GET A GRIP

 SATURDAY - Water pressure hosed the rear patio some of the green alga was still left behind will have to get some solution to get rid .It does look 100% better and a lot cleaner roll on summer .I also refitted the outside light that came down in the snow fall from the roof I had to fix it through the front plate its slight skewwhiff but its working will have to re drill one side  to pull it level .

SUNDAY - Found some Jeye's fluid put it on the back patio let it dried in whilst I did the front flags and block paving it was quite messy and took quite long to get rid of all the muck I had to move the car after that we cut back some conifers and trimmed some other bushes Helen made the mess and I cleaned it up .

After finally finishing and tidying up and hitting the shower we decided to go to the Wetherby Whaler for fish and chips in the restaurant it was shut for refurbishment so we ended up going to the Sovereign and had fish and chips in beer better very  nice . 

WEDNESDAY - Did the top of the dividing wall with the pressure washer its blowing water from the front of the machine in a word its Fcuked as well as my cordless drill which for some reason longer operates put the handles that Helen bought on her desk and bureau had to cut every bolt down .And we need more handles at least ten to do the rest of the drawer fronts.

 

OLD DESK

 WEDNESDAY - Took Rosie to the groomers for her cut and shampoo it takes around two hours .I hate leaving her I hope she realises she will be back home in a few hours I always talk to her on the drive there she's my princess .She looked super fluffy and clean and all prim and proper hopefully they cut her nails short enough 

THURSDAY - Took the bureau and desk upstairs to Helens office , smashed up the existing Ikea desk vanity unit so I could assemble the new desk and bureau to move everything and refit the desk took a couple of hours preparation takes longer then the actual task .It looks classic and more professional .Every scratch and dent adds character to it just need to fit the new d-handles in matt black they should get here this Saturday another job for my calendar .

CANT MISS IT

 SUNDAY -  Went over to a school in Huddersfield for a Spiritual and well being event you can buy various spiritual objects tarot cards incense stick  dream catchers and the like it was ok Helen bought a few crystal balls and a triangular dream catcher we was there just under three hours once you have been round it twice there is not much left to do .

We went to The Foxglove Inn for Sunday dinner we both decided to order the trio which included  turkey , belly pork and beef we ordered pate to start with before our main dish came the waiter called and said they had run out of beef so I had extra belly pork and Helen had extra turkey .

TUESDAY - Went over to Wortley near Sheffield to pick up a corner office desk and a bureau we went to Wortley Hall grounds to the Chimney Cottage we was told to look for the chimney we was told you cant miss it , the lady selling us the furniture had two white German Shepherd dogs they were gorgeous .

DOGS ON FILM

 SATURDAY -It is quite sunny and the temperature over the last couple of days has improved  although there is still a ground frost most mornings .Latest purchase from Amazon is a Blurams indoor swivel tracking camera it cost under thirty pounds the app and set up really easy .It focus and image quality very good truly impressed obviously you get what you pay for , but to be honest its flawless so far no regrets .We bought so I can see how Helen is when I am away from home due to her health issues also as well as seeing her we can have a live conversation  in real time so its well worth the money . Be nice to see what the dogs and cats get up to when we are out .

DAFFODILS AND SAUSAGES

 SUNDAY -Went to a farm shop we use to be regulars at when we live din our static home at Flockton.We buy most of our sausages ,bacon and Sunday roast and veg from Thorncliffe Farm shop very near to Emley  moor Tower .We bought some thin long pork sausages , a joint of pork , lambs liver and sausage casserole , swede , carrots ,baby potatoes , extra large Yorkshire puddings  bread cakes and some potted miniature  daffodils with Helens birth year on the front was the only one they had on display 1968.

Cooked the liver and sausage casserole for Sunday lunch along with the carrots and swede  and one of the Yorkshires with extra sausage the dogs love lambs liver we will have the pork through the week .

Went to the garden centre Helen bought a load of bulbs and daffodils to plant in the garden and new liners for the wrought iron planters we have under the front facing downstair windows .

3 IN 1

 THURSDAY - Rang in sick for the rest of the week no work until Monday still sleeping on the corner sofa with a quilt and pillows would be a decent sleep if I was not consistently coughing .Went out to get fish and chips from the local chippy we were both craving them and it saves cooking .Watched Kim Basinger in "The Getaway " and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood".

FRIDAY - More bedding came from Asda George and Next all white sets in brushed cotton .slept in the bedroom first time all week be nice to get back into bed not messing around setting the sofa up. 

SATURDAY - Started watching the Gorge and Apple released film was ok watching it in two sittings .Did nothing much .

SUNDAY - Went to see Helen's parents at Acaster Malbis my coughing has subsided other wise we wouldn't be going had  salmon and prawn sandwiches and to follow apple pie , trifle and Victoria sponge cake three separate desert cakes in one bowl  a great combo .

RINGING AGAIN

 SATURDAY - Ordered a new Ring video door bell for the front door the one we  currently have fitted keeps dropping its wi-fi connection sometimes within seconds of it being set  and the door bell when pressed does not always ring which happens nearly always so we ordered a new 2024 model Ring door bell hopefully this solves all known issues .

