Hornby Shop

How nostalgic is this? The Swindon outlet centre has a Hornby shop. It's full of their stuff Scalextric, Airfix, but mostly Trains. I spent a glorious nostalgic hour looking through the stock,talking to the staff about my dublo kit, of course it's ancient by today's standards nevertheless they were interested enough to listen to my ramblings of youth, we had a good chuckle when I was asked had I seen the big engine on display,in the entrance to the centre?, I told them not only had I seen it I can remember being pulled by it going from Kemble to Stroud when I was at college. The modern stuff is well modelled, but, for me something is lacking, maybe it's because everything is there and to scale from trackside furniture to signal boxes stations and tunnels, there was very little of this available when my first train set arrived on my seventh birthday, Dad and I spent hours making things, as a child my imagination was running riot I could make tunnels from boxes a block of wood with small nails in it looked like a signal box,use small bits of coal in the coal wagon. I remember Dad spending hours making a station and a proper signal box. Dinkey cars were used to enhance the playability, so what if they weren't to scale, to my friends and I they looked fine, oh yes as I grew up so it was allowed to take over a spare bedroom, there we cobbled together tables and bits of timber to produce a surface to run on. For a short time we were using the loft until one of the lads put his foot through the ceiling covering Mum and Dads bed in plaster, we were none to popular that day. I never got into the modelling thing of the hobby but still had great fun from it until finally leaving home as a so called adult, part of  my youth was put away in a box and there it remains waiting for the day when one of my boys is ready for it.
Recently my two year old grandson somehow found the engines put safely in a cupboard, he has desperately wanted to play with them. I am thinking when he is older perhaps and I suspect he would respect the set more. The trouble is this new stuff is in some ways more realistic leastways, the track is, mine is all made from tin shaped and painted to look like ballast and sleepers As well as a third rail carrying the current, whereas this modern stuff has two rails the sleepers are attached to look like they are in their saddles much more as it should be really. How this would set with a boy of the twenties I have no idea, but if he has any feel for the past ????? Who's to say, after all this time I am loath to part with it.
Suffice it to say I would dearly love to see my trains running again.

Update on eye test.

On Monday 11th November I had a letter from the appointment and booking centre offering three hospitals to choose for an eye assessment all of them were over 60 days the nearest Witney being 82 days. I chose Witney and the John Radcliffe, the former being the nearest the latter shortest waiting time.

I was surprised at the speed with which I was contacted.The very helpful and kindly person dealing with my call,told me I should hear within 10 days when I might have an appointment and which hospital.
So things are moving along quite well,the elephant in the room could be Christmas, I have said before that Genny would like to go to the family in Odessa I'm not so fussed but it does sort of cause a minor problem, she has said that if push comes to shove we will stay here and see what happens, my bluff being called leaves me in a bit of a quandary. It's a suck it and seen situation.      

Marvellous

Bloody marvellous I wanted to do some shopping today and came into Banbury.

Jenny's phone was not working so they wanted me to go somewhere mean O2 to get it see what was wrong with it and see if there was problem, after having sorted her phone I was having a discussion with the assistant about some thoughts I have on the new phone for myself, at this point Jenny turned up and was very impatient to leave and go back to the car, I was in no hurry I had things I wanted to do for myself, but she was insistent that we go there and then and I thought all in the time I give them to do shopping and go and do what they Wanna do, however when it's a day that I need to do something I'm not allowed to do it I don't think that's right somehow. But now I am in the car sitting in the car park at Tesco's in the pouring rain while they go and do the shopping, I am being overwhelmed by the smell of roasting coffee from the Nescafe factory across the road, it's not too unpleasant but I would rather be sitting here with a good cup of the real thing.

Eye sight test

On Thursday last week I booked in for an eye test, my sight has been progressively getting worse. The optician put me through a test and said that although my prescription had changed somewhat she felt that was not the root of the trouble, her feeling was the cataracts that have been growing for a while are now cause for concern, consequently she is sending a letter to my GP to the effect that an operation would be beneficial, I am now waiting for his decision, on Wednesday I have visit to surgery for diabetes check up, so expect to speak with him then.  

Broadband Saga

About 2years ago I complained to BT about my broadband contract, I had moved over to them after my other provider had been taken over three times,  each occasion mucking about with my allowance and speed, frustrated I decided it was time to move back to BT. I had been with them years before but left because their billing system was so difficult to understand, I never knew which tariff I was on and so forth. Now things were looking better there web site was much cleaner and less confusing, so I thought give them another go, they were promoting themselves heavily and the deal looked good. All was well for a year or so, then the trouble started, I suddenly found my bills had sky rocketed. Eventually a new contract was negotiated and all appeared well. My broadband service was reasonable speed did fluctuate from time to time but I could live with that.

One day while trawling the net I discovered certain companies offering discount for paying a years line rental in advance, contact with BT proved to be fruitful, therefore we have since done this, however every year they see fit to up the line rental, I fail to see why this is, trying to get a sensible answers from them is not easy.

Almost a year ago I started having real problems with my broadband, the speed would fluctuate wildly from 7.8mgs to as low as 2.5mgs it was okay for some things but then it would seem to right itself and the speed climbing back to normal. I complained constantly through this time, it would appear to improve for a while and then the troubles would start again.

