Morning Both.

Don't think i slept much, just don't seem to be able to get comfy.

I can try sleeping on my good side but doubt if i do.

Weather too bad the weekend for anyone to do any work outside.

Have ordered the decking for the Gazebo area so it could be built.

Hope your searches go ok on the house Mollie and they sort daughters tooth out for her.

Hi Emptybox, yes, hip getting better, can move it pretty good now, it just takes so long to really heal, 3 months in all or more.

both x

Emptybox

was the weather too bad to get any jobs done today? Windy and damp here today and feels cold too.

Yes I too am not keen on Chatty man and how he faffs with drink, but there was no drink on his live show. and OH remarked to me it was good how he was not the dirty jokes type, didn't need to do that as he was so quick and witty. Often cracking jokes in response to what the audience shouted out to him.

Hicky

shame you can't sleep well, best just to have tv on in the background I guess, so you don't lie thinking about not being able to sleep. That is what I used to do when unwell. Shame the weather is holding up outside work, hopefully as we get closer to summer we should get some better weather. Bet you can't wait for that gazebo to get done.

It is good news you can move that hip well now, but not surprised it takes around 3 months to heal completely as it is such a big joint. Bet you won't know yourself in a few weeks though.

Good news is although dentist left final decision to daughter, she thought it worth trying with a root filling, so she hasn't lost the tooth yet. Fingers crossed it works now. Dentist didn't take long to find and take out the root. She showed it to us and said it was unabelievable how something so small could cause so much pain. It was like a real small piece of thread. Daughter had to go back for 1 or 2 more visits to finish it off now. It stands 80% chance of being a success, so let's hope it is ok.

Yes Emptybox, we haven't got far with house purchase because we changed solicitors, the other ones were so slow and didn't respond to my emails in nearly 2 weeks so we started again. Hopefully it will go a bit quicker now.

Think I will watch Travel Man in Barcelona tonight, not much else tonight apart from Coronation street.

have a good evening both xx

Evening Mollie.

I probably can't sleep as i'm not doing anything all day.

I'll try leaving the tv on.

The next dry weather we have i'll have to get in the garden, so much to do.

Nurse came to change the dressing, she said it's looking very good, she comes Wednesday to take a couple of stitches out.

Hope daughters tooth is ok now.

Watching Travel Man, not impressed.

Hi both.

Very cold and windy here, and rain this afternoon.

Didn't get out to work. I'll start getting round people once April starts, but it seems colder than usual at the moment, so I don't expect to have to rush round everybody. The grass won't take off until we get a warmer spell.

Took the car into the tyre place because another tyre was losing air. Turned out to be the valve this time.

They did it for free again. Fantastic customer service, but can't see how it pays them, as the guy took half an hour.

But I suppose it keeps me going back to them.

Pity the first solicitor let you down Mollie. Hope the new one gets things moving more quickly.

Glad your daughter managed to keep her tooth. Hope the filling holds.

Hi Hicky. Pity you still can't get much sleep. But as you say, if you are not exerting yourself you don't need as much.

Hope the weather improves so you can get out in the garden. Doesn't look good for tomorrow though.

Watched 'The Ark'. Wasn't too bad. Put a sort of modern slant on the biblical story.

Good Afternoon Emptybox.

I suppose i must have had a few quick sleeps.

Got a call from the doc that i had booked about my meds.

He said ask the nurse tomorrow when she comes to take my BP and let him know what it is.

Trying to sort the water on the legs gravity problem.

Went out in the car with O/H to get a bite to eat, went to the chip shop in Pargate and it was boarded as if getting work done.

Went to West \kirby as assumed New Brighton chipy would be closed.

Got fish and chips from Marrigolds, fantastic, sat on the Prob and ate it.

Bought a bag of Bacon Ribs and some pies while parked.

The next dry warm period and im off out, so much to do, nothing being done at the mo.

Strange Valves going, they usually last the life of a Tyre.

You are going to be getting busy soon as the weather clears up.

Hi Hicky.

That was nice for you to get out in the car and go for fish and chips.

Hope they can get the fluid problem sorted.

Not sure why the valves go. Something to do with the winter weather, so the guy said.