SUNDAY - Went to see Sharon's and Lee's new house its a work in progress but is 80% done and looks nice the bathroom very modern with black taps and shower head the kitchen is from Ikea and looks well they have to be moved in by march they should do it .On returning home late afternoon I  Cooked a turkey and gammon dinner with home cooked Yorkshire puddings , mash and carrot and swede with a few sprouts for good measure .

MONDAY - Not well again bad cough sore throat and head ache I rang in sick did nothing all day watched Prime Django and Book of Eli .Slept on the sofa so less chance of passing my illness infection  on to Helen.

TUESDAY - Still suffering coughing sore throat it seems worse than yesterday no work today , I swapped the Ring door bell the new came Sunday we now have a fully functioning ringing video door bell .

THREE HOURS

 SATURDAY - Helen went to a candle making event it was originally  only two hours  but it got extended to three .I crossed the road from where I was parked and went to Aldi I bought some hot dog rolls , ham  and a packet of  cooked chicken for Rosie who is under the weather . I started watching the Black Doves series whilst I waited for Helen .Try sitting in a car for three hours its quite a stint there was quite a few people on the streets going to the pubs and picking up fast food from the numerous  take away outlets.

Below the candle Helen made in her class well worth a £25 fee and a  three hour wait in the car , not sure how long it will burn for maybe three hours which is as long as I sat in the car waiting for her to make it .

DONT JUDGE

 FRIDAY - It's my last day off another chilled out day , Helen was working I watched the new film bio of Bob Dylan "A Complete Unknown " I thought it would have been better than it was is was ok but was  glad I didn't waste money watching it at the cinema .It was good in parts and boring in other parts .Timothee Chalamet was good at portraying Bob Dylan who approved of  the film so who am I  to judge .

I cant believe January is almost over this year is already flying by not seen or heard anything from my son hope all is good for him , but I doubt it knowing the life he is living but who am I to judge .

CHILL OUT DAYS

 SATURDAY - Took the dogs out it was very cold with a heavy ground frost back home I cooked a full English breakfast  Firing up my laptop I ordered a new iPhone case and six pairs of black boxers from the  Amazon website  . Helen worked most of the day intermittently .I t was her mothers birthday we decided to get her a voucher for the Wetherby Whaler fish restaurant , there is one located in  York that they have frequently visited so much better than flowers .We decided to have our tea/supper there  tried their in house Chinese curry sauce it was ok have had better the fish and chips as always spot on .

Went to Asda bought a blue coloured Little Joe air freshener and some car plan demo foam for the pressure washer  and some Original Source mango shower gel for me also for me along four  triple chocolate muffins and a carton single cream , 

SUNDAY - Drove over to York Acaster Malbis to see Helen's parents I had taken his Tom Tom sat nav  and updated it his maps option  were out of date our address was not showing up ,  they were built in 2019  hopefully a lot of other routes where added to his device  .We also took her mother birthday present a gift card for Wetherby Whaler fish restaurant or take away  , there is one near to where they live.

Her cousin Sharon was there and her son Adam we all had a cooked  dinner together and the rest of the afternoon was spent looking at old photos and chatting about the past .

MONDAY - The week off work drove over to my daughters house in Kippax it is her birthday , we dropped a birthday card off and a gift voucher for various restaurant outlets  .First time we have seen her since Christmas .

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY - Chill out days did nothing much still better than being in work nice being home without the need to get ready and go to work .

THURSDAY - Went to Hd7 for our haircutting by Sophie as always a top experience and haircut Helen had her colour re -done looking very blonde .

NEW PEN

 WEDNESDAY - Helen gifted me her Majohn extra fine retractable fountain pen she got the fine one delivered yesterday , a few years ago I use to do all my audits at work using Lamy fountain pen .Could say it was a belated Christmas gift.

Looking forward to Friday a whole nine days off which will suit me this means in January I will have only worked a total of  two weeks which is  a great start to the year .

Going to watch the American Primeval season one already watched the first episode there are only six to view .Last gull series I watched in full was "The Day Of The Jackal" . I have been told to watch "Black Dove" maybe that will be next on the list .

Finally took the Christmas lights that we had along the roof line I also cleaned the cctv camera lens  and clipped the plastic guttering back in place and removed some of the debris from the gutter .

FISHY FINGERS

 SUNDAY - Took the dogs out Bentley and George both came out was listening to Mel Gibson on the Joe Rogan podcast a very intellectual man Mel certainly likes his history and religion he was one of the unlucky people to have lost his house and home in the L.A fires that rage on , cant believe they are still burning , what a utter shit fest.

Went to Helens son's house he bought just before Christmas with his girlfriend Mel its in Driglington and is three bedrooms two bathrooms and utility room with garage I really liked it the rooms are average size but its a great location and is a new build .We went with his Christmas present a White Company hamper of creams and potions .

Got home cooked and made fish finger sarnies with baked beans in tiger bread bliss .

