Clippers dipped

Went to Church yesterday morning. It was Rev. David's last "normal" service before his farewell next week. He preached the perfect sermon to leave on. A rallying cry really and we need to act on it. It always seems strange when the ministers have to move on in Methodism. However, after years of solo Christianity, I am just pleased to be worshipping in a congregation all the time.
After lunch, Barbara and I went round to see how Lisa and Alan were getting on and lend a hand. The fence building was coming along very well indeed. I made a trip to the recycling centre and then did a bit of this and a bit of that. It was almost to hot to work. Barbara had started weeding a bed and it was in full sunlight. I joined her and we soon gave up. Shouldn't complain.
We knocked off after 5pm and got changed and went from Lisa's' to the Humber Bridge. The Hull & Humber Clipper and her sister yachts were leaving Hull Marina and were supposedly coming up to the Humber Bridge before sailing downriver and out to Gosport. Well, we, and a lot of other people waited and waited and waited. The clippers came out and the other 9 milled about off St Andrews Dock while the H&H went swanning downriver accompanied by a tug in full fire-fighting mode. Very impressive through our binoculars but not close enough. By the time we realised that they weren't coming up to us, it was too late to go into the city. Another well planned Hull event!!!!
Barbara spent the first half hour this morning trying to find an email address where she could complain to. Probably because I was in "well if I was away at sea I would have missed it" mode, I wasn't as bothered. Anyhow, the Safeclean man came to clean our dining room carpet so I had him to talk to to keep me distracted. He did an excellent job. We had to wait a while for it to dry off so I went and got on with cleaning one of the dining room chairs. I got it sorted out and it doesn't look too bad. The jury is out on whether we will be getting a new dining room suite. We went down to DFS Dining Room Centre (would put a link but they don't have a site for the dining room furniture!) and had a look at some of the suites. There were a couple of the more "traditional" types that would suit us but they seem a bit big. Maybe the guy didn't measure them correctly. I should have taken my own tape.
Just moved the computer desk back in and thought I would do this before I got on with the rest of the stuff. The connection seems okay and the view is better from the dining room.

Decorating and tipping

I have finally had to buckle down and do some decorating. The dining room carpet needs a clean so Barbara booked that for this coming Monday and told me we were decorating. Actually we discussed it! Went to B&Q a few Wednesdays ago and got the stuff on the Diamond Card. We'd cleared the room on Monday but I had to go up to Willersley on Tuesday morning so we didn't get going until lunch time. Once we did, it didn't take long. I did the ceiling with the roller and then did the rollering on the walls while Barbara followed me and did the filling in. We felt so pleased with ourselves that we went out for something to eat, mainly because we didn't have anything for dinner. So we called at Asda on the way home and restocked. On Wednesday, we did the glossing and then went down to B&Q again for another splurge on the Diamond Card. We were after something to clean up the dining chairs. One of the assistants reckoned equal measures of Methylated Spirits, White Spirit and Linseed Oil. I have made a start on one of the chairs and it seems okay but hard rubbing! Anyhow, the room is ready to have the carpet cleaned.
Amazingly, we won the quiz on Thursday evening. Keith was back although Bob was away. However, Dave R. was in and joined the team. He didn't contribute many answers but maybe he is a good luck charm! Mind you, it just meant more people to share the gallon of wine with!
It was the last Braves Guild meeting of the term on Friday. What are we going to do with all the spare time? I bet the weather deteriorates. It seems that the weather is always nice when we are in the Guild. Can't remember getting wet when we have been getting them out of the transport or returning them to it. Probably rain until September.
Today, we were up bright and early and round to Lisa's. Alan and their next door neighbour Nick are putting up a fence but we went round to clear up all the stuff that has been cut down to make room. We did really well and got most of it out of the way. The little car managed manfully as it went backwards and forwards to Wiltshire Road recycling centre. The weather has stayed nice too. The fence constructors did very well but cleared some more of the undergrowth away at about 4pm. I decided that was time to call it a day. Came back home after a last journey to the tip and had a bath. Will probably fall asleep in front of the TV.

