READY TO ROCK

 SUNDAY - Went over to see and meet up with some friends in the afternoon we had afternoon tea with creamed scones with fresh cream and strawberries .They have a fantastic dog called Simba it is a Leonberger  and is bigger than me when it rears up on his hind legs to give you a hug but is totally friendly and has a great temperament  but I wouldn't want it sleeping on the bed , it would need one of his own .

MONDAY - Went over to Helens son apartment its in a big old house and he has one of the top two  apartments his is the biggest by far. It's only one bedroom with kitchen/dining room and living room all combined he lives there by himself it's way big enough . There is a separate  shower room all through out  its all new the fittings and fixtures decorating is just all been done before he moved in it looked well .

He bought us all a Chinese from the local takeaway I had duck curry with soft noodles the best yet the duck was very tender and the sauce quite hot all in all a very decent meal .

TUESDAY - Went over to Rotherham to pick up a wooden rocking chair it was advertised on Facebook market place £30 looked brand new and is made from solid pine  so we went on 50 minute drive to  check it out and to buy it if we liked it it was spot on we pair for it and put it in the car it went in easily enough and  drove back  home it is now in the corner of the room ready to rock .

HOUSES AND FIRES

 SATURDAY - The snow as been cleared off the road out of the estate its been piled up at the side of the roads of peoples drives and paths .I can see such huge mounds of snow taking forever to melt in to the drains .I manage to walk the dogs on the clear parts of the roads slipping only once we got to the field where we walk round but it was still too deep so we went back home .

Helen had seen a dolls house advertised locally and she wanted to go to see it .It was for sale in Honley a few miles away , the house looked pretty good one of the hinges had come off the bottom door on the left no major issue fixing that so we ended up buying it .She is going to re-decorate it and maybe put in some lights but to be honest putting battery operated tea lights inside would be as good .

The transcender for the fire came its what makes the fire put out steam that in the colour of the lighted back ground and the fake logs make for a realistic fire .it was a Chinese copy and it worked we have a realistic fire once again I wouldn't recommend anyone getting one its been a pain .

AMAZON HEROES

 FRIDAY - Got up to more snow I think this is the worst snow we have had since we have lived here .If I wasn't already on sick I be phoning up saying I am snowed in. No cars are leaving the streets as far as I can see.The snow is deeper than the height of my dogs so no walks today it's way too deep plus one is white I never would find him .

Guess its a lazy day of You Tube and reading and listening to some podcasts not much else to do be a miracle if Amazon deliveries get through or the post it is minus one degrees and the snow is still coming down but it is very fine .

AFTERNOON - The sun is out and its melting the snow if we don't get anymore it should go pretty quick over the next few days .

Did a roast chicken dinner for our tea with carrot and side mash , sprouts and roast potatoes , stuffing and home made Yorkshire puddings with a red wine gravy took a couple of hours .

Heard through a work friend a worker who cleans the operating theatres on a night as sadly had a heart attack/stroke and he is not likely to survive the next couple of days its very sad news he is quite a bit younger than me its upsetting I won't get to see him again I am on sick leave so I have not seen him the last few weeks but he will be remembered. 

Finally got my orders from Amazon toilet rolls we won't run out now and a industrial stapler so much easier than shopping thanks to the drivers that deliver our Amazon you are if not life savers at  least make our lives easier and better thanks for braving the snow you are all true heroes .

WATCHING - " La Brea" and "The Last Of Us "

LISTENING TO -Lee Child audio book "Better Of Dead "

HARRIET

 WEDNESDAY - Helen bought a new ornament for the window Harriet the Hare we bought it from the local garden centre it was very reasonable price and is over 18" tall with jointed legs  .

 

I cooked a shepherds pie with carrot , swede and peas I also did chips and Yorkshire puddings we hadbit with bread and butter pudding there is some left over for tomorrow .

It started to  snow late afternoon and  during the night it was snowing when I woke up Thursday morning

cars are already struggling to get ut of the street if I wasn't off work I would be phoning in due to the condition of the roads around where I live doesn't  look like the gritters have been out .

THURSDAY - Snowed most of the day Helen went out with a tape measure 7" in places I ordered some toilet rolls of Amazon we are down to three rolls I cant get out of the street the farm shops don't sell toiletries food only .Will w make it they get delivered Saturday I had a Amazon delivery today it didn't get through the snow .

ITALIAN X 2

 MONDAY - Did a smoked ham carbonara with double cream and white wine fresh parsley and thyme I also used chestnut  mushrooms the wine was the cheapest Aldi sells I dint think I used enough I also did home made garlic bread cakes for afters I did bread and butter pudding just in case there was not enough stodginess and just in case there was not enough calories I had a cloudy apple cider .

Forgive the presentation does not effect the taste I think next time I will use less cream and more white wine .

I found out today I can have a MSI scan my hips are  titanium so its fine .

TUESDAY - Bought a new kettle we have been using a pan to boil the water I have been singly Sage .

Bought a pizza for tea we had half and half I had spicy cheese , beef and green jalapenos. 

HAPPY BDAY

 FRIDAY - Took the dogs out Bailey had his grooming session yesterday he looks top G .I played some Bob Dylan tracks whilst Bentley my cat followed us the whole of our walk  .

On getting home I cut up the potatoes , carrot and swede and throw them in to the slow cooker with the braising steak tea will be at least six hours in the making .

SATURDAY - Went food shopping bought a couple of chickens and a couple of packets of mince for a lasagne and shepherds pie as well as bacon and sausages I also bought more smoked haddock and a couple of packets of ground coffee for the Sage coffee machine  .

Have downloaded some Lee Child Jack reacher books I don't know if you need to listen to them in any particular order will have to see .Fancy also Tom Clancy Jack Ryan audio books to listen to .

SUNDAY - It is my grandsons 8th birthday Monday we got him a Manchester City dressing gown not sure why Man City .We went round in the  afternoon and had some slow cooked chilli co  carne with  jacketspuds and cheese there where a few of us there my daughters dog is called Bee she was very well behaved she is a very good natured dog should have took Rosie too .

