Went down to see them again last night. Mother had had a respite day and carer Jane had sat in with Dad. Apparently he slept most of the morning and then dozed off again a couple of times in the afternoon. Mum said it was just as well he'd slept that much because (in her words) he'd "looked at death's door".
When I asked why they hadn't rang me to let me know of the recent problems mother just said "well you could ring us!" Yes, I could, but my point is that they are ringing Andy to get him to walk the dog, so why not ring me. And I don't know when it is a "good" time to ring, or not, as the case may be.
Later when at home I asked Andy his view and he wasn't aware that Mum & Dad hadn't rung me, he assumed I knew what was going on so will now let me know whenever he gets a call from Mum & Dad. Personally I don't think it's fair that the grandparents are putting pressure on their grandsons to tend to them, so I'm glad Mark is away at University through the week otherwise I can see the grandparents interfering with his required study time.
Anyway, they both looked fine last night although Dad was quiet and Mum looked tired (but not spent out, as she's sometimes looked). I waited until the carers arrived to see how Dad was when they lifted him out of the chair in the hoist. He looked so frail, no strength in his legs so when he "stands" he's far from upright. To be frank - it doesn't look good.
Thursday, 29 November 2007
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Parents, who'd have them?
Yesterday I learnt that Friday night mother was up most of the night because Dad had problems with his catheter and they’d had the medics out twice in the night to sort it out. They didn’t mention it to me when I was down there Sunday morning, but, in the afternoon they rang Andy and asked if he could walk the dog because mum was too tired.
Tuesday night Andy went to tea with his grandparents as usual, only to be told that Dad had fallen out of the hoist that Mum uses to move him. This happened sometime Monday. Apparently his legs gave way but he ended up on the floor and had to remain there until the Paramedics called and got him back up into his chair which took over an hour. Later that night he again had problems with his catheter and the medics were again called.
I really don’t know why they won’t tell me about these occurrences and leave it for me to find out via the in-laws or the boys – that’s what’s really starting to piss me off! I'll have to talk it through with John when he's up at the weekend.
Tuesday night Andy went to tea with his grandparents as usual, only to be told that Dad had fallen out of the hoist that Mum uses to move him. This happened sometime Monday. Apparently his legs gave way but he ended up on the floor and had to remain there until the Paramedics called and got him back up into his chair which took over an hour. Later that night he again had problems with his catheter and the medics were again called.
I really don’t know why they won’t tell me about these occurrences and leave it for me to find out via the in-laws or the boys – that’s what’s really starting to piss me off! I'll have to talk it through with John when he's up at the weekend.
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
A day at The Bike Show - Monday 26th
The morning started with me dropping Mark back at University. The weather wasn't anything special and I was in two minds whether to go home and get the bike out or whether to go straight to the show. Finally I decided that the traffic would be too bad to endure in the car so went home and got the Deauville out, made sure it started on the button then packed and dressed for the trip. This all meant that I was running about 20 minutes behind my (mental) schedule.
Had a good run down, got parked up and changed. Indoor parking for free (cars are outside and it costs £8 for the day) and new security measures plus places to leave your gear should you not have the storage capacity that the Deauville has. Paid my £15 entry fee and went straight to the Honda stand just inside the main door - where I was pounced on by Bob & Mick within minutes. Then Steve turned up with a small group in tow. While on the Honda stand we noticed that they have introduced a new adjustable height screen for the 2008 Deauville - which annoyed Steve as he's just placed an order for a new 2007 one. Enquiries revel that Honda GB have only had the bike for a week so nobody really knows any more than we do but the do know that a motorised version will be available for an extra £300 which we all agree isn't worth the extra, but, we do like the way the screen adjusts so top marks to Honda for listening and responding to the customer feedback.
Steve takes off with hi mates leaving Bob, Mick & I to do our thing. We decide to just wander, and have a great time doing just that. Jumping on and off various machines, taking photos of the promo girls and the motorbikes, checking out the gear on sale. We eventually split up at about 4pm when Bob decides he's going to head back to Middleborough (a good 3 hour trip in the car), Mick says he's a couple of stands he wants to revisit and I've just got to find a new pair of motorcycling boots because Sue is getting them for me for Christmas. I eventually find a stand selling the boots I want and I save £40 on the normal selling price - job done!
