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.

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!

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!

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.

Been reading Genesis 6. Noah had the right idea!

I have been in some torrential downpours around the world but the one on Friday morning must rank among the worst I have seen. It really hammered down. I regret not taking any photos but, at the time, all I was thinking about was how we were going to get to places. We had committed to picking up the new car on Friday morning. We got all our stuff together and got the old car out and ventured out. Our back garden had quite a lot of standing water but the Avenue was horrendous. A car preceded us and we wondered if he was going to make it. We went very slowly because a bow wave could have caused flooding in some of the properties. On the main roads it was still bad but there wasn't as much standing water.
We got to the garage and did the car exchange. However, our main concern was getting about so we took the car about 200 metres to the park and ride and left it there and went into the town. We went to Hull Braves Guild where people had tales to tell of problems getting into town. The "turn" hadn't managed to make it so Barbara G. asked Roy if he would do his karaoke. He didn't do too bad at short notice but don't tell him I said so! Poor Wendy went out and had her purse stolen. She was going on holiday on Saturday morning. Just when you think things are pretty low, other peoples problems show you that you are on top of the world.
We went back and picked up the car and drove it to Sainsburys and then home. I had a bit of a to-do with the Smart key entry when we got back. It kept beeping at me instead of locking. It took me a while to realise that Barbara had left her keys inside.
We were meant to be playing host to Amanda and Kirsten while Philip and Rowan went caravanning with Andy and Matthew. The weather put paid to that. The site was waterlogged, Andy couldn't get near his house with the car because of flooding, his wife's car had a duff alternator and his garage was flooded. It was decided to call the weekend off. So we had all four of them to stay with us. We had the catering capability and got on with tea. P&A were watching the "talent?" show so I got out of the way later on and prepared for Saturday morning.
I had signed up for a spell of prayer at the prayer day we were having at Church. It was just what I needed. I got up and had some breakfast and then walked up to Church. I had said I would lead the communal prayer at 9am and then do the half hour prayer in the vestry at 9.30am. My intention was to leave then but I went and joined the people for what I thought was the communal prayer at 10am. Instead it was a testimony from WL. Again, I can't say just how much it refreshed my "batteries"
When I got home, everyone was ready and we walked round to Lisa's and she walked home with us. There was a shower as we got into the avenue so we all got wet but it stopped shortly afterward. After lunch, PARK went out to meet ACMJ at Big Fun a local kids activity centre. I took Lisa out for a short ride in the new car rather than sit at home.
We were going out with Pauline and Alan at the start of the celebrations for Barbara's birthday. We went to Saffron restaurant where we had our usual excellent evening. The food is excellent and we had the Chilean Merlot that we have always had. It goes down a treat. We got back just as Lisa and Alan were leaving. They had joined Phil and Amanda for a takeaway. I was replete and, once Pauline and Alan left, headed for bed. Barbara came up a bit later and removed the book I was trying to read and switch off my light!!

Washing up

So far I haven't really been too involved at Braves Guild. Everyone knows what they are doing and I have been surplus to requirements. Hence, I often finish up washing up. That is all going to change next week because we learned that Gordon, the stalwart among the assistants, is going to go back to work. He is only 53 and drawing a police pension so has had a few years off since he lost his wife. Now he is starting work again. It puts the average age of the helpers up in to the seventies somewhere. After all, we are going to the celebration for Gladys' 90 birthday at the end of the month!.

We went into town early on Friday to have a look at the Springwatch event that was organised in the town centre. It was all very professional but they were preaching to the converted really as I am a member of the RSPB and am very interested in the environment etc. Still I filled in the quiz at the BBC Breathing Places stand and got some wildflower seeds for Lisa. I picked up a few events folders and got a "bag for life" from the Environment Agency (there was a bit of a feeding frenzy here) It was just as well we had to go to Braves Guild.

After BG, we had to get our skates on as we were helping at Willerby Methodist Church. They were having a Lay Witness weekend and we were, yes you've guessed, washing up. In fact we were serving the food and then washing up. We did it both Friday and Saturday dinner. It was very enjoyable really. Sue and Phil T., Val F. and then Jean R. on Friday and Marj. F. on Saturday. The Willerby ladies were too sure about relinquishing the serving hatch on Friday but they soon saw we were professionals! and let us take over while they joined the rest of the congregation. It was Shepherds Pie on Friday and there was loads left even after seconds so we ate there. Saturday, there weren't any vegetables left to go with the chicken so we came home and had a takeaway. Big mistake as our metabolisms went haywire and we both had crap nights. I persevered and stayed in bed but Barbara was up making tea and reading and then prepared her study for her Tuesday morning fellowship.

On Saturday morning, we continued our car hunt. I suggested we went and had a look at the Toyota Yaris. Barbara said she didn't much like the front. However, when we went and had a good look and a sit in the car and examined the features, she fell for it. We went out for a test drive which went very well so we have bought one. It's second hand and at another garage in the group so we have to go see it when it arrives. Then it was the long business of the business. When did the old hand shake and drive the car away stop?

On the way home, we called in to see Lisa. She was awaiting the delivery of some stones for the front garden. The lorry came while we were there so we had a cuppa and watched the driver work the crane. It was excellent really as he positioned the bag of stones over the middle of the garden and then split the bottom so they piled neatly in the middle of the garden. There were some on a palette and he put those in the drive. I put them on the garden so he took the palettes away as well as the empty bag.