GIVE ME HEAD

 THURSDAY - I was reading some posts from way back when I left my wife .I was living at my sisters house with her and her husband Alan I was extremely grateful .I left all my worldly good at the house ei shared with my to be ex-wife , it didn't bother me the main thing I wanted was my custom built pc.

Everything I owned all my worldly goods and possessions was all  in one large black head sports bag all my worldly goods including my iPod loaded with my favourite singers and songs .I felt free I was happy I had nothing the main things I had was my bag and two decent paid jobs both  through the week Monday to Friday starting at seven in the morning finishing at nine at night .

I remember the first things I bought was a LG Viewty  phone with a touch screen which was the first time I had a phone on a monthly  contract and a Logic-3 stereo speaker doc for my iPod Nono which was ok for the price , what more was there I needed .

I was paying zero board to my sister and brother in law and was totally free from everything I could pick up my bag and go anywhere my whole life was in one bag .I was happy to be alive it was a great couple of months I was answerable to no one , and was free to come and go as I wished .

My son is on his own at the moment he does not have a job he has very little of anything. In the house he lives in  is very basic . He can cook if he has food to cook  and he can shower to keep clean that's  if he has hot water a which  is a blessing as he is on a pr payment metre  He has his  own very small  bedroom . Apart from clothes and a cheap mobile phone he has few other possessions like me he is starting with nothing or very little once he gets a job he needs to spend wisely get his necessities sorted .The only way hopefully for him  is up . I started with nothing but I had two jobs which helped , a paid job is more what he  needs more than anything . I believe in him if he puts his heart and soul in he can accomplish everything .

MORE TIME ON SICK

 TUESDAY - Go to see the doctors tomorrow see what he says about my potential slipped disc in my lower back it has improved but its not as it should be if it moves it could leave me needing spinal surgery and I could loose the use of my legs I be a cripple I rather have Tim off work so it has more chance of healing or at least not risk it getting any worse I know there is no guarantee but if abstaining from work is advised then I will remain on sick .

WEDNESDAY - Went to the doctors I  was given another sick note until the 28th of March that's a full month off work which was not what I was expecting obviously I cant afford to but my back and discs under any strain wether it be pushing lifting or moving I am also getting referred to hospital for electromyography to test my nerve respond . I cant have a Msi scan until my doctor consults my surgeon to see what metals where used in my hip replacements if it is titanium I should be ok to have the scan , I think I am also looking at normal x-rays being under taken at some stage in time .

HANK MARVIN

 SUNDAY - Took the iPod classic out with me walking the dogs first things I might download a couple of audio books to listen to whilst I walk the dogs each morn .Maybe Stephen King or someones autobiography I have not gotten into  a good autobiography for a while .I also got a new braided  30 pin lead to connect it to my laptop etc.

Went over to Helens parents home at Acaster Malbis they had new laminate wood flooring done through out the living room ,kitchen and hallways looked really nicely done it looked stunning .

MONDAY - Went over to my sons he had no food or very little food I have never been that poor I have gone without food for a day I cant imagine going any longer unless you are ill being hungry is not acceptable your day must be shit looking in the fridge freezer and there being nothing . I get feed up when I don't have anything for desert of no cider I am extremely grateful I do realise I am lucky .

We had half a dozen frozen ready meals I also cooked a bowl of shepherds pie with swede , carrots and peas we also took him some boxes of  cereal .When we got to his house we emptied the car and took him to the supermarket to do some food shopping for some essential items like  bacon , sausages , ham , cheese , bread , milk , sugar , butter , scones , biscuits , juice , and fresh fruit pears and apples.

I know he also wanted tobacco and alcohol not essential , I didn't buy them for him Helen did give him a couple of cigs .

We also took him to the local food bank so he knows where it is when he gets his money on the next week he can sign up and get bags of food and toiletries when you have nothing it is a blessing.

 

SPOOKY HELEN

 SATURDAY - Forecast is snow in one hour hours time might not happen although it is cold enough might have to dust the slow cooker of get some braising steak thrown in with some veggies .Ended up gong to Asda and getting some smoked haddock new pots and sweet corn .

Went to the graveyard and church at Kirkthorpe near Wakefield Helen and the team was doing a paranormal investigation Helen ended up going into trance for a good ten minutes talking in strange voices of a girl or young woman called Abigail which was recoded a very spooky unexplained ten minutes the Bella doll was also saying spooky don't like it here .

After we all drove over  to the Red Beck Motel its open and serves food all night had steak pie chips and beans and a cappuccino 

RE-CHARGED RE-SYNC

 THURSDAY - I own a 160 gb iPod classic I have not had it out of my bedside drawer for a couple of years I have Spotify so it sort of made my iPod redundant .I decided to charge it up it was about 75% full of albums I connected it to my Mac book it totally erased the entire hard drive .The it said it was corrupted and I needed to download software but using finder it wouldn't do it I cant download iTunes to the version of iso I have installed /Lucky Helen Mac still has iTunes on it and I restored my iPod it is now running ok worse thing about it having to use wired ear phones but it is in superior condition .I saw on Goole news a Lady has just sold and original iPhone 1st edition for over $40k.

I bought a ten pack of cloudy cider I have not had a ice cold can for ages I have been drinking cheap cola rom supermarkets trying different ones the cheaper the better seeing Coca Cola have put their prices up as if they don't make enough .We also got fish and chips from our favourite take away in the centre of Holmfirth and you get them put into brown box'they also always have plenty of scraps .

I have been watching Jeremy Clarkson program "The Farm " what a load of red tape and bureaucracy I wouldn't want to be a farmer cant believe what hardship and money they don't get and leaving the EU have left loads losing subsidies the government promised they would get from the money saved not paying the EU membership same has the NHS lie after lie our government is shit they are ruining what was once a great country into a third world one , and they don't care .

SHROVE TUESDAY

 SUNDAY - Had a boring day pressure washed the patio at the back of the house like a lot cleaner and less  green .

Cooked shepherds pie for si=unday lunch with swede and carrot and cheddar chese on top of the mash also did a few chips and Yorkshire pudding with a nice rich gravy I didnt put any onions in it so the dogs could also have some minus the mash .

