Sunny October!

 Sunday 4th October. 3.20 a.m. I am wide awake. I am shaved. I have had a cup of tea. I am listening to Andrew Neil  on a video on YouTube, discussing Andy Burman, our 'so called' Prime Minister, and the disaster that is coming, with the crazy level of borrowing and what he has said in a speech at the Labour Party conference which has ended in Liverpool. As a result if all of this, particulrly the fact that my megre pension (or rather the small amount I get from Carol's Teachers' Pension.) is now taxed, I am now a fully paid-up member of the Reform Party.  Burnham wants to have 'Bigger Government', which is, infact, reversing everything that Margaret Thatcher starterd, by privatising such utilities such as water, power, BT and a whole host more. It might not have been entirely successful, but why reverse everything that works, just because of Socialist dogma? Look what happens, every time we have a Labour government, they just wreck the economy of this country. I seem to remember, when Labour left government in, I think it must have been 2010, when David Cameron became Prime Minister, some civil servant left a message to the incoming government, probably in the Treasury, saying, something like 'sorry, there is no cash left.' 

Well, after all the above, my main bit of news is, I have virtually  completed the play I began just over a year ago, is now finished, apart from a bit of tidying up. It now has a far stronger ending (which I refuse to reveal.) So, once I can afford to buy ink cartridges for my Canon printer, I can then run off a copy so I can at last read the script  properly. Although it is great to be able to use word processing, it isn't that easy to read on a computer screen. Having said that, I find it better to read using my iPad. 

8.20 p.m. Well, that's it. 'Hiding In The Smoke' is now completed. I just need to buy those confounded ink cartridges for the printer and I can then print it off and put it in a folder and it will allow me to read it, as a 'hard copy'rather than via the computer screen.

Monday 5th October. 5.20 a.m. Here I am again, wide awake, fresh as ever. I can't sleep, so I might just as well add to this blog. I can't believe how many 'hits' it has had. 268 for today, so, if it's that number at 5.10 a.m., what figure will it have reached by midnight? It reached 2471 yesterday. The thing I want to know is this; why are they going to my blog? What is it that attracts them, did they find what they weere looking for and if so, why don't they at least leave a comment?

12.50 a.m. I needed to find an A.T.M. machine and take out £10, for various things I pay for. The nearest I could think of, which had a space to park the car, was at Morrison's, so I drove there and actually found a space directly in front of the A.T.M. Two actual machines and one had run out of cash, so I had to wait for the person using the other machine to finish, and I just made the remark 'typical state of things under our new 'so-called' Prime Minister, Andy Burman!' and it started  conversation which revealed the totql hatred of this clown of a 'Prime Minister' and how the country thad deteriorated under out wonderful Labour Government. Particularly how we are allowing illegal immigrants to come here, be given free housing, benefits and generally become parasitic, all at the British taxpayer's epense, while the government does nothing to stop these boats crossing the Channel.

Attempting to get an appointment to have my prostate examination, which was partially arranged at the last doctor's appointment.Let me explain the state of play over this matter. At the end of the appointment, the doctor gave me a slip, which I was supposed to give to reception, onto which they wrote a number, and then it was handed back and I was told to then go on line, this week and get the appointment. BUT, when you go on line, as this is now the only way you cn make  doctor's appointment, you have to fill in one of three boxes, which I did. I now get an email this morning, to inform me that I filled out the WRONG FORM! So, how am I supposed to know ehich is the correct one? So, by now I am seething, and about to blow a fuse, becaue of this stupidity. And they wonder why people loose their patience with the system and hurl abuse at the staff.

The number of hits up until now, as I write this post, is 2305. Why are so many people visitng this blog? 

6.00 p.m. I have mentioned my attempts to get a prostate exam done, but I had a text message informing me I had to fill in one of the wretched on-line forms on the CMKMCwebsite, which I did, and then, I got another email informing me IT WAS WRONG! This is driving me half insane (how tht works, I have no idea. I aiuppose if you can be fully insane, you can be half insane, but never mind.) But, if they never explain WHICH of the stupid windows on the website you're supposed to fill in, HOW ON EARTH are you supposed to know? This is just N.H.S. madness, and they wonder why patients loose their temper with staff. No wonder the N.H.S. has some sort of money pit. They keep asking more and more money, feeding it like some sort of rapacious dragon, endlessly devouring all before it, but never actually getting anywhere, and stqnding still, never improving. It isn't the actual service, the cqre, the quality of he nursing, but to keep throwing more and more down the hole in the ground, when it doesn't improve, seems senselsss.

I think I will have to go into the doctor's reception and sort this out, rqther thqn attempting to fill in the on-line form, and then get told off.

The Race Is On!

 Wednesday. 6.00 a.m. It's not so bright and sunny this morning. In fact, it's not bright and sunny at all. I took Alfie out, and it was raining, although rather thin and miserable. During the night, I woke up and could hear heavy rain. So, I suspect there will now be flooding, mostly on the grid roads around Milton Keynes.

10.15 a.m. Another trip to you've guessed it!- Sainsbury's. It was pouring rain (well, what else? Ink? Tea? Ribena? No.) There was a problem in the store (there always seems to be. Not the lift and neither of the translators this time,  but water leaking in from above. It would have been coming in from one of the flats, which are above the Sainsbury's store. This meant that I couldn't get into the self-service area, intended for trolleys, so I had to use one of the self-service checkout machines in the area which is intended for shoppers who had baskets.

