Hi Hicky.

Nice and sunny here today, but cold again.

Did a bit of tidying up in my own garden.

Got another phone call from a customer wanting some pruning work done.

The mild weather seems to have brought them out of the woodwork.

Glad you enjoyed your strange omlettey ricy brekkie.

Pity you have to get a taxi tomorrow.

No, there's never been any sign of an infection, although that's what they thought at first. It's all symptoms of a chronically inflamed prostate. They don't really know the cause. Some think it might be related to IBS in some way, or an auto-immune thing. I might have it for life, or it might peter out after a few years. Who knows?

Watched CBB then 'The Boys with no skin'. Very inspirational.

both xxx

Emptybox

Yes silly us not linking your Sainsburys tale with our stores having added ARgos recently!

It is so odd that you get 2 different sorts of symptoms. Do you think they have eased because of the meds you take? It was so horrible for you when they dragged on for 10 days!

That is interesting you used a humanist for your mum's funeral. That makes me feel better in a way now I know your brother couldn't finish his speech, as I am so worried about controlling my emotions enough to be able to do mine. As you say, no harm done getting the 2 services for your parents the wrong way round. My brother in on his hols in the far East (goes every winter), and he isn't even coming back for it! If it was me, no way could I of carried on holidaying at a time like this but that is families for you.

Hicky

you certainly have some interesting brekkies. That is good you don't have to convert it all. Such a shame you have to catch a taxi to get to docs tomorrow. HOpe your appointment goes ok.

so busy today..., clearing and tidying mums flat, had to go to cardiff to get cake board for daughter how is making a cake for mums wake, as an addtion to us getting a buffet at the pub. Also working on Order of Service. Son has done old photos of mum when young.

Just watching CBb on catch up.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening Both.

Not bad today, 7c sunny with light winds of 8 to 10

Made some fudge with Evap for a change, but not sure if it got hot enough, only went to 114c it's in the fridge, if it's not good enough i will reboil it.

Had bacon black pudding and eggs for brekkie.

Saw the nurse, got the new inhalers put on the repeat, got the whole repeat prescription to hand in as i am pretty short of 1 of the tablets, had to get taxi there and get one back but stopped at pharmacy to hand it in, couldn't wait for it all to be made up so will get in the next couple of days.

O/H cooked a chicken so did some rice and had some chicken with a jar of Dolmio, not bad but won't do it again, o/h buys me random stuff, had 2 jars in all ready, i have my own cupboard with non freezer or fridge meals and she bought 2 more jars.

Mollie, I sometimes think of what i can have for brekkie before i even get up, such a selection it's hard to choose, i do try to vary my meals though.

I see you are busy clearing the flat, nice of daughter making a cake for the wake.

Emptybox, That was good, doing some tidying up in the garden, you might as well while you get the chance.

More work offers, pruning is ok isn't it, at least it's not grass.

Don't follow how you can having stinging without an infection, wonder what does that then?

That would be good if it all cleared up anyway, ideal.

Saw the Boys with no skin, what a dreadful condition, it's hard to imagine how much these children must suffer.

I usually watch Supervet, not that i like animals but that vet is super human and love seeing his work.

both

Hicky

such a shame you have to get a taxi to and from the docs. Shame you have to go back again for it. Will you need taxi again next time?

Hope your fudge turns out ok.

Sounds like you have a stock of jars of sauce now. You wil have to remember to tell OH you don't need any more.

That is nice thinking about what adventurous brekkie to have before you get up.

Yes supervet is a real incredible and clever man.

Emptybox

any jobs to do today?

Has it cooled down there again today?

It was a heavy frost here today, and cold all day.

I am exhuasted...been sorting the flat all day, Chairty shop wouldn't take the Ikea drawers or the old wardrobe, so OH had to break them up and take them to the shop. OH is going to finish cleaning the carpets tomorrow and I have to give keys in and take readings tomorrow.

Been to and fro'ing with undertaker to discuss Order of Service sheet. I wanted some pink roses (mum loved them) as a backdrop to the text, which he managed to do. He said coffin had just come and it was really nice, that I would like it. (pink roses). I just want this over and done with now though, and hope I get it right.

Enjoyed CBB tonight, nearly over now till the summer.

Don't think this has been one of the best ones. India spoilt it in the early weeks, and not keen on this Woman theme.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening.

Cold today but no frost. Windy and cloudy and threatening rain.
I was thinking of going out, but decided to leave it till a nicer day.
I have agreed to go and do one of the jobs tomorrow though, so will have to go out, unless it is raining or blowing a gale.

Hicky. Still persevering with perfecting the fudge recipe I see.
That's good that you've got the inhalers sorted out. Pity you weren't able to pick up your prescription there and then, and will have to go back.
That's nice that your OH buys you random food. Good job you've got a cupboard of your own to store it in.
Not sure what causes the stinging? The prostate squeezing down I would think.

Mollie. I think the combination of prescription med plus natural remedies have meant that my symptoms don't tend to be as severe or as long lived as they were before. I had high hopes that the turmeric might just get rid of it, but that might not work out. I'll give it another try though, after I'm sure I'm over this latest little bout.
I think the two types of symptoms are because of where the prostate is located.
It wraps around the urethra, so squeezes that to cause the peeing symptome. But also it pushes against the colon and causes digestive symptoms.

Glad you have more or less finished with your Mum's flat, even though it was hard work. Pity you had to do that as well as planning the funeral, but I presume you wanted it finished by the end of the month?
Pity your Brother won't make the funeral.
Will you go to see your Mum in her coffin?
I went to see my Mum, but slightly regretted it, as it didn't look like her at all.
I'd seen her just after she died, and preferred to remember her like that.
I chose not to go and see my Dad, but again I'd seen him just after he'd died.
I'm sure everything will be fine on Thursday, and it'll be a relief for you to get it over with.

Pity Amanda went tonight. She certainly doesn't seem like an 82 year old.
No, it probably hasn't turned out to be one of the best ones, although the start was promising.

Evening Both.

Not a great day weatherwise, 5c with rain sun and gales some of the time.

Made another strange brekkie, watched one of the video's that had them doing like a fried fish meal for loads of them, wrote the recipe down as i saw it on the screen so tried it this morning.

Started with some cod, defrosted and dried with kitchen towel, fried it in Turmeric and a little salt, in another pan put oil then chopped onions, sliced green and red chili's, it said cauliflower but i didn't have any, chopped up potato, cumin, Turmeric, chili powder and water, after 20 minutes add the fish, made a nice meal, thickened the gravy with a little flour.

Got a nice email from the hmrc computer thanking me for filling in the self assessment return today, strange as i didn't, they are now processing it, the mind boggles.

The fudge was fine after it had been in the fridge.

Finished building the last 3 watering spray head units, will put the spray heads on tomorrow and get a picture for you so you can see what i mean.

Just having a couple of steak pies in a minute, got them in the oven, will have a microwave pack of fries with them.

Will ask o/h to pick up my meds from the chemist tomorrow, think i will change surgeries to one nearer, same as the one o/h goes to.

Mollie, I really only needed taxi's because i had the appointments before o/h had her hours changed so might be able to fit them in better now.

I have taken a picture of my spice cupboard with the recipes stuck on the door, i use mainly Post-it notes which i fasten with a little magic tape.

Will post it at the end, but you might have all ready seen it on twitter.

Emptybox, I don't mn o/h getting me random items if she knew what i needed or wanted, but when she double up because stuff is on offer it's hard to find room to store it.

I sometime get a bit of stinging, but maybe an hour after having a wee, no idea what that is, just now and again, not every day.

Hi Hicky.
Frosty start today, but a sunny morning.

I did one of my jobs, which was pruning buddleia and roses and some other shrubs. I finished about 2pm, which was fortunate because heavy snow started about 5 minutes later. Luckily I was back in my van by then.
The snow only lasted an hour, and turned to rain, so it didn't lie.
At least I earned a little extra cash anyway.
Might do my other job tomorrow or Friday, depending on weather.

That was a strange brekkie, but as long as you liked it.
It was nice of HMRC to keep you in the loop. Or should that be loopy?
I saw your pic on twitter. Couldn't you keep your recipes in a note book? That cupboard door will soon be full.

