Evening.

A damp start here, but then a mostly dry day.

Much milder as well, up to 9c.

Did a job this afternoon. Tidying beds, raking leaves and a bit of hedge cutting.

Hicky. That's great that your OH is walking at a pace again. Sounds like it would be difficult for you to keep up with her?

Good idea to keep the car running every now and again.

Glad your mobile case came.

Mollie. Pity you had rain today. Thanks for the wee snowmen.

Enjoyed Apprentice, but a pity that Sarah Ann went. The bloke should have gone. Blokes are always surplus to requirements.

Glad you enjoyed your free Costco samples,

That must be different for your son, to play  games in a group. Still computer games presumably, and not board games like Monopoly etc?

Bit surprised that Nick went on IAC. Must have been his singing and guitar playing the previous evening.

Evening Mollie.

No Emptybox here, oh.

11c here lots of sun, a little rain, winds/gales 40 58 tonight.

Thought i needed more fixings to hold the covers on the garden stuff so cut 3 pieces of chain and screwed them ton the decking and got 3 pieces of bungee cord and looped it through the fasting rings on the covers, that should hold it from blowing away.

Got some brekkie for o/h then we decided to go to Sainsbury's for a few bits, some milk etc, got a taxi there and o/h put her sticks in the trolley and walked around for quite a while, when the trolley was full we went to the cafe for fish and chips, very nice, then got a taxi home. 

Made some tea for o/h, just a little salad, small tin of salmon, 2 rounds of bread and a cuppa.

I had some spicy things that i did in the oven from 3 different packs, had half of each.

I don't understand why the website would let you post if you were not logged in and why wait till you post to find out the page has to reload.

We did get a new battery for the car after the last time when it failed.

I can't really see the numb side of the knee getting any better, it probably means some nerves are damaged, but if you watch the operation it's no wonder.

Get all the free samples you can at Costco, o/h never used to have any of those.

Hope your lad gets on ok with the gaming place, playing against humans in a room sure is better than playing online i suppose, hope there's no betting going on under the table.

Evening Emptybox.

Didn't see a new page, what a hopeless site.

Glad it was good enough to get out and do some work, it all helps.

O/H slept better last night as well, must have got a couple of hours sleep, hope she does the same tonight.

I will run the car engine every couple of weeks so the oil doesn't run off too much as the steel could get damp with condensation possibly.

The new case is even better than the last one but when the case starts looking too tatty it's time to get it replaced.

And o/h didn't use the sticks in the supermarket they were in the trolley she just pushed the trolley and was walking faster than me.

both xxx

Advent day 7 - and we have the bouncy Santa.

Emptybox

that's good you at last managed to get a job done.

Yes son plans to play PC games at the cafe , not board ones. He did used to go to table top model Warhammer battle games where they painted their own pieces at Games workshop, but it got real expensive to carry on, and i guess he just moved on to pc gaming. This is the new game

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8583392

Hicky

not surprising you needed more fixings for the garden furntiture stuff with all this wind. Our smaller swing chair blew completely over, but came to no harm.

Your OH did very well to get out and about and even to get to the cafe. That will of done her good. It is great she did not even need her sticks with the trolley. I like to use a trolley and ditch my stick as the trolley makes you feel nice and secure.

Don't think there is any betting going on at the gaming cafe as the guy who runs it charges aprox £3 a tournament and they then split the cash prize for the best 3 players.

Went to view at the auction, not much of interest there though today. It was so cold in the huge warehouse there, even colder than outside! Been raining most of the day today and the wind is very cold. (probably not as cold as where Emptybox is though!).

Watching IAC then Goggle box on plus 1.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening both.

Dry here, but cold and windy. Very windy tonight.

Went out to deliver some invoices, but didn't do any work today.

Hicky. Hope your measures stop you having anything damaged by the wind.

That's great that your OH can walk round Sainsburys without her sticks, with the help of the shopping trolley.

Sorry to hear she's only getting a couple of hours of sleep though.

Mollie. Thanks for the wee bouncy Santa bean thing.

Ah, is that a Super Mario type game?

Good job your swing chair didn't come to any harm.

Sounds like it was miserable in the auction warehouse. Pity there wasn't much of interest for you.

Evening Both.

10c today, rain and gales still, in the 40's, should drop at 03.00am.

Had a full English for brekkie then o/h decided to vacuum the whole building without sticks.

She also made her own tea, a chicken piece stirfry, i just did the carrying.

I had another of my freezer treats, it was a prawn Laksa soup from a while back.

I also cut up the chicken wings and bagged them for the freezer.

My new Bread tins came, a 2lb and a 3lb one, will try that when this last loaf runs out, i have converted the recipe to one of 2/3rds size and another of 3/4 size so it will fit in the toaster.

Had a letter from the Pensions dept telling me i can look forward to a rise in the pension, a £0.25p a week, i can hardly contain my pleasure.

We are having saltfish for brekkie with bacon and crumpets, yummy.

Having a Lamb Leg roast dinner tomorrow, yummy.

Mollie, I was quite surprised she could walk around the superstore like she did, all good for the healing process i suppose.

That was a disappointment then, a cold warehouse and nothing interesting for you.

Watched my recording of IAC, it's strange, o/h watches it live as her normal 9pm program has finished.

thanks for the advent picture, lovely.