It was leaking round the side of the valve, rather than the valve failing as such.

Perhaps the salt they put on the roads promotes some corrosion?

Anyway he says he does a lot of them in the winter.

Very windy and drizzly here today, and cold outside.

But I'll need to start going round and start the grass cutting from tomorrow, if it's fair.

Watched 'Burger Bar to Gourmet Star' on 4 then 'Ordinary Lies' on BBC1. That's quite a good series actually.

both xx

Hicky

hope the nurse can hep advise about your water on the legs today. That was lovely for you to get out for fish and chips. Sounds like we haven't got too long now before the weather warms up so you can get out in the garden. Hope the forecasters are right though.

Emptybox

think you will still need your warm hat if you go out to work today.Yes it is late warming up this year, so I can imagine you will be extra busy when the grass suddenly starts growing when the first warm weather finally arrives, then they all decide they want the grass cutting.

That is a good garage doing work again for free for you. As you say, at least it means you go back to them when they offer such good customer service.

All good for daughter so far with the tooth, at last she is going around with a smile on her face again.

Very cold again this morning, think forecast says it will go up to 10 degrees, but it feels colder than that.

Mum's hospital bed in place now. All electronic, the whole bed can be moved up and down, the top part can be moved individually, and the bottom part can be too. It has a soft mattress, with one filled up with air on top. Hopefully it will help now. We still have a bit of furniture moving around to do at mum's flat now.

Time to get the washing on.

have a good day both xx

Good Afternoon Both.

Had a good day today, joiner came to fit a new window ledge in the utility room.

Nurse came and removed dressings and stitches, not that she found any.

Shes back next week, she just put a new dressing on to protect the wound.

Other nurses coming Tuesday to remove catheter, got nurse to check BP, it was 121 / 72 rang surgery to let doc know as he had asked me to.

He is going to sort out a water tablet as the one i used to take doesn't go with one of my other tablets.

Rigged up my car cams in my room facing out, recording what goes on outside.

When in static mode (parking) they only record if they see a movement.

I can call the camera up on my phone or tablet while lying in bed, can even get past recordings or watch either live.

This afternoon i got dressed and went out to a garden centre with O/H, had a meal out then had a wander round.

Just cooked a pan of bacon ribs we got yesterday.

Yes Emptybox, if forecast holds i could be in the garden very soon,

Forecast here for Sat, Sun, Mon Tue is here.

http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/li/weather.in.Prenton/

I'm very pleased with this.

Thats great Mollie, to see your daughter with a smile again.

Hope the new bed sorts out some of the problems with your Mum?

Hi both.

Another windy drizzly day, but better forecast tomorrow I think.

Hi Mollie.

Glad your daughter's tooth seems OK.

The hospital bed will hopefully make things easier for you and the carers, with your Mum.

A few daffodils are just beginning to come out here, so Spring can't be far off.

Hi Hicky.

Glad you had a good day, and the nurse removed your dressings and stiches.

Bet you can't wait for that catheter to go now?

Hope they can sort out a new tablet to fix the water issue.

Careful with those outward facing cameras. We don't want you featuring on 'Nightmare Neighbours'.

Glad you enjoyed your meal at the garden centre.

The weather looks OK for the weekend onwards right enough.

Good Evening Both.

Not too bad a day.

Bosses daughter came over and brought me a lovely card and a big Easter Egg.

My Timber arrived, getting Gardener for a couple of hours tomorrow.

Went out to Parkgate for a Carvery, £13 including parking for 2 course meal, fantasic, including drinks, and thats for 2.

Knee starts to give a bit of trouble while i'm a passenger in the car.

Evening Hicky.

Very frosty here overnight. Woke at 8am to everything white.

But it went quickly, and was a calm and largely sunny day.

Started my grass cutting. Got four clients cut for the first time this season.

Hope to get a few more done tomorrow, then I can maybe take Easter Monday off.

None of them were desperate to be cut, but looked better afterwards anyway.

That was nice of your boss's daughter. Is that the same one that has taken over your duties?

Glad your timber came, and you enjoyed another meal out.

Pity your knee was hurting, but it's bound to take a bit more strain when you are being protective of your hip, I would have thought.

