CHILL OUT TIME

 SATURDAY - Went over to York hospital after picking Helen's mother up her father did look slightly better than before but I doubt he will becoming home any time soon  ,He fell in the bathroom he missed the toilet and ended up on his behind not good ,  but who knows if the hospital needs the bed he could be discharged specially because he wont be living on his own he will be with his wife although she is not too steady on her feet it is a disaster waiting to happen so far Helen has been staying over the Saturday and Sunday next week she cant and the weekend after she has commitments made ages ago . Hopefully her Mother will have her sons visit and take her to the hospital if her dad is still in .

After leaving the Hospital we took her mother to Tesco for some food essentials , bought Helen a bottle of Bailey's as well as food she wanted over the weekend she was staying with her Mother another fifty quid spend and people ask why is it your still working have a fcuking guess .

Got home just around half past eight cooked battered fish and chips for tea with a curry sauce .

SUNDAY - Went shopping bought some steak for my tea also got the dogs a steak also bought some sticky toffee puddings and a cartoon of custard binged watch the second series of The Gentlemen a few twisters in there very good not sure which is best The Gentlemen or Mobland .

Cooked both steaks the dogs had theirs first I did mine after with some garlic and rosemary potatoes and stemmed broccoli .I have six days annual leave coming up in October I have weds to Friday and Monday to Wednesday plus the weekend breaks two weeks up hopefully we get out in the van or if not get to go round York it has been a while since we have had a day out in York . 

JOB NOT DONE

 FRIDAY - It is raining all day its grey and dull no sun the leaves are falling and it is getting colder and windier and I am back at work tonight but I don't care I am not in prison or in Hospital or worse still the mortuary so I am happy and grateful to be in the here and now. I have my van back food in the cupboards , freezer and fridge I am content it is my Birthday towards the end of the month and I have it better than my father had it not bragging or boosting but I think that he would agree and be proud that I have achieved what I have .Although saying that he did good and was a decent man and did himself better than his own Father that's how it is suppose to be each generation has a better quality of life 

I wish my son would out do me on every level I would not be envious if  he had himself a  better house ,well paid  job , a nice car and travelling the world but he hasn't . At one stage in his life  he was doing ok and was well on his way .

He had a decent car and  Suzuki motorbike with  a well paid job that he liked  and a girlfriend he loved they were holidaying in Greece and having a decent life . 

That was until drugs took over his life including crack cocaine and heroin as a result of this he now has nothing and owns nothing apart from what he carries around with him in a backpack and plastic carrier bag. 

He begs ,borrows and steals as well as taking from shops he also is paid  benefits he receives extra because he is homeless he lives on the street.

 He more than likely earns more money than I do but it all goes on the white powder that drives his addiction. If he is super  lucky he has maybe  eight years left  which means he will be dead before he is forty , if not super lucky he could drop dead any time through freezing conditions , an overdose or a violence incident or medical .We tired to help him numerous times  he does ok gets money and goes back to square one we honestly believe he prefers his world to anything normal its so sad .

I doubt that  he will never have a son unless his life  does a 360. My biggest failure in life is him perhaps in the end my father achieved more than I ever did .The picture below is My father, mother and twin sister and myself around circa  1961

IT SUCKS

 MONDAY - Dropped the van off at the garage for its M.O.T told them to go easy on her hopefully they do .Got a taxi home to the top of Dunford road and cooked a breakfast for myself Helen is still with her Mum. Got a call back from the mechanic it needs some welding doing and the emissions failed going to cost around £350 to put right I wont get back until Wednesday as the garage I took it to does not do welding .

TUESDAY -Took the Dyson cordless vacuum  back to PcWorld it was only running for five minutes until it needed charging again which is useless we got a better model at a higher price but hopefully it sucks for more than five minutes if only .We also bought the extra three tools for £99 now wonder Sir James Dyson is worth £15 billion . On the way back home had dinner at Wetherby Whaler had a bottle of Magners and fish and chips now I don't want to go to work .

WEDNESDAY - Received the Dyson v10 it is better than the one we exchanged it for it has a green light that on our laminate floor shows all the dust it also has three levels of suction so far the battery seems fine .

