The Sun Has Got His Hat On!

 Monday 9th March. 3.55 p.m. It has been a rather murky sort of day. No rain or sunshine, but earlier there was a slight fog, if you can really call it that. As I write, it has cleared.

Currently, the digital thermometer reads 22ºc.

I have been to the Monday Club as the Oaktree Centre. More tea, cakes and quizzes.

Tuesday March 10th. 7.25 a.m. Hurrah! The sun is shining. Put out the flags!

The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

Sunday 15th March.  8.20 a.m. The sun is shining and I'm planning to go out with the Pocket 3 camera to do some filming. I haven't decided where yet, but it's too good to waste. I've been waiting for some decent weather for ages.

The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

Thursday 19th March. 8.15 a.m. It's been bright and sunny for the past few days. Spring has more than definitely arrived!

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

Sunday 22nd March 9.05 a.m. I'm slipping a bit. I haven't posted anything for the last couple of days. I'll attempt to make up for this lapse.

It's foggy out this morning. It has been like this for the past few days, but as the day progresses, the sun has shone, and the temperature rises.

As I write, the digital thermometer reads 22ºc, although it hit 25ºc at one point yesterday.

Wednesday 25th March. 9.50 a.m. The temperature has dropped considerably. The sun is going in and out, but there are dark clouds looming and there is a definite chill in the air.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

I am currently attempting to find a decent swimming pool to use, somewhere within Milton Keynes. I think I have found somewhere suitable. It's in Wolverton and I was going to look for it this morning. Unfortunately, the road which leads to it was blocked off, which seems to be a recurring situation around Milton Keynes. They are resurfacing the roads around here and I know it's often necessary to close of roads, but there was no advance warning that there was a closure, so I ended up driving all that way and not finding the swimming pool. Oh, the best laid plans of mice and men, as someone said.. It was Robert Burns, and it was originally in a Gaelic accent (is that right, or more likely, Scottish.) Never mind. I know what I meant, and as I'm half Scottish, I suppose I should mention him. Just don't ask which half!

Good Day Sunshine

 Monday 2nd March. 7.40 a.m. It's bright and sunny as I write this!  I only hope it stays that way. Please, no rain! We really have had enough.

The digital thermometer currently reads 20ºc.

6.45 p.m. The digital thermometer currently reads 23ºc. It has been exceptionally warm and sunny all day. Dare I say it, Spring-like? I think so.

I've been to Monday Club this afternoon. A great deal of cake, coffee and tea. One of the ladies, Wendy, goes to another similar club elsewhere, and there was a lot of food left over, so she brought it to the Oaktree Centre this afternoon. People definitely dug in and ate!

Tuesday 3rd March. 6.20 p.m. It's been a mild and sunny day. As a result, I decided to go out and walk around Oldbrook Green with the Osmo Pocket camera. It's odd going out with no Alfie. He is so missed! A lot of dafodils out and more to come, although some aren't actually daffodils, they are more likely narcissi, those with the orange centres. I may be right, but then I might be wrong! A lot of work has been done by council workers to clean up the rough areas, with bushes pruned or at least cut back, and it looks so much better.

The digital thermometer currently reads 24ºc.

12.05 p.m. I've been to Sainsbury's this morning. I wanted cash from the A.T.M and expected to go out through the front entrance, but the shutter was down. This meant that once I had completed my shopping and put it in the car, I had to walk out of the underground carpark and go out on the street and go round the building to get to the A.T.M. 

Friday 6th March. 7.10 a.m.

The digital thermometer currently reads 24ºc. 

Yesterday afternoon I had to go to Milton Keynes Central Medical Centre to have a vaccine. I won't say 'jab' because it never is a 'jab.' It is called RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine. It's to prevent getting a quite serious flu-like illness, which can be serious for people my age and also with a heart problem. So, when I was offered it, I thought it good idea to have it.

Saturday 7th March.  8.05 a.m.Today would have been Carol's 62nd birthday. Greatly missed and loved, but I am getting on with things she would have approved. I'm so glad the dafodils I planted for her memory are in full bloom and far better than I had hoped for.

Yesterday evening, there was another quiz night at The Oaktree Centre. A good time was had by all and my team won! Yippee!

Things Can Only Get Better!

 Tuesday 24th February. 8.05 a.m. Yes, with the economy in a bad state and unemployment getting worse, things are not looking good at the moment in this country. We have Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, being arrested on suspicion of giving away state secrets to the late sex offender, Geoffrey Epstein (but later released on bail) and now our former Ambassador to the United States, Lord Peter Mandelson, being arrested on similar charges by the police. Things can't get much worse. Or can they?

Yesterday morning I went to my Shakespeare group in Newport Pagnell. We were looking at Shakespeare's sonnets. I don't know a great deal about them. We each read one and discussed it. Later. I went to the Monday Club at the Oaktree Centre. Cake, coffee and tea, chat and ridiculous games.

Thursday 26th February. 6.50 p.m. I went to the Thursday Morning Life Group as usual. I wasn't expecting the surprise when I walked in the room. People have been clearing out the shipping container, which is next to the Oaktree Centre and contains all sorts of items connected with various activities that go on in the church building. I was told a week or so ago that some puppets were found, but I never managed to see them. Until this morning, sitting on several of the chairs! They will definitely fit in with what I am planning, similar in style to the Zoomer puppet I bought recently. They are 'Muppet Style', in that they have a body through which you put your arm and use your hand to operate the mouth and should have rods for the hands. At present, I am trying to find a way to connect arm rods, which will then give more realism and expression to the puppets. On Sunday, there is to be a family service, and I have been asked to contribute, with other people, with the puppets. I am going to plan what next and devise scripts and plots to utilise these puppets.