Glad the fudge turned out well in the end.
Good job finishing your watering system spray heads.
Yes, a good idea to move to the same GP as your OH now you don't have your own car.
Pity you are still getting some stinging after peeing. But if that's from your water infection, the anti-biotics should sort it, hopefully.

Mollie. I think you said it was your Mum's funeral tomorrow?
It'll be a busy and emotional day for you. I'll be thinking of you.

Evening Emptybox.

Chilly here at 6c, sunny spells but strong winds of 19 to 22 which will make it feel colder.

Did a couple of jobs in the garden, decided to replant the best rooted 2 gooseberry bushes, have put them in a raised bed as don't want more stuff in tubs.

Put the final spiked spray heads onto the 4 nozzles of each of the 6 watering manifolds, was going to take a picture but haven't got a tub in the greenhouse with enough compost in to position it and the sprays, will do that when the weather is better.

Need to get a form and a welcome pack from the new surgery, they also need 2 forms of ID, not sure when i can get there, might have to get a taxi.

The recipes are on post-its so i can move it onto the front of a cupboard while i am making the recipe up, books etc are a pain, this is easy as i use magic tape which is removable over and over.

The stinging isn't from a water infection, same as you, the infection cleared up, so not sure what causes it.

Glad you got the pruning job done before the weather changed, hope you can get the other one done as well.

Had another unusual brekkie again, fried small pieces of potato, onion. mushroom, tomato, celery so added the spices then fried some cut up bacon and added that to my plate after adding the main cooked veg.

Just had cooked potato, the last of the celery, onion, peas, chicken and spices, cumin, turmeric, chilli, salt, coriander.

Evening Hicky.
Similar weather to you here, except it only went up to 3 degrees.
Bit of frost first thing, then a cold windy day and a sunny afternoon.

Did my other job. Took 3 hours in the end, because as well as putting compost round trees and shrubs, she also wanted me to cut a laurel hedge and prune a buddleia bush. Didn't get paid, so will have to wait for my money. She always pays in the end though, so no worries there.

Glad you could get on in the garden.
Not hanging about getting registered for the new surgery I see.
Perhaps your stinging is caused by what's left of your prostate, same as mine?
Or perhaps it's something to do with your bladder or kidneys? I wouldn't worry if it's only slight.
That sounds like a nice brekkie, although i think I'd have preferred to have it for supper.

Enjoyed CBB. Quite good seeing the ex-HMs back in there.
Ann certainly got the better of India.

Mollie. Hope your day went as well as could be expected?

Evening Emptybox.

Cool at 6c but sunny all day, winds dropping from 11 to 4 later.

Forgot to put a food list out for o/h, but was thinking as she doesn't like shopping after work when she finishes at 10.30 i though we could go later.

Had some fried Salmon with fried veg left over from last nights meal.

For tea i heated one of the frozen tubs of Stew i made last week.

Had a phone call from hmrc, they have found the money i paid them 2 weeks ago, so should be ok now till next time i have to pay.

Been working in the garden for a few hours today, took a photo of the water manifold i made as i added more compost to one of the greenhouse tubs to show you.

Hope all went well Mollie.

both

Emptybox

thanks for thinking of me yesteday.

In answer to your question, no I chose not to see mum again in the coffin after she went to undetaker. But me and the carer were with her body straight after she died till he came to collect her, and she looked like she was just asleep but with her mouth open. I chose not to remember her in her coffin.

Hope you are ok when you try the tumeric again. It might be hard to decide if it was that that upset you. Things easily upset my tum and for the last 2 weeks, I have hardly eaten, but tumeric has not upset me. But I know different things affect people differently.

I see your work is gradually coming in again now in anticipation of spring I guess? I am glad January is over and it is getting light now.

Hicky

about time Hmrc found some money you paid them a whole two weeks ago! Idiots!

That looks a clever set of equipment you made for your watering.

I like the photo of your spice corner cupboard.

I am sure that is a very busy part of the kitchen.

Sorry you have some stinging, perhaps ou can mention it at your next hospital appointment?  Ridiculous how the docs want 2 types of ID! Do they also make you go for a nurses appointment before you join? the last one we joined did, it was a damn nuisance, and waste of nhs money as she couldn't find anything wrong with any of us. We don't have a local doc now as I know we'd all have to arrange one of these nurses check up things again.

I am feeling exhausted, washed out and sad after yesterday's funeral, all went to plan, will tell you more about it tomorrow.

Emptybox, did your undertaker walk in front of the hearse?   ..... ours did for quite a long way, as he  just appeared into sight from around the corner walking up the hill in front of the hearse ., with his top hat and tails on and carrying a stick. Very theatrical but unreal to me to think it was my mum. This undertaker is a perfectionalist though, and has been excellent throughout. Did every little thing I asked him, and I requested quite a few different things!

No surprise who won CBB then.

But a bit ironic that in the year of the woman series, a man in drag wins it.

I did like him at first, but went off him a bit as he was getting a bit preachy on the same thing again and again towards the end of the show, so became boring.

I actually think Wayne Sleep ended up being my fave finalist, as he could be funny.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
Not bad day here. No frost, but a bit dull. Think it's supposed to get colder for a while again now.

Went to Lidl and again got most of my weekly shop. At the checkout I thought the fellow said £40, which would still have been about right for Sainsburys, so paid by card. When I got home I found the bill had only been £20
Still a few things to get from Sainsburys though.
Just wish the Lidl here was a bit bigger, with a better selection.

Hicky. That's an impessive looking watering contraption.
Bit of a disaster forgetting to leave your OH a food list?
That's good that HMRC have finally located your payment.
I had a similar thing for supper that you had for brekkie. A salmon and veg puff pastry thing that I got from Lidl, along with some baked Aubergine.

Mollie. Glad yesterday went to plan, although it took it out of you.
No, don't think there was any walking in front of the hearse at either of my parents funerals? They were both cremations, and at the time the nearest crematorium was in Edinburgh, 1½ hours drive (50 miles) away. So we met the hearse there, and they carried the coffin straight into the chapel.
They've since built a crematorium in the Borders, so funerals would be so much easier nowadays. Don't think they go in for top hats and canes in Scottish funerals?

I'll probably try the turmeric again next week, symptoms allowing.
Spicy foods are one of the things that irritate the prostate, and turmeric is a spice (although not a hot one), so maybe that was why it didn't agree with me? We'll see anyway.
Hopefully your appetite will slowly return to normal.

Yes, I was just thinking tonight, that I didn't close my curtains till 5.30pm, and just a couple of weeks ago it was 4.30pm, so it's definitely getting lighter.

I was hoping that Jess might win it, and threw some votes her way as i thought she was adorable (even if some of it is an act). But when it came down to the final two, I hoped it would be Ann. Nothing against Courtney, but as you say, she got a bit preachy towards the middle of the series..
Pity it's over though.

Afternoon Both.

A bit of a cold miserable day here so apart from a walk around the garden i'll stay in.

We didn't go out for brekkie so made a plate of fried baked spud, from last night, bacon, black pudding,  tomato and eggs, with some bread.

Might have Chilli Con Carni for tea tonight, got a tin of it anyway., got loads of rice.

Mollie, The stinging is strange, wonder if it is to do with my food intake as it only comes for about 5 seconds maybe twice a week.

I don't know if i will need to see a nurse or anyone if i can get enrolled at the new place, haven't got there yet to even get the paperwork.

I'm not surprised you are worn out, these last few weeks have really taken it out of you.

The hearses i have seen passing by me had the undertaker walking in front till they got to the main road (200yds)

I didn't watch the final of cbb, had lost interest listening to Shane J etc going on and on.

Emptybox, Lidl is all alternative makes and o/h won't buy them, i will give anything a try.

I'm assuming now i am on this Simple assessment tax system i don't have to pay the ist payment on July, not sure but hmrc when talking to me sounded as if my next payment for 17/18 is next January.

I have noticed the days getting longer, although it only changes by 2 minutes a day it makes such a difference doesn't it, real Spring starts March 20th.

Glad we still have the Voice and DOI.

Did you see on a news feed, this feller shot a Goose flying above and it fell on him, he was knocked out and taken to hospital, Karma eh.

both xxx

Emptybox

I was thinking as you said it is due to get colder there, did you get round to ordering your oil?

Yes Lidl is so much cheaper than other supermarkets, but we don't find the produce inferior to other places, but they do not have so much variety, especially if yours is a small one.

