HETTIE

 WEDNESDAY - We didnt want to wait until Saturday  to pick the dog we went over today paid the money which was a lot but money well spent £1400 Westiepoos are not cheap she is gorgeous a proper little lady are name for her is Hettie .She settled straight in Bailey is happy again he was over joyed to see his new mate is an understatement they will be good friends we have no doubt we have done the right thing in getting a new dog .

Hettie above with her pink flamingo first night she slept all the way through without a murmur Bailey slept at the Side of her crate and stayed at her side the whole of the night .

THURSDAY - Hettie is a love she is almost perfect she hasn't found her woof yet she is eating fine and so far all her poo's have been outside she can start going for walks the middle of next week she is a great little dog and there have been no issues with her getting on with Bailey our Westie .

SATURDAY - Helen bathed Hettie I bought her some baby shampoo she looked very small and vulnerable wet she was shaking after she dried she went for a lay down with Helen .The rest of Saturday we chilled out staying in watching You Tube and drinking tea and coffee .

Car update its fine it connects with my phone better love the keyless start and it is running fine petrol consumption around 45 to 50 mpg all in all the Karoq is good its now dusty and needs the dash and interior cleaning hopefully on Sunday if the weather is good I will do a first clean .

BAILEY AND BEE

 MONDAY - Went to the car dealership we was ten minutes late signed up for the new Karoq it wa sparked up outside ready to be driven away had to pay the rest of the deposit then sign some more paperwork there was a bunch of flowers for Helen he quickly showed us the new features the interior is nicer the steering wheel is different and there is a bit more chrome one thing I didn't know I was getting is keyless ignition start and stop which is an added bonus the car looks so much better in black its had paintwork and interior protection done and already had interior mats and boot mat fitted it also came with ninety miles worth of petrol . Drove it home it only had five miles on the clock it drives nice the new car smell is also nice hope it lasts .The in built sat nav does not show speed cameras but shows the speed for the road you are on another thing it does not show is your driving score to save fuel unless I need to manually set that up .I also downloaded the app so I can lock and unlock the car via my phone and close or open windows see how long till that stops working .

I have today Tuesday and Wednesday off work we called over to see my daughter she oven cooked pizzas fries and garlic bread very nice we also took Bailey over to see her dog Bee they got on fine .bee is like on springs she jumps like a kangaroo and bounces like tigger from Winnie the Pooh and should be called Zebedee from the Magic Roundabout .

TUESDAY - Ordered a rear seat cover so our dog can go in the car without leaving a mess I ordered it of Amazon should get it by tomorrow he has been in the car already Saturday he was sick mainly because we went to the fish and chip shop and he had some fish  .I  also changed my insurance details over to cover the new car .

Went over to Doncaster to see a Westirpoo we are picking her up this Saturday she is adorable think Bailey will love her too , he has not been the same dog since we lost Pip he looks sad a lot of the time hopefully he will cheer up when he sees his new buddy .

CLEARED IT

 SATURDAY - I use to love Saturdays when I was younger I would always go to Leeds city centre and buy a shirt to wear Saturday night I would buy my Marlboro cigarettes from the tobacconist that had been in the centre for Leeds forever they di don't have them in any of the vending machines in pubs and clubs till a few years later .I would also by a book or the American issue of GQ magazine before they did a UK version . Sometimes I would buy a music cassette if any of my favourite bands had a new release out I liked a varied selection of music from rock to reggae and everything in between .I would meet up with my friends at the pub and we would go to Woolworths for dinner before meeting back up later in the evening .

Saturdays are still the best day off the week but are no way as good as back in the day I wouldn't change the era I was born in compared today we had money fags and cheap booze everyone worked no one went without nobody seemed to struggle paying  bills eating out when socialising was done face to face not using FaceTime .

SUNDAY - Cleared the car out emptied the boot and the glove box and the door panels and everywhere else the car is 100% cleared ready for tomorrow only the car mats and boot mat to take out 

A WEEK ON

 FRIDAY - One week ago today Pippa was put to sleep its not been a great week she is obviously still in our thoughts , she is also in our Westie Bailey's thoughts we can tell he is a sad even though some of the day he is putting on a brave face and acting  normal but its like he then remembers and he gets his sad head on  , we gave little or no consideration to his feelings and didn't think he would be missing his friend Pip as much has he is  ,  how ignorant  and selfish  was that of us not to think that dogs have feelings too  and in some cases more than us humans it was and is a hard lesson to learn .