Sunday 1st March. 8.25 a.m. Good morning! We've had really mixed weather for the past few days. On Thursday, it was quite spring-like, but yesterday afternoon there was a really heavy rain storm, but at the moment it is relatively quiet. Let's hope it stays that way.

Currently, the digital thermometer reads 21ºc.

Carol's daffodils are beginning to bloom! When they are all open, the display should be very good. I intend to buy more bulbs to add to what I planted last September.

6.35 p.m. There was a family service at church this morning. As planned, I took the Zoomer puppet and some of the puppets which were found in the shipping container and I went to the front and took Zoomer while several other people had some of the other puppets and we joined in with a song.

Murkey Morning!

Thursday 19th February. 1.50 p.m. It was a surprise to find it was quite cold when I drove off to The Oaktree Centre for the Thursday Morning Life Group. There was a certain amount of very thin rain as well, and a mist in the distance. In other words, somewhat murky and dismal.

On the way into Dexter Avenue, when I returned from the Oaktree Centre, I was somewhat shocked to find an ice cream van in the process of leaving. I can't imagine eating ice cream in such cold weather. I heard the merry tinkle of the annoying sound that vans give off, to attract customers(I'm being extremely ironic here, dear reader!) You would think that in the winter months, the drivers of these vehicles would be selling hot dogs, mugs of hot steaming cocoa and other hot beverages and foods. But not, ply you freezing wares in the midst of winter, with ice and snow swirling around, with high winds whistling around and temperatures well below freezing.

I've just been to Lidl to top up with milk and other bits and pieces. I had two trolley tokens, which I had ordered from Amazon. Unfortunately, I have now lost both, but not putting them into the correct trolley in the stack in Sainsbury's and Lidl. Just a rather stupid mistake. It should go in the FRONT trolley and not the next one! I will order some more and make sure to put the token in the correct trolley.

As a result of not being able to use a metal trolley, I was resigned to using one of the blue, plastic trolleys, which I really don't like, because you have to drag them around the store. On completing my shopping, scanning the bar code on my receipt so that the gate opened to let me out, I then set off an alarm because I had the plastic trolley with me. Just embarrassing, but you don't get warned that this will happen.

Saturday 21st February. 8.30 a.m. It's a good deal warmer and brighter than it was for the last couple of days. I'm hoping the sun might shine and there is no rain.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

Monday 23rd February. 8.20 a.m. It's a good deal milder this morning. The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc, so it's clearly edging up gradually.

Tuesday 24th February. 8.05 a.m. It appears to be sunny as I write this. I say 'appears', because the sun comes out and then two minutes later it goes behind a cloud.

The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

Rainy Days and Mondays

 Thursday 5th February. 6.55 a.m. I went to sit with my friend Mike yesterday afternoon, so his wife could go out. I have mentioned doing this before.

It was a wonderful and sunny afternoon as I drove across Milton Keynes. Almost spring-like. I do hope that it remains sunny today.

The digital thermometer currently reads 20ºc.

1.30 p.m. After yesterday's spring-like weather, today it's raining and miserable.

Friday February 6th, 8:,20 a.m. A wet and rather gloomy morning.

Washing in the machine, and it should be done around 8.55.

The digital thermometer seems stuck on 20ºc.

Apparently, there has been rain in some part of the United Kingdom every day so far since January. I don't think the ground can take much more.

Monday 9th February. 8.00 a.m. Not a great deal to write about at the moment.

Tuesday 10th February, 9.30 a.m. It seems to be another overcast and unremarkable day.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

Yesterday afternoon I went out wearing the ear pods. I was suitably impressed by the quality of the sound, connected via Bluetooth to my iPhone, which was in my trousers pocket. I listened to Katherine Jenkins. Her voice is totally amazing. I walked around Oldbrook Green, which I haven't be around in quite a while. A great deal of work has been done on clearing up a lot of growth around the place, There are snowdrops on the opposite side to the Cricketers pub. 

There were a lot of teenagers around, playing in the netball area and generally hanging around. Why weren't they in school? Then I wondered if it was what they call an 'inset day.' I think it's probably a training day for teachers.

Later, I went to the Monday Club at the Oaktree Centre. Lots of cake and tea. I sat on the sofa in the lounge area, and was warned that Wendy, one of the regulars, sat there. We remarked how people of a certain age insist on sitting in the same place every time they visit, and you will get into a certain amount of trouble if you do so.

We played a game, guessing the idioms, such as 'Make hay while the sun shines', 'Putting all your eggs in one basket', and 'Out of the frying pan and into the fire' and what they meant and where they probably originated.

'Ods Bodkin!

 Monday 2nd February. 8.20 a.m. Yet another rather dull and overcast day. It looks slightly foggy outside.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

I am attempting to set up a puppet group at church. With my background in theatre and puppetry, it seems a good idea to use them for the children's ministry and in particular, there is going to be a holiday club during the summer. I want them to be Muppet-style, which means they have mouths that work and rods for their arms. My only problem is that I don't have space in the flat for puppet making, and my skills with needle and thread are limited. I could get a reasonably priced sewing machine from Amazon. I have done some considerable amount of research on the internet, and I'm overwhelmed by the amount of stuff out there. I am waiting for a puppet to be delivered in the next few days, and that should be the start of things once I've had a chance to work with it for a couple of days.

Tuesday 3rd February. 8.00 a.m. Another overcast day. I have a vague idea it might rain. Now, there's a thing! Something we really need- not.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

I went to the Monday Club at the Oaktree Centre yesterday afternoon. Lots of tea and cake, which made it worthwhile. We played a game, guessing the places on a map of the United Kingdom, and then discussing places we've been.

I arrived back at Dexter House to discover a large package outside my flat. On opening it, I found the puppet I ordered around a week ago. I came from Australia. Unfortunately, the puppet doesn't have rods, which was a disappointment because I can't work without them. I don't want to wait for a set to come from Australia, so I have found some on Amazon, and I will order them once I get paid on Wednesday.