Bold as brass at Burnby

Apart from a poor showing at the pub quiz, it has been a good weekend. Mum really enjoyed the coffee evening on Thursday night. On Friday, we went to Hull Braves Guild and Mum came along. There were plenty of people to talk to and the turn played the sort of music that she enjoyed.
I have been trying to provide meals to tempt Mum's appetite. She has been complaining about not enjoying her food. The only blip was Saturday when we had a Chinese take-away as Lisa and Alan came round and the meal she chose wasn't that good. We all gave her a bit of ours and she enjoyed all the bits.
We had looked at going out for the day on Saturday but the horrendous pictures coming from the Severn basin and the terrible weather forecast changed our minds. Instead we went to the cinema to see Die Hard 4.0. Bruce Willis was on top, if inprobable, form and all three of us enjoyed it very much. As I said above, Lisa and Alan joined us and we had a take-away. We then watched the TOTP2 Disco show with the subtitles on. How sad is that?!

We decided to take the risk on Sunday and went to Burnby Hall Gardens in Pocklington. What an inspired choice. We got there to find that there is a Brass Band playing most Sunday afternoons. So we had a walk round and fed the fish and looked at the beautiful plants and water lilies then got a pot of tea and a cake and settled down to listen to the band. It was the East Riding of Yorkshire Brass Band. Unfortunately, the leader announced the web site but my memory is failing! However, I would recommend a listen if they are in the vicinity. The rain started as the band started so I took my cuppa under cover while Mum and Barbara sat under their umbrellas. However, the rain eased off and finally stopped so I went for a walk around the gardens with the band playing. Magical.

Mum had arranged to meet her friend Dot today so I took her home this morning. Barbara went to the hairdressers while I was doing that. It didn't take me too long and I was back before lunch so we made a start on the dining room. It is going to get a coat of paint and then we are having the carpet cleaned. In fact, I am sat in the hall typing this as we have moved most things out! We are already to start tomorrow.

Stripping!

Barbara took me round to Val F's house on Monday evening before she went walking. I had promised I would go and make a start stripping the wallpaper. She was flooded and wants to get it off so the plaster can be chipped out. I took my steamer and made a good start. Barbara and Val helped but we persuaded Val that she needed to maintain her routine and so she went with Barbara walking. Bob R came round later on after his lifting and shifting and we just about finished the living/dining room. Barbara and Val came back with Jean, Gwen and Jenny bearing a bottle of wine which they drank in the garden. Bob and I cleaned up and then we went and joined them before all going home. I was up and at them on Tuesday and got on with the hall. I did as much as I could but can't go back for a while due to other commitments. We'll see how things are going at the weekend.
Barbara and I went across for our final child care session. The weather wasn't very promising so we let Rowan have a computer session before his tea. Once his Mum got home, the weather was better so he went out to play with his mates and we chatted while Amanda made our meal. It was very pleasant really. Kirsten was running past me "daring" me to grab her. I did just enough times to keep her quiet!
On Monday, we'd been shopping for some new shower curtains and come back with loads of other stuff including some new egg cups featuring different animals. We took them with us and Kirsten had the zebra and Rowan the leopard with their breakfast eggs. Sod's law, Kirsten had got herself dressed and ready before 8am and she wasn't going to school! Rowan was and railing against the unfairness of it all.
We took Kirsten and went round to my Mums and picked her up. She was coming across to stay with us. The problem then was how to keep Mum and Kirsten occupied and find somewhere we could also have lunch. We went to Tong Garden Centre and had a walk round and then a meal and then bought a few plants etc. Filled the bill exactly.
When we got back to PARKs, I went round and picked up Rowan from school. Again the weather was a bit iffy so he had a computer session. As we'd all had lunch, we made some sandwiches and had our tea with Rowan and Kirsten. We were getting ready to set off back when Pauline rang to let us know that the M62 was closed between Jn37 and Jn38. We put the radio on and apparently there had been a lorry crash and fire and the air ambulance had been called in. The casualty had been taken to Hull RI and the road was closed for investigations. We set off and came off early and followed the minor roads joining the jam at Howden. In fact, it wasn't too bad. We kept moving along the old A63, just slowing down when we rejoined the main road after Jn38.
Just like yesterday, the best part of today has been since tea time. Mum and Barbara have gone to the Wives Coffee Evening so they should be able to sit out in the garden. We haven't really done much because the weather has threatened all day. Stupid I know, we should just get on with things. Still, Mum has caught up with all our gossip. We took her shopping and then we have sat in the garden and chatted. I popped up to Willersley as they went on a trip yesterday and I needed to pay the bills. Another riveting episode!!