MONDAY - All week off its raining typical Monday .Helens enter a competition to win a £4 million pound house in Cornwall £10 for 15 draw tickets you also get a car and a couple of million in cash cant wait to move .

Nicola Bulley' update today body found in the  river  Sunday was identified has her , she missing for three weeks R.I.P a sad day hopefully foul play is ruled out .

Cooked steak and chips for tea with onion rings and garlic battered mushrooms the dogs like steak they had quite a bit .

TUESDAY - Shrove Tuesday cooked pancakes for breakfast we had fresh lemons in the fridge so I had lemon juice and sugar don't think I have had lemon juice and sugar on one for years was quite nice .

I am getting better at using my sage coffee machine I do the milk first than the coffee I am getting the milk hotter and not letting the coffee pour for as long the balance seems to be a nicer coffee .For the last five days I have not had any other coffee other than using my Sage .

NEGATIVE

 THURSDAY - My legs still ache but walking is not that bad whilst I am doin git the after effect makes them tired and worn out and they loose the ability to be flexible I have to lift them on to the coffee table or into bed I also have to do this effect in reverse and when I want them on floor lift them into position same getting I and out off the car .

Still watching the "Last Of Us " which is quite good for me on episode five which brings me unto date .I wonder if the sales of the game as gone up due to the tv series being shown I guess so .

Helen is still testing positive for covid - 19 hopefully over the next few days she will test negative .

FRIDAY - High winds blew the egg chair over the two seater bench and the chiminea also the tree in the corner by the fence is leaning over it was tied to the fence using sash cord which went into eyelets screwed into the fence post the cord held the eyelets came out at least it did not bring the fence down .

It would be impossible to replant or to straighten so we cut it down it was over twelve foot high and quite wide at the top well its chopped up and half of it is in an Ikea bag to go to the tip .

SATURDAY - Helen's lateral flow tested negative for the first time which is very positive I mean very negative lol .

VISIT TO THE VETS

 WEDNESDAY - Helen is a lot worse today she is pretty sure she also has a bladder infection obviously she cant go to the doctors , But will need a prescription for some medication which she got after ringing the doctors surgery and getting a phone back appointment I picked it up from the chemist a hour later .

Boring day read some of my books and watched You Tube videos as well as the classic film "The Bone Collector " the days are long I have been going to bed between half past ten and eleven o clock and I am sleeping through until half seven in the morning which must be helping me recovering .

FRIDAY - Took Rosie to the vets the outer part of her eyes are red we was in five minutes left with three tablets and a bill 0f £85 she is worth every penny .

WEEKEND - Looked after Helen from morning to night did all the cooking and cups of teas did a shepherds pie for Sunday lunch threw in some red wine carrots , swede and peas that was the highlight of the weekend .

MONDAY - Sick note for two weeks  I can continue to look after Helen who is  is still testing positive for covid I have had two negative  test results I had three vaccinations Helen had only one .

Watching the full series of "Happy Valley " .

POSITIVE

TUESDAY - Had a good nights sleep took my first tablet 10mg Amitrptyline I woke up the usual time of 07.30 I walked the dogs I can feel pain in my right leg and a slight pain in my lumbar area of my back I can take two tablets I will see how I go . We know someone else who has this condition and he had to retire early and his on disability benefit hopefully I get better and return to work .

Helen has not been feeling well she did a covid lateral flow test it should positive after a few minutes she did another test after a few minutes it also showed positive I decided to do one after a few minutes mine came back positive we both have covid so even if I wasn't off sick already I would be today a double whammy 

TRAPPED

 SATURDAY - Went on a ghostwrited hunt at a haunted shop in Oughtibridge the was a Chinese take away  couple of doors down , guess the highlight of this Saturday night yep duck curry and chips .

On the drive home there was debris all over the road a car wa son its side someones Saturday night Sunday morning fcuked apparently there was a smell of weed and the driver was not driving his car oops no insurance payout .The police and ambulance eventually turned up the driver got out of the boot 

MONDAY - Last few days starting Friday night  I have been getting red hot pain in the top of both my thighs it is so bad that at first I cant walk I physically cant put one foot in front of the other to move myself forward a small walk the should take no longer than a minute can take well over  ten when going to bed I cant get my leg up high enough to get in to bed  I have an appointment at the doctors this afternoon .

It might be serious I learned from the doctor today that  I have a trapped nerve in my lower spin I was told to take the week off work its not looking good it might mean spinal surgery to ear to know for sure .I didn't want a week off work on sick I would rather be fit and in work , its not going to go down well at work but end of the day w are all just numbers , if I dropped dead tomorrow I be quickly replaced so a week off work I will take I also have some nerve pain killers ibuprofen are no good least I get free prescriptions .

2ND CUT

 WEDNESDAY -Haircut and back to work for my twilight shift off 18.00 - 02.00 at leats its only three to do and its the weekend once again .

FRIDAY - Rosie had a hair cut she had the full works she looks cute she was a bit of a handful but they did her ok .£40 well spent .It was only her second time at the groomers .

ENOUGH FOR BREAKFAST

SUNDAY - Slow cooked two massive pieces of braising steak with carrots , swede and potatoes plus a massive cup of red wine and other herbs and stock .After six hours I made some dumplings and transferred it to the oven to cook for another 25 minutes we had it with pancakes today it was filling was an understatement .

MONDAY - Woke up early so had a shave and jumped into the shower before taking the dogs out fo their morning walk.

It is my sons 30th birthday and I cant understand the position he is in .He is at rock bottom no employment no possessions and no food and its wearing me down. My income does not support him as well as me yet he does not seem to realise this as he is constantly phoning me saying he has no food nothing to do he's bored hungry no electric and  he seems to believe its my job to keep him as well as  to entertain him . To some how source  him a tv and buy him comfort food like cake , chocolate,  biscuits and  fizzy pop to keep him in tobacco and to  top up his phone which I have on numerous occasions. He does not understand that it is  his war and his  battle he is chief of command and should be fighting for a better life  he needs to start climbing out of the hole he has got himself into from today so his next birthday and Christmas are th best ever  .He needs a plan to focus  to get a job and go to work he needs to keep the job he gets and pay his way and prove his standard of life . He is a responsible able body adult . I though by now at the age he is at  he would have a loving partner nice house and car and be inviting us over for Sunday dinner taking me for  a curry and a pint the way his life is going its never going to happen .