Thursday. 6.20 a.m. I awoke later than normal. Which is fine. 

Alfie must have had a bit of an accident. If you can call it that. There are bits of the dry mixer he has with his food all over the floor near where his feeding bowl is. It's easy enough to clear up with the dustpan and brush. A job for later. Then, I heard this weird sound from the bedroom. I thought Alfie was being sick, but it was him sneezing! He then came into the lounge where I was sitting, and he sneezed again. He didn't seem to know what it was, as he seemed a bit surprised. I don't know what set it off, but it was certainly amusing.

Yesterday afternoon, at around tea-time, I had my television set on and there was a lot of anticipation regarding a speech which would be given in Downing Street, by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister. The media was there in force, with television cameras, microphones and cameras at the ready. It was a wet and miserable afternoon, raining heavily, and many umbrellas were being used in an attempt to keep dry. Then, from the famous door of Number 10, a couple of men came out, carrying the podium and placing it in the street. A few minutes later, Rishi Sunak came out and began his speech, and we were told that the General Election had been called, with him going to see King Charles at Buckingham Palace, to ask him permission to dissolve Parliament and have a General Election of 4th July. The Prime Minister was getting very wet as he stood and spoke, and it seemed strange that he wasn't given an umbrella to shelter under as he walked back inside Number 10, he was soaked.

Ying Tong Diddle I Po!

 Thursday. 1.20 p.m. A bright and sunny day. I went to the Oaktree Centre and discovered that a theatre company is putting on a show, 'Songs From The Shows' or a similar title. After the Bible study, we set up chairs in the main hall for the show this evening.

6.15 p.m. Oh, what fun! I was eating my evening meal, as I normally do at this time of day, with the game show 'Pointless' on television, when the merry sound of the fire alarm started up. My immediate reaction was to close the door from the lounge into the hall and then put some loud music on my television set, playing through the soundbar. Fortunately, it didn't last for very long, because I heard a fire engine arriving and then there was silence! I think someone had burnt their toast or forget to remove something from their oven. I think if there was a charge for this, then there might be fewer of these incidents.

Friday. 5.00 a.m. Up out of bed and taking Alfie out as usual. It's a bit windy and overcast. I just hope the wind settles, and the sun comes out. Well, as the song says, 'The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow.' 

12.05 p.m. I've been out with the Hohem gimbal, walking along the Grand Union Canal near Peartree Bridge. It was such a fine morning, with the sun out and a slight breeze, it seemed the perfect opportunity to have a go at some filming (actually videoing, but I'm being pedantic.). I was disappointed that there were no ducks, but I did see a heron. I must get the focus sorted out, as it was a bit off. Not a problem. I was also hoping to see some narrow boats, but none of them either. Perhaps I should start the walk next time nearer to where the Red Way comes out of Eaglestone, near the dinosaur sculpture and the patch goes towards Woughton-On-The-Green. I have already viewed the results on my iPad. I'm getting the hang of using the gimbal. It seems a good idea to attempt to keep the horizon in approximately the same position in each shot.

Saturday, 5.30 a.m. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has resigned. He says he was forced out, over the so-called 'Partygate' investigation. Well, all I can say, in all honesty, he had to go. Biggest liar of the century. Couldn't tell the truth if it came out and bit him. If you can't trust your leader, then, who on earth can you trust? It's the same with former U.S. President, Donald Trump. He lied just to get where he wanted to and then left office, taking important and highly secret and dangerous documents with him, which were found in his home in Florida. Just because he has money, he thinks he can pay off people and get away with it.

There is a health warning out today, suggesting that there will be a heatwave across Britain, with the possibility of temperatures reaching somewhere in the region of 30ºC. Those with a health problem, such I     have with my heart, are warned to keep out of the sun and remain indoors. I think sun hats and shorts should be worn outdoors. So, it's likely to be warm and humid.

10.15 a.m. I've been to Sainsbury's to buy a few items. Not a 'big shop.' It's relatively quiet early on a Saturday, so it's obviously the best time to go.

It's getting warm. I got home and then took Alfie out. I don't think he appreciates the warm weather. He doesn't appreciate cold, either. I think he's a bit like me regarding weather, we both like it mid-way, I suppose you might say 'temperate.' The digital thermometer currently reads 24º. I have windows open to create a through draught. 

Another Day Older!

Saturday. 7.30 a.m. Well, it's my birthday today! I'm not going to be in the flat all day. I'm going to Aylesbury, to an archaeology conference on the finds which have been made during the building of the HS2 rail line (High-Speed 2.) It should be fascinating. I just have to find the place where it's being held, as I don't know Aylesbury all that well. I shall put the postcode in my satnav and trust it will get me there.

Sunday. 1.50 p.m. An almighty rainstorm this morning, about the time I was due to leave in my car to get to church to set up chairs for the service at 10.30. I got somewhat soaked as I walked to the car, on a few yards, but the downpour left me wet, so I had to dry my glasses on a tissue before driving off.

