Almyne journeying in 2008
Mon, 1 Dec 2008
After yesterday I decided to take a day off and get through the 2500 emails that I have sent out and got replies to (or not) - that three monthly task that I have undertaken.
Where I am moored up is on the edge of an industrial estate that has not yet been completed and there is about four or five acres of levelled but not finished building land that is now overgrown with scrub.
D'fer
thinks it is the bees knees as there are more rabbits than you can throw a stick at, even if he never gets the chance to see one he knows that they are there.
Spent a couple of hours letting him really enjoy himself between me throwing sticks for him and him getting distracted every time a rabbit jumped out of the way of the stick I had thrown for him.
That finished, mused about the development of Dinky Doo and then brought myself down to earth and returned to the internet stuff.
A long tiring day doing very little.
Tue, 2 Dec 2008
Heavy frost this morning and it took several hours to get Almyne warm enough to brave the world outside. Walked along the tow path into Fazeley to see where the marinas were to get some coal. Well I wasn't going to get it then and there but when I got the Morris down this way (Matt
is picking me up later on as I want to have it here to collect Rosie
when she arrives tomorrow). Priced up the coal from two marinas and checked out where the facilities are for when I need them later on in the week and wandered back to Almyne. D'fer enjoyed the walk.
Spent a lot of the rest of the day looking at the timber on Dinky Doo and the plans I had printed out for what I wanted as the final result. After several trips back to Almyne to warm up I placed some bits of wood on the floor and balanced some more on top and it began to take shape in my mind and I was sure that it would be a ten minute job. Mind you I have learnt over time that a ten minute job usually takes that many days to implement.
Out with the tools, tape measure and pencil, cutting, planing and chiselling. By three o'clock it actually looked as if it might work.
Matt arrived and we chatted for a while drinking tea (and coffee) and then Matt took me back to Fradley to collect the Morris. He wanted to get a top up for his phone on the way so we called in to a supermarket garage. They didn't have any top up cards, but they did have coal. 20Kg bags for £4.99. That works out at £6.25 for a 25kg bag. The best price I had been quoted earlier on in the day was £9.90.
I purchased all they had. Luckily it was only three bags, otherwise I think the Morris would have had a heart attack when I loaded it on.
Got to Fradley and loaded the three bags into the Morris and set off for Fazeley. Not surprisingly it was dark by the time I got there so carried one bag back along the narrow twisty overgrown muddy lumpy pathway (dropping the odd lump of coal from the tear I had made in the bag throwing it on my shoulder) from where I parked the Morris to Almyne, D'fer trying to trip me up by tugging on my shoelaces all the way.
By the time I got there I was gasping for breath so decided to leave the other two bags till tomorrow, I will get fit weather I like it or not.
The pork hock stew that I had put on the stove had cooled down a bit in my absence so put it on the stove for a while.
The meat was really tender and fell of the bone but there was a little too much fat for me. I will have to find a way of cooking the meat and the fat separately next time. D'fer demolished the bones in about ten minutes.
Wed, 3 Dec 2008
Ice Breaker
I am expecting Rosie to arrive just after four so I have nearly all day to get Almyne cleared up after doing some more work on Dinky Doo, but first I must move Almyne. Woke up and Almyne was absolutely still. Usually there is just the faintest movement and to be absolutely still was a bit like knowing that there is something different about a person and realising two hours after they have left that they have changed their hair style.
The reason Almyne was absolutely still was that she was solidly iced in. Chipped the ice off the mooring ropes, all three of them (two for Almyne and an extra one for Dinky Doo) and laid them out on the bank. Got the lump hammer and beat them into submission until they were nearly straight. When they were as straight as I could get them I pulled Almyne about one hundred feet further along the bank. Why you ask. Well, to get out of the shade and into the sun - it makes a lot of difference. Once in the sun both boats warmed up quite quickly and the frost melted off the tops and sides.
Did some more work on the seating for Dinky Doo and was just about to start gluing one of the main supports together when Rosie rang. She will be at the post office in Fazeley in twenty two minutes, four hours earlier than I had expected.
Flew around putting everything in one or the other of the two boats and excitedly set off.
Parked outside the post office and waited, and waited and waited. Bother, left my phone on Almyne. Peered out of the windows and spotted Rosie further up the road by the bus stop.
Did a quick uee (U turn) and raced along to pick her up.
Off to Almyne and a cup of tea. Hadn't been there long when Matt turned up for a cup of tea and a chat. He is hoping for a job offer on Thursday - I hope he gets it. Persuaded her that it was too late to go back home tonight and resurrected yesterdays pork hock stew. Rosie
did something with it and it was much nicer than my attempt.
Had a couple of games of Skip-Bo, we had both missed that, and nattered for a while, making plans for the future. Glad that is all settled.
Early night as we have a lot to do tomorrow.
Thu, 4 Dec 2008
Early start as we both have things to do - well that was the idea, but what with the ice creaking against Almyne all night and rain for the first two hours, didn't get that much done. Took all the tools and half finished bits of woodwork back to Dinky Doo to give us some room and then set off to Wednesfield to collect some clothes and stuff for Rosie .
While she was loading up the Morris I went in to Wednesfield to see if I could get a bone for D'fer, but all the butchers had sold out.
Rosie's paraphernalia loaded we then visited with Jules for a while and caught up on her news.
Off to Almyne to carry bags and boxes and packages and cases along a very narrow, wet, muddy overgrown pathway from where the Morris was parked. By the time we had both made three trips we gave up for the day (it was getting dark and there is no lighting) and set about finding places on Almyne for everything. Well, Rosanne did that while I checked my emails.
For those of you who have been following the adventures closely, you may remember that I had dreadful troubles with my internet provider last May. Well I had an email from them telling me of updated facilities. Red rag to a bull. I promptly sent them a support request referring to the troubles I had experienced and gained access to the old site. Wow - all my holiday pictures and my old Fate and Fortune site, now I can rebuild both of them, assuming that I can download everything. The computer has been downloading now for over two hours and still has not finished.
Cards and an early night tonight I think.
Fri, 5 Dec 2008
Up with the sun, about nine. The weather was good so decided to work on Dinky Doo for the day. Got the frame for the seating completed ready to paint (between showers) while Rosie tidied Almyne and put everything away that I have been leaving out and painted the bell hanger ready for use.
After lunch we went for a walk into Fazeley just to see how far it is and arrived back at Almyne chilled. That is chilled as in very cold, not chilled as in relaxed and laid back.
Because we are moored by a retail park I went over to one of the supermarkets and purchased a set of three battery operated LED lights that looked as if they might be good for Dinky Doo, and then on to the DIY store to get the timber for the work-surface side of Dinky Doo.
Chicken and mushroom pie (out of a tin) with chips, carrots and Brussels for dinner, after which we spent the evening painting stones.
Let one of the LED's on all night to see how long it will last on a set of three triple 'A' batteries.
Sat, 6 Dec 2008
OurChristmasTree
Even brighter today than yesterday. Managed to almost empty Dinky Doo while I built the work-surface frame. Much easier than trying to work with everything inside.
While I was doing that Rosie painted the seating side frame with the primer ready for top coat when we decide which colour to do it all and did the real painting on the stones followed by a coat of varnish.
With that out of the way we took a walk around the retail park popping in to any of the stores that took our fancy. At the DIY store we collected all the paint charts to colour match the existing inside decor of Dinky Doo and then went on to some of the others. Got some Christmas decorations (including a tiny Christmas tree) and some other bits and pieces.