Gosh 50 miles was a long way for you. My mums funeral was at a crem about 7 miles away from her home, and we chose to drive ourselves there, so we were waiting at the entrance door for the hearse to arrive. There is a huge sweeping driveway from around a corner, and up a hill, so the undertaker chose to walk up the hill, making it look like he had walked all the way, but I am pretty sure he hadn't.   The sun was shining and all you could see were the hills behind him, and him walking in front of the hearse. So rather unreal, but very striking. All the women absolutely swoon over this undertaker, as he is a real looker, and an ex professional rugby player. So at least he was a bit of a distraction from the tears. We were all fascinated by his shiny shoes too, we have never seen shoes as shiny. But as I said the best thing of all was he was such a perfectionist, so did exactly what I wanted and guided me well on the day. So I managed to do my speech,  it was only the last few words I faultered on as I got upset, but I managed it. I would of been real disppointed in myself if I hadn't. OH had typed it over about 7 pages in huge print, so I just kept my head down, and followed it with my finger, slowly turning the pages when I needed. The 2 carers also did a good job too, they were so nervous they went up the front together, but they did it. 

The whole thing was a pink roses theme as mum loved them,... the coffin was white with pink roses, everyone there placed a single pink rose with pink ribbon on it, the flowers were all pink, and the Order of service had pink flowers edged round it. The original sheet the undertaker emailed me had just black lines, but I soon told him to replace those with pink flowers.   And daughter designed one page with a poem on it overlaid with pink butterfllies, and we found old photos of mum to put on it from when she was young.  I emailed the undertaker and humanist guy many times until I was satisfied and able to say it was just perfect.

As I told humanist guy, I didn't want what he usually did, but wanted it all personal. The humanist guy in the end just introduced and finished the service and me and the girls wrote the rest. For the pub after, daughter made a huge pink cake with flowers and butterflies, and I had ordered a memories book for everyone to fill in, with mum's name embossed on the front and photos of her. So I was glad it was so personal to my mum. It took endless hours of planning for me and the family. But at least it gave me  something to focus on. (that is why I am woffling here now, gives me something to think about as I have more free time than I am used to now!).

It is now things have slowed down I have to face up to the reality my life has changed. It is only early days, and I can still only manage to eat a bit of my tea, as when I sit to the table with the family, after a few mouth fulls, I start crying, but I have plenty of fat to keep me going.

HIcky

Good idea to stay in the warm if it is that chilly.

At least you didn't miss out on a nice brekkie though.

Hope you enjoyed the chilli.

Maybe you should monitor your food intake to see if you think any type of food type sets it off, if you think it could be that?

I don't think you missed much by not watching CBB final, it was so predictable since the 1st day that Shane/Courtenay was going to win, and imo he was so boring! Emma kept saying it was a great series, but I found it the worst! HM's endlessly droning on and on about the same issues, and not much fun at all. And India I thought was real nasty.

Let' s hope the summer one is better.

As you say, at least we have the Voice and Dancing on Ice.

Not a bad day here today, a cold breeze but family managed to take dog on seafront whilst I took some flowers from the funeral to the carer.

Goodnight both.  xxx

Evening both.
Rain here all day so I never ventured outside.
Didn't do much, but made a big batch of my bolognese sauce, to last me the next 5 Saturdays. Might last longer, as my Brother is due to visit in a few weeks, and i don't usually give them bolognese.

Hicky. Pity you didn't get to go out for brekkie, but you made up for it with your leftovers and fried stuff.
As long as your twinges (that's what I call them, when I get them) are only a couple of times a week, they probably don't matter. Just your prostate I would think?
Hope you can get to the new surgery soon to register.
That's funny about the Goose hunter who cooked his own Goose.

Lidl does have some branded items, but mostly own brand stuff from Germany.
Quite good stuff mostly though.
Their meat and fresh food seems to be locally sourced though. In mine's it's all from Scotland.
I will say that the salad and fruit don't seem to last quite as long as the Sainsburys stuff though. Perhaps they don't use as much preservative?
I'll probably keep using them over the winter now, but might not have the time in the gardening season to be faffing about between the two?

Mollie. Sounds like you really put a lot of thought and work into your Mum's funeral, and it really was a great tribute to her.
Glad you managed to get through your speech OK.
It was fortunate the handsome undertaker was a welcome distraction.
Your daughter did well with the cake for the wake.
Yes, you should have a lot more time to yourself now, and hopefully less stress, but it'll take a while to get used to it.

It's a good thing that you are able to show your emotions and get your crying done now.
That's not something I'm very good at. I didn't feel much when my parents died. It was only months later that I realised how much I missed them.

I actually thought it wasn't a bad series of CBB in the end. I quite like the discussions etc. Rather that than vicious arguments any day.
There's some talk that the summer BB will be the last ever.

Evening Both.

Cool today at 1c getting up to 5c midday, sunny day though with hardly any winds at 2 to 7.

Had sausage meat with black pudding with toast for brekkie.

Did more work in the garden, am emptying the tubs that had the Gooseberry bushes in and putting the compost onto the raised beds out of the way.

Have all the compost to fill the tubs in the greenhouse so will be doing that soon.

With o/h working 10 to 2 i cooked the meat which was Brisket and got stuff ready for when she came in, the meat was really lovely, cooked it in a casserole pan at 160c on a bed of onions with a pint of beef stock and covered, gave it an hour and a half then turned it down to 120c till o/h came in.

Mollie, I do eat a lot of highly spiced food so that probably has some effect of the urine, i remember seeing on one of those medical programs a person asking a doctor about his urine smelling and she said it was most likely his diet.

That sounded like a lovely service, so glad it all went so well, it is going to take you some time now to adapt to your new life

I din't think i will watch my cbb recordings, reading comments on the other forum it seems some are tired of Rylan, like me and also tired of Emma.

Emptybox, I did talk o/h into taking me to an Aldi a few years ago, i got some good stuff but she wasn't impressed, and with not having my Landi i would have to get a Taxi.

the problem with a lot of salad stuff, like a lot of other food, it is picked one year and stored in a gas mixture at a certain temperature, that stops it ageing so it stays exactly as it is, then when they want to use it they change it to another gas and ship it out to the distribution centre's.

How long it lasts after you buy it will depend on many factors, one being how it is stored, at what temperature and in what gas/air combination, plus many other factors, you should really use it within a couple of days anyway.

both xxx

Emptybox

at least you made use of your staying in rainy day if you made all that bolognaise. HOpe you enjoy it.

I am guessing  you will be busy doing all your housework in a few weeks time in anticipation of your brothers visit then? 

Yes I keep saying to daughter I don't want to cry but she says to hold in the emotions now wil mean it is worse later on. Which sounds like what happened to you.

I know what you mean about not liking the viscious arguments in CBB, I don't either. I like it best when they have lots of clever tasks though.

Maybe if C5 don't want BB, some one else will? I hope so as I'd hate to see it go altogether. . I think we need a complete change if it moves though, maybe the US type would work better now?

I do find Lidl own brand stuff good quality. If you buy 3 different lots of mini veg, it is real good value as you get 20% off. Like yours, they do supply a lot of local produce here too. As a Saturday night treat, my kids reckon their mac cheese and korma curries are better than any other supermarket ones.

Hicky

glad the weather was ok for you to get in the garden.Make sure you don't get too cold though.

Sounds like you may need to keep an eye on the spicy food then. Maybe cut back when you feel the stinging coming on?

Shame you don't have a local Lidl Hicky, but I don't think Aldi are as good as Lidl.

It is such a nuisance your OH doesn't finish till 2pm now on Sundays, I bet she appreciated you preparing dinner.

We went to cosco today,

This time I didn't cry going round the store but just avoided the sections I used to go for mum's stuff so it didn't upset me. I did manage to sit in the cafe whilst family ate (I could only manage half an ice cream and a latte), then started crying as I realised it was around the time I always left to go to mums on Sundays.

I am getting better than I was though.

Am watching that young Morse programme on itv tonight. Love to see the 1960's scenery, clothes etc.

Goodnight both

xxx

Hi both.
Very cold here, only just above freezing, but no actual frost this morning. It's due to get very cold this week though.
Didn't go to Sainsburys as I'd only a few things to get from them, so I might be able to leave it till next weekend or at least till later in the week.