I should have mentioned it yesterday. That is my trip to Aylesbury, to attend the archaeology conference which was held at The Gatehouse, which is part of Aylesbury Vale District Council. The actual conference was in what is called The Oculus. This is a stunning circular space which has wooden baffles on the walls to help deaden the sound. At first, when I walked in, I thought they were either some form of seating, folded up or even shelving of some sort. But it was obvious that they weren't for that use. The seats are obviously moveable and can be arranged in any sort of configuration, but yesterday they were facing the stage, such as it is (not in what I'd call a theatrical stage at any rate.) Although, saying that, I think it could well be used for theatre, and in particular, theatre-in-the-round, if the seating was reconfigured. 

It was actually easy enough finding The Oculus. I had a look at Google Maps, so I had a good idea of where it was. Also, my SatNav came in handy. I have to admit, once I had found the place where the conference was, I had to go round the block once and then went into the car park which was right next to The Gatehouse. Mind you, I made sure you didn't have to pay and asked whether the gate would be locked. It wasn't, but, knowing my luck, there was the possibility of being locked in or fined for not having the appropriate ticket attached to my car.

The archaeologists who have been employed to do the work on the various sites along the path of the HS2 rail line have now completed their work, they have all dispersed and, by now, are probably working on other projects, so this was the final chance to learn what had been found. We heard about farms and some really fine houses which have now been demolished as well as a church at Stoke Mandeville (St Mary's) which, after examination, showed that there had been activity there going back to the Iron Age, through the Roman period and up until the time the church was constructed and then demolished. There were a few other sites mentioned, one at Southam, which I drove through only the other month when I came home from Kenilworth Castle as well as another site fairly close to where we were at the conference, Fleet Marston, which is on the A41, the road we used to drive along on our way to Waddesdon Manor.

Monday. 9.50 p.m. I have been having problems with opening the door which leads out of Dexter House onto the path on Strudwick Drive. There has been a problem with it on another occasion. You have to push on the catch and it won't release the door. So, because our S.H.O., Barbara, isn't here today, I have rung Mears to inform them of the problem. As this would be an exit if there was a fire, it must work.

Yesterday evening we had an almighty thunderstorm and torrential rain. I heard the crash of thunder but wasn't sure whether it was actually thunder. There were noises of fireworks being let off also, so I did wonder if it was that, but no doubt the rain put those idiots off. Why do people think it's acceptable to let off fireworks like that? In a public space. It's not even November yet. Apart from anything else, it's a waste of money. There is a sign on Oldbrook Green that says, the use of fireworks on the green is not permitted, but, like dog fouling, what's the point of all these notices and by-laws, if they aren't policed?

I'm glad that Boris Johnson has withdrawn from the election (or whatever the process to elect a new Conservative leader and Prime Minister is called). I can't imagine how he thought he could just walk back into Number 10 as if nothing had happened, but now the field is clear for Rishi Sunak to take the pole position and get the keys to Number 10. No doubt there will be some sort of announcement regarding all this around 2 p.m.

2.15 p.m. It has just been announced that Rishi Sunak has been announced as Conservative leader and, hence, Prime Minister. Boris thingy withdrew and the only other remaining candidate, Penny Mordaunt' withdrew from the election just before 2 o'clock.

Repeat of Leadership Race

Friday 8.00 a.m. I didn't wake up until 7.25, so, as you can see, it's barely thirty minutes later I'm writing this. I suppose it's good in some ways, but I had to get my washing in as usual, although it went in somewhat earlier because I have someone telephoning me at 9.30, and I will have to have the dried washing back in the flat before that. It has been a bit of a marathon and attempting to get my head straight, as you can imagine (or, perhaps you can't!). What I mean is, when you've woken up, your head is often swimming. Attempting to think properly, having woken up. Well, it was a bit of an effort, but I made it.

Boris Johnson has apparently put himself forward as returning as Prime Minister. Please, don't go there. We really can't have that idiot back in 10 Downing Street. He was thrown out by his own MPs over the 'so-called' 'Partygate' scandal and an enquiry regarding the fact that he possibly lied to Parliament.  It hardly seems possible that we've had three Prime Ministers within three years!

12.20 p.m. I have been to Sainsbury's, initially to go to Lloyd's pharmacy within the store to pick up a repeat prescription and to buy one or two items. I have been eating easy peelers, and small, juicy oranges, from the time when the first covid-19 lockdown was announced in March 2020 and haven't stopped eating at least three per day. I think the vitamin C which they contain has helped boost my immune system and prevent catching the infamous virus. I have more recently started taking a liquid supplement called Vitabiotics Feroglobin, which has iron, ginseng and other ingredients in it, basically to help counteract tiredness. It tastes quite pleasant, with an orange flavour, and it's easy to swallow. Also, at the recommendation of my doctor, I take vitamin D tablets.

Before going to Sainsbury's, I went to the ESSO fuel station in Childs Way to top up the car with diesel. As I'm driving to Aylesbury tomorrow morning, I thought it might be advisable to put more fuel in the car, even though the fuel level was reasonably healthy. I also get Nectar points there, so that was an incentive. But then, in an attempt to get to Sainsbury's, I had to contend with some of the grid roads being shut off for road resurfacing and by the time I got to the traffic lights near the store, there was a long queue of cars and they took a great deal of time to change. I may have mentioned this before in these posts, but some of the traffic lights seem to take an inordinately long time to change.