Pippa was a strange fruit she used to love going for walks then one day I took her out of the gate and she laid down and wouldn't move it was like that for a few days I couldn't make he go any further . Then when I went to pick her lead up she would hide she just wasn't interested which was a buyer because I liked walking her .She was very nervous and use to constantly follow Helen around the house and wouldn't leave the bedroom unless Helen got up too anyway hopefully you are up in dog heaven with the other cats and dogs that went before you like Alfie below .

RUSTING IN THE WOODS

 TUESDAY - Today seems cooler than yesterday its quite overcast and less sunny but it can all change certainly the roads are not melting .

Pippa is still in our thoughts its had not having her with us she is still present in  out memories somedays more than others it is getting easier or so you think then its like back to square one we still need to print out some photos for the frame we bought , not sure why we have not done it already .

WEDNESDAY - Went to the hair dressers with Helen she had hers recoloured I had mine grade one side and back cut short on top now its bound to rain .I went for a walk up the canal whilst waiting for Helens appointment to finish I over did it my legs where suffering .

Walking a few miles I saw a kind on encampment on the opposite side of the canal and in the background this yellow VW bus what a waste would cost a small fortune to renovate it but surely some one has the time and Monet to convert this to a camper van if only if not it continues to rust in the woods 

THURSDAY - After record 40 degree tempertures it is now 20 degrees and raining we have had a few moor fires where we live you could smell the smoke hanging in the air .

I break up Friday and don't go back until Thursday which suits me fine I pick the new car up on Monday at 10. 30 to be honest I am not the excited its just a newer version of what I drive now with zero miles on the clock .

Tomorrow will be one week since we took Pippa to the vets it still seems so unreal Bailey is sad obviously we are trying to compensate he loved Pip too is the solution getting him another buddy I don't know 60% of me says yes 40% no . Life is easier with one dog and we still have two cats I don't know what's the best . I will not rush into getting another dog .

Already looking forward to the weekend hopefully we can have another barbecue and chill out in the garden need another bottle of Disaranno and some fresh food to cook .

Sunday I will have to clear the car out I have loads of shit needs taking out its a mess specially the boot might give it a quick wash depending on the weather .

T-DRIVE

 SATURDAY - To say we are are not missing Pip is a big big understatement so is Bailey our Westie they say dogs have on concept or any idea of death but they do miss their fur buddies just as much as we do that's for sure .

Had another  barbie did some chicken thighs  , proper burgers , extra large sausages and some baked pots with three cheese spread and cheese . I also finished my first bottle of Dissarano its now an empty .

So far every time we have been out we have took Bailey with us he love sit in the car he has also been sleeping on our bed the first couple of nights to to ease his grief hopefully we are doing what's best for him .

SUNDAY - Test drived a Nissan Juke not sure why , I have had one a few years ago they are great cars in the new spec ones I  love the Bose sound system with speakers set  in the head rest also the front and rear cameras and the sport mode switch its  a 1.0 litre with a sports mode how quaint after my next Skoda this is the car I will get .It is nippy and nice to drive its the same price or slightly under than what the Karoq costs  .

Had another barbie cant beat food cooked over charcoal its so much nicer if we had good weather all year round I would do all my cooking outside .

MONDAY - The next two days are going to be hot Tuesday the hottest I am not complaining or moaning after a few days we will be back to normal I have Monday , Tuesday and Wednesday off next week .

RIP PIP

 MONDAY - Booked in at the dentist its been years since I last went . I was told years ago what ever I did I would eventually loose teeth as it was my jaw bone receding it would result in teeth coming out well I have got to the stage I need to take action as my mouth is getting a mess .It won't be cheap but I have no option I need to get sorted it is getting me down so enough is enough I have some cash  put a side which should cover a big chunk of the bill they also offer monthly payments so I go tomorrow fingers crossed .

Cant say I am looking forward to the experience mainly because I am embarrassed that I have left it and waited so long .

TUESDAY - Thought i wouldnt sleep last night but going to bed at three in the morning helps its D-Day or Dentist day I got a text reminder first thing this morning I heard it after the bin wagon woke me up at around half past seven .

I feel happy that I have had the bottle to do this but nervous of the work ahead and maybe having no teeth for a few weeks but I have waited far too long and hopefully I get sorted out and can smile again with no embarrassment .Thank fcuk  for face masks .