Wandering in to the food supermarket we were accosted by a strange woman, well my initial reaction was strange, but as soon as she smiled I recognised her as Chrissie
from Digitalis (which has now changed hands) , whereupon we stopped for a quick chat. She is working for a while at the store just for something to do. She and Richard
are moored up in the marina just a mile further up the canal. Although she is working tomorrow she said that she and Richard
often walk along the tow path and that they will pop along and see us soon. If not, we must pop in and see them.
Rosie spent the evening putting up the Christmas decorations and raving about the beefburgers that I cooked. She is insisting that I do them again soon.
Sun, 7 Dec 2008
I think it must be the dark mornings, but we are stopping in bed later and later each day. I had just got up and was making a cup of tea when there was a knock on the door. Chrissie and Richard
had arrived to say hello. They were walking their dogs, so suggested that they continue to the next bridge and I would have the kettle on by the time they got back. Both Ree'fer and I flew around getting dressed and tidying up a bit, if only to give them somewhere to sit.
They joined us and we had a lovely chat about where they had been, where we have been and where we are both going next. They are in a marina at the moment but are setting off again early January. Chrissie had obviously been following the web site as she was aware of most of what has been happening to us. She and Ree'fer got on well as Chrissie is a wannabe witch. Has all the right inclinations and knowledge, but no formal training.
Too late to work on Dinky Doo again but we did wander across to the retail park and get the timber for the seats and the paint. Nothing to hold me back now except the weather.
Spent the evening 'planning'. Planning on where we are going next year, planning what we are going to sell from Dinky Doo, planning the steps needed to complete Dinky Doo, planning what we need to collect to make stuff and planning our future together.
Slept like a log.
Mon, 8 Dec 2008 1mile
No matter what the weather we are going to Fazeley Junction today. We need to take on water, empty the porta potties, get rid of our rubbish and while we are there renew the license for Almyne.
Raining at first so delayed the start but eventually set off late morning. Dropped off Dinky Doo before the junction to make it easier to turn around, winded at the junction and came back up to Peels Wharf, the BW offices. Did all the facilities stuff and then went in to the offices to see about renewing the license.
A couple of problems, I want a traders license this year and they have not yet registered Almyne to me, even though I emailed them last March and got a reply saying that they would. However, this turned out not to be a problem. Peter Cooke, the guy in charge of traders licenses, was very helpful and explained that BW are trying to encourage more people to take this route as it enhances the waterways. Took all the forms back to Almyne and moved off the facilities to the other side of the canal and moored up to complete the paperwork. This involved several phone calls to get the relevant information, but once complete took them in to the offices again and sorted that out.
Now, as a trader, all my diesel is at the lower rate. Since the first of November all private craft have to pay the 'white' diesel price for propulsion and the 'red' diesel price for heating and electricity generation. BW have a formula that says, on average, 40% of fuel is for heating and generation and 60% is for propulsion. The difference in price is 40 pence. So I will be saving 40 pence per litre on 60% of all my diesel. Not only that but it makes everything so much easier. I don't have to keep records of how long I travel and how long I have the engine running for electricity. The traders license costs just £19 pounds more than the normal license and I am sure that I will buy more than 50 litres of diesel this year.
That sorted, hitched up Dinky Doo again and although it was beginning to get dark, and raining lightly, set off for our mooring by the retail park again. Got there with just enough light to moor up.
All in all a good days achievements.
Ree'fer did a lot of work on the bell hanger again and although I am ashamed to admit it, I went to bed quite early.
Tue, 9 Dec 2008
Bell Hanger
Although yesterday was not particularly arduous we still had a lay-in 'til about eleven. No ice on the cut, probably because it is raining. Cannot work on Dinky Doo in the rain because I need to get everything off before there is room inside to work, so today is the day to find some more coal.
The fire has been a bit of a pain for the last few evenings, smoking. I found out that the door wasn't closing properly and on further investigation realised that the grate had worked it's way forward and lifted a tiny bit. This meant that the door was jamming against it. The other problem is that the guard at the front of the grate keeps slipping off the two little bolts that are meant to hold it in place.
Thoroughly cleaned out the grate and hearth. Pushed the grate back into place properly and reversed the guard. Now it works just dandy.
Set off to find the coal merchants the other side of Tamworth . Fortunately I had the foresight to purchase a street map of Shropshire, so finding them was not too bad. Purchased three bags of coal. I can hold a lot more than that on Almyne, but the Morris would complain about carrying much more than that at any one time.
Returned via Tamworth to see if there was a market, or a butchers where we could get a bone for D'fer, but everywhere was pay and display and it was easier in the end to go to the retail park, so that is where we went.
Topped up on a few essentials and got a bone for D'fer.
One of the purchases was a steak and onion pie so when we returned to Almyne we prepared the vegetables and put them on the fire in saucepans. Just let them simmer for a few hours and when we put the pie on the vegetables were already done.
While dinner was cooking I noticed that there was a little smoke in the cabin again, so checked the door of the fire and so on. Looked OK and decided that it was just me being oversensitive. A while later it was still there and thicker, so did another check. Sure enough there was a log behind the fire and because it was working properly the log had got hot enough to start smouldering. Hooked it out with the fire brush, cleaned out underneath the fire properly and threw all the smouldering bits in to the canal. Now it works!
Sorted out some internetty stuff before dinner and some more internetty stuff after dinner while Ree'fer worked on the bell and bell hanger. It will be used so that potential clients can ring it if they can see no-one about.
A few games of cards while D'fer demolished his bone - took all of thirty five minutes.
Wed, 10 Dec 2008
Although cold the weather was dry so worked on Dinky Doo, completing the bench seating on the port side. Jut the table and the single seat on the port side and it will be finished. Then I will need to work on the starboard side.
While I was doing that Rosie made a bag for the 'wish stones'. Everything is coming together slowly but inexorably.
With the weather being so cold I decided that it was time to try the age old remedy for keeping warm and persuaded Rosie to sew me into my clothes. She started off sewing my underpants to my vest, then sewing my long-johns to my thermal vest.
After that it was the turn of the T-shirt sewn to the inside of my jeans and then my fleece sewn to the outside of my jeans.
When it came to sewing the first pair of socks to my long-johns it went quite well, but to sew the thicker outer socks to my jeans meant that I had to lie down on the floor.
It was all getting a bit chunky by now and I could hardly move.
An hour or so later, having sat around doing nothing, I could hardly move so I had to do nothing, I decided that this was not the way to a warmer winter for me, so, out with the quick-unpick. Rosie, quite justifiably, said that I could unpick myself.
Crawled into bed sometime after midnight.
Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11 miles
Heard about Woollies, sad in a funny kind of way. My main memory of Willies was when I was about thirteen or fourteen. I was in Willies in Fareham with mum
and I wanted something, can't remember what, but she said 'No'.
Being a kiddy, I pestered and eventually she said 'No', very sternly.
I really do not know what came over me, but I dropped to my knees, wrung my hands above my head and wailed 'Please don't beat me mother'. Understandably she just walked off and left me there, disowned me on the spot.
Travelled up to Fradley today, stopping off at Hopwas so that Rosie could view the pagan altar, most impressed and then called in at the boatyard at Streethay for a cylinder of gas.
Got to Fradley before dark and found Ellie
. Matt
has a job and is working till ten this evening but they might pop in on their way home.
Cooked jacket potatoes on the fire on the way down (economising on the gas) gives me a feelgood feeling.
Fri, 12 Dec 2008
Took the rubbish to the facilities and on the way back the wheel fell of my little pair of wheels. That could pose a problem.
