Advent day 13 and we have a cute cat. 
Emptybox
did you enjoy watching Meghan on X factor? I like her single, she is a pretty girl isn't she?
back to X factor for me now...
Hi again.
Yes I'm feeling OK at the mo thanks Mollie.
It's over 2 weeks since I stopped the antibiotics, so hopefully that means there's no bacterial infection any more.
Still got a few symptoms, and think the meds are affecting me a bit, but largely OK.
Sounds like you enjoyed yourself with all those free booze samples? 
Was Meghan the blonde girl singing about 'All About the Bass'?
I'd heard the song before, but didn't know who it was by.
Hi Hicky. Sounds like you're getting your computer corner sorted, with a new chair and printer etc. 
Pity your deliveries of pans and gravel have been delayed.
Both my vehicles seem to be playing up at once. 
The car has a slow puncture in one tyre. Should be easy to get fixed.
The van is having trouble starting. Think it needs a new battery. Plus the instrument panel is acting funny. Some of the dials and lights aren't working.
I'm hoping it's a symptom of the same problem, and a new battery will fix it. Otherwise it could be expensive if I need a new instrument panel as well.
(I've read that low battery voltage can affect the instruments on a Ford Connect)
At least it's not the gardening season, so I could do without the van for a while, if it needed to go into the garage.
Just as long as the car keeps going.
Morning Both.
Thanks for the Advent pic Mollie, those are the little monsters that mess my new front up, doing their business in the new stones now, and putting the security lights on everywhere.
Hi Emptybox, glad you are feeling a bit better, it's always hard to tell whether the meds are causing problems.
Have heard that song many tines, thought it was a black girl singing it, had never seen it being sung before.
A pity your vehicles are playing up, i bought one of those voltage displays you plug into your cigar lighter socket.
I think i need a new battery as it won't run the camera's for long on parking mode.
You set the voltage that you wont it to stop below and it cuts out, when i look at the voltage under different conditions it can go down to 11 volts, it is 14 when i'm driving, when i turn the engine off it drops and drops.
I got the garage to test the battery they said i should replace it but it's about ÂĢ70 and i don't think i'll be keeping the car too long.
This is it, for ÂĢ1.99 it's ok.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jazool...oltage/dp/B00G0HIXJ2
Have got 1 tonne of 10mm Pea Gravel coming Thursday for the land drain project, and just ordered 2 tonne Sand to raise the low ground and cover some of the mud. Other Half bought one of these Hoovers today, the tall one was a a pain.
http://www.very.co.uk/hoover-s...eaner/1410192235.prd
Went out for brekkie and bought a tree.
Hi Hicky.
Same here about that '..bass' song.
That's a nifty gadget.
I've got a multimeter that tells me the battery voltages.
It was only just reaching 12 this morning, and it should be at least 12.5 at rest.
When the engine is running it goes up to 14v, so the alternator is working OK.
Having said that, the indicator on the battery is still showing slightly green, but the battery is at least 10 years old, so I'd be better with a new one.
At least that would eliminate the battery as the problem.
Not sure, if there was a short in the instrument panel, if it could drain the battery?
The instruments seemed to be working this morning anyway.
I guess if you are thinking of selling the car, there's not much point in changing the battery, as long as it's still starting the car OK.
Presumably it was a Christmas tree you bought with your breakfast?
Putting up some decs should make your new house feel more like home.
Having said that, haven't got around to putting mine up yet.
Watching X Factor final. See Mel B has made a recovery.
both xx
Emptybox
yes Meghan was the blond girl singing that "all about the Bass" song. Nice catchy song.
So pleased to hear you are feeling well now, as you say 2 weeks off the meds sounds like the consultant was right and the bacteria are gone. (thank goodness). If the meds are affecting you a bit, let's hope you wont' need them for much longer.
How annoying that both vehicles are now playing up. Hope you can sort them both out ok without too much trouble and expense. As you say, good job it is not the gardening season.
Come on, hurry and get that tree up ,else it will be all over. 
Hicky
hope OH is pleased with the new Hoover.
I bet your tree will look lovely in your new home. Hope we get some piccies of it. Did you try somewhere new for brekkie as you have moved? Let's hope you can get some dry weather to get working on the drain project.