Picked up Helens Michael Kors perfume they forgot to include the tote bag so they removed it off the display stand .

Went to Asda bought more bacon , sausages , canned baked beans and tomatoes as well as potatoes waffles along with two trays of beef mince and two fresh chickens won't starve this week .If you always have a enough food for a decent breakfast you will be sorted best part of the day .Need to get mushrooms and black pudding .

TOO SHORT

 FRIDAY - Ordered a new Flexi hose of Amazon it has brass fittings and is over 5oft long hopefully its leak and puncture free at least until the end of summer fingers crossed .

Its my daughters birthday today she is doing great she has her own business cutting colouring hair she has a good client base .I remember taking her home from the hospital after her birth was snowing so much water as flowed under the bridge the changes that have taken place in my life alone truly was years ago .

My so phoned me first thing this morning obviously its my payday he had no electric I sent him £20 not sure how long that will last him my wage does not subside his living costs I will buy him a bag of groceries and take them over Saturday .

Went over to Helens parents at Acaster Malbis was pointless washing the car its dirty again the dogs are well behaved in the car from getting them in to taking them out you don't hear a whinge out of them .

On the way home did some food shopping can't believe the way prices have shot up some items by 150% I reckon the cost of a weekly shop is at least 50% dearer at the moment my wages do cover it but it is  getting closer and closer to us not having the type of life style that we had a couple of years ago .

Which will mean eating out will be less frequent travelling will be cut down making do with what we have  not renewing my phone contract I have said this before and it has never happened but it would be a saving of over fifty pounds a month .

SATURDAY - The Flexi hose seems good quality but its way too short to get to the front of the house so I can wash the car oops.

Bought a bottle of Michael Kors Gorgeous for Helens valentine present they had it on show but I had to order it to pick up in the store Monday you also get a free Michael Kors tote bag .

COPS

 WEDNESDAY - Its always nice waking up on your first dy off work specially when you have a full seven ays off .

I cooked a lasagne using all the main ingredients including a generous amount of red wine I also did my own garlic baguettes we had Equinox paranormal team around it was a good night and I got to bed just after midnight which equals a good night sleep for me.

THURSDAY - Washed the car its been ages it was covered in grit salt from the roads to be honest it looked bad it was embarrassing driving it looked a wreck anyway it looks 100% better I need to order a new hose pipe I am going cheaper no more Hozelock just a run of the mill hose of Amazon if it last a year it won't owe me anything .

My second book I ordered came from World Of Books "Cops" I have started reading Nam by the same author .

NAM

 SUNDAY - Slow cooked a large joint of pork shoulder we had it with greens and Yorkshire puddings and of course roast potatoes.There was half left when we finished carving it up for us the dogs and cats we decided to take it over to my son so he could have warm roast pork sandwiches .

We also bought him some bread , butter , jam , cookies and juice  we saw him he looked pissed off cant blame him life with no tv a killer .I have a friend at work bringing me some books in so he will have something to read as all my reading material is in the form of ebooks.

I have ordered two books I read years ago both by Mark Baker both are excellent reads "Nam" and "Cops". I will read then before passing them on to my son .

MONDAY - Two night shifts then I am off for seven days yippee .

TUESDAY - My book I ordered on Amazon arrived delivered by the postman .

NO TV

 So the Tate brothers remain in jail I hope they are proven innocent of all charges at least what ever people think the Romanian police are not being bribed no one is buying their way out of prison .Every day would feel like a week I am guessing they will be held separately apart from each other which will make it ten times harder hopefully they stay strong and the Matrix does not win .After writing this I have learned that they are having their detention extended until the 28th of February not good .

Its a lesson to make the most of your freedom go out do new things seek out nature and fresh air go to the beach eat good food and above all do the things that are free and cost no or little money , every day is day that is gone forever and tomorrow is not guaranteed .

My son is in a shared house it can't be easy he has used up most of his options but he needs to be grateful for all he has .I remember a few years ago I was living out of my bag on a camp bed in my sisters and husbands back room .When I had to buy basic things to survive it always improved my living standards I enjoyed having limited possessions I valued everything no matter how small it was nice starting again I appreciated all I had .

I moan about working and moan about needing more money a better hourly rate of pay whatever the nurses get should make our wage better as we are all on agenda for change pay bands .

SATURDAY - Helen has bought gluten free bread over £3.50 for a small loaf of bread oat milk double the price of normal milk gluten free pitta bread double the price we tried to get oatmeal porridge but we couldn't see any she also bought plant base butter which was cheaper than Lurpak .Why does doing anything healthy cost more money its like the government wants you to be unhealthy die quicker don't collect your pension they save money .

The tv I picked up only this week for my son is busted and he is back to having nothing to watch no monitor for his game console his  life back to being boring .

MORE SNOW

 TUESDAY - Looks like we need a new tumbler condenser dryer the one we bought a couple of years ago when we moved in is not revolving and its smoking .Be the best part of £250 hopefully the new one will last longer.

Drove over to pick my son up so he could collect the rest of his belongings .The main thing being his tv and playstation console. His only leisure activity has been reading which you can only do so many hours in one day so his days now will be less boring .

After sorting my sons move out I went to Kfc for some fried chicken obviously gravy and fries .I had my work uniform in my bag and had a hour or so to kill I went to Pc World to look at tech laptops and chrome books are the cheapest they have ever been and the spec the highest a basic laptop years ago was £2500 .

WEDNESDAY - Leaving work half way home it started to snow it didn't take long for the car to loose traction a few hairy moments half hour later I might not have made it home love the snow just hate driving in it specially on steep winding country roads 3am in the morning .