The Scottish guy on the boat near Almyne offered to take me to Tamworth to collect the Morris, so that is what I did.
Sat, 13 Dec 2008
Since we will not be resting tomorrow (Sunday) we are resting today. Rain and more rain so no point in trying to go anywhere or do anything.
We spent the whole day keeping busy doing nothing. Reading, Sudoku, mooching, and keeping the fire going. We enjoyed it, but a bit boring for all you viewers.
Matt popped in during the afternoon, which helped hurry the day along a bit and told us all about his new job. He looked so much happier and confident, it really seems to have given him a lift.
Sun, 14 Dec 2008
Today's the day for visiting James.
James is the guy that we hooked up with at Alrewas and we promised that we would see him before Christmas. Since we will not get Almyne down to Braunston in time we decided to cheat and take the car.
The journey was further than it looks on the map. I suppose that is because I am so used to looking at the canal map which is three inches to the mile and when I look at the road atlas which is four miles to the inch I just don't relate to the difference.
Anyway, we got there at two, which is when we had planned to arrive and James came and picked us up from the bridge in a four by four. I could never have driven the Morris over the field that leads to his boat.
Pleasant time was had by all and we have secured moorings next to him anytime we want, so will probably move down there early in the new year.
His dog, Cain, looks so much like D'fer, even down to the neckerchief, that unless they were both facing us it was difficult to tell the difference and they got on really well. Needless to say, the Morris is now a mud bath where D'fer climbed in, over, round and I am sure he tried to go under as well.
Mon, 15 Dec 2008
Day out today. We went in to Wednesfield so that Rosie could go to the doctors to get some things sorted out. The doctor was very helpful and gave her all sorts of tips about this and that.
Collected her witchcraft stuff, the altar and so on, and some other bits and pieces and then collected some paperwork that she needed.
After visiting with Jules for a while we returned to Almyne via the supermarket in Lichfield to stock up on basics and get something for dinner.
I do like a little bit of smoked haddock from time to time, especially when served with parsley sauce, peas and mash.
Tue, 16 Dec 2008
Took some stuff along to Dinky Doo to give a little space on Almyne. Lit the fire, sat and read for a while.
Once Almyne had warmed up a bit I finished emptying the Morris, the coal and the beer.
Put the wheel back on the pair of steps. Just meant I had to drill a little hole in the shaft that the wheel slides on and with the wheel in place stick a pin through the newly drilled hole to hold it on.
Wed, 17 Dec 2008
Got the chain saw out today and sawed a load of logs up quite small. Chopped them into smaller chunks so that we have a chance of building a decent towpath fire to burn the Yule log on at the solstice.
I think I picked up a chill today because I spent all evening shivering and sweating. Couldn't sleep either, so disturbed Rosie.
Thu, 18 Dec 2008
Since we both had a bad night last night we were both tired all day and didn't want to do a lot but did manage to drag ourselves into Lichfield to do the Yule shopping.
Did all the shopping at the supermarket and then wandered off into Lichfield proper just for a quick gander. Found out where the laundry was so decided that tomorrow is laundry day.
Back at Almyne I felt much better but as the evening wore on I started shivering and sweating again - maybe it is Malaria!
Another disturbed night.
Fri, 19 Dec 2008
Laundry day today. Collected all the washing from around Almyne, bagged it up and went to the laundry in Lichfield. Three machines worth, but at least we have clean bedding and a clean spare set of bedding, as well as clean clothes to wear.
Not the we wear dirty clothes, but sometimes it does get to nip and tuck as to whether we might have to.
While the washing was being done we toured Lichfield looking for coal and found the Co-op garage where Matt had spotted the coal at £4.99 for a 20kg bag. They still had some so I purchased four. Works out cheaper than coal direct from the coal merchant.
Carried all the shopping back to Almyne and then collected two bags of coal - will leave the other two till tomorrow.
Whilst putting the washing away I found a drawer of dirty washing that I missed - bother.
Now I am becoming sure that it is Malaria, the shivering comes on so regularly each evening. But tonight it was accompanied by aching limbs, a cross between 'twitchy leg syndrome' and cramp.
I think I have a 'Man Cold', you know the same as the one that women get, but so much worse.
Rosie got our some of her essential oils and gave my back and legs a massage. Made it a lot better at the time but the pain soon returned.
Took some painkillers but they only seemed to make it worse, so I won't try that again.
Sat, 20 Dec 2008
Discovered that I have lost my Morris keys. Looked everywhere, turned Almyne and Dinky Doo upside down, searched the canal alongside Almyne and Dinky Doo with the magnet, but all to no avail.
Mum has a spare set, so rang her just to check and after walking up to the BW shop and talking the rubbish to the facilities I have arranged that the keys can be sent to the BW shop at Fradley. Still can't use the Morris till they get here though.
The boot was unlocked so I carried the two remaining bags of coal to Almyne.
Sun, 21 Dec 2008
AllCandlesLit
Winter Solstice
Altar Candle
IncludingAltarCandle
Up all night again, about four in the morning I sorted out one of those heat pad things and applied it to my back, felt much more comfortable and I got some fitful sleep till just before eight.
Being the midwinter solstice we were up to see the sunrise, which was worth it - then I went straight back to bed.
Rosie spent all day preparing food for the guests who are arriving at about two.
I took the porta pottie along to the facilities and on the way back the other wheel fell of the pair of wheels. Now I will have to fix that one.
Julie and co arrived just after two and at first we sat around the salon chatting but after a while I went outside to start the fire. Most of the wood was still damp but got it going after a while with all the small stuff that I had chopped. I was still a bit dubious about getting the 'Yule log' that Rosie had chosen to light. About eighteen inches long and at least eleven inches in diameter with strands of ivy growing along it.
Everyone else decamped from Almyne and Rosie did the midwinter solstice ceremony, which involves everyone lighting a candle and holding it while the ceremony proceeds. Amazingly enough of the seven candles that were lit all of them except one stayed alight throughout the proceedings, with a little help from shielding hands. Even more amazing was that the main candle which was just left on the table (altar) stayed alight until it burnt right down, some two hours or more. It was still alight when we started our meal on the tow path. Everything went well, except for the couple who were walking the tow path and when they saw us and what we were up to speeded up to get past us. I will never know if they were a little bit scared or if they just didn't want to interfere.
The whole afternoon was mild and balmy and we stayed out sitting around the fire till well after dark.
By the end of the evening the Yule log had at least caught light on one side and made a good glowing back piece to the fire reflecting the heat over us all.
Matt joined us bringing his own beer with him and when Julie
and co left he came inside to partake of 'Scouse'. I went to bed as the day, along with the leg pain, had taken all the stuffing out of me.
Mon, 22 Dec 2008
The sun came up earlier today than it did yesterday, maybe only a few seconds earlier but it is a start to the longer days and shorter nights.
I really must do some more work on Dinky Doo but at the moment I have no enthusiasm for anything. Spend most of my waking hours reading and trying to ignore the ache in the legs.
During the afternoon Rosie accompanied me to the facilities to get rid of the rubbish and having got there I persuaded Rosie to have a look at the 'Wild Woodland'. It took an hour or so to walk round it. It is a small lake with a pathway all round it with interesting things to read along the way. At one point they had a 'hide' where you can sit out of the elements and watch the wild life on the lake.
Whilst walking there we spotted a gathering of people at the BW cafe and walked back past them to see what was going on. Rosie is nearly as nosy as I am. Nose is the wrong word, I should have said 'interested in current affairs'. Stopping at 'The Cheese Boat' we purchased two rounds of specialist cheese, after sampling each of his offerings.