September this year my phone bill was very big, I had recently paid for my years line rental which had risen by £20 this time (Why?) nothing had changed. The broadband charges were almost double, finally I got through to a sensible person who explained that each year I have to renegotiate my contract, as I hadn't I had been put onto a standard tariff.  I told him fine but I was unaware of this in any case I would have forgotten when it was up for renewal anyway, in the end a deal was struck and I am satisfied with the result.
Three or so weeks ago I was settling in to watch a couple of Podcasts on YouTube when I realised they kept buffering, I thought this odd I had not had this happen seriously before, this prompted me to do a speed check, I found speeds as low as 0.11mgs to 1.08mgs not good at all, I commenced a regime of checks unplugging this, turning, off that, resetting the router, connecting to the internet both wired and wirelessly, I inspected all the plugs and sockets on the system without any sign of a fault, I knew calling for help I was going to be asked to go through all this again, sure enough once the call was made this is exactly what I was asked to do, no change of course, eventually I was told maybe my modem router was at fault and that a replacement would be sent straight away along with a new filter. The router duly arrived within the allotted time but no filter, oh well plug it in and see what happens, result! negative, speed had not changed. Another call same procedure same result, and a we’ll send you another filter (I am still waiting for either of them) but a line fault had shown up, I was advised an engineer would come and check out the fault, if it was found to be outside then no charge would be made however if it was anything else a £130 levy could be made.

The upshot of all this is, on Monday morning two vans appeared outside the house one of them had a lift a guy was up the pole checking the line the second chap inspecting and testing it from the house, all results showed no faults the indoor equipment was fine the lines checked out. In the end it was suggested that I run the system from the wall socket rather than the extension I had been using, after much moving of stuff the modem and apple extreme were relocated next to the incoming socket. Result!! Nah same speed as before all that work for nothing.
Back to BT again all procedures tried, hard wired and wireless to no avail. It is now thought the fault lies with BT broadband somewhere it is being looked into, this is what I've been saying all along, but who listens to the customer what do they know?  

Twenty four hours later and the speed is climbing it's still not as fast as before but better than it was, I intend to let everything settle for a few days before ringing in again well I will if the speed is not back to normal..

A bite of the Apple

Well now here's the thing. Today took yet another visit to the Apple Store for a chat, reason being that Lizzie's computer was playing up,  I had managed to free quite a large chunk of hard drive space for her, but it was still looking very full something like 20% of space taken up with what apple calls other, I had a look on my new iMac only to find it also had 90gb of other, so a trip to the store seemed like a good idea. The salesman couldn't have been more helpful after a longish chat we decided that other must be something to do with the operating system, he suggested we took a look on their machines to see what space the almost virgin hard drives had. To our surprise they were not far off my findings something like 50gb on the iMac and 23gb on the MacBook Air. My conclusion to delete any unused apps and thoroughly clean up the install.

A very productive and interesting visit.

Yet another excursion to Banbury

The weather lately has been a bit iffy the days when we could have gone out we couldn't the days we couldn't go out we could, today is such a day overcast and miserable though still relatively warm.
We've taken advantage of the time to visit a couple of shops together And for me to go to the Apple Shop for a chat,and also an opticians about my failing: (sorta) eyesight.

That done I have just enough time to visit the cafe by the canal for a cappuccino before taking the scooter back to shopmobility by 1pm.

After that it's up to Sainsbury for fuel for us and the car, which by the way I am more than happy with over the last few fill ups getting something in the region of 40mpg average, mind you that's not thrashing it about,the road in front is usually clear, most of the traffic is behind me Bwhaaaaa.
Right! time for the off, coffee all gone gotta get the Porche back to shopmobility before it turns into a pumpkin at 1pm.

Better News

Hurrah!!

Had visit to the Churchill hospital this morning,some better news worth a small celebration! the new drugs appear to be working a bit, my PSA which is how the treatment is measured (well as I understand it) has gone down by almost half since starting these pills. The doctor seemed quite pleased with the result, but not half as happy as me. This might only be a temporary reprieve but right now I will take anything I can get.

To celebrate the result we took a drive over to Swindon, Genny wanted a look round the shops, I signed up for the mobility scheme in the town not bad I suppose £15 a year and £1 when using scooter.mi have to get used to driving it around the town this particular machine was all that was left today it's a big old chunk and not as easy to control as some others I have used, but as the man said “ring up before you come and we can sort you a better one for next time”.

It's a bit to near lunch time by the time we got everything organised so my first excursion was to Boswells Cafe for lunch, big mistake taking the scooter into the cafe not being used to it I got into a right mucking fuddle! however the staff were very patient and assisted me with my order! probably won't try do that again.

Now I am sitting here waiting for Genny to finish her shopping foods gone teapots empty what am I going to do? What am I going to do!? Can't shoot off in my Porche we arranged to meet here so guess I'm sorta stuck.      

Mobility

For some time now I have been using mobility scooters from shopmobility, at first I was reluctant to do so but gave in when I realised getting around the shops etc was so much easier, since the latest visit to the specialist I am of the opinion that it will be a long haul until I am better able to get about.
My decision is to look into the possibility of getting my own scooter, this would free me to go to other places which right now are denied me. The caveat being that I can collapse it and get it into the back of our car, it therefore has to be easily dismantled, the heavy bits i.e.: the batteries, rear axle and motor have to be manageable, it needs to have a reasonable range be able to travel over grass and gravel (just in case) plus have a comfortable seat.
I have discovered there are dozens of machines on the market at all sorts of prices, so far I have not found anything that matches most of my criteria, a couple of places are on the lookout for me.
I have been sort of spoiled my friend Jan who has one which pretty much ticks all my boxes, I have subsequently found this model is discontinued (bummer). Still I am in no real hurry to get one as winter is approaching and I am unsure just how much use I would get from it, however should the right one be found then its all systems go. The future is bright the future is Mobility.