IT SNOWED

 MONDAY -No rain today ,  just for a change its snowing  it came down fast for a couple of hours then it stopped and the sun came out .There is still snow but getting to and from work won't be an issues . Once the car is deiced and the wipers unfrozen from the windscreen .Rosie loved the snow its her first time seeing proper fallen snow .

CHILLED WEEKEND

 FRIDAY - Booked some annual leave for later on the year I have booked  three days either side off on my birthday and I have booked three days either side of of Helens birthday , mine being  in October and Helens in November .

SATURDAY - Its raining again and continued for most of the day .Went out late afternoon to buy the ingredients for a smoked ham tagliatelle I bought fresh pasta and two tubs of double cream onions garlic and baguettes for garlic bread .I also bought some pancakes , waffles , strawberries , raspberries and maple syrup and ice cream .

SUNDAY - Spent the best part of four hours prepping and cooking our Sunday dinner that was the highlight of the day .Spoke with my daughter she was fine spoke with my son he wanted money he had run out of cigarette papers , filters and a lighter I sent transferred him enough to cover these items .

We have had a chilled weekend done nothing what so ever have not ventured out at all today apart from getting a couple of cans of cider from out of the boot of the car . I did walk the dogs which I will do unless its torrential rain or I am ill .

CATS ARE SHARING

 THURSDAY - Left work at two a.m drove over to my sons new home.Its not the best house on the street .

But its a roof its dry he has his own bedroom the bathroom had a corner bath and the kitchen was massive it has a back yard and it has got to be better than living in a crack house of an hotel in the city centre .I had took him some extra bedding and towels over a couple of pans and basic other items .My son needs to start and changing his habits before there is no going back .at least he is not in a prison cell yet and should be grateful for what he has .When you have very little everything you are given or buy improves your life .

I go home after three showered and went to bed , grateful for my surroundings and standard of living even if it does mean working for what we have I rather work for it than be given it I rather live where I want to live rather than be told its this or nothing .

The weather has been utterly nothing but wind and rain the reservoirs must be getting full from the drought this summer .The amount of surface water on the roads and lanes is torrential and at junctions are themselves like small lakes .

FRIDAY - A house around the corner from us is on the market for £515,000 looking at it online its very nice its four bedrooms two bathrooms and is only a few years old I need to win the lottery .

saying that we could do with five bedrooms because  either the dogs or cats would have to share a bedroom .

NEW RECORDS FOR ME .

 SUNDAY - Slow cooker out braising beef slow cooking for seven hours with side , carrots and potatoes left the onions out so the dogs can share it with us 

Went shopping bought some Kenco cappuccino sachets and some jalapeno  and cheese flavoured max strength crisps

MONDAY - Back to work tonight a boring day .My son has be rented a house from Wakefield housing support  its a great help for him  a step forward  hopefully he won't blow it and mess it up , you only get so many chances in this life I hope he realises this and makes the most of it .The rent is super cheap if he gets a job but it still really cheap as all bills are included he needs to move forward and don't revert to anything that is not positive to his well being .

TUESDAY - The Tate brothers are in court I wonder how much money they would pay to be put under house arrest 50k a day each or even 100k at what price is your freedom worth especially if you can order Kfc chicken , Dominos pizza , beer and cigars especially when you just lost your appeal against being held in prison for thirty days .

Bought the Guinness book of records it was out when I was going to school it was a fascinating read specially before everything was on line and the internet was as far removed as the Matrix is .

THE GIFT

 FRIDAY - I feel better not quite 100% but differently on the road to improvement . Helen is still coughing and breathing is wheezy and she is still having the odd dizziness but she is also getting there .

I am taking her to the doctors to she if she needs antibiotics or any steroids to help her improve even further .After the weekend is over I will be back at work .Helen as a viral infection no medicines antibiotics or pills will sort it out she does as to wait until she beats it on her own .Hopefully she is over the worse .

Bought my son a £10 top up sent him the code so he has is life line for another month my daughter his sister os going to give him her old iPhone if she can wipe its content she as forget her password and no longer has the same email address. 

SATURDAY - Phoned work deja vu I told them I should return this Monday I have had eleven days off work how time flies .

I went over to my daughters house to pick up the iPhone she had trouble wiping the phone she had stopped using the old email address and Apple ID sohe had to phone apple support to get the phone wiped so she could hand it over to her brother .

I gave him a pair of apple wired ear phones and a lighting cable and charger plug I hope he looks after the phone and he does not sell it , its an iPhone nine and is in mint condition .She was going to give him it on Christmas Day but he failed to show she was reluctant to give him it but it was just stuck in a drawer so she relented . I hope he appreciates this gift she could have sold it on .

Hopefully Monday he will have a better idea of  what's happening with him I think he might be in the hotel for a few more weeks .

After dropping the phone off we went to a McDonald's the meal was shit I totally  prefer Burger King but they don't do fillet of fish which Helen likes .

BACK TO SQUARE ONE

 THURSDAY - Not going to work today or Friday so I have th next four days away from work going to make the most of my time at home .

Still following the Tate brothers incarcerations I watched a pod cast where Andrew said money is an amplifier well I  guess being in a prison cell with money must also be an amplifier and must make life even harder no ordering cigars fine vodkas and food .No pizza deliveries no riding in his Bugatti , strolling on the beach , chilling in his yard I rather be a brokie and be free , than a multi millionaire  top- g and in jail.

The bed and bedding along with the  food and bathing facilities worse than the lowest star hotel you must miss everything your mind going back to your Christmas shopping trip when you was free had thousands to spend . I really hope he is freed if found innocent and I hope he realises he should be helping people and charities its alright converting to muslim than living the life of a sinner very hypercritical live true to others and become the best top g possible .

Speaking of low star hotels my only son had to leave where he was living his house mate who  is unstable unsuitable and dysfunctional  to be with which means he also  looses his job .

Because of this the council have put him up in a hotel in a near by city centre .It has to be better than living on the streets . He gets to sleep in a warm room a nice bed and hot shower I took him some clean clothes over and toiletries as well as some food .They are trying to get him in to some shared housing but not until Monday Helen and I will help him up to a certain point but he as to change his lifestyle be responsible for his actions and prepare to change tracks if he dosent  he is on route to self destruct .as it is now he is back to square one .