Enjoying X factor, I have liked Ben's voice from the beginning.
Good to see One Direction on the show with the Stones guitarist. ....ssshhh...don't tell anyone (because I am too old!), but I love One direction's catchy pop numbers, and they are coming to Cardiff, so I talked a reluctant daughter into coming to see them with me. A chrissy pressie off my OH who took ages trying to get me a ticket the other Saturday when the tickets were first released.
Have a good evening both xx
Evening Both.
Yes Emptybox, O/H picked the tree and a stand for it, she might put it up tomorrow.
Think the decorations are in the garage.
I was surprised to see Mel tonight as well.
The Hoover is great Mollie, and it has a carpet thingy and a hard floor thingy also an animal hair thingy.
No we went to the usual place for brekkie, Carr Farm as she wanted to get a tree.
I wanted the girl to win as i don't like fellers singing.
The Advent pics won't come out, you haven't loaded them right, they don't have a location.
Originally Posted by Hicky:
The Hoover is great Mollie, and it has a carpet thingy and a hard floor thingy also an animal hair thingy.
The Advent pics won't come out, you haven't loaded them right, they don't have a location.
Hi Hicky
that sounds a good Hoover with a few features on it.
Trust me not to be able to do the photos, haven't a clue 
, just copied and pasted them off an email. I can see them on this site on my own pc, but looks like no-one else can see them.
Will put this reindeer on instead for advent day 14.....
hope Emptybox doesn't end up like this when he puts his decs up.
Deleted my post with my photos on, son said the only reason I could see them was because they were off my own email account and I was logged into that account, but no-one else could see them.
Gosh I will never understand how to do photos.
Hi Mollie.
You have to have the photo's on the device you are uploading them from, i could upload them from my Hudl2 if i was on it, or from my Puter if i was posting from that.
To post them from an email you must first save them as attachments onto your Laptop or whatever then you can upload attachments to Gaga, on the post you see the + Add Attachments symbol.
Evening both.
Not bad day here. Should probably have worked, but as I'm having trouble with the van I thought I'd better see to that first.
Took my car in to get the slow puncture fixed. The guy couldn't find any punctures, but fitted a new valve and replaced the tyre. I'll just have to see if it continues to leak air.
He didn't charge me anything for that, which was good, but that might be because I ordered a battery for the van at the same time?
Took the van in this afternoon, and they fitted the new battery. Was quite a job as the bolt had completely corroded so had to be broken off to get the old battery out. They charged ÂĢ67 fitted, which I thought was a good deal.
Just have to see if that solves the problem, or if more work is needed, fingers crossed.
Think I've also got a sticky brake on the Jag.
Doc visit tomorrow, to discuss meds and maybe get a repeat prescription for one of them.
Got my decorations up this afternoon.
Just put all the same ones up again.
Unfortunately I couldn't get the Christmas tree lights to work, even after a frantic half hour of endlessly swapping bulbs about.
I'll either have to do without this year, or I might buy a small set and shove them on afterwards.
Hi Mollie, I'm sure you'll enjoy your 1D concert, along with all their other fans.
Can't say I've paid much attention to their music, so couldn't say if I liked it or not.
What were these photos of, that you tried to post?
Hi Hicky. That hoover looks a bargain. As you've mostly got solid floors, I don't suppose you need an upright one anyway.
Looking forward to the Steph and Dom prog at 10pm on CH4.
(not that I've got much time for the Farage fella)
Not sure what else is on?
Evening Emptybox.
Not a bad day, Pans arrived, so did the man to fit the blinds, O/H put the Christmas tree up, outside, it's on a timer.
Moved stuff in my office around, still need a wardrobe.
Threw the Dell all in one printer in the skip.
Changed my address on my license and Car Docs.
This is maker / ice crusher is fantastic, wait till the summer.
I saw a window cleaning firm over the road, they only wanted ÂĢ8 to do all the windows and the framework and the sills, so we got them to do them all, fantastic.
Central heating is great, can set the temperature to 21 no problem.
Don't have the losses of a house, all the heat doesn't try to go upstairs.
Hope the new battery solves your problem, 10 years is a long time for a car battery.
The Land Rover one must be due for change, it's a 55 model.
