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.

All Things, Bright and Beautiful

 Monday. 7.45 a.m. I was awake early and it was getting light, so I took out Alfie, who was more or less asleep when I went to get him. We did a circuit of Oldbrook Green and found it was relatively mild. I'm not entirely sure whether it had rained in the night. There was a red sky in the east (presume it's the east. Yes, it must be. Where the sun rises.) They always say 'red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning, so perhaps we're in for bad weather. Do shepherds know things about the weather that most people don't know? Why shepherds, in particular? How about fishermen? Farmers? Anyway, those who spend much of their time outside, in all conditions and weathers?

1.10 p.m. As I write this, the fire alarms within Dexter House are going off. It's been like this for around 45 minutes. It's got to the stage where the noise, which is so loud, actually hurts my ears. It's giving me a splitting headache. The whole alarm system is faulty and if there was a genuine fire situation, I don't think anyone would take any notice. I just hope it stops soon. I have been in the bedroom with the door closed, which cuts the noise to some extent, but not completely. Alfie can't stand it and I imagine it is unpleasant for dogs, who hear at a higher frequency than humans. He is currently on the sofa and his ears are pointing backwards, which suggests he is finding it uncomfortable.

Tuesday. 6.25 a.m. I went to the first over-60's afternoon meet-up at The Oaktree Centre yesterday afternoon, called, very appropriately, The Monday Club. There had been something similar before the pandemic, but it had to be postponed, for obvious reasons.  Plenty of tea and cakes for everyone! The lady who made most of them did a great job. A chance to have a chat with people and quite a few new faces. Such a good idea and a chance to get out of my flat, which can become very isolating.

When I returned home after the Monday Club, fortunately, the fire alarm had finished making its unpleasant din. Just as well, as it really hurts my ears and gives me a headache.

I've been out with Alfie, although he was fast asleep on my bed at the point I was ready to take him out.

As we approached the intersection on the path with the Redway which crosses Strudwick Drive earlier, an individual came shooting past on an electric scooter. If I had been a couple of steps further forward, he would have crashed into me. No effort to slow down and check if anyone is approaching. He just shot off over the road and went to the bus stop next to The Cricketers public house.

4.35 p.m. I have just got home from Camphill, working in the performance arts workshop in the Chrysalis Theatre. On my way out of Oldbrook along Strudwick Drive and onto Chaffron Way, I came up behind a couple of cars, waiting to turn. One car was ahead of me, as another car had moved onto Chaffron Way. The driver was attempting to turn right, which was going to be fairly time con suming, because the traffic was fairly heavy. She (the driver) was blocking my view and she began to inch forward. It was a very narrow escape she has, because if she'd moved onto the carriageway, she would have had a rather unpleasant accident. The junctions seem to be responsible for many such accidents. It would be far easier for the driver to turn left, go to the next roundabout and then double back onto Chaffron Way. Easier and a good deal safer.

Mild And Sunny

Wednesday. 7.10 a.m. It's a bright and sunny morning as I write this, but, when I took Alfie out, around 6 o'clock, I discovered a light frost on the grass. We walked around Oldbrook Green and saw a van draw up at the bus shelter near 'The Cricketer's' pub the driver get out and sprayed anti-freeze spray on the windscreen and then attempt to scrape it off. I was thinking, as I saw this, why he hadn't done this before he'd started the journey and therefore driving with so much ice on his windscreen.

3.40 p.m. I'm continuing with the writing project. I got so far with the changes I've made so that I can introduce a new character, but I gave it a break as I work out the next stage of the plotting, which is perhaps the most challenging part of writing. The actual hard graft of writing is relatively easy. It's the structure of a piece that is difficult, working out what goes where who meets whom where and when etc.

Thursday. 6.55 a.m. I have mentioned the fact that the pharmacy which makes up my repeat prescriptions, Lloyd's within Sainsbury's store is closing, which means I have to find another pharmacy to make up the prescriptions. I wanted to use Lloyd's online system and order via their app. Several days ago I downloaded the app onto my iPad and began to set up an account, so the ordering would take place through that. All very well, and I'm happy to do that. But I didn't get the email which would mean I could input all the medication I take so that the pharmacy could make up my order. But it has now come this morning and I have spent around thirty minutes inputting everything as required. Quite fiddly, and I am now concerned that it will actually work when I need to order. As I have been using the tried and tested method of ordering my meds for around 15 years, about from the time I married Carol, all this change is a trifle unsettling until it has settled in and working successfully.

1.20 p.m. I've been to The Oaktree Centre to help with setting up the playgroup. I was more than a little bit surprised that Chaffron Way was more or less devoid of the usual gridlock I normally have to endure. It transpired, having spoken to people at The Oaktree Centre, about this lack of gridlock that it was most likely because school teachers are on strike today. If that's the case, is it possible that almost all of that traffic would have been parents taking their children to school? Seems crazy. Can't the majority of them either walk or go by bicycle? Ferrying children about is crazy. They should learn to be more self-reliant. I used to cycle to school and it never hurt me. In fact, I quite liked the idea of being independent.

Friday. 7.20 a.m.  Another relatively mild morning on the weather front.