4.55 p.m. I've been cleaning out my fridge/freezer. Well, the fridge part. It needed doing. It is not something I exactly relish, but, as I will be going to Sainsbury's tomorrow morning (that is, unless something dreadful happens, which I really hope doesn't) It seemed a good idea to have it sorted so that anything that needs refrigerating has space.

A Little Bit Of Snow!

 Saturday. 8.10 a.m. I was up and about later than usual this morning. At least I'm sleeping better.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc. Apparently, according to various weather forecasts, we're in for a cold spell, with snow, frost, ice and all that goes with it. The media always makes such a big issue on this sort of topic. When I was growing up in the 1960's, you just got on with it. We went to school. No such thing as 'Health and safety' then. Now, schools close down, and the children get a day off. I remember having to shovel snow off the playground at school. Trains are prevented from running because the lines are blocked by snow, or more likely, the drivers won't work because it's too cold!

Sunday. 7.30 a.m. I was awake at 7.10. That has to be the latest for a very long time.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc. No sign of snow here, but I expect there to be some further north, in Yorkshire and Scotland.

Monday. 8.40 a.m. I am currently experiencing a really unpleasant cough and feeling totally drained. I'm not sure what this thing is. It's not the flu, but it could be. On Saturday, I got some cough mixture in Sainsbury's, which does help, but I'm coughing up phlegm, which is unpleasant.

I would have thought that having the , flu vaccine would have protected me, although, as I say, it's not like full-blown 'flu. I don't have a high temperature. It would appear that I'm not alone with this 'thing,' because so many people in church yesterday morning had the same ailment. It's something you just have to put up with and it will eventually pass. Well, I hope it goes soon.

A light frost over the grass and covering car windscreens this morning. I may have to put the heating on in the flat.

Tuesday. 3.00 p.m. We had a very brief flurry of snow this morning. It left a sort of sugary coating to the lawn and road outside, but by now it has more or less evaporated. More like, melted.

I dismantled my tiny Christmas tree. I divested it of its decorations. It is still in its pot, and I moved it out into the garden, but then I managed to lock myself out, and someone had to let me in. Stupid, I know, but once the door closes, that's it. You can't get back in.

Thursday. 3.15p.m. We started back with the Thursday morning life group at the Oaktree Centre this morning. It's great to have got Christmas and New Year out of the way, basically because my routine is thrown out. I had a coughing fit in the middle of the meeting, but it did settle down. This is something which comes back every year. 

Chloe asked me if she could have information about my heart condition, which I imagine is for her doctor of maybe insurance, Anyway, I put a message regarding this on the Central Milton Keynes Medical Centre website, and I was really surprised how quickly I got a response, and after the Thursday Morning group, I drove over to Bradwell Common and the recptionist printed out the information. Now I can post it off to Worcester. I can do that tomorrow. From there, I drove to Sainsbury's to do a shop.

The Holly and The Ivy

 Wednesday. 12.30 p.m. There was a gorgeous red rosy sky earlier this morning. The sun was out, but it was low, and from my kitchen window, as I stood and did the washing up at the sink, I could see the shopping centre, which is on higher ground than Oldbrook, it seemed to glow a golden colour, which was really the sun reflected in the glass. It was really beautiful. Strange how the most mundane things can have beauty.

Thursday. 1.20 p.m. We had a Christmas party at the Oaktree Centre this morning. It was with all those who are part of the Thursday Morning Life Group (Bible study group, as I've often referred to it in earlier posts). We had some silly games, and there was food, mostly what you'd call buffet food. A good time of fellowship and silliness.

It has been raining all morning, quite heavily, and I had to run to my car after the party, in an effort not get wet, which was impossible. I got slightly damp, but it didn't really matter as, once I got back inside the flat, I very soon got dry.

Friday. 8.30 a.m. I woke up a good deal later than normal. As I write, my washing is in the machine and should be done in around 30 minutes.

Currently, the digital thermometer reads 20ºc.

3.25 p.m. Some of the daffodil bulbs which I planted in September are starting to come up in the community garden. I know they will eventually blossom in the spring, but it's great to know that they are growing. I trust that the rest of the batch come up eventually. All planted in memory of Carol, as she loved daffodils.

The sun has been out, although only weakly.

Saturday. 10.00 a.m. I had an appointment with the doctor at Central Milton Keynes Medical Centre for 9.15 this morning. I was surprised to find it was foggy as I drove across Milton Keynes to get there. On arrival, I had to stand and wait outside before the doors were opened. I checked in on the computer screen, and before I knew it, my name came up on the digital screen, and I was walking to Room 7. The doctor took my blood pressure. Quite normal, as well as my weight, around 15 stone (don't ask me what that is in Kilograms. Sorry, I'm stuck with imperial measurements.) Everything seemed fine and I was soon back in my car, driving home.

It soon struck me that I would need some cash, and the A.T.M. that used to be outside Tesco's convenience store in Oldbrook has gone, and the row of shops it was in was demolished when the upgraded Lidl store was built. It seemed that the only one I could use that was close was at Sainsbury's, so I headed for the store and parked in the underground carpark and, walked up the travelator and got the money from the cashpoint (A.T.M.) and then decided to buy a few items in the store as I was there. 

Bah! Humbug!

 Monday. 10.15 a.m. It's bright and sunny as I write this. The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

I had to get a few things from Sainsbury's; milk for a start. Can't have milk for my morning tea or cereal. I had made out a list and then drove to the store at a little after 9. When I got there, I went to get a trolley and then discovered they were locked and you needed a £1 coin to release the thing. Fortunately, I had a coin-sized token on my key ring. Other people were annoyed at not being able to take a trolley as they obviously didn't have a £1 coin. Mine came from Nielsen, IQ, because I use an app from them to scan my shopping. You build up points which are then redeemed for vouchers. I have a second one from Kantar, which works the same way. Both are worth signing up for. I've been with both for a number of years.

