grandadbob

Good morning all, A grey start to the day here but it's dry for now and might even brighten up later. 4°C rising to 7°C. Once again I'm slow getting going, I slept OKish but did wake up a couple of times. Another pain free night, just a bit uncomfortable on occasions. I didn't get around to removing the dressing yesterday so that will shortly be the first task of the day. Watched Grantchester last night but wish I hadn't bothered, I thought it was terrible especially the motorcycling scenes. Still haven't sorted the travel insurance, Ibettagettaroundtuit. First of the three bin lorries has done its thing, next week they will be back to their normal collection day. Another leisurely sort of day planned although I will go for a walk. Have a good one, Bob.

Evenin' each, Strange things happening here at GDB Towers as I think our doors are talking to each other. After the front door problem happened this morning The Boss was unable to lock the back door. Emergency call out was made to yours truly who deployed some tools, took the handle and lock off, couldn't find anything wrong, squirted silicone lubricant over everything, put it all back together and it's now working fine. Still waiting for the replacement bits for the front door (cost £7.98) which should arrive this evening. A locksmith would probably charge at least 100 pound note coins for all that. In other news my lottery good luck is continuing. Last week I won a total of £97 and last night I copped another £30 plus a couple of lucky dips. "One day Rodney we'll be millionaires." 😂 The Boss has just cooked a chicken pasta bake with a cheese sauce and very tasty it was too. I allowed myself a large glass of Malbec as an accompaniment. There is a small portion of jam sponge pudding and custard awaiting my attention as well. Doesn't seem to be much on TV tonight for me apart from Grantchester so I may watch that later.

Good morning all, It was frosty earlier and there are still one or two icy patches on the pavements but the sun is shining. It will cloud over this afternoon but it should remain dry and breezy. 3°C now and might reach 7°C. Late on parade although I've been up since 07.45 which is quite a bit later than usual but I was making up for Tuesday night's lack of sleep. Had quite a good night despite waking up a couple of times. No pain from the operation site which is A GOOD THING. The dressing can be removed 48 hours after the op so I can have a look at yet another scar on this old ravaged body! 😂 Not so good was Sainsbury's failing to deliver a couple of items although they charged us for them so "words of advice" have been given and a refund has been issued. A major change in shopping policy has been made here as for the next couple of weeks we are trying a different supplier because lately there have been several instances of poor service and a drop in quality of some food stuffs. Bearing in mind that The Boss has got "Sainsbury's" stamped all through her like a stick of rock after working for them for 38 years and she still gets a "veteran's discount" this represents a seismic shift. We're going for Ocado/M&S first and will see how that goes. We have had the odd order from them in the past and had no problems whatsoever. Also not so good is that the front door handle has gone all floppy and an examination has revealed the little washer and spring set inside has broken so a replacement has been ordered from Amazon so I've swallowed the extra £1.99 same day delivery charge on Prime and it should be here by 10.00 tonight. A walk to Asda has been undertaken to get the missing items and some other stuff as well and a mile and a quarter was managed without any ill effect. KBO Bob KBO. Time for another muggacoffee, Have a good one, Bob.

@The White Rabbit Just asked The Boss for her opinion and she thought it sounded a bit like a Sausage Frittata.

Evenin' each, All quiet here and Ernie is behaving back in his cage. After last night's lack of sleep I've felt a bit tired all day long. Didn't go out for a walk but lazed around and fully expected to doze off in the armchair but that didn't happen. Co-codamol taken again a couple of times just in case and that is having the usual side effects so I'm on plenty of fluids and light meals at the moment along with the the supplied mild laxative. Great. The Boss is acting as Head Nurse and carer in chief although I really don't need it but according to her if "she doesn't keep an eye on me I will end up doing something stupid that I shouldn't." That told me then. Will probably watch The Repair Shop later and then try and find something else to view and will have a small amber nightcap before going to bed, probably much earlier than I usually do.