The trouble with usually going on a Sunday is that i always have a salad with my Saturday Bolognese, but by that time it's 6 days old.
If I buy a sealed bag of rocket from Sainsburys it's still edible a week later, but the bag I bought from Lidl last time was all soggy by the time I came to eat it, and had to be thrown out.
But if I go to Lidl on a Friday I can then use the salad over the weekend when it's still fresh.
Difficult to do that in the season though.

Hicky. Didn't know that about gas storage. That's interesting. I thought they probably used some chemical preservatives or something.
Sounds like you made a lovely brisket stew for you and your OH.
Pity you can't get to Aldi without your OH's help. With a lot of their stuff being German, I wonder if they'll become more expensive after Brexit, if they have to add import duty?

Mollie. Glad you are getting a bit better with managing to eat a little now.
Yes, I guess I'll have to get busy on the housework again for when my Brother visits. Won't be for a couple of weeks yet anyway.
I agree the Lidl ready meals seem good value. I tried a vegan one with quinoa and soya, which was very tasty, and a lot of it for the money.

Not sure whether anyone else would take on BB? Perhaps one of the online services like Amazon or Netflix?
Haven't really watched the US version, but I know there's no public voting, so probably wouldn't work here.

Watched Endeavour tonight.

Evening Both.

Cool today, slight frost to start, 3c sunny spells, winds light at 4 to 7.

Did more work in the garden, have emptied the 3 ex gooseberry tubs now, they are 50, 65 and 70 litre, have put the compost on the raised beds as have nowhere else to put it, don't want to put it all in the greenhouse tubs, will start putting what is needed in them now, some have some in but need topping up.

O/H got 4 new tyres for the car today after seeing her mum and her sister, then got the paperwork i need for the new surgery, have filled that in but have to go to see them and take ID etc.

Then o/h asked if i wanted to go out for a meal, it was about 1.10pm, i said yes, went to the Green Lodge, had a type of tomato soup and a beef madras.

Just had some sandwiches with tinned Tongue and tomato.

2 differences i have noticed since the holiday, i no longer feel dizzy when i turn over in bed onto my left side, also i used to get red blotches on the back of my hand, sometimes left others right, and could be both, this then faded in a day or 2 then another came but since coming back from holiday i haven't had any, so strange.

Mollie, I wouldn't mind going to Costco as i need to restock on cod and salmon and other tasty morsels.

I can understand how upsetting it must be for you on most of your outings as so many involved either your mother of shopping for her, only time can heal, don't know anything else that can.

Emptybox, No, i don't think they put any preservative on the food that is stored in special building, a lot of fruit, veg etc when it comes from thousands of miles away, even Banana's, Peaches and most probably all that that comes from afar, thats how we get so much food out of season.

If you buy your veg in plastic bags then you should remove the bag before it goes in the fridge, if your fridge has a salad drawer then no bags should be in it as they will sweat and ruin the veg, my o/h leaves stuff in bags and i keep taking them off, the fridge tries to dry food and if a bag is on it it gets wet instead of drying.

I think a lot of the big stores have brexit in mind and am pretty sure they will be getting a lot more from the UK, this crazy rule the EU brought in about the size and shape of food, whats that about, we are missing out on so many deals with countless countries, the EU is just a restriction that is so domineering it's frightening, it has been holding this country to ransom for so many years now, at a cost of £350,000,000 a week, mind you we get a discount, which is really an olive branch to keep us paying, a bit like getting a discount on a sale of an out of date car which they want to get rid of so it becomes more palatable.

both xxx

Emptybox

you will have to give Hickys salad theory a go and see if it lasts longer outside the bag. (if ever you do need your salad to last awhile). Or as you say, you could always go to Lidl on a Friday to settle it. I like the sound of the quinoa and soya one, will have to look out for that.

Oh yes, you are right no voting on the US one as to who goes. let's hope it doesnt go, but at least we know we have this summer to look forward to.

Hicky

glad you got in the garden today, hope you are wrapping up warm though in this weather, and good for you going out for a meal.

HOpe the sugery transfer goes smoothly now.

4 new tyres for you OH and they don't come cheap do they?

OH said his car needs some soon.

That is brilliant how your hols have made you feel so much better. Looks like a bit of sun did you good.  Perhaps you should think of going somewhere like the Canaries or Southern Spain for a little break in winter if it is not too expensive?

I know what you mean about EU , I just heard them say that they have 37 new laws to be introduced before we are even due to leave! And of course we have to do what they tell us!

Yes you are right, it is time I need to make me get over this loss, as it has changed my daily life. 

They are coming to collect mum's wheelchair tomorrow, she spent so much time in it.

Not much on tv tonight.

Frosty here already tonight, which is unusual for here.

But it was dry and sunny, so got lots of washing nearly dry.

Goodnight both. xxx

Evening folks.

Very frosty here last night, and a very cold day. But some sunshine and not windy.

Hicky. That's good that you got more done in the garden. Sounds like you have more compost than you know what to do with now?
As Mollie says, 4 new tyres are quite an expense nowadays.
Glad you enjoyed your lunch out.

Strange that you don't have those symptoms since your trip. Does it coincide with a change in medication?
Didn't know that about plastic bags in the fridge, but seems there's different opinions on it.
https://www.thekitchn.com/we-tried-3-ways-to-store-salad-greens
I have a salad drawer, but it's not sealed, so wouldn't want to just put loose salad leaves in there, but I might try opening the bag rather than keeping it sealed.

Yes, the EU brings in a lot of rules, some of them silly. But I think our best prospects for prosperity lay with being a member. Outside I believe we will struggle badly. Only time will tell though.

Mollie. The Lidl meal is called Quinoa Jambalaya with Soya strips. It's a bit spicy though, but very tasty (I've got another one in the fridge for tomorrow night).
Even you're getting the frosts I see. It's supposed to be -4 here tomorrow night.
It'll be strange for you to see the back of your Mum's wheelchair, as you spent a lot of time pushing her in it.

Watched Police Interceptors then Next of Kin then The X Files.

Evening Both.

Didn't do much today, it was snowing a bit for a few hours, it put a few mm on the car, the roads were clear, my rear garden slate wasn't effected at all.

Had a walk around the garden, had fried sliced potato's with fried burgers and a microwave beans, very tasty.

O/H made a lamb roast dinner when she came in from work.

Have deleted all the saved recordings of CBB and IAC, so many but i won't watch them now.

Mollie, I think the holiday did me good, yes, probably all the walking helped my aches and breathing as well.

I also know now we can go away and manage ok.

I am expecting frost tomorrow, could be icy roads as well.

Have filled the new surgery paperwork in but it's still here, have to go with it when i can get there.

Glad you got some washing a bit dryer, it all helps.

Emptybox, Yes, with me doing away with some of the bush/tree tubs i have lots of compost, not sure what to do with all the leaf mould and compost i'm making with the grass and shredded card.

I read the article about storing lettuce in the fridge, it must be one of the hardest things to store, it should be eaten within a few days i would have thought, i have kept some small button mushrooms in a plastic container lined with double kitchen towel, it's amazing how much water is accumulated in plastic, i don't think plastic bags should be anywhere in the fridge.

You say you have a salad drawer, but it's not sealed, why would it be sealed? veg needs to stay dry and cool if it's covered it might sweat.

I think you need to more than open the plastic bag, i think you might try cutting it in half so you have just enough bag to keep the items from falling about, a bit like a bowl of fruit, which is just a dish, i put a pack of easy peel orange type thingies in a big display dish with a lid and they went mouldy in a couple of days, with the lid off they are fine.

I see you are an EU supporter, to get agreement with another 28 countries is almost impossible, to get agreement with China, India the USA and many other countries how many countries do we have to deal with, yes, 1, how big are all the other countries compared to the EU.

India has a population of 1.324 Billion, China is 1.379 Billion, USA 323m and all the other countries we aren't allowed to do a deal with now, it's a no brainer, we have no control over anything at the moment, the borders, fishing, trade, and we must have a billion rules that we have no control of, the EU is finished, it's like a company that gets too big, it gets out of control, other countries are queuing up to get out, it's crazy.

both x

Emptybox

I forgot to say I always open the bag wide when I put salad or any other fruit or veg in the fridge, as Hicky says, I find it doesn't last long, as it goes all damp and off if left with no air being able to get in the bag.

