Monday Shopping

 

You will have heard of the petition, signed by 2 million apparently, for a General Election now!

Clearly this is Musk inspired, a quick look at the readout here reveals who exactly is signing this petition!  Musk will have his goons, and their bots working to sign up, and it is possible some of the Farage rioters, at least those not 'inside,' will also have signed.  Somewhat tersely Mr Starmer has said they will have to wait 5 years for one.   Musk has not yet commented.  However, this does indicate what outside interference in the UK will be like under Trump and his beloved.  All sorts of daft ideas, many online, most absurd, will soon be appearing and demanding answers.  I suspect they too will fall on deaf ears.

I've been browsing for Christmas presents and obtained one or two for myself.  This, I think, is good going.  I am looking for a wee camera like this one among the cheap sites, and have found a possible which is lacking a battery.  This is OK as I can obtain one cheap, or reuse an old one I have here from this broken one.  One fault is the lens jams, and while I now have info on fixing it I am not technical enough to give it a go at present.  The complicated insides means I will have a thousand wee bits all over the place and the thing worse off!

So, money is spent.

I did buy one thing for one of the kids though...

So, amongst other things I obtained a few cards online, some of which are Christmas cards, while huge gaps remain on the list.  I was glad to sit here browsing as I had been taking what is laughingly called 'exercise,' then running about Sainsbury's, struggling down into the basement for the electric meter reading (having, in block capitals informed the online query regarding 'Smart Meters' as to why they cannot work here as their engineer reported to them years ago.)  I may have been tense at the time.  I then visited the wee corner shop full of odds and sods to browse and buy cheap tins of chopped tomatoes.  After which my knees made me sit and spend vast amounts of cash through 'PayPal.'  

Christmas has only begun and already I am going out to play Bob Dylan in the High Street!   

Christmas Card Shopping

I was hobbling away from the card shops when I saw the sun was going down.  Normally this is hidden from my sight by trees and unless I venture outdoors I miss it.  Quite nice tonight, the storms tomorrow may offer something different.

I had been in three card shops today for Christmas cards.  Now, I have dozens of cards, I bought them online from an Etsy shop, WordPlay Design.   I like these cards but naturally none of them fit the family!  

I got the Christmas list out, ensured it was correct, then looked through all the cards, including last years leftovers and rejects, and attempted to fit them to people.  This was OK concerning non family folks, and they can be sorted tomorrow - or later, but not one fitted the family and their twisted sense off humour.  Thus I trekked out unwillingly this afternoon to visit the cheap but good card shop.  

Here luck was in for some, I obtained a few cards but nowhere near enough.  Also I needed three kids cards for one lot and another for the boy.  The problem is, one mum has two wee girls, so cards etc are required for both.  Then, on Boxing Day, one of them becomes a 2 year old, thus requiring another card and gift.  The mum of the boy will soon tell me what I am buying him, thus making life easier, until I see the cost.  Naturally, I forgot to buy a card suitable for him and will have to go out again in the next few days.  The latest storm is apparently falling on us tomorrow so it may be Monday before I get out.

Anyway, I tried three different shops and failed to find what I wish for.  Thus I may have to go back to Etsy for a rummage through their cards again.  The problem here is finding cards that are funny yet not filthy as too many are at the moment.  Wit has been replaced by four letter words in what are often funny cards, but not suitable for my audience.  Typical!

So I end the day with one card complete, a long list to go!

Saturday Struggles

David Walker

 

I have spent the day attempting to sort out the mess caused by Christmas Cards.

The mess was caused by not having a wide enough selection, this was sorted today by finding several decent cards that would fix the problem.  Now I have a problem with too many cards to select from!

The family cards are done, this makes it easy.  Tomorrow I will hopefully put the rest in order.

Filling the couch I found three separate lots awaiting packing.  This is a problem, as one packet has already been packed, wrapped with an entire reel of brown tape, and awaits sending next week.  This leaves me three lots to sort.  This would be fine except there ought to be only two awaiting packing!  I have been making two lots for the one person!  How does this happen?  Now I need to restart as the box I have is not big enough.  I think next year I will demand they come south and pick them up themselves!

Christmas Eve 2022

At this time of year there are lots of tinsel covered cards doing the rounds.  The religious ones tend to feature a baby in a wooden crib, crowned with a yellow halo, as indeed are the loving parents featured beside.  Three men dressed in ornate robes, presents in hand stand along side a handful of grubby shepherds carrying a lamb or two.  From the child a glow emits, lighting up the stable and much of the world around, while high above a bright, huge, star glints as it lingers in the cloudless sky.  A touching scene, much loved by many.