DONT FADE AWAY

 MONDAY - Back at work never great going back after nine days off I have another nine days off at the end of the month .At least all the snow as gone .We might now get the waste bins empty we are allowed to put out two extra bags out because they missed the collection last Thursday because of the snow .

Spoke with my daughter she is going to Manchester at the weekend to get another tattoo she is booked in for five hours and it is being done freehand incorporating roses and dragons have not seen a drawing so will have to wait when the tattoo is finished .

FRIDAY - Took the dogs out a lot better without the snow very little wind seemed more like spring .

SATURDAY - Went to Pc World to get another Epson Eco tank printer £208 its similar to the one we have but a later model it came with four ink bottles which will last ages got home set up to the pc and my phone Helens phone a Samsung S23 was a nightmare but downloaded a plug in for the phone and it seemed to work .

My Daughter had her tattoo done in Manchester at Five Knives she needs to go back for some more shading adding , she was getting inked for four hours no pain no again so they say , she had some dragons tattooed  because I also have numerous dragon tattoo's which is a very  nice gesture ,I hope her tats fade long before I do .

ONCE IS TOO MUCH

 THURSDAY - Highlight of today was cooking Ikea meatballs with fires peas and Ikea gravy I also baked some baguettes I had a pear cider to go with my meal Helen had a cup of tea .

The snow is still on the street and in the gardens but the roads are not that bad the gritters have been out and no further snow as fallen in the last couple of days .The bin men never emptied the bins from outside our homes not sure when they will come I thought when they gritted the roads it was so the bin wagon could manoeuvre up and down the street did not happen .

FRIDAY - L.A wild fires are out of control what a nightmare the amount of houses destroyed and people that have lost everything is unbelievable whether your insured does not compensate for the possessions and personnel  items you have lost that can never be replaced , plus the loss of pets think of all the fish tanks that had to be left behind all the caged animals its total devastation . Hopefully lessons are learnt  and this sort of heart ache and pain never happen again , once is one time too many .

I also noticed that many cars were burnt out some insurance companies will already be looking at get out clauses we all know they hate paying out this is going to cost .Hopefully the pay-outs and the re-build is swift .

BLACK TO WHITE .

 TUESDAY - its the second morning I have not took the dogs out because of the winter wonderland that is our village .

Later in the morning  I had no choice but to clear the snow from the car and off the drive so I could get the car out .Our street is always worse once out of the cul-de-sac and the main roads have usually been gritted through the night early morning once  gritted its a lot  safer even though our main road is a 12% hill driving down to the centre of town and up going back home , you still have to take it easy as there is still pockets of snow and two cars cant always pass but I made it to my local supermarket .

We needed both dog and cat food , as well as eggs , bacon , bread , milk and toilet rolls  the road driving down was ok the car park on the other hand was a nightmare mostly solid ice very dodgy .I made it home .I cooked us a turkey roast dinner the turkey took over four hours to cook I did home made Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings it was like Christmas day all over again , a late white Christmas ..

The snow started again came down quite fast , it soon covered my black car which was white again in no time  . I am so glad I am not going to work . There is loads of Turkey just off the legs for the cats and dogs .I basted it every hours it was not dry we all enjoyed it I slightly burnt the sprouts in the frying pan a moments loss of concentration was all it took .

NO WORK

 MONDAY - No work phoned in sick have the dreaded Norovirus is it any wonder working were I work. Its snowed again during the night some snow slides down the roof both front and back the snow fall took the back garden light out that was fixed on to the wall .I turned the power off and cut the wires then taped them up and put a plastic bag over and taped that should keep it dry until I can get it re-fixed in to  position . 

                             

CHEAP BUT HIGH MAINTENANCE

 FRIDAY - Nearly the first weekend of the new year and it looks like we are getting snow it might be over a couple of days hopefully I can get a day off work a  unexpected day off out of the blue is always enjoyable and welcomed .

Discovered a few  new bands already this year  thanks to Spotify "Cigarettes After Sex" ," The Reverse Engineers" and "Death Cab For Cutie" .I want to get a decent music player a Ibasso will do nicely and upgrade my iem's a good few step ups from what I have now and some higher quality Bluetooth adapters .

Nearly first weekend of the year its predicting snow we need to put the Christmas tree out for collection .

SATURDAY - Very cold did not stay out too long walking the dogs hopefully it gets warmer think its a chill out day will cook a mince cobbler with carrot swede and peas .I might get some of my Shari Lapena novel read not stuck with it like the other books she published .Noticed one of my neighbours  as bought a second hand  Porsche 911 class  he said not that expensive to buy quite cheap he said  already he is putting new tyres on sure sure guessing be £150 a tyre the joys of motoring .

DAY ONE DONE

 WEDNESDAY - It's a new year if you are reading this then be grateful whatever issues we have faced whatever losses , hardships toils and turmoil's we made through , we survived and we are here .