The qoinoa meal might be a bit spicy for me then. We went to Lidl today and I couldn't see it with the ready made currys and mac cheeses in the fridges, so maybe they dont' have it here. I did buy a mac cheese as they are so nice from Lidl though.

Cold there again today, I guess? 

It was cold here we even saw a few flakes of snow in the air, very unusual.

But my washing did dry well in the sunshine we got.

I am gradually having to catch up with it, as i have got so far behind lately.

Hicky

I bet that looked pretty with a bit of snow lying.

Hope you enjoyed the lamb roast your OH made.

I had cauly cheese and veg tonight.

Yes I should think the way you coped with such a long holiday doing so much travelling is good in that it has given you confidence you can handle going away now. It was of course very difficult too as you hit London in the middle of the night and Christmas week too. I always think it is best to avoid London when you travel if you can. But of course you don't always have a choice if you need connectiong flights, like my son was supposed to come back to Bristol when he went to Frankfert but ended up coming back via Heathrow because of the fog.

As you say, perhaps the walking as well as the sunshine did you good all round.

I agree, most of the countries in the EU want to leave, it is a sinking ship.

But I do not have much faith in this government in getting a good deal for us at all. They are fighting amongst themselves for power too much.

They came to collect mum's wheelchair today,.... so sad to see it go after all the years mum had it, as you say Emptybox I had spent a lot of hours pushing her round in it.

Solicitor sent me a letter telling me his fees for probate etc, and it was not what we agreed at our meeting with him! He said he would do it for an all inclusive fixed cost of 1% of the estate in our meeting, but in the letter he said it would be 1%, plus £100 an hour in costs for the work he did!

I emailed him straight away and said that was not what we agreed, and no it was not acceptable, and it would have to go through my brother too.
He responded straight away that I was right and he would tell his secretary to send another letter detailing the correct charges as agreed at our meeting.

Not sure what happened there, as OH and son as well as me, knew he had made the costs clear at the meeting and written it on his pad.

We have used him before to make our wills and he was much better than the previous solicitor we had, so I am hoping it was a case of the secretary just sending out the wrong standard letter, rather than him trying to pull the wool over our eyes! I could of done without the stress of that!

I watched the Secret Life of 5 years old girls, so cute they were.

I am now watching A and E, gosh the staff in our A and E are so impressive what they do, and all in a days work.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
Woke up to everything covered in snow this morning. Only a couple of inches, so not as much as a few weeks ago. But it was very cold all day, so not much of it melted. Supposed to be very cold tonight, so I've set the little heater up in the downstairs toilet again.

Hicky. Hope you enjoyed your meals today.
Probably a good idea deleting your recordings if you are not going to watch them. I have a clear out every now and again.

Yes, I see the salad drawer has vents in the top anyway, so not supposed to be sealed. I've just always thought that it was best to keep things in sealed bags to stop them getting contaminated, but I guess they've already got bacteria in them anyway, so probably doesn't make much difference.
As I said, I never had any problem keeping Sainsburys Rocket in a bag for a week, but the stuff from Lidl must be more delicate. But I'll just try and eat it quicker next time.

With Brexit for me, the bottom line is will Britain be better off in or out of the EU, in terms of jobs and the economy etc?
EU rules and who we've got trade agreements with are a secondary issue for me. And I don't really care whether the politicians are located in London or Brussels. They're just all numpties with different accents, as far as I'm concerned.
Also I think Europe is better working as a block, when we are going up against huge economies like the US or China.
But, as I say, time will tell who's correct. And as we are committed to leaving now, I hope I'm wrong.

Mollie. I had that Quinoa meal tonight. It wasn't as spicy as I remembered from last time, but very tasty for a vegetarian meal. The Soya strips were very meaty in texture. Fairly sure it was in among the curries and Mac 'n' cheese type stuff in my Lidl. But I guess there will be different stuff in different branches, like all the Scottish produce in mine.

I would think if you got the solicitor for 1% of the estate that would be a reasonable deal, depending on the value of the estate. But if he was going to charge £100 an hour on top, that would very quickly mount up. So good job you cottoned on to that. Probably was a standard letter for small estates where the 1% wouldn't give them any profit.
I think with us, the solicitor just said at the beginning that his fee would be around the £2,500 mark unless there were major complications, and he more or less stuck to that. 

Big stock market falls today, mostly caused by jitters in the US.
Typically the US stock market regained most of their losses by the end of the day, but the UK market closed way down. Think it's wiped off about 10 months of growth.

Watched the last episode of Next of Kin on ITV then watched 24 Hours in A&E followed by Clare Balding's Secrets of a Suffragette on CH4+1.

Evening Both.

Pretty cold here today, 1c to 4c max, sunny though and light winds of 6 to 9.

Just had a walk around the garden collection the empty tubs up, have 1 at 30L, 3 at 50L, 1 at 65L and 1 at 70L and some of the 40L builders tubs left now, some with drainage holes others without.

Had scrambled egg for brekkie, o/h took me to the new Docs surgery to take the paperwork and ID, then we called in M&S food hall on the way home so picked up some bread, chilli's, potato salad, a mixed Pizza with all slices different.

Just had cheese on toast with fried sliced chilli's, am thawing out 4 Samosa's for tea.

new surgery rang, processing my forms, will ring in a day or 2 to give me the details to get the repeat prescription sorted.

Mollie, Yes, still can't even believe i did all that travelling, it was a dream holiday, and to tie up with my lad and his GF was crazy, and to experience those 5 star hotels was really out of this world.

It was hard to believe that the worst part of the 33 days was getting back to London and being stuck outside London Bridge station at about 2.30 am on a freezing night with a gale blowing and can't even get a taxi, hard to believe really, had travelled 24,000 miles by plane without a problem.

A good job you rang the Solicitor about the bill, that is probably their standard charges, i know they aren't cheap, good job you sorted it.

The secret life of 5 year olds (girls) was good, enjoyed that. 

Emptybox, I was reading that some fridges have the salad box controlled so it has less humidity than the fridge shelves, i think of food is stored in the plastic cover then the water in the food comes out onto the bag because the food is warmer than the fridge air so it condenses.

The costs of staying in the EU are getting so great that most countries will not be able to pay their way, certain countries are paying more that others, the pension liability is £67bn, the thousands of ex ministers get a 70pc final salary when they retire, the whole thing is crazy, we have to get out as Germany and France are straining under the pressure, thats why they don't want us to leave because we are paying so much into it. 

Germany will want to do trade with us, it's in their interest, they are just playing games at the moment trying to bully us, it shows what they are really like, and thats horrible.

Hi Hicky.

Very frosty here this morning, so the snow is still all here. The frost did ease by early afternoon though. Some sunshine as well.

Luckily the stockmarket recovered some of the losses of yesterday, but not all.

Hope getting the repeat prescriptions sorted out with the new surgery proves straightforward.

It must feel surreal looking back on your epic trip, now you are back in your old routine?

The EU is playing hardball with us because they don't want other countries to leave. They have to show that it's not a good idea. So even if they lose money from the loss of trade with us, that's what they have to do.

That was all predicted before the vote, so doesn't come as a surprise to anyone.

Having said that, I agree that German companies won't want the loss of trade. But can they influence their politicians?

The thing is, no matter how much we had to pay into the EU, we were doing very well out of it, and had one of the highest performing economies in Europe. Will we be able to say the same in 7 - 10 years?

Only time will tell.

Watched the Eurovision decider prog. I think the right act won. The first act Reya was my favourite when I listened online, but the winner SiRie really excelled on the night, and I think she might get some votes in the actual competition.

After that I watched Kirstie and Phil on CH4+1, now watching 'My Millionaire Migrant Boss'.

Evening Emptybox.

Warm today but pretty miserable with it, a max of 9c but some rain, medium winds of 12-15, didn't do any work outside just had a walk around, picked some leaves up with my spike on the end of a bamboo cane, it works fine because of the slate, got 2 buckets full.

Had a tin of tomatoes with a few sausages and toast for brekkie, added some 7 spice, chilli and Turmeric to the toms to liven them up.

Got a text from new Surgery saying details ready for me to register online into system for ordering repeat prescriptions and booking appointments, O/H ran me over there and now it's all done, rang the NHS hospital record section and got the surgeries changed over.

got a call from the pharmacy checking how the new inhalers were, so thats sorted.