Good morning all, Frosty start with blue sky and some sunshine here and it should stay dry today. Cold * at -1°C and might reach 5°C. * Cold for the Land of Sutt, those oop North will smile at that statement whilst those in Canada and Minnesota will laugh their heads off. No pain but I was awake all night. From 5.15 yesterday morning until 5.30 ish today the only time I slept was when I was anaesthetised. I'd planned on going to bed at 22.30 and @iL Dottore popped a couple of pills at 21.30 so they'd be taking effect just in case they were needed. Still wide awake so stayed up watching recorded rugby and the first episode of the new "Reacher" series. Went to bed at 12.50 still not feeling tired and couldn't get to sleep. I normally start off on my LH side but that was not very comfortable so had to lay on my back and that never works for me. Got up at 2.30 and headed down for a muggatea and decided to pop another couple of pills. Went back to bed at 03.00, the pills helped and after about an hour I could at least lay on my side but still couldn't get to sleep. Combination of things I think as I was using the back bedroom so as not to disturb the Boss so a different bed although I've never had a problem sleeping on it before. Multiple fluid intakes of water, tea and a coffee through the evening so the caffeine wouldn't have helped and of course (unusually for me) a couple of visits to inspect the plumbing were needed. On top of that the foxes were making a racket and next door (adjoining) are dog sitting a couple of yappy spaniels who joined in with the foxes at about 04.00. Great! Eventually dozed off a couple of times after 05.30 but woke at 07.30 as The Boss was getting up. She offered to bring me up a muggatea but I decided enough was enough and followed her downstairs. Been sitting around and (mis)typing this, drinking tea and trying to plan my day. It won't be very strenuous and as it looks slippery on the pavements I might not bother with a walk until it clears up a bit. Time to wrap myself in clingfilm and try to shower without getting the dressing wet. Have a good one, Bob. Further edit: Missing letters.

Yep Fully intend to do that pH, "always get your retaliation in first" has been something I've been doing for many a year. 😀 Not even a twinge at the moment though but I'll definitely take something before I go to bed.

I never heard my grandfathers swear either, one was a Cockney merchant seaman/docker/ railwayman and security guard, the other a soldier/sports journalist/turf accountant and chef. Never heard my Dad use more than damn, bloody or blast either, worked on the Stock Exchange/soldier (Lost half a leg, part of forearm muscles and had years of pain) /turf accountant/publican and then bookie again. If anyone should have sworn it was Dad but you could tell when he was in pain or peeved, he got very tight-lipped and anyone in the firing line would receive "The F****** (Surname not swearing) Stare. I'm told that I and my daughter Nicki still use that same stare.

Re swearing: After spending 38 years working in the building trade I've heard the lot - on an almost hourly basis. I regret to say that I still swear quite a lot when I'm peeved* but usually manage to control it in mixed company or around children. Mind you, some of the parents I've heard don't seem to bother about their kids hearing. * Unfortunately it does not take a lot to peeve a GDB! This does mean that Management frequently brandishes Yellow cards as the one thing that really irks her is bad language.

Evenin' each, Many thanks for the "supportives" and best wishes. The Wanderer has returned and Ernie (The 'Ernia) has been put back in his rightful place and enmeshed. Everything went swimmingly, got there before the appointed time of 12.00, taken up to surgical ward at 12.15 and seen by a procession of medics, Staff nurse, Sister, Anaesthetist, Surgical Doc, Consultant Surgeon and was asked for permission for a 3rd year medical student to examine me. Nottaproblem, they've got to learn somewhere. I was first on the list and anaesthetised at about 1.45ish I think. Op took an hour and once again more nurses visited me in recovery along with anaesthetist. Only there for about 25 minutes then trundled back to the ward where I had to stay until 17.00 (and after being able to pass water). Given water, tea and a sandwich and then waited until Steve collected me (and he had to sign receipt) and I was back home at 18.00. Returned home clutching Co-codamol and laxative. No pain relief needed as yet, I know they've done something but no real discomfort at all. At every stage kept informed about what was being done, when and by whom and the attention I received was IMHO second to none. Every person there was a credit to their profession. It really saddens me to read of those who have less than positive experiences with the NHS. This was my 7th bout of surgery and probably 16th or17th time (maybe a couple more , I've lost count) in a hospital bed and I've never had a problem so count myself very lucky indeed. I've now eaten again but not allowed alcohol for minimum 24 hours, can't drive for 10 days and no heavy lifting or strenuous tasks for 6-8 weeks. Can't even mow the lawn....oh hang on, drat, I've got artificial grass. Leisurely walks are allowed and positively encouraged. I can do that. Incidentally there was a guy in the opposite bed who was 66, autistic and plainly terrified. The care, attention and compassion he received from the nurses, anaesthetist and consultant was absolutely superb and they managed to calm him down. Unfortunately his procedure had to be cancelled/postponed because of some sort of problem. ( Not eavesdropping, it was impossible not to hear what was going on because of the noise he was making and people having to speak quite loudly to get him to understand). Yet another muggatea being consumed now and then I'll try to find something on TV or online to watch. Bob P.S. I ❤️ the NHS (as you might have guessed)

Well the sun is shining and my cab is due in 15 minutes so I will sign off and say farewell for now.