I completed my shopping and used a self-service till, paid and then pushed my trolley down to the car in the car park, unloaded it into the back of the car, and then couldn't find a trolley with the coin lock in, so that I could release my token. I had to spend some time searching for such a trolley, and fortunately, I found one, released the token and returned it to my keyring.

I drove home and then discovered that a van was blocking my parking space outside Dexter House, and had to park in the road that runs down the side of Dexter House. I trust it won't be there when I want to get out later on this morning.

Tuesday. 7.50 a.m. Fortunately, the van I mentioned above had gone by the time I was due to drive out.

I haven't attended the Monday Club at the Oaktree Centre in over a year. I think the idea is great, being a place for those over 60 to meet up, have a chat and play games, as well as have a cup of tea and a sandwich, but, as it was a Christmas party today, I decided to go. My main reason for not going was that I didn't want to be with a group of other older people. I already live with a load of what I call fogeys, even though I am 75. I don't want to hear about their aches and pains, their hospital appointments and other illnesses.

I had a slight problem, more or less at the time I was about to leave the flat. I put on a pair of my distance glasses and one of the lenses fell out. Fortunately the lens is plastic, so it didn't break, because it fell on the floor. I didn't stop to find an alternative pair, so I drove to Shenley with glasses with only one lens in place!

The afternoon was really enjoyable. We played games, one of which I remember playing as a child, 'pass the parcel', where you have something, a box of chocolates, a toy, or whatever, and you wrap it several times, so that there are a number of layers of paper. The contestants sit in a circle, and you play music, and the parcel is passed around, and when the music stops, whoever has the parcel has to tear off a layer of paper. At the end, the winner is the person who opens the final layer of paper and finds the prize inside. Another game consists of everyone again sitting in a circle, and one person has a Post-It note stuck to his or her head, on which is written the name of a person, well-known, living or dead. Of course, the person who has the Post-It note doesn't know the name of that person, and the rest of the group has to answer questions regarding that person, and he/she who has the Post-It note has to try and guess. 

Then we had food! There was a table ladened with food: sandwiches, sausage rolls, mince pies, crisps and a good deal more! Everyone stacked up their plates, and we sat and ate.

People began to leave, and I went home in my car. By now it was getting dark and I don 't enjoy driving with lights.

November Sun

 Thursday. 12.35 p.m. The weather is terrible today. It's raining heavily, and it's overcast.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

We had our weekly Life Group at the Oaktree Centre this morning, but there were only 4 of us there. We had a long conversation about memories of Christmases, instead of the usual Bible study.

Friday. 9.25 a.m. I have washing in the dryer, and I'm waiting for it to finish.

It is brighter on the weather front. There is a weak sun, and at least it's not raining or a howling wind.

The digital thermometer currently reads 20ºc.

12.55 p.m. I had a Christmas card I wanted to post, to my brother, Andrew. I waited until my washing was dried and put away, and drove to the Post Office in the One Stop shop in Coffee Hall. I had gone on line to check my bank account, because I wanted to go on to Sainsbury's after I'd dealt with the card.l Unfortunately, when I got to One Stop, I then discovered that the Post Office counter within the store had gone, and I had to buy a book of stamps for around £6, took one and stuck it on the envelope which contained the Christmas card and then posted it in the post box outside the store. I then had to return to Dexter House to pick up my bank card and then drive on to Sainsbury's. Meanwhile, I had to contend with roadworks as it would appear that the Council was doing resurfacing work at the roundabout, which I had to cross to get to Sainsbury's and negotiate a lot of orange traffic cones, and it wasn't totally clear where you were supposed to drive.

Saturday. 7.50 a.m. Yesterday I took delivery of an SD card for my Osmo Pocket 3, which I had ordered from Amazon. These things are tiny, no bigger than the nail of your little finger. In fact, I think it's a good deal smaller. It is quite difficult to remove it from the packaging. You have to cut through the card which houses the thing and then attack the plastic which holds it in place. You need scissors to cut through everything and be careful to not damage the actual SD card. Once removed from it's prison, I had to remove the current SD card from the camera and replace it with the new one. Then, initialise it to make sure it will work correctly. This done, I had to remove it and at this point, it is quite difficult, as the thing is kept in place with a strong spring, which only managed to make the SD card shoot out of the housing and disappear somewhere in the area around my chair. I began to hunt frantically for it, and decided that it was totally lost. Which annoyed me, as the thing costs £30. So I ordered a second one on Amazon. It was whilst resting on my bed, that I thought it might be a good idea to look inside my armchair, by lifting the seat cushion, and, there was the missing SD card, which I put in the camera case. I will have to be a little more careful when dealing with the SD cards in the Osmo Pocket 3.

First Catch Your Dog!

 Saturday. 7.35 a.m. Alfie did his hiding act, so I had breakfast first, and then he made an appearance, so I gathered him up and we went out.

As I write this, the sun is out. The digital thermometer currently reads 23ºC.

11.40 p.m. We had the monthly Men's Breakfast at The Oaktree Centre, which started at 9a.m. There were a good many people there and a few relatively new faces, which was good. I mentioned needing help to plant some of the daffodil bulbs, and someone has agreed to assist. We are scheduled to do some of this planting on Thursday afternoon.

1.50 p.m. I'm currently in the middle of making tomato soup in the soup maker. It should take around 15 minutes to finish. If it comes out as well as the chicken soup, I shall be more than pleased.

Sunday. 4.30 p.m. The tomato soup came out better than I could have expected. Some of it has been frozen, and I can defrost it when I want some soup, probably when the weather becomes colder.