Had a tin of tomato soup at 2pm with a few spices, just had 3 pieces off the new Pizza i got yesterday and had a piece of fruit cake.

I see you still have snow, it only stayed here for a few hours, that was a few days ago.

My Lad in Oz is just sorting the paperwork to send the other big case to us, it has to be cellotaped to the front of the case with a copy inside and a copy to the driver, you have to detail what the items are in about 10 groups with the value for each group and the total weight, also many restrictions on what can be in the case.

Yes, it seems so strange that a few weeks ago we were laying on sun loungers at the side of a pool or on a ferry going around the bay in Oz and New York and having Ice Cream by Waikiki beach, crazy.

It's all right saying we did well out of the EU, but it was our money to start with, no way did the EU ever give us money that wasn't already ours, they couldn't afford to do that, thats why everyone thinks they are good to us, i can be good to a person if they pay me a fortune first, it's crazy, if we had paid them £350m a week after 40 years it would be £728bn, we could have spent that money by ourselves, surely we don't need the EU to spend our money, we don't even have a say in the matter.

I recorded that Eurovision program, liked the one that was chosen, will watch later.

I saw the Millionaire Migrant Boss, it was ok, watch the Supervet and The Zoo as well.

both xxx

Emptybox

snow/ice again there then, bit milder today here, but drizzly.

Looks like you may need that extra heater for some time yet.

It seems our research leads us to believe Lidl does have different dishes in different areas. As I am sure we didn't have your dish in our fridges when I bought the mac cheese as I looked for it.

Our solicitor wants £3k all inclusive, but of course if we had gone for £100 an hour it would of soon added up, especially as he has to get the named executor to renounce and take me and my brother on, as mum had named a solicitor as executor, which not only would prove to be very expensive, but this solicitor;s  company has liquidated, so we dont' want him any way. So we have to get that sorted before probate can even begin.

My brother is not happy I have had to pay to take it to a solicitor, but I have done enough having to do power of attorney all these years, I need a solicitors help sorting this. Plus brother is on hols in the Far East for another month.

Hicky

if you got 2 bucketfulls, your cane and spike must be working well.

I see you are still thinking of those unusual creative brekkies.

that is good you got the new surgery and your scripts sorted out fine.

Yes your incredible hols must seem like a distant dream now.

Is this the last suitcase your son is sorting out now?

I still seem to have lots of paperwork to sort for mum, went to her bank yesterday with death certficate, got home and the undertakers invoice had come, so had to go back to the bank again to leave it with them to pay it. His bill was around £2700 including around £650 crem fees and doc fees of £165. But undertaker worked real hard for his share and was always approachable. The doc fee I thought a rip off, all they did was sign a certificate, then ring me to check I was the daughter! Undertaker had to organise it all , took mum away within the hour when she died, spent ages with us planning funeral, attended on the day with hearse, and another 3 staff as pall bearers, and provided real nice coloured order of service sheets he worked with me on for me to choose. His bill also included the posh pink rose coffin I chose.

Today had to go to building society in town with death certificate so they can close accounts when probate comes.

Also son has helped me work out the carers wages who were with mum that last week and their holiday pay that had accumulated, as the council sent me a payslip for them that was underpaying them. I can't have that as they earn precious little any way.

Not much of interest on tv tonight.

Think I'll give Dale Winton in Disneyland a try ... its on at 9pm.

Goodnight both xxx

Well glad I watched Dale in Florida, I thought it was brilliant. Real quirky, and funny....bit like Jane and her cruising.

Anyone else watch Dale?

Evening all.

Milder and drizzly here all day, but at least the snow has all melted now.
Went into town to pay my paper bill, and also went to Lidl again.
That Jambalaya was in a fridge with the steamed meals I think?. Got a King Prawn Tikka Masala this week.

Hicky. Good going picking up two buckets of leaves.
Glad the move to the new surgery seems to have gone smoothly.
It seems a complicated procedure for your lad to send you back your suitcase.
I think we'll just have to agree to differ about the EU. We'll look at it again in 10 years and see who was right.

Talking about Eurovision, Saara Aalto (X-Factor) is representing Finland this year.
She's releasing 3 possible songs, and the Finnish people will choose the one for the contest in a prog next month. This is the first one 'Monsters'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syjrB5lVIQI

Mollie. Didn't see the Dale Winton prog. Might watch the next episode.
Pity your Brother isn't happy about your arrangements, but you've got plenty to deal with as it is, and as you say, it's not as if he's there to help.

Having said that, I don't see why you're having to go to the Bank and Building society with the death certificate? We left all that to the Solicitor.
I had to deal with my Dad's driving licence and passport, and stopping magazine subscriptions and things like that, but the Solicitor dealt with all the financial stuff, and gathering the funds in from all the various sources etc. That's what we paid him for.
We had to sign some papers for the equivalent of probate, but it was just a matter of the Solicitor posting them to us and us posting them back.

Our Undertaker's fees were about the same as yours, don't recall a Doctor's fee, although there might have been one? But I remember that the Minister who conducted the funeral only got about £100, which I thought was a bit mingy, as he had to get to the crematorium under his own steam, which as I said was a 3 hour round trip.
The difference with us was that the Undertakers only got paid after the estate had been wound up, and again the solicitor took care of paying that, and we just got sent a copy of the bill.

Watched 'Animals With Cameras' then 'Trouble at the Zoo' then 'Derry Girls'.

Evening Both. :

A strange day weatherwise, cool at 4 to 5c with rain that didn't come and sun that did, started off with gale force winds of 44 dropping to 25 at 2pm dropping later to 12.

Worked in the garden after my shopping arrived, not really in the garden, more in the greenhouse, was putting the compost thats needed into the tubs, 4 are 50L with 2 19//////2 plant pots.

Had the other 3 slices of Pizza for brekkie, put some extra cheese on for good luck.

Watched the Winter Olympic opening ceremony,

Have just made another Tomato Rice dish, i always make far too much, used carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, celery, onions, shallots & tomatoes, spices inc. red & green chillies, Turmeric, Cumin, coriander, chilli powder, garlic and ginger, curry leaves, garam masala, salt, sweet paprika and probably more but the list is back on the cupboard.

Just watched the video of him making goat curry, interesting, copied the recipe of course.

Mollie, I'm pleased with setting up the new surgery and online access so easy, at least i can get the repeat meds, 

This suitcase is the one we took with us to Singapore, and took it to Oz, we left it at my Lads and took the one we sent him with us to Hawaii, it was a matter of sorting out which clothes we needed to take with us and leaving the rest in the case that stayed in Oz, we each had our own cabin case anyway, the one we took to Hawaii/USA we left with my Lad to send to us, we got that soon after we got home, we bought a new smaller case in the USA for the o/h to bring her presents back for the grandchildren and on the plane home you are only allowed 20kg in a case, although you can have 2 cases each, i put the laptop i had been using, it's a 17" and darn heavy, but it was in a laptop case so i could have taken it in my hand luggage.

It's an expensive do, glad you have sorted most of the payments out, it all adds up, solicitors and undertaker & crem also the doc all want their cut.

Emptybox, King Prawn Tikka Masala is nice, used to have so many meals like that when i was working at Fords Dagenham and staying in local villages, we used to eat out every night so changed were we ate every night, used to go through the menu.

It's a bit of a bind sending cases through the delivery systems because of the customs and what is inside, also the cost, how much are the items worth.

Even the case we brought home with us had been opened by customs before it was put onto the plane at JFK, the strap around it which was locked had been cut off and the tie wrap holding the 2 zips together had been cut, the cut sections were inside with a letter saying they had opened it, my quite heavy copy of the Statue of Liberty which is 10" hadn't been touched, i had wrapped it in tons of toilet paper in it's box to keep it safe.

It will be interesting to see how the EU split ends up, if Germany and France weren't being so hard headed it would be ok, but it's so obvious the Germany is in total control of the EU and the others are following like sheep

I think the choice for us for the Eurovision is good so we have a chance.

both xxx

Emptybox

hope you enjoy your king prawn tikka masala but being Lidl, I bet it is tasty.

glad it is milder, save you a bit in fuel without your extra heat.

It was cold here, it even snowed awhile, didn't last long though and didn't stick.