Watched the Leaders' debate. Wasn't too bad actually. Didn't descend into chaos too often.

Morning  Emptybox.

Must have had some sleep last night as saw the clock at 1am then 5am, head down at 7pm.

Just eating some Fudge, yummy.

Yes, it's the same bosses daughter, she said she was going to change the accounting over to 2nd quarter, she said at least i don't need to change anything, i said you have to reset the whole vat system to restart the vat on all new invoices etc.

Don't think she has a chance.

Told her if she can't do it she can email me the file, it's quite a big job.

Lost my VIP, they were using an old address and old account, couldn't change it, can't see where to change home address but they used it when they emailed me, very confusing,

I won't bother again.

I've deleted my FB (facebook) account as i don't like it any more, it wants to know too much and you don't really have control over it.

Hi Hicky.

Wet here all day, so I didn't get out to do any jobs.

May have to try to do something tomorrow, if it's a dry day.

Glad you managed to get some sleep at least.

Maybe the boss's daughter knew she was likely to need your help with the VAT, and that's why she was buttering you up with the Easter egg?

Pity you've lost your VIP status on here.

Still, it's your name on the thread, so you're a VIP in here.

Still got my Facebook. It's how I hear what my SiL and Nephew are up to.

(my Brother refuses to have one)

Watched that Eurovision tribute.

Now if they could have got ABBA to reform, that would have been a coup.

Morning Emptybox.

Pity you had all that rain, it sure stops your work.

that was strange about the VIP status, i can't see how to change my address, they emailed me yesterday using the old house address.

They never gave me the option to change the bank card, they didn't give me an option of paying once a year when they ask, they insist by the looks of it that i have to have it on auto renewal, well, that naughty. I like an option to choose so i won't be signing up again.

I found on Facebook that i was inundated with hundreds of requests for info/data/friends heaven knows what, i had loads of people on my timeline that i didn't even seem to know.

I found the site very hard to navigate, far too complex, a dreadful site.

Hi Hicky.

Dull but dry here. However it was wet overnight and the grass was soaking wet, so decided not to do any grass cutting. It'll have to wait till after Easter.

Last year Easter fell on 20th April, so plenty of time to get round everybody beforehand. But this year it was too early.

Well that's going to be my excuse if anybody complains anyway.

Got my vehicles washed anyway.

Can't say I've noticed Facebook sending me any messages? Occasionally when I go to my profile it prompts you to fill in your school, or something like that, but that's easily ignored.

I used to get loads of invites to join in these silly FB games (Farmville etc), but as I just ignored them they seem to have dried up.

The final of the Voice tonight. That should be good?

both xxx

Hicky

glad to hear you haven't got too long left with the catheter now. Sorry to hear the knee was giving you gip, as Emptybox says, maybe it is taking extra strain till you get over your hip op?

Always nice to get out for a meal, especially a bargain carvary one like that.

Shame they coudn't do the VIP properly for you. I will miss all your photos, but I think you can still copy and paste them here, can't you?

I too do not like FB one bit. I rarely go on it, can't be bothered how to work it out. I ignore it when it asks for extra info too. That was nice of the boss's daughter, what sort of egg was it? Sounds like they need your help work wise now. 

Emptybox

hope you have a good rest over the Easter weekend as it sounds like you will be very busy afterwards. Let's hope for some nice weather so you can do a bit of work at a time.

Enjoyed The Voice final but was hoping the girl would win. I think she was a bit unusual, but there are many around like the lad who won. (even though he does have an ok voice).

Had a busy few days, we have moved furniture around in mum's flat to make it easier for the girls to see to her in the new bed. Have reduced her meds too because I think they were making her even more confused.

Lovely day today so me, OH and our boys took doggie a walk on seafront just before we went to get mum, lots of people around  for Easter hols and good weather. 

Poor daughter has a cold now, so she stayed home, think she is run down after not been able to eat/sleep for 2 weeks, and being on so many meds with that abcess. Luckily the tooth seems ok now, let's hope it stays problem free.

Me and OH went to tesco for brekkie today, they have done it all up. Nice red sofas, I had grilled tomato, hash brown, baked beans, mushrooms and toast.