However, (the cynical bit begins here) this is not what happened.

Certainly we are told Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem, certainly we are told there was no room at the 'Inn.' Clearly there was little money for this pair as Joseph could not bribe his way in.  The implication of a 'manger' implies they found rest, either recommended by the 'Inn' or by themselves in a stable.  Clearly also they remained there for some time, all this with Shepherds and Magi may not have taken place in one night, so they had permission from someone to remain there.  Later, on the eighth day Jesus was presented at the Temple, the offering they gave was the cheapest, another indication of poverty.  A young couple, she possibly 14, he only 20, trying to care for a child, yet without revealing Gods words to anyone.  They both come across as worthy individuals.  

This is not the picture we have on Christmas cards.  This is a struggle, similar to many since and at this moment, who bring a child into the world with little resources with which to keep him.  This one however, under the care of the Father God is born, after a long walk for Mary, no donkey for these two, and born in such wretched conditions.  Unlike most in leadership Jesus started at the very bottom, and he was the one through whom this world had been created!  The mother walking, nine months gone, from Nazareth to Bethlehem, up hill and down dale.  Finding nowhere to sleep, giving birth in a stable, with or without animals.  At least they would create warmth, and an interesting atmosphere.  Alone, only the visit from the shepherds and the Magi is recorded, possibly Joseph went out to obtain food, possibly the stable owner cared for them while tending any animals.  Then the presentation in the temple, the words from an old man and an old woman indicating the future, in a distinct manner, and then the warning to leave for Egypt and another long walk carrying the child this time. 

No halo's, no false sentiment, just the Father's provision, childbearing, walking and an interesting future both Joseph and Mary were leaving in Gods hands.  How would you cope?

The child went on to learn his dads business, to learn his people's history, and to teach for three years before being arrested, tried unjustly, beaten, scourged and crucified, while having committed no sin.  He did not die by mistake, he, God in human form, accepted the Father's will as a way of paying the sin debt of all.  He endured this for me, for you, and for all who would believe it.  Not much sentiment there, just a loving God dying for his people, and one that wants us to believe him and rest in him.  He will never fail us.

Card Happy

It was Sir Henry Cole who sent the first Christmas card, and then went on to organise the 'Great Exhibition' of 1851 and the Victoria and Albert museum.  Clearly a man who liked to work, he created the card as he did not have enough time to write his customary Christmas letter.  A good, simple idea, which led onto a big business opportunity.  Cole himself made a thousand cards, kept half to himself and sold the rest through the shop, creating thereby the flow of cars that cause so much pleasure and upset annually.  I suppose it is the simple idea, one that is right in front of us, that once recognised, makes a man a profit.  The yo-yo, the hula-hoop, that plastic thing people use to throw a ball for the dog, those small rubber bands that became a craze for kids the other year.  Simple things which one as simple as I never think off.  

So far I have had one card via the Royal Mail, one handed to me, and hopefully dozens in the post all containing money.  This will be a change from last year, and indeed, all the years previous to that.  With a post strike on several people have indicated they are yet to post cards!  One week to go, a months worth of mail sitting there, and they have not yet posted!  How stupid are people?  These are the types that will complain the post is slow.  I expect they complain about nurses, trains and everything else that has been on strike for long enough yet they have not noticed.

Strikes like this unknown since 1979 yet the government happy to do nothing.  What a shame we have no opposition bar the Scottish and Welsh Nationalists.

Chilly Market Day

Another storming market day under the grey cloudy sky.  The wind chill made me wish I had worn the cap, the prices of some of the Christmassy stalls made me wish I was a top level footballer, then at least I could afford to but the home made gin.  

I did venture to purchase more Christmas cards for yet more names that appeared.  Do I really know so many people?  I also bought two more Amazon cards, just in case.  I have sent so much cash that next year I will be sending only Gift cards from 'Poundland!'  I also bought a £1 calendar, one of those 'One month to view, appointment calendars' to sit on the desk next to me ensuring I do not miss any birthdays as I have been known to do.  

I do this as if I had the money to cover it!  This, and sitting here with the heating sometimes on!  Is there no end to my callous regard for reality?    

