As we continue to prepare for our holiday, I got on t'internet on Tuesday morning and booked the train tickets to Gatwick. The fares system has always confused me but I was pleased with the fares charged for the journey. I was even more pleased on Wednesday morning when the news of rail fare rises was announced. Fortunately, we received our tickets the same day. There is only one slight niggle, the tickets are for a GNER train and I understood that they were losing the franchise at the end of the year!!
I have been shoeboxing it again this week. I made a commitment so am probably working harder than I would have done at sea! On Tuesday, I had a prior engagement so couldn't go straight there. I was helping to put the Christmas decorations up at the Hull Braves Guild. Any surface we could find has been covered and it looks very good indeed.
Once I'd finished, I went straight up Holderness Road to the depot and was straight in to lugging shoe boxes around. On Wednesday, I went up earlier. I am really getting good value from my bus pass! It is quicker by car but I am taking my Bible Study with me and am catching up with that. Barbara came up on Wednesday lunchtime and pitched in. I had been scheduled to drive today, Thursday, so I brought the van home. We set off before 9am this morning after a stop for some diesel. We only had four calls but it was 3pm by the time I got back to the depot. I had dropped Barbara off at home so she could sort some stuff out for the weekend.
It's all a bit frenetic but should calm down in a couple of weeks when the shoebox appeal finishes. Looking forward to a lie in!
Thursday, 29 November 2007
Monday, 26 November 2007
That's it then
Last Friday, Barbara and I were up early to catch a plane at Humberside Airport. I was finally going for my final act as a seafarer. Maersk aka Nedlloyd in Rotterdam have a yearly jubilee and pensioner's party and we were invited. We were at the airport at 7.45, two hours before the flight. We were able to check in straight away. So what to do for the next two hours. The answer was a bacon buttie in the cafe. Ever since a report a few weeks ago knocking the bacon banjo, Barbara has been looking for an excuse to have one. Wish she'd have picked a cheaper venue!!
The flight across was excellent. We touched down 45 minutes after we took off and only taxied a few minutes. So that we were in the terminal less than an hour after take off and before the schedule arrival time. Getting our luggage and then the train were equally pain free. There were a few sudden stops on the train but we were in Rotterdam and caught a taxi to get to the Golden Tulip Hotel by 13.30.
We went up and unpacked and then went for a walk to get something to eat. We finished up just round the corner at the Brasserie Jungle. We spotted Pork Sate on the menu and plumped for that. A good move. It was really delicious. A good start. Replete, we went back to the hotel and had a bit of a zizz!
We had received instructions to assemble in the foyer at 1815 so we went down and met up with the British contingent. Amazingly I knew all of them. Two captains and three chief engineers. Once more, we were polarized by nationality. I am the only one who sailed with the Dutch but I didn't know anyone. There was a bus laid on to take us to the venue, het Zalmhuis.
We were the last off the bus and so last through the cloakroom and up the stairs so we were last to have our photographs taken. I had taken a large bag of Walker's Cheese and Onion crisps for our personnel superintendent, Jeannie. She is an ex pat and I have spoken to her but not really met her. However, I thought it was her next to the photographer so asked and it was. It meant I was able to get rid of the crisps and share a joke so the photos should have been okay.
The party was up on the second floor and was very well organised. There were drinks and hors d'ouevre served on Chinese soup spoons. I caught up with several of the office staff I had met when I was on the Partnership at Work committee. We were soon called to our table which was hosted by Jeannie. Entrees were served and then the presentation to jubilee staff, 25 years and 35 years. The soup course was served next and then it was the pensioners turn. We all got a fountain and ballpoint pen set. Very nice indeed. The food was excellent. The main course was a deer steak which was really delicious. The sweet was a selection of different pieces. Each course was served with a different wine and there were no empty glasses.
All good things have to come to an end and the party ended at 1130pm. As we were leaving, our partners were given a small lucky bag of coffee, biscuits and chocolate. The bus took us back to the hotel where most of us headed for the bar to continue the night so it was 1.30am before we got to bed.