I hope the war in Ukraine ends and the fighting and killing stop as well as the massacre genocide  being performed by Israel also ends . I hope China behaves itself and stands down from any conflict .If we stopped producing weapons and bombs aircraft carriers that cost billions and fighter jets that cost millions everyone the citizens of the world could  have free gas , electric , food and all of life essentials pay very little or no tax , get free health care and bigger pensions and a general better life , it's the war machine that keeps everyone poorer .

Anyways we made it the big question do we change adapt rethink and do new things new and challenges  not sure what changes I can make hopefully be a nicer and happier person than I was in 2024 if that is possible I was pretty ok in 2024 but there is always room for improvement .

I want a warmer sunnier  longer summer this year to sit in the garden and have barbeques .

Cooked us a chicken roast dinner with all the trimmings before setting off to work roll-on Easter .

Looks like we may be getting some snow hopefully we don't get snowed in and I cant go to work .

HELLO 2025

 BOXING DAY - Relaxing day back at work tonight then I have three days off .unfortunately Friday's day leave  is for a funeral . 

FRIDAY - Drove over to Bramley for the drive to Rawdon crematorium a few miles away for the cremation service off Helen's auntie Doreen she was 83 years old when she passed .The service was conducted by Gaynor Barnes T.V presenter .After the service we went to the Owl Inn at Rodley which used to be our local and I had my fifty birthday there with my twin sister and family .There was a buffet laid on with enough food to feed everyone three times over it was a good send off .Helen's brothers were there and Helen's parents and other relatives .Helen had two Baileys and I had a cider .

SATURDAY - Went over to Tong garden centre Helen bought a stone lamp for £80 we had to go to B&Q to get a led bulb .

SUNDAY - Cooked one of the Turkeys we bought for the festive season had it with pigs in blankets , stuffing , roasted carrots and parsnips and mash , roast potatoes , sprouts with pancetta  and Yorkshire pudding .

MONDAY -Took the tree down put it in the front garden ready for collection on Saturday go back to work after three days off new years day in two days end of 2024 good bye good riddance hello 2025 .

CHRISTMAS 2025

 CHRISTMAS DAY - Drove home just before 02.00 a.m the roads where clear I knew they would be .

We drove over to Acaster Malbis to see Helens parents we took the dogs along with us they like it in the car and are always well behaved .We got back home had a coffee and drove over to Kippax to have Christmas dinner with my daughter and husband and friends and family . She had cooked us all an amazing dinner which included Turkey , Gammon and beef with sprouts , stuffing , roast potatoes mash potatoes and different gravy's it all turned out perfect she had been up early hours cooking and prepping.

I think a meal cooked by someone else always tastes nicer there was a little Jack Russell puppy also with us all Woody .

Wishing everyone out there a very merry Christmas and fantastic 2025 .

HE'S ON HIS WAY

 SATURDAY  - Need to buy a Turkey and a gammon joint just in case we get snowed in high unlikely but never say never Bought an Anker Bluetooth speaker from Amazon it was reduced to £18.99 a steal a bit Bose looking .Also bought some KZ AZ09 IEM Bluetooth adapters which convert my wired IEM'S into wireless .they come Monday and cost £27.99 Helen is buying them for me for a Christmas present . I bought her a Hobinichi mega week journal diary and a Scribbles black paper starry night journal plus different nib size white pens and a zipper brown leather case for the Hobinichi which will arrive in the new year .

MONDAY - Roll on Christmas still need to get a turkey and other items hopefully we will get sorted tomorrow at work I have Xmas day off . 

TUESDAY - Bought a turkey we bought two and a joint of gammon and other stuff parsnips , sprouts , carrots  was all  15 p which will make a huge difference to the shopping bill .Got home Helen wrapped some presents I cooked tea quiche and fries  then went to work .The Fat man is on his way according to Santa tracker when I checked he was flying over the Philippines . 

THE SECRET IS OUT THERE ?

 MONDAY - Got a call from Helen whilst I was at work she has decided that she does not want the sofas we will keep our corner unit .We will lose the £25 deposit for the van which we realised when we made the booking its a lot less hassle for me it would have been a bust day I that I don't need .

TUESDAY - Went over to Joseph Tate's funeral directors  we went to pay our last respects and goodbyes to her Auntie as she was in the chapel of rest apparently lots of people have died and getting a viewing is difficult and limited .

she was laid in her coffin she looked just like she was sleeping , its a sad fact we are all going to follow her  , thing is we don't know where we are in the line or how far the finish line is , also we don't know if we are walking there or running , make sure you do something every day that makes you happy make memories take photos and videos because that's all what will remain that people will have to look back on your life .

WEDNESDAY - New Jersey drone sighting's or U.F.O'S or U.A.P'S what's going on are we witnessing a alien presence invasion or is it the American government in some covert operation its been going on too long and new reports are happening every night and in other parts of the U.S.A. Its a job for Mulder and Scully 

 

NOT THAT HOT

 FRIDAY - Someone had a great idea for collecting money to buy the managers a Christmas present why? with the money they collect it be enough to buy nothing of any importance its so hollow and embarrassing I would rather get them nothing .