THURSDAY - Phoned the Vets feel total shit that I am having to get my Jack Russell put to sleep in the morning .

FRIDAY - Pip was feed two packets of her favourite cat food even though she is a dog she loved cat food when she could get it she also had some Cadburys  chocolate Twirl pieces .Putting her in the car with me and Helen was the saddest thing possible we stayed with her until the end we both hugged her kissed her forehead and talked to her until she passed over , our voices and faces was the last thing see saw and heard , I cried buckets it was hard not to .

The vet did her paw print they put her fur in a small glass jar they took some from every colour they gave us a card they did more than they had to we are extremly grateful .

ITS HOTTER THAN A BARBIE

 SATURDAY  - Ordered some products from Autoglym including a spray that you spray on your carpets to leave a lasting smell .

Went over to see Helens parents she took some dresses to alter which took a few hours .

Got home lighted the chiminea its second lighting this time we cooked burgers and sausages on the grill part it wa sas good as any barbecued food that we have had .And the first food cooked outside this year .

SUNDAY - Its hot a lot more hotter than yesterday bought more charcoal and more chicken ,burgers  and sausages we are cooking outside again tonight so lite the charcoal fill the glass with ice and pour out  the Disaranno,

Had some nice sweet chilli chicken skewers as well as plain chicken wings .It was the first night this summer I woke up hot even though all of the upstairs windows where left open. 

MORE CALORIES ZERO MILES

WEDNESDAY - Took Bailey to the dog groomers at Honey for his shampoo and cut i had to be there for half past ten .It is his second time there last cut they did a brilliant job hence why he is going back .

After I dropped him off I went to Aldi and Lidl and bought there equivalent of Lurpak one was £2.19 the other £2.49 both to be honest tasted the same as each other and tasted has good as Lurpak no more Lurpak for us then .

THURSDAY -  Took the car to the dealership for its service Helen came with me we had to get there for half past ten .We went to the Toby Carvery for breakfast which is yards away across from the dealership we both had a full English for some reason no tomatoes never mind we had enough on are plates they had baked beans .we went to do the toast station its self service and there was a stainless steel bowl and it was full of Lupak individual butter portions amazing worth more than the food on the plate .I pigged out I shouldn't have gone back up to get seconds but I did anyway it did us the rest of the day .

The car needs some essential work doing the brake pads shock absorber work its done over 42k miles I can get the latest model for not much more than what I am paying now it will be out of warranty by the end of August then I have to pay the work that needs doing they will do before the warranty ends then its down to me .plus it will need its first M.O.T .The new model has better petrol consumption a new front grill  and rear bumper design with new better led lights , new interior with a better sat nav and radio configuration and I can get it in a fortnight in black so its a case of out with the old in with the new .

Doing a lot of motorway driving in rush hour and early morning driving I need reliability no issues also I will be starting back at 0miles no wear and tear a brand new motor with on delivery miles on the clock .

VISITING MUM AND DAD

 SUNDAY - Went to Lawnswood crematorium it was raining driving from our house but before we had got there the sun was out .Most of my family Father , Mother , Aunts . uncles and cousins have all been cremated there .Its been a few years since my last visit .I bought some red roses to leave by the plaque in the garden of remembrance remembering the deaths of both of my parents how time flies its scary .

On the way home we stopped at The Barracuda for fish and Chips breadcakes and curry sauce with a ice cold Dr Pepper we ate them in the car .Heading home I bought my first bottle of Disaronno had few drinks watching the new Jurassic Park Dominion , and basically that's another weekend done and dusted .

1ST B&Q

 FRIDAY - Its is now nearer to Christmas than not if that makes sense . How the year as flown by time does not stand still it's scary how life speeds up once you get solar into the year .

Lost my photo I.D card it must have either dropped out of my pocket unlikely or it unclipped from my shirt in time the clips loose their grip either way I have to get a new one which is a pain as I have to go to reception to get it printed off .

Ordered a new water feature and a new pump for the old one as it packed in to say its on 24/7 its lasted a few years , will put the new one at the front of the house .Love the sound of running water on a blistering hot day which its not at the moment ,

SATURDAY  - Went to my daughters boyfriend Josh mothers house for a barbecue first one of the year in my opinion food cooked over charcoal always tastes better . I meet my daughter there it was in Oulton massive back garden with a wooden lodge they had plenty of seating and tables had burgers , chicken and sausages .I also had some Disaronno with coke and ice I liked it its not a bad drink .