A Whitehall Farce!

Wednesday. 10.40 p.m. Scenes of total chaos in Parliament today. Well, that is what I have discovered, having watched the BBC Ten O'clock News. It looks as if the whole democratic process is in crisis and the Premiership of Liz Truss is crumbling. How long will this situation last? Will she be booted out? Who will replace her? How will the next Prime Minister be chosen, and can we expect around three months to be spent on the Conservative party electing a new leader?

I went into the main shopping centre to get my hair cut at Central Barbers. I had booked via their website earlier so it was just a case of turning up at 2 p.m. That was the easy bit. Even parking in my usual place, near the very dilapidated Point, was straightforward. Even the RingGo app worked and I had sufficient one-pound coins with me, just in case the app didn't work, as it has done on several occasions in the past. I drove home and then came across several diversions because sections of the grid road network were being resurfaced and they don't give you advance warning, so I had to make a more circuitous route around to get into Oldbrook. 

Thursday. 8.15 a.m. Oh, dear! I didn't wake up until 7.30 this morning. It's just not like me, because I'm usually awake early and take Alfie out around 6 o'clock. But oversleeping is not normal for me. I had to force myself out of bed and then get dressed and stagger out with his nibs. 

11.55 a.m. It's pouring with rain as I write this! I've been to The Oaktree Centre and helped with setting up the playgroup, although, by the time I got there the work had been done. The traffic was nose-to-tail all the way along Chaffron Way. It's certainly not the sort of journey I would contemplate having to make every day and I don't know how people put up with it. I think, if local businesses were to stagger their starting and finishing times, then this might be prevented, but as people almost insist on a '9-to-5' working day, then they have to endure this. It's also not helped by the current road works going on around Milton Keynes with resurfacing work going on.

4.00 p.m. So, Liz Truss has resigned. It seemed she had no choice. But was she pushed or did she jump? The question is, what happens regarding her replacement? They are saying that a new Prime Minister will be in place by 'Friday week', so how on earth is that going to be achieved, considering there was a three-month process whilst the Conservative Party had to go through its convoluted election process. Her Premiership will go down in history as possibly the shortest on record. As Shakespeare put it 'some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.' I don't, in all honesty, think this applies to Liz Truss. 

It's A Lovely Day Today!

Saturday. 9.50 a.m. I've been constructing a bookshelf, which I bought on Amazon. I ordered it earlier in the week and was expecting it to arrive next week, probably Wednesday or Thursday. I got back from the doctor's appointment yesterday and there was this large parcel left outside my front door, so I left it unopened until around 7.30 this morning and have been working on putting it together. It is now finished and it's in the kitchen, but it will eventually be put in my walk-in cupboard, which will then contain all the cooking ingredients which are still awaiting a home since before the kitchen was ungraded.

12.35 p.m.  Amoxicillin is making me feel very sleepy. I was told to stop taking the Piriton, which I have done, and the remainder of the packet is now stored in my medication drawer. Well, I presume it's the new medication making me sleepy.

So, we have a new Prime Minister in Liz Truss. Well, I use the term 'Prime Minister' lightly. She's only been in office barely a month, and it seems the wheels are falling off the wagon. She's made more U-turns than a learner driver in a cul-de-sac. Seems likely she's going to have the shortest Premiership in history. It can't be long before there's a vote of no confidence, and we have a General Election. If you thought Boris Johnson was a disaster as PM, then Trussy takes the biscuit. She has the authority of an inept primary school teacher who can't get her class to behave. If she is forced out, which seems likely, does it mean we'll have to go through the ridiculous circus which is the Tory party system of voting for it's leader, which took around two months last time. Who would replace her? There can't be many candidates left.

A great deal seems to have happened in only a few days, but, as someone said so succinctly, 'A week is a long time in politics.' How true. Apparently attributed to Harold Wilson, former Labour Prime Minister.

Kwasi Kwarteng must have had the shortest time in office as Chancellor of The Exchequer and is now replaced by Jeremy Hunt. The contents of the disastrous 'mini budget' have been more or less totally replaced by new tax rates and goodness knows what else. They should install and revolving door to Number 11 Downing Street. How many Chancellors have we had in the last year? 

It seems the Conservative Party has been responsible for several disasters. So many splits within it's membership regarding the EU ('Euro Sceptics, I think the term is.) which led to the craziness of Brexit,  and now splits regarding the former Chancellor's 'Mini Budget' is likely to bring the whole house of cards tumbling down. Meanwhile, we have had two years of lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic and now a war in Ukraine. Has nobody thought that closing down the economy for two years and paying people to sit at home doing nothing, would lead to soaring inflation, which is exactly what we have at the moment? Then, attempting to get people to go back to work, usually those in offices, when they've been told to 'stay at home and protect the N.H.S., and using scare tactics to prevent people from meeting up, and not understanding that you can't expect things to return to any sort of normal when people have been filled with this sort of stuff.

Monday. 8.05 a.m. My cough is certainly showing signs of disappearing. The medication must be working. 

4.45 p.m. I've done a considerable amount more writing. What I have created has already been word processed and there is far more. Things in that department are going surprisingly well.