Now I have just watched boring Netherlands defeat the USA, boring and efficient football has been their way since the 60s, I cannot see them end this now  Hopefully Argentina will sort them out in the next round, though they have to get past Australia, which they sadly will do.

Now it's bread and cheese for tea...How the rich live!

Thursday Jabs

 

 

I received a letter a while back informing me of the latest jab for old people those in their prime.  I laid it aside as you do.  Then there came an email with the same offer.  Then, having ignored the previous mailings I received another letter and email.  I looked into this jab business, being caring about such things.  I went through the Booking procedure, then looked for a nearby jab centre.  Horrified I found there was one in a town 6 miles south, and one in a town 6 miles north!  Our town, the biggest and most important had only a visiting bus and that on a Sunday way down at the 'Braintree Village Shopping Centre.'

I chucked it.  

Later, much later, speaking to the wise elders at the village gate, I was instructed to seek further, as pharmacies were doing this also.  More letters ordering old prime people to the jab house arrived.  This time I obeyed and searched for Pharmacies local.  One up the road, of which I am not keen, was very busy, so I searched for a better place.  I found the place I got the last jab was free, booked myself in, and today I wandered in the rain down to their place, pressed the button on the locked door, grunted in the intercom (why have this if she did not know who was there), entered without being asked what I wanted, was greeted by a young woman, gave my age, received disbelieving looks, told the truth, and was taken through to the nurse.  This delightful black nurse, full of life and thoroughly enjoying stabbing people she said, jabbed me for the Pfitzner and then the Flu jab.  

In spite of warnings I have felt no noticeable difference since then.  There again, as I am always suffering the things they say occur after a jab I am unlikely to notice anyway.  So I am satisfied with the operation.  So simple in spite of what others go through, and not just because of Covid.  I have a friend who's mother is dying, possibly before Christmas.  His wife's mother may have gone before then, a cousin has terminal sickness also, a brother seriously depressed, and his church has several who may not last 6 months.  Another long time friend has just begun dialysis.  

I am grateful for my limited health problems.

That said, I have been knackered all week.  I took too much out of myself over the weekend and have not stopped long enough since.  At least tomorrow means nothing more than a walk, if I feel like it, to Sainburys.  Then it is sort out the Xmas stuff that has been left all week.  Time to pack and send off I say, before another post strike and before I run out of cash.  Then I plan the online gifts and sort the cards which are ready and waiting.

Good job I got a warning of a 10% rise in my pension.

The Chancellor announced his budget today, I did not bother to listen, already it has been torn apart, or praised to the heights.  As usual after a budget.  The very rich, such as Hunt and Sunak and his wife, are not paying much more, and the banks have saved money in a small move, hidden under everything else.

I am too tired to care tonight.   All will be well.

 

Silly Old Fool

 

It was not just the world outside that suffered from fog this morning.  Rising early, carefully gathering all required for the trip to church, taking one of those free 'Flow Tests' that the council have given out, breakfasting according to the days activities and then, in good time, plodding off in good order towards the Kirk.

Naturally, the chill in the breeze did not waken me, nor the several people met on the pavements, pavements narrowed by the overgrown hedges, worn areas caused by cars to driving over, and various items left by passersby and their mutts.  None woke me from my slumbers as I plodded on.

It was as I almost reached the Kirk that I woke up and remembered the heater.

I had plugged it in at 7:30 to warm the air.  I was so busy organising myself that I forgot to unplug it as I left.  This heater now sits under my desk, warming my feet and while safe enough with me beside it allowing it to burn free  while  I was out was not desirable.  Grrrrrr!  I expect all would be safe, but it was a risk I could not take and so in the church I dumped the Christmas cards for the masses, explained myself, and hobbled back home.

It was 25 or so minutes later I clambered up the stair, entered a very warm living room and unplugged the brute!  So then it was too late to return, my dinner put to the test, and I sat annoyed at the silly old fool who could not remember something as simple as unplugging the heater!  Bah!

Another thought did cross my head however.  The Christmas cards in church.  In times past we laid them on the table and people added their own to the pile.  Each collected their own while adding to others.  All well and good, children excited to see how many they collect, adults hoping they would not get one from people they had forgotten!  Covid has ended this!  Now, to stop the spread, we must meet one another face to face and hand them the card.  Hmmm... I wonder if this is a safer method?  

Anyway, good news!  A call from one of my women at lunchtime, she and her man will collect me tonight to ensure I get to the Carol Service.  This saves me another hobble there and back.  How nice of them, I hope I put a card for them in amongst that pile...