The next morning, we took it easy and had a leisurely breakfast before checking out and walking to the station. We had lots of time because we weren't flying until 1645. We wandered around the airport and then headed for the departure area. It was chaotic. There were three desks open and queues of 25+ at each. We joined one and about 20 minutes later the stewardess came down the queue and told us that she was closing the desk and we should join a different queue. We had been toying with the idea of taking our relatively small case as hand luggage but Barbara had her scissors. She suggested we dumped them so we did and went the hand baggage route. We had no problem.
Once more the flight arrived early and we waltzed through the formalities and we were home by 1710. We sagged for the rest of the evening
Sunday was catch up day and Church day. Mind you we spent the afternoon filling in our visa forms for our holiday. We couldn't send off for them before because we required our passports for the Rotterdam trip. I have dealt with bureaucracy most of my working life so probably overegged the pudding with the details. We went and posted them on Monday morning so we now wait and worry!
The flight across was excellent. We touched down 45 minutes after we took off and only taxied a few minutes. So that we were in the terminal less than an hour after take off and before the schedule arrival time. Getting our luggage and then the train were equally pain free. There were a few sudden stops on the train but we were in Rotterdam and caught a taxi to get to the Golden Tulip Hotel by 13.30.
We went up and unpacked and then went for a walk to get something to eat. We finished up just round the corner at the Brasserie Jungle. We spotted Pork Sate on the menu and plumped for that. A good move. It was really delicious. A good start. Replete, we went back to the hotel and had a bit of a zizz!
We had received instructions to assemble in the foyer at 1815 so we went down and met up with the British contingent. Amazingly I knew all of them. Two captains and three chief engineers. Once more, we were polarized by nationality. I am the only one who sailed with the Dutch but I didn't know anyone. There was a bus laid on to take us to the venue, het Zalmhuis.
We were the last off the bus and so last through the cloakroom and up the stairs so we were last to have our photographs taken. I had taken a large bag of Walker's Cheese and Onion crisps for our personnel superintendent, Jeannie. She is an ex pat and I have spoken to her but not really met her. However, I thought it was her next to the photographer so asked and it was. It meant I was able to get rid of the crisps and share a joke so the photos should have been okay.
The party was up on the second floor and was very well organised. There were drinks and hors d'ouevre served on Chinese soup spoons. I caught up with several of the office staff I had met when I was on the Partnership at Work committee. We were soon called to our table which was hosted by Jeannie. Entrees were served and then the presentation to jubilee staff, 25 years and 35 years. The soup course was served next and then it was the pensioners turn. We all got a fountain and ballpoint pen set. Very nice indeed. The food was excellent. The main course was a deer steak which was really delicious. The sweet was a selection of different pieces. Each course was served with a different wine and there were no empty glasses.
All good things have to come to an end and the party ended at 1130pm. As we were leaving, our partners were given a small lucky bag of coffee, biscuits and chocolate. The bus took us back to the hotel where most of us headed for the bar to continue the night so it was 1.30am before we got to bed.
The next morning, we took it easy and had a leisurely breakfast before checking out and walking to the station. We had lots of time because we weren't flying until 1645. We wandered around the airport and then headed for the departure area. It was chaotic. There were three desks open and queues of 25+ at each. We joined one and about 20 minutes later the stewardess came down the queue and told us that she was closing the desk and we should join a different queue. We had been toying with the idea of taking our relatively small case as hand luggage but Barbara had her scissors. She suggested we dumped them so we did and went the hand baggage route. We had no problem.
Once more the flight arrived early and we waltzed through the formalities and we were home by 1710. We sagged for the rest of the evening
Sunday was catch up day and Church day. Mind you we spent the afternoon filling in our visa forms for our holiday. We couldn't send off for them before because we required our passports for the Rotterdam trip. I have dealt with bureaucracy most of my working life so probably overegged the pudding with the details. We went and posted them on Monday morning so we now wait and worry!