Emptybox, The furniture covers where still on this morning, i could see the tremendous pressure they had been under, the wind blew the fake turf from in front of the garage into a heap.

O/H never did get a lot of sleep but now she gets less because she takes so long to find a position where the knee is in less pain.

Hi both xxx

Advent day 8 is a pretty Christmas scene.

Emptybox

hope you enjoyed your sphag bol and beer tonight.

Don't blame you not working in such a wind, but at least you got those invoices out. It was very windy here too, and it was a cold wind! Plus rain on and off.

Yes the game appartently has Super Mario as one of the characters, but for this game they have included lots of characters from the past.

Hicky

Gosh your OH is doing incredibly well so soon after the op by doing all the vacuming plus her own tea already. No wonder you were surprised at how she walked all round the supermarket yesterday. Such a shame though that the pain is preventing her sleeping. Hope it eases soon.

I bet it is going to take you a long time to decide what you are going to spend your extra 25p a week on!  Remember not to spend it all at once though.

Glad to see you are both enjoying a good varied diet.

We went to Toby carvary for tea again, we had vouchers for 1 free meal, so can't complain. Such a vast choice of veggies we got. OH and daughter have the meat,  but I just have veg.

Did a few washloads, all hanging on the airers in the house, doesn't usually take too long to dry with the heating on.

My neighbour's little dog is doing well staying mostly with daughter. He snuggles under the quilt each night with her. He starts off in his basket at the bottom of the bed, but then he cries to get in the bed with her when she turns the light off.

Our dog isn't so dependant on us being around, as we have never allowed her upstairs. The only problem with our dog is that she has a sensitive stomach so we have to cook her fresh food. But she just has veg and chicken or salmon, so usually has what we eat. I took a doggie bag to toby so I could bring back left over veg for the dogs. They both really enjoyed it.

Just watched IAC. Hope Harry wins, I think he has been most entertaining.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
No damage from the high wind here. In fact it was a mildish dry day with some sun.

I'd sent away for another £20 SSD for my Dining room PC, as I was so pleased with the one I installed to my business PC last week. It came today so i had fun fitting that.
Not so straightforward for some reason, as I had to repair the bootloader before it would boot up, but i got it all working in the end.

Hicky. Glad you didn't have anu damage from the storm, apart from some lifted turf.
That's so good of your OH. She's really making rapid progress. Even making her own meal.
Wow! What an increase in your pesion.

Mollie. That's good that you enjoyed your free meal at the carvery.
Sounds like it wasn't suitable weather outside to get your washing dry, so good job you can dry it inside.
Much as I like dogs, I don't think I'd want one sleeping in the same bed. Your daughter is very good for looking after him so well.

Yes, it's Harry or Emilie to win IAC for me. I suspect it'll be Harry.

Evening Both.

10c today, sunny intervals, some rain, winds have dropped to around 17 falling.

We had the saltfish with bacon and crumpets, very nice.

Made a Sunday roast with the half lamb leg, super duper.

O/H put the decoration outside, 4 twirly light things in the raised bed a reindeer on the window ledge and some lights around a fake tree by the front door.

Have ordered a taxi for o/h for 9am as she is going to get her hair done, she's at the Physio Tuesday.

Mollie, Thanks for the Christmasy advent pic, very nice.

Yes, o/h was wandering around today without a stick.

Yes, an extra 25p, don't get it at all, what the heck can i do with 25p.

Another toby meal, you sure are living well.

Just watched my recording of IAC, fantastic, the Final tonight, might watch live, i think Harry deserves to win now.

Emptybox, Glad non of us suffered damage from the stormy weather.

A good idea to get another SSD drive, pity you had problems getting it to work.

Yes, very pleased with o/h's improvement, mind you she is trying very hard, determined to get back to normal and she can't wait to drive again.

Very pleased with the pension increase, if i saved the increase for 6 months i could afford a local takeaway.

both xxx

Advent day 9. and we have dancing bell ringing baked beans.

Emptybox

glad to hear no wind damage,and you had fun getting the SSD card right.

Shopping today?

Yes I too never fancied sharing a bed with a dog. But daughter said if she doesn't pick him up and put him in the bed he barks and cries all the time. He has been used to sleeping in the bed that's why though. Our dog doesn't miss what she has never had.

Hicky

that is good you both enjoyed your Sunday roast.

How nice your OH felt well enough to sort the decorations out, and she is off to get her hair done too. It is her sheer determination making her get on so well. Good for her.

Really windy here last night too. And lots of rain, but its calmed down now.

Watching IAC now, Harry to win for me too, what a lovely fella and great contestant. I did like Emily too though. Not forgetting Holly who did a great stand in.

Went for brekkie today with son and OH in Weatherspoon, as it had at last stopped raining. Daughter said her and the dog didn't get up till about 12.30pm! The dog likes a lie in as much as daughter does.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening both.
Frosty here this morning. Had to scrape the windscreen before going for the paper. Only up to 4c when I went to Lidl this afternoon. Dry though.

Hicky. That was good that your OH was able to put some decorations outside.
Yes I bet she can't wait to get back driving again.
She sounds very determined.
Yes you'd have to save your pension increase for a long time to buy anything with it.