I took Alfie out into the community garden, but we didn't stay in there long, as it was raining, and it's still raining as I write this.

Currently, the digital thermometer reads 24ºC.

Monday. 8.25 a.m. It's sunny and bright, but there's a gusty wind blowing. I have a feeling we're in for rain sometime today.

As I write this, Alfie has not been out since he's under the bed, and it's impossible to get hold of him

The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºC.

12.50 p.m. Alfie did eventually appear from under the bed, and I scooped him up and took him out to the garden.

The wind continued . . .

Tuesday. 10.05 a.m. It's a bright but not particularly sunny morning. At least the wind has finished howling around the place.

The digital thermometer currently reads 25ºC. 

Alfie slept on his bed next to mine last night, so it was easy enough to pick him up and take him out.

Deep and Crisp and . . . It's gone!

 Tuesday. 7.35 a.m. I was somewhat shocked, when I opened the curtains this morning, to discover snow, not just fluffy bits falling from the sky, but covering the road and the garden outside. My car, which I can see from the window, was covered in a fairly thick blanket. I thought it only fair to find Alfie's Regatta jacket and put it on him before we went out, and I put on my hooded jacket. I don't think he appreciated the cold when we eventually left the building. As I write this, it continues to snow, and it doesn't appear to be stopping. I don't ever remember snow this early in the winter.

Thursday. 8.15 a.m. As I said in the above post, the snow came and went just as quickly. This morning we again have snow, but it's left a rather thin layer of the white stuff on the grass in the garden.

Yesterday morning I was about to drive to the Oaktree Centre, but had to spend around 10 minutes scraping ice off the car's windows. I have antifreeze spray, which I had the foresight to buy in Sainsbury's a few weeks ago, so I shall use that in future.

Saturday. 7.10 a.m. This morning there's rain and it's a good deal colder. I have just been watching BBC Breakfast, and there's a weather warning in place. Storm Bert is on the way. There's snow falling in the north of England, and it looks as if Scotland will be covered in the white stuff.

Sunday. 6.30 a.m. I awoke, due to needing the loo. I could hear the wind howling around the building. There was no way I could get back to sleep, so I decided to go online. I have a new family research site membership, My Heritage. It has more details of people as well as pictures, so I can at least see what some of my ancestors looked like. The new fibre broadband is working well.

Wednesday. 1.05 p.m. I have now got a second online genealogy subscription with something called MyHeritage. I have got back 40 generations, which is amazing. I have uploaded the Gedcom file from Ancestry which makes things easier and quicker and I have many new people on my family tree. I have one of Henry VII Is wives in my tree, Catherine Parr. 

A really typical November day. I went to Sainsbury's earlier and couldn't believe how dark it seemed. It has turned really cold and wet, and we have yet another storm coming in and Milton Keynes is on flood alert. This one is called 'Storm Connal'. Apparently, the name was given by the Dutch Met service.

Thursday. 8.00 a.m. Cold and frosty this morning when I took Alfie out. I reckon the car will need defrosting when I go out later. I have a new bottle of antifreeze spray ready, which I got in Sainsbury's a few weeks ago.

Jolly, Jolly Good!

Saturday. 1.05 p.m. We had our monthly men's breakfast at the Oaktree Centre this morning. I had intended to go to Aldi at West Croft, but when I came out of the Oaktree Centre and got to the junction onto Chaffron Way, there was so much traffic that I decided to turn left towards the centre of Milton Keynes and go to Sainsbury's to get a replacement for the joint of beef I had to return yesterday because it was around three months past it's 'best before' date. I went to pay and went into one of the areas with self-service tills inside and scanned and paid, and then this woman came up to me, a member of Sainsbury's staff, asked me if I had used a scanner, and I said no, but I couldn't get the app to work on my iPhone and she responded by telling me if I had a Nectar card I could use one of the hand-held scanners for the job and, in effect, I should use that particular self-service tell because it was meant for those who scanned with a hand-held scanner. A real sense of being well and truly told off, so I'm sure I won't forget it in a hurry.

Sunday. 7.20 a.m. Bright and sunny start of Sunday. That's all I have to say today.

Monday. 8.30 a.m. I wasn't sure whether it had been raining overnight, because I looked out of the kitchen window I couldn't be definite because I couldn't see signs of the path across the garden being wet, but when I went out with Alfie, there was a sort of drizzle, but, as I write this, it's bright and sunny. 

The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

3.20 p.m. It's still sunny, but there is quite a strong wind.

Thursday. 6.35 a.m. Another seemingly bright and sunny day. The digital thermometer currently reads 23ºc. 

I don't know whether I have mentioned this, but, when I had the recent blood test done at Central Milton Keynes Medical Centre, it was found that I had a high level of sugar in my blood. As a result, it had been suggested I take part in a course to help reduce my chances of becoming diabetic, so I have made an appointment to start the course, and then I had a telephone assessment done on Monday afternoon.

Friday. 7.40 a.m. Washing day again. The excitement is overwhelming! Everything in the machine and it's doing its job. So that will be done in around 50 minutes or so.

A bright and sunny morning. The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

I'm currently reading a book entitled 'Churchill's Most Secret Airfield: R.A.F. Tempsford,' written by Bernard O'Connor. I only discovered this airfield from looking at Google Maps and seeing it identified. It's interesting what you find when you look at Google Maps. I lived around 15 miles away from this site, living in Cardington and Cople, as well as having a job in Everton as a support worker in a residential home for people with learning disabilities, which was only a mile or so away from this site. Like a lot of these places which were used during the Second World War, and in particular, Bletchley Park, which isn't far from where I now live in Milton Keynes, they were kept secret and have only until recently been revealed to be a major part of the war effort and many of those who worked there have only very come forward to tell of the secret work done there.  R.A.F. Tempsford was used as a base for agents of the S.O.E. (Special Operations Executive), who were flown into enemy territory in occupied France and other countries, and then parachuted in to engage with the resistance to cause havoc to Nazi defences and help bring about the liberation of France. The book is excellent, but it is printed in a minuscule type, which makes it quite difficult to read.