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Operation Christmas Child
Not much to report despite having not posted for a week. I have been at Operation Christmas Child doing the shoeboxes for Samaritan's Purse. Barbara and I were CRB checked last year as drivers but we just checked boxes last Wednesday & Thursday. Friday was Brave's Guild.
We got back on Friday and I made some Spaghetti sauce for Saturday and then prepared for Chicken Chow Mein for that evenings meal. PARK were coming over. I'd got everything sorted by the time they arrived. It was great to see them all again even if they aren't keen to see me!
Amazingly, the next morning, we were ready pretty quickly and went out just before 10am to pick up Lisa and Alan. We were heading for the seals at Donna Nook. As we expected, there were lots of people with the same idea. The adults got a good view but the fences made it a bit difficult for the kids. There were lots of pups but they weren't doing much so the kids were pretty bored with them.
We had our picnic in the car park before heading up to Cleethorpes via Ludborough to have a look at the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway but it was closed. So we went to the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway and rode on that. It was quite bracing but very enjoyable.
PARK stayed until mid afternoon Sunday. We had an invitation to a Ruby wedding party. Bob and Jean were having a get together in the evening. They'd entertained their families and Sunday night was their friends. We are delighted to be among those friends. We walked round just before 8pm and left just before midnight. I was a very pleasant evening with plenty of people to talk to, plenty to eat and plenty to drink.
Monday. Barbara and I both went to the shoeboxes. We were sent out locally after some more shoeboxes. On Tuesday, I caught the bus and went up there myself. Barbara was doing the fellowship. Once more, I did a few short runs. It was suggested I took the van home and went straight out this morning so I did. I have brought the van home today and Barbara and I are going to Doncaster for five collections in the morning. I feel as though I am helping a bit as I pitch in when I am back at the depot. So many children do not have the same benefits as our grandkids. I don't just mean in the Third World where these boxes are ultimately bound, I am sure there are kids around the UK who don't have very much at all. We can only do our bit and hope that other people do theirs.
We got back on Friday and I made some Spaghetti sauce for Saturday and then prepared for Chicken Chow Mein for that evenings meal. PARK were coming over. I'd got everything sorted by the time they arrived. It was great to see them all again even if they aren't keen to see me!
Amazingly, the next morning, we were ready pretty quickly and went out just before 10am to pick up Lisa and Alan. We were heading for the seals at Donna Nook. As we expected, there were lots of people with the same idea. The adults got a good view but the fences made it a bit difficult for the kids. There were lots of pups but they weren't doing much so the kids were pretty bored with them.
We had our picnic in the car park before heading up to Cleethorpes via Ludborough to have a look at the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway but it was closed. So we went to the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway and rode on that. It was quite bracing but very enjoyable.
PARK stayed until mid afternoon Sunday. We had an invitation to a Ruby wedding party. Bob and Jean were having a get together in the evening. They'd entertained their families and Sunday night was their friends. We are delighted to be among those friends. We walked round just before 8pm and left just before midnight. I was a very pleasant evening with plenty of people to talk to, plenty to eat and plenty to drink.
Monday. Barbara and I both went to the shoeboxes. We were sent out locally after some more shoeboxes. On Tuesday, I caught the bus and went up there myself. Barbara was doing the fellowship. Once more, I did a few short runs. It was suggested I took the van home and went straight out this morning so I did. I have brought the van home today and Barbara and I are going to Doncaster for five collections in the morning. I feel as though I am helping a bit as I pitch in when I am back at the depot. So many children do not have the same benefits as our grandkids. I don't just mean in the Third World where these boxes are ultimately bound, I am sure there are kids around the UK who don't have very much at all. We can only do our bit and hope that other people do theirs.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
A bit of a do
Last Saturday evening, we were invited to a party at the Star in Willerby. It was Jennie S's 65 birthday do. We picked up Chris H and Val L and got up there for 7.30. We were just on our second drink when we were taken to the Stables Bistro out the back for the buffet. There was wine for us all and the buffet was served from the table by the waiter. Well, he served the meat and fish and it was help yourself to the salads etc. The sweets were served out but there was plenty. The cake was also served out once Jennie had cut it. Once the food was out of the way, the entertainers set up. Kevin and Sam(antha) are Jennie's next door neighbours. They performed on London West End stages and now go out and about entertaining around the North. They did songs from the shows. Lots of songs from Les Mis, Phantom and other shows we've all been to see. They had a bit of a rest and then got up again and sang some stuff we could dance to. A really cracking evening. We got home at 1am.