It looks so beautiful round here now with all the blossoms coming out at last, and daffodils in full bloom, my favourite are all the cute lambs running around.

Hope you sleep well again tonight Hicky.

Are you sleeping ok again now you are feeling more yourself Emptybox?

Goodnight both xxx

Hi Mollie.

Yes I was hoping Lucy would win The Voice as well.

Voted a couple of times for her.

Not a huge fan of Opera, but her winners song was really beautiful and melodic.

Hope the new bed and reduced meds help your Mum.

And hope your daughter gets over her cold quickly.

Glad you could enjoy a nice seafront walk.

I still miss living near the sea, even though I've lived inland for over 30 years now.

When I first moved to this hilly area I felt a bit claustrophobic.

I'm not too bad at the moment. Still have a few symptoms every now and again, and still not sleeping quite as well as I used to, but can't complain really.

I seem to dream more, and don't get so much of the good deep sleep. Not sure why?

Morning Both.

Happy Easter Sunday.

Went to the wedding meal, was there for many hours, sat down for over 2 hours.

thats how long the meal lasted, then we took out leave.

The reception cost over £22k

Met many people at the meal, one of my relations is going to come and loot at my needs in the garden and give a price to built the equipment.

Saw the end of the Final, don't like fellers singing so was disappointed.

I think you should have some good weather after Easter Empybox so will be able to catch up with work.

Mollie, the bosses daughter brought a big Nestle Caramel Collection, very nice.

Glad you could get to the seafront, a bit of a stress reliever.

thats a nice breakfast you had at Tesco, it makes a change.

I seem to be getting more sleep, in little snatches.

Got work to do in the garden, expecting the sun soon.

WISHING YOU BOTH A HAPPY EASTER.

Hope you enjoy eating your Easter egg Hicky. I bet the caramel collection is delicious.

I don't have an egg, but I did buy these from Costco for a treat last week,

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lindt-...am-200/dp/B00HLHC3FA

they were sampling them when I visited Costco, really nice, a special flavour made for Easter they said. Didn't pay the £7.50 for them though, paid £2.50 in Costco.

Hicky

Gosh 2 hours for a long meal is a long time for you to cope with so soon after your op. Hope you enjoyed the food though, what was it?

for £22,000, I should think it would be excellent. Was it a friend or relatives wedding? At least they were lucky with the weather though. Could be handy too if one of your relatives does give you a good quote for building your equipment. Hope you have the good weather we have here today to get in the garden.

Emptybox

I too am not a fan of heavy opera but don't mind the odd well known song, and did like the way this girl sang last night. Glad to hear you are not too bad at the moment. I think as we get older our sleep habits do naturally become a bit more interrupted, I often wake at night which I didn't use to do, so I just read my book a bit until I am tired again. You might find yourself sleeping better when you get back to your busy gardening time too.

Off to do a bit of washing now, then will take doggie a walk later.

have a good day both xxx

Hi both.

Happy Easter.

Lovely sunny day.

I've turned the heating off in the morning now. Just got it coming on at 7pm for a few hours. So that'll be the cue for it to get colder again, I guess. D

Didn't realise you were at a wedding yesterday Hicky. One of your relatives?

A bit of a long time out, so soon after your op, I would think? But hope you enjoyed the meal.

Very pricey reception.

Glad one of your relatives is going to help with erecting the summerhouses etc.

Hi Mollie. No I don't bother with Easter eggs. Hope you enjoy those strawberry and cream Lindor things.

I see Lucy O'Byrne also was in The Voice Ireland back in 2012. She was kicked out in the Battle rounds though. Probably before she came to live in London?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aUCoJ0k2ro

BTW, in my ignorance, I didn't realise that both finalists last night were actually singing versions of the same song (Lost Stars by Adam Levine). I'd never heard of the song before, and assumed it was an opera song she was singing.

You might be right about the sleeping. Certainly it's better when I'm properly tired.

Have a nice Easter both.

Evening Both.

Had 4 hrs in the garden, the sun was late coming out so didn't go out till midday.

Got a lot done though, have levelled and fixed the base framework for the floor of the big summerhouse.