So who was (and wasn't) there? Triumph, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW, Buell & Harley Davidson and Victory all had big stands in the main hall. Benelli and Royal Enfield had smaller, but still impressive, stands at the entrance to the second hall where Carloe Nash (Bike Insurers) had a big stand. Benelli was the only Italian bike manufacturer there so no Apriliias, Ducatis or Guzzies to ogle at. There were two or three Korean manufacturers there displaying bikes and scooters - some of which is getting pretty good and almost up to European standards so if the Italians stay away many more years I can see the Koreans casking in.
David Silver Spares (Honda bits), Infinity & Gear4Bikers (both mainly clothing) PowerBronze & Skidmarkz (bodywork bits) all had biggish stands while JTS was definitely one of the loudest with some guy on a speaker system announcing special sales items and stuff. As well as the boots I bought a rucksack after the zips gave up on the one I was using on the day (very timely).
Worthy of comment - Suzuki had a Burgman 400 scooter on their stand which had a MRA Vario Touring screen fitted (similat to the one on my Deauville) and it looked good too. The Victory Tour is massive, and impressive but has less carrying capacity than a Deauville or maxi-scooter due to the design being one for style over function. Yes it is excessive but personally I loved it. Not sure I'd buy one though assuming I had £15k to spare.
I eventually left for the bike park around 4:30pm and set off for home at 4:50. It was dark but although the traffic on the motorway was intimidating at first I soon settled down and the 50 odd mile trip home took just over an hour and a quarter as I decided to go cross country from Ashby to Derby and have some fun. I had a great day out and it's good to see that the show organisers have stopped the rot and put some effort into the show - I might go again next year!
Had a good run down, got parked up and changed. Indoor parking for free (cars are outside and it costs £8 for the day) and new security measures plus places to leave your gear should you not have the storage capacity that the Deauville has. Paid my £15 entry fee and went straight to the Honda stand just inside the main door - where I was pounced on by Bob & Mick within minutes. Then Steve turned up with a small group in tow. While on the Honda stand we noticed that they have introduced a new adjustable height screen for the 2008 Deauville - which annoyed Steve as he's just placed an order for a new 2007 one. Enquiries revel that Honda GB have only had the bike for a week so nobody really knows any more than we do but the do know that a motorised version will be available for an extra £300 which we all agree isn't worth the extra, but, we do like the way the screen adjusts so top marks to Honda for listening and responding to the customer feedback.
Steve takes off with hi mates leaving Bob, Mick & I to do our thing. We decide to just wander, and have a great time doing just that. Jumping on and off various machines, taking photos of the promo girls and the motorbikes, checking out the gear on sale. We eventually split up at about 4pm when Bob decides he's going to head back to Middleborough (a good 3 hour trip in the car), Mick says he's a couple of stands he wants to revisit and I've just got to find a new pair of motorcycling boots because Sue is getting them for me for Christmas. I eventually find a stand selling the boots I want and I save £40 on the normal selling price - job done!
So who was (and wasn't) there? Triumph, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW, Buell & Harley Davidson and Victory all had big stands in the main hall. Benelli and Royal Enfield had smaller, but still impressive, stands at the entrance to the second hall where Carloe Nash (Bike Insurers) had a big stand. Benelli was the only Italian bike manufacturer there so no Apriliias, Ducatis or Guzzies to ogle at. There were two or three Korean manufacturers there displaying bikes and scooters - some of which is getting pretty good and almost up to European standards so if the Italians stay away many more years I can see the Koreans casking in.
David Silver Spares (Honda bits), Infinity & Gear4Bikers (both mainly clothing) PowerBronze & Skidmarkz (bodywork bits) all had biggish stands while JTS was definitely one of the loudest with some guy on a speaker system announcing special sales items and stuff. As well as the boots I bought a rucksack after the zips gave up on the one I was using on the day (very timely).
Worthy of comment - Suzuki had a Burgman 400 scooter on their stand which had a MRA Vario Touring screen fitted (similat to the one on my Deauville) and it looked good too. The Victory Tour is massive, and impressive but has less carrying capacity than a Deauville or maxi-scooter due to the design being one for style over function. Yes it is excessive but personally I loved it. Not sure I'd buy one though assuming I had £15k to spare.