THURSDAY - Picked the van up today at a cost of £620 which included a mini service oil change filter and air filter it was £200 for the welding and £140 to sort out the exhaust emissions and a few quid to replace a brake light , street legal for another year .

Went over to Acaster picked Helen's Mother up drove her to the post office to pay some bills before going to York Hospital to see her father .I had phoned work to take the day off work .He had been transferred to a different ward  he was sat out on the corridor he was happy to see us .On the way back to Acaster we went to Tesco at Clifton Moor to get something for tea Helen bought some off white jeans.

BACK AND FORTH

 SATURDAY - Went back over to Acaster Malbis we took over two Ring cameras two 13amp double wall  sockets with usb ports .Martin Helen's brother was going to install he cameras and wire in the sockets to the living room and kitchen .The dishwasher was also fixed it had been leaking and the laminate flooring had blown .It was installed by Curry's Pc World  a few months ago when it was first fitted it was not receiving and water so they came and solved the issue but left it dripping ever so slowly but over time it has continuously caused the damp and wetness to spread and in the process ruined the floor .

I drove us all over to Curry's at Clifton Moor and long story short they are sending someone out to access the damage .

Leaving Curry's we went over to York Hospital to visit Helen's farther he was on a ward where one patient had tested positive for covid him having Copd and emphysema is not what we wanted to hear if we wanted to visit we had to wear face masks we refused he was allowed to come out on the corridor we didn't stay long he looked shocking he had not shaved was unkempt and a red sore eye and didn't look his best it was upsetting I dropped them of back at park home and I drove home Helen was staying over with her Mum she was going to cook them some food and do some cleaning it was 20.30 by the time I had got home .

I cooked some chilli chicken thighs with fries and roti bread and watched some You Tube went to bed starfish time .

SUNDAY I am picking Helen up tomorrow after I have dropped the van off at Holmfirth garage for its first M.O.T with us as owners fingers and toes crossed it sails through .Told Helen if it does I will buy her some ear pods that she wants might even treat myself to some Airpods 5 with wireless charging .

BACK TO H

 SATURDAY -  It is the 26th of September Helen's dad was taken to the accident and emergency department for various check ups we will find more out later hopefully he makes a full recovery of whatever is ailing him .We will be going over there tomorrow .

Went to Finlay's fish restaurant in Holmfirth we tried eating there before but never got a table the the price fair fish and chips with curry sauce was excellent the sticky toffee pudding desert up there with the best of them we will be going again in the not too distant future .

SUNDAY - Helens dad was home from hospital we went to their park home and fitted a Blurams camera so we could check if thy need any help mainly in case they fall over .

THURSDAY - Went over to Helen's parents her father had fallen had was back in York Hospital there was blood on the bed from his injury he sustained to his arm when he fell in the bedroom we bought her Mother a new duvet and cover with pillow cases and fitted sheet they don't have a spare set .Even though we washed the bedding they don't have a tumbler dryer ,

FRIDAY - Went to Glossop to Marks and Spencer's bought some food not a lot still came to  £104 money dissolves it vanishes quicker than it appears , specially when I keep ordering stuff from Amazon from a Solakaka mechanical keyboard , 36 AAA Duracell batteries , Gillette fusion blades  and 12 x remote led down lights for Helen's office .and Japanese chefs knife to name just a few .I wont mention the cost of diesel at £2.00 a litre .

IT'S OUT CRAZY I KNOW

 FRIDAY - After being stood from last Sunday the van does not start it jump starts using the Noco jump starter unit first time and it starts again when it is disconnected it is just the initial start up .I reckon I need a new batterie and take it from there .

SATURDAY - Went to Curry's PcWorld Helen bought a Vax wet and dry vacuum cleaner it should have been £349 it had a 40% discount we paid £208 we also bought  Dyson V8 advanced this was also half price we paid £148 .We tried the Vax on the upstairs carpets very good the handle is  detachable and you can use it to target dirt patches or stains for all intense and purposes it is a battery operated water pistol it didn't work  replaced the batteries 2x AAA  still no joy we can life without this option .The Dyson's batterie is suppose to last 40 minutes it does twenty tops then takes five hours to charge not impressed when it has power it's great no power no suction .

MONDAY - Phoned in work  sick with sickness and diarrhoea  got to be 48 hours clear before returning .