A Bit of Bad News

Bad news today 10 September, been to see doctor in Oxford, the result of my last test show that the chemo only worked while I was on it, now I've stopped the effect has stopped, the doctor seems to think a new course of pills will help, WHO KNOWS?
So next week all being sorted, the hospital will deliver them to my house, after that its back to blood test and doctors visits every month.

Iced Coffee

 Today I had a big adventure, at lunchtime me were at our favourite pub for Scampi and chips good beer and a sit in the sun. Afterward a trip to Swindon Outlet Centre and there in Costa Coffee I had an iced latte, phew I mean how daring is that? It was almost a hot day so it was worth a try, and very tasty it was too. It's just one mad adventure after another.

A bit of a Drive

Since the departure of the children we have been a bit deflated Genny in particular has been down in the dumps, my attempts at cheering her up prove a bit pathetic, we've tried retail therapy that's only partially successful, to be honest I've had enough sitting in cafes drinking coffee for a while, but I know I will have to continue to do so especially as Genny needs to do our usual shopping anyway.
In desperation the other afternoon I grabbed Genny and we took off in the car, where we were headed I had know idea, I just wanted to get out of the house for a while. That while turned into a three hour drive around north Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, it actually reminded me what a beautiful country we live in, we went down narrow lanes and discovered villages I  had never been to before. The trip although a great joy I can't help but think I wasted a lot of fuel in doing this, and would I have done this if we still had the roller skate (our little Seat) I never really enjoyed driving it, a means to an end we always said.

Genny is already planning ahead she is waiting to go to Odessa for Christmas, to be honest I am not so sure I want to go, the last time we were there the journey home was very stressful I was poorly for a few days afterward. So we shall see, maybe the new treatment will set me up well and I will be fighting fit and ready for anything.

A Sad Day

A very sad day for me today  Monday it was time for the children to go back home, It was to be a late flight from Gatwick South, a long way for us but Ray decided offered to come and help out if he was needed.

We have had a good few days with the children since they could came back from Teignmouth.
Monday is quiet this is basically getting ready their return to Odessa. we had gone to the Riverside Pub Lechlade on Sunday for lunch which was very very pleasant the weather was warm and sunny we had a good meal and that was it.

The flight from Gatwick was at midnight on Monday so we left from home at 7:30 it was to prove a very easy drive, we got to the airport in good time about 9:30pm, Ira had driven all the way. We parked up and made our way to the departures lounge area, there was only two people on the check-in desk the long queue took about 40 minutes to process, in the meantime I went to see if I could find the disabled place and inquire if they were prepared to lend me a wheelchair. With this I was able to go as far as public were allowed before they have to check through scanning hand baggage checking area, we saw them through and on their way.
Returning the wheelchair to the department  the guy said he would very kindly push me out to the car. On the way we had to stop to pay the parking fee, WHAT YOU MUST BE JOKING!!! £10 I couldn't believe it, I know I had not been to the airport for a number of years but I had not expected that sort of price hike, strewth not doing that again.

Back at the car we piled in and made our way home. I was unsure how I could cope with the drive, in the event it went very well, however by the time we were nearing Oxford I was feeling the strain, so was extremely pleased to hand over the last part of the journey to Ray.
We arrived home about 12:40 to a very quiet house.
 Later that morning we had a Skype call from Ira to say they were safly home.

My Porche

Looking for things dot do since Ira returned from Devon, I thought it would be nice to go out to Bicester  Village, it's a very popular shopping centre. I have been here a couple of times before, this is the first time using a scooter. The visitors centre fixed me up with one at no charge, very good, as usual the family have abandoned me to my own devices. I have taken a very slow drive up and down this place and must say its pretty boring for chaps unless you are into designer clothing etc: I only found one place of even slight interest that was Bose Audio, it was good to go to look and listen to what they had on offer the staff were very helpful friendly and chatty which suited me well.
I was looking for a coffee place found Starbucks and Pret but they don't appeal however I did find Cafe Carluccio’s who welcomed me and my scooter, they found me a place to park it and a table,a very busy place it took a while to order my Cappuccino,when it arrived though it was well worth the wait. This place is a real treasure trove of fine Italian food, wines, cheeses, cakes and pastries I was sorely tempted but managed to restrain myself.
For me this One thing is what has made the visit here worthwhile.

Time is moving on soon the girls will be ready for the off so it's back to my chariot or your Porche as the staff here called it and back to the car.  

Weston Pier

We seem to have spent a lot of time driving from town to town so that the girls can go shopping or window shopping, I have drunk an awful lot of coffee but, Irina has had plenty of driving practice,so much so that there is no need for me to go with her as her mentor, however I am still needed as a navigator, Genny professes to being unsure how to get anywhere I don't believe her it's just her way of ensuring I get out of the house because I do tend to like the comfort of my armchair.
 On Tuesday we drive to Weston Super Mare where we meet Lena, she is taking Ira to Shaldon for a few days. An uneventful journey sees us there in good time especially as we need disabled parking. A couple of goes round the town centre find us at a car park with a disabled shop attached. Having parked we went inside to see if a scooter was available, it was: so off we set for the sea front, the day was overcast and a promise of rain. The tide had not long turned leaving a strip of wet sand filled with children, donkeys,small kiddie rides, there were stalls selling the usual stuff buckets, spades, kites, flip-flops, rock,candy floss, even a small cafe selling sea food.
We decided as we were early to take a stroll on the newly reconstructed pier, it's a real come on, free to get on it but pay very high for any of the rides and amusements.
The original idea was to meet at a cafe we had used on a previous visit, but the smells coming from the cafe here were to strong to resist, I had a message from Lena to say she was in town and making her way to us, fish and chips were ordered, we sat down in great anticipation, what a let down should have known better, just not a good experience at all.
Then it started to rain nothing for it but to. Head back to our car, find Lena car, and transfer Ira bags, this done we bade our farewells and headed for the motorway. Another uneventful journey found us home late afternoon, soon after our arrival had phone call from Ira to say they to had arrived safely.