Saturday. 8.30 a.m. It's bright and sunny. Yippee! The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

11.45 a.m. I've been to Sainsbury's. I went a good deal earlier because it's Saturday. As I went out to the car, there was a light rain, but nothing to worry about. I know that Alfie won't like it, as he doesn't appreciate getting wet. So much for saying it was bright and sunny. Just typical British weather.

Ups and Downs

 Wednesday. 7.45 a.m. Here I am, up bright and early. I don't actually know whether I'm feeling bright, whatever that means, but definitely early. I've taken Alfie out, and he's now fast asleep in his bed, which is in front of the window and next to the television unit. I've washed up, sorted the recycling, which goes into three bags, and taken it to the bin room. I think you call it that, anyway, the unit into which your rubbish goes. 

10.10 a.m. I had to go to Sainsbury's. Alfie needed his mixer, which goes in his bowl, and then I put a pouch of food on top. He then has something to nibble throughout the day if he feels hungry. There was more I needed, just to top up, so I shouldn't need to go again until next week

Thursday. 1.35 p.m. I went to the Thursday morning Bible study, which begins at 10.00 a.m. Before I got there, I went to Boots at Westcroft, which is a short distance from the Oaktree Centre. I wanted something to relieve the horrible cough I have had to endure for quite a while now. When it starts up, which it does frequently, it's difficult to stop. A lot of phlegm at the back of my throat seems to be what causes it, so I mentioned this to the doctor when I had my appointment last Tuesday, and she suggested I go to a pharmacy and check with the pharmacist there, so I could have a suitable cough mixture. She also listened to my chest, but could not find anything that might suggest it was caused by an infection. Which was a relief. So, in Boots, I was recommended Benylin non-drowsy. So, I have started taking it, every four hours. I have had another unpleasant coughing fit, so I can't say exactly whether it's working, but here's hoping.

Friday. 6.20 a.m. It's another bright and mild morning. The sun has been up for quite a while, and it's attempting to shine. At least it's not raining!

I took a dose of Benylin at around 8 p.m. yesterday, and it appeared to ease the cough, although I did get a coughing fit during the night, and I'm due to take another dose at about 7.30. You are supposed to take it every four hours.

1.50 p.m. It's surprisingly sunny this afternoon. I took Alfie a few minutes ago, and I didn't put a jacket on.!

I am reading a book at the moment, written by Ruth Goodman. It's called 'How To Be A Victorian', and covers how the Victorians lived, how they dressed, ate, and far more. She bases a great deal of what she writes about on her own experience, and, having seen many of her television programmes, including 'The  Tudor Farm' and the 'Victorian Farm', as well as a pharmacy seen over several eras, she does what I would term 'learning by doing.' Many archaeologists use a similar method to find out how certain functions were managed throughout history. Again, learning by doing. It's interesting because it's how ordinary people live. Most history is about those in power, kings, emperors, and Prime Ministers, so to learn how those lower down the pecking order lived is in some ways far more interesting to me.

Saturday. 9.40 a.m. Another unpleasant coughing fit, but I think the Benylin is beginning to have an effect. The phlegm is loosening. 

I finished watching 'Ripley' on Netflix. It has been a real treat, lots of twists and turns with the plot and I hope the next novel in the Patricia Highsmith series of novels, which feature Tom Ripley, gets made. Such an interesting and multi-faceted character.  I have watched a video on YouTube, which explains the ending of this series (I won't mention too much of the content here, as it would give away the plot.), but it also provides a critique of the production, symbolism etc, which makes viewing more interesting.

Wild, Wet and Windy

 Friday. 8.50 a.m. St David's Day. I'm not Welsh, so it doesn't mean much to me. In England we do have St George's Day, but the English don't make much effort to celebrate the patrol saint's day. They do have a special St Georges's Day at Wrest Park, the English Heritage-managed garden and house, which is around halfway between Bedford and Luton.

It's a very wild and windy morning, with rain falling. Not a pleasant sort of day, and Alfie won't like it when I take him out.

10.20 a.m. It's bright and sunny as I write this. Just shows how quickly the weather changes in England!

Saturday. 8.25 a.m. I'm really saddened to hear of the death of Dave Myers, one half of the 'Hairy Biker's' chefs team. With his partner, Si King, they had a fresh approach to the idea of the male chef. Chefs have had a reputation, mostly begun probably by the likes of Gordon Ramsay, what I call 'all mouth and trousers,' shouting at his kitchen staff and using bad language. The 'Hairy Bikers' riding around on high-powered motorbikes, were far more gentle. Strange to think that they started out as make-up experts, working in television, but I have no idea how they managed to get into cooking.

I think their success was that you could identify with them. They weren't like many so-called 'celebrity chefs.' Nothing fancy about them. You got two blokes who rode motorbikes and were good at cooking and what they cooked wasn't fancy.

I've been into Sainsbury's this morning. The travelator is still being repaired (at least the down one is.) I'm still struggling to find things I buy regularly. Why this urge to move stuff around? I reckon it's to annoy their customers. The latest item to go missing is pâté. It has been in the same place for years and now I can't find it. I've wandered up and down the aisles, but I can't find it. Crazy.

I had an appointment at Central Milton Keynes Medical Centre at 11.20 this morning. It was to have a Shingles vaccine. I didn't know about this until I had my appointment the other day with the nurse who did my blood pressure. You can get it if you've had chickenpox and the virus remains dormant in your body, and you can get it once you get to around 65-70. As it can become quite painful if you get it, it seemed a good idea to have the vaccine. It is given in two doses, and you need the second one about six months after the first, and you're not fully protected until you get the second dose.