TUESDAY - Took Helen to A&E at 03.00 in the morning she checked out ok I wont go in to details we was out for 07.00 a.m in the afternoon we went back to a different part of HRI to get Helen's bloods taken and sent of for testing .

Took the head unit out of the van totally isolated the van key fob would not even open the central locking ,recharged the battery from 0% to 100% 

THURSDAY - Took Helen for a ultra sound all was good no issues all clear .

FRIDAY - The vans battery is still 100% hopefully problem solved need another head unit .Went back to work crazy I know should have had the full week off .

CASTLE HOWARD REVISITED

 SUNDAY - Drove the van up the old 5 mile road know as the Avenue Castle Howard is about half way up go through two gatehouses one is a pyramid and Carrnire gate turn right at the obelisk and you will enter the car park of Castle Howard  where Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton were filmed .We walked around the gardens it was a hot sunny day the American tourists were walking the grounds we bought cakes and on the way out we stopped for coffee , tea and cakes Helens cousin Sharon meet us at the road side , we got a few strange looks from cars passing by .

 

MORE POWER

 TUESDAY  -Phoned the garage to book the van for it's MOT I had to take it down for them to check the weight it was fine they will do it it is booked in for the 5th of October fingers crossed .Went to Marks and Spencer's at Glossop for a few items like ham , chorizo and pepperoni as well as all butter biscuits .Not looking forward to going to work it is alright once I am there its just the journey there I have  driven  it too many times  the coming home is better than the going .

SATURDAY - Went over to Crofton took the van got the radio head unit checked theory being we think the head unit is shutting down as it should and is not draining the battery .We know the Alternator charges the battery as it should the only other thing is the battery itself will get a drop test done on it and if need be buy a new battery .The next thing I am buying for the van is a power invertor so I can run 240volts from the leisure battery or batteries if we hook a second battery up for more power .

BATTERIES

 MONDAY - Bank Holiday I go back to work tonight  work is getting worse really cant be arsed do what I have to do even that is hard work motivation is lacking I am glad I do the shift I do no managers about they all go at four . The weather is crap dull and raining typical bank holiday Monday already up and showered and walking the dogs at 06.30 a.m .

TUESDAY - Martin fitted the reversing switch we now have reversing lights we now also have a working  reversing camera , Just need to sort out the van battery draining issue hopefully we have a fix .

THURSDAY - Bought a fantastic padded shirt reduced from £70 to half price  it has pockets inside the shirt as well as external pockets ideal for van life and walking the dogs .I also bought some in the sale T-shirts and another two packs of black sport socks .

FRIDAY - Van started ok even if the head unit is slightly draining the battery it still fired up .Changed the batteries in  my Skoda key fobs thought I might as well do the van the key fob is totally different it is a sealed unit and the batterie inside totally different they are not meant to be changed .To get a new key fob from Asda it is £191

SATURDAY - Went to Go Outdoors at York bought 8 camping gas cylinders for £16 and the book below which I should have bought last time we went but never did ,

 

DREAMS

  FRIDAY -Was suppose to drive the camper  over to Helen's brother house in Crofton to get the reversing switch fitted the van wouldn't start the battery was as as flat as a pancake  ,me and  it is  going nowhere .

So I ordered a Noco boost jump start unit a gbx45 to be precise watched people using them on You Tube they seem good. Hopefully this is what I need   to get the engine to start  .I have also ordered a new rear lens cover for the back lights drive side .

And just to be on the safe side I have also ordered a Gearlasso 12v/24v 10 mode heavy duty battery charger I am also considering getting a new alternator and starter motor cant be miles from anywhere and break down , it's a big inconvenience when your at home never mind miles from anywhere .The two items I bought over £200 but I reckon they are essentials and it is money well spent better to have them and not need them then to need them and not have them .

SATURDAY - Charged the Noco booster pack hooked it up to the battery  post ,  the battery is under the drivers seat and the negative needs  to go on a section of  bare metal near  the engine block and  guess what yes it started the van  , it worked first time it fired up the engine . Once the charger gets here will charger the battery .

Helen is now  in Cheddar after leaving Glastonbury and  in the rain they were lucky to get  room in the Inn as it is a bank holiday Monday .