I eventually left for the bike park around 4:30pm and set off for home at 4:50. It was dark but although the traffic on the motorway was intimidating at first I soon settled down and the 50 odd mile trip home took just over an hour and a quarter as I decided to go cross country from Ashby to Derby and have some fun. I had a great day out and it's good to see that the show organisers have stopped the rot and put some effort into the show - I might go again next year!
Still getting about
Friday night I go for my monthly massage with Rona - explaining that I'm a little sore in the right side ribs. She has a prod and a poke... and I hit the ceiling as she finds a very tender point. I tell her that I think she is taking a perverse enjoyment out of my situation, to which she responds by poking me on exactly the same point again and announcing that "it's bust!". Subsequent coughts & sneezes bear this diagnosis out as they hurt like ****.
Sunday morning I manage to get down to check on Mum & Dad. They both appear to be in good cheer and as well as can be expected.
Sunday afternoon I drop Sue off at her parents while I go off to the local auto parts centre. I call in to pick her up on my way back, to find that he's been issued with a 3 wheeled "zimmer" frame, which he wants Andy to make a few adjustments to. Ten minutes later I've made the adjustments and saved Andy a job. Both Phil & Joyce seem in fine fettle so we take our leave.
Sunday, 7:50pm - Fred comes round to say he can't play badminton and asks I stand in for him. Of cousre I've a busted rib and he's had an operation to remove a large lump on his right shoulder blade. We agree to take turns and play 2 games each which we both manage to survive. Mark shows us all up with his abilities with the racket but then he is not yet 19 while Sue is younger than me, Dave & I are both 51 and Fred is 61 (but without an ounce of fat and fitting fit).
Something I don't understand is how come with having played badminton several times over the last few weeks I'm actually putting weight on and not loosing it. I had got down to 15 stone (210 pounds) but I've put 6 lb on over the last 4 weeks.
Had a phone call from John, he's coming up to see Mum & Dad at the weekend. He had an x-ray for a suspected broken wrist on Thursday. The good news is that it isn't bust, but, the bad news is that it is an RSI from crane operating so he'll have to re-think what he does at work.
Sunday morning I manage to get down to check on Mum & Dad. They both appear to be in good cheer and as well as can be expected.
Sunday afternoon I drop Sue off at her parents while I go off to the local auto parts centre. I call in to pick her up on my way back, to find that he's been issued with a 3 wheeled "zimmer" frame, which he wants Andy to make a few adjustments to. Ten minutes later I've made the adjustments and saved Andy a job. Both Phil & Joyce seem in fine fettle so we take our leave.
Sunday, 7:50pm - Fred comes round to say he can't play badminton and asks I stand in for him. Of cousre I've a busted rib and he's had an operation to remove a large lump on his right shoulder blade. We agree to take turns and play 2 games each which we both manage to survive. Mark shows us all up with his abilities with the racket but then he is not yet 19 while Sue is younger than me, Dave & I are both 51 and Fred is 61 (but without an ounce of fat and fitting fit).
Something I don't understand is how come with having played badminton several times over the last few weeks I'm actually putting weight on and not loosing it. I had got down to 15 stone (210 pounds) but I've put 6 lb on over the last 4 weeks.
Had a phone call from John, he's coming up to see Mum & Dad at the weekend. He had an x-ray for a suspected broken wrist on Thursday. The good news is that it isn't bust, but, the bad news is that it is an RSI from crane operating so he'll have to re-think what he does at work.
Friday, 23 November 2007
The NEC Bike Show
There's me all looking forward to going to the Bike Show at the Birmingham NEC and then I get pointed to this link:- Bike Show News
By all accounts it's been revamped and is better than in recent years, but, in all honesty it was going down hill so I'm still going on Monday and still looking forward to it.
By all accounts it's been revamped and is better than in recent years, but, in all honesty it was going down hill so I'm still going on Monday and still looking forward to it.