I have started going to banks etc with death certificate just go get things going, because until brother agrees to replace executor with me, I can't take a solicitor on at all to do the administration, as it is the executors who decide who to do the administration. All the accounts stuff is coming to me anyway, most in my name as I had power of attorney. But I will gladly hand it over when we take solicitor on. When the probate cash was released, where did you put it, did you open a new account until it all came in? The bank has written to me to say the funds are available now (as this bank was under £50k) and for me to give details of where to put it, but it is not mine because of the will.

Hicky

glad to see you are making good use of your greenhouse.

at you having a nice bit of pizza with extra cheese for brekkie. I saw on tv some expert say pizza is healthier for brekkie than cereal as it doesn't have all the added sugar. What sort of pizza do you like? I especially like ones with BBQ sauce.

Your tomato rice dish certainly had a lot of varied ingredients.

How nice your OH bought back a case of pressies for the grandchildren.

That is interesting how they opened a lot of your stuff, good job they weren't  intested in your statue though. Do you have that statue in your lounge now?

I agree, Germany is the place who is really in control of the EU.

Friend came for coffe and her fave cheese/tomato on toast. I was glad of the company as I am fed up of trying to sort paperwork out, and my brother making it awkward!

Really enjoyed watching Jayne cruising on c5 tonight, she is so funny and makes the places so interesting. Don't think I'd fancy the mash potato and gravy ice cream though. Wonder if HIcky could manage that?

Took dog to vets as she was badly limping. Vet was concerned in case she has broken a limb and said to go back if it was no better by tuesday. Luckily she does seem a lot better than she was, but we have given her a painkiller and the meds from the vets seem so good. She is old now, but still thinks she is a puppy, and jumps from chair to chair overnight, she pulled a ligament on her back leg about 18 months doing it, and took ages to recover. So we have now put the bunny's outdoor steel playpen to cut off part of the lounge to stop her jumping onto chairs in the night.

Goodnigh both xxx

Hi both.
No frost here this morning and a nice sunny day for a change.
The forecast is for frost tomorrow though.

Hicky. Only 3 slices of pizza for brekkie?
I watched some of the Olympics opening ceremony as well. Was strange that the two Koreas were competing as one, considering all the tension between them lately. But nice to see.
Your tomato and rice dish actually sounds quite complicated, with all those ingredients.

That's not good that they cut your suitcase open. If they'd wanted to search it, they should have done when you were there to open it for them. It could easily have come apart in the plane.
I would have thought a replica of the statue of liberty would be something they would be suspicious of. good job they didn't smash it apart.

Mollie. That's strange that you got a bit of snow but was sunny here.
Hope your doggie's leg is OK. Good that it seems to be improving. Yes, not a good idea for her to be jumping from chair to chair.

Ah, didn't realise you hadn't taken the solicitor on yet.
I think the difference is that you have power of attorney, so can access the bank accounts etc. Once the solicitor had given them copies of the death certificate, all my Dad's accounts were frozen until 'confirmation' (the Scottish equivalent of probate) was granted, so we couldn't do anything with them anyway.
The solicitor collected all the money from the investments in a client account, then at the end he gave me and my brother a cheque each. Well actually one big cheque and then some smaller cheques as the last things were wrapped up.
Sounds like we put a lot of trust in him, but my Dad had kept good records, so we knew roughly what to expect before we handed the documents to the solicitor so we knew we weren't being done.
I think we had it easy compared to your situation.

I watched Celebrity 5 Go Barging then Jane McDonald.
No I didn't fancy mashed potato flavoured ice cream either.

Evening Both.

Not very nice here today, rain almost all day so stayed in, 5 to 10c with medium winds of 20 but rising to gales at 8pm with winds of 44.

Didn't go out for brekkie, made bacon black pudding and fried eggs with toast.

Just had the rest of the tomato rice, o/h had cooked a chicken but had to have the meal that i saved from yesterday so may have to freeze my half.

My new water pump arrived from China, it's to fill the plant feed 100 litre tank from container which i can keep full of rain water as i have lots of that and it's best for the plants, i also want to see if i can make a garden feature with it, and whether i could supply my auto watering system using it, i will be able to test that as it has an outlet that i can connect my 13mm plastic pipe to.

Have ordered some Salt fish, and my Insulating tape should be delivered soon, also the 20mm x 2mm hex socket screws and nuts to stiffen the fruit cage door up.

Mollie, I've got the stature in my office room as it's the only one i use really so can see it, it's standing on my printer.

I didn't watch Jane, i watched celebrity 5 go barging on the canal in 2 boats.

I don't really mind what is on the Pizza because i like everything but i find cheese and tomato fine, but i wouldn't want less cheese so other stuff could be added.

I enjoy watching SuperVet although i have no interest in the animals it is amazing to see how much they miss them, but the vet bills must be terrific, you must be talking about the cost of a house deposit, unless they have pet insurance to pay for it.

It was interesting to see the vet say that with big dogs when they feel pain they lick their lips, didn't know that, the way he mends their legs and spine etc and fits false hips and knees is amazing, and in a few days they want to run round.

Emptybox, I only had 3 small slices left as i had 3 the night before, but it's never long to my next meal.

Yes, nice to see the Koreans getting together, hop things warm up between the 2 countries.

They opened the bag at JFK airport i think, so annoying as no-one knew were to go and we had to get in a long queue with the case to give it to them to run it through a scanner for plant material etc, we then picked it up and took it to check in, but the girl we were directed to didn't have a belt to put the case on so took the case and put it behind her, maybe the place that scanned the case for plant material etc flagged the bag for inspection, as when we went to get it at Gatwick we couldn't find it and when almost everyone else got their cases ours came but the o/h didn't recognise it as she was looking for the marker strap we had put around it and it had gone, it was inside after being cut off.

Never been through so many scanners and had so many pictures and fingerprints taken, some of the airports are so big and when they can have over 50 gates for 1 of the terminals it's mind boggling.

The UK passport was a godsend as it allowed us to take a lot of shortcuts to cut out queue's and also with having fast checkins etc it speeded things up.

I don't know what the stature of liberty is made of, it must be a metal, it won't be bronze but it's nice and heavy which makes it feel good.

both xxx

Emptybox

glad you got a nice sunny day at last. Its rained heavy all day here today. it was supposedly milder, but still felt cool as it was so wet.

HOpe you enjoyed your usual sphag bol.

When does your brother come to viist? As I know you will soon be getting ready  to get your vacuum out,

Power of attorney ceases when the person passes away, but of course it means I still get stuff through in my name. so I may as well send the certificates off myself to save time later.

I have found a solicitor and left the original will with him, but because mum had named another solicitor as executor (big mistake as it means they can charge what they want, even though she meant well and thought it would help me), we have asked my solicitor to get this guy to renounce as executor because his business went bust and he no longer does probates. So we are at a standstill till that is rectified, as most places ae asking for name of executors on their forms.

Hicky

I see you had the rain like we did here too.

It was also quite foggy when we came up the motorway.

I love garden water features, good luck making one. I will look forward to the photos of it.

Good idea to have the statue in your office to remind you of your special hols.

Oh yes Supervet is a legend with that techy stuff he does for those animals. as you say the vets bills must be huge for what he does! It was £38 for us yesterday, but that was about half hour with a really good vet (she is from the USA), some eye ointment for the dog, and she cut all her nails too, as well as telling us what to giver her for her bad leg. So don't think that is too bad.

No wonder you did't recognise your case if the market strap had been taken off!

Was it the states who did all these checks, eg photos, scans etc, I had heard they are extra strict compared to others.

Yes being a UK passport holder is certainly envied by many.

Went to seafront pub even thoug it was raining but OH wanted to watch the football and we don't have it at home.

I just drank my glass of wine and used their wifi,

Goodnight both

xxx

Evening.

No frost here after all, but that was probably because it was cloudy and then later rainy. Bit of snow tonight.
Didn't do much, but got my van washed.
Watched a bit of the speed skating on the Olympics.

Hicky. Pity you got the wind and rain. But good that your water pump came. I see you've got loads of plans for it. Hope it makes a good water feature.

Didn't know there was a series of Supervet on just now? I wonder if the ones that appear on the telly have their bills paid or subsidised, cos I think his operations cost thousands.
I think all that nonsense at airports would put me off travelling TBH.