Like everyone else totally gobsmacked by this news. I've only been a customer since 2008 when I took up the hobby again but quite a lot of my stuff has been bought from them. Always been dealt with promptly, professionally and courteously and will really miss them. Best wishes to all the staff there for the future.

Dick, having a bit of time on my hands this morning I've just done a quick search and found this from 2015. My "forgettery" ©Chrisf makes me think it was actually at a school on the St. Helier Estate: What is interesting is the names of so many ERs at that time not visiting now especially sadly those who are no longer with us. ( Jock, Gordon, Ed Cayton, Mal, Jack Shortliner, Chrisf to name a few) Hope they're all still up there looking down on us and dodging the awl.

Good morning all and @Smiffy2 especially you Smiffy, caught any whelks lately? Certainly do remember you and we even met once at the now long time defunct show at Carshalton, was it the Wimbledon club? A dry and breezy day with some wintry sunshine forecast. 1°C rising to 4°C. Still dark as I was up at sort of silly o'clock to have some tea and toast before beginning my fast. Only sips of water allowed now until 10.00 then nothing. It's the one thing about operations I don't like, nothing else fazes me. The Boss does not want any tea until 7.15 at the earliest. I will probably be doing a lot of thumb twiddling until my cab arrives at 11.00 and may well pop back in here a couple of times. Have a good one, I hope I do. Bob.

Evenin' each, Michael from Evri delivered our parcel with his usual good humour although he did look a bit cold. Had the email from Hatton's earlier. Very sad and I feel sorry for all those involved, Great shame as I've bought a lot of stuff from them over the years, they were in fact the first people I used when I started muddling in 2008. I've just surrounded a small portion of spaghetti bolognese (although certainly not as Flavio would know it) which The Boss described as "Your Last Supper." Er, I sincerely hope not! Haven't got to fast yet but just a light breakfast before 06.00 tomorrow and will then be on sips of water only until 10.00 and then nothing until after surgery. Oh joy. At least it shouldn't be as bad as my last op (Dupuytren's Contracture) when I fasted from 22.00 for an early morning op which got delayed until about 16.45 due to a theatre and computing malfunction. Wasn't even allowed a sip of water all day as I could have been carted off to the theatre at any minute which did not make for a happy GDB. Farewell for now, I suspect I will be here quite early tomorrow.

Well we had an Amazon delivery about an hour ago, doorbell was deployed and one of our regular happy, smiley drivers waited and handed over the parcel. Evri are due to deliver in the next hour or so and if it is regular driver Michael he too will wait and hand over the parcel. Is there something in the water in The Land of Sutt?

A'noon all, I have suffered visits from the dark animal over the years, the worst being when I was at work but a change of job helped that for a while and then taking early retirement almost banished it completely. I do however occasionally still get a problem and there are two or three things that can trigger it, particularly if they occur at the same time. Touch wood things have been reasonably good for a while. On a happier note it's been a bit hectic here. Went for walk and it was bit "fresh" out but I enjoyed that. Came home and started trying to sort out the travel insurance and while I was on my mobile The Boss walked in with the landline saying the hospital needed to talk to me in a hurry. The upshot is that my tests have come back OK and I'm fit for surgery. Somebody has had an op cancelled and there's now room for me so would I like my hernia procedure tomorrow? Oh yes I would, thank you very much. A couple of calls have been made to sort out transport and I will heading for the hospital at 11.00 tomorrow. Oh and we've had a few flurries of sleet.

Good morning all, Just about light but it's very overcast. It will stay mainly cloudy with the chance of sleet or snow showers. 2°C and probably won't get any warmer. Feeling a bit lethargic so I might go for a walk after breakfast to try and blow the cobwebs away. Other than that the only plan so far is to try and sort out our travel insurance. Tea has been taken up to The Boss but she hasn't made an appearance yet. Have a good one, Bob.

My second car in 1966/67 was a 1953 A40 Somerset which I bought for IIRC £10 as it needed a lot of work doing which seemed like a plan at the time. Pah! So much work needed that in the 6 months I had it it spent about 5 months off the road as me and my mate "Big Dave" tried to fix it up. As soon as one thing was fixed something else broke so I gave up in the end and drove it (just, it went reluctantly) to the scrap heap. That cured me of DIY car repairs and I vowed never to buy anything in that state again.