Death of Our Queen

 I wasn't sure whether I would make any mention of events which have been unfolding over the last few days, most regarding the death of our monarch, HM Elizabeth II, but is such a momentous event that it's really not something I can ignore. The media made us aware that Her Majesty was seriously ill in her favourite place, Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, was announced on Monday, and she had to go to Balmoral to meet the Queen and be invited to form a government. It was Thursday evening when we eventually learnt that Her Majesty had passed away. Television programme schedules were quickly reorganized as the news came through. I had been watching the game show 'Pointless' which under normal circumstances would be on BBC1 at 5.15, but as news of the Queen's health had come through, BBC1 went over to continuous feed on that information and the normal programmes that were usually on BBC1 were moved onto BBC2, which is where I watched 'Pointless' as I ate my evening meal. It was when that ended that I returned to BBC1 and the news of the Queen's death was announced.

They were interviewing people who had met the Queen, under a variety of circumstances. I can't say I ever met the Queen, but there were a couple of times when I saw her in person. I was an A.S.M. at Liverpool Playhouse in the early 1970s (as I'm sure I have mentioned elsewhere in these posts.) Her Majesty visited Liverpool to open the new Mersey Tunnel. We were doing an Alan Ayckbourn play 'Relatively Speaking' on which I was responsible for the 'book.' They were going to put on a variety show (of sorts) at one of the other theatres in Liverpool, the Empire I think, although it might have been another local theatre. It wasn't considered appropriate for the Queen to see 'Relatively Speaking', the idea being that the show at the Empire would be extracts of plays, performed by actors who were connected to the Playhouse (I believe Rex Harrison, best known for playing Higgins in the stage and film versions of the musical 'My Fair Lady,' was such an actor, who had performed at the Liverpool Empire earlier in his acting career.) It was decided that an extract from another play which had been in the season should be included in the show, this show was called 'The Lancashire Twins', based on Goldoni's 'Servant of Two Masters.' As a result, a part of the set for that show was taken to the Empire Theatre and I was part of the crew which took it in a lorry and unloaded it in the scene dock at this theatre. It must be one of the largest theatres in Great Britain, with a very large stage and an audience which must have been able to accommodate around 2,500 people.

Her Majesty did a walk-about either before or after opening the tunnel and I was amongst the crowd on one of the Liverpool streets and when she appeared I was surprised at what a tiny figure she was, certainly a lot shorter than I expected.

More recently, she came to Milton Keynes, and she had several engagements in the city, one of which was to declare The Hub open. The morning she came, I went down the road and waited near the entrance to The Hub to be able to see her arrival, which she did, in the official black limousine, no doubt a Rolls-Royce. But you couldn't see her inside the car, as, I think, the windows were dark, and the car went into The Hub, so quickly it was over in a very few seconds.  She was only in Milton Keynes for perhaps two hours, and then she was taken to Stowe Landscape Garden for some other official engagement, but I'm not sure exactly what it was for.

Things Can Only Get Better?

With such things as rising inflation, gas and electricity prices going through the roof and possibly going even higher, and the war in Ukraine continuing, are things going to get better? One would hope so. What difference will having a new Prime Minister make (the announcement of which of the two candidates it will be, announced this Monday.) what else is going to happen, to possibly improve things? 

Friday. 6.40 a.m. I mentioned that I'd had problems with my FitBit and that I had to contact the company and had been sent a replacement. I set the thing up, connecting it to my iPhone, and it seemed to work well enough, until it started behaving as it had done originally, with the screen going into lines like an old television set. Then, on Wednesday, it occurred to me that I might have set up the wrong device. Well, with two identical devices, it was difficult to work out which was the new one. The new one had been put away in its envelope in a drawer. So I bought it out and got it set up using my iPhone, and it worked! It was, by now, obvious that I had set up the wrong device. Because of this, I decided it needed a new strap, so I found one on Amazon and this new strap, made of leather and with a buckle, arrived yesterday. This is now fitted to the device and the FitBit is working well.

On Tuesday, I was determined to get Alfie booked to have a haircut. I went on the Groom Room website to book an appointment through the booking page, but it said you could only book via telephone. As a result, I decided instead to drive to their branch at the Bletchley retail park. As a result, he has an appointment on Tuesday morning.

Saturday. 3.00 p.m. I've been to the 1940s event at Milton Keynes Museum this morning. I had intended to go some while ago when I learnt it was on from an email I had from the Milton Keynes Heritage Association because I am on their mailing list. It opened at 10.00 a.m. but I didn't see the point of getting to the Museum too early because most of these events don't really get underway until around an hour later. I drove across Milton Keynes via Grafton Street and then encountered roadworks on the roundabout at Monk's Way, meaning I had to do a detour and then double back to get to the Museum. This was somewhat annoying as I wasn't aware of this further back on my journey across Milton Keynes. 

As I had been to another weekend event some months ago, which covered a variety of historic periods, including Roman and Anglo-Saxon, I paid my entrance fee and the ticket I bought meant I could come back for a year without having to pay again. I spent some time wandering around the various displays on the grounds of the museum and went into the café and had tea, a sandwich and a rather tasty coffee sponge. I bought a book I had seen in the shop on the way out on the history of Milton Keynes, which builds on my knowledge of the history of Milton Keynes.