STILL AT HOME

 WEDNESDAY - Another day I feel slightly better still coughing and sneezing feel tied and basic things are a effort just feeding the dogs and cats takes motivation obviously I do it they can't feed themselves .Helen is still worse than me and she got infected the first a couple of days before me .

Unless you can go places feel well enough to go out staying inside is boring the weather is rubbish my eyes are watering so its hard to read or focus on written words .Tv gets boring after a few days and there is only so much content on You Tube to keep me interested .

Cooked smoked gammon battered onion rings chips and poached eggs for tea still feeling the same at least I have got no worse I can see me having the rest of the week off work can't risk infecting patients and staff I come in contact with .

ANOTHER DAY ON SICK

 TUESDAY- Rang in sick again not a great start to the new year I am still bad with the flu I have a soar throat and bouts of coughing a very running nose constant headache not generally not feeling that great.I Went and and bought some essentials like different  soups and two different breads that's it as well as extra bottles of Lucozade , Lurpak , Alta Rica coffee , and semi skimmed milk all  lifes essentials .

I stretched out on the sofa with the dogs and Watched You Tube most of the day following any updates regarding to Mr  A.Tate . Apparently the Romanian police force are taking his car collection he will be able to ask the chief of police and ask what's the colour of your Bugatti bitch .If they are doing that no doubt they will freeze his bank accounts and repossessing his house to boot hopefully they won't convict an innocent man .

As the day progressed I did feel somewhat better my sore throat as eased and my coughing as improved I am still sneezing alot and I did another covid lateral flow test which was negative again .I need a shave and a shower to liven me up .

CHRISTMAS ALL BOXED UP

 SUNDAY EVENING  - Cant believe it is  back to work I go tomorrow first shift  of the new year at its paid at double time its the only time we are paid a realistic hourly rate  another plus the roads should be quiet for the evening rush hour.

MONDAY - Helen is still not well I don't see how I can go to work and leave her home alone there will be no managers in to authorise my absence but I don't have a lot of choice I will take it unpaid or annual leave I don't care I have to be at home Helen can't cope I have a duty of care to look after her as well as the two dogs and two cats .

Spent the morning and part of the afternoon taking down the two Christmas trees , other  decorations and three sets of outdoor lights from the guttering,  railings and garden pagoda and all boxed up and put away until later in the year  . I bet this year will fly by and it will be Christmas before we know it .

I really want to read more books this year its find ones that hold my interest I have downloaded "The Jigsaw Man" and  "The Binding Room" both by  Nadine Matheson and "The Chalk Man " by C.J.Tudor  as well as The Couple at Number 9 by Claire Douglas a new Shari Lapena comes out later this year .

Films just the same I can't get into them to say they are predictable and boring for some  is an understatement .I have " Lamborghini The Man Behind the Legend" and "The Wolf On Wall Street " to watch hopefully they will keep me entertained .

NEW YEARS DAY

 TWENTY TWENTY THREE

SUNDAY - Not a great stat to the new year Helen still not 100% well which is annoying we managed to stay up until the clocks struck midnight a non eventful passing into 2023 , at least we made it .

Helen is still not well I was going to cook a beef brisket but it would be a waste so I defrosted some chicken breasts for our first Sunday dinner of the new year .

Took the dogs out for their morning walk half way through it stated raining so back home for coffee ,

Did a roast chicken dinner with spinach , broccoli , sprouts , roast parsnips and potatoes plus a giant home made by myself Yorkshire pudding .The dogs and one of the chicken breasts so they where happy .

Think we are taking the Christmas trees and decorations down tomorrow .  So that's it another Christmas completed over and done with  hopefully I will be putting them back up for Christmas 2023 .

HAPPY NEW YEAR

 FRIDAY - Helen has the bug I have I feel better but not totally I rang in sick at work again as I don't feel 100% did a covid test number two all was fine Helen tested ok as well so we don't have covid .

I had to go out to get supplies bought some ground minced beef to make a lasagne for tea and some Covonia medicine for Helen bought milk , eggs , bread , dog biscuits , cheese , potatoes waffles , coke and hash browns. I also did a line on the lottery . 

Made the lasagne Helen is getting worse she has full blown flu symptoms even though she had her flu vaccine she is suffering not a good start for the coming new year .

SATURDAY - I am chief nurse and bottle washer Helen will stay in bed after I walked the dogs in the light rain on getting home  I took her a cup of  tea up and a Lucozade as well as a bowl of porridge .. 

I can't believe that it is 2023 in a day and  and  it will be the eighteenth year  that I have wrote and posted  in this here blog . How much as happened and how many changes  and events have taken place over these past years it is totally unbelievable and amazing  . I truly couldn't foresee any of it .

This year alone its been an eventful year I changed my car yet again maybe for the last time who knows .

We had to get our Jack Russell dog  Pippa put down which was way more dramatic and upsetting then what we realised R.I.P Pippa and we got our new puppy who was called Hettie but is now called Rosie who I love to bits .

My son seemed to have his life sorted out for the time being he is living somewhere new or I though he was he left  his old life behind and is working at a new job working nights and weekend nights which pays good and seems to be going well but his latest indication is he is not living with his friend anymore I don't believe a word he says he is a liar .

I had major dentistry work done and as a result my appearance is 100% better and my teeth for the first time in years look the best ever .

I upgraded my 2012 Mac book pro with anew ssd hard drive and doubled the memory I did this myself and was well chuffed because the money I had put by went to pay the dentist bill of £2500.

We strived  and survived the year no major issues no glitch in the matrix all went well we got to the coast a lot in the summer which was great and went to new places the summer was hot and we made the most of it .Hopefully we will make 2023 a year to remember and nothing major upsets the stars quo .

A VERY HAPPY 2023 TO EVERYBODY , EVERYWHERE HOPING YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT YEAR , LOVE AND PEACE TO ALL .

ESCAPING THE MATRIX .

 WEDNESDAY  - Helens birthday is today she is a year older without giving her age away she is nine years younger than me . , it goes without saying a very happy birthday hope you have a fantastic day .