It looks like the CBB starts on the 9th.
Hi Hicky. Sounds like a busy day for you.
Glad your pans finally arrived.
Why did you put the tree outside? Have you got another one for inside?
My window cleaner charges me ÂĢ8 as well, has done for years.
I keep thinking he'll go up to ÂĢ10, but he hasn't yet.
Wonder who'll be in CBB this time?
both
Hicky
thanks for the photos link, I'll have another go when I get chance.
Good idea to have the tree on the timer. Can you do some photos of your decs/tree when you get chance?
How handy you saw the window cleaner.
thanks for the CBB info, something nice to look forward to in the new year.
Emptybox
Oh dear, shame you did end up like this because your lights didn't work. Think you can get new ones quite cheap. I went to Sainsburys today and they have reduced the price of their decorations/gifts already. Or try Argos.
Hope your car and van are ok now, good they didn't charge for the car, nor overcharge for the van.
The photos I tried to do were taken at the Christmas parade we went to a few weeks ago.
thanks for the Steph and Dom programme reminder, I had forgotten about it.
Good luck at the docs tomorrow, I think you will feel more comfortable when you have discussed your meds with him.
I hope we get some real celebs we know for CBB this year and they don't tell us everyone who is going in before launch night. I love watching the opening night if we are surprised about who is going in.
Mum started on an anti-depressant this morning and I cannot believe the difference on day 1!! She was real bad yesterday, crying incessantly, in fact I have had a bad headache all day from the stress of it. And today, no tears at all when she got off the bus, no tears the rest of the time at our house and instead of leaving her crying badly in bed, she just whingy cried a little. I know they usually take a long while to take effect, but the carer said they should work quickly for her with her condition especially as she is so small. What makes me so annoyed though is the damn docs receptionist did not bother to get the prescrption done when the consultant sent it over, so it was nearly a whole weeks wait and upset for mum and us, after the consultant wanted to start her on them. The chemist told me the receptionist said it was not important to start her on them quickly. Yes I am sure a snooty receptionist knows better than a hospital consultant who needs medication and when for their condition. Anyway I am hoping this carries on helping mum now.
Yes not much on tv, I have had to put itv2 on, and am watching You've Been framed.
Goodnight both xxx
Advent day 15 and came across this one that I thought you boys would like.
Morning Both.
Not sure why the tree is outside, O/H took out the external multicolored lights and put them on the tree and put it outside the front door and plugged it in the porch.
She has got some LED cones inside.
We always give the window cleaners ÂĢ10 anyway.
But these use ionised water and it's piped to their brushes, they do the frames and sills as well, they will also do the gutters when they need it.
Yes Mollie, we will need CBB in the new year to lift our spirits.
Thats great about your Mum, shows what the right meds can do.
Strange the receptionist not doing the prescription.
Lovely Advent Girl Mollie.
A quick hi from me tonight as just got in, went to see Only Men Aloud and Only Boys aloud (the ones who came 3rd on BGT a couple of years ago. Very good.
Emptybox
hope the docs visit went ok, and you are well today.
Hicky
I think outdoor Christmas trees looks lovely, as I am sure yours does.
Today's advent picture, day 16, (just made it before midnight today).. is from something my kids used to watch (not keen myself) - Nightmare Before Christmas.
Goodnight both xxx
Evening.
Saw the doc earlier. He thinks it's worth carrying on with the pills, so has given me prescriptions for another month's worth.
Was hoping not to have to keep taking them, but hey-ho.
Bought a cheap set of fairy lights for my tree (ÂĢ5). Just the traditional multicoloured ones like I've had for years, but they'll do me.
Unfortunately the new battery hasn't cured the van, and the instrument panel is still playing up.
Not sure if it's causing a drain on the new battery? But I guess I could always disconnect it if I'm not going to use it for a while.
I'll do some more checking, but I guess it'll need to go into the garage.
Probably leave it till after New Year though now.
Hi Mollie. Glad you enjoyed your concert.
It's bad that you had to wrestle (not literally) with your doctor's receptionist to get the pills for your Mum; but glad they seem to be doing good.
Again, of the two advent pics you posted since I was last on, I prefer the one with the girl on.