Mollie. Thanks for the dancing baked beans (I think?)
Nice that Harry won IAC, although I wouldn't have minded Emily winning either.
Glad that the rain stopped to allow you to go to Wetherspoons.

Really enjoyed the Doctor Who series Finale. There's a special episode on New Year's Day, and then they have a break of a year till early 2020.
They've confirmed that the same cast are coming back though.

Evening Both.

9c today, dry with light cloud, wind is 11 dropping to 4 tonight.

O/H got the taxi to get her hair done, didn't even take the sticks, she is a trooper.

When she got back i made her special coffee drink then she fancied a bowl of my home made chips and some of the left over lamb.

I had Bacon and egg on toast and the last crumpet for brekkie and i fried 2 lovely Sea Bass fish fillets,  for tea.

Mollie, Love dancing Beans.

Think O/H wants to be independent again but rather likes me looking after her drinks and meals.

Had a lot of rain here overnight as well, glad i wasn't out.

Glad Harry won, he really is a one off, but i was very impressed with the girls as well, such good sports, i think John would have driven me insane.

Yes, Holly was so good, give me her instead of Ant any day.

Another Weatherspoon's brekkie, you are spoiled, can't believe your daughter and the dog slept in that late.

Emptybox, Very cold by you i see, not that cold here yet, it drops to 1c Thursday.

Yes, had the letter from the Pension dept about the 25p rise but it's just a pity the different departments of the government don't cross communicate, if they did i probably wouldn't be getting such crazy emails from them about helping me with my business and company expenses etc.

Roll on DOI & The voice, going to miss IAC now.

Don't forget, there is a IAC show on Wednesday night, not to be missed.

  both xxx

Advent day 10 and it is time for

Emptybox

only 4c, that was a cold day. Did you buy any nice treats from Lidl? Last time I went I noticed a lot of special food for Christmas, I got some cheese with cranberries in it, delicous it is.

Glad you enjoyed Dr Who. Was it the one that was filmed on the beach we go to? Remember i sad the hairdresser saw all the Christmas trees on the beach? Gosh that is a lot of forward thinking if they have decided on the cast for 2020 already!

Hicky

yes your OH is indeed a trouper going to hairdressers, no sticks already, bet she has had the quickest recovery ever known for that op. But I don't blame her letting you sort her meals out, after all you are both creative and good at this job. What do you put in your special coffee?

Thanks for the reminder of the IAC on Wednesday, that should be interesting.

Been busy all day. Went to aqua fit, my fave guy teacher (the one my son knows) finishes next week to go back on the stage professionally , which is a shame as we lose him, but good for him. Did loads of walking after though, as wanted to meet son for lunch and there are no buses that go there, but the worst thing was I paused to reply to a text, off my daughter and Ileft my stick leaning against a bench, so had to do an extra 20 mins round walk to retrieve it! My ankle is so sore now. But I did enjoy my apple and cinnamon crumble and custard when I got to meet son at the Toby.

Then at home, had loads of paperwork to sort out. Then later realised the college pantomine was on tonight, so managed to get a couple of last minute tickets, as there were only a few left. Really enjoyed it, very funny with the usual, "oh yes it is, oh no it isn't!" and the funny jokes, There were lots of cute little girlies in the audience dressed a princesses. I had to watch over Snow White who was sitting next to me, (age 4 and three quarters she said!), whilst her dad left her to get her a drink.So sweet.

So didn't watch much tv tonight, only the end of the baby one of bbc2.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
Everything was in deep freeze here today. A heavy frost that stayed all day.
Didn't do any work, but went into town to get my prescription and fuel and some other bits. My van was showing -1c when I set off at 2pm, and was only up to 1c in town.

Hicky. Your OH is doing well to be able to go to the hairdressers without her sticks already.
Yes, I bet she's getting used to you making her meals now.
Thanks for the reminder about the IAC prog. I didn't know it was going to be on.

Mollie. Think it's the New Year episode that was filmed on the beach? This one was mostly in a quarry setting.

Thanks for the panto advent. Appropriate since you were at a panto today.
Didn't buy any treats as such at Lidl, although I bought some extra bottles of beer as I always take some over to my Brother's at Christmas, along with a couple of bottles of wine.

That's good that you got your favourite Aqua Fit teacher today, although a pity that he's not going to be doing it after next week.
Bit silly leaving your stick behind, but you must be not too bad at walking if you just walked away and left it?
Hope your ankle isn't too sore?

Evening Both.

9c today, mild cloudy and hardly any wind.

Went with o/h to Physio, she did well, can just use 1 stick now, can use none indoors but must use 1 stick when outside.

She has ordered a step which is needed for some of the exercises, and also a peddle machine she needs to exercise the knees and muscles.

Just had toast for brekkie, made us sausages with mash and beans for tea.

Missing IAC though.

Mollie, Thanks for the Pantomime pic, long time since i saw one.

For the special coffee for o/h, it is a sachet of Latte mix, 2 teaspoons of coffee mate powder and half a teaspoon of coffee, she is so fussy.

The Wednesday show of IAC is the one when they show what they did next, very good usually.

Oh dear, that was bad news leaving your stick behind, at least you got it back, your poor ankle, could do without that.

Watching over Snow White, not often you do that, glad you enjoyed the Panto though.