I got back to Dexter House and as I parked my car I saw an ambulance parked outside. When I eventually took Alfie out for a walk, I saw one of the residents being wheeled out on a trolley and loaded into the ambulance. 

Wheels Coming Off The Bus

Wednesday. 7.40 a.m. A bright and sunny morning. I have already managed to clear out another cupboard! So, the whole clearing-of-the-kitchen is going well.

3.15 p.m. Alfie has been invited back by the family he met last Sunday. I have to say that I'm really pleased as it shows that he can settle down if given a chance. So, he has his own fan club! Also, it means I     can likely go to Worcester without him and have some time with Chloe and her family.

Thursday. 6.30 a.m. It looks like Boris Johnson will soon be forced to resign as Prime Minister.  The wheels are falling off the bus, as they say. 

12.40 p.m. I've been to help set up the Acorns playgroup at the Oaktree Centre this morning. As I wrote this, I have come home and I'm watching BBC 1, with a live report from outside Number 10, Downing Street, regarding the resignation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. It was expected, although he did his best to cling on, regardless of the number of his ministers who resigned. He came out of Number 10 and gave a speech, saying he would remain Prime Minister until a replacement is chosen.

My replacement debit card arrived in the post this afternoon. I'm just grateful that the incident with my bank card being used fraudulently has been resolved and the money that was taken has been returned to me. I'm really amazed at how quickly the replacement card was sent out. Well done Nationwide Building Society!

Friday. 7.25 a.m. I have more or less finished moving stuff out of the kitchen. Two cupboards are left to clear out and the microwave is now sitting on my desk. There's really nowhere else for it to go. I really just want to get the job started and, hopefully, and I say hopefully, it won't take ten days as specified. The electric oven and the fridge-freezer will be moved by workmen on Monday, into the hallway, and then they would be able to start hacking away at the tiling and the flooring, which is in very poor condition.

11.45 a.m. I've just got back from Sainsbury's. They continue to change things around in there. Why? Is it some made management exercise, just to annoy their customers? Some of it seems absolutely pointless. I'll give you an example: the pet aisle. Dog things on one side, cat things on the opposite side. They have merely swapped them around! I can't think of a good reason for this. No more, or less, space. No new products. Just shifting things across the aisle!!

Bright sunshine this morning. Inside, my digital thermometer reads 82ºF. I'm not sure what the outside temperature is at the moment, but probably around 10-15 degrees less than inside. 

I mentioned on here, quite a few months ago, about the construction of scooter sheds (no, not THAT sort of scooter.) They had to be provided because where they are currently parked, according to the fire officer, they are a danger. So, specially constructed sheds have been constructed outside, with electric points for charging etc. But they can't be used because a special door needs to be constructed so that users can get in and out of the building. Why on earth can't this be completed? There's no sense. SOMEONE in Milton Keynes Council needs to sign the relevant paperwork and get the work finished, so these confounded sheds can be used.  It would be an irony if there was actually a fire and the confounded scooters go in the way of people attempting to leave the building. Oh, wait! If there is/was a fire, we're supposed to remain in our flats. Not a good idea. Look what happened to the tenants of Grenfell Tower, who were told to remain in their flats when that awful fire took place in 2017. Just don't expect me to sit in my flat and not make any attempt to escape.

One Law For Them . . .

Saturday 15th January. 8.15 a.m. I was somewhat surprised by thick fog as I took Alfie out this morning. As I write this, the BBC Breakfast weather forecast has said that there is 50-100 feet visibility. I can believe it. I don't have to go anywhere in the car, so I won't have to drive through it.

Sunday. 7.45 a.m. A dark and dreary morning. I took Alfie out as he kept on scratching on the bathroom door when I was using the toilet. I took the little pocket torch with me. We weren't outside long, so the torch wasn't necessary. It needs a new battery installing because the light from it is too weak to be of any use.

It looks as if Boris Johnson's tenure as PM is on the line. There have been revelations about Christmas parties being held in 2020 when we were in lockdown and, under Government laws, such gatherings weren't supposed to take place. Boris is attempting to wriggle out of any responsibility for such events (there are several which have come to light, but one clearly showing him attending one in the garden of Number 10. ) There is an inquiry underway, but as it stands, Boris is still PM and as such should have taken responsibility as a leader. One minute he goes on the Downing Street press conferences and announces new measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and behind the scenes, he is allowing gatherings. Real hypocrisy. A definite case of 'do as I saw, not what I do', or, 'one law for them and one for us.' Only time will tell whether he leaves Downing Street as Prime Minister.

2.30 p.m. I've been to church this morning. Sunny and bright as I drove up Chaffron Way. It's still extremely sunny as I took out Alfie. The hall was packed. Phase 2 of the building project (for the Oaktree Centre.) has been revived. 