Guess What I'm Doing

Guess what I am doing this morning? Yep sitting in a cafe drinking coffee.
The girls decided we should go to the Nurseries at Yarnton to look for I dunno what, but I was promised a pub lunch, with some reluctance I was persuaded to go along with this, so here I am as usual waiting for them. They can take as long as they like I am sitting at a comfortable table the sun is peeping through the sun shades a cool breeze is finding my hotspots the coffee is passable,as Genny would say all is okay.

Shopping done we go all the way over to the Riverside Pub at Lechlade (the girls like the beer) a comfortable table by the river in the sun was found and a good lunch consumed no booze for me I was volunteered to drive.
The Swans,Ducks,Moorhens and other waterway type birds were very active, people were busy chucking lumps of bread to them, I don't understand this, bread can't be that good for them but they always seem to go for it wherever folks feed birds. It was lovely to see the cygnets growing up so fast, swans appear to thrive here, there are countless couples nesting along the banks some days the surrounding fields are white with them. Another delightful sight was a moorhen bringing her chicks through the mayhem, they were oblivious to all the fuss and noise around them eventually making their way to the safety of the earthen banks just upstream from our position. The young where so small and vulnerable I was surprised they didn't seem phased being bullied by the ducks and a couple of black headed gulls who kept pecking away and dive bombing them (well that's what it looked like to me)the parents gave vocal support and encouragement the babies (bravely I think) kept on paddling to safety.
All to soon lunch is over and we are on our way home.  

Genny's Birthday

Today is July 27 it's Saturday and its Gennys birthday
Irina and I are in the car going to Chipping Norton so that I will be able to buy some flowers and a card for. All is going well we find a place to park and dive into the store where I am able to see some red roses which would be very nice for her, after a little difficulty locating the card Department found a really nice card paid for it and made way back to the car, where I  ripped off at the packaging and started to write,it was only after reading the first lines that I realised that it said anniversary and not birthday, oh well change the wording I thought, (cheap jack)  it looked  terrible now the thing is useless duh: no choice  get another one.
Breakfast over the tornado hit, Lizzy and the boys arrive, our new polished wood floor proves a huge attraction to them for sliding bottoms and feet this achieved to much laughter. They are so full of beans this morning,finally I ask them what they would like to do? Watch fire engines, tractors, and combines they chorus. Now the girls are able to have a chat, give Lizzy a break for five minutes,of course they're not quiet for that long I am going to rename the flat Much Tickling By The Chair don't know who started it teehee, all to soon it's time for them to leave they rally are getting bit to boisterous even for Irina who has been playing with them.
We are expecting Lena to come for lunch she is bringing Nick and Genya and the dogs up from Shaldon. About 11ish there is a phone call from her to say they are stuck in a huge traffic jam on the M5 near Tiverton won't be here until 3pm Ira then puts off starting the BBQ.
The lounge is filling up with cards and flowers,Genny getting Skype calls from Odessa and Heidfeld she very happy, eventually it's deemed time to light the BBQ, the garden is filled with smoke much to our neighbours annoyance,soon it has died down and the cooking can begin.
At last the family is here we can sit in the garden and enjoy the mountain of meat,dishes of salads,sauces, and relishes, all prepared by the girls fill the table, not excessive when there are six of us three being great hulking boys who's stomaches never seem to get full. Finally it's time for the pista resistance the birthday cake, a wonderful confection of sponge, cream, lemon, and lemon frosting,so light a puff of wind could blow it away. Genny has surpassed herself this time.  
All to soon Lena and family must leave for home, we settle down with a large drink to relax and review the day,the conclusion,it really went to fast but nevertheless was a great time.

Congratulations my Dearest Dear.  

The Bullring

Having a wonderful time  in the Birmingham Bullring. Came here on the train from Banbury, met the young lady from Shopmobility with a scooter for me.
The girls soon get fed up with me following them about,so once again abandon me For the joys of shopping.
I in the meantime set about exploring this maze of shops cafes bars etc,and I found. An Apple Store never seen one or been in one before,it's amazing every apple product on sale and the  famous Genius Bar, friendly helpful staff everywhere the place heaving with customers, me and my scooter made most welcome, it's made my day.

Making my way around this complex I find a favourite watering hole Drukers, so now I sit drink coffee brought to my table bY a nice young girl, she is very presentable but has a rather sudden hairdo, unusual but not unattractive. Everywhere is hustle and bustle but folks still have time to chat standard greeting “hello me duck how are you”. After lunch I take slow chug around the Bullring it's a warm sunny afternoon, I find the shops a bit limited in their range, it's seams to me to be mostly clothes, shoes, jewellery and phones. All the big guns are here of course but my interests lie computers cameras sound and vision stuff, I am looking but have not found too much of interest I did discover Currys, Bose and Apple but that's about it,I suspect I have not yet locked into the right area, there is still a labyrinth of alleys and walkways to discover, but not today,the clock says its time to go to the station and meet the girls, hand over the scooter and get on the train.
All accomplished one hour and fifteen minutes later  we are in the car heading for home. The train journey was swift smooth and quiet, I even got in a few minutes shut eye. If other destinations are as easy and cheap as this one I reckon it's  worth taking a closer look, Chiltern Railways certainly offer a very good service.