Sunday. 5.30 a.m. Yes, it is probably rather early to be writing this, but so what? 

I haven't had a violent reaction to yesterday's shingles vaccination, except a slight pain in my left arm, at the site where the needle went in. It made sleeping uncomfortable on that side, but it has gone done considerably.

7.10 a.m. Looking out of the window, it looks foggy.

Covid Causing Havoc

 Monday. 9.15 a.m. I have done a second covid test, and it's positive, which means that Camphill is definitely out tomorrow as well as Monday Club at the Oaktree Centre. I was convinced that it would be negative, as some of the symptoms have reduced, but I still have a temperature.

12.00 p.m. I have now been told I should have done my test tomorrow and not today! If I need to do further tests, I will have to buy them. I can go out and don't really need to isolate, but I definitely can't go to Camphill and won't be going to Monday Club this afternoon at the Oaktree Centre. Well, this doesn't make a lot of sense to me, because I wouldn't want to infect others and certainly not a vulnerable group, such as the residents at Camphill.

Tuesday. 5.40 a.m. I'm not feeling quite as bad as when this covid thing first struck. My temperature has more or less fallen to normal levels, but, as I don't have a thermometer, I can't say for certain what it is currently. But I still have brain fog and doing things seems to take forever. 

Wednesday. 5.15 a.m. I've been out with Alfie. It seems quite mild and somewhat overcast. Nothing else to report at the moment.

1.25 p.m. I've booked my car to have the work done on one of the rear breaks, which bind, according to the report which was done when it was given its MoT three weeks ago. It's going to be done a week tomorrow (3rd August.) 

I bought a covid test kit from the branch of Boots next to Central Milton Keynes Medical Centre. It is easier to go there as you can park directly outside. I have now done a test, and it was negative, which is good news.

Thursday. 7.40 a.m. I may have tested negative for covid, but I feel downright awful. In some pain in my lower back and as a result, it took me considerably longer than normal to get dressed, so I could take Alfie out. I have now taken paracetamol and will just stay in the flat and see how this develops. I will take paracetamol every four hours as recommended.

Friday. 7.30 a.m. Another day. Been out with Alfie as usual and we walked around Oldbrook Green. A couple of dogs were being walked at the same time, but no communication, although I reckon Alfie might have liked to say hello to them.

Don't Rain On My Parade!

Sunday. 5.20 a.m. Yet another song from a musical used as a blog post title. It comes from 'Funny Girl', and the central part of Fanny Brice played by Barbra Streisand. I don't think Fanny Brice was as well known on this side of the Atlantic as she would have been in America. 

2.00 p.m. For the past couple of weeks I have had to endure the most unpleasant itching (I know, it's not something to have to mention, but there it is.) It's on my back and nothing much will relieve it. I was searching in my medication's drawer, when I realized that I had some Piriton, which is for the relief of hay fever. On reading the packet, it mentioned skin irritations and allergies. I wasn't sure if what I had was an allergy. I don't usually suffer from hay fever, but I thought I would take a tablet to see if it would work and, hopefully, bring some relief. So, I took one and then, after a couple of hours, I had the side effect, which they mention on the packet; it made me feel drowsy. It also states, if that happened, to not drive or operate machinery. Which is why I didn't go to church this morning. It does seem to have relieved the symptoms, so I will keep on with it today, with one more tablet, and then leave it for the next couple of days.

5.30 p.m. I've mentioned the George Foreman grill I have, and the fact that, when I have used it, the smoke and steam it produces sets off the fire alarms within Dexter House. I have waited for the best part of a year to have an extractor fan installed in the kitchen window, which is now up and running. So, this evening I was going to use the grill to cook pork chops. All is well and good. Everything went according to plan, but then. . .  The fire alarms went off! I had the fan on full, so I assumed that the steam and smoke would be taken out, but it didn't seem to make any difference. Which meant I had to experience the total embarrassment of having a fire engine arrive outside and having firemen knocking on my door and having to explain what had happened. I  hadn't set anything on fire, no burnt toast, just attempting to live my life. I don't know what to do next. It's such a good gadget and cooks chops quickly and effortlessly.

Monday. 8.50 a.m. I didn't get up quite so early this morning, which means I wasn't out with Alfie as early as I have for the past few weeks.

It's bright and sunny as I write this and the digital thermometer reads 23ºC, so a good deal more comfortable and better for sleeping. In fact, I seem to be sleeping a good deal better than of late.

The skin irritation seems to have gone. Well, not entirely, but I'm not going to take the Piriton if it means I feel drowsy and can't drive. I'll just have to see how it improves or not.

3.45 p.m. I went to Sainsbury's and looked in the healthcare section for non-drowsy hay fever medication, but I couldn't find exactly what I wanted. But as I was driving into Sainsbury's car park, it occurred to me that the small Boots the Chemist branch near my doctor's surgery in Bradwell Boulevard might be a better place to find this sort of medication, so, having finished in Sainsbury's, I drove there and got exactly what I needed. I took one of the tablets (it's a one-a-day medication) and as far as I can tell, I don't feel drowsy.

I've just got back from the Monday Club session at the Oaktree Centre. Good conversation, cake and tea for all.

Currently, the digital thermometer reads 25ºC. 

All Is Fair In Love and War

 Thursday. 1.15 p.m. Last evening, the men's breakfast group had a curry night at the Nut and Squirrel pub in Westcroft. It's actually right next to the Morrison's supermarket. I wasn't sure where I could park before going, so I went on Google Maps and discovered the pub had its own car park. 