Emptybox, You are getting the cold weather there, oh dear, not that bad here yet.

I think o/h quite likes me cooking for her and getting her drinks and the cold compresses from the fridge or freezer.

She is in a lot of pain at the mo from the Physio today.

it will be nice to see them when they get back to the hotel from the jungle, nice food a nice bed, a bath, they will be in heaven, but the ones who left first will have been enjoying a life of luxury for a while now, lucky devils.

both xxx

Advent day 11....is this you Emptybox doing getting ready to decorate your tree?

Emptybox

Gosh can't believe how cold it is up there. Still mild damp and horrible here.

Don't blame you going for Lidl for the Christmas alcohol, we find it good quality and a good price compared to other places. We always treat ourselves to a bottle of champagne from there for Christmas.

Yes I am ok walking without the stick but am at more of a risk of a fall without it, as I am not walking right since I had that fall, so the physio's exercises are aiming to re-train me to walk properly. Then hopefully do without the stick. She said last time I was walking a lot better since I had the stick, so must get round to doing my exercises now, it is late and not started yet!

Hicky

Your OH is doing so well , glad the physio was pleased with her. Maybe she too has been told to use a stick outside to reduce the risk of a fall, as well as to take the weight off the problem knee? Good idea to get the step and peddle machine to use at home. That will help strengthen her muscles. Poor her though, feeling the pain after the visit to the physio.

That's nice you make that coffee mix exactly as your OH likes it.

I like that show after IAC has finished, so thanks for the reminder. Yes indeed those living in that 5 star hotel will of been living a life of luxury.  

Met son in his lunch break, he was glad to meet up as he was stressed today. He had to do a presentation this morning, and he was the last, so he said he was so nervous by the time it was his turn, that he messed up one question that he should of known the answer to, by getting tongue tied. 

Did food shopping in Lidl. Good value for a family shop for us.

Watched Lego Masters, a good programme.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening all.
Milder here today. Up to 6c this afternoon. I was sweating and had to take off my heavy fleece and woolly hat for a while.
I was cutting a big Holly hedge. Very jaggy.

Hicky. Pity your OH is feeling painful after her Physio session, but I guess that shows it is working. She must be serious about getting back to fitness if she is ordering in that equipment.
Yes, the Jungle coming out prog is usually good because you get to see the relatives and the behind the scenes stuff.

Mollie. I seem to be wearing the Christmas tree in that Advent pic?
Yes, the booze at Lidl is quite a bit cheaper than at Sainsburys.
That's good that they think you are walking better now.
I can sympathise with your son getting tongue-tied at his presentation. I used to hate doing stuff like that when I was at Uni.

Watched 999 Emergency (a repeat) then watched Doctor Who for a second time.

Evening Both.

7c here today, cloud all day, it was going to rain but don't think it did, wind was 15.

We both had bacon and double egg on toast for brekkie.

I had sent a tweet to hmrc saying how do i stop all the crazy emails telling me stuff i don't want to know, they emailed back, got to unsubscribe on the original email, which i did.

Had another meal from the freezer to make space, it was a beef madras curry, did some rice, yummy, o/h made her own tea as she is ok in the house without sticks.

I made a loaf using a 3/4 of the recipe just using the breadmaker to do the kneading, then set the oven to 35 to rise the dough in a big glass bown, oiled to stop it sticking, that was an hour, then kneaded it 5 times and put the dough into the new bread tin i bought and oiled it, put it back in the oven with a dish of hot water, covered the tin with a clean tea towel for an hour, after 50 minutes took it out and turned the oven up to 180, baked the dough for 35 minutes as per recipe, have got a lovely loaf, i had put seeds in as well, o/h has just taken a crust and a round to test it, she is a good tester, or critic.

We are going to Sainsbury's for a few bits tomorrow, i don't really need anything but i need the exercise.

Mollie, Thanks for the advent pic, that sure is Emptybox, i can see the likeness.

Yes, she was told to use a stick outside, in case, ok in the house.

Tough on your lad, never realised you would get questioned on a presentation, no wonder he was stressed. 

Emptybox, You would get hot cutting a big hedge, but you need to take all the clothes in case they are needed, a holly hedge does seem difficult to make look good.

The main problem now for o/h is getting comfy to sleep, she got a bit last night but one side of the knee is still painful to touch so she has to lay on her back which makes it hard to sleep.

Looking forward to IAC tonight, nice to see them all again.

Hicky posted:

Mollie, Thanks for the advent pic, that sure is Emptybox, i can see the likeness.

  yes indeed I could see that too.

Emptybox??  ????

both xxx

Advent day 12, and today....... what else but some Holly?

Emptybox

that is good it was milder so you had chance to get a job done. As it was a Holly bush, did you take a cutting for your home decorations?

Wonder if you managed to get out to do any jobs today? Weather was dry here, but the wind is getting chillier now.

Dr Who for a 2nd time, another one to go then?

Hicky

No wonder it is hard for your OH to sleep if she can only lie on her back. Let's hope the discomfort starts to ease soon. But generally of course she is doing really well.

Glad to hear you got a lovely loaf made. Seeded bread is so tasty.

Hopefully that will be the end to all those ridiculous HMRC emails now. My accountant tells me she is winding up her business now because she likes her customers, but is sick of the extra pressure HMRC put on her.