SUNDAY - Was up just after six a.m ha da shower took the dogs out hooked the van up to the mains connected the charger unit to the battery under the drivers seat as you can see from the photo above it was only 30% charged not sure how long it will take could be best part of the day the battery as far as I can see looks new I don't think it is the original battery .If I need a new battery will get the AA to fit one if I need a new alternator they can fit that too .I need to know the van will start wherever we are it is going to get us home this is essential don't want a four hour wait to get the mobile mechanics out specially when it is avoidable 

After all day on charge the van started first time the battery is now reading 100% hopefully it does not drop .Helen arrived home safely both dogs were extremely happy to see her so was I she had a nice experience hopefully we will go to Glastonbury and Stonehenge together some time .She bought home a dream catcher for the van hope it works .

HELEN'S TRIPPING

 SUNDAY - Helen had a self awareness meditation day I went shopping bought a joint of pork , frozen broccoli , sprouts , carrots , parsnips , mash and roast potatoes  .I cooked a Sunday dinner for when she returned just after half past five .I also managed to clean my shed out reorganised its amazing what shit you keep I now have more room to store more shit .

MONDAY- Back to work after a week off its a nightmare no supervisor is happy morale at an all time low. Break up Wednesday Helen is going to Stonehenge and Glastonbury for a few days I will be home alone with two dogs and two cats .

WEDNESDAY - Went to Penistone Tesco to exchange the dressing gown Helen had gone back in store yesterday because she couldn't live without it now she decided she can live without and as exchanged it for a brown fleece , and she tells me she doesn't buy on impulse , she also bought a Parker pen and black refills for it .I then took her to Slaithwaite to get her eye lashes done .The heating is not working correctly and the bed does not operate it opens ok closing is a bit hit and miss so far managed to get it closed but the day will come where it will stay open just know it .

Break up after tonight's shift Helen goes to Glastonbury and sone henge tomorrow I have Thursday and Friday off work .

THURSDAY  - Helen went on her trip they set of just after eleven they ended up driving in a storm but made it there  safely .

 I cooked Bolognese for my tea using wagyu mince beef and the linguine pasta from our camping trip  it was no were near as good in fact it was ten times worse total rubbish waste of time nothing like it .

ALMOST WORKING

 WEDNESDAY - After leaving Scarborough went to visit Helen parents in Acaster Malbis we got home mid evening unloaded the van ready to take it to the mechanics for the head unit replacement with a touch screen radio sat nav etc and a reversing camera will take it first thing in the morning .

THURSDAY - Dropped the van off caught a taxi back home was not until late in the afternoon I had a call from the garage they could not get a picture from the camera on to the head unit screen he is not sure why .It will be tomorrow before I can pick it up .

FRIDAY - Walked down to the Garage took me a good forty minutes it is all down hill. Picked the van up the reversing camera not fitted the head unit working fine paid £200 still no camera drove home more then slightly pissed off also found out that the  reversing lights are not coming on when reserve is selected another issue. Went to Halfords to see abought them fitting a reversing camera they didn't want to know wrong type of van seriously .

SATURDAY - Took the van over to Helen's brother in Crofton he fitted the camera the garage had not sent power to the camera they would never receive a picture regardless of the camera that they had tried they also had not wired it to the reversing lights again this wouldn't trigger the camera it wasn't easy but  we got it sorted also we fitted a new bulb to the drivers side headlight because that was out .As soon as the reversing switch is sorted the camera will come on and I will get an image on the head unit screen We tested it by shorting the reversing switch the reversing lights came on and the camera sent a picture to the head unit  .The joys and expense of motoring .

BRID TO SCARBOROUGH

 TUESDAY - Walked into Flamborough to get some linguine pasta I had brought the mince meat forget the spaghetti the walk off the farm was long half the time was spent walking to the main road  I used Google maps to get me to the nearest Co-Op , I also needed more dog food just in case we needed more as it happened we didn't any way made it there and back it took me around a hour and half it was warm I bought a bottle of Dr Pepper as well as some Cheese and Jalapeno max crisps .

Helen phoned me just as i was walking up  the dirt road to the camp site When I got back  I had a coffee and a sit down for an hour before walking on the cliffs the opposite way with Helen and the dogs .