ON THE TILES

 SATURDAY - Two things we have not done for ages is go to the cinema and go to the coast plan on going to the coast on Monday be nice to go see Jurassic Park at the picture house in Wakefield .

SUNDAY -Tiled the back of the fireplace black grout is a nightmare to use it stains I used my angel grinder to cut the tiles and used the fix and grout I had enough tiles three left over I run out I had to buy another tub of black grout after going out coming back and finishing off .I  Did a Sunday lunch cant beat the old Sunday roast dinner did roasted broccoli and green beans.Helen really loves the fireplace so its a job well done ,

Helen still wasn't feeling good with the hay fever and tooth issues which have been ongoing since November last year .

MONDAY - Went to Ikea yet again bought some more potted plants some artificial flowers a glass vase a new lamp chopping board and other bits and pieces bringing the shop to over £350 its easy to get rid of money these days in fact its way too easy .

GETTING HOTTER , GOING GREENER

 MONDAY - Break up on Wednesday for a long weekend I do go back until the following Tuesday do hope the sun is out .

Bought some creosote to do the outside table and chairs they have not been recoated since we bought them in the first covid lockdown . Also bought some red bark for the back garden Helen is suffering from either a very bad cold or has started with hay fever .

THURSDAY - Creosoted both chairs and the table the sun was beating down it was hot as soon as I finished I mowed the lawns both front and back I trimmed some of the bushes the sun was still hot I was not complaining but soon as I finished I went for a nice  cold shower .

 

  FRIDAY  - Creosoted the two seater bench it didn't take to long and the day was cooler after we cleaned the house from top top to bottom which basically took the rest of the day .

Went to the local chippy for fish and chips for tea .We visited Ikea bought a new rug and some plants once we got home watched Glastonbury live on t.v was way after two am.

GOAN FISH CURRY

 FATHERS DAY SUNDAY - Going out for tea to the GrandIndian at Swillington we have eaten there before but it was a while ago I am tempted to order the fish curry just for a change but I will decide once I get there after I have checked out the menu .

The food took a while there was fifteen of us eating and everyone ordered something different I went for the Goan  fish curry made with fresh tomatoes and coconut it did have a kick to it was very tasty but could have had more fish in it the dish was excellent I had it with mushroom rice and chapattis wash down with Peacock cider one apple and a mango and lime the later was the best .

The restaurant use to be the local pub we had drinks there with my daughter before she went to New Zealand for a year in 2013 this is the second time we have been there to eat .With my daughter how things have change to us all in such a short time .

NEW HOUSE PLANTS

 SATURDAY - Went to a charity football match at Woodlesford it was held by St.Gemmas hospice it was £5 to get in you was given a ticket for a meal and three free drinks including beer and spirits .The food was a mixture of sausage , pull pork and chicken kebab with fries the total raised was £150k which is a a great result .Arrived home the two pairs of black denim jeans arrived I ordered on line thanks George .

SUNDAY - Went to see helens father for father's day we got him a gift card for Tesco he is eighty so its difficult to get stuff for him there is a Tesco superstore near to where he lives where he shops so he can get what ever he wants including brandy should he wish or he can eat at the cafe get breakfast dinner or tea or just get thirty quid knocked of his shop .

We had to get home early so we only stayed an hour and half , on the way home we stopped of at Blacker Hall farm shop got two tubs of strawberries , four scones , four slices of pork and four slices of ham as well as four granary bread cakes four white bread cakes and a wholemeal loaf three plants including a pukka and two ceramic pots  we already had the white one , cant have enough greenage. 

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WHAT'S MY NUMBER

THURSDAY - Waited whilst Helen had her nails done she was longer because she had her toe nails done as well.Went to the Red Lion at Jackson Bridge had a fish sandwich with chunky chips with a pint of cider sat in the beer garden in the red hot sun the only downside is I had to go to work .

FRIDAY - Had to change my phone number I have had my original number for 15 plus years it only took ten minutes to get a new number ,its a pain had to change my eBay , Amazon , Pay pal , Yahoo , details just to name a few .Now I need to let people know my new number so far only three people have it a lot won't be getting on the plus side now telesales.  I need to memorise it myself 

SWHBB

 SATURDAY - No work today or tomorrow I have downloaded four episodes of Obi Wan Kenobi not the biggest Star Wars fanboy but I have saw all of the films some even at the cinema .The Disney series looks ok see how I go with it .I am waiting for Resident Evil series starting on the 14th of July on Netflix .