Fitted the angle brackets for the second level of the raised bed woodwork.

O/H said she would give me a hand laying the next 80sqm of ground webbing so that i can mark out the raised beds.

Was going to fit the new guttering kit and unwrapped the whole of the 10ft pack to find it's the wrong kit.

Mollie, the wedding was for my O/H's brothers daughter.

Love the bunny.

I've been eating Easter Eggs.

both

Hicky

glad to hear you managed to get a good few hours out in the garden today. Bet you can't wait to finish that big summerhouse. What a shame the guttering kit was the wrong one. Can you get your money back? That was nice that it was your OH's niece getting married.

Is it tomorrow the nurse takes off the catheter?

Emptybox

Interesting youtube about Lucy, at least she got a lot further for the UK contest.

I too did not understand about the song last night, never heard it before and I too assumed she was singing an opera song.

I guess you will be doing your gardens tomorrow as the forecast is good. Mind you don't overdo it as it has been awhile since you have done a full day.

A gorgeous sunny day here today. I dug out my sandals and no coat at last.

It was so busy driving down to the coast to get mum this afternoon. We went via motorway to avoid the queues from town. But they were even queuing off the motorway! OH took a back route to get round it, so we got there on time to enjoy  an ice cream and a hot do-nut before we picked mum up.  It was packed on the beach and seafront.

We are now having trouble getting mum to eat and drink, she can't find her mouth properly. I caught her trying to eat one of the tassles off her coat tonight. So we have to watch her all the time she is with us. All we got her to eat today was a few spoons of porridge and a couple of those little fromage frais. I did get half a mug of ovaltine down her though. She is so thin. The carers do as best they can, and at least she is still at home though. One carer took her a long walk to the duck pond today, and said she did respond when she spoke to her. I have had to increase the care hours and decrease the time I look after her because it is so hard, but a few times a day they have now doubled up on carers for her. The private care agency fees are real high, but still not as high as I would have to pay if she was in a care home, because social services pay a little towards the fees. I have to use mum's house money to pay her fees, she sold her house when she couldn't manage, even if she hadn't, social services would of put a charge on it to pay her fees. Seems very unfair, her and dad paid into the nhs all of their lives since it was introduced.

Goodnight both, xx let's hope this lovely spring weather lasts awhile.

Hi Mollie and Hicky.

Lovely sunny day here again.

Had a day off, but will have to get on with grass cutting tomorrow.

Got my year end accounts for my business done.

If you managed all that work in the garden yesterday Hicky, you must be recovering well?

I'd have thought you'd have difficulty bending down to do that work?

Pity the guttering stuff you ordered was wrong. ;(

Hi Mollie. Sounds like you got caught up in bank holiday traffic, getting to the beach. But at least you got your ice-cream and doughnut.

Not good if you can't get your Mum to eat. Not the right stuff anyway.

And they need so much caring for, when they get to that stage.

Very difficult to juggle it all I would imagine.

Watched the Big Fat Gypsy wosname. Why do these girls think they look good in those ridiculous dresses?

Evening Both.

Had a good day, weather  fantastic.

Catheter out at last.

Nurse was worried when we were doing the water tests.

I had to write down the liquid intake and what i had passed, all to be measured.

At one time i seemed to have an intake of 1.4litre and had only passed 150ml.

On testing my bladder the machine could only find 68ml, my body must have absorbed the rest.

Anyway he was happy and signed me off,

Been working in the garden all afternoon, doing very well.

Should have the gardener tomorrow afternoon for a few hours.

Rang the company about them sending me the wrong gutter kit, they wanted me to send them a picture of what i had received, did that, they are going to send the right kit now.

Emptybox, I can move around fine now, not much a can't do, just have to respect the new hip.

Mollie, sound like your Mum is going down hill again, very worrying time.

District Nurse tomorrow, should take the last of the dressing off, unless she leaves it on for protection.

Hi Hicky.

Not bad day here. Bit dull to start with, but quite a lot of warm sun this afternoon.

Got another few places in town cut for the first time. Surprisingly little growth though.

Must be a big relief to you to get the catheter out.

Hope the district nurse does the same for your dressing tomorrow.

That doesn't seem much urine output?