Yes these Uni presentations are stressful because like on the Apprentice, they do get quetioned by not only the lecturer, but a professional who works in the business.

Went to aqua fit today as it does help the aches. Tiring it is though, but worth it if it eases the aches.
3 programmes I want to watch all at 9pm tonight, wonder what to go for? 
Apprentice interview? ....Always interesting.
4 years olds in Old peoples home?.... I love that programme
Or catch up after IAC?....

decision time....

Nice to be spoilt for choice.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening.
Cloudy here but dry. A bit colder than yesterday, up to 4c.
Got a tidying up job done. Pruning roses etc.
Started off quite calm, but the wind got up later in the afternoon, which made things difficult.

Hicky. That'll be good if you've managed to stop those HMRC emails that bothered you.
The loaf must have been good if it got the OH seal of approval?
Hopefully sleeping will start to become easier for her.

Mollie. Never thought of taking a holly cutting. It was mostly just leaves that were coming off the hedge anyway.
That's an appropriate Advent pic you've given us.

Not sure I'll watch Doctor Who again this week? It has a break till New Year, so I've got plenty of time to watch some of the episodes again if I get the urge.
Does that mean you'll have to look for a new Accountant, or will you just do it yourself?

Watched The Apprentice, then IAC on +1.

Evening Both.

A cool day, 6c cloud and sun though, brisk 19 wind.

Had bacon and black pudding for brekkie.

The gadgets came for o/h, an adjustable step trainer and the peddle bicycle trainer so she has plenty to exercise with now.

Didn't go out, except to the garage and the wheelie bins.

For tea decided to have the other fish pack, sea bass, did some cut up spuds and had 2 eggs with it. 

Going to Sainsbury's in the morning for some bits, need milk and some fruit and veg, SIL & MIL coming Monday so we are going to make a stew to warm them up.

Mollie, With all the exercises today her leg/knee is aching now, oh dear, bet she did too much.

The latest loaf is a success, best yet, so light, lovely.

Thats not good if the accountants get harassed by HMRC, it is probably over expenses etc, always difficult to work out.

I watched the 4 yr olds and recorded the IAC one.

Emptybox, The HMRC emails shoulf end but when i went to my personal tax account there was nothing there that related to me, it's like being in a foreign country.

O/H just manages to catch a couple of hours sleep, probably because she just can't stay awake any longer.

Hi both

Advent day 13 and today it is the Santa train.

Emptybox

that is good you managed to squeeze a job in yesterday.

Oh yes, of course you have plenty of time to do Dr Who re-watches as they have a break. I wonder will any of them make a 4th viewing?

No way could I do the company accounts myself, but luckily the accountant had someone she knew and could recommend and one of OH's friends are already using them, so we will gradually transfer to them. Our current accountant has agreed to do the payroll/company accounts to the end of the year though.

Hicky

hope your OH gets on well with her exercise gadgets. But best to make sure she doesn't overdo it too soon, especially as it was hurting so much. The physio said if it is very painfull or swollen, then I must reduce the exercise or how far I stretch and it should gradually get easier. She aslo said I could buy a step one too, but as we have stairs, she said that would do for now.

Good idea to make a stew for MIL and SIL, ideal for them in this weather.

No surprise then that your personal tax has nothing in it!   They are really useless.

I guess your OH must just catch a nap when she can as it is so uncomfy for her to sleep through the night. Poor thing, the nights are so long especially in the early hours when you can't get to sleep. Hopefully that will improve over time.

The wind was bitterly cold here today, and due to go below freezing tonight.

I won't be around for a few days because on Saturday we are taking our niece on this....

https://www.festrail.co.uk/con...cialevents/572.shtml

We went last year and she loved it, and her pressie off Santa, and we loved the views and fun from Santa and the Elves, mince pies and sherry too. Uni son is staying with the pets but he doesn't mind as Uni has been stressful lately and he still has work to do for it. But inbetween is enjoying playing Smash Brothers with his friends.

So hope you both have a good weekend, looks like being a cold one.

I am taking gloves, scarf etc as well as my Christmas jumpers because it is going to be real cold up in those Highlands when the train stops.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
Similar day to yesterday. Dry and cloudy and not too cold. 
It had been very windy overnight though, and stayed quite breezy all day.

I didn't work as I noticed this morning that the wind had lifted some of the felt on my garage roof, so I thought I'd better try to fix it before it got any worse.
I managed to put the felt back and tack it down. Then I screwed some wooden battens down, so hopefully the wind won't be able to lift it again.
Another of my bodge fixes, but hopefully it'll work.

By the time I'd done that it wasn't worth getting any paid work done.

Hicky. That's good that your OH's exercise gadgets came, but she'll have to make sure she doesn't overdo it.
Must be horrible only being able to get a couple of hours sleep.

Good idea to make a stew for your visitors on Monday.
Is this the new personal tax accounts that they are bringing in? Not sure if I've seen mine or not?
I'm due to do my tax return in the next few weeks, so perhaps that's a delight I've yet to experience?

Mollie. That's a lovely Santa Advent pic (well, better than the manic Xmas tree anyway ). And very appropriate for your North Wales train expedition this weekend.
Yes, I remember you going on the same thing last year, and your Niece loving it.
That's good of your son, staying behind to mind the fort, and the animals.