Free Music sound OK 2 me

On my second play of Planet Earth by Prince. Okay, I had to buy the Mail on Sunday but I don't have to read it! I consider that I have bought the new Prince album for £1.40. A bargain. I should soon have two copies as we have booked to go see him at the O2 Arena next month. I understand he is giving away copies there too.
Doing well this week as Barbara and I have both read a book Phil borrowed from the library. One of our favourite authors, Michael Connelly. "The Overlook" is classic Harry Bosch. It's maybe a little short but it has meant that both of us have been able to read it before Phil takes it back to the library. Our kids keep us up with the latest literary happenings!
The team didn't do very well at the quiz on Thursday. Can't seem to get to grips with the new question setters mind. We don't worry too much as we are only there for the company and chat. Keith was absent so we stopped at three pints instead of the usual four. Meant I was much better equipped to go on the Braves Guild trip on Friday morning.
We went into town on the bus and got to the Guild just before 10am. We were a little late because most of the people had arrived. In fact, most of the helpers were late. Still we all got there and everything went exactly to schedule. Wendy had written an itinerary and, amazingly, we stuck to it all day. We went down to Skegness which is a long way to go for fish and chips The weather held off pretty well. It was grey with the odd patch of drizzle so we were able to get about. I took Irene in her wheelchair and Janet came along on her frame. We were held back by Janet's speed but we had a fair walk round with only one small mishap. Janet did a slow motion tumble. I think she came out of her shoe and the frame carried on without her. I was able to catch her before her knees touched ground and get her back on her feet. We had a sit down before we carried on. The fish and chips we had for tea were okay but I have had better. It started to rain quite heavily on the way back but we had the umbrellas and got most of the people off the bus and into the Guild then out to their transport without them getting too wet.
Saturday, Barbara and I went up to Church in the morning and joined the working party cleaning up the outside of the building. The weather held off and even brightened during the morning and we got quite a lot done. We went and picked up Lisa and had a look at her new fishes, 2 White Cloud Mountain Minnows. She is starting down the tropical route after her goldfishes died. She is punctilious about testing the water etc. whereas I am very neglectful. My fish look okay. Murphy's Law, as I was going to go tropical when I retired, but only if my goldfish squad declined as there wouldn't be enough room otherwise. Ah well.
We had some lunch and a chat before the ladies went out to a Garden Party. I was told by Barbara that it would be a ladies thing so I got on with the book and had a glass of red. Got out into the garden too. In hindsight, I shouldn't have opened the bottle as Barbara joined me in the garden with a glass. If we hadn't had a drink, we could have driven out somewhere for a stroll as the weather was lovely.
This morning, I was up and ready and round the corner for the paper as I didn't want to miss out. Barbara had taken a photo of a couple of Wood Pigeons on my birthday feeder. She came through to the kitchen to show me and we had a look at them just in time to see one of next doors moggies leap out of the undergrowth. Fortunately it missed so I wasn't in too bad a mood to go up to Church. The preacher this morning was Rev. Henry P. who is also chairman of the Willersley Amenity committee where I am treasurer. He was trying to enlist Barbara but she resisted. Will have to wait and see what not going to babysit brings. I did take one job. I was asked to be Trevor's replacement on the Weekend Away organising group. I am gradually been drawn in!

End of an era

We took Kirsten to Nursery for the last time yesterday. She finishes next Monday and, when she goes back she will be in Reception and full time. We won't be required as Amanda is changing her hours. After the flood, we didn't go across and it was really strange. We had so much time. So it will be mixed feelings when we don't have to go across weekly. Both the kids were on good form this week and were a joy to be with most of the time.
Barbara says that I am getting paranoid about the car. It only has a rudimentary "computer" but it does feature average MPG (miles per gallon). It makes it interesting, especially as I am usually a passenger. I keep flicking through all the functions and driving Barbara round the bend. The car certainly responds to economical driving with us reaching around 45/50MPG as an overall average. After all, that was one of the reasons that we went down the downsizing route. I am delighted to say that the boot takes a full shop no problem. In fact, because it's relatively tight, it means there is less movement.
Spoke to Mum tonight. Apparently she went in on Tuesday for a Barium meal and was sick afterwards. Barbara and I had both told her to get in touch if she was going in. She must have known when we were talking to her and never let on. Hopefully she will take note next time. I guess less time with our grandchildren will give us more time with their great-grandma!