SATURDAY - Went to Meltham to a Indian curry house we was going to dine out in the early evening to our surprise it was packed out .Went to Aldi instead and bought two fresh curries , rice , nan breads and onion bhajis , I got four cans of pear cider and some coffee pods , we had our Indian at home .

SUNDAY - Was going to go for a local Sunday dinner it got late in the night so we went to McDonalds instead I had a double chili burger fries and vanilla milk shake Helen got the same but changed the burger to a fillet O fish . So not that hot bet thing was I got a sweet curry sauce dip for later .

NO FAKE TREES

 SUNDAY - Went to visit Sharon her  she was at Helens Aunties house her Mother died last Thursday it  was strange being inside her house with her not there , Helen bought Sharon some flowers and a white ceramic angel holding a star .When you look round at what her life has amassed its not much just like me and my home I  cant see anyone ever fighting over my possessions is sad,  a life time of blood , sweat and tears for not that much.

MONDAY - Took Helen for her bloods taken for her thyroid condition after we drove over Saddleworth Moors to Uppermill and Dobcross garden centre Helen bought a real fir tree instead of a fake tree it was £54.99 .It was raining typical all the trees looked lush and green it was a hard choice we also go some new lights .Helen as always did a great job of putting the lights on and adding the baubles whilst I played Christmas songs on Spotify through  the Amazon Echo .All I need now is some stollen , mince pies and Christmas cake with marzipan .

I remember when I use to break up for two weeks at Christmas now I am lucky if I get Christmas day off .The people going into work on Christmas day can book a taxi ,its £10 for the first mile any miles after that its £3 a mile the only pay 50% of the total fare , they will be on double time , yet they still moan the fare is taken out of next month salary .

SAD NEWS

 THURSDAY - Not a happy post its a sad day got home from walking the dogs to be told by Helen  that her Aunt Doreen  had died this morning at home just after half past nine she had her family around her , she had been battling cancer the last few years and sadly lost the battle , she was a true warrior to the end and is hopefully reunited with her loved ones that are already passed .She will be truly missed . Below a recent picture of Helen and Aunt Doreen on her 83rd birthday in October this year .We visited her last week she was smiling and happy all condolences to her daughter Sharon and the rest of the family .

FRIDAY - Helen finally made it to a dentist she had a root canal completed she felt no pain she never twitched once she was very brave .I ordered her and Oral B io1 electronic tooth brush and some Curasept mouth wash she attends again next year on the 2nd of January 2025 .

CROSS AND TIRED

 THURSDAY - Today is minus six degrees went out with the dogs this morning it was sunny but ice cold if it gets colder will have to invest in a beanie hat cover my ears , I don't do hats but think I will have to , hate to think what a nuclear winter would be like the way the war is going with Russia I think the worse is yet to come .

Had a phone call from a number I didn't recognise it was from my son saying he wanted money putting into his bank account £20 just the amount you need for a bag of dope does he think I am stupid , he is going to phone his sister good luck she has had enough of your lies and broken promises too , no family member is going to fund his drug habit full stop .

Left work at ten p.m. four hours early looking at the video feed from the ring door bell I decided it was only going to get worse so like the song I was homeward bound I got it wrong it more or less stopped and the roads clear odd patch but is was plain sailing I will take the missing hours as annual leave .

FRIDAY - Went to Meadow Hall Helen taking a online purchase of a jacket back to " White Stuff " she got a full refund .

Work rang me they asked if I would work until six in the morning said I would cover the block until 04.30 , I was lucky I said this a few miles from home the snow started chances are if I had been another twenty minutes leaving work I would have got stranded .

SATURDAY - The rain washed all the snow away in a few hours plus the temperature was in double figures .Which was good because Helen had a party of readings to do in Crossland's a few miles away.

I waited in the car I had only three hours sleep I watched the Prime series "Cross" based on the detective created by James Patterson  Alex Cross .I have read a lot of his books over the years when I use to catch the bus to and from work . Also read some of Shari Lapena latest crime thriller "what have you done". its hard concentrating when your tired . loaded the ipod with a load of Bowie and The Cure albums .

THE HOUSE

 TUESDAY - Had some sleep but not much was worried about the car being hit by either someone driving down or up its a steep hill and easy to loose control unless we have four wheel drive its not good .

I spoke with a neighbour  and he had said the roads had been gritted so I went to walk down the hill to bring the car home it was covered in snow for some reason the de -icer refused to operate so i used the scrapper and cleared the front and side windows .I got home safely after stopping off at the farm shop to get some eggs .The car is at the very end of this photo , my parking could have been slightly  better .

its one in the afternoon and we have had no more snow it looks like we are not getting anymore today .Looks like I will be going to work if it does I will leave early or stay until morning when more of the roads have been gritted .

WEDNESDAY - Went to visit Helen's auntie who live sin Leeds and is diagnosed with cancer she seemed ok considering her plight she gave Helen a silver pewter small house that her Grandma had and was  inherited by her Auntie she has wanted it for the last forty years when she use to visit her Grandma she use to turn the house facing the other way when she left it was a ritual she always did .She has finally brought the house home with her .Looking around her Aunties room she had loads of dvds , CDs and books she  collected over the years some of the books where Jeremy Clarkson Diddly Squat featuring his life on his farm and shop .