Thursday, 22 November 2007
That'll teach me
Tuesday I'm at work and I ask one of my colleagues if he wants to go down for lunch? Mike replies that he's off to play badminton so won't have time to do anything other than grab a sarnie on the hoof. Off he goes, but fails to return as he badly pulls his Achillies tendon and gets taken off to hospital. Later that afternoon I ring him on his mobile to find he has been put in a cast and he's told the cast will probably be on for 6 weeks or more. Needless to say I pull his leg about the fact that he could have had a relaxing lunch break.
That evening I play badminton with Sue, Dave and Fred. During one of the games I'm partnering Dave and I end up getting bashed in the ribs. It's sore but I play on. Overnight I get little sleep so first thing I get an appointment with the family doctor. He informs me that badminton is a non-contact sport, that they don't x-ray ribs these days unless they suspect damage to internal organs, and that if the pain goes away before Christmas then the ribs are just bruised but if it lasts into the new year then they are broken.
Like I said.... that'll teach me, what goes around, comes around!
That evening I play badminton with Sue, Dave and Fred. During one of the games I'm partnering Dave and I end up getting bashed in the ribs. It's sore but I play on. Overnight I get little sleep so first thing I get an appointment with the family doctor. He informs me that badminton is a non-contact sport, that they don't x-ray ribs these days unless they suspect damage to internal organs, and that if the pain goes away before Christmas then the ribs are just bruised but if it lasts into the new year then they are broken.
Like I said.... that'll teach me, what goes around, comes around!
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
News from Adelaide, Australia
I reveived the following news from Krissie in Adelaide....
We have had a litany of disaster this weekend, but in the end it could have been so much worse that it is almost a blessing and makes us appreciate what we have.
Friday night Mick and I were due at a neighbours for drinks, but when I got home he was in bed with hot and cold shivers and vomiting so, ever the thoughtful wife, I slide off and had a brilliant time (this couple are into old records and I came away with a copy of ELOs greatest hits). Mick was ill the whole weekend and on Sunday night his "good" leg started to swell and become very hot, red and blotchy. To cut a long story short at 2.00pm Monday I took him to emergency where they thought he either had a blood clot or cellulitis (germs getting into the skin). Fortunately it is cellulitis and he is being visited twice a day until Sunday by the district nurse with intravenous antibiotics. So hopefully that is him sorted.
The next disaster was Ross. I took him to the train station to catch the train to meet his girlfriend but he was late (due to an argument with his dad) and the train was pulling away from the platform as he arrived, however, the doors weren't shut (as they are supposed to be) so he made a jump, his back foot got caught between the train and the platform and he went down with the leg outside and his body inside the train. He was very lucky that a man pulled him upright and the train stopped. Ross could have so easily lost his leg instead of having very bad abrasions and having to have it dressed at the medical centre until Thursday.
Then we move onto my second born. Matt was riding around on his bike with his friend, shot between two bushes into the Deli car park just as a car was pulling in. He managed to nearly stop and just caught the passenger side door making two 1" parallel scratches which the owner thinks will cost about $600 to fix. The good news is it will be covered by our house contents insurance, and perhaps he has finally had some road sense knocked into him.
So I am now taking a deep breath, sorting everything out and looking forward to Christmas. This weekend we put up the tree, in Adelaide the decorations go up after the Christmas Pageant when Santa comes to town. Next weekend I will have to get on the roof with Matt for the outside decorations and also the 7' snowman which goes in the garden. Yes, Matt still loves Christmas!
Ross was accepted into the Australian Technical College, huge sigh of relieve all around. For the first 6 months he will be trying all sorts of trades and will then specialise. He seems to think he would like to be a boiler maker and with the new defence contracts in Adelaide there would be a need for them, but I think it could be hard, dangerous work so Mummy is gently pushing towards being an electrician. At the end of two years, if he actually does what he is supposed to do (and I think he will) he will be 1/3 of the way through his chosen apprenticeship and have achieved his Year 12 Certificate which will keep lots of doors open to him if he decides to try something else. It isn't aimed at Uni students but most professions would need it if he applied.
Anyway, that is my news, love to all and I hope you are all looking forward to Crimble too!!!
We have had a litany of disaster this weekend, but in the end it could have been so much worse that it is almost a blessing and makes us appreciate what we have.