Today we have been up to Church. An excellent service taken by Leslie Stephenson. The weather had confounded the predictions of the forecasters and was excellent so we came home and grabbed a sandwich before we went up to Top Hill Low. A Great Egret has been there since the 5th. I haven't seen one in the UK so we went up there for a look. Amazingly, it was still there when we got there and giving good views. There was even a seat for Barbara and I in the hide although it filled up again shortly afterwards. My photos even turned out pretty well. We had a walk round the other hides and saw a turtle dove from one of them but not much really exceptional. Mind you, all birds are exceptional so we had a sit and look at quite a few others. Barbara is concerned that she may have been bitten as there were lots of greenfly with a few mosquitoes among them. They flooded into the car so that I am sure there will be a few dead bodies to pass on the new owners!

Signed, sealed delivered

I met up with Ken C. on Wednesday and, after going through the books, we went to Willersley House and then to the bank in Willerby to hand in the mandate naming me as the new Honorary Treasurer. I'd taken my passport and an electricity bill to satisfy the ID requirements so everything went smoothly. Ken is going to be on holiday when the homes AGM takes place so I will be presenting the accounts as well as myself. Now there's a novelty!
In the afternoon, we did our shopping and then I decided to wash the car. Sod's Law I suppose, it rained as I was rinsing. My own fault. I should have done the job earlier.
On Thursday, I went to a meeting at the Church about prayer in worship. It was really a part of a worship leaders course but a note in the pew notices had issued an open invitation. It was very interesting but I kept a low profile as a guest. I have already accepted Brenda H.'s request to take part in a service she leads on the 20th and was a bit reluctant but accepted a request by Sue T. to take part in a drama this coming Sunday. I will have to watch out or people will be saying "Oh it's him again" Still the meeting gave me some guidance and ideas on prayer even though I'm not doing any in either services as yet!
As I was leaving the meeting, I met a couple of ladies leaving the Wives Group. They asked what I'd been doing so I said I'd been to a meeting and added that now I was heading for the pub. They didn't believe me until I crossed the road and went in. I was a bit late but in time to join the first round. Maybe I should have waited until the second or third round as we didn't do very well in the quiz. Mind you, it was the questions between 20 and 30 that let us down, the last 10 we did okay on!
Today was Braves Guild. We renewed acquaintance with Terry who used to be our man from the Pru. He came and gave a talk about Ringtons Tea. Didn't taste too bad and their ginger snaps are excellent!
I also solved the problem that would have been Barbara's birthday present. There was a display of garden furniture in Princes Quay and she thought it would suit so I ordered some. She knows what she's getting but at least she wants it!

What day is it now?

We have changed our routine this week and so I have not posted for 6 days. Now with the Bank Holiday Monday and a changed childcare routine I am right out of kilter.
Things started okay last Friday as we went to the Braves Guild and were treated to the Royal Accordion Band as entertainment. There was sad news however, Peter had died during the week. He had been under treatment and had not wanted "messing about" if anything untoward happened. Whether it did or not, I'm not sure. He was 90 years old. Very sad though as he was a real gent.
The weekend being the first in the month was coffee morning and prayer breakfast. Jean S was away so I was left in charge of the book stall. The amount of books were getting beyond a joke so when we were still left with eight boxes full after the event, we took some up to Help the Aged in Anlaby. They were very grateful and will make a lot more than the 10/20p we charge per book. The rest of the stalls were much more successful and we continued to make over £100 per month for the Church funds.
On Sunday we went up to the early communion service. Rev. David was on top form. Afterwards he had to go before breakfast. We did fill all twelve chairs that I had put out and had an enjoyable and sharing breakfast. We had to rush away afterwards to make our next engagement so we did the washing up and then came home and got sorted out to go across to PARKs.
Sunday was Mums 81st birthday and Amanda had kindly invited her to join us for the family get together to celebrate Rowan and Kirsten's birthdays. We arrived just before Phil got back with Mum and Mags. Just as well he wasn't long because Kirsten was eager to open the presents that we had been all saving for the event. As usual, the kids had got loads of gifts actually on their birthdays and then these extras. They are quite disappointing if you expect a reaction because they just want to get on to the next item. Luckily we stayed a couple of days and saw Kirsten take her new umbrella to school and show it off to everybody. Both of them played with the Connect 4 game but then they were playing Mum and Dad who enjoyed it too!
The day went very well really. The weather had been forecast to be poor but it stayed fine so we had the barbecue. It wasn't sitting out weather really especially not Mum but there were enough people to be in and out. The sun shone later in the afternoon and we had scooter races down the street. Lisa and Alan had bought a replacement scooter for Rowan as his old one is showing signs of wear. It's even more worn now as Phil, Alan and I raced on it against Rowan on his new one. I'm not as competitive as the other two and managed to just keep pace with him where the other two beat him by several lengths.
Mags went home to see to the dog and then Lisa and Alan walked down to catch a train home. Barbara and Amanda took Mum home while Phil and I sat with the kids. Once they'd gone to bed, the four of us sagged in front of the box.
It was great the next morning, Bank Holiday Monday, just to get ready without the pressure of the school run. Again, we were lucky with the weather really because we had planned a picnic at Cannon Hall near Barnsley and it stayed fine until late in the afternoon so we had a great day. I was very impressed by the Hall and grounds. There isn't too much around Hull where you can go for just a couple of quid car parking and see grounds like those and a museum to boot. There are several around Leeds, Barnsley etc. We had our picnic and played with Rowans new cricket set. The day was only spoilt by dog s..t, of which there was a fair amount. Amanda and I were unlucky enough to step in it.
Tuesday was back to school and back to routine. It was slightly different being a Tuesday. The children went to school as good as gold. I cleaned up a bit and took some bottles and stuff to the tip. Barbara went round to collect Kirsten at lunchtime. Kirsten has found a great new game, jumping on dozing Grandad! I have to be caught unawares but watch out that she or I are not wounded! Tuesday is football practice afternoon so we went for Rowan a bit later and watched the game. More enthusiasm than skill from Rowan. We had tea with everyone and then came home. All in all, a very nice weekend.