Verso at the garage

Have a small problem with the Verso, the heated rear screen isn't working, Inchcape (the garage) has got it for the day, the thinking being if its  doable they fixit if not its a new rear screen. Been given a courtesy car a little Toyota Yaris nice little car comes pretty well equipped,its comfortable enough, for me it is a bit underpowered, I find you have to use the 6 speed gearbox quite a lot. All in all not a bad little motor.
Now we having little bumble into Witney, do these girls ever get fed up with shopping??? I, meanwhile am being adventurous,the street temperature is approaching 30dg bit warmish, I am in Costa Coffee trying an iced Latte very tasty it is to, it is so nice to go into an air conditioned shop find a comfortable seat and relax.

Toyota Garage just phoned car is ready, nothing to report all is working as it should so we will see over the next weeks, now I have to find the girls and we go pick it up.

We’ve  picked up the car it came back washed and vaxd looking good, well done Inchcape.

Still more time in Swindon

Here we go again the girls decided today that Swindon is a good place to be, so here we are I'm sitting in the cafe Boswell’s waiting for them, drinking coffee as usual. I have not been abandoned they have returned to drop off some packages that where to much to carry about, only to disappear again into the maelstrom of the Brunel Centre.

Genya is a brilliant lad he trails about after them never complaining at least not in my hearing. I've been told he is going to spend a week or so in Shaldon with his brother/cousin Nick which will be good for him. Certainly better than sitting around with a load of old folk, thank goodness for computers he has spent a good deal of time on his since getting here, with Skype and other VoIP apps he's able to keep in touch with friends etc,so he's not entirely alone.

I've been toying with the idea of signing up to the Swindon shop mobility scheme, today I tried walking into town centre. After few minutes I was knackered, the shop is in a different area not one I would usually go to, I mean it's not that far from here really but getting there by car is a phaff. However driving there on arrival in town looks fairly simple, Swindon is a minefield of one way systems and roundabouts, we shall see. Buying one of these scooters is a possibility, problem is getting one in and out of the car, there are some made especially for that purpose, a bit pricey though and I not sure if I could lift it in and out myself, only thing to do is go take a look see.

Well that's it the girls are back I'm coffee’d out time for home time time. I am not feeling like driving today so it’s down to Ira, she really has got the hang of driving on the left I am very happy to sit next to her, she is quite confident it's just a question of knowing where to go and how to get there, she's using GPS so saving all the places we visit into the system.

This morning we had the builders come back from VW to look at the fan in our bathroom which was still not working correctly, they arrived and very soon decided to replace the item with a new one. After a certain amount of drilling and scraping and huffing and puffing the new fan was finally installed it seems as if it is better than the previous one we really hope now that it will do the job more efficiently.

Lee had not left very many minutes before there was another knock on the door and Declan arrive to replace two damage tiles which he had promised to do a couple weeks before much to Genny’s disbelief that he would not return, the job is now done, the bathroom is complete and looking very nice indeed.

The family then decided as it is really gorgeous and beautiful day about 22° probably the warmest one we've had so far this year that we should go have a picnic, but, first we need to shop of course, later I am to drive to somewhere where we will enjoy our lunch, I am torn between going to the canal at Thrupp which is a very favourite spot of ours or an equally favourite place which is near St John's Lock at Lechlade on the Thames. Right now I am sitting in the car park at Waitrose waiting for the family to arrive before deciding which place to go, I cannot make up my mind both have things going for them. I am sort of torn about going to Lechlade we have spent a considerable amount of times this past few days near Thrupp because that is where the garage is from where this new car came,and so I think a change of scenery is needed.

A Busy Friday

This morning we had the builders come back from VW to look at the fan in our bathroom which was still not working correctly, they arrived and very soon decided to replace the item with a new one. After a certain amount of drilling and scraping and huffing and puffing the new fan was finally installed it seems as if it is better than the previous one we really hope now that it will do the job more efficiently.

Lee had not left very many minutes before there was another knock on the door and Declan arrive to replace two damage tiles which he had promised to do a couple weeks before much to Genny’s disbelief that he would not return, the job is now done, the bathroom is complete and looking very nice indeed.

The family then decided as it is really gorgeous and beautiful day about 22° probably the warmest one we've had so far this year that we should go have a picnic, but, first we need to shop of course, later I am to drive to somewhere where we will enjoy our lunch, I am torn between going to the canal at Thrupp which is a very favourite spot of ours or an equally favourite place which is near St John's Lock at Lechlade on the Thames. Right now I am sitting in the car park at Waitrose waiting for the family to arrive before deciding which place to go, I cannot make up my mind both have things going for them. I am sort of torn about going to Lechlade we have spent a considerable amount of times this past few days near Thrupp because that is where the garage is from where this new car came,and so I think a change of scenery is needed.

Nice one Helen

Yesterday we went to Swindon looking for laminate flooring and another chair for the kitchen.
Finishing up at the outlet centre, I was sitting in the coffee shop having first of all had a bit of a chat with the staff. As I was waiting for the family to return Helen one of the girls asked me if I like teacakes I said “is the Pope catholic?” she said “well my colleague and I both made a tea cake for the same person and I have a spare would you like it”? it would have been churlish to refuse I said “well thank you very much” it was gorgeous warm and oozing with butter yummy yummy I am sure if my darling Jennie had been there she would have disapproved very strongly.

Another beautiful day

Today I gave into my worst fear using a mobility scooter which was the first time in Banbury, walking Has become increasingly difficult over the past few months my doctor seems to think that it will improve once the chemo stops and maybe my eyes get better and generally I will feel more like my old self but as of this moment I don't know.

Irina drove us to Banbury this morning she is getting in as much practice as possible, driving the car on the opposite side of the road from the one she is used to. They drop me off and I wander around the shops which I have not been able to do for sometime and finally finished here seated at my favourite table and chair in the Castle Quay museum cafe.