Another victim

Terrible news on Friday morning when Jenny S rang to tell us that Trevor H had died at 1am. Trevor had just retired in late June and had been forced out of his house by the floods. Trevor and his wife Chris had been staying at his daughters but she had been flooded too so not the best situation. It was a big shock to me. Trevor and I have been comparing notes for quite some time on the run up to retirement. Trevor's' son-in-law, Marcus, asked for help at Church on Sunday to clear the furniture and stuff out of the house this evening. There must have been nearly 20 of us. We got it out so quickly that, when Chris came round to thank us at just after the rendezvous time, most people had gone. I gave her a hug and apologised because Barbara and I won't be at the funeral on Friday as we are on the Hull Braves trip to Skegness!
We went to Braves as usual on Friday after we had left the car at John Roe for recall work. Barbara is still unsure what she can use her bus pass for even though I have been using it on the Park and Ride for a year. There was a pretty good turn out at Braves. I am still learning the names but the trip will help. Went back and picked up the car and tried to spot what they had done to it!
Saturday was Coffee morning. We'd loaded the books on Friday night and were going to drop them off but Blood Donors were in so we took them up first thing and Barbara dropped me off while she went to pick up a lady who was helping. I'd just about got the room ready when she came back. Just took it steady. I was quite surprised by the turn out. I think people are looking for somewhere to go to get out. We made over £110 for the Church Funds.
PARK had been when we got home. They were staying the evening but out for the day with ACMJ. Well, Phil was out with Andy at the Beverley Races and the ladies and children had a trip to the seaside and then a meal out arriving at our place around 8.30pm. Phil came around 10pm after a good day at the races where he more than broke even and told us all about it until Madonna came on Live Earth when he shut up for a while!
Next morning, we went to Church. Steve S was doing the service aided by Brian S who was on his first outing as Worship Leader. They both did very well. Rowan came up with us and went into Sunday Club. He asked to come and seemed to enjoy it. We'll see if he asks for a return visit!
We just mooched in the afternoon. In fact, it was mostly catering. PARK went after tea and we tidied up and then collapsed.
This morning, we got up and went down to Digby Fen in Lincolnshire where a pair of Montagu's Harriers are raising a brood. The RSPB have set up a viewpoint to watch the birds. We got there just after 10am driving in behind a couple from Hull RSPB so we had someone to chat too as well as watch some brilliant birds. The Montagu's performed very well and there were some Marsh Harriers too to keep us busy. We had a bite to eat before setting off home so Barbara could visit Margaret S who is recovering from a treatment at hospital and to see Chris H after Trevor's death. I made tea and left it in the oven for her as I went up to clear the house. I have been round to see Peter and Jean W on the way back. They don't get up to Church much and I walked back with Ian, their son, from Trevor's home. Peter is pretty hard of hearing. His hearing aid makes his tinnitus worse so he doesn't wear it. Thus I mostly spoke to Jean and then had a shout with Peter afterwards!

Better late than never

Just been watching the news and there are all our MPs trying their best to look as though they know what they are talking about as they showed John Healey, the so-called Flood Minister around Bransholme. I suppose there will be more of the same tomorrow when Hazel Blears pays a visit. What no one has mentioned is that Hull was effectively cut off from the rest of the country for quite a spell. The A63 had to be re-opened to let people through even though they were getting stranded. As we found out on our way back in that Monday, only the most determined got through. Still the paranoia continues with the weather every ones main topic of conversation.
Still life goes on. We managed to get our new windows in before it rained. I hope they were as lucky at their afternoon job. We got the car back okay after its service but there was some confusion the next day when we got a call from the garage about some problem with cracking of the headlights! We take it in tomorrow for that and a recall fix on the head restraints!! As the workmen had finished the windows early, we were able to get on and put quite a lot of the stuff back. Must check the PVR and see if my connections have worked okay. Routed it through the video so I can watch it on the TV in the dining room. There was no walking for Barbara on Monday night so we sat and vegetated in front of the box.
Tuesday and Wednesday, we followed our normal routine. Barbara goes to fellowship and I catch up on stuff and then we zoom over to Leeds to meet Rowan. I say routine but it will all be finishing very soon when Kirsten starts full time school in September. So we are enjoying it while we can. The kids were very good this week even when Mum and Dad went to school about Kirsten starting full time and we had to put them to bed. I'm sure we'll both miss the contact we have with all of them. However, maybe we can turn into "doting grandparents"
Shopping, a bit of tidying and a trip to the tip while Barbara was at a funeral make up today's excitement. The promised Community Wardens (the council assessing the full state of the problem) came round asking about the flooding but they didn't come to us. They knew where people had been affected and started there. I must say that I expected better for my retirement. Where is all the global warming? I have loads of shorts and can't wear them!