The mince beef Bolognese we had for tea was the best ever not sure why but it was I had cheese on top the only thing missing was garlic bread but it was still good .

WEDNESDAY - Woke up had a better sleep cooked breakfast last day we had to be off site for midday washed the pots , emptied the chemical toilet it was not that bad .Took the awning down and the wind barrier. Unplugged the hook up and took the van off the chocks everything parked away the bed unmade and the table put up we headed to Bridlington we ended up leaving Bridlington and going to Scarborough. We had fish and chips in the van by the sea before it started raining .

IT'S UP WITH HELP

 MONDAY - Loaded the van had the fridge running in the house before transferring it to the van .

Had milk , cider , had two packs of smoked ham , salami , chorizo , 12 eggs , bacon , sausage , minced beef , chicken , and other stuff like cheese and tomatoes and mushrooms other tins and condiments and of course tea , coffee and brown sugar and cider only four cans.

We got to the site just after 13.30 we got the dreaded awning out this time with the help of two seasoned van dwellers I asked for help between us we got it up over the roof of the van easy when you know how all secured guideline and straps all pegged it is quite spacious I don't think it was 100% right put we find out later it was right enough that it didn't let any water in when it was rainy and windy later that night and into the morning the awning stood firm which was a good test .

first picture below of the full set up now we know how it goes next time we should manage it on our own fingers crossed .People are usually always helpful when you ask for help and guidance thanks guy's I saw them leave the following day and thanked them both again safe travels . 

Once we was all sorted I took the dogs up to the cliffs to see the sea they are ethe most well behaved dogs going all the way driven to the site not  one whing bark or moan .We did the same walk later on with Helen she was back at base camp making the bed and putting the finishing touches to the van set up .

When I got back I put on tea I just cooked some chips using the air fryer I had a ham sandwich with tiger bread with the chips  it was enough the fridge was running as  we was hooked up to the mains no more warm cider ,We slept length ways instead of across I had my feet on a pillow on top of the fridge which was the same height as the bed I slept not perfect but better than our first night a couple of weeks ago .Every time we go out in it we learn a little bit more it is good fun better than I thought it is relaxing and chilling .Hopefully it stays that way .

HANGING AROUND

 FRIDAY - Received the rear view camera looks ok hopefully it is compatible with my Apple play head unit I bought last week they should be no issues .My car insurance is up for renewal it £187 cheaper than last years quote which is nice to know .Also the hanging table for the van door arrived another purchase by Helen £75 for a piece of plywood two straps and two hooks . Was looking at a van wheel table even more expensive .Camping van  gear so expensive . Break up after this evenings shift a whole nine days off work the weather is changing getting more cooler .

SATURDAY - Waited in the car in Bramley I was watching You Tube and Netflix  videos I was hanging around for four hours whilst Helen did her readings four hours seems like eight. On the way home stopped at the Co-Op garage got a chicken tikka masala curry it was ok I had three flat breads with it ,

SUNDAY - Went to a camping outlet in Ossett Outdoor World Direct we got some biodegradable toilet paper .We went to Xscape  on the way home stopped at Toby Carvery for a pig out  had beef and lamb and all the trimmings I was stuffed .Booked a camp site on the East coast for two nights this  Monday and Tuesday .

WHITE WASHED

 SATURDAY - Went to Go Outdoors in York our second visit also did a trip to M&S bought some stuff for tea I got a bottle and jar of different chili sauces .We went in the car should have took the van don't like the idea of it sitting on the drive too long.

SUNDAY - Helen had readings all day after she finished we went to Wetherby Whaler for fish and chips should have saved my money they were not the best .Tried the fridge we bought for the van in the 12v outlet in the van it works ok which is good the 12v works of the solar panel .

MONDAY - Went to Ikea bought a magnetic knife rack and three knives for the van they are hung up on the inside of one of the kitchen unit doors , we also bought a cork pin board and some jars for coffee , sugar and tea , we have screwed under the kitchen wall unit .n .

TUESDAY - Washed the van concentrated on the roof loads more dirt came off used the pressure washer to get underneath the solar panel it is looking a lot cleaner that amount of dirt washed off was quite a lot  .. Helen bought two moon chairs for when we are sitting out hopefully they are really comfy they are from Amazon they arrive tomorrow .