On Sunday, we went up to Church in the morning. Rev'd Christopher did a Pastoral Visitor "swearing in ceremony". I have become a PV so went up to the front. Then he went into the Remembrance Day part. A good talk for the children (and adults) about the poppy. We came home and had some lunch then Barbara went and picked up her friend Diane from Fouracres home for the disabled. It was her birthday. Usually she has a takeaway with her friend Val. Unfortunately, Val died last month so Barbara stepped into the breech. Diane went home soon after tea because she can't manage the stairs. I went with Barbara to give her a hand getting Diane out of the car.
On Monday, I went out to Top Hill Low Nature Reserve with the RSPB group. It was a very pleasant day if a bit chilly. Top Hill is usually closed on Monday but we were given permission to go. There wasn't too much about but we saw about 50 species. Barbara was out in the evening so I was under strict instructions to be back early. In the event, we left at 3pm so I was back before it got dark.
On Tuesday, I went round to Jon and Helen P's house with Bob R. He'd been there on Monday stripping the wallpaper from the hall. The P's can't get there when it's light and there is no lighting as the leckies have it off. We got the hall finished before lunch. After lunch, Barbara and I walked up to Anlaby for some cards.
Today was one of my pastoral list's birthday so I killed two birds with one stone and took Peter and his wife Jean their membership cards and Peter's birthday card. Barbara finished off some stuff then came round and picked me up. After a few minutes visiting, we went down Holderness Road and helped fill some shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child for Samaritan's Purse. Barbara has been helping for a few years and I have been going when I was at home. There are always new rules as to what can be put in the shoe boxes. We got the low down and started checking the boxes. We got to the end of the supply this afternoon but were assured that there are some more coming in tomorrow.
When we got home, we found that the delivery man had been. I ordered some long sleeved stuff from FRS Countrywear at the weekend and it came today. I am really chuffed as it is just what I wanted for our Indian excursion and it was very inexpensive. I had to stop enthusing as Barbara is still in the throes of deciding what to buy.
On Sunday, we went up to Church in the morning. Rev'd Christopher did a Pastoral Visitor "swearing in ceremony". I have become a PV so went up to the front. Then he went into the Remembrance Day part. A good talk for the children (and adults) about the poppy. We came home and had some lunch then Barbara went and picked up her friend Diane from Fouracres home for the disabled. It was her birthday. Usually she has a takeaway with her friend Val. Unfortunately, Val died last month so Barbara stepped into the breech. Diane went home soon after tea because she can't manage the stairs. I went with Barbara to give her a hand getting Diane out of the car.
On Monday, I went out to Top Hill Low Nature Reserve with the RSPB group. It was a very pleasant day if a bit chilly. Top Hill is usually closed on Monday but we were given permission to go. There wasn't too much about but we saw about 50 species. Barbara was out in the evening so I was under strict instructions to be back early. In the event, we left at 3pm so I was back before it got dark.
On Tuesday, I went round to Jon and Helen P's house with Bob R. He'd been there on Monday stripping the wallpaper from the hall. The P's can't get there when it's light and there is no lighting as the leckies have it off. We got the hall finished before lunch. After lunch, Barbara and I walked up to Anlaby for some cards.