ON THE HILL

 SUNDAY -My daughter came to visit with Josh ,Jensen and Freddie we did a bit of party food and played Uno for me for the first time it was nice to see everyone its always way too long in between visits .The weekend went way to fast as always not looking forward to going back to work Monday evening but I will , unless I get snowed in .

MONDAY - Went to Cleckheaton to Tapered Helens son's barber shop which has just recently opened had a coffee then we went to see his new house at Driglington a few miles away its a three bedroom new build it is not finished yet he should be moving in early December we looked round the four bed showroom very nice it nice being the first in a new build before anyone else has lived in the property .

After we went to the Malt Shovel for dinner we all had different pies with cobbler topping chips and peas .

Monday night left work early stopped off at the garage to get bacon , sausages , bread and butter just in case we get more snow ,Driving up Dunford road I had to park the car and walk home I had no choice  but leave the car it was loosing traction and going nowhere I walked  the last 2 miles home .It was  all up hill it took me longer than i thought lucky i was half way up and not at the bottom  . Don't know when I will be able to drive the car back  home might not be today hopefully no one drives in to it  There is more snow and ice on the way apparently it is going to hit Manchester for the next fifteen hours  .

SALT

 SATURDAY - How time flies Christmas is nearly upon us and I am not feeling it each Christmas looses some of it sparkle its not what it used to be the spirit of Christmas is lost .The only thing I am looking forward to his the turkey dinner and mince pies , Christmas cake and looking forward to 2025 .

There is a new fish restaurant in Uppermill near Saddleworth Moors it opened earlier this year in March and we have been meaning to go .In the morning we booked a table for two for seven p.m.

Of course we had the beer batter fish and chips with mushy peas no curry sauce or baked beans option it was nice the chips double cooked plus they had different sea salts the surroundings and staff excellent all in all a very good experience for desert I had sticky toffee pudding and ice cream very small portions but again extremely nice .

DAY OF

 MONDAY -No work until 18.00 Wednesday its a dark dismal morning  had a shower before taking the dogs out .Bentley the cat , my cat followed as he does most mornings .I had my I pod and was listening to some new tracks still on shuffle I don't always recognise the band or singer so I am forever checking the iPod screen to see who's playing , with the iPhone I can check my Apple watch which is easier than removing the iPod from my jacket pocket .

Went to Meadow Hall Sheffield Helen bought some socks from Fat Face her Dr Martens were rubbing she was wearing them without socks .She also bought a mega large Stanley flask/cup £45 she ordered a new top and carry case for it from Amazon .

It's good to see "The Cure's" first album in sixteen years as gone to number one in the U.K charts .

TUESDAY - Chilled out day in the evening drove over to M&S Food hall at Birstall this was during rush hour so it took longer filled a trolley up with food pizzas , pies , chicken and fish plus other goodies .Got three different chicken sides fried , hot and tempera , plus the butter biscuits.

WEDNESDAY - Went back to Meadow Hall again Helen bought some pyjama bottoms online  and they didn't fit   nearest White Stuff store Meadow Hall .

Been loading more tunes on to the Ipod its Monday again had a chilled out weekend I watched "The Day of The Jackal" well the first five episodes well worth a watch gripping in parts and a good plot .

I read Frederick Forsyth book years ago and watched the original film both classics .

IN AT THE INN

 FRIDAY - Bought Shari Lapena's new novel "What Have You Done" downloaded from Amazon £2.99 , I have five days off and I don't go back to work until Thursday next week .Listening to "The Cure's" new album "Songs Of Lost World" only listened to it once and it was good not sure if it was worth the sixteen year wait .

Watching "The Terminator 2" a bit surreal atomic bombs and  the machine take over a bit too like real life atm  the way the world is going .

SATURDAY - Updated my iPod classic with more songs this took a while going through my old hard drives finding albums and converting them from flac  losses which wont play to mp3s which will play .

SUNDAY - Helen had four readings to do throughout the afternoon when she finished we went to the the "Foxglove Inn " at Kirkburton we both had fish and chips we both had desert Helen the Bakewell tart and I the sticky toffee pudding both with custard the bill with drinks a pint of cider and a pot of tea was just over fifty pounds .

SERVICED

 FRIDAY - The car went in to the garage for a full service to the tune of £385 .I could tell the difference when I picked it up its driving like new which I should know because the only owner of the car from new is me .

Amazon - Recent deliveries included  Pair of red wired 3.5 mm  earphones  with volume control and a new  portable headphone amp for use with iPhone and iPod classic mainly with the iPod classic which at the moment has around 35gb of songs on its 160 gb hd .I have also ordered a short 3.5 to 3.5 cable to connect the amp to my I pod  the one they sent was way too long .

SATURDAY - Drove over to Acaster  Malbis to visit Helens parents he had a flat tyre front left I put the spare on for him think it was only the second time I have ever had to change a flat , I wont be getting any calls any time soon from F1 pit crews but it went ok.