At the BW cafe they were having an outside celebration, organised by the Alrewas crowd. We hung around for Santa to turn up and the carol singing and by the time it was all over we were both getting chilly so hotfooted it back to Almyne to warm up, a thoroughly pleasant afternoon.
On the way back to Almyne I spotted the guy with the stove on the top of his boat and asked him where he had got it. Told me that I was made by the guy on one of the boats on this pound and that he would let the guy know that I was interested.
Prepared the re-usable heat pads and found another of the twelve hour packs for use tonight.
Tue, 23 Dec 2008
D'fer's trick
Dreading another night of pain I persuaded Matt and Ellie to drop me off in Lichfield to find a doctors. Found a practice that had emergency appointments and waited. I cannot say 'and waited' because I was seen surprisingly quickly. The doctor gave me a good checkout. My urine is good, my kidneys are good, as are the rest of my internal organs that he could palpitate, my temperature is good, although I do have a slightly reddened throat. I hadn't noticed it till the doctor pointed it out. I explained that I have been taking Ibuprofen and he said to take Paracetamol instead. At least there is nothing life threatening, unless you regard lack of sleep in that way.
Did the last minute Christmas shopping, a chicken and a selection of vegetables that we rarely eat because of price, but what the hell it is Christmas and why shouldn't we splash out, oh and the paracetamol.
Took a taxi back to Almyne where I took the paracetamol and as the pain started to ease off went to bed.
Rosie went to the BW shop today and returned with a package from mum, the keys have arrived along with a Christmas card. At least we will be able to do some last minute shopping if we need to.
Wed, 24 Dec 2008
Earliest Lamb
Early Lambing2
Found my Morris keys today, so now I have a spare set! I was up fairly early and was taking D'fer for a walk along the tow path when I put my hands in my pockets to keep them warm and thought 'What is that'.
For those of you who have never worn jeans I must explain that there is a little tiny 'money' pocket inside the main right hand pocket of a pair of jeans. It is too small to hold anything other than a couple of pound coins and even then it is so difficult to retrieve them from this pocket that I rarely, if ever, use it. Somehow I had managed to get the keys into this pocket and although I had emptied all the pockets of my jeans I had missed this one. Rosie has renamed me Rodney.
With transport again I went in to Lichfield for the last minute shopping, fire lighters, more heat pads and some wine to celebrate with.
Back at Almyne I went to bed with the paracetamol inside me and the heat pads outside hoping for a full nights sleep.
Up again in time to see Christmas arrive. Did you know that NORAD (North American Aerospace Defence command) track Santa every year and have been doing so for more than 50 years?
Went back to bed again but slept fitfully. It seemed as if I had only got about ten minutes sleep and most of that dozing when I gave in to the pain around five in the morning and called for an ambulance. My heart is good, my lungs are good, my blood is good, in fact I am fine! really rather healthy, it is just the pain in the legs.
They offered to take me in to Burton-upon-Trent casualty to get some stronger pain killers but as the only way I would be able to get back was by taxi (at five in the morning on Christmas day) I declined the offer. I would have driven myself but I had imbibed a glass or two of wine and decided against that.
Thu, 25 Dec 2008
Went to the A & E at Burton-upon-Trent today. Got seen quite quickly by a pretty little thing, must be practising. She checked me over and looked at the ambulance report from last night and just told me to keep taking the tablets, When I explained that they really do not seem to work she told me to start mixing tablets, two 500-mg Cocodamol four times a day and one 400-mg Ibuprofen three times a day.
I asked her where I could get the Cocodamol today, pharmacies are closed on Christmas day, so she went and got enough from their own pharmacy to last me till tomorrow and watched me take the first two.
By the time I got back to Almyne they had kicked in and I felt really good. Still not feeling very hungry though so we decided to postpone Christmas dinner till tomorrow and I cooked up bacon, scrambled eggs and baby courgettes in butter with a little garlic salt.
The courgettes in butter with a little garlic salt were mostly for Rosie, but I had some because it is so much more difficult to smell the garlic on someone else's breath if you have had some yourself.
After that we gorged ourselves on a game of Skip-Bo for several hours, we have both missed playing, before I had an early night to try and catch up on missed sleep.
We did break off from Skip-Bo for a while and Rosie made some leek and potato soup, it was wonderful.
Fri, 26 Dec 2008
Boxing day, spent most of it in bed, reading, keeping warm and drinking hot drinks.
Sat, 27 Dec 2008
Not a lot different to yesterday
Sun, 28 Dec 2008
And more of the same.
Mon, 29 Dec 2008
SetDownOrDropDown
Rosie accompanied me to the A&E at Burton-upon-Trent and took this wonderful picture of the patient pick up and set down point by a four point five metre drop. Be careful how you get in and out of your vehicle.
They gave me some stronger pain killers and told me to get some more from the pharmacist.
Back to Almyme, calling in to the pharmacist on the way. Apparently the pharmacist cannot dispense the pain killers that the A & E told me to get as they are on prescription only.
Tue, 30 Dec 2008
Most of the day was a daze, sleeping fitfully and munching painkillers. About seven ish the lights started going so I went to start the engine. Battery dead.
Went to switch to the starter and realised that I had left it in circuit, so it too was dead.
Nothing for it but to get the Morris battery and jump start Almyne.
Walked along to the Morris, removed the battery and carried it back to Almyne, hooked it to to the starter battery and started Almyne.
With the engine on Almyne going I could charge the batteries again. Decided not to replace the Morris battery till the morning as it was B cold out there.
Now I am sure that there are some of you out there asking themselves 'If he is in that much pain, how can he go out in the freezing cold and start swapping batteries around'. And I would ask much the same question.
The pain is not debilitating in the way that a back strain or broken leg would be, just because I have the pain doesn't mean that I cannot do anything. What it does mean is that the pain wears me out very quickly, both physically and emotionally.
Anyway, at four in the morning I was crying with the pain in my legs, so replaced the battery in the Morris, started her up and drove off to Burton-upon-Trent to A&E again.
Didn't have long to wait at that time of the day and the doctor there gave me some Tramadol. I asked how long it would be before they took effect and was told 'About twenty minutes', so I waited and waited and waited. After at least an hour and still no relief I asked a nurse what I should do next and she explained that I had been discharged and I should get back in the queue again.
Back in the queue. Again didn't have to wait long.
This doctor asked a couple of questions and palpitated my legs and took my pulse then said to me
"You are not in pain. If you were in pain your pulse rate would be nearer 140 than the 72 it is at the moment. Your pulse is normal. You are not in pain."
OK I said, if I am not in pain, can you give me anything to alleviate the discomfort I am experiencing.
He then told me that he had put me on the 'Frequent Attendance Register' and that if I did not leave immediately he would call the police and have me thrown out.
Well, what can you do. ANY attempt at forming a dialog would play right into his hands. I had no option but to leave.
The story continues tomorrow.
Wed, 31 Dec 2008
Up early, well, not actually sure if I went to bed.
Phoned the doctors for an appointment and was booked in with the emergency patients at midday.
Arrived with time to spare and after a short wait saw a doctor ElSheik. He was good. Maybe I say he was good just because he seemed interested. After an examination he told me to continue with the tablets provided by the hospital and augment them with Ibuprofen in between and to take a sleeping tablet just before going to bed.
He then made me book in for some blood tests, which I will be going to next Wednesday.
Back at Almyne I fell into my boring routine of dozing, sleeping fitfully and taking drugs.
I did wake up sufficiently to see the new year in albeit halfheartedly.
