had five to do  I waited outside in the car on my phone entertaining myself until she had finished .After she got out heading home se booked a table for the Sovereign at Shepley  .Helen had the chicken liver pate to start , I had tomato and red pepper soup which was spicy and hot but very nice could have done with some cheese on top and some parsley .For mains we both had haddock and chips with b&b , I had cheese cake for desert not the best ever cheese cake it was ok .

MONDAY - The doors that  we got fitted last week all needed the screws changing over from brass to black . I  did the seven doors after I had a coffee its raining yet again so no walking the dogs this morning .

WATCHING - Welcome To Derry.

LISTENING TO - Band Of Horses .

READING - Sophie Kinsella book and P.Diddy Allegations Exposed 

BEDDED DOWN

 - THURSDAY - The Ottoman came in the afternoon four men came to assemble it this time the headboard made it up the stairs they had it up and working in under an hour the bed can be manually raised if the electric supply is cut to the bed it is great having storage space under the bed we should have got one years ago. Ikea sell them why we never got one is beyond me .I think the bed might be slightly higher than the old Monki can still jump on to the bed which is good so used to her sleeping with us be strange if she wasn't there doubt I would have a good nights sleep .

FRIDAY - Slept ok on the new bed the mattress has not be replaced so sleeping should be no different after sleeping on the floor for the las few weeks it was nice to sit on the edge of the bed getting in and out so much easier .After putting everything inside the bed frame we still have plenty of space left for other items .

SATURDAY - Washed the car with the pressure was using a snow storm foam the car went from black to white and it did look like it had been  snowing first time it has been washed for ages got the alloys cleaner and the wheel arches blasted and the bottom of the doors  amazing how much shit you pick up travelling .

Bought five black wrought iron coat hooks for the doors to match the other iron work two on our bedroom door , two on the bath room and one on the office door 

READY FOR BED

 TUESDAY - Door fitters arrived the doors look good they have a few swinging by dinner time had to go out to Screwfix and get some better screws than what cam e with the hinges I got online .Tomorrow I will have to cut the doors in half to fit them in the car so I can dump them  at the tip .

WEDNESDAY - Cut the doors in half got them all in the car and went to the tip first trip of two second trip was domestic waste and cardboard and other packaging shit polystyrene is the worst thing ever nightmare anyway its done .

The door fitter came back to put the latch plates on to the door frames only took him an hour and half all done .My daughter knows him he made her a bar for her cellar in her previous house and is good friends with his wife .

THURSDAY - We have had confirmation that the bed will be delivered tomorrow afternoon fingers crossed the head board goes up the stairs the bedroom is cleared we have took out everything we can .

LIGHT WORK

 SATURDAY - Put up the exterior Christmas tree lights down the fence up the wall along the guttering up round the gable end then back round again using the same plastic stick on gutter clips we have used the last three years they still holding up .Was very cautious and nervous working off the step ladder it was a lot bigger then the one I fell off my heart beat increased but all went well no incidents was glad when it was up was even more glad when we plugged them in and the lights came on .

The doors are getting fitted and hung this coming Tuesday and the bed is coming Thursday the sofa in the new year fingers crossed .

Took Helen to Bramley to do five readings after we called in at her cousins Sharon had a alcohol free lager.

SUNDAY - Hung a couple of prints in our bedroom put the HOME wooden letters on the wall and did a couple of doors on Helens unit in her office .In the afternoon we went to Ikea bought another unit some sheepskin rugs imitation not the real thing bought a table runner , four wicker woven baskets and a few other bits totalling a price of £181. Received more black gutter clips I ordered of Amazon yesterday .

TREES AND LIGHTS

 WEDNESDAY - The Christmas tree went up yesterday its a seven foot pre light tree think this is the last artificial tree we will buy hopefully we will continue to use in the coming Christmases.

THURSDAY - The second light fitting went up in the living room same as last time but without the ceiling hook  turned the power off same as the last time the glass was had to fit why they don't give it m ore clearance is beyond me but like the last time also it eventually went in to place .