I had to do that test when I saw the consultant in November, and I got told off for drinking too much.

I was taking in over 2 litres, and peeing a similar amount.

Glad you've more or less got full movement again. Don't want to overdo it though.

Hope they send the right gutter kit this time.

Watched 'Ordinary Lies' on BBC1 again.

Evening Emptybox.

Been a beautiful day here.

Got the catheter out yesterday, haven't taken the tablets for the prostrate as i had run out, couldn't wee in the night, had to walk and sit on the loo for 8 hours in agony.

So got catheter back again, darn it.Hip fine, prostrate not.

Been in garden all day, gardener came at 3.30, got an awful lot done.

I'll take a picture for you to see.

Asked 2 of the neighbours for their grass, got some all ready for the compost heap.

Taken a few pics, maybe i can't attach them though.

Had to send them to O/H on twitter then get the correct url.

both

Hicky

oh dear poor you, what a horrible time you had last night, bet you have been worn out all day today. Perhaps because you haven't used your bladder in so long, it has forgotten how to work?  Hopefully when you get replacement tablets it will help it get working again ready for when you get the catheter out again. At least the hip is fixed ok though, but how frustrating that you sort one big problem out so well, then another one comes up.

I am so pleased to see some more of your photos because i did wonder if you would have trouble posting piccies now you are not VIp. Glad you worked your way round it though. I can see you have been real busy in the garden again. So lucky the weather has been so good. You can see in the photos what a nice big garden you have.

Emptybox

glad you too are getting the good weather, and you got a few jobs done. Fancy getting told off for drinking too much, I thought we were all supposed to keep well hydrated and drink at least 2 litres a day? I drink lots of water to help keep my skin hydrated and wrinkle free.

Another lovely day here today, had my morning coffee in the garden and a little read in the sun this afternoon. Good to dig out the summer sandals and T shirts already.

Carer took mum down seafront this afternoon and she got her to eat all of her ice cream. Then she ate a yogurt when she got home. Seems she copes with soft food but finds chewing stuff hard now. I have a day off on Wednesdays as it is son's guitar lesson and would be a big rush tea time for me if I had mum. But I know mum is in good hands with carer. Carer texted me 5 times and rang me twice to let me know how mum was, as she knows I was worried about her drinking enough.

Did a bit of shopping in Lidl whilst son at guitar. Food so cheap there, but good quality I find.

Had lots of paperwork from solicitor about house and have been advised to arrange a survey, so that will take me awhile to go through. We have to get back with any queries to them.

Great weather for getting my washing dried.

Goodnight both xx

hope you have a better night Hicky. 

Are you sleeping any better Emptybox?

Evening Mollie.

well, the main thing is the Hip, that to me is a miracle, other problems not so awful.

The garden is coming along and i can see it coming to fruition.

still a lot to do but a bit of nice weather seems like a dream,

Never dreamt that a couple of weeks after the massive op that i would be working in the garden again.

I am still working to scale, have to get the summerhouses built in order to finish the layout and get some trees in.

the company accountant is going to do my accounts even now i have left, thats nice of them.

I like Lidl but O/H isn't keen.

Glad your mum got to the seafront, an ice cream sounds good.

Solicitors are such sticklers, paperwork over and over.

My neighbour brought her grass over for me, i let her use one of my collapsing wast containers, they weigh nothing really but so handy.

the grass hadn't grown much as i saw her cutting it last week.

Evening both.

Nice day here again. Not as warm as the last two days though. In fact there was a frost first thing.

Got some more grass cut, in the neighbouring village this time.

Thanks for the pics Hicky. The weed control matting is just about down by the look of it.

What a shame that you need the catheter again.

Did you have prostate problems before, or has that been brought on by the op?

Perhaps you are on the same tablets as me - Tamsulosin? They're supposed to help urine flow.

I don't have a problem with peeing, but they're also supposed to help generally with inflammation of the prostate.

At least your hip is coming on fine, and it does seem like a fast recovery for that.

You don't want to put too much grass on the compost heap really. Mixed with other things it's OK, but on it's own it turns into a nasty black mess.