Top
After yesterday I decided to take a day off and get through the 2500 emails that I have sent out and got replies to (or not) - that three monthly task that I have undertaken.
Where I am moored up is on the edge of an industrial estate that has not yet been completed and there is about four or five acres of levelled but not finished building land that is now overgrown with scrub.
D'fer
thinks it is the bees knees as there are more rabbits than you can throw a stick at, even if he never gets the chance to see one he knows that they are there.
Spent a couple of hours letting him really enjoy himself between me throwing sticks for him and him getting distracted every time a rabbit jumped out of the way of the stick I had thrown for him.
That finished, mused about the development of Dinky Doo and then brought myself down to earth and returned to the internet stuff.
A long tiring day doing very little.
Tue, 2 Dec 2008
Heavy frost this morning and it took several hours to get Almyne warm enough to brave the world outside. Walked along the tow path into Fazeley to see where the marinas were to get some coal. Well I wasn't going to get it then and there but when I got the Morris down this way (Matt
is picking me up later on as I want to have it here to collect Rosie
when she arrives tomorrow). Priced up the coal from two marinas and checked out where the facilities are for when I need them later on in the week and wandered back to Almyne. D'fer enjoyed the walk.
Spent a lot of the rest of the day looking at the timber on Dinky Doo and the plans I had printed out for what I wanted as the final result. After several trips back to Almyne to warm up I placed some bits of wood on the floor and balanced some more on top and it began to take shape in my mind and I was sure that it would be a ten minute job. Mind you I have learnt over time that a ten minute job usually takes that many days to implement.
Out with the tools, tape measure and pencil, cutting, planing and chiselling. By three o'clock it actually looked as if it might work.
Matt arrived and we chatted for a while drinking tea (and coffee) and then Matt took me back to Fradley to collect the Morris. He wanted to get a top up for his phone on the way so we called in to a supermarket garage. They didn't have any top up cards, but they did have coal. 20Kg bags for £4.99. That works out at £6.25 for a 25kg bag. The best price I had been quoted earlier on in the day was £9.90.
I purchased all they had. Luckily it was only three bags, otherwise I think the Morris would have had a heart attack when I loaded it on.
Got to Fradley and loaded the three bags into the Morris and set off for Fazeley. Not surprisingly it was dark by the time I got there so carried one bag back along the narrow twisty overgrown muddy lumpy pathway (dropping the odd lump of coal from the tear I had made in the bag throwing it on my shoulder) from where I parked the Morris to Almyne, D'fer trying to trip me up by tugging on my shoelaces all the way.
By the time I got there I was gasping for breath so decided to leave the other two bags till tomorrow, I will get fit weather I like it or not.
The pork hock stew that I had put on the stove had cooled down a bit in my absence so put it on the stove for a while.
The meat was really tender and fell of the bone but there was a little too much fat for me. I will have to find a way of cooking the meat and the fat separately next time. D'fer demolished the bones in about ten minutes.
Wed, 3 Dec 2008
Ice Breaker
I am expecting Rosie
to arrive just after four so I have nearly all day to get Almyne cleared up after doing some more work on Dinky Doo, but first I must move Almyne. Woke up and Almyne was absolutely still. Usually there is just the faintest movement and to be absolutely still was a bit like knowing that there is something different about a person and realising two hours after they have left that they have changed their hair style.
The reason Almyne was absolutely still was that she was solidly iced in. Chipped the ice off the mooring ropes, all three of them (two for Almyne and an extra one for Dinky Doo) and laid them out on the bank. Got the lump hammer and beat them into submission until they were nearly straight. When they were as straight as I could get them I pulled Almyne about one hundred feet further along the bank. Why you ask. Well, to get out of the shade and into the sun - it makes a lot of difference. Once in the sun both boats warmed up quite quickly and the frost melted off the tops and sides.
Did some more work on the seating for Dinky Doo and was just about to start gluing one of the main supports together when Rosie rang. She will be at the post office in Fazeley in twenty two minutes, four hours earlier than I had expected.
Flew around putting everything in one or the other of the two boats and excitedly set off.
Parked outside the post office and waited, and waited and waited. Bother, left my phone on Almyne. Peered out of the windows and spotted Rosie further up the road by the bus stop.
Did a quick uee (U turn) and raced along to pick her up.
Off to Almyne and a cup of tea. Hadn't been there long when Matt
turned up for a cup of tea and a chat. He is hoping for a job offer on Thursday - I hope he gets it. Persuaded her that it was too late to go back home tonight and resurrected yesterdays pork hock stew. Rosie
did something with it and it was much nicer than my attempt.
Had a couple of games of Skip-Bo, we had both missed that, and nattered for a while, making plans for the future. Glad that is all settled.
Early night as we have a lot to do tomorrow.
Thu, 4 Dec 2008
Early start as we both have things to do - well that was the idea, but what with the ice creaking against Almyne all night and rain for the first two hours, didn't get that much done. Took all the tools and half finished bits of woodwork back to Dinky Doo to give us some room and then set off to Wednesfield to collect some clothes and stuff for Rosie
.
While she was loading up the Morris I went in to Wednesfield to see if I could get a bone for D'fer, but all the butchers had sold out.
Rosie's paraphernalia loaded we then visited with Jules for a while and caught up on her news.
Off to Almyne to carry bags and boxes and packages and cases along a very narrow, wet, muddy overgrown pathway from where the Morris was parked. By the time we had both made three trips we gave up for the day (it was getting dark and there is no lighting) and set about finding places on Almyne for everything. Well, Rosanne did that while I checked my emails.
For those of you who have been following the adventures closely, you may remember that I had dreadful troubles with my internet provider last May. Well I had an email from them telling me of updated facilities. Red rag to a bull. I promptly sent them a support request referring to the troubles I had experienced and gained access to the old site. Wow - all my holiday pictures and my old Fate and Fortune site, now I can rebuild both of them, assuming that I can download everything. The computer has been downloading now for over two hours and still has not finished.
Cards and an early night tonight I think.
Fri, 5 Dec 2008
Up with the sun, about nine. The weather was good so decided to work on Dinky Doo for the day. Got the frame for the seating completed ready to paint (between showers) while Rosie tidied Almyne and put everything away that I have been leaving out and painted the bell hanger ready for use.
After lunch we went for a walk into Fazeley just to see how far it is and arrived back at Almyne chilled. That is chilled as in very cold, not chilled as in relaxed and laid back.
Because we are moored by a retail park I went over to one of the supermarkets and purchased a set of three battery operated LED lights that looked as if they might be good for Dinky Doo, and then on to the DIY store to get the timber for the work-surface side of Dinky Doo.
Chicken and mushroom pie (out of a tin) with chips, carrots and Brussels for dinner, after which we spent the evening painting stones.
Let one of the LED's on all night to see how long it will last on a set of three triple 'A' batteries.
Sat, 6 Dec 2008
OurChristmasTree
Even brighter today than yesterday. Managed to almost empty Dinky Doo while I built the work-surface frame. Much easier than trying to work with everything inside.
While I was doing that Rosie painted the seating side frame with the primer ready for top coat when we decide which colour to do it all and did the real painting on the stones followed by a coat of varnish.
With that out of the way we took a walk around the retail park popping in to any of the stores that took our fancy. At the DIY store we collected all the paint charts to colour match the existing inside decor of Dinky Doo and then went on to some of the others. Got some Christmas decorations (including a tiny Christmas tree) and some other bits and pieces.