A'noon all, Another one late on parade, apart from getting up later than usual (The Boss brought me up a muggatea), once again other things got in the way. Multiple admin tasks needed sorting out including assisting The Boss with some online shopping. Started to try and sort out the travel insurance yesterday but a couple of phone calls are needed so I'm leaving that until tomorrow, not in the mood for it today. The rest of the day will be leisurely and as usual will include watching a Rugby match. Enjoy the rest of your day if you can, Bob.

A walk has been walked, only about a mile but on a whim flowers were purchased for The Boss and no, I'm not feeling guilty about anything. Anyway they were much appreciated and I seem to have banked some Brownie points. Texts received from son Steve to advise he will be here at 11.30 and Abbie & James to ask if they can pop in around lunchtime. I've said before that I really love the fact that our grandchildren still regularly "check up" on us either by text, phone or actual visits.

Good morning all, Still quite dull, it's cloudy and will remain that way for much of the day with a few light showers along the way. A chilly day forecast with the chance of some brighter spells later in the afternoon. 5°C rising to 7°C. Bin lorry came and went at 06.55 followed by a neighbour having a Waitrose delivery at 07.00. Waitrose always seem to make a lot of noise when delivering, sounds like crates being chucked around in the van. Sainsbury's and Tesco are much quieter by comparison. Any noise around this time upsets adjoining neighbour who is a lady bouncer security operative who works late shifts and often makes her feelings heard loudly. Very loudly in fact, she sometimes gets quite, shall we say, "vocal." Rugby watched last night, a bit of a scrappy match and Bristol managed a win at Sale who have been undefeated at home for quite some time. Another match will be watched later. Slight change of plans this morning as Steve is visiting today instead of tomorrow so the Christmas decorations will disappear into the loft which will please The Boss. I believe some discussions will also be taking place about our forthcoming cruise as final payment is looming and I have to arrange our travel insurance. I've got general travel insurance with my bank account but the cruise company insist on specific "cruise cover" and that (for me ) can become expensive once I start listing my various ailments. The forthcoming operation probably won't help matters either. Tea was taken to The Boss earlier and She has made an appearance but has yet to utter the magic words. I may gettamoveon before she does. Have good one, Bob.

Evenin' each, Hospital visited and pre assessment completed successfully. Seen on time and various things checked, BP, blood test, MRSA swabs, ECG etc and umpteen questions asked and answered. It was discovered that I did in fact have a heart (The Boss has claimed the opposite for years) and that I was reasonably "normal" as far as she could see and that barring mishaps (and strikes) the procedure should take place as scheduled at the end of the month...said he hopefully. Pizza and salad tonight and no wine , I'm having a few alcohol free days this month, not completely dry January, just slightly damp. The Boss is watching a soap and she's not happy that there's not much viewing to interest her tonight so I'll be parking myself in front of the big TV to watch some rugby. She has turned down my invitation to accompany me to the match! I believe a jigsaw will shortly be attacked (puzzle not power tool..at least I hope it's not the latter, now that would be scary. 😨 Farewell for now.

"Chrissie" here is what The Boss is called by some of her friends. I usually call her Ma'am! 😂

Good morning all, Quite dull out (It was dark when I started typing this but I kept getting distracted) but not raining at the moment. A cloudy day forecast, breezy to start with and some bright spells later along with the chance of the odd spot of rain. 5°C now, might reach 8°C. AWOL yesterday, other things kept getting in the way. Usual Thursday shopping delivery received but one item rejected because it was "use by" * today so a walk to Asda was undertaken to rectify that but we had to go there anyway to return a parcel via their drop off service. After that it was on with the removal and packing of decorations. Once I got going I decided not to delay any longer and get shot of the lot so everything is now ready to go back up into the loft. That will have to wait until Sunday when Steve is visiting as my left peg, particularly ankle is still playing up. It didn't like the walk earlier. That took care of the morning and an hour after lunch and then I had a few admin tasks to sort out. Today I'm off to Epsom at lunchtime for a pre-op assessment for my hernia procedure at the end of the month...strikes permitting. Tonight I'll be watching the first of the weekend rugby matches - no surprise there. Have a good one, Bob. *It probably would have been all right but The Boss is a stickler for such things having worked at Sainsbury's for 38 years , many of them as a date code checker and also on the online order picking side. "That should never have been sent out!" You don't argue with her when she's in "date check" mode.