Friday night Mick and I were due at a neighbours for drinks, but when I got home he was in bed with hot and cold shivers and vomiting so, ever the thoughtful wife, I slide off and had a brilliant time (this couple are into old records and I came away with a copy of ELOs greatest hits). Mick was ill the whole weekend and on Sunday night his "good" leg started to swell and become very hot, red and blotchy. To cut a long story short at 2.00pm Monday I took him to emergency where they thought he either had a blood clot or cellulitis (germs getting into the skin). Fortunately it is cellulitis and he is being visited twice a day until Sunday by the district nurse with intravenous antibiotics. So hopefully that is him sorted.
The next disaster was Ross. I took him to the train station to catch the train to meet his girlfriend but he was late (due to an argument with his dad) and the train was pulling away from the platform as he arrived, however, the doors weren't shut (as they are supposed to be) so he made a jump, his back foot got caught between the train and the platform and he went down with the leg outside and his body inside the train. He was very lucky that a man pulled him upright and the train stopped. Ross could have so easily lost his leg instead of having very bad abrasions and having to have it dressed at the medical centre until Thursday.
Then we move onto my second born. Matt was riding around on his bike with his friend, shot between two bushes into the Deli car park just as a car was pulling in. He managed to nearly stop and just caught the passenger side door making two 1" parallel scratches which the owner thinks will cost about $600 to fix. The good news is it will be covered by our house contents insurance, and perhaps he has finally had some road sense knocked into him.
So I am now taking a deep breath, sorting everything out and looking forward to Christmas. This weekend we put up the tree, in Adelaide the decorations go up after the Christmas Pageant when Santa comes to town. Next weekend I will have to get on the roof with Matt for the outside decorations and also the 7' snowman which goes in the garden. Yes, Matt still loves Christmas!
Ross was accepted into the Australian Technical College, huge sigh of relieve all around. For the first 6 months he will be trying all sorts of trades and will then specialise. He seems to think he would like to be a boiler maker and with the new defence contracts in Adelaide there would be a need for them, but I think it could be hard, dangerous work so Mummy is gently pushing towards being an electrician. At the end of two years, if he actually does what he is supposed to do (and I think he will) he will be 1/3 of the way through his chosen apprenticeship and have achieved his Year 12 Certificate which will keep lots of doors open to him if he decides to try something else. It isn't aimed at Uni students but most professions would need it if he applied.
Anyway, that is my news, love to all and I hope you are all looking forward to Crimble too!!!
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Shopping
What is it with the female of the species that they actually enjoy shopping? Sue took her Mum to town because she wanted to get herself a jacket. Now normally this would mean treking all the way round all the shops and ending up back where they started, buying the first one they'd seen.
But not this time....
Up onto the rooftop parking of the new Westfield centre. From there down to M & S. She loved the first jacket she saw, tried it on and was done! For good measure they went round the store where Mum-in-Law saw a pair of slacks she liked and also bought. Done and dusted in double quick time and back home before I'd had a chance to realise they were gone.
But not this time....
Up onto the rooftop parking of the new Westfield centre. From there down to M & S. She loved the first jacket she saw, tried it on and was done! For good measure they went round the store where Mum-in-Law saw a pair of slacks she liked and also bought. Done and dusted in double quick time and back home before I'd had a chance to realise they were gone.
Sunday, 18 November 2007
The first snows of winter
Around 3pm today it started to snow and that continued until about 10pm (by which time we had 2 inches of slushy snow laying around) when it turned to light rain. Hopefully that means the snow will all be gone for the morning.
This weekend has been fairly relaxing. I went and saw Mum & Dad Saturday morning. John rang while I was there. Mum & Dad look OK, sound OK, but they try and hide the truth so I'm never really sure that they are OK.
Both Andy & Mark have been home at different times over the weekend and it was nice to sit down to Sunday lunch together, just the 4 of us. Mark took my place at badminton as I'd played last Tuesday & Sunday (actually winning some games).
This weekend has been fairly relaxing. I went and saw Mum & Dad Saturday morning. John rang while I was there. Mum & Dad look OK, sound OK, but they try and hide the truth so I'm never really sure that they are OK.