 

The day ended well.  Being collected and delivered back afterwards was a great pleasure.  I think I could allow this to happen weekly if I thought I could get away with it.  

The usual straight forward Carol service, usual songs, usuall readings and usual unknown people arriving never to be seen again.  Some new people have arrived recently and remained however.  The only annoying thing is the need to stand and sing, sit and then stand, sit and then stand... by the end I am worn out!  

I think I will suggest changes for next year...      

 

 

Christmas St Andrews

It was dreich when I forced my unwilling bulk out off bed this morning.  Too tired to think I yet cogitated over the bag lying on the floor with items that had to be posted this morning.  So, after much strife, I forced myself down the road to the Post Office with the young woman who smiles at me.

For most the the past few years I have endured the walk down there rather than face the hard bitten and unhelpful staff recruited from the Lubyanka when it closed in 1989 in the town centre Post Office.  

I learned recently the present town centre has closed and people are advised the nearest is down Panfield Lane.  This is untrue but in case they file into the one I use I will keep quiet about this.

When I first arrived the PO was in what was called the 'Quadrant,' a fancy name for the Co-op.  This was then staffed by Soviet types, personality and heart removed, and led to long queues and occasional opportunities to find bile on my tongue.  Later it moved to another part of the building and only the lass with the 1960's hairstyle remained, new unhelpful staff being recruited.  However, by now I was going down the road to the smile, or just had no money to send anything anywhere and kept clear of the place.

Now 'Quadrant' was not a shop I used much, female dominated department store type of place, and it held a wonderful array of staff who could never be found.  For instance, I looked upstairs in the furniture department for a new stereo some time ago, the chap was loitering at the front as I wandered about looking at things.  One caught my eye, I turned to speak and golly, he had gone!  This was typical of 'Quadrant!'

Then in one of the few occasions I ventured in, Christmas possibly, I noticed the PO had gone, I knew not where.  Later I found it in the town centre, in a small newsagent type shop with a large array of counters and unhelpful staff in the rear.  The queue wended it's miserable way past the cheap toys and papers while the unsmiling brutes demanded to know what was in each package in a manner befitting an Israeli Border Guard.  I had a run in with them also.  Now this too has closed, no reason given.  No profit, no staff through Covid, someone fiddling the books?  I do not know.  So, it is off to the smiling lass who speaks only enough English to get through the day, as do the family who run the rest of the corner shop, never closing being Hindu, and able to compete with the Tesco Express almost next door.  An excellent shop.  I passed over my three items, gasped when she told me the price and she laughed, however I cleverly bought Christmas stamps which it turns out I do not require.

So, almost all the posting is done, one box, still to be found, a card or two and then online ordering for other items and I am done.

Tee Hee, how far on are you?

 

Considering this is St Andrews Day I felt the weather was very Scotch.  Though warmer than yesterday, I doubted Andrew, while fishing with his brother Simon on the Lake of Galilee would endure such a west wind as was reminding me of my days heading up Ferry Road from Leith.  He may have endured squalls, rain, and snow every thirty years or so but in between he had high temperatures and plenty of time to lie in the sun and forget work.  That did not occur in Leith!

It is difficult to believe those men of Fife accepted the words of single monk in a coracle who landed with nothing but a bag containing Andrews bones (he said) and they named a town after him.  One up on others I suppose but did they not do an internet check?  I suspect now Nigel Farage would appear and send him back from whence he came, wherever that was.  Where Saint Andrew actually died is of course unknown, though legends abound.  For myself I doubt whether it was on or near the Fife coast.

 

Goodwill to all, well except in Shops....

The lass at the Tesco checkout told me how this was the usual Christmas crowd in today, all miserable!  'Tis the season of goodwill to all men' said I.  She glared and indicated it was not like that in the store.
She was of course right.  As I bumped into another woman I apologised telling her that I was "Just pushing you out the way" in the Christmas manner.  She agreed and we mentioned the battle wandering between the aisles as trolley after trolley attempted to replay the 'Battle of Kursk.'  Women in shops appear not to notice there are others around while the men forced into pushing the trolley unwillingly are often far too courteous and therefore pushed aside by said women.
I carry a basket and avoid them all.  A lesson learned long ago.