Back at the car the family have not arrived, I sit very comfortably on the scooter by the canal chatting away to a young couple about the tennis and the forthcoming F1 GP,they like me are looking forward to the finals and race tomorrow. As ever there is movement of boats up and down, their wake lapping the banks making the moored craft sway and bob about the motors a gentle gurgle as they pass. Soon Genny appears 

My further adventures with Ira.

Today Ira has taken us to Yarnton nurseries where she wants to spend a load of money and Jenny is quite happy to let her, as usual I'm sitting in the cafe with a very large and very nice cappuccino in front of me Another gorgeous day, the sun is hot temperature is outside at the moment about 21° virtually no cloud in the sky, our plan later is to go to Kidlington for abit more food shopping and then possibly go down to the canal at Thrupp for some lunch.

Failing this we will go home and have lunch in the garden under our very large umbrella with the fountain murmuring away in the background very restful.

Well we are at it again.

The girls decided as it was another gorgeous day today Saturday, we should go to Swindon for some retail therapy. The first big store we get to I am patted on the head and sent to, guess where? Yep the coffee shop actually I don't mind the coffee turns out to be very nice.

The reason for all this shopping is because Genny a few weeks ago said to me that the carpets in our flat were getting old and dusty, her spine is playing up and using a vac is difficult for both her and myself,we sort of discussed having a wooden floor installed but didn't take it any further. Fast forward to 10 days ago, Something must have been said to the family because before I new what was happening we were looking around carpet and tile shops at wood floor samples, it transpires they had offered to help with the cost of the project. 

We chose Windrush Flooring for the work. Luke the company boss came out last Saturday measured up and quoted a not unrealistic price,we selected the floor we wanted and gave him the go ahead, if he could get the work done quickly, we knew once the family left Genny nor I would be able to cope. Luke said if we could spread the work over 2 days he could fit us in from Wednesday of this week, that sounded fair enough to me, so the order was placed. Wednesday morning bright and early Genny and Irina started clearing the hall and lounge, the guys arrived and started attacking things,bits of carpet edging strip and underlay were soon flying out the window. The guys didn't stop until they had finished the Hall and the Lounge,the same thing happened on Thursday, by mid afternoon the bedrooms were complete, their muddles tidied up leaving our muddles to be sorted and reinstalled, finally by about 8-30pm the house was finished, it looks terrific the girls and Genya were knackered, took an early night.

Genny waked with a plan, we go to Swindon and look for curtains for the lounge,Ira wants some stuff, Genya and I don't have a say in the matter, so that's how I come to be sitting here drinking cappuccino and writing this. Later I am told we go look for BBQ tools, will this excitement never end? 

Fields of Yellow

Today is Saturday May 25.

We are due to have a new wet room built starting on Tuesday May 28, this requires the bathroom being stripped to bare walls,the removal of the bath and toilet giving easy access for the workmen to easily do their job. We are taking this opportunity to look at a new hand basin and cupboard unit, the present one being so small, it's almost useless.

A trip to Homebase in Swindon appears to be a good start, besides Genny can have a poke around the outlet centre.
Before ŵe start I get to have good cup Costa cappuccino.If there's one thing I appreciate in their coffee shops, is that as I now use a stick and can't walk so well the staff always asks can I take your drink to a table for you? Just a small courtesy but vey much appreciated.

Anyhow we set off from home in good time,it's been a few days since I ventured out doors, it's been cold and wet with little or no sunshine, today however looks much more promising, as we pull up the hill. Out of the village the fields are ablaze with yellow flowers from the oilseed rape, the trees are a palette of green, so many shades,they have leafed up so quickly, I remark to Genny that in a short time as the summer approaches these will mellow and meld almost into one colour as the heat,dust and age kick in. This is weird to me it's only now in my twilight that I have even noticed the subtleties of Mother Nature.

Along the road through Shipton under Wychwood to Fulbrook and Burford up to Highworth, fields of yellow rape shimmering in the early sun, soon the air will be filled with its heady perfume,not to everyone's taste. Elsewhere green shoots of wheat and barley are valiantly pushing their way skyward helping to fill in the patchwork of fields their borders bounded by Cotswold stone walls glowing golden in the morning light. Stationery for a few moments the car window down the hedgerows are all a twitter,nests being built,eggs being hatched, above Red Kites are kiteing, it finally feels as though Mother Nature is on the move at last.

Our bumble around Homebase proves fruitless, later a smurf of the Internet showed plenty of what we would like but all at a price to far. The upshot is we are going to leave it to the judgement of the contractor with some input from us.

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What a difference a day makes

What a difference  a day makes. Yesterday sitting on the canal side at the Jolly Boatman Pub eating roast beef sandwich in the glorious sunshine, today dodging raindrops and wrapped up against the cold.
The day before Genny had asked me if we should finish lunch and go shopping, my reply, too nice a day to be trailing round a supermarket, lets stay sitting here in the sunshine watching the birds and the boats go by, besides tomorrow is another day and a further adventure, and so it is.

I am doing my usual thing of sitting in the cafe drinking Cappuccino whilst Genny spends an hour or so sorting out the food shopping. Why don't I help? Well I'm not to keen on the idea and Genny prefers to take her time not being harassed by impatient husbands, she is just the same if it were a Daughter or Son in Law so I don't feel any guilt I am there at the till to push the cart to the car, a perfect partnership.