At least your Accountant was able to recommend someone else who could do the same service for you.
Pity you got the bitter wind there today.
Yes, I can see that stairs would be great exercise for your leg.

Watched 'This is My Song' on BBC1, then a prog looking back at the Lockerbie bombing (which was 30 years ago). Then I watched the Tom Cruis film 'Edge of Tomorrow'.

Evening Both.

4c today, cloud and sun, winds of 15, it feels like -2 to start then -1 later.

O/H went out at 9.15 shopping to Sainsbury's, i was still in bed having a lie in, i had an egg on toast when i got up.

She came home and taxi driver carried the shopping in, heaven knows how i could hardly lift one of the bags.

For tea we had a pack of chicken wings between us and finished off a pack of Tempura Prawns, yummy.

O/H was on the peddle machine again, i put the timer down to 3 minutes, think she did too much yesterday as part of her leg swelled.

Mollie, Thats a lovely advent picture, i remember the steam trains, before they scrapped them all.

She needed to buy a step as the only ones we have are outside and that was out.

I was very disappointed at looking at my very own personal tax account, and to even get into it they send me a code to my mobile, and to find it doesn't relate to me is crazy, last time i went to look at least i could see the last years info, that was when i said they hadn't got any updated info about what tax i owed, it had a link that said past transactions or wtte.

It was bad enough last year when i paid how they said and then couldn't find the money, what a system, good job i printed out the web page with all the details on it, they got back to me after a few days to say they had found the money.

That trip sounds great, you will all enjoy that again, see you when you return, have a great time.

Emptybox, Thats the problem with felt, you would think they could have a layer of fibre glass inside to stop it ripping, it must be one of the worst materials i have ever seen, it really is worthless, glad you were able to get it fastened, the battens will help also.

The new personal tax account isn't that new, i have had mine a while now, just a pity it's as useful as a car with no wheels.

Hi Hicky.

Frosty here this morning and very cold all day. Up to 1c this afternoon. Luckily it was calm though.

Did get out to do one job. Just tidying up and raking leaves etc.

Gave my van a wash when I got home.

That was good of the taxi driver, bringing your OH's shopping in.

Did you have to sneakily turn the timer down on her peddle machine?

Maybe I have seen my personal tax account then? It's always very difficult to navigate the HMRC site.

I should really completely recover the garage/shed roof. My bodges probably won't hold for long. As you say, felt isn't very good, but it's the cheapest method.

Evening Emptybox.

A rotten day here, rain and gales, 3c, not nice at all.

At least you got out, more than i did.

It would be interesting to see if your personal tax account is as hopeless as mine, but you have to register to get to it of course.

I could hear the sheets on the roof making a noise when i went into the garage, the wind was flapping looses ends, it is galv steel.

On your garage then, what material is the felt laying on?

Hi Hicky.
Horrible here as well. Very windy and rainy. Not as cold as it has been though.

This morning the wind was trying to undo my work on the garage and making a bit of felt flap, so I got out and put more tacks in it, before it got too windy. I'll see tomorrow if there has been any damage.
Hope you haven't had any damage there.

The felt is on top of wooden planks, a few of which are starting to rot, so really they should be replaced as well. But that would be a big job, probably beyond my capability.
If I moved I wouldn't take the garage away anyway, so I just need it to stay relatively watertight while I'm living here.
Not sure how old the garage is, as my Dad bought it second hand in 1992, and it was old then. We transported it here and rebuilt it.
We re-felted the roof then, but it's only been patched up since.

Got my Christmas decorations up this afternoon, such as they are.
I'll try and get my tax return done before Christmas, so I'll see if there's any change in the way you interact with the website.

Not much on telly this evening. Watched some stupid thing on CH5 'When Christmas Goes Horribly Wrong'. Now watching a sci-fi film.

Evening Emptybox.

Weather a bit better today, around 5c with cloud and medium winds, had a walk around the garden, the strong winds do a lot of leaf collecting, thats handy.

Just had a round of my toast and 2 crumpets for brekkie.

Slept in till 10.30 am, o/h did some chores then made the stew for tomorrow, we will do the spuds later, i cooked the lamb joint and made a Sunday Dinner for us, we eat at 4pm usually, o/h did all her exercises.

Enjoyed the Strictly final, thought the best dancers wouldn't win, Stacey is good though and Kevin deserved to win after 5 fails in the final.

I was wondering if you could put a cover over the whole garage, like a cheap pool liner, you would fasten it by fixing it on the end and sides of the garage to save putting holes in it then put battens across to hold the material down and fix them at the sides.

Not sure on the cost of the material, will look now.

It's probably different if doing a tax return, i got out of it as i no longer work but they kept sending me notices, had to ring them up, but thats a real pain and takes forever as you have to listen to 1 million messages and loads of computers asking what do you want, but no option to say i want to speak to a human, it's pretty obvious they don't want to talk to anyone.

We exchanged Christmas cards, i have ordered her a box of Just Brazils for Christmas, they should come Tuesday.

Got SIL & MIL here tomorrow for Dinner, should have a nice meal for them.

Hope Mollie enjoying her trip with her Niece.