She is going to her friends Julie;s house they are having a birthday celebration afternoon party for her which is awesome seeing that her three boys do very little for her .Using the excuse its too soon after Christmas and the fact we live a fifty minute drive away the same drive that  I do to work Monday to Friday week in week out .

THURSDAY - My sister called round to visit with her husband Alan we had a couple of coffees before going out to get something to eat .We walked in to the Red Lion first time we have been inside as usually we sit outside in the summer and order food and cider from the window no need to venture inside .

We decided to go to the Boshaw Trout instead by the time we got there and got a table I was feeling really unwell we had ordered food I got the fish and chips and a pint of cider i started feeling worse so much so I left my pint saw the waitress and told her I had to leave and to plate my dinner but to  pack my order up as a take away and to give to them to bring home I walked the short distance home and crashed out at home I finally went to bed and slept a good ten hours I did not go to work .

Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have been arrested he once said "If you can't do the time don't do the crime " well said if you get thirty years for abduction , sex trafficing and rape  etc etc don't fcuking moan , of course innocent until proven guilty and to be honest I hope he is innocent and is freed if so .

If not you're going to hate prison life he did say he did predict that he had  three lives  to use one is already gone and spent which when they tried to silence him on social media didn't work , the next life is to get arrested under false charges and imprisoned  if he beat this , the next and final life would be assassination , a cliche in the matrix .

WARNING

 BOXING DAY - It is half past eight in the morning the turkey crown is in the oven I am back at work at the hospital tonight but I will be leaving with a full stomach work should be quitter than usual hopefully .

It is going to be Rosie's first Christmas turkey dinner a day late but hopefully her first of many .She is a great little dog you can't help but love her loads she is so fcuking cute .I cooked the dinner before heading for work the Yorkshire puddings I admit were frozen but the rest was all fresh both the dogs and both the cats had plenty of turkey .

Helen started writing in her Filofax I bought her and organising it hopefully she will have and use it for many years to come .

Work was quite although A&E Paeds was busy as always I was glad when home time came the oil warning light came on the car dashboard I stopped at the next gas station and bought five litres of  5w - 30 engine oil I put a litre in after checking the right oil and if I could put oil in to a hot engine it was fine I will check it Tomorrow when I get up in the morning .The oil warning light went off as I pulled out of the gas station cars and women always going to cost you .

GRATEFUL

 CHRISTMAS EVE - Well the dogs got me up for their walk the sun is out but its quite cool no chance of any snow .

I feel sorry for all the people that are struggling to provide any meal never mind a Christmas dinner  its been a difficult year for lots of people out there with the rise of inflation and the general increase in the cost of living and paying for life essentials and the necessities like gas and electric , hopefully 2023 things will improve for us all .

CHRISTMAS DAY - The dogs where given there Christmas present cuddly toys , pigs ears and a bag of balls they where happy .

Drove over to our friends Julies and Peters house we had a coffee before setting of for the Bengal Palace in Wakefield the food was ok not the best I have ever had but not the worst the deco was more transport cafe the upmarket dinner but the staff were good and the food a 7/10 .

Leaving there we drove over to my daughters and boyfriends Josh house only a few miles away it was nice to see my daughter on Christmas Day my son was supposed to be there but he never showed up not sure why he was helping a friend he ignored my phone calls my daughter was not happy .

The rest of the day we watched Andrew Tate on Youtube love or dislike he does speak a lot of sense personally I like the guy can understand why some don't but he does help the economy spending all the money he does on the scale he does good luck to him and others in his calibre .

I am happy I have food a decent house in a nice area  a reliable car a partner I love and fcuk all in the bank but we manage I am grateful I know what we have would be someone else's dream be grateful for what you have don't miss what you can't have.

Above me at my daughters basement bar her house who needs to go out no drinking and driving the have a tv and karaoke machine plus drinks a great addition to any house .

CRISTMAS SHOPPING

 THURSDAY - Picked up an Echo Dot  from Curry's for Helens parents Christmas present we also bought them a bottle of gin and a bottle of Brandy .

I set the Echo dot up they where messing around with Alexa I think they where quite impressed now they have a internet connection maybe we should have got them a tablet .

We left with a stand pie and half a chocolate gateau feels like Christmas already .They also gave me forty pounds which I think I will buy a new iPhone case and a new metal aluminium card wallet .

FRIDAY - Its just gone half past midnight we are on are way to Asda to get food for Christmas and some gift cards for Five Guys and  a couple of bottles of booze for presents sorted it was not that busy and everything we wanted we got it still took over an hour and it was just before three when we got back home and nearly four when we got to bed .

Took Helen for her nails doing we passed the farm shop the amount of cars parked up people where collecting their meat and turkeys for their festive dinner .

I dropped Helen off I went on to visit my daughter in Stanley I have not seen her in ages her house looked totally different they have been there. year and its looking totally different it will be her second Christmas in the house she has done the basement out as a bar it looks like an exclusive club very good .

  In the afternoon I went to Fox Valley outlet I bought the dogs some pigs ears and half a dozen new stuffed toys when I got back home I went  the farm shop there was only a few people queuing I picked up a turkey crown , beef brisket , shoulder of pork and a gammon joint just over £80 

Had fish and chips for tea which made a nice change we have been well behaved and not been near a fish shop for ages which made them taste all the better .

MORE LIGHTS FOR CHRISTMAS

 SATURDAY - Went out first thing in the morning it is raining with a high chance that it could turn to snow at the moment it is more sleet than snow .I had to go  to post some cds for Helen for readings she had done .

Whilst I was out I bought a loaf of  bread , white sugar ,half a dozen white bread cakes , freshly made ground beef burgers , white onions , baking potatoes  and two Hade Edge pasties and a couple of current tea cakes for toasting  .

Might have to get an external dvd/cd writer Helen's MacBook seems to be on its way out to be fair it has had a lot of usage she burns a lot of discs .

SUNDAY - It is cold but so far no snow it looks like it will stay away for a few days 

TUESDAY - Break up tonight for the rest of the week I won't go back until Monday which suits me fine .

can't believe its Christmas this Sunday added some more lights to the front and rear garden .