COOL

 THURSDAY -Ordered of Amazon an Alpicool camping fridge its 37 litres and it fits in were we want its an ideal size it also matches the décor of the van it arrives tomorrow will check it out indoors see how good it is .

FRIDAY -Went to the local garage to see about if I ordered a Apple Play head unit and a reversing camera they come next week would they fit them both waiting for a price .

Helen ordered a porta toilet and and a bottle of 100% organic non toxic  toilet treatment solution by Solbio as well as a hanging camping table that fits on to the sliding door at a cost of £75 seems to be a bit extortionate pricing on camping and van equipment , she as also ordered another better quality whistling kettle as well as a wooden camping table for use in the van so if we decide to leave the be up we have somewhere to eat off which should go behind my drives seat out of the way.

SATURDAY - Plugged the camping fridge/freezer in at home seems to be running fine temperature dropping quite quickly for the price it seems a very capable unit the lid operates from both side depending on where you position it in the van .Should get a few days supplies in here wont fill it full of water will get a few steaks , bacon , sausages and veggies .

FIRST CAMP

 SUNDAY - We booked on to a campsite near were we live to see how our set up was see what we lacked also to see what was missing and what worked right .

My main concern is the sleeping accommodation. If I can manage to achieve a few hours after getting off  to sleep  should be ok a couple of hours through the day wont be an issue .I only average 5.5 hours a night at home in a king size bed with all the trimmings ,  if I can do this I will be fine .I ended up sleeping for about three hours hopefully this improves I only sleep an average of five hours in my bed at home so I guess this isn't too bad .We tried setting the awning up to no avail we need more advice on this matter the van does not have a C-track we found out the awning has to be thrown over the van we need to get a C-track fitted .

The camp site is fairly new the sink for washing pots was located next to the shower and toilet  container  all new with heated hand dryer very clean and toilet paper and handwash provided .

I walked the dogs went down the lane to the White Horse and Red Lion pubs it was a steady walk taking about an hour .The weather was hot the sun was out .

I cooked burgers for tea with sliced cheese no fires although with the hook up we had 240d/c power and the Ninja air fryer worked fine we had  no potatoes .Cooking outside is great even boiling the kettle is ok it does take longer to boil using the single burner camp stove but we have time its not an issue .

MONDAY - Cooked Spam , eggs and beans for breakfast cooked fine was nice out in the sun in the middle of nature  eating breakfast we was in no rush we packed up and left at midday and left nothing behind including gear and rubbish cant wait for our next trip .

APPROVED

 FRIDAY - Bought some French chic paint the paint Helen bought is not good should have bought the French chic to start with lesson learnt its all done now what was grey is now white .

SATURDAY - Fitted three down lights charge via usb and are remote controlled you can pull them off the fixing and place them wherever you want .We also have a led strip light which will light under the wall cupboards which gives an ambient light .

Started the van it has been stood all week it started first time put another £40 of diesel in the tank before driving to Acaster Malbis to show the van to Helen's parents .We also had the dogs with us the were quite all the way there and all the way back again they are so well behaved they had the seat belts on and were sat behind  our seats .Helen's parents were impressed they liked the van they thought it was clean and tidy they both approved of our purchase .

VAN STUFF

 MONDAY - Took the Skoda in for an oil change £180 then went to B&Q and bought a new table top a waste bin and some magnetic catches and cabinet handles .

TUESDAY - Fitted the new table top put the magnetic catches on the doors and cupboards fitted the seat belt clips behind our seats so the dogs are fastened in securely which is a legal requirement .Need to get use to reversing the van and car on to the drive I prefer driving forward on to the drive and reversing off I think it makes life easier could do with the drive being a foot wider .

We need to order a 12v fridge and a toilet and tent as well as another 100 or so other things some expensive some cheap but it all adds up main thing is we have a van .

WEDNESDAY - Not enough hours in the day specially when I go to work at 16.30 Helen painted the kitchen units and seating benches from grey to white all the handles are on found some black bolts that wont need cutting down makes life easier .Ordered of Amazon a rear door awning the clips over the rear doors when they are both opened wide .