I'd have thought you would do your own accounts, as you do the VAT etc? But if the company accountant is offering, I guess you'd be silly to turn it down.

Hi Mollie.

Glad things are coming along with the house purchase, but as Hicky says, the solicitors do seem to drag things out.

Yes, I'd think you'd need a survey, especially if you are planning alterations.

(not that I've any experience with house buying )

Not quite in T-shirts and sandals here, but I did roll my shirt sleeves up this afternoon.

Glad you get a day off from looking after your Mum on a Wednesday.

The doctor is always telling me to drink loads of water, but it was the consultant who was surprised that I was peeing more than 2 litres a day, and drinking even more. "Oh that's too much" he said.

Seeing as you asked Mollie, no I'm not sleeping very well lately. In fact the last couple of nights I've had long periods in the early hours where I'm lying awake struggling to relax. I usually get another couple of hours sleep before morning though.

Not sure if it's something to do with getting back to work, or if my symptoms are getting worse again, but it's annoying and I feel tired in the mornings.

But I'm generally feeling fine during the day, and not having difficulty in working as normal.

Watched The Island with Bear Grylls. Seems to me it was only a few weeks ago that the last series was on?

Morning Emptybox.

Had a good sleep last night, about time.

It's normally pretty cool in the morning here as well, clear overnight skys do that.

Yes Tamsulosin, problem was i was without them for 5 days before the catheter came out so that could have been the problem, Doc has sent Sainsbury's the prescription so O/H will pick the tablets up.

The prostrate was playing up before the op, that just made it worse.

The amount of fluid you should drink is defined by your weight, he said i should drink a couple of litres a day.

In the far east they used to say drink 1 pint of water for every 10deg C.

Will be in the garden soon, Gardener coming later today, had him for over 2 hours yesterday, he's such a good worker, he gets £10 an hour, don't know if thats normal but he's worth every penny, problem is my cash flow is getting a bit critical and still have a lot to buy.

I know, will have to get other stuff for the compost heap, easier said than done, I#m keeping cardboard and shredder paper, and veg waste with cooked food waste from my special kitchen waste maker.

I have been using the company accountant for many years as they offered to handle my company name accounts and my personal accounts which of course was very good, i had to pay them of course but it was very handy.

I have to pay a standing order back to HMRC for my state pension as they want their tax cut.

On my teeny private pension which is £110 a month the government take 50%, great eh.

quick hi from me as by the time we took mum home and have gone through the solicitor's stuff it is late and I still have to tidy kitchen.

Hicky

hopefully your tablets will work quickly now. Yes very unfair how the g.ment take that pension. Think pensions should be tax free, the mp's cetainly give themselves enough perks.

Emptybox

try not to worry about not sleeping so well, if you are not too tired in the day, I should think that is ok. I often wake in middle of night and read if I can't sleep but don't feel that tired on the day either, so try not to bother about it. Nothing worse than lying there thinking you can't sleep. As I said as we get older, I think we don't need so much sleep. (not that I am saying you are old), But I am saying I am getting on now as I wake in middle of night.

Had to spoon feed mum some mash and a whole cup of water, but at least she took it. 2 carers helped put her to bed, and they are funny, so that helps ease the upset and stress for me seeing mum like this. She is slumping to one side in her wheelchair now, but carers tell me they often see this, and not to worry if they can't lift her, she will not be put straight into a home, they will just use a hoist. Day centre tell me she has someone sitting next to her all day and they talk to her and feed her and communicate her when activities on, I am so glad the social worker agreed for her to go there 5 days a week. The bus drops her off at my house around 3.30pm, picks her up from her flat at 9am.

Goodnight both xxx

off to do a few jobs.

Hi both.

Another nice day here, but getting a bit cloudier now.

Slept a bit better the last couple of nights, so not so tired.

Hi Hicky. Your gardener sounds like a goodun.

I charge £12 an hour at the moment, but that covers using mower, hedgecutter etc, which obviously costs me to fuel and maintain. I think I'm too cheap TBH.

Funny you being on the same tablets as me. Do they make you dizzy? They sometimes do me. Hope they allow them to get rid of the catheter anyway.

That's not good that they're taking half of your private pension in tax.