My SWHBB (Should'nt Whale Hunting Be band ) TPDTV T-Shirt came this morning in black with red and white logo I preferred whit but black is more practical its  great fit and came in some really cool packaging hopefully it machine washes ok .

Was finally able to buy some more black denim jeans for work from Asda bought 14 pairs of black socks as well as some enchiladas and cloudy apple cider and toffee cheese cakes .Petrol at Asda is now £1.77 a litre a station on the way home was £1.89 a litre scandalous .

SUNDAY - cleaned the car inside and out in fine detail its never been has cleaned except when it was new it took a while but was worth it .

Cooked a Sunday dinner bought a fresh chicken some broccoli and green beans and mash potatoes and Yorkshire puddings its not bad two hours and we have a diner sorted .In the evening we watched Edward Scissorhands forgot a lot about the film Helen had never seen it and that ends another weekend .

BARBADOS IBIZA

 THURSDAY - Went to hair dressers to get our hair cut Helen got hers recoloured while I was waiting for her I walked from Slathwaite to  Linthwaite via down the side of the canal .

My daughter phoned I need to save up she is engaged to be married and the wedding looks like it is going to be abroad across the ocean in Barbados . I don't know the dates 2025 was mentioned I am all ready excited if it happens be amazing and will be the farthest place I have travelled to and the most beautiful by looking at other peoples photos .

FRIDAY - My partner fiancee Helen her son wants to take her to Ibiza for a long weekend and she wants to think about it I said to her what's to think about one life live it be a fool not to . I ma already looking at hand luggage , suitcases and sunglasses .The best part of the trip is the build up and planning if I do get to Barbados it could be a different location I will be on the next level work won't be a toil it be for something other than just paying the bills it be a dream a dream with purpose .Helen will go to Ibiza and I will go to my daughters wedding .

NEW DENIM

 FRIDAY - Have been listening to You , Me And The Big C podcast everyone who moans about how shit life is what a struggle it with the ever ending increasing prices increases the war in Ukraine etc etc should listen to this pod cast it makes you cherish life no matter how bad if you haven't got cancer then count your blessings and live every day with a smile and appreciation for what you have health is everything .

SUNDAY - Downloaded Post Malone's new album "Twelve Carat Toothache I quite like it and was playing it in the car on the way to a Tesco superstore in Leeds .Bouhgt a new Tefal mega frying pan , and a new plate set as well as a grey wicker woven circular tray and a wall wreath for the bedroom wall .Bought some steak mince hand picked broccoli stems and green beans as well as fresh mash that's dinner covered .The Jubilee picnic was cancelled due to the shite weather .

MONDAY - The new Mac Book Air as been released on the WWDC 2022 it is more expensive then I hoped for but its worth it will give it a few months before I order on , Petrol is now at £1.81  a litre that's  way too much ,Had the Bolier serviced need new batteries in the thermostat .

TUESDAY - Went to Junction 32 outlet we went last week Helen had  shirt to take back to Barbour outlet to swap it for a smaller size .I Calle din to the Levi shop and bought a black denim Levi Jacket was £70 with 20% off for my blue light card it was £49 thanks Levi .The last Levi jacket I bought was when I was married it is still in the back of the car it was legend  I also paid more fo fit then the new one I bought today 

G.S.T.Q

THURSDAY - June already how the year as flown bye .Summer has not really kicked in yet w have had a few days of sunshine hopefully summer is on its way .I love hot sunny days chilli outdoors drinking cider and eating food cooked on the barbecue .

Obviously its the Jubilee bank holiday today and Friday I am at work .I am not a royalist either ram I anti royal she the queen would do more for the homeless people living rough on the street of London specially an ex forces but she seems to turn a blind eye I think that is a major let down on her Jubilee you think she would do more the common folk rather than making people Sirs and Dames .I cant see 70 years on the throne ever being beaten so glad Charles won't have that long to reign .

Waiting for Apple event see what Mac book airs are getting released I have money put aside hopefully I will get one this Mac book is ten years old and has been a machine and a  half .

We both had hair dressers appointments we totally forgot our appointments it is not the first time we are re booked for next Thursday at 10.30 .