Just checked on a pond liner price / size, it is big enough to cover mine with overlap, don't know how big yours is, https://www.pondkeeper.co.uk/1...r-7x4/l7x4+pondliner

Hi Hicky.
Not bad day here. The wind has gone, and we had a bit of sunshine.
Up to 4c when I went to Sainsburys this afternoon.

Luckily I had no damage from the wind of Storm Deidre. My fixes on the roof of the garage held.
That's a good idea Hicky. It might just work using a pond liner or something similar. Not bad price either.
There's a lean-to shed on the side of the garage, which would need to be covered as well, so might need a bigger liner, or two of them, but would be much less work to fit than roofing felt.
I'll need to give it a proper measure up. Probably wouldn't do anything till at least the Spring (or not at all knowing me ).

Hope you enjoyed your Sunday meal? I see you made the stew for your visitors tomorrow as well.
Didn't watch Strictly, but thought that Stacey would win. I would have preffered Ashley to win, but the Strictly viewers won't vote for good dancers for some reason?

Looking forward to The Apprentice final tonight.
Not sure why they always have the final on a Sunday? They should keep it on the same day of the week. I nearly missed it last year, if I recall.

Just popping in to wish Hicky a happy birthday today

Evening Emptybox & EL LORO.

Thank you for the Birthday wishes, another year has flown by, wow.

Not so bad here today, 9c sunny and light winds, rain expected this evening.

Had a great meal with SIL & MIL, they enjoyed the stew, with the addition of pickled cabbage and beetroot it was very nice, finished off with some Birthday cake, the icing stuff was a bit sickly, SIL bought me a lovely pair of Secateur's and MIL got me a nice box of super chocys.

My present for the o/h came today, saw a van outside delivering, waited for the driver to come for ages but noone appeared, when i heard the van engine start i nipped out to see the driver, i asked her where my package was, she said what package, i said, the one who came here to deliver, she said, oh, i have just left a parcel next door, i'll go and get it, didn't know you were number ?? so she went to get it, she came right back so not sure where she had left it.

Didn't have any brekkie with having a midday meal, think there may be a bit over to have for tea.

Will make another loaf tomorrow, i need to remember to add a tsp of malt flour to it as well.

The real pond liners are too expensive, the butyl type cost a fortune, the cheaper ones are pretty tough, i have had 2 of them, no problem.

with a lean to i think a separate sheet would do for that and overlap with the garage sheet.

that is what i use to cover the pots on my fruit trees, i cut a template then cut the circles out for each pot, the material won't tear which is good.

I agree, i knew Ashley wouldn't win, the public like underdogs so good dancers have no chance, plus i think the public was sympathetic to Kevin having previously get to the final 5 times and not win.

I didn't watch the Apprentice as like others didn't like the awful contestants.

both xxx

HICKY

Glad to hear you are having a nice birthday , I am sure you will enjoy those pressies. That is interesting how you had to chase your pressie delivery. What was it by the way? Sounds like you and the visitors enjoyed the stew.

Emptybox

only going up to 4c still sounds cold to me compared to here , not that it was very nice here, it was around 9c, but looked dull, but at least it didn;t rain.

Glad to see you got your own decorations up at last.

That is interesting about you and your dad transporting a garage back in 1992. Good job there was no wind damage.

We had a lovely weekend, such a long way to travel for just 2 nights though, but the Santa steam train was just great, beautiful mountain scenery, and we were on it from 1.30 till 4.45. The weather was not good though, very cold and windy and heavy showers on and off. Could of been worse I guess as it was not continuos rain. 
It was so windy walking past the Caernarfon castle though, that we could hardly stand! Son and daughter had to hold on tight to our little nieces hands so she didn't blow over! When we got to the train station, I had to dry my leggings in the ladies loo standing on one leg with the other shoved under the drier, as my legs were freezing with wet leggings stuck to them. I did get a few funny looks.
None of my family wanted the free sherry the elves gave out, so I drank mine and theirs.
Our niece loved it, especially the pressie off Santa and the funny Elves blowing bubbles at her. She told Santa she wanted Elf on a Shelf, she is funny, you can just get them from the Pound shop!

Advent day 17. Hope Emptybox didn't get as tangled as this reindeer did whilst putting up his decs.

Goodnight both xxx

Happy Birthday Hicky!

Frosty start here, but not too bad day. Everything stayed a bit damp though. Up to 3c this afternoon.
Got a job done. That's another place finished till the Spring.
Just got one more job to get done before Christmas.

Hicky. That's good that you enjoyed your family meal and got some nice pressies.
That was silly of the delivery driver, taking the parcel to the wrong house. Good job you were on the ball.

Mollie. Glad you enjoyed your trip on the mountain railway with your Niece, despite the bad weather. You must have been a sight, drying your leggings under the hand dryer.
Sounds like you made full use of your and your family's 'free' sherries.
As it happens I did get my tree lights in a tangle, but luckily they still worked.

Evening Both.

Another strange day here, 11c cloud and rain, winds of 20 with gusts of 47.

O/H went to the Physio at the hospital, i had brekkie, just sausage and bacon.

Made a loaf, very nice too, used the 3/4 recipe which makes the 3LB loaf tin.

Didn't do much, watched a couple of recording, still got loads to see.