Doesn't sound like you contributed much to it though, if it's only worth £110 a month?

Hi Mollie.

The day centre sounds like it really is helping your Mum.

Just a pity she is having so much trouble eating now.

Might watch this Africa train thing with Griff Rhys Jones tonight. Then Gogglebox.

Evening Both.

Not too bad a day, a bit windy early on.

Got plenty done, then my lad came home early form work and gave me a hand, wow, what a different that was.

Just taken a pic will post in a minute.

We put the floor down for the big summerhouse and put most of the building stacked on top.

We made the frame for the Gazebo decking and finished that and started fixing the boards.

Also made the frame for the walkway to the Gazebo, and started cutting the boards.

Put more matting down.

Covered the big summerhouse base in case it rains.

Slept better last night, only woke twice, was up at 6,30 though.

Emptybox, hope these tablets work when he comes to retest in a week or two.

I did have a little pension with one company many moons ago, but when i left it froze, when i rejoined the company they wouldn't carry on the old one, next thing is i get a letter saying they had gone under but i could have £130 in settlement cash, most of the time i've been self employed so not sure where this small pension comes from.

Might watch Griff.

---------------------

Hi Hicky.

That's good that your lad could give you a hand.

A lot of woodwork done, by the look.

Yes these pensions can be difficult to keep track of.

I contribute to a private one every month, so that should be OK.

But years ago I contracted out of SERPS for a few years, then I think I contracted in again for another few years? So there should be a small earnings related pension hanging about somewhere. Hopefully HMRC are keeping track.

Hi Emptybox.

Yes, the work he has done has enabled me to carry on with fixing the decking.

that wood in the foreground is sections of deck joists (side rails) with fitted cross member joist hanger brackets, ready to make up each deck section, there are 8 sections in all.

When you make it in small sections you can level or camber as you wish then screw each section together.

As now, everyone should have been made to contribute to a private pension when i was young.

You can ask for a gov pension figure.

With the private one now, since begin of April you can take a good lump sum from your private one early at 55 i think.

If weather ok tomorrow i can carry on in the garden.

Watching Griff.

I am that age Hicky.

I could do that very thing.

Not going to though.

Going to grow it up a bit more first.

Hi Emptybox.

You have to be careful, after drawing a certain amount of the lump sum you run into tax problems.

I think only a certain percentage is tax free.

Drawing more than that would seriously diminish the pension in the end.

Hi Hicky.

Sunshine and showers here today, and a bit cooler than previously.

Got my grass cut yesterday before the weather turned, thankfully.

Actually gave a better result than I thought, as it seemed very mossy and lumpy beforehand, but my mower did a good job.

Enjoyed my spag bol tonight as usual.

BGT OK. Enjoyed the stripping char ladies.

Funny that dog that kept going for Ant. wonder if it was genuine or some kind of setup?

Morning Emptybox.

Went out for brekkie this morning as needed some stuff from the garden centre. Got tie wraps, matting steel pegs, tub of Growmore, 7.7.7 fertiliser.

Got a sack of rooting compost, and more pea netting.

very windy here, might not get in the garden unless it calms down.

saw BGT on the ITV Player this morning, it was good.

the dog was funny going for Ant.

Just ordered a Brabantia Wallfix Wall Mounted Retractable Washing Line.

It can go on the side of the Utility room outside.

both

Hicky

looks like you are getting on real well in the garden now your lad was able to assist too. Hope you are sleeping a bit better now.

Very windy here too today, so different to all that warm weather last weekend.

Emptybox

hope you too are carrying on sleeping a bit better now. Do you have a busy week work wise lined up next week?

Yes I too thought the first BGT was real good.

at the strippers and the talking dog. It is good to see a broad range of variety on the show like this. As you say, makes you wonder if the dog going for Ant was a bit of a set up. They must of been doing something to wind the dog up.

OH and son been busy re-organising furniture this weekend at mum's flat to make way for the hoist etc. Carer cheered me up by telling me now we have all the equipment in place she can't see any reason now why they would make mum go into a home.
Viewed the house again yesterday to go through some things the solicitor told us to check eg boundaries, shared drive etc.

Time to go and pick mum up now.

have a good day both xxx