The Monday joy has been hampered by the light not working in the fridge.  It took a while before I realised the whole thing was struggling.  Naturally I have filled the freezer with Xmas goodies, well sausages.  However, the landlords old fridge, which I have never used, lies beneath the bunker.  I opened it, wiped it down, it not having been used for 23 years, and have transferred the fridge stuff to the old fridge.  Only two things fit the freezer box however.  
Having done that, I checked the cable, the fuse and moved the fridge freezer and now it has come on again, but no light.  It has some power but not much, I wonder why?  I checked on the internet and now am more confused than ever so I am eating the thawed sausages and anything else movable and awaiting developments.  Mind you, those folks flooded out of their houses have bigger problems than I at the moment.  I wonder if Boris will visit them...?

Having been graciously given a lift I proceeded to the Carol Service last night and in between coughing fits did my duty as requested.  The evening went off well as expected and all stuffed themselves with mince pies afterwards, especially the kids.  
Of course I had arranged the Christmas card hand out in a well organised manner, naturally al the right people had a card and naturally there were a dozen from folks I forgot!  Now I have to seek out several cheap good cards for some and seek out online cards fro the others.  Every year this mix up happens, this time because new folks are around mostly, no matter how organised someone gets missed.  I could of course lie and claim to have given the money spent on cards to charity I suppose, but that would never do.  Guilt might make me give money...

It's Almost Here...

In spite of the many items screaming out for my attention I have spent some time this afternoon writing Christmas Cards!  Today is the 1st day of November!
I like to be organised, these will be sent off on the 1st of December, partly to ensure they get there in good time, partly to remind others to get mine written out and sent back to me.  Of course not all is finished, gift cards for many have to be obtained, looks like Tesco or Sainsbury's for those, and then almost all will be complete, though my wallet will not be happy.
When I saw the 'Private Eye' advert I realised that two packs of their cards would do the worst of the job, each then costing me £1 each!  Cheaper than the shops where all begin at twice that price.
Most cost more than that and the fancy ones considerably more.  One friend I know designs his own.  This began when the kids were small, one sheet A4 paper, fancy design, cartoon, kids drawing, folded into card shape and off it goes.  Must have saved him vast sums of cash, especially as the family were all talented.  I have resisted such an endeavour as I lack the talent. 
It is to be regretted the election was called after the cards were designed, that could have been fun.

I think this picture represents the future of the NHS after Brexit or another Tory government.  The denials from the present Health Secretary, whatsisname, do not offer conviction, especially as Boris and so many other right wing nutjobs in his presence seek an insurance based system so they can cash in on the shares.   My Brexit store remains ready, Corned Beef, Beams, Tea etc, but it is not possible to stock up on medicines in the same way.  Indeed a friend, a radiographer, informs me of the vast number of aged medicines destroyed by the NHS, either badly stocked or donated by patients who do not know how to safely dispose of them.  Supplies in the NHS has always been a place for backhanders and individual progress.  Once Thatcher divided up the NHS the opportunity for price increases matched that of the growth in 'friendly chats' with those responsible for buying for the NHS.  I was in the wrong department!

Christmas Rush...

Advent is upon us, the clerics are wandering from Carol service to Carol service, schools and churches making demands on them at this time.  Shops are filled with the sound of 'Christmas music' almost all of which was written down in 'Tin Pan Alley' during the 1930's by Jewish writers satisfying the demands of Hollywood moguls.  There were none of those available during this mornings service!  
As I discussed matters of great importance with Gordon (His team's game was happily postponed by an icy pitch yesterday) the vicar approached us smiling.  This I knew from Gordon's look meant trouble.  He was correct and there was no way out of this, we now must attend next weeks Carol service as we will be doing a reading therein.  It is always difficult to refuse the demands of a woman who smiles.  Not that we had any choice of course.

 

Naturally enough having given out all the Christmas cards to church folks that I needed, including several over the internet to save money if not time, I found several from people whom I had forgotten.  I also discovered several over the internet also forgotten and may have to seek new cards

if this goes on!  Naturally I was also ensuring one young lady does not get caught up in the need to give cards, she found three awaiting her and will by now be scribbling replies.

I also realised I need something more for the girls at work, not that I will get much back from them! However that must be fixed tomorrow.  Whatever I do they will say was needless, if I don't they will wonder why?  Wimmen....

This at a time when I am attempting to catch up on all the books I bought this year from charity shops and through gift cards (two already arrived this year) and also attempting to work my way through the 'Spring clean' which has been unfortunately delayed somewhat again.  Christmas itself you will realise is a week and a couple of days away.  Are you ready for this....?