I went inside the pub, expecting to find some sort of reception, but there wasn't one. I waited for about ten minutes and then one of the 'regular' men's breakfast members turned up, followed by Richard, who is one of the people who lead the group. He spoke to a member of staff, and then they discovered that there was no record of the booking on their computer system. I think it was the manager of the pub. He said they had had problems with their fryers or something and there was the possibility that we weren't going to have our curry. But, eventually, the manager said that they would be able to provide our curries. We went through to the dining room where there were several tables we could sit at, but, unfortunately, not able to push them together to make a larger table. We had to wait quite a while before a waitress came and took our drinks orders and, soon, our food. Actually, a pleasant way to spend an evening, but not the number of people who usually come to men's breakfasts.

6.24. p.m. I went to help set up the Acorn's playgroup as I usually do on a Thursday morning and also, take part in a Bible study. When I came out and was in the café area, I was informed that there was some news for me. It was about finding someone to look after Alfie when, or if, I got to Worcester. As you may or may not be aware, this has caused quite a few headaches because it's not really a good idea to take Alfie as he doesn't settle at Chloe and Steve's. He barks continuously and can't cope with my grandchildren. So I have had to stay in Milton Keynes at Christmas. This situation would be resolved if I could find someone to have him stay, who is dog friendly and Alfie is settled with them. This lady lives in Shenley Brook End (not far from The Oaktree Centre, in fact.) and came to church on Sunday because we had someone preaching who did a presentation on The Persecuted Church and the work of Open Doors ministry. It just happened that my name came up during all this and that I needed someone to care for Alfie. I was given this lady's phone number, and I'm going to visit her on Sunday afternoon with Alfie and see how he gets on with her, and vice versa. Let's hope it goes well, so I can have a long weekend with Steve, Chloe and the grandchildren.

Friday. 5.20 a.m. So, once again, I'm wide awake and writing this blog post. I was out with Alfie at around 4.45. It's another bright and pleasant morning. The digital thermometer currently reads 24ºC. The windows are open and the electric fan in the lounge has been on all night.

2.50 p.m. The thermometer currently reads 27ºC. 

Saturday. 5.25 a.m. I have taken a rather reluctant Alfie out, and we did our usual circuit of Oldbrook Green.

I'm intrigued by how the grass has been cut on Oldbrook Green. It looks far shorter cut and the loose-cut grass has been removed, making it look like a traditional cricket ground (is it pitch? I'm not sure. Not a cricket fan.) A lot of crows strutting about the further side, looking like military types, with their arms behind their backs, inspecting the troops.

Last evening we had another quiz night at the Oaktree Centre. My team didn't do particularly well. I think there were far more teams involved than the last quiz night.

The digital thermometer currently reads 24ºC. I really hope it doesn't get any warmer.

11.45 a.m. The digital thermometer is currently reading 26ºC. Please, don't get any hotter.

6.30 p.m. Not a great deal happening today. The heat has put me off. I was going to do some more videoing, but I decided against it.

The temperature recorded on the digital thermometer is currently 29ºC.

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. 

Hap, Hap, Happy Day!?

Tuesday. 5.55 a.m. Alfie and I were out on the grass alongside Strudwick Drive at 5.15 this morning. It was light outside, and I was wide awake, so it seemed a good idea to be up and about. No good lounging about in bed.

I had an email from Sky, regarding my broadband contract, which was about to end at the end of June. My monthly charge was to increase to £45, and I wanted to speak to someone regarding this. I have been a customer of Sky Broadband for nine years. I rang the helpline and the operator spent time searching for a cheaper deal and I have got a reduction, it will now be £29 a month, with exactly the same download speeds as well as the landline phone, which I was prepared to drop, but as it's part of the deal, it will remain. The contract is for 18 months. I was concerned that if I moved to another provider, it would likely cause problems, for example, having to reset passwords and generally learning to negotiate the setting up of a new router etc. As the saying goes, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.'

6.25 p.m. A hectic but productive day at Camphill today. The day was very different compared to other days I've had there, principally because we had a group of pupils from Shenley Brook End Upper School (which is next door to the Oaktree Centre.) They arrived at around 9.30. Terrie had set up some games to play, which the theatre workshop team knew well.  Some of the pupils were not comfortable with the games they were expected to join. I imagine it was because they were at the age when such games would not interest them or it was embarrassing in front of their peers. They were given a tour of the theatre and after around an hour and a half they left, and we had a late tea break.

It was soon lunch break and then afterwards we got on with finishing off the plot line for our silent film. We discussed locations, and it may be easier, in the long run, to do our time-travelling film within the theatre and construct sets out of cardboard and even use 'blue' or 'green screen' to achieve some of the backgrounds. We then did a tentative rehearsal of what we had. It's not like a play, done live, obviously. Each scene will be filmed separately and editing will create the 'flow' of the piece, so any rehearsal can only give a vague idea of what the whole thing will be like, once it has the intertitles, that's the graphics which will display the various elements that the 'silent' actors speak, set the scene for the audience and other pieces of graphics, including the opening titles and of course 'The End.' 

Wednesday. 10.50 a.m. I need a suit for my part in the silent film we're creating at Camphill in the theatre workshop. I have tried on jackets in the wardrobe department but nothing fit me, so the alternative was to try several charity shops in Stony Stratford. I had the presence of mind to look on Google Maps (such a useful resource) and saw there were several in the High Street, one, Oxfam, and another Red Cross. I drove there this morning and went into the Red Cross shop and found a suit jacket that more or less fits, but no matching trousers which fit. I purchased the jacket, at £6.50, not a lot to pay, and I will have to see if they have trousers in the wardrobe store in the Chrysalis Theatre next time I'm there. Or, I think I may have some black chinos which might do, at a stretch.

Driving to Stony, I got a message coming up on the digital display on the car's dashboard, informing me that the key battery was running low. Without the key, which locks and unlocks the car's doors, there might be a problem further down the line, so on the way back to Dexter House I went to Halfords and got a new batter fitted. No point in leaving it until there is a problem.