Today was one of my pastoral list's birthday so I killed two birds with one stone and took Peter and his wife Jean their membership cards and Peter's birthday card. Barbara finished off some stuff then came round and picked me up. After a few minutes visiting, we went down Holderness Road and helped fill some shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child for Samaritan's Purse. Barbara has been helping for a few years and I have been going when I was at home. There are always new rules as to what can be put in the shoe boxes. We got the low down and started checking the boxes. We got to the end of the supply this afternoon but were assured that there are some more coming in tomorrow.
When we got home, we found that the delivery man had been. I ordered some long sleeved stuff from FRS Countrywear at the weekend and it came today. I am really chuffed as it is just what I wanted for our Indian excursion and it was very inexpensive. I had to stop enthusing as Barbara is still in the throes of deciding what to buy.
Saturday, 10 November 2007
Variety is the spice of life
Barbara is a little concerned that I am not doing things. She has settled into a routine which includes aqua exercise, keep fit and fellowship. I haven't! Still, I don't seem to have too much time to spare. On Wednesday, I went up to Willersley House and took some money so they can go to the play at Willerby Methodist on Thursday night. I saw Anna who is the activity coordinator and we sorted out an afternoon for some entertainment.
I then went into town on the bus and collected some of the Christmas Card order. Unfortunately, there weren't all the ones I required. Still I got the ones I could and sorted them out. It was my second visit to the dental hygienist. I had taken her advice and become a tooth cleaning fanatic. At least, she acknowledged the improvement. I still have to return in six months! I also went for a haircut as Stan Leeman's is next door to the dentist.
On Thursday, Barbara and I got ready and went out and attacked the fence. I have not been looking forward to it but it went relatively easily. The problem was a rotten support for the slats causing some to fall off behind the garage. I removed all of them and, while Barbara treated them, I repaired the support and the guttering behind the garage. Apart from on interlude when it rained so we had lunch, we worked through until it was dark and got the job done. We'll need to address the ones on the side of the garden but we feel a bit more confident we can fix them. Just have to do a bit of trimming. I was looking forward to my pint at the pub quiz. It nearly didn't happen as there was no wine for Brian S. I suggested he went to Tesco and bought some (against the law I know but better than leaving altogether) We didn't do too badly on the quiz but got pipped at the post by our next door neighbours.
Friday was Braves day but we didn't have to go to Cottingham until 1pm so we went shopping first and then Pauline joined us for a drink and some lunch. The reason we were going to Cottingham was to see a presentation called "Viva Variety" We went last year and saw an Old Time Music Hall. This years was much better. I should have written the names of the acts down because my memory is rubbish. There was a couple called Vizage magic doing illusions on first. They came on to some very modern music and I think some folk were worried but once they got going, it settled down. They did part of their act in the first half and then some more after the interval. The compere was excellent with just the right sort of humour for the audience. I can't remember his name tho'. There was a young bass called Neil Hurst from Scarborough. His rendition of Old Man River from Showboat was the highlight for me. The final act was a young lady singer whose name has gone too but she was very good as well. There wasn't anyone I spoke too afterwards who had anything less than praise for them all. The promoter was outside as we left and lots of people told him how much they enjoyed the show. The arrangements for the taxis, getting people in and out all went well too and the weather stayed fine.
It's broken today. I spent the first part of the morning putting together a quick and dirty Powerpoint presentation of all the photos featured so far on the Hull Freedom Trail blog. Jackie K rang me last night and asked me if I could sort some photos out for the concert by the Redemption Gospel Choir at Anlaby Park Methodist tonight. Some of the pictures are quite small when viewed as a My Pictures slideshow so I put them on Powerpoint and resized them. Barbara took the CD round while I went into town and got the rest of the Christmas Card order. Now I'm going to watch a film. Barbara has taken Lisa to town for a bit of retail therapy so I'm on my own!