The Sainsbury delivery came at 8am, o/h sorted it out, the butchers delivery comes Saturday.

I think we have enough food already to last about 2 months or more.

Mollie, Thank you for the Birthday pic and the advent one.

the pressie i was expecting from the delivery was a pressie for o/h, only a box of milk Just brazils, but it's her fave.

Yes, visitors did enjoy the meal, the stew was very nice, had some more at night as there was some left over.

Glad you enjoyed the trip away, sounded a bit trying to say the least, glad no drink was wasted on this trip. Ha Ha.

Emptybox, Thank you for the Birthday Wishes, all over for another year.

Hope you find a nice day to get the last job done before Christmas.

Oh, meant to say, 5 minutes after the Sainsbury's delivery this morning, i was still in bed, my mobile rang, it was the driver, he had found more trays of our delivery and would be back in 5 minutes, it was a tray of stuff from the chiller, o/h was thinking it seemed that stuff was missing.

both xxx

Advent day 18 and the reindeer is jingling his bells.

Emptybox

that is brilliant, only 1 job to do, then time to grab your sherry and mince pie and unwind for Christmas/New Year.  

Glad to hear your lights still worked despite being tangled.

Hicky

Sounds like you are going to be spoilt for choice with food for awhile now.

Good job the delivery guy was able to contact you to deliver the missing stuff. I expect he is overworked right now with all the extra Christmas deliveries.

Was your OH ok after the physio today?

Pouring most of the day today. Took pets to vets to have their nails cut. Bunny had his injection. The vet accidently cut poor doggie's paw when she did nails and made spots of blood on the table. Poor thing did cry out when she did that!

OH's nephew was working in Bristol and Cardiff, so came to our house for tea tonight. He doesn't eat meat and told me his fave meal was jacket potato, beans and cheese, so that was nice and easy for me to do, and I warmed up a Gregs mince pie for him after.

Was too busy tonight for tv till 9pm, so am watching "Things we Love about Christmas". Quite good.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
Wet here all day as well, but not cold at all. 
Didn't go out, but got last month's accounts done and also filed my tax return online, so productive day in that way.

I didn't see any difference in the HMRC pages. They're still a mixture of the newer blue layout, that seems to have been in beta for years, and the older green layout. Still just as difficult to find your way to the bit where you can log in and actually file your return.
However filing the actual return was quick enough.

Hicky. You don't seem to be having much luck with these delivery drivers?
At least the Sainsburys one realised his own mistake, and didn't need you to run after the van.
That's good that your loaf was a success.
Hope your OH got on well at the Physio?

Mollie. Sounds like you had a busy day, with the vet visit and then your OH's Nephew visiting. He has a similar taste in food to yourself.
That was clumsy of the vet, to cut your dog's paw.
Thanks for the jingling Reindeer.

Watched 'Our Yorkshire Farm' on CH5 at 8pm, then the drama on BBC1 about the end of slavery in Jamaica 'The Long Song'.

Evening Both.

Not too bad a day, 9c light rain at times, winds not too bad at 12.

Only had a wander around the garden, didn't do anything.

Had sausage, bacon and eggs for brekkie with some of my toast.

O/H more or less looking after herself now but it's her choice.

For tea i had some sliced french roll with butt and various bits and pieces on it, had a pot of potato salad.

Have ordered another set of scales to help with the bread making, the last one i got was only up to 200g, i do have a bigger one but now and again it seems to go wrong, this one is a 5kg one and i'm getting a stainless bowl/dish to go with it.

Mollie, Thanks for the jingly reindeer, very nice.

Yes, lots of food, one neighbour brought a card with a box of 6 home made mince pies.

O/H's physio went fine, she awarded her 110% so she is doing so well.

Oh, poor doggies paw, can do without that.

Bet your nephew enjoyed his meal then, one of your specialties.

Emptybox, At least you got your accounts done, and wow, your tax return, the site for that probably hasn't changed.

Very pleased with the loaf, and it only takes 35 minute to bake.

Yes, O/H doing well, these aids we bought are very helpful, the step unit and the peddle machine off very good physio for the legs, the simi;ar ones used in the hospital.

both xxx

Advent day 19, hope you both get some of these this Christmas.

Emptybox

you did well doing the accounts and filing the tax return. I am so glad we have an accountant do deal with HMRC, as it doesn't sound much fun.

Hicky

did you order your scales off amazon? With your bread making, I am sure it is important to get the right scales.

That is great the physio is so pleased with your OH now. Her determination with the new equipment has paid off.

Nice morning, then colder with rain in the afternoon.

Had a bit of a cold the last couple of days, felt tired with sore throat but not a bad cold so far, fingers crossed. So dosed up with manuka honey and echanacia the last couple of days, so hopefully it will go now.

Watched Corrie, now am watching Christmas Dinner Date, not a lot else on.

Goodnight both xxx

Look what turned up a few miles from us....

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/ne...t-mural-latest-work/

We will have to go and see it. You can see the steelworks in the background, that place is well known for pollution, so that is why Banksy must of chosen it. Very clever how one side of the wall just looks like the child in the snow, but on the other side of the wall, you can then see it is not what it first appeared. We could smell the steelworks in our last house when the wind blew in a certain direction. It is the first Banksy in Wales.