HAPPY BDAY

 SATURDAY - Might have to invest in a new pair of wireless ear buds the pair I have now is dropping its connection the right ear it has done this before and its annoying .

SUNDAY - Uneventful chilled out had dinner nothing more nothing less .

TUESDAY - Went to Fox Valley Helen bought me a new jacket for walking the dogs the one I have currently she bought for my birthday a few years ago and the zipper is playing up seeing its my Birthday tomorrow she bought me  new jacket we got 20% also bought a dozen pairs of black sports socks .

WEDNESDAY - 23RD October No work I vowed years ago never to work on my birthday so I have the rest of the week off .Also happy birthday to my twin sister Anne I am the oldest by only ten minutes .

FIXED

 TUESDAY -Was up at seven a.m took the dogs out before making Helen a cup of tea and jumping into the car and driving it to the garage in Holmfirth where I was getting the new brakes pad sand discs fitted ,I left the keys with Shaun at reception and walked the twenty minute walk in to Holmfirth Village .

I stopped at Lidl and bought a 69p pain au chocolate I then walked on to the Co-op for a cappuccino just under two hours I got a phone call saying it was ready to pick up , just the £275 to hand over for the work done to be honest it was a fair price it is booked in for a full service a week Friday that will be another £350 cars and women always going to cost you .

Loaded more tunes on to my iPod classic there is now around 30gb of tunes on there only 130 gb to go .

FRIDAY - Ready for the weekend even though I have had two extra unexpected days off work I am still ready for the weekend .The Car is driving fine no issues .

 

DISCS AND MP3'S

 MONDAY/SUNDAY - Been a average week works been work but the week went fast enough the weekend will go quicker .Been downloading new albums on the old iPod classic thinking of getting it mod with a flash drive and new battery and front and back case. I have a Load of new artists and albums to load on to it then I will just play the tracks on the shuffle mode that way I never know what's playing next .The only thing is having to convert from flac to mp3 .Frank Ocean to Jelly Roll and Alison Moyet to Leon Bridges and everything else in between the Boss to Ed its all music and you can always skip to the next track or delete.

I am totally fed up with the world the wars and killing the innocent people getting bombed their homes and house destroyed we never learn we are destroying the planet and risk ending the world in world war three if they are aliens and Ufo's its time that they intervened to safe us from ourselves and save the planet .

Need new pads and discs on the rear of the car took Helen over to Marsden a village a few miles away she had seven readings to do after we went over to the Barracuda Fish and chip shop in Ossett the noise was getting worse .

MONDAY - Took the car to my local garage I used a few years ago and its official I do need new pads and discs It's booked in the cost £275

 planet because as humans we are blind evil and never learn .

BEST YET

 SATURDAY - Pressure jet the patio got a new hose for the Karcher  seemed ok wish they didn't make the hose straight and not coiled up its a mega pain but it seemed ok , also did the gravel .Went to Wentworth garden centre after walking around and buying a few things for the home .We decided to have afternoon tea we both had fish and chips in the Bothy restaurant the meal came with curry sauce I have to say it was one of the nicest curry sauces that  I have ever had with a none  Indian meal the sauce was made in house I 'am guessing .The meal  came in at under fifty pound for the both of us all and all a very good experience .The only issues was the butter was too hard to spread on the bread a real pain .

SUNDAY - Went over to Acaster Malbis to see Helens parents we left mid afternoon Helen had a face time  reading to do from someone living in Costa Rica there is a seven hour time difference .

OUT

 MONDAY -Had so much rain it was constant all day it was raining for at least 18 hours the roads had flooded and water was pooling at the side of some roads the motorway was not too bad .

TUESDAY - October already this time next year I should be retiring and claiming my state pension if this labour government does not fcuk me over , if the next years goes as faster which it will it be gone in the blink of an eye .

My son is back behind bars for not attending hid probation appointments and is currently in Hull prison I received a phone call think this is the worst one he's been to yet he does not learn you wont beat the system , or if you do it certainly wont be the way he's trying .

Friday - Guy released from prison he failed to contact any of the family until late Saturday night and apparently he is living with someone who he was in prison with and both got released on the same time  is this good or bad I have no idea .

HARVESTER & TOBY

 THURSDAY - Went to the Toby carvery for lunch we haven't been in ages a nice surprise its been fully redecorated new carpets paint and out door fences etc looked a lot better .Both ordered the carvery I had beef and pork Helen gammon and Turkey had plenty of mash and roast potatoes covered in gravy no pigs in blankets the food as always was ok I opted for the refill Pepsi which had I known was at a cost of £4.20 I doubt I would have ordered it someone's got to pay for the decorating .

Went to Asda bought dog and cat food totalling just under fifty quid this included biscuits for both and a 40 box of wet food for each will last a week the dry food longer .

SATURDAY - Went to Meadow Hall Helen bought some new trainers and a couple of tops from Fatface she also bought the new YSL Libre perfume Flowers and Flames .