Both Andy & Mark have been home at different times over the weekend and it was nice to sit down to Sunday lunch together, just the 4 of us. Mark took my place at badminton as I'd played last Tuesday & Sunday (actually winning some games).
Monday, 12 November 2007
News in brief
Sue had a girlie weekend in Dublin with Anne, Carol, Sue P & Wendy. I drove Sue & Anne to EMA and they met Carol there and flew out early hours Friday 9th. Sue P & Wendy flew out later in the day. They all stayed at the same hotel just off O'Connell Street and had a good time, but, Sue says it's very expensive (more so than London, Paris, Barcelona, New York & Prague - all of which we have done recently. They got back late Sunday.
Mark went up to Manchester on his scooter and stayed the weekend with his girlfriend.
Andy had both Friday & Monday (today) off for a long weekend as he had some annual leave to use up.
I spent the weekend fighting off a cold & sore throat (again) but as I managed a weekend of doing virtually nothing I can't complain too much! I'm looking forward to going to the NEC Bike show on Monday 26th November.
I spoke to Christine on Sunday (morning her time, afternoon GMT) and she sounds better after having survived an inspection at work and coming out shining - that's good news sis! I was at Mum & Dad's when she rang - they are both as well as can be expected. I didn't stay long coz I don't want them getting whatever bug it is that I can't shake off.
John sent me an SMS text from his laptop so he's obviously getting the hang of it.
Krissie (in Oz) has sent me some more email humour so hopefully that means that she's OK - will have to ring and find out sometime soon.
Mark went up to Manchester on his scooter and stayed the weekend with his girlfriend.
Andy had both Friday & Monday (today) off for a long weekend as he had some annual leave to use up.
I spent the weekend fighting off a cold & sore throat (again) but as I managed a weekend of doing virtually nothing I can't complain too much! I'm looking forward to going to the NEC Bike show on Monday 26th November.
I spoke to Christine on Sunday (morning her time, afternoon GMT) and she sounds better after having survived an inspection at work and coming out shining - that's good news sis! I was at Mum & Dad's when she rang - they are both as well as can be expected. I didn't stay long coz I don't want them getting whatever bug it is that I can't shake off.
John sent me an SMS text from his laptop so he's obviously getting the hang of it.
Krissie (in Oz) has sent me some more email humour so hopefully that means that she's OK - will have to ring and find out sometime soon.
Thursday, 8 November 2007
On her way to work today....
Sue was on her way to work today when a car (an MPV / Minivan) pulled out of a side street right in front of her. It really shock her up because the driver hadn't seen the motorcyclist Sue was following. Only a young lad, riding properly and safely, but, he didn't stand a chance. The motorbike (a 125cc machine) was completey wrecked, fuel tank split and fuel everywhere. The rider had both legs broken and loads of other injuries. The STUPID woman driver of the MPV got out, ran round and fell over on the spilt fuel.
The local Fire tender on site in 2 minutes, but the ambulance took 22 minutes and that's CRAP when a badly beaten up rider is lying broken up in the road. Sue and another woman driver gave statements to the police saying the rider didn't stand a chance and that the MPV driver should not have pulled out of the side road and that it had pulled out so fast the driver obviously hadn't seen the motorcycle.
And all the time traffic was trying to drive round the accident - buses included! Eventually there were enough police to stop that, but it's a poor reflection on our society that there were no offers of help, just a "carry on regardless" attitude.
The local Fire tender on site in 2 minutes, but the ambulance took 22 minutes and that's CRAP when a badly beaten up rider is lying broken up in the road. Sue and another woman driver gave statements to the police saying the rider didn't stand a chance and that the MPV driver should not have pulled out of the side road and that it had pulled out so fast the driver obviously hadn't seen the motorcycle.
And all the time traffic was trying to drive round the accident - buses included! Eventually there were enough police to stop that, but it's a poor reflection on our society that there were no offers of help, just a "carry on regardless" attitude.
Card from the USA
Got home to find something had come in the post from America - it was a card, a musical card, from Christine. I opened it, read it, played it (three times) before handing it to Suzie. Then we had a big hug and imagined Chris was there with us joining in the hug. Physically we were thousands of miles apart, but, in reality she was there with us - thanks Sis! Hope you enjoyed that big hug!