Driving through the Wychwood Forest toward Leafield, I am astonished how in just a few days of warm weather, the trees are now almost in full leaf, all except the Oaks, they're  still only now beginning to awaken, so be interesting to see how the old saying works this summer,”Oak out before the Ash in for a splash, Ash out before the Oak in for a soak”

Through the trees glimpses of Bluebells valiantly straining for the sunlight, and golden splashes of Primrose in the clearing left by the foresters, with Cowslips filling the roadside verges. Spring maybe late but still glorious.

Got up this morning feelin fine?

Got up this morning feeling fairly okay had a reasonable nights sleep after chemo which always makes me stupid for a couple of days. Decided that is sitting at home on a beautiful morning was not an option, and Genny said to me  “shall we go out" I said “yes I reckon that would be good idea, "what about the trip to down to Cheltenham"?  "No she said  I'm not liking shops very much in Cheltenham, you don't like the parking is very expensive, I suggest we go to Swindon".
It's a beautiful morning and we chugged our way to Swindon, Genny has gone shopping I have had a small walk around shops that interest me and awaiting her return.

One of the conditions for our visit out today was that we should go to the Riverside Pub in Lechlade for scampi and chips Lunch, this means that we only have one and a half hours in Swindon to look around that's plenty for me but there are things we need in town so will keep Genny busy.

It's a beautiful afternoon we have found a spot out of the breeze the sun is hot we are by the Thames at the Riverside Pub eating an old favourite Scampi and chips Genny has pint of Arkles best ale I am relegated to drinking tea, Ah Me my penance for driving.
The Thames looks gorgeous the gentle breeze ruffling the surface, Willow trees are whispering to each other as they dip their boughs in the water, a couple of cruisers are bobbing to the rhythms of the swell, Majestic swans swim serenely by paddling against the current, some turn raise their wings onto their backs these act like sails and blow them downstream, is there a reason for this or are they doing it for the shear enjoyment I wonder.

Across in the little docking area builders and painters are getting the boathouse and cafe ready for the season, a painter is standing precariously in a dinghy stretching upward with a long handled brush trying to reach that last elusive bare patch under the guttering, his mate is holding onto a rope attached to the craft, trying to steady him, what he hopes to achieve by this I can only speculate, could be amusing though.

Lunch over we meander home taking the scenic route, the late spring has only just allowed the trees to begin to leaf, fields of rape are coming into bloom, soon the air will be filled with its heady perfume, not to everyone's taste, shoots of barley and wheat are pushing their way upward turning the fields from brown to green, some hedgerows are white with May blossom looking as if strewn with frost and snow, set against a clear blue sky the larger bushes can be mistaken for little white clouds (okay that's just my imagination).

Now home full of scampi and memories of a good day out I am content.

Just another day

Today odd sort of one, it started out fairly normally then sorta went into free fall, the nurse was due I thought earlyish around 9-30, to do my chemo blood tests,which would have been fine our plan was to go shopping as soon as she had been, 11-30 and still no sign of her, couple of calls to the surgery proved fruitless, then a little after midday she arrived. The usual rigmarole couldn't find a vein I had done my part drinking plenty of water and pumping my fist but didn't seem to help,anyway eventually the job was done.

By now I was thinking this is to late we can't go out now, when Genny says  “C'mon time we were off I am ready!” “Where to I said Banbury?” “that's what we said earlier okay let's go”.

Off  we set the bright sunshine of the early morning had given way to broken cloud, pleasant enough and far better than the hailstorm of the previous afternoon. Bowling along quite nicely when it was discovered I would miss lunch, can't do that with these pills I am taking I need to eat at regular intervals,nothing for it I would have to go to the canal side cafe and eat there.

Thats where I am now, drinking cappuccino and watching the boats go  by, the sun is streaming through the window I am in a comfortable chair a tasty  omelette nestling in my belly, what a pleasant way to spend a lunch hour.

All good things must come to an end it's time to make my way to the car and wait for Genny, with the sounds of the staff cashing up the till guess I had better get going.

Sorta Techie Stuff

Today I am at the outlet centre in Swindon I didn't make it to the cafe by the canal the other day in Banbury but now I am in Costa Coffee drinking Tasty cappuccino.
Tried an experiment with Plantronics BT headset to use voice dictation but area was to noisy and I think headset knackered.
Not a bad day outside some sunshine but still a goodly breeze
Making it quite chilly,as I not been out much I am feeling the cold.

Went to Homebase to return some faulty lightbulb which they did without question so we bought a bit more stuff, something I needed was another extension lead for the bits I keep adding to my iMac, over the air connections to my hub just seems so slow compare with the new USB3 ports, I tend to be moving fairly large files about sorting out the various hard drives etc, interestingly enough this exercise has me revisiting some of my early photos, now with the new Lightroom4 and photoshop cs6 I have surprised myself just how much information is stored in those Raw files, it's been amazing to be able to bring to life pictures I might have discarded had I been more ruthless years ago, you never know what technology can do in the future, there is talk that blurred shots caused by camera shake could be recovered, quite astounding.

Going to have to stop now as battery on this iPad is just about to die.  

Chats with Ira

Today took a trip to Swindon and had breakfast at Boswells cafe whilst waiting for Genny to finish her shopping before we go to get light bulb and go down to Cirencester to the cemetery, it is mothers anniversary today.
The breakfast was of bacon, egg, sausage, baked beans, two slices of toast and butter and pot of tea very nice.

Had an email notification from Apple that the damaged keyboard for my iMac was being replaced,the new keyboard was in the post which should arrive today or tomorrow.

I'm still waiting for Lizzy to come and collect the jar which she asked me for, it has now been three days since we found one for her, so maybe this weekend she will remember to come and pick it up. Apparently it is for Sasha to take to Playschool for some project he is involved with.