I got back from church, parked the car, and I thought I heard the fire alarm going off within Dexter House. I hoped it wouldn't be that, but as I walked inside, it was all too obvious that it was. The doors along the corridor leading to my flat had shut (which they do automatically when the alarm goes out, presumably to contain smoke if there is a genuine fire.) I'm never sure whether it's an emergency or some sort of fault with the system. There was definitely no sign of smoke or even flames, no smell of burning. Had someone burnt their toast, left a cigarette burning in an ashtray, or forgotten something in their oven? You never can tell. The sound is deafening and as I entered the flat, Alfie started barking. He really doesn't like the noise. I have to admit it is deafening. I suppose it has to be if it's going to wake people if they're asleep if there's a fire. We're supposed to remain in our flats if there is a fire. Which I'm not doing. That was the instruction given to the tenants of  Grenfell Tower in 2017 and look what happened to them when there was a terrible fire? I have always taken Alfie with me when the alarm goes off, and we go and stand outside the front door until the fire service gives the all-clear to re-enter the building. The din continued for several minutes, after which I pressed the emergency alarm and was told that someone was coming to sort out the alarm, and around 5 minutes later the noise stopped. No doubt it was caused by a fault with the system, which it always seems to be, unfortunately.

Monday. 1.45 p.m. It was icy when I took Alfie out as usual around 7.30 this morning. I intended to go to Sainsbury's, as I needed items to form my lunch when I go to Camphill tomorrow, so I had to spend a good ten minutes defrosting the car. Fortunately, I had bought a fresh can of antifreeze spray from Homebase when I went there the other day, so it didn't take too long.

I am continuing with my writing, which requires transcribing onto word processing. It may have to wait until I can rely on my MacBook to behave itself. It seems fine at the moment, but it has a habit of shutting itself down. I have no idea what's causing this, but I still think the only solution is to purchase a new model which will have the newest version of all the software on it. Unfortunately, the MacBook doesn't have enough memory to install the latest version of the operating system. It is over seven years old, which is supposed to be the average life of a computer, so I reckon I've got plenty of work out of it over the years and it has done good duty.

'Cautiously Optimistic'

Wednesday. 6.25 a.m. 'Cautiously optimistic' was how Prime Minister Boris Johnson described how his infamous 'roadmap' out of lockdown which is supposed to be lifted on 21st June.  That is, unless there is a sudden rise in infections or something else to scupper the plans. He also said it about the Brexit deal that had been agreed with the EU. So, are we going to be celebrating our freedom from being bossed around? That is, if the by now more than a little bit famous Indian variant of the virus doesn't get a starring role over the next few weeks. 

Boris Johnson is a bit of what you'd describe as a 'loose cannon.' He is somewhat unpredictable and he doesn't work like any other Prime Minister I can think of.  The matter of making statements about letting dead bodies pile high rather than implementing lockdown, may or may not have been said by him. Also, the business around who paid for the alterations to his flat in 10 Downing Street, which  seems to have disappeared from being mentioned in the media, He gets away with all sorts of things that anyone else would be in court for. I see him as a combination of Winnie The Pooh, Bertie Wooster and Mr Toad, he of 'Wind In The Willows.'

As for the former political advisor to Number 10 Downing Street, Dominic Cummings, who has today been grilled by MPs in a Commons select committee about the Government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, or perhaps that should be, lack of it. He was removed from his post in No 10 back in November and it seems he is attempting to stab people in the back in a sort act of revenge, worthy of something out of a Shakespeare tragedy, such as Othello, with Cummings in the role of Iago. He's definitely not the sort of person you'd want as a friend. As someone said, 'with friends like these, who needs enemies?" He's stuck the knife into several government personnel, not least saying that Boris Johnson wasn't fit for the position of Prime Minister. Well, someone also said that 'you get the politicians you deserve', and in some respects that's totally true. It was American President Thomas Jefferson who came out with that one.

Today would have been Carol and my 14th wedding anniversary. It's no good dwelling on things and she would expect me to get on with my life, which I am, except that it's all been cancelled due to the covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

I was up and out before 6 o'clock with Alfie this morning. A bit overcast and it looked as if it might rain later, but one hopes not.

I have received a letter from the Nephrology department of  Milton Keynes Hospital. I have no idea what nephrology is, but never mind. I'm always keen to learn new words, so his is another to add to my growing collection.  It's regarding the 'incidental finding of a small renal angiomyolipoma' in one of my kidneys when they did the ultra scan. I have no idea what an angiomyolipoma is, but, having spoken to my doctor on the telephone recently, it isn't malignant, like a cancer. When I first heard about it I did panic, really as a response to not knowing clearly what it was, because of my memories of when Carol was first diagnosed with bowel cancer. The letter goes on to say that I should have an ultra scan done every 4-5 years just to keep watching it and seeing how it behaves. I shall be discussing this further when I speak to my doctor on the telephone on 11th June.

Death of Duke of Edinburgh

(Friday)The whole television schedule today has been stripped across all channels, BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, with coverage on the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. None of the usual progrmmes appear to be on. They have completely stopped regular shows. I think it's out of respect, but more likely protocol in such an occasion. Not surprising really, considering the important role he has played in the life of this country, as consort to HM Queen. Newsreaders and reporters are wearing black mourning. Men in black suits with black ties. Boris Johnson, Prime Minister, appeared outside 10 Downing Street, to give an address in response to the Duke's death. Also, condolences from other political leaders of all major United Kingdom parties. I'm glad that the Royal Family have said that they don't want the public to buy flowers, to leave outside Windsor Castle, but instead to donate money to charity in remembrance of the Duke of Edinburgh. This seems a good idea,  considering the amount of flowers which were laid outside after the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997. Just think what could have been done with the money which was spent on them.