Paranoia sets in

It was Barbara's birthday last Wednesday. The event was overshadowed by the growing list of friends and acquaintances who have been flooded. In fact, Barbara spent most of her birthday trying to find people who weren't answering phones. All were traced and all are well. The numbers of people affected around the city is huge so we are the lucky ones. We have ordered our sand bags although what we will do with them when they arrive I have no idea. I have found the ultimate paranoiacs web site in this situation, weather radar pictures.
I was getting a bit stir crazy and a bit guilty. I had planned to buy Barbara a large plant for the garden for her birthday. Just as well the weather came. I persuaded her to come with me to B&Q and select one. When we got there, there was nothing she liked either for outdoors or indoors even though I'd have bought something! Not wanting to waste a trip, I joined us both in the Diamond Club for the over-60s. I've been meaning to do it for ages so it seemed a good idea. It gave Barbara something to tell everybody. We went up to Home Farm for tea. I wasn't as impressed as I have been before.
Another exciting day on Thursday. Barbara had been going on a trip with the Wives Group but that had been cancelled because of the weather. Instead, we went in to town and got Barbara her bus pass! She had also spilled tea on her summer weight dressing gown and so we got her a new one too. A spot of lunch and then up to Morrisons for the shopping. Oh what a gay social whirl. Mind you, I did go up to the pub for the quiz. Didn't do very well though. Colin the inquisitor is setting the questions and they aren't as easy!!!
Friday was Braves Guild. It went ahead even though one or two people were elsewhere due to the floods. The weather was kind and it went well. I went and did a bit of shopping while the turn was on and then we got everyone back in their transport and came home. We had been without Gladys at Braves as she was celebrating her 90th birthday. She was having a celebration at Good Fellowship down Cottingham Road and we were invited. We arrived at the same time as Roy, one of the helpers and his wife Eileen who helps when we aren't there so we joined them for the evening. The only other people we knew were from Braves but Gladys has been in the British Rad Cross for 45 years so she has touched lots of lives. The evening was excellent with super entertainment so we didn't leave until nearly 11pm.
Saturday, PARK came across. They picked up Lisa on the way and arrived just in time for lunch. We had booked a meal at 6pm at the Saffron in Willerby to celebrate Barbara's birthday. Alan called on his way home from work and collected Lisa to get ready. They came back when they were ready and Barbara and I went with them to the restaurant. Once more, the food was excellent. I was "pogged" after my main course and so was Rowan. He was complaining about his full tum and wanted to go home. I suggested we could walk and he instantly agreed so we left the gannets to their puddings and set off to walk. He is good company when he wants to be and we chatted until his Mum and Dad passed us and picked us up much nearer to home than to the restaurant.
We were up early on Sunday for the early Communion and Prayer Breakfast. It was Rev. David's last one. I hope our new minister continues them. I really enjoy the fellowship and worship that we have at the Communion. As PARK were here, we didn't stay for the morning service. Once we got home, we decided, as the weather forecast was not promising, we would go to the cinema. The latest "Shrek" has started so we went to the 1pm performance. It was okay but now we expect it to be great. We went into the cinema in fine weather and came out in fine weather but it had apparently deluged a couple of times while we were in there. It hasn't rained since then except for a10 second shower in the afternoon. Just as well really as we are having a couple of windows replaced this morning. We spent the evening after PARK had gone getting ready for that. Dis connected the TV etc. so went to bed and watched the late news. Up early this morning awaiting the workmen who arrived late as they were just back from holiday and their van wasn't ready. Still, I have caught up with this.