Wandering in to the food supermarket we were accosted by a strange woman, well my initial reaction was strange, but as soon as she smiled I recognised her as Chrissie
from Digitalis (which has now changed hands) , whereupon we stopped for a quick chat. She is working for a while at the store just for something to do. She and Richard
are moored up in the marina just a mile further up the canal. Although she is working tomorrow she said that she and Richard
often walk along the tow path and that they will pop along and see us soon. If not, we must pop in and see them.
Rosie spent the evening putting up the Christmas decorations and raving about the beefburgers that I cooked. She is insisting that I do them again soon.
Sun, 7 Dec 2008
I think it must be the dark mornings, but we are stopping in bed later and later each day. I had just got up and was making a cup of tea when there was a knock on the door. Chrissie
and Richard
had arrived to say hello. They were walking their dogs, so suggested that they continue to the next bridge and I would have the kettle on by the time they got back. Both Ree'fer and I flew around getting dressed and tidying up a bit, if only to give them somewhere to sit.
They joined us and we had a lovely chat about where they had been, where we have been and where we are both going next. They are in a marina at the moment but are setting off again early January. Chrissie had obviously been following the web site as she was aware of most of what has been happening to us. She and Ree'fer got on well as Chrissie is a wannabe witch. Has all the right inclinations and knowledge, but no formal training.
Too late to work on Dinky Doo again but we did wander across to the retail park and get the timber for the seats and the paint. Nothing to hold me back now except the weather.
Spent the evening 'planning'. Planning on where we are going next year, planning what we are going to sell from Dinky Doo, planning the steps needed to complete Dinky Doo, planning what we need to collect to make stuff and planning our future together.
Slept like a log.
Mon, 8 Dec 2008 1mile
No matter what the weather we are going to Fazeley Junction today. We need to take on water, empty the porta potties, get rid of our rubbish and while we are there renew the license for Almyne.
Raining at first so delayed the start but eventually set off late morning. Dropped off Dinky Doo before the junction to make it easier to turn around, winded at the junction and came back up to Peels Wharf, the BW offices. Did all the facilities stuff and then went in to the offices to see about renewing the license.
A couple of problems, I want a traders license this year and they have not yet registered Almyne to me, even though I emailed them last March and got a reply saying that they would. However, this turned out not to be a problem. Peter Cooke, the guy in charge of traders licenses, was very helpful and explained that BW are trying to encourage more people to take this route as it enhances the waterways. Took all the forms back to Almyne and moved off the facilities to the other side of the canal and moored up to complete the paperwork. This involved several phone calls to get the relevant information, but once complete took them in to the offices again and sorted that out.
Now, as a trader, all my diesel is at the lower rate. Since the first of November all private craft have to pay the 'white' diesel price for propulsion and the 'red' diesel price for heating and electricity generation. BW have a formula that says, on average, 40% of fuel is for heating and generation and 60% is for propulsion. The difference in price is 40 pence. So I will be saving 40 pence per litre on 60% of all my diesel. Not only that but it makes everything so much easier. I don't have to keep records of how long I travel and how long I have the engine running for electricity. The traders license costs just £19 pounds more than the normal license and I am sure that I will buy more than 50 litres of diesel this year.
That sorted, hitched up Dinky Doo again and although it was beginning to get dark, and raining lightly, set off for our mooring by the retail park again. Got there with just enough light to moor up.
All in all a good days achievements.
Ree'fer did a lot of work on the bell hanger again and although I am ashamed to admit it, I went to bed quite early.
Tue, 9 Dec 2008
Bell Hanger
Although yesterday was not particularly arduous we still had a lay-in 'til about eleven. No ice on the cut, probably because it is raining. Cannot work on Dinky Doo in the rain because I need to get everything off before there is room inside to work, so today is the day to find some more coal.
The fire has been a bit of a pain for the last few evenings, smoking. I found out that the door wasn't closing properly and on further investigation realised that the grate had worked it's way forward and lifted a tiny bit. This meant that the door was jamming against it. The other problem is that the guard at the front of the grate keeps slipping off the two little bolts that are meant to hold it in place.
Thoroughly cleaned out the grate and hearth. Pushed the grate back into place properly and reversed the guard. Now it works just dandy.
Set off to find the coal merchants the other side of Tamworth . Fortunately I had the foresight to purchase a street map of Shropshire, so finding them was not too bad. Purchased three bags of coal. I can hold a lot more than that on Almyne, but the Morris would complain about carrying much more than that at any one time.
Returned via Tamworth to see if there was a market, or a butchers where we could get a bone for D'fer, but everywhere was pay and display and it was easier in the end to go to the retail park, so that is where we went.
Topped up on a few essentials and got a bone for D'fer.
One of the purchases was a steak and onion pie so when we returned to Almyne we prepared the vegetables and put them on the fire in saucepans. Just let them simmer for a few hours and when we put the pie on the vegetables were already done.
While dinner was cooking I noticed that there was a little smoke in the cabin again, so checked the door of the fire and so on. Looked OK and decided that it was just me being oversensitive. A while later it was still there and thicker, so did another check. Sure enough there was a log behind the fire and because it was working properly the log had got hot enough to start smouldering. Hooked it out with the fire brush, cleaned out underneath the fire properly and threw all the smouldering bits in to the canal. Now it works!
Sorted out some internetty stuff before dinner and some more internetty stuff after dinner while Ree'fer worked on the bell and bell hanger. It will be used so that potential clients can ring it if they can see no-one about.
A few games of cards while D'fer
demolished his bone - took all of thirty five minutes.Wed, 10 Dec 2008
Although cold the weather was dry so worked on Dinky Doo, completing the bench seating on the port side. Jut the table and the single seat on the port side and it will be finished. Then I will need to work on the starboard side.
While I was doing that Rosie made a bag for the 'wish stones'. Everything is coming together slowly but inexorably.
With the weather being so cold I decided that it was time to try the age old remedy for keeping warm and persuaded Rosie to sew me into my clothes. She started off sewing my underpants to my vest, then sewing my long-johns to my thermal vest.
After that it was the turn of the T-shirt sewn to the inside of my jeans and then my fleece sewn to the outside of my jeans.
When it came to sewing the first pair of socks to my long-johns it went quite well, but to sew the thicker outer socks to my jeans meant that I had to lie down on the floor.
It was all getting a bit chunky by now and I could hardly move.
An hour or so later, having sat around doing nothing, I could hardly move so I had to do nothing, I decided that this was not the way to a warmer winter for me, so, out with the quick-unpick. Rosie, quite justifiably, said that I could unpick myself.
Crawled into bed sometime after midnight.
Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11 miles
Heard about Woollies, sad in a funny kind of way. My main memory of Willies was when I was about thirteen or fourteen. I was in Willies in Fareham with mum
and I wanted something, can't remember what, but she said 'No'.
Being a kiddy, I pestered and eventually she said 'No', very sternly.
I really do not know what came over me, but I dropped to my knees, wrung my hands above my head and wailed 'Please don't beat me mother'. Understandably she just walked off and left me there, disowned me on the spot.
Travelled up to Fradley today, stopping off at Hopwas so that Rosie could view the pagan altar, most impressed and then called in at the boatyard at Streethay for a cylinder of gas.
Got to Fradley before dark and found Ellie
. Matt
has a job and is working till ten this evening but they might pop in on their way home.
Cooked jacket potatoes on the fire on the way down (economising on the gas) gives me a feelgood feeling.
Fri, 12 Dec 2008
Took the rubbish to the facilities and on the way back the wheel fell of my little pair of wheels. That could pose a problem.