WATCHING - MindCage and Harry and Meghan .

D.M's

 WEDNESDAY - Did a bit of food shopping mainly breakfast items bacon , sausages , beans eggs and tomatoes as well as bread .Bought some cat food and a bag of frozen broccoli and some in-house baked minced pies .

THURSDAY - Did a shoulder of pork I started it later than I thought I did some roast potatoes Yorkshire puddings spinach and broccoli it made me setting off for work later the usual and I was ten minutes late but I enjoyed my dinner .

Had to fill the screen washed bottle up on the car the warning light kept coming on I can't believe how much it holds should last into the summer .

One thing I need to buy is an hose pipe I have had a few of the type that expand then shrink they are not cheap they never last I will buy a traditional hose pipe with a winding reel and mount it to the wall .

Helen would like a pair of fur lined Dr.Martens boots for her birthday which is on the 28th of December .

DOGS NEW COATS

 SATURDAY - Woke up to a frosting of snow it was not deep and as soon as I got out of the street it was less of a covering but the temperature as dropped .Last night was the first time ever I had to defrost my windscreen this was at 16,30 I physically could not see through the windscreen .

It was the first time Rosie had seen anything remotely resembling snow she had her nose in it she had her jumper on and her water proof coat .

I think today is a coffee and bourbon day whilst watching Marvel movie I have Black Widow , Captain Marvel and Eternals to watch has well as Harry and Meghan documentary .

We have to venture out for cat food the ingredients for a lasagne and veggies for tomorrows Sunday roast dinner I also want a couple of bottles of Aldi coke its cheap and I like it which are good enough reasons to buy two bottles .

Decide to buy some minced beef from the farm shop foe a chilli con carne with cheese and jacket potatoes whilst we were there we ordered a turkey for Christmas dinner a shoulder of pork a beef brisket and a joint of gammon as we are eating out Christmas Day it should be enough for dinners before or after Christmas .

I also found out if its vacuumed wrapped you can by it now and keep it in the fridge until Christmas Day Boxing Day and if it is kept in the freezer for a couple of years which I didn't know .

The main question on everyones lips is can England beat France in the World Cup if it goes to penalties maybe not , we need to win it in the ninety minutes of play   .

SUNDAY - Did I mention England and penalties oops if you can't score from the spot it really is game over .

Helen bought the dogs new sweaters and new padded coats as well as new harnesses the weather is below four degrees way too cold .

Bought a joint of beef for Sunday dinner had it with spinach and broccoli with all the trimmings just what you need on a freezing December day .

GAME CHANGER

 MONDAY - Helen went to the doctors everything was fine no issues clean bill of health blow pressure , heart lungs , pulse and temperature perfectly normal .

Bought some beer battered cod for tea and some bread and baked beans not the worst tea in the world .

Called out before work catching up watching Gold Rush Monday was uneventful a normal start to the week .

The temperatures have dropped to minus four in places across North Yorkshire .

Helen as been asking me what I would like for Christmas I had no idea I don't want to ask for something to for the sake of it I don't do slippers and dressing gowns it something I never have bothered with if I am up I get dressed if I am going to bed I get undress . So after thinking about one rthe last few days I came across a gadget called BackBone it allows you to connect your smart phone and play Playstation games and X-Box games although you don't need a console for this device to work .In a way its very much like a Nintendo switch but not as pricy .

So in theory you can play full versions of any console games on either your iPhone or Android devices , you can also if I am correct stream it to your T.v for a large screen option the BackBone is available for under a hundred pounds and seems to tick all the boxes for a great Christmas gift.

I also think I would be more of a gamer if I had this controller .  I don't go on my X-box a lot of the time because its in our bedroom and there I son way that I can't fit a chair between the bottom of the bed and the 55"  tv which is mounted on the wall above the drawer unit . I can't fit a chair at either side of the bed , which if I could would mean I am off centre from the screen so I play sat upright on the bed and game this way which for me does not really work .

So this might get me more into gaming I might even subscribe to X-Box game pass or even Playstaion game subscription as they say it just might be a game changer .

After watching You Tube videos looking at articles online I think this will let me get back into gaming again , this could  be one of the best Christmas presents ever .

I can't really say what my best Christmas present ever has been as I am always hard to buy for .

HAPPY BDAY MUM

 FRIDAY - Took Helen to the Hospital she came with me to work she checked in at the A&E she was having a stick like pain under her breast .We had phoned the doctors they suggest a visit to the A&E department .The only viable option was fo the rot come with me otherwise it would mean me ringing work to say I couldn't attend , this seemed the better option two birds with one stone .Some five hours later I was on my way home Helen had been given the all clear .

SATURDAY - The slow cooker is out two large pieces of braising steak are on a slow burn with added veggies and stock should be ready in six or seven hours the longer the better , I will finish it off in the oven when I put the dumplings in .

The MacBook is still running like a dream it surprises me every time I boot it up how just quick it is and for so little cost , would highly recommend other Mac book pro 2012 users to do the same just watch YouTube it really is so easy .

The temperature is dropping and mornings are now getting a lot colder and  old Jack Frost is making an appearance on the ground and on car windscreens but so far no hint of snow .

SUNDAY - Had my mum still been alive she would have been 103 years old she died in 2006 my dad died in 1985 his birthday is on the 13th of December .

LET THERE BE LIGHT

 WEDNESDAY - Last day of annual leave two days to work then its the weekend which means  two days off which is fine by me .

Another foggy morning it is getting cooler this time last year we already had snow so far it's been fine .

THURSDAY - It's the 1st of December and I am doing nothing apart from cooking a full English and snuggling up on the sofa with little dog and the cushions . Helen lighted her giant candle she bought a few weeks ago if we do have power cuts we will have light I also have three power banks but won't have the internet over wi-fi which is a pain .Hopefully power cuts won't happen .

It will be little dogs first Christmas Rosie has not had turkey before although we are eating out we will still have. traditional Christmas dinner either Christmas Eve or Boxing Day .