Hi Hicky. I'm sure the tree looks good outside anyway. Do your new neighbours have outside decs?
My window cleaner uses those long brushes as well. Not sure what sort of water he uses, but he never asks for any, so guess he fills up his machine at the beginning of the day. Don't think he cleans any woodwork or guttering though.
Struggled for anything to watch tonight.
Watched a couple of episodes of 'Orange is the new Black' on Netflix (on my Fire TV box).
Good Morning Both.
Couldn't sleep so got dressed, going to work later, Bosses are meeting me for Brekkie in a Toby Inn in Speke for a Fairwell & Birthday breakfast, I leave/Retire today.
Glad you enjoyed your show Mollie, don't remember the group, only a fan of Girls Groups.
Strange Emptybox, same tablets, Oh well, they should know.
If your instrument panel is playing up it will be a plug that has been disturbed i would think, nearly all equipment in cars is on plugs and sockets so they can be added or changed later.
Sometimes even different companies make different looms, 1 operator in the factory inserts each part of the loom.
My Neighbours have lots of decorations up, some have an awful lot, it looks good though.
Happy Birthday Hicky.....and
Don't suppose you are doing too much actual work today, but enjoy your special breakfast.
I might see if I can take the instrument panel out to check the connections, but seemingly it's a common fault on Fords of that age that they get a bad or dry connection in the panel. And as it's one unit, it has to be replaced.
Might go out and do a bit of gardening later, if I can trust the van.
Apprentice tonight. Unfortunately it's the interview programme, which I don't enjoy as much as the tasks.
Good afternoon Emptybox.
Not really working today, had a nice brekkie in the Toby Carvery, as much as you can eat for ÂĢ3.99
The bosses came and the bosses daughter.
If it's a dry joint it's unlikely you can sort it.
Doubt if dry joints can get through the system these days, it's all automated.
It could be anything really.
I don't like the interview stage either, mind you i've missed most of the program now.
I'll try and watch tonight though.
Glad you enjoyed your last working breakfast Hicky.
I got the instrument panel out as far as I could (involved 6 screws).
I couldn't get it right out as the the space between the dash and the steering wheel, even when the steering wheel was lowered, wasn't wide enough.
However I could access the connectors, and made sure they weren't loose.
Also made sure there was no obvious damp or corrosion back there.
I have also noticed that, when the key is out, the little pointer on the temperature gauge stays illuminated. Not as much as it would when the lights were on, but enough to perhaps explain the small drain on the battery.
There must be a short or something behind there.
Don't think there's anything more I can do except put it in the hands of the garage? I don't want to try to remove the steering wheel myself.
I've connected a solar trickle charger, that I used to use with my Mercedes. That might offset the battery drain, if we get some sunny days.
Otherwise I might have to disconnect the battery when I'm not using it, until I can get it fixed.
Think it would take quite a number of days to run the new battery down, with that small draw anyway.
The old battery was probably a lot weaker, and even that never refused to start.
Can't really leave it as it is though, as I doubt it would pass an MoT with a faulty panel?
After fiddling with the van I did get out to do a bit of gardening as well.
Evening Emptybox.
Just tasting the results of the new Bosch Tassimo T45 coffee maker.
got a few bob off the boss, also a bottle of champers.
If you could get at the plugs on the dash it would have been worth unplugging them and replugging in, that can sometimes help.
It's pretty serious to find any lamps on when they should be off.
Besides being a fire risk it means there could be also other things going on that you are unaware of.
My lad bought me a Mitre saw cutting bench, this one.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolut...nsions/dp/B005XJ8XQG
It will be super when i start all the decking.
Hicky
what a special day it is for you today.
AND
I hope you are having a lovely day. 
Glad to hear you had a nice brekkie with the boss and daughter. Plus the few bob and champagne will come in useful I am sure. I am sure your bench off your lad will come in useful too.
Apprentice time now, enjoy the show. 
Emptybox
yes if the doc says carry on with the meds, best to do so. At least it looks like it will only be for another month now though. Glad you have got your fairy lights sorted, bet it looks pretty in your house now.
Sorry you are still having van problems. I bet that fiddling took up a fair bit of time, but at least you did manage to get out and do a bit of gardening.