I was out with Alfie at around 5.50 this morning. Immediately outside on the pavement alongside Strudwick Drive there were two electric scooters, the type seen being ridden around Milton Keynes. They were there yesterday morning at the same time. It seems crazy to have them left like this and in the middle of the path which would get in the way of anyone either pushing a child in a buggy or someone in an electric scooter, such as those used by tenants at Dexter House. I assume, if you use one of these devices, you set up an account on your tablet or mobile, by downloading an app, and then, when you want to use one, you 'unlock' one using a pin or something and then ride off and then leave it at your point of arrival. I have seen the staff of the company who run these electric scooters come out and retrieve them, no doubt finding them because they have some sort of connection to GPS technology which would show where they are situated on a tablet, laptop or mobile device of some sort. It just seems crazy to me to have these scooters left in such problematic places which might be in the way of other users of the road, path or whatever and especially those with sight problems who might crash into them totally unaware they are in their way.

Barbarians At The Gates!

 Tuesday.11.50 a.m. Today is the 16th anniversary of my first heart attack in 2006. Probably not something I am going to forget, and most of the details are permanently etched on my mind, as you might imagine.

At last! The workmen have arrived and are currently tearing out the old door. Generally vandalizing the whole entrance to the flat. Never mind, it won't take long. I have had to keep Alfie and myself firmly inprisoned in the lounge, with the door closed. Alfie is currently watching the goings-on with interest, but I prefer it that way, because if he gets out, goodness knows what he would do. I think it's because he likes his routine and doesn't like change.

2.45 p.m. The door is in place. They have done the surrounds, including a glass panel. A good deal narrower than the old window. Now all that remains is a lock and catch, and thankfully it will be completely finished very soon.

4.20 p.m. The door is finished! All the sawdust and rubbish has gone. I was given a demonstration of the lock. They have to replace the glass in the side window, which has a rather nasty crack in it, but apart from that, it's done and definitely better than the old door. The workman is coming back to oil the surrounds of the door because it's raw timber and hasn't been painted and oil will preserve the timber and change the colour somewhat.

Wednesday. 6.25 a.m. It's a bright and sunny morning and we've been out as usual. Good start to the day.

I emailed Camphill yesterday, asking whether they still have to use face masks. I got a response, yes, at the moment, they are following current guidelines, but they may stop using them soon. I hope so because I miss going there, and I had built up such good relationships with the guys and gals. Not only that, but I just can't work for around 6 hours with a face covering on as it's unpleasant, makes my face hot, and you can't communicate properly. I'll just have to wait for the clearance before I can return. Just have to wait and see.

10.10 a.m. Some kindly soul has very thoughtfully broken some glass along the path Alfie and I traverse as we approach the crossing onto Oldbrook Green. I mention this ironically because broken glass is dangerous to both humans and dogs. I have avoided it several times as we've gone back and forth along this stretch of path, so I have avoided it by walking along the grass. But this morning I decided to clear it up and took out my broom, dustpan and brush and a box and spent some time sweeping it up. I managed to collect most of it, but there are still very small shards of glass left, unfortunately, because some of it is very difficult to see and these tiny pieces are the ones that can cause the most damage, probably causing punctures to the tyres of bicycles and could cause real problems if they got into the paws of a dog who walks past. I think, but I'm not entirely sure, but I think this glass came originally from The Cricketers' pub which is over the road directly opposite where the broken glass was. I'm not blaming the publican or any of the staff, but possibly some customers came out with bottles of alcohol and drank it outside and then these bottles got broken when they smashed on the paving slabs which make up the path. They could at least have spent time and effort clearing it up, which wouldn't have taken them long. Just shows the selfishness of some people, who obviously don't think their actions have any consequences, such as puncturing bicycle tyres or injuring a dog.

2.45 p.n. Great as it is to have the front door of my flat replaced (and it is better generally.), I am finding it frustrating entering and leaving because the lock is such that you have to turn the key in different directions before it will open the door. It's not logical, to my way of thinking. I am confident that I will eventually get used to it, but it is incredibly annoying.

An Ordinary Week

Wednesday. 6.45 a.m. It's relatively still and quiet on the weather front at the moment. Not a great deal to report, so I'll leave it there until I have more to discuss.

As I reported in yesterday's blog post, I went to Sainsbury's to collect a repeat prescription from Lloyd's pharmacy within the store. I was handed two bags containing the medication and did my shopping around the store and then went to pay using a self-service till. I paid and then went to load everything into my car in the car park below the store. Not only that, but I unloaded it all on return to my flat and then discovered that part of the repeat prescription order was missing. I had only one of the two bags with me. I hunted all over the place for it, including in the back of the car. Likewise, I distinctly remembered putting it in one of my 'bags for life' when I was at the self-service till. But no sign of it anywhere. I looked at the app which I use to order my repeat prescriptions, and it was clear on there that I had ordered all the medications I needed, always done on time before they run out. There was nothing for it but to ring the pharmacy, which I did after 9 o'clock this morning, to be told they had it. I had unfortunately left it by the self-service till. But at least it had been retrieved by Sainsbury's staff and taken to Lloyd's pharmacy. Now been to collect it with some further items for lunch and now panic over. Just shows that a slip of concentration can lead to such problems, but, thinking about it now, it wasn't really a problem at all.