I then went into town on the bus and collected some of the Christmas Card order. Unfortunately, there weren't all the ones I required. Still I got the ones I could and sorted them out. It was my second visit to the dental hygienist. I had taken her advice and become a tooth cleaning fanatic. At least, she acknowledged the improvement. I still have to return in six months! I also went for a haircut as Stan Leeman's is next door to the dentist.
On Thursday, Barbara and I got ready and went out and attacked the fence. I have not been looking forward to it but it went relatively easily. The problem was a rotten support for the slats causing some to fall off behind the garage. I removed all of them and, while Barbara treated them, I repaired the support and the guttering behind the garage. Apart from on interlude when it rained so we had lunch, we worked through until it was dark and got the job done. We'll need to address the ones on the side of the garden but we feel a bit more confident we can fix them. Just have to do a bit of trimming. I was looking forward to my pint at the pub quiz. It nearly didn't happen as there was no wine for Brian S. I suggested he went to Tesco and bought some (against the law I know but better than leaving altogether) We didn't do too badly on the quiz but got pipped at the post by our next door neighbours.
Friday was Braves day but we didn't have to go to Cottingham until 1pm so we went shopping first and then Pauline joined us for a drink and some lunch. The reason we were going to Cottingham was to see a presentation called "Viva Variety" We went last year and saw an Old Time Music Hall. This years was much better. I should have written the names of the acts down because my memory is rubbish. There was a couple called Vizage magic doing illusions on first. They came on to some very modern music and I think some folk were worried but once they got going, it settled down. They did part of their act in the first half and then some more after the interval. The compere was excellent with just the right sort of humour for the audience. I can't remember his name tho'. There was a young bass called Neil Hurst from Scarborough. His rendition of Old Man River from Showboat was the highlight for me. The final act was a young lady singer whose name has gone too but she was very good as well. There wasn't anyone I spoke too afterwards who had anything less than praise for them all. The promoter was outside as we left and lots of people told him how much they enjoyed the show. The arrangements for the taxis, getting people in and out all went well too and the weather stayed fine.
It's broken today. I spent the first part of the morning putting together a quick and dirty Powerpoint presentation of all the photos featured so far on the Hull Freedom Trail blog. Jackie K rang me last night and asked me if I could sort some photos out for the concert by the Redemption Gospel Choir at Anlaby Park Methodist tonight. Some of the pictures are quite small when viewed as a My Pictures slideshow so I put them on Powerpoint and resized them. Barbara took the CD round while I went into town and got the rest of the Christmas Card order. Now I'm going to watch a film. Barbara has taken Lisa to town for a bit of retail therapy so I'm on my own!
Monday, 5 November 2007
You win some, you lose some
Thursday was quiz night and Halloween reared its ugly head again. The quiz was a Halloween themed one. We did crap.
Friday was Braves. This week it was a walk around town. We went at the same time but Barbara didn’t have to do sandwiches as we were taking Irene and Dulcie out. They didn’t want to do any shopping really, they just wanted a look at the St Stephen’s shopping centre so that is where we took them. There aren’t really the shops for that age group there. We took them into the Tesco store and went up the escalator ramp. The jury is still out as we found it fairly difficult, particularly coming down. I went on backwards as it is fairly steep and Irene could have felt uncomfortable. We had a cuppa and then we made our way back to the Braves building via several other shops. We got back and had a tea. The sandwiches and stuff had been bought in so we just had to do the tea. Paper plates and bowls so only the cups and saucers to wash.
Saturday was Coffee morning so we were up at the crack of dawn and getting the books into the car. Barbara took me up to Church and I made a start on moving the pews while she went for Lisa. It all went well really. I made a start setting up the hall for the NCH Quiz that was taking place at 7.30pm and then finished it off as I was clearing the stuff out of the Church. Lisa came back with us for some lunch and then she escorted Barbara while she went to fill in a passport application. We’d got back from Braves to find the details of our holiday to India had come and the company recommended that our passports are valid until 6 months after we leave India. Barbara’s passport was 5 days short so she went off to Hessle Post Office to send it off. Keeping our fingers crossed it will be back in time for her to go to Rotterdam for my retirement do later this month. We’ll then have to get the visas. Anxious? Not me.