FRIDAY - Painted our bedroom wall that's all the jobs done for now .Things just need putting back the things we put on to different areas and general cleaning and vacuuming the dust and mess up and of course going to the tip again .

SATURDAY - Put the outside Christmas tree lights up standing on the top platform of the step ladders was freaking me out just in case no more falls no more broken ribs all was good mission accomplished 

MORE WORK

 SATURDAY - Went to the tip with some broken pallets some cardboard and a couple of black bin liners full of rubbish.

Went to Ikea bought a peg board and some Kallas cube units drawers and doors we ended up putting them in Helens office .

Went to Next also in Sheffield to exchange a light fitting that Helen bought online .

Took Helen to Golcar she had some readings to do I went home and fell asleep on the sofa I had to go out and pick her up just after eleven p.m

SUNDAY - Bought a small one litre pot of paint need to cover up some patches of wall where shelve brackets were fixed .Helen bought a large full length pebble mirror for the bed room .

Went to the Sovereign Inn at Shepley for Sunday dinner had the trio of meat Helen had the turkey we both had chicken liver pate to start and I had a baked apple cinnamon flan type pie with ice cream with a pot of tea and a pint of cider it was £75 a good end to the week when I got home I finished installing the drawers for the top unit in Helens office .

S

JUST ONE MORE THING

 MONDAY - The seven doors that we ordered the other week  got delivered this morning one is glazed which will go on to the living room door way the rest are solid £670 including delivery tipped the delivery person £20 .Got my hospital pension paid into my bank should have been $417 but because I am still employed I had the tax took off so actually  only £331 went into my account .I also got my hospital wage slip they have restarted me into the pension scheme which saves me tax and gives me life cover of 2 x my salary .

TUESDAY   - Assembled the drawer unit for Helen's office and the top boxes and doors and drawers over two days there is not enough hours in a day to get it all done and as  always there is always one more job something else to get done just one more thing .

WEDNESDAY - Assembled the office desk which went slightly wrong not sure why or how but some of the dowels popped through first time ever this as happened there was only two size of dowels extra long or the shorter one there was six extra long ones in the box no way could I get them mixed up but none the less the popped through I had some one strike filler and on one of the sides a drawer unit butts up but even so fcuking annoying .

THURSDAY - We went for hair cuts to HD7 bought some styling paste Eleven its an Aussie brand bloody good stuff .

FRIDAY - Went to the tip with a car full of broken old office desk and bureau plus loads of cardboard and bin bags full of rubbish. Took the dogs to the groomers they both went together again £92 Rosie or Monki as I call her looked a proper little lady . Fitted the light over the kitchen table had to improvise on the wiring block just used the little wire terminal block and insulation tape its safe and it works and there is no issue had to alter the length of the wire and chain added a ceiling hook .

LET THERE BE LIGHT

 SATURDAY -The bed came in the afternoon the head board was too big it just wouldn't go up the stairs it almost made it but it was just too tight with the ceiling height and dog leg of the staircase it wouldn't go round the bend so they took it back we will have to go to the furniture outlet and see about another bed we really want an Ottoman we will have to see our options we know we will have to pay extra a return or cancelation fee but so be it , it is what it is .

The old bed is dismantled someone bought it they are collecting it tomorrow so we are currently sleeping with the mattress and topper on the bedroom floor very Japanese .

Helen's brother Martin and his wife Katie came round they bought the day bed of us which was a big waste of space this will free up space for a new base unit and stacker unit with doors and drawers that will sit on top .

SUNDAY - Went to the tip was there just after eight a.m with some bags of rubbish from Helens sort out she did yesterday  Went to furniture Village saw the manager explained about the bed we ordered another ottoman it is electric that raises and lowers the bed there is a switch on the side that operates the mechanism all we had to pay was another £95 which I gladly paid I thought there was a 25% charge for returning the other bed so we left happy .

Went to Next Helen bought two ceiling lights  then on to Ikea we bought a Hemnes eight  drawer unit and two  Kallax units with eight drawers and four drawers we also got a corner desk at a cost of £640 Helen had £430 I paid the rest . Went home painted the office wall which the units are going against also fitted three new shades .

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 .