There was a ginormous great big grey concrete mixing lorry parked in Strudwick Drive, opposite The Cricketers pub when I took Alfie out at around 1.15 this afternoon. One of the workmen involved in the construction of the scooter sheds was ferrying wet concrete from the lorry and into the community garden and pouring it into what will be the foundations for these sheds. More time and effort it seems to be spent in the construction of these than the ancient Egyptians spent on building the pyramids!

Thursday. 6.20 a.m. There is a pad of drying cement where these exciting scooter sheds are to be constructed (do you sense a slightly ironic tone to my words? I can't in all honesty think of them as EXCITING!) I am tempted to put my foot on it and so be immortalized in concrete. Note: Is it concrete when it's set and cement when it's in its liquid state or is it the other way round? All answers on a postcard please . . .) 

I had another strange dream last night. Well, most dreams are strange in some way or another. I have mentioned that I've been doing family history research and got back around 12 generations. The dream was about me going to New Zealand to meet some of my relations (I don't know how many times removed as I'm not good at that sort of thing.) But so realistic and almost like I had gone there. Talking about fish and chips amongst other things. But, in reality, I wouldn't have been able to go there at the moment, because, watching BBC Breakfast this morning, they've closed their borders to incoming flights due to the pandemic.

Friday. 6.25 a.m. The week is virtually over. Things are very much the same as they were at the beginning of the week. I'm attempting to increase how far I walk and get my number of steps to increase. I went out with Alfie as usual and we did a complete circuit of Oldbrook Green. I may have to do two circuits instead of one to get to the target. All this is recorded by my FitBit, which I have set up correctly.

'They Think It's All Over'?

Thursday. 6.50 a.m. I wasn't aware of the euphoria of England getting through to the final of the Euro 2021 football championship last night. I have no interest in football, as you will realize, but even so, it has to be quite an historic achievement, comparable to the 1966 World Cup win (although England hasn't won- yet.) So, the infamous quote by Kenneth Wolstenholme, 'They think it's all over . . . ' seems appropriate, although not . . . quite. Watch this space. I heard no crowds cheering, as I did the other evening, coming from the pub on the corner of Strudwick Drive and Oldbrook Boulevard, 'The Cricketers.' But, it isn't over until the final on Sunday evening . . .

I had to laugh the other day. I was walking back towards the flat with Alfie along Strudwick Drive when a youth shot past on one of those electric scooters, but he was looking at his mobile as he did so. He went to cross the road and as he did so he stopped on the island in the centre of the road and then dropped his mobile. I just thought it was just as well it didn't fall in the path of the next car or lorry which passes by as it would have been flattened. 

I sent the iPhone 7 back to Sky, having removed the apps. But I then got an email saying they couldn't credit my account until iCloud was disconnected. I really had no idea how to do this, but went on the Sky website and managed to click on what I thought was where I was supposed to, but it turned out not to be correct. Having rung Sky, after a lot of searching on the website (why bury this number? It should be in a far more prominent position.), and was told I would need to ring Apple. The same thing happened with this as I had problems finding the phone number, but eventually, I found it and got through.

I spoke to an Apple engineer how managed to talk me through the process of deactivating iCloud from the iPhone 7. Quite amazed that he could 'see' my iPad screen and direct me using the cursor, which made it considerably easier. So, problem solved and I trust that is the end of the matter. Why on earth they can't give you instructions regarding this type of thing that would make life so much easier. You always used to get an instruction manual with most things, but not with mobile phones and computers. I think they expect you to find anything from manuals to resolving issues via the internet.

Friday.7.15 a.m. It's really humid at the moment. I just hope it rains and clears the air. Not the best for me, but never mind.

My car insurance runs out at the beginning of August. I wanted to see if I could get a lower quote, so I went on several comparison websites, Compare The Market, Go Compare, and one other. I've been with Swinton for years. I pay in monthly installments and it was around £52 a month. I didn't get any extras for that, no breakdown cover or the use of a courtesy car. I did a search, putting in all my details, years of no-claims, etc and I have got what I think is a far better deal, at around £32 per month, with breakdown cover and courtesy car. I have paid a deposit and the next payment will be in August. Just seems crazy to pay more for less. Just a question of having a look for a better deal. As I'm not driving much more than a few thousand miles a year, which was taken into consideration when coming up with a quote. But it seems I get more for less, which doesn't make sense, but it's true. 

I have something called Grammarly installed on my MacBook. It isn't the full version, and it's useful to check not just my grammar but also my spelling. But I do object to it insisting I spell words the American way, for example, 'centre' for 'center.' When you've written a passage, it underlines the offending word and a window pops up and you get an alternate spelling. It's doing it now, as I save this section and it's insisting I spell centre as center. I know you don't have to agree with the alternative spelling, but it's still useful. A grammatical error it attempts to change is 'an historic' which is to change to 'a historic.' Which is correct? I wonder what my English teacher would say when I was at school.