We’d been invited to dinner at Val L’s before the quiz. She and Val F. had invited Rev Christopher and wanted us to round it off. We’d invited Lisa to the quiz so she got an invitation too. It was very nice. I hadn’t been to Val’s new home and it’s lovely. The meal was fine and the conversation flowed, albeit about diets! The six of us went along to the quiz and formed a rather large team. We did quite well finishing in joint first place. The tie breaker involved some heavy guessing but we got all five questions right and won. Got a diary and book and custody of a little dragon soft toy called Cedric.
There were plenty of people to stack and clear so we got the tables away and set up the prayer breakfast stuff before we left. The next morning once the table was set, I went through and stacked all the chairs where they should be. We did all three services and “enjoyed” them all. Rev Christopher did the early Communion and the evening service. He’s a bit of a “stealth preacher” as he goes along lulling you into a false sense of security then he sticks the “killer” questions in at the end.
We went round to Val F’s and cut her grass in the afternoon. We had the Fairtrade stuff to sort out after the evening service so by the time we got home, we were ready to sag.
Yesterday, Barbara went for her hair styling first thing. I sorted out the Fairtrade Christmas card order and got it packed up ready to go. I took it in the afternoon and will go in later and collect the cards. Today, I have been treating the fence stuff that I got. Not sure about the colour. Still it has been a beautiful day and a pleasure to be outside.
Friday was Braves. This week it was a walk around town. We went at the same time but Barbara didn’t have to do sandwiches as we were taking Irene and Dulcie out. They didn’t want to do any shopping really, they just wanted a look at the St Stephen’s shopping centre so that is where we took them. There aren’t really the shops for that age group there. We took them into the Tesco store and went up the escalator ramp. The jury is still out as we found it fairly difficult, particularly coming down. I went on backwards as it is fairly steep and Irene could have felt uncomfortable. We had a cuppa and then we made our way back to the Braves building via several other shops. We got back and had a tea. The sandwiches and stuff had been bought in so we just had to do the tea. Paper plates and bowls so only the cups and saucers to wash.
Saturday was Coffee morning so we were up at the crack of dawn and getting the books into the car. Barbara took me up to Church and I made a start on moving the pews while she went for Lisa. It all went well really. I made a start setting up the hall for the NCH Quiz that was taking place at 7.30pm and then finished it off as I was clearing the stuff out of the Church. Lisa came back with us for some lunch and then she escorted Barbara while she went to fill in a passport application. We’d got back from Braves to find the details of our holiday to India had come and the company recommended that our passports are valid until 6 months after we leave India. Barbara’s passport was 5 days short so she went off to Hessle Post Office to send it off. Keeping our fingers crossed it will be back in time for her to go to Rotterdam for my retirement do later this month. We’ll then have to get the visas. Anxious? Not me.
We’d been invited to dinner at Val L’s before the quiz. She and Val F. had invited Rev Christopher and wanted us to round it off. We’d invited Lisa to the quiz so she got an invitation too. It was very nice. I hadn’t been to Val’s new home and it’s lovely. The meal was fine and the conversation flowed, albeit about diets! The six of us went along to the quiz and formed a rather large team. We did quite well finishing in joint first place. The tie breaker involved some heavy guessing but we got all five questions right and won. Got a diary and book and custody of a little dragon soft toy called Cedric.
There were plenty of people to stack and clear so we got the tables away and set up the prayer breakfast stuff before we left. The next morning once the table was set, I went through and stacked all the chairs where they should be. We did all three services and “enjoyed” them all. Rev Christopher did the early Communion and the evening service. He’s a bit of a “stealth preacher” as he goes along lulling you into a false sense of security then he sticks the “killer” questions in at the end.