The Scottish guy on the boat near Almyne offered to take me to Tamworth to collect the Morris, so that is what I did.
Sat, 13 Dec 2008
Since we will not be resting tomorrow (Sunday) we are resting today. Rain and more rain so no point in trying to go anywhere or do anything.
We spent the whole day keeping busy doing nothing. Reading, Sudoku, mooching, and keeping the fire going. We enjoyed it, but a bit boring for all you viewers.
Matt
popped in during the afternoon, which helped hurry the day along a bit and told us all about his new job. He looked so much happier and confident, it really seems to have given him a lift.Sun, 14 Dec 2008
Today's the day for visiting James.
James is the guy that we hooked up with at Alrewas and we promised that we would see him before Christmas. Since we will not get Almyne down to Braunston in time we decided to cheat and take the car.
The journey was further than it looks on the map. I suppose that is because I am so used to looking at the canal map which is three inches to the mile and when I look at the road atlas which is four miles to the inch I just don't relate to the difference.
Anyway, we got there at two, which is when we had planned to arrive and James came and picked us up from the bridge in a four by four. I could never have driven the Morris over the field that leads to his boat.
Pleasant time was had by all and we have secured moorings next to him anytime we want, so will probably move down there early in the new year.
His dog, Cain, looks so much like D'fer, even down to the neckerchief, that unless they were both facing us it was difficult to tell the difference and they got on really well. Needless to say, the Morris is now a mud bath where D'fer
climbed in, over, round and I am sure he tried to go under as well.
Mon, 15 Dec 2008
Day out today. We went in to Wednesfield so that Rosie could go to the doctors to get some things sorted out. The doctor was very helpful and gave her all sorts of tips about this and that.
Collected her witchcraft stuff, the altar and so on, and some other bits and pieces and then collected some paperwork that she needed.
After visiting with Jules for a while we returned to Almyne via the supermarket in Lichfield to stock up on basics and get something for dinner.
I do like a little bit of smoked haddock from time to time, especially when served with parsley sauce, peas and mash.
Tue, 16 Dec 2008
Took some stuff along to Dinky Doo to give a little space on Almyne. Lit the fire, sat and read for a while.
Once Almyne had warmed up a bit I finished emptying the Morris, the coal and the beer.
Put the wheel back on the pair of steps. Just meant I had to drill a little hole in the shaft that the wheel slides on and with the wheel in place stick a pin through the newly drilled hole to hold it on.
Wed, 17 Dec 2008
Got the chain saw out today and sawed a load of logs up quite small. Chopped them into smaller chunks so that we have a chance of building a decent towpath fire to burn the Yule log on at the solstice.
I think I picked up a chill today because I spent all evening shivering and sweating. Couldn't sleep either, so disturbed Rosie.
Thu, 18 Dec 2008
Since we both had a bad night last night we were both tired all day and didn't want to do a lot but did manage to drag ourselves into Lichfield to do the Yule shopping.
Did all the shopping at the supermarket and then wandered off into Lichfield proper just for a quick gander. Found out where the laundry was so decided that tomorrow is laundry day.
Back at Almyne I felt much better but as the evening wore on I started shivering and sweating again - maybe it is Malaria!
Another disturbed night.
Fri, 19 Dec 2008
Laundry day today. Collected all the washing from around Almyne, bagged it up and went to the laundry in Lichfield. Three machines worth, but at least we have clean bedding and a clean spare set of bedding, as well as clean clothes to wear.
Not the we wear dirty clothes, but sometimes it does get to nip and tuck as to whether we might have to.
While the washing was being done we toured Lichfield looking for coal and found the Co-op garage where Matt
had spotted the coal at £4.99 for a 20kg bag. They still had some so I purchased four. Works out cheaper than coal direct from the coal merchant.
Carried all the shopping back to Almyne and then collected two bags of coal - will leave the other two till tomorrow.
Whilst putting the washing away I found a drawer of dirty washing that I missed - bother.
Now I am becoming sure that it is Malaria, the shivering comes on so regularly each evening. But tonight it was accompanied by aching limbs, a cross between 'twitchy leg syndrome' and cramp.
I think I have a 'Man Cold', you know the same as the one that women get, but so much worse.
Rosie got our some of her essential oils and gave my back and legs a massage. Made it a lot better at the time but the pain soon returned.
Took some painkillers but they only seemed to make it worse, so I won't try that again.
Sat, 20 Dec 2008
Discovered that I have lost my Morris keys. Looked everywhere, turned Almyne and Dinky Doo upside down, searched the canal alongside Almyne and Dinky Doo with the magnet, but all to no avail.
Mum has a spare set, so rang her just to check and after walking up to the BW shop and talking the rubbish to the facilities I have arranged that the keys can be sent to the BW shop at Fradley. Still can't use the Morris till they get here though.
The boot was unlocked so I carried the two remaining bags of coal to Almyne.
Sun, 21 Dec 2008
AllCandlesLit
Winter Solstice
Altar Candle
IncludingAltarCandle
Up all night again, about four in the morning I sorted out one of those heat pad things and applied it to my back, felt much more comfortable and I got some fitful sleep till just before eight.
Being the midwinter solstice we were up to see the sunrise, which was worth it - then I went straight back to bed.
Rosie spent all day preparing food for the guests who are arriving at about two.
I took the porta pottie along to the facilities and on the way back the other wheel fell of the pair of wheels. Now I will have to fix that one.
Julie and co arrived just after two and at first we sat around the salon chatting but after a while I went outside to start the fire. Most of the wood was still damp but got it going after a while with all the small stuff that I had chopped. I was still a bit dubious about getting the 'Yule log' that Rosie had chosen to light. About eighteen inches long and at least eleven inches in diameter with strands of ivy growing along it.
Everyone else decamped from Almyne and Rosie did the midwinter solstice ceremony, which involves everyone lighting a candle and holding it while the ceremony proceeds. Amazingly enough of the seven candles that were lit all of them except one stayed alight throughout the proceedings, with a little help from shielding hands. Even more amazing was that the main candle which was just left on the table (altar) stayed alight until it burnt right down, some two hours or more. It was still alight when we started our meal on the tow path. Everything went well, except for the couple who were walking the tow path and when they saw us and what we were up to speeded up to get past us. I will never know if they were a little bit scared or if they just didn't want to interfere.
The whole afternoon was mild and balmy and we stayed out sitting around the fire till well after dark.
By the end of the evening the Yule log had at least caught light on one side and made a good glowing back piece to the fire reflecting the heat over us all.
Matt
joined us bringing his own beer with him and when Julie
and co left he came inside to partake of 'Scouse'. I went to bed as the day, along with the leg pain, had taken all the stuffing out of me.Mon, 22 Dec 2008
The sun came up earlier today than it did yesterday, maybe only a few seconds earlier but it is a start to the longer days and shorter nights.
I really must do some more work on Dinky Doo but at the moment I have no enthusiasm for anything. Spend most of my waking hours reading and trying to ignore the ache in the legs.
During the afternoon Rosie accompanied me to the facilities to get rid of the rubbish and having got there I persuaded Rosie to have a look at the 'Wild Woodland'. It took an hour or so to walk round it. It is a small lake with a pathway all round it with interesting things to read along the way. At one point they had a 'hide' where you can sit out of the elements and watch the wild life on the lake.
Whilst walking there we spotted a gathering of people at the BW cafe and walked back past them to see what was going on. Rosie is nearly as nosy as I am. Nose is the wrong word, I should have said 'interested in current affairs'. Stopping at 'The Cheese Boat' we purchased two rounds of specialist cheese, after sampling each of his offerings.