Went to the Harvester Restaurant Helen had the mixed grill which included chicken , steak and gammon I had the triple southern fried burger which was ok a bit dry this also included a trip to the salad bar I had pasta and potato salad to be honest the food was ok .I noticed a Popeyes chicken and German Doner kebab for future visits .

Ordered a new tactical metal wallet and a pressure hose for my Karcher pressure washer from Amazon .

BROKEN BIKE ?

 SATURDAY - Helen had readings so it was late in the afternoon early evening when we went shopping bought the ingredients for a lasagne and a cauliflower and broccoli cheese  bake and baking apples for a apple pie .

Started listening to Jelly Roll what great lyrics and guitar work in his music not sure why I have not heard of him before ? its only because of Post Malones latest album F1 - Trillion I discovered him  he is singing with Post on the track "Loser's" , so thank you Mr Malone .

SUNDAY - Visited Helens mother in her Nhs rehab in York we took her Dad the food we cooked we  put the food in to some Tupperware containers , I don't think he does much cooking we also took some apple pie over Helen baked some individual ones and we all had one when we visited her mum .

MONDAY - My son is back in jail he didn't fulfil the terms of his early release which included going to see his probation officer he never went hence he was arrested not sure why they picked him up hopefully they will lock him up until the new year may he realise he has to change he has to break the cycle this might help .For him to wise up look at his life question his future make changes for the better .

FISHY FRIDAY

 THURSDAY - When someone knows what they have to do but wont do it , when their life is in the gutter and they do nothing to change it , and all the pleading and good advice falls on deaf ears , what do you do .When you have not had a change of clothes or showered , washed your hair brushed your teeth or  even had a shave .you carry your life in a carrier bag and a back pack and don't even have the cheapest of phones so you can be contacted or contact people how do you apply for jobs or ask for help or just speak to someone when you need help its the old scenario you can lead a horse to water shit , but its still fcuking annoying , at what point do you give up its mental torture each time we meet he's a little more unkempt a little bit dirtier and a little more addicted .

FRIDAY - Went to the White Horse Helen paid for lunch after i picked her up from getting her nails done. We both had fish and chips bread butter one pot of tea and half a cider the bill came it was under £25 which I though was good value  not the best but not the worst and very filling 

GEARED UP

 SUNDAY _- Went to Nelson Court in York Helens mother had a bad fall she dislocated her shoulder fractured her arm in three places , broke her nose and badly bruised her face. We spent most of the afternoon in her side room .She will be staying there for a few weeks hopefully Helen's dad will be ok looking after himself , he does not make a great house husband .

MONDAY - Saw my son Guy not in a good place hopefully things will improve for him and his current  situation  state of affairs gets better.

TUESDAY - My daughter and her Husband Josh have agreed to let Guy stay with them only thing is unless Guy comes to see me at work I have no way the good news. My sisters have also bought him new clothes underwear , socks , jeans , joggers , T-shirts and swear shirts which he also has no idea about hopefully I will see him sometime before the weekend .

Helen bought me a pair of walking /trainers for my dog walking she also bought me two plaid shirts now its getting colder all geared up for Autumn , just need a new water proof jacket that's light with a hood and inner pockets .

APPRECIATED

 TUESDAY - Helen bought me some Adidas white with blue strip trainers love getting new shoes cant wear new jeans with old trainers . I also bought six pairs of white and black socks .Helen also  bought some Adidas with the green three stripes  I will buy myself another couple of pairs end of the month and another couple of Levi T-shirts the only other thing I needs is a new water proof coat to wear when I am walking the dogs .

WEDNESDAY  - Worked a full 12 hour shift from six at night until six in the morning I got home just before seven went to bed was up at half ten we had hairdressing appointments three hours sleep is not good .Helens hair appointment takes roughly three hours thought I would get a couple of hours in the car didn't happen .

SATURDAY - Went to Meadow Hall Helen bought me another pair  olive green Adidas training shoes from Sports Direct bless her It is appreciated .

DOCS AND JEANS

 SATURDAY - Got up early had a shower took the dogs out on arriving back home decided to wash all of the house windows including patio doors inside and out including mirrors and shower door it took me a couple of hours but all windows are now crystal clear .Won £3.70 on the Euro Millions no won the jackpot so did a entry for Tuesdays draw  and did a Thunder Ball game for tonight's draw fingers crossed .

SUNDAY - Went to Meadow Hall Helen was after a pair of fur lined Dr Marten Chelsea  boots in brown they were £180 I got her £18 of using my Blue light card I have saved her over £120 in the last few months because of stores who offer discount .

Cooked steak mash potatoes broccoli and green beans for tea the steak  was ok it was a little bit tough after took Helen to spiritualist church , I waited in the car for three hours watched the Nicholas Cage film "Longlegs" and some You Tube .

MONDAY - Back at work not looking forward to it but least it's a job .Helen went to next and bought me some new jeans a pair of bleached , blue and light brown .It's really hard to get button flies for some reason had to get zipper .

t's really hard getting button flies had to get zipper from Next retailers in Huddersfield she is doing lots of readings so she treated me so a big thank you