We went round to Val F’s and cut her grass in the afternoon. We had the Fairtrade stuff to sort out after the evening service so by the time we got home, we were ready to sag.
Yesterday, Barbara went for her hair styling first thing. I sorted out the Fairtrade Christmas card order and got it packed up ready to go. I took it in the afternoon and will go in later and collect the cards. Today, I have been treating the fence stuff that I got. Not sure about the colour. Still it has been a beautiful day and a pleasure to be outside.
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Grumpy Devil
How can you tell the trick and treaters that you don't do Halloween without appearing a right grump? Luckily I was saved on the actual night because we were out at a Not Halloween Light Party at Church from 5 to 7pm so the door wasn't answered anyhow. The evening before, I answered the door to two under 10s with their mum and told them I was sorry but I don't do Halloween. I will have to watch it. A poor 85 year old lady who is a neighbour of Pauline and Alan had a brick put through her bedroom window just after 8pm last night. What sort of despicable person would do that?
The Light Party was really well attended with over 40 children plus some of their mums and dads who stayed on. I spent most of the time in the kitchen with Barbara. We had been asked to go at 5pm, which we did, but everything was organised by then so we just had to watch in case things boiled over. There were lots of games and hot dogs and cakes and a chocolate fountain and fruit. I just hope none of the kids were sick later on! I nearly was!!
I have been told off at the dentist so have been watching what I eat this week. Mind you, I am not a sugar fiend and could quite easily go the rest of my life without any sweets/candies. I do enjoyed the odd Sports Mixtures or Fruit Salad tho'. The dentist said I needed to see a hygienist so I made an appointment for the next day and have to go again next week. As brother-in-law Alan said, he just takes his out and hoses them down in the garden. It is easily the most begrudged money that Barbara and I pay out. The ads they show for their easy payment scheme seem so plausible but a few seconds on a calculator show the truth. Moan over.
I have made one persons life a misery this week and he has taken it all very well. The guy on the counter at Keyline has been patience personified while I have buggered up his accounts. Distinct lack of knowledge on my part and extremely poor mathematical skills (to my eternal shame, I can only plead ignorance at the cost of timber). Anyhoo, it's all sorted now and I have the wood. Hopefully the bank will be able to sort out all the too-ing and fro-ing as I paid up then later read the order and realised I was going to get 10 lap wood fence panels instead of 10 6ftx6inx1in boards! I would blame my age but another of the chaps at Keyline called me "young man"
The Light Party was really well attended with over 40 children plus some of their mums and dads who stayed on. I spent most of the time in the kitchen with Barbara. We had been asked to go at 5pm, which we did, but everything was organised by then so we just had to watch in case things boiled over. There were lots of games and hot dogs and cakes and a chocolate fountain and fruit. I just hope none of the kids were sick later on! I nearly was!!
I have been told off at the dentist so have been watching what I eat this week. Mind you, I am not a sugar fiend and could quite easily go the rest of my life without any sweets/candies. I do enjoyed the odd Sports Mixtures or Fruit Salad tho'. The dentist said I needed to see a hygienist so I made an appointment for the next day and have to go again next week. As brother-in-law Alan said, he just takes his out and hoses them down in the garden. It is easily the most begrudged money that Barbara and I pay out. The ads they show for their easy payment scheme seem so plausible but a few seconds on a calculator show the truth. Moan over.
I have made one persons life a misery this week and he has taken it all very well. The guy on the counter at Keyline has been patience personified while I have buggered up his accounts. Distinct lack of knowledge on my part and extremely poor mathematical skills (to my eternal shame, I can only plead ignorance at the cost of timber). Anyhoo, it's all sorted now and I have the wood. Hopefully the bank will be able to sort out all the too-ing and fro-ing as I paid up then later read the order and realised I was going to get 10 lap wood fence panels instead of 10 6ftx6inx1in boards! I would blame my age but another of the chaps at Keyline called me "young man"
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