Had an interesting chat with Ira last night she tells me that all the work in the flat is complete and is very pleased about that, I said were you getting the last little bit the corridor done as part of the job? She said that it was to be started in a couple of days time, I say that I thought Yura Would be delighted when he came home at the end of the month that they would have flat back to themselves.
Had a chat with Yura on Tuesday evening He told me that his contract had been extended for further two weeks, the new Dutch Captain would not be able to join the ship until the end of the month. This is timing may very well impinge on his holiday time coming to the UK in June,July,August.

The family cannot come to England before the end of June because Genya has exams to complete so therefore will not be possible, Tolik will be away at sea, he should start within the next two weeks to go to Coral Palmata once this paperwork is all in order. He will not be finished for six months which should take him back in October November time, when he will return in Uni.

The good thing is that with the Marine Traffic app I am using, I can track Tolik for the duration of his contract.

Hoping for the best

Today Monday 25 February, took a trip to Banbury sitting here in the cafe by the canal reflecting that this may be the last time for a while I can do this, tomorrow I start my chemo therapy, I have no idea how its going to effect me the general consensus is its not going to be very nice, so I am preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.
It's a weird feeling this. The doctor keeps telling me they are trying to ensure me a better quality of life, the maddest thing is right now and for most of the past year I have felt fine, apart from every time I get a pain somewhere Panic what's the problem, usually it's turns out to be nothing a muscle spasm or a strain,
My object is to keep doing my own thing for as long as I am able, if I am able to get my chataracts done I should be able to keep on driving for a few more years, the independence that a car offers is incalculable, I know I will miss if I have to give it up.

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A Different Perspective

The Wheelchair Saga.

This is how I arrived in Odessa headfirst what a way to arrive. It all started in the middle of the night on 17 December, Edward my son has said that he would come and take us to London Heathrow,thank you son! he duly turns up at the appointed time and we set off arriving about 4:45am. We had a very easy walk  to the check-in where the guy sorted us out very quickly and efficiently, I asked him "oh! by the way I booked wheelchair assistance from here all the way through to Odessa is that still correct", his reply "yes you are booked through until Odessa," as the chair was nowhere to be seen I asked him why it was not there for me? he said I  should have gone to the desk which is at the other end of the terminal booking hall to be checked in and I said "I can't walk all the way up there it was bad enough coming as far as this,""I will ring through and get a chair organised for you" he said.

When it arrived a very helpful man pushed it all away through to the departure gate,I had to sit for a few minutes dumped in the middle of the departure gate area but that was alright it wasn't a problem, fortunately I was first on the plane our seats already have been reserved weeks before.

Prior to arrival in Warsaw the stewardess has come to me and asked can I manage the stairs I said that I could but it is difficult, “not to worry" she said "we will organise everything when we land”. We were last off the plane of course to make life easy for everybody and sure enough the wheelchair was waiting with a young man ready to push me. It was all uphill to get into the terminal and  by the time we got there he was well out of breath.

We got to the gate and again I was dumped in the area, this was not so good as I wanted to be able to look out on the apron (see what was going on) however soon the flight was called, I was taken to another gate and down in the lift, outside it was bitterly cold having been snowing for the last three days, the snow was deep and I thought you never get a push me through this to the waiting bus, which was about 60 yards away, but no I suddenly find myself on the tailgate of a lorry Genny was gestured to get on the tailgate with us and we were lifted up into the back of the truck, something of a surprise a properly prepared vehicle with chairs that were strapped on the side with adequate belts and seats for everybody, So it was we made our way to the aircraft. We stopped and I thought know what? suddenly the whole body of this truck rose into the air the driver guy opened a door at the far end of the vehicle, there right in front of us was the aircraft its rear door open.
The truck had been positioned a few metres away, a gangway was  extended just touching the door of the plane, I was able to walk easily onto it. It was brilliant the staff were fantastic the stewardess when I boarded was very very concerned about everything making sure that we were comfortable and that I would be fine the other end,she assured me the captain was going to radio ahead to make sure that Odessa could accommodate me.

Just before we landed The stewardess came back to me and said “please wait until every body's got off the there will be some people who will be there to assist you” I said I should be okay thanks.
While we were waiting to disembarked the plane Genny started giggling looking for out of the window, “what are you laughing at?” she answered “look” and coming across the tarmac was a forklift truck with an empty  palette bouncing about on it she said “I bet that's what they are using to get you off” but of course it went to the cargo bay and loaded it with some large creates.
Eventually these two guys arrived with their high viz jackets, pushing what looked to be almost a sack barrow type arrangement, A seat on it just about wide enough to go down the aisle of the plane, I was sat on it and strapped in. blimey don't  know what I let myself in for, they looked at the door picked me up and headfirst carried  me down the steps it was terrifying, being no lightweight these two guys struggled to get down the steps I was rocked and rolled I've  never felt so out of control, what a relief once we hit the tarmac.
Still it was not over, by the time we got off the aircraft the bus had departed to the terminal and we were left standing in the freezing cold, we had to wait for the bus return, when it did I was plonked on it taken into the terminal. This was wonderful pushing right ahead and in front of everybody queueing to go through customs and immigration, a young lady look over the desk at our passports smiled stamped both of them and we were through, that never happened before. Except there was one last Gotcha, the truck would or whatever you want to call it couldn't squeeze between the cabin and a pillar where the custom person worked, preventing it from easily getting through, therefore I was wriggled and jiggled until we clear the gap.
The guys dumped me in the middle of the baggage reclaim unstrapped me and just walked off and said “that's it,” “thank you” I replied.

We staggered through to the customs department and were waved straight through, never been done before. Then out to awaiting hordes of people in the arrivals hall and our family.
What an experience and I Get to go through all again on the way home.