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
News in brief
Angie now has a job in a sandwich bar. Pay isn’t much good but it’s better than nothing. Her partner also has some more lecturing work so at the moment things are looking a bit better for them.
Sue has been signed-off as fit to return to work full time starting Monday 5th November. She only has to do a 4 day week this week and next as she’s on a girlie weekend trip to Dublin in the early hours of Friday 9th.
Mark’s girlfriend was on “half term” from Manchester Uni last week, so went and stayed with Mark in his Uni digs in Nottingham. They then spent most of the weekend with us.
Andy’s learnt that he’s in line for a loyalty bonus if he stays with his current employer for another 3 years. If the money they have indicated is actually payable then it will be worth his while to stay long enough to collect. His girlfriend went out to an 18th birthday party Saturday night and got blotto. Andy got a phone call from a mutual friend suggesting he collect her, which he did, only to deposit her back home to her mother. Sunday morning she had no recollection of how she came to be home with mum or how she got there.
At the weekend I rang Don & Liz for a chat – it’s good to hear their voices again. Don’s not having much luck with his health at the moment, too many bugs doing the rounds and hanging on in there when he’d rather they found another victim. I’ve just gone back into work this morning after taking Monday & Tuesday off with a cold and sore throat. Still not 100% but fortunately I’m “between assignments” at the moment with not a lot to do.
Things seem to have settled down as far as Mum & Dad are concerned. We help out with bits of shopping and dog walking and John did some jobs for Mum while he was up last week (Thursday & Friday). First I knew he’d been up was when I rang Dad and he said I’d just missed John as he’d set off for home. As I went down with the cold the next day it was probably as well he didn’t pay us a visit.
Sue has been signed-off as fit to return to work full time starting Monday 5th November. She only has to do a 4 day week this week and next as she’s on a girlie weekend trip to Dublin in the early hours of Friday 9th.
Mark’s girlfriend was on “half term” from Manchester Uni last week, so went and stayed with Mark in his Uni digs in Nottingham. They then spent most of the weekend with us.
Andy’s learnt that he’s in line for a loyalty bonus if he stays with his current employer for another 3 years. If the money they have indicated is actually payable then it will be worth his while to stay long enough to collect. His girlfriend went out to an 18th birthday party Saturday night and got blotto. Andy got a phone call from a mutual friend suggesting he collect her, which he did, only to deposit her back home to her mother. Sunday morning she had no recollection of how she came to be home with mum or how she got there.
At the weekend I rang Don & Liz for a chat – it’s good to hear their voices again. Don’s not having much luck with his health at the moment, too many bugs doing the rounds and hanging on in there when he’d rather they found another victim. I’ve just gone back into work this morning after taking Monday & Tuesday off with a cold and sore throat. Still not 100% but fortunately I’m “between assignments” at the moment with not a lot to do.
Things seem to have settled down as far as Mum & Dad are concerned. We help out with bits of shopping and dog walking and John did some jobs for Mum while he was up last week (Thursday & Friday). First I knew he’d been up was when I rang Dad and he said I’d just missed John as he’d set off for home. As I went down with the cold the next day it was probably as well he didn’t pay us a visit.
Thursday, 1 November 2007
The trip to Bristol
I left this out of the previous update -- so here goes....
Sue, Andy and I drove ran down to Bristol to pick up the BMW he'd "bought" on eBay. However, it wasn't as described and eventually the vendor agreed to Andy backing out of the deal when we volunteered to pay his eBay costs (estimated at £30). However, when he contacted eBay they nulled off the charges because of the circumstances, so that saved Andy some dosh. He's still looking round for a likely machine but selecting ones nearer to home so that he can view them before bidding. A lesson well learnt.
Sue, Andy and I drove ran down to Bristol to pick up the BMW he'd "bought" on eBay. However, it wasn't as described and eventually the vendor agreed to Andy backing out of the deal when we volunteered to pay his eBay costs (estimated at £30). However, when he contacted eBay they nulled off the charges because of the circumstances, so that saved Andy some dosh. He's still looking round for a likely machine but selecting ones nearer to home so that he can view them before bidding. A lesson well learnt.
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