At the BW cafe they were having an outside celebration, organised by the Alrewas crowd. We hung around for Santa to turn up and the carol singing and by the time it was all over we were both getting chilly so hotfooted it back to Almyne to warm up, a thoroughly pleasant afternoon.
On the way back to Almyne I spotted the guy with the stove on the top of his boat and asked him where he had got it. Told me that I was made by the guy on one of the boats on this pound and that he would let the guy know that I was interested.
Prepared the re-usable heat pads and found another of the twelve hour packs for use tonight.
Tue, 23 Dec 2008
D'fer's trick
Dreading another night of pain I persuaded Matt
and Ellie to drop me off in Lichfield to find a doctors. Found a practice that had emergency appointments and waited. I cannot say 'and waited' because I was seen surprisingly quickly. The doctor gave me a good checkout. My urine is good, my kidneys are good, as are the rest of my internal organs that he could palpitate, my temperature is good, although I do have a slightly reddened throat. I hadn't noticed it till the doctor pointed it out. I explained that I have been taking Ibuprofen and he said to take Paracetamol instead. At least there is nothing life threatening, unless you regard lack of sleep in that way.
Did the last minute Christmas shopping, a chicken and a selection of vegetables that we rarely eat because of price, but what the hell it is Christmas and why shouldn't we splash out, oh and the paracetamol.
Took a taxi back to Almyne where I took the paracetamol and as the pain started to ease off went to bed.
Rosie went to the BW shop today and returned with a package from mum, the keys have arrived along with a Christmas card. At least we will be able to do some last minute shopping if we need to.
Wed, 24 Dec 2008
Earliest Lamb
Early Lambing2
Found my Morris keys today, so now I have a spare set! I was up fairly early and was taking D'fer
for a walk along the tow path when I put my hands in my pockets to keep them warm and thought 'What is that'.
For those of you who have never worn jeans I must explain that there is a little tiny 'money' pocket inside the main right hand pocket of a pair of jeans. It is too small to hold anything other than a couple of pound coins and even then it is so difficult to retrieve them from this pocket that I rarely, if ever, use it. Somehow I had managed to get the keys into this pocket and although I had emptied all the pockets of my jeans I had missed this one. Rosie has renamed me Rodney.
With transport again I went in to Lichfield for the last minute shopping, fire lighters, more heat pads and some wine to celebrate with.
Back at Almyne I went to bed with the paracetamol inside me and the heat pads outside hoping for a full nights sleep.
Up again in time to see Christmas arrive. Did you know that NORAD (North American Aerospace Defence command) track Santa every year and have been doing so for more than 50 years?
Went back to bed again but slept fitfully. It seemed as if I had only got about ten minutes sleep and most of that dozing when I gave in to the pain around five in the morning and called for an ambulance. My heart is good, my lungs are good, my blood is good, in fact I am fine! really rather healthy, it is just the pain in the legs.
They offered to take me in to Burton-upon-Trent casualty to get some stronger pain killers but as the only way I would be able to get back was by taxi (at five in the morning on Christmas day) I declined the offer. I would have driven myself but I had imbibed a glass or two of wine and decided against that.
Thu, 25 Dec 2008
Went to the A & E at Burton-upon-Trent today. Got seen quite quickly by a pretty little thing, must be practising. She checked me over and looked at the ambulance report from last night and just told me to keep taking the tablets, When I explained that they really do not seem to work she told me to start mixing tablets, two 500-mg Cocodamol four times a day and one 400-mg Ibuprofen three times a day.
I asked her where I could get the Cocodamol today, pharmacies are closed on Christmas day, so she went and got enough from their own pharmacy to last me till tomorrow and watched me take the first two.
By the time I got back to Almyne they had kicked in and I felt really good. Still not feeling very hungry though so we decided to postpone Christmas dinner till tomorrow and I cooked up bacon, scrambled eggs and baby courgettes in butter with a little garlic salt.
The courgettes in butter with a little garlic salt were mostly for Rosie, but I had some because it is so much more difficult to smell the garlic on someone else's breath if you have had some yourself.
After that we gorged ourselves on a game of Skip-Bo for several hours, we have both missed playing, before I had an early night to try and catch up on missed sleep.
We did break off from Skip-Bo for a while and Rosie made some leek and potato soup, it was wonderful.
Fri, 26 Dec 2008
Boxing day, spent most of it in bed, reading, keeping warm and drinking hot drinks.
Sat, 27 Dec 2008
Not a lot different to yesterday
Sun, 28 Dec 2008
And more of the same.
Mon, 29 Dec 2008
SetDownOrDropDown
Rosie accompanied me to the A&E at Burton-upon-Trent and took this wonderful picture of the patient pick up and set down point by a four point five metre drop. Be careful how you get in and out of your vehicle.
They gave me some stronger pain killers and told me to get some more from the pharmacist.
Back to Almyme, calling in to the pharmacist on the way. Apparently the pharmacist cannot dispense the pain killers that the A & E told me to get as they are on prescription only.
Tue, 30 Dec 2008
Most of the day was a daze, sleeping fitfully and munching painkillers. About seven ish the lights started going so I went to start the engine. Battery dead.
Went to switch to the starter and realised that I had left it in circuit, so it too was dead.
Nothing for it but to get the Morris battery and jump start Almyne.
Walked along to the Morris, removed the battery and carried it back to Almyne, hooked it to to the starter battery and started Almyne.
With the engine on Almyne going I could charge the batteries again. Decided not to replace the Morris battery till the morning as it was B cold out there.
Now I am sure that there are some of you out there asking themselves 'If he is in that much pain, how can he go out in the freezing cold and start swapping batteries around'. And I would ask much the same question.
The pain is not debilitating in the way that a back strain or broken leg would be, just because I have the pain doesn't mean that I cannot do anything. What it does mean is that the pain wears me out very quickly, both physically and emotionally.
Anyway, at four in the morning I was crying with the pain in my legs, so replaced the battery in the Morris, started her up and drove off to Burton-upon-Trent to A&E again.
Didn't have long to wait at that time of the day and the doctor there gave me some Tramadol. I asked how long it would be before they took effect and was told 'About twenty minutes', so I waited and waited and waited. After at least an hour and still no relief I asked a nurse what I should do next and she explained that I had been discharged and I should get back in the queue again.
Back in the queue. Again didn't have to wait long.
This doctor asked a couple of questions and palpitated my legs and took my pulse then said to me
"You are not in pain. If you were in pain your pulse rate would be nearer 140 than the 72 it is at the moment. Your pulse is normal. You are not in pain."
OK I said, if I am not in pain, can you give me anything to alleviate the discomfort I am experiencing.
He then told me that he had put me on the 'Frequent Attendance Register' and that if I did not leave immediately he would call the police and have me thrown out.
Well, what can you do. ANY attempt at forming a dialog would play right into his hands. I had no option but to leave.
The story continues tomorrow.
Wed, 31 Dec 2008
Up early, well, not actually sure if I went to bed.
Phoned the doctors for an appointment and was booked in with the emergency patients at midday.
Arrived with time to spare and after a short wait saw a doctor ElSheik. He was good. Maybe I say he was good just because he seemed interested. After an examination he told me to continue with the tablets provided by the hospital and augment them with Ibuprofen in between and to take a sleeping tablet just before going to bed.
He then made me book in for some blood tests, which I will be going to next Wednesday.
Back at Almyne I fell into my boring routine of dozing, sleeping fitfully and taking drugs.
I did wake up sufficiently to see the new year in albeit halfheartedly.
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