Easing Lockdown

(Wednesday) So our dear Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announces in the Commons, that some of the lockdown restrictions have beed eased. The two metre social distancing regulations have been lowered to one metre, but the thought of going to a pub or restaurant is not something I would bother with as it's so complex I'd rather stay at home, thank you.

Blogger, which is owned by Google, and which is what this blog is created on, is to be upgraded, if that's what it's supposed to be called. I have been using it for a good many years and have got on well with it, so why does it suddenly have to be changed so radically? It's the same with Facebook, which has been changed dramatically and is now more difficult to use. I really don't like it and why change things when the work well? You never get any sort of help with how to use any of these sites. It just because they can change things that problems occur. As the saying goes if it ain't broken, don't fix it. You have to learn yourself what the various 'buttons' and gizmos do without any sort of instruction, which is the same with most things you buy, which includes computers. When I bought my iPad recently went of YouTube to learn how to do things.

Out walking with Alfie this morning at about 9.30. We stopped for a rest on the furthest side of Oldbrook Green and sat on the very conveniently placed bench. I was shocked by the amount of litter strewn all over the ground nearby. Somebody had sat and eaten a takeaway meal and there was definite evidence, paper, polystyrene containers, Pepsi bottles and goodness knows what else. As there was a litter bin nearby, within arms reach, it would have taken long to put their debris in this when they had finished, just laziness. I have also seen disposable gloves thrown on the ground, also near a bin. It's not just the fact they were thrown aside, expecting someone else to deal with them, but environmentally harmful, especially if small mammals get stuck in them or try to eat them. I digress- as I seem in the habit of doing, and as I sat with Alfie on my lap, I saw a large lorry moving along Oldbrook Boulevard and turn into Strudwick Avenue and then into the yard behind The Cricketers pub. Obviously about to make a delivery, ready for the pub to reopen since the pandemic restrictions have been lifted. A definite positive sign that things are going to improve.

Later. It's far too hot. Wait a minute. This is crazy. We wait most of the year so we have some warm and pleasant weather, and all we do is complain that it's TOO HOT! The problem I have is I'm more of a temperate person. I don't like getting too hot. As a result of the weather, I decided to pack Alfie into the cage in the back of the car and drive the short distance down Chaffron Way to the Ouzel Country Park. I knew the moment I opened up the car that it was going to be far too much for Alfie and certainly not good for me. I put on sun block, the sort you spray on and donned my sun hat. Alfie was really suffering and so was I. We walked along the gravel path and met a group of ladies pushing someone in a wheelchair and they weren't sure whether they could go through the gates, which I told them it would be fine, so long as they shut them behind them. Some have cattle grids to stop livestock going through. There were sheep in the meadow we were walking through, several groups sheltering under the trees and Alfie started to bark so I decided to walk in a different direction. The sheep began to stir. I don't think they like dogs. I suppose they think of them as a threat. I didn't want Alfie to cause them stress, so I walked on.

I don't think it was such a good idea to bring Alfie out in such heat, or, if it comes to that, it wasn't good for me either. I was told by one of the cardiology nurses who looked after me when I went to a rehab session after my first heart attack in 2006, that I should keep out of the sun and always wear a hat. At one session, when it was really hot, about as hot as it has been today, I very nearly passed out and had to have first aid, which really frightened me.

Snap General Election and Other Matters

So, Teresa May has called a snap General Election for 8th June. I'm not sure how I feel about this. If it's to get her the 'mandate' she needs to allow her to get the authority regarding Brexit (I do so hate this word.) then I suppose I can see the reasoning, but I think the British public must be heartily sick of votes of one kind or another. I still think the politicians who set up the E.U. Referendum in June last year, those who framed the legislation which allowed it, should be ashamed of themselves, for not making the size of the majority, either for or against, large enough before a decision was made for remaining in the E.U., or leaving it. The fact that the majority to leave was far too small, barely I% to leave, was far too small for  Brexit to go ahead. There should have been a second referendum on the subject. Also, most people who voted probably had not the slightest idea what the E.U. was. I blame politicians for this, not making it clear what the benefits of our membership were or, on the opposite side, what the de-benefits were (if, indeed, there is such a term. But you get my idea. Or, at least, I hope you do.)

Well, enough of politics. I'm just glad that the General Election will be over in around 7 weeks. At least we don't have to have it going on relentlessly the way the American electoral system works. 

It's been fairly sunny for the past few days, but even so, it's not all that warm. There was a slight frosting on the car windscreen this morning. We're continuing to walk to the Academy each morning and we're still taking Alfie with us. He seems to be getting a good deal better at walking on his lead. I think just taking him regularly is improving his behaviour.

Yesterday morning I cut the grass. I did it really early, taking advantage of the fact that it was sunny. If you don't cut it regularly the machine won't do it's job properly. I don't think it's really up to cutting very long grass. Infact, it's really designed for a really nice manicured lawn, made of decent turf. Our bit of grass (I still refuse to term it 'lawn' as it doesn't in the last resemble a 'lawn.') It's all uneven humps and bumps. We saw some really nice turf the other day when we visited Frost's garden centre in Worburn Sands, when we went for a coffee and really nice scones and cream in their restaurant. Carol's last outing of the Easter holiday.