Mum so much better now on these meds in that she is not crying on and off all the time now. Only briefly once again tonight. She is all tucked up in bed now, so Apprentice time for me now.
enjoy the show.
Advent day 17, and as you seem to like the young lady ones, I found this nice lady skater.
Evening Mollie.
Thank you Mollie, had a great day all round, last day at work, well, it's not really, got to go to work early new year to change the accounting system over to 2015.
Enjoyed the Apprentice, didn't think i would.
another nice advent Girl, can't have too many of them.
Hi Mollie.
Glad your Mum is doing well on her new pills.
I think I have to take the main med (Tamsulosin) for at least another two months, but after that I want to stop all meds to see if I'm OK without them.
As I went straight from being on antibiotics to being on these ones, I don't really have a baseline to see if they are doing me any good.
Thanks for the lady skater.
Hi Hicky.
I never thought about the fault in the van being a fire risk, but you are probably right.
Probably best if I disconnect the battery when I'm not using the van, just to be on the safe side.
What a blasted nuisance. 
Hope you enjoyed the results of your new coffee maker, and I'm sure you'll make good use of that saw bench.
Can they not handle the accounting system themselves yet??
The bosses daughter will have to learn to do it all herself from now on, without calling you out.
Pity Roisin's business plan wasn't up to snuff. I would have liked her to be in the final.
Hi Emptybox.
As you say, if you start again from scratch with the Meds you will then see whats needed surely.
The coffee make sure makes good drinks, it's pretty simple to use and clean as well.
Have ordered the proper glasses and lots of nice drinks.
The new bench lets me fasten my rotary mitre saw on top and lets me cut longer lengths supported, have a lot of decking to do.
The accounting system i designed takes a lot of work to change over at the end of the year.
When i designed it i didn't realise that at the end of the year certain pages of figures will change, the system has to reset the 2015 figures to zero and all the 2014 figures have to move into the old section of the accounting.
It's one thing resetting all the figure for vat at the end of each quarter but at the end of the year it's a lot of work.
Also, lots of the completed figure rows have to be deleted or the pages of the system would just keep growing year on year.
Enjoyed the Apprentice, some looney idea's eh.
both
Hicky
so glad that your last day at work (that wasn't quite a last day at work) was a great day. How many days will you need to work to do the accounting system?
I looked up your coffee machine, it looks great, I really like Costa coffee. What type of coffees have you bought to try?
Yes indeed some weird ideas on Apprentice.
Wow at the CBB house, it looks great and it looks an interesting theme. Emma looks good in those photos at that link.
Emptybox
yes good idea to stop all meds to see how you fair after you have finished the course the doc has put you on.
Yes a real annoyance about your van.
Yes I too liked Roisin, but she did come unstuck with that plan.
Mum all tucked up in bed, so it is fluffy onesie time and tv for me, and as usual the doggie is sitting on my lap leaning on my onesie as it is fluffy and warm.
I am watching A and E now.
Have a good evening xxx
Advent day 18, and only a week till Christmas.
So today we have a boogie day.
Good Morning Mollie.
The site was down earlier, couldn't get on this morning.
It will only tqke a day to change the accounting system over, it just needs a lot of thought as blocks on accounting pages have to be cut and pasted onto other pages, and with most boxes being formulas you need to be able to look at an original copy to check what a particular formula was because when you move them they tend to get confused.
I've ordered tea, coffee, milk, chocolate and glass 250ml beakers for the machine, should be good.
Looking forward to the Strictly final tomorrow.
Just posted my Tunnel Tag back, not needed now.
Love this ice maker, and crushed ice maker on the fridge, will be great in the summer.
Good evening both
Hicky
hope you enjoy all the things you ordered for the coffee machine when you get them.
Yes I am sure that the ice maker will be well used over summer.
Well that is good the work will only take a day, that does not interfere with your new retirement much.
How is your knee/hip now? Has the pain eased at all lately? Hopefully it might now you don't have to go to and fro for work and you are settled in your new home.
Emptybox
hope you are feeling well today.
when do you intend going to your brothers for Christmas?
Am exhausted, went early today to see the morning college panto with Reb, but I got the day wrong and it was yesterday.