Mollie. This mix up over Executors will slow things up, because as you say, only they are allowed to access things (or solicitors appointed by them). Is this other solicitor the sole executor, or is your Brother one?

I'll probably find out tomorrow when my brother is coming. Likely to be next weekend or the one after. I've got a dentist appointment on Tuesday, and might have to go to a funeral on Thursday (friend of my Dad's), so my cleaning time might be limited if it's next weekend.

Hope you enjoyed the seafront pub, even though it was raining? The wine would probably help.

Watched The Voice. Pity Carol Smillie's daughter didn't get through, but she really wasn't good enough. 
Then watched the last episode of Hard Sun.

Evening Both.

Not very nice here today, 3 to 5c cloud rain, hail, sun, gales again of 40 to 46 till 8pm then 20

Didn't do any work in the gales, my black tape came and the 4mm allen key  as well.

Just had a shrimp sandwich and a smoked salmon one for brekkie as i kept it small as o/h was going to make a lamb roast when she came in, very nice 2, just love the mint on the veg, wow, and very nice gravy.

I took the meat of the chicken last night and froze it and boiled the rest with some veg for 3 hours, put it into 3 freezer bags this morning, will use it for some of my meals, love experimenting.

Watched a video of Grandpa cooking a meal for the homeless using 1000 eggs hard boiled, wrote the spices down for it so will be making the meal next week, have got plenty of eggs.

Been watching some of the Winter Olympics and more of the cooking programs from India.

Mollie, I think the bills from the Supervet must be crazy, small ops with scans etc can cost £3,000 so these massive operations on say 4 legs, can't imagine the costs, some ops take 4hrs each.

It is worth a try to make a garden feature, just using what i have available in the garden, will see.

That vet bill you got was reasonable, the Supervet bills minimum will be in the thousands, without a doubt.

At least you got to the pub for a drink.

The security at all the airports was pretty intense but i expected that, i didn't need to show any visa etc as it must have gone through electronically so they knew we had been excepted, the worst part is going for your cases from the carousel, when i was with my lad and his gf/wife we had so much luggage it was trying to keep it all together which was the problem, and when we had to get a taxi from the airport it wouldn't all go in a normal car, from 1 airport we got a shuttle bus as that was the normal airport transport, another we got a big 4x4 wagon.

Emptybox, If you were just going to one country for a holiday you only have to get through the security etc to get to the plane, and the security getting off and to get you luggage, but going from Manchester to Singapore, then getting a plane from Singapore to Australia, then getting out at Australia, then getting a plane from Australia to Hawaii and getting the luggage there, then getting on a plane at Hawaii and getting off at JFK with the baggage, then getting a plane at JFK and getting off at Gatwick and getting the bag, then waiting 4 hours for a train to London Bridge after waiting in a queue to get the tickets, as the paperwork i had needed to be transferred onto real tickets, the problem was at Gatwick airport there was just one all night coffee bar open which was full and people sleeping all over the station as there were was nowhere for anyone to go, but a Chemists was open so i got some paracetamol as the other countries didn't have them, they just had ibuprofen in the other countries, which i didn't want, and even those were under a different name.

Saw the Voice, pity Carol Smillie didn't get a turn, but the more they have in their team the less chance if then turning, they are looking for the special sounds now, and ones that don't sound the same as others in the team.

Just wathed the start of the latest reality show by the producers of Love Island, it's on ITV2 at 9pm every night, called Survival of the Fittest, and are they Fit? mind you it's only on for 3 weeks, darn it.

both

Emptybox

did you go to get your shopping and papers today?

Even we had a little snow flurry today as it was so cold. But most of the day it was nice and sunny.

Yes this other solicitor is the sole executor. Mum said she didn't want to bother us having to deal with it. But she obviously didn't understand the implications. My solicitor reckons he can get him to renounce though as all the beneficiaries don't want him. He says it looks bad if they don't renounce in those circumstances. In the meantime, I will just carry on sending off for final statments. She had some shares that dad got from work when he retired, they are with some cash management company, so that is complicated. They said something about the value can still go up or down (more down recently I think!) until it is sorted and now she can't have an isa, it will be taxable. Don't really understand that one to be honest.

What a pity your cleaning time might be limited,  you could always hand them a duster when the arrive?

Hicky

gosh your brekkies are so unpredicatable. One day pizza, another day smoked salmon.

Gosh 1000 eggs, that is some meal!

Yes I can imagine your luggage was a nightmare.

When we last flew, we just took hand luggage, but it was a bit of a squeeze....and I wore a lot of stuff  on the plane too.

Yes I think you chose the wrong time of year being Christmas week to hit London, and in the middle of the night too.

I didnt' see that new reality show, but watched Dragons Den tonight.

Went to costco again just for a few bits, and to enjoy the free samples. Plenty there today.

Good night both xxx

Evening both.
Frosty this morning and snow on the ground and on the van. Was a bit slippy going down for the papers, but not too bad.
Went to Sainsburys this afternoon for the stuff I couldn't get from Lidl. They still haven't got their Argos bit opened.
Still not sure when my Brother is coming, but it's not this coming weekend, so I've got a temporary repreive from the cleaning.

Hicky.  That's good your things came on a Sunday. Amazon doesn't seem to do Sunday deliveries to me anymore.
Glad you enjoyed your lamb roast.
I made myself another big batch of my 'signature' stew this afternoon.
Had one portion tonight and froze the rest.

That's good that you didn't have to show visas for the US, but as you say, I think there is an electronic system now.
Yes, I would imagine you'd struggle to get all that luggage in a normal saloon car.
I think they call Ibuprofen 'Addaprin' in the US. Strange that you couldn't find Paracetomol there, but I think they call it 'acetaminophen' or Acet for short.

I watched some of the Olympic Luge competition this morning, but once you've watched one fellow coming down the ice backwards, youve watched them all.
Didn't realise that Survival of the Fittest prog had already started. I'd seen adverts for it, and was going to watch out for it.

Mollie. Hope you can get the executor situation sorted.
Yes once someone dies their ISA comes to a halt, and the earnings on it become liable for tax, but it shouldn't amount to much, unless the holding was very large. The tax allowance will carry on until the 5th April this year, and there's a large tax free allowance. Any tax will be taken off before the sum is paid out, I would think.
I'm sure you made full use of the Costco free samples.

Watched a prog tonight about The Lost Cities of the Maya. Very interesting.

Evening Both.

Better today here, 4 to 7c today, sunny spells with medium winds.

Had  some soiced egg for brekkie with bacon sausage meat and toast.

Did a few jobs in the garden and greenhouse, finished filling the 2 of 19" pots then did some tidying on the tub covers that the trees are in, trimmed the plastic sheet, might have to replace it soon as nature seems to be reclaiming it.

My salted Cod came this morning, have put it in the cupboard for now, will have to put part of it to soak later in the week, it is a 500g piece, it looks nice anyway.

Had the pack of Pork Ribs for tea, not very exciting though but it's a meal, just having a few of Lemon Shortbread Thins, lovely.

Mollie, I wish i'd never heard of Gatwick Airport, even when i booked the train tickets it was only because i couldn't get a flight to Liverpool, the rail system didn't even know the train didn't run to Euston from Gatwick, the girl in the Kiosk at Gatwick was amazed that we had been able to buy tickets for a train that didn't exist.

the new ITV2 show which is on every night at 9pm has to very nice girls in it, which does make the show sort of attractive, mind you the scenery is nice as well, not sure where it is but a lovely villa.

Will have to try and get to Costco, need some more Tablets and Oil capsules. 

Emptybox, The tablets i got in NYC are called Advil, they are Ibuprofen 200mg, but when i got to Gatwick the Boots chemist was open so was able to get paracetamol, in case i needed them, but didn't.

I asked in each country for paracetamol, when i looked at the packets they had they where all Ibuprofen, very strange, unless they aren't allowed to sell them over the counter.

Yes, often get Amazon deliveries on a Sunday, handy having them 7 days as i order so much stuff, have ordered Coconut powder, a 7 kit of spices, a nail centre punch set, a jar of ginger and garlic paste and a tin of 3 in one spray oil.

Yes, the Luge or whatever it is is so boring, no idea how they can control where they are on the slopes but what a strain on the neck as it loose in the air.