So we caught train to Cardiff. That was a mistake too...the train was packed as was the shops, so we didn't do much there other than have a coffee.
Today this lovely young carer took mum out for a walk. She too noticed her mobility is a lot worse, so she stayed in her wheelchair, but her crying is a lot less. (not sure if meds hastening the lack of mobility?) They went and fed the ducks and swans on the local duck pond. Carer wrapped her well up with blankets she said and she ate her soup and toast when they got back. Mum had lots of cards off the carers, so I have sat and written some back as she can't sign her name now. I am so pleased the care mum gets at home is so good.
Gogglebox tonight was real funny.
Goodnight both xx
Advent day 19 and it is Rudolp.
Evening.
Showery and windy here today. Didn't do much.
Hi Hicky. Sounds like that coffee maker is going to cost you money, with all the things you have to buy for it?
That's a complex accounting system. Good job it'll only take the one day to change over. But presumably you'll have to show your successor how to do it for the next year?
Thanks for the BB house link. Looks great.
Hi Mollie. Not a good day for you if you got the panto date wrong, and got caught up in shopping chaos in town.
Sounds like the carers are taking good care of your Mum anyway.
I like the Rudolph advent pic.
I didn't watch Gogglebox tonight, as I watched that Text Santa thing, but I think it's repeated on another evening?
Evening Both.
Been setting up a new laptop for O/H, it's a Toshiba, very thin and light so she can walk around with it showing my lad in OZ the house on the webcam on Skype.
Been testing the new coffee machine, it's good, the glasses came today as well, not got the extra drink modules yet, but bosses daughter bought me a load.
Mollie, the knee gives pain about 80% of the time, it's painful to drive now as well.
Not sure when my Hip gives pain, it is easier to control the movement to stop it hurting.
All this rainy weather has slowed down my garden project, the gardener put down the 2 tonne of Ballast, which is basically the concrete mix but without any cement.
Will have to let the ground dry out more before any more can be done.
Will have to see how the weather goes, would love to order the wood for the decking, can't order the blue slate, will have to be patient.
That was bad luck Mollie turning up on the wrong day.
At least they seem to be looking after your Mum.
Yes Emptybox, the coffee machine capsules aren't cheap either, but it's not cheap to buy when you are out either.
Can't wait for CBB to start, seen a few lists of maybe's, but don't really see the point.
Hoping the Joiner comes tomorrow, the new Front Door was dropped off today, being fitted Monday Afternoon.
Good Afternoon Both.
Joiner delivered the 6 internal doors today, will be here tomorrow morning.
Window fitters delivered the front door yesterday, will be fitting it Monday afternoon.
The Hall bench / shoe case came this morning, all built and in use now.
It's this one, similar.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Holly-...tryway/dp/B008Y6BO0W
Love it.
My 80 Kenco Coffee, 40 Cadbury's chocolate, 80 tea and 48 milk came this morning.
The tea is Twining's breakfast tea.
Looking forward to tonights Strictly anyway.
'See you in rehearsals, Rylan Clark' Steven Goode confirms CBB 2015 presenting spot
Kimberly Kisselovich's husband-to-be boasts about joining Emma Willis for January series
-------------------
Steven replaces Lain Lee.
-------------------
both
Emptybox
yes luckily Gogglebox is repeated, so you won't miss out. Look out for Sandra in her Christmas costume.
Was it sphag bol tonight? Are you still sticking to the special diet? Can you have a beer yet?
Hicky
gosh you cetainly have a good choice of pods there. You'll have to let us know what your favourite one is. Thanks for the CBB link, will take a look in a minute. The laptop sounds ideal for you OH and the skype. Sorry to hear the pain in the knee is still bad. Hope it improves when we get warm weather. Hope you are pleased with your new doors. Your shoe thing looks good.
Got our food shopping from Lidl today. I like Lidl especially their prices.
Mum really shuffly today, and finding it hard to walk.
Think we will have to use wheelchair now to get her to car from her flat. Good job I have OH or one of my lads to help as my ribs/back find it hard work looking after her now and getting her around.
Not much on tv, so nearly time for me and OH to get the Christmas kareoke game out.
We are both awful singers, but I think that is compulsory to play this game.
Been a lovely sunny day here today.
Goodnight both x