Monday Muse

Mid morning saw me the only person in the queue at the wee post office.  I go there as the queues are less and the Asian lass always smiles at me even if she considers me an idiot.  This was the three important Christmas packets full of rubbish and the cards dumped in the box.  3rd of December and all is done bar two cards I forgot and the local folks who turn up out of the blue.  Many of those will get an email card!  Cheap and miserly I may be but I am happy with that.

 
Sitting here in the 'Winter Palace,' that is my bed, I was listening to the radio iplayer (now called 'Sounds' for no good reason) as Jo Brand blethered her advice on families.  I was thinking the families she meets are pretty rough, her own had its problems, but thought I my family was quite good, and I suspect most still remain 'quite good.'  Of course we had problems, the usual family squabbles, and most of those around us were similar in approach, the area it must be said was composed of good working class types of the early 50's.  Nearby were rougher areas where at school I discovered families of a more troubled type, their kids were in my class.  This is part of the area in which the book/film 'Trainspotting' was based so you can imagine the type.  
I suspect 'broken families' come from 'broken parents' people who came from such families however you conceive them and lack people around them in the neighbourhood or at work who can coach them into something better.  The faces of those 'wanted' on the local police Twitter site often offer those not quite mentally aware for 'minor crimes.'  The families are usually of similar type.  
While I was listening the phone rang forcing me out of my comfort and made me clamber through to the east wing to answer.  This was my sister and when mentioning the Jo Brand topic she agreed we were lucky to have a decent reasonable family, only one black sheep she mentioned, "Who? I asked, "You!" she said!  I have asked the postman not to deliver her parcel...
It is at times like this I miss the family, I suspect they do not miss me...

The sky is quite good at the moment.  Black clouds threaten rain in the distance much of the time but we get these interesting skies as the low sun heads home.  If only I could get into a better position early in the morning and grab a few shots of the sky then.  Not tomorrow as work calls....

Damp & Dingy, so is the weather...

Lazing about this morning wasting my life away.  The rain fell continually and while not heavy dampened everything outside.  In the afternoon I strolled through the masses noting the food stalls unhappy about the lack of custom.  I was quite late and many were heading off but I think the rain has cut their joy tonight.

Selling a box marked 'Junk?'  Hmmm some would claim a touch of irony in there.  I dashed about in the small area called 'the town' and bought bread and cheese and hobbled home.  The Xmas cards are sorted, stamps added to most, three wee packets to wrap and post, possibly on Monday, and apart from local cards, no stamp needed, I am done for the Christmas year!  I do have to find food of course but a touch of custard and a tin of Spam and that will do me again.
My life is one long joy, does anyone wish to exchange?

Fun Packed Friday

I have spent much of the day attempting to get this old laptop to speed up.  Whatever I try it makes no difference.  I suspect that having done all the usual recommended things I need to get a geek to look at the innards and check things like clock speed and whatever else inside is appropriate.  I would look inside myself but have no idea what I am looking at nor what anything there does.  That would then lead to a worse situation.  I want to use this as a spare laptop, for when the proper one goes down as they do, yet this one has always been slow, much too slow in my opinion and I wonder if something inside is responsible.  Hopefully a geek will appear one day.

There are lots of forgotten photos on here mind.  I am not sure how old but one or two are OK.  There is very little else however I did have the joy of awaiting the Microsoft update download, it took so long I took to doing the ironing while I waited!  In fact so many items I run took so long I hoovered the place, finished the Christmas cards, and generally tidied the place after a weeks sloth.  
Searching through old pictures is at least something interesting but this leaves me wondering why I have not dumped most of them.  Still as I have not got out much, my knees ache from last weeks running around and Tuesdays fun, so not much has been done nor have I wished to go anywhere bar the shops.  Having only one gift card to buy, possibly one or two wee things for one or two kids, and no more cards required I appear to be finished my Christmas shop before November! Maybe that is not so bad after all?

There will be a great many mums giving a sigh of relief tonight.  The half term holiday week has ended, Monday brings the cheery children trudging back to imprisonment in school, happy days - for us!  No more wandering through Tesco with hundreds of brats filling the place, screaming, running or, even worse, being helpful to mum.  The mums I saw were somewhat overcome with the help they were receiving.  
The Welsh holidays begin this week I now understand, the Scots hols were the week before, on the one hand local arrangements are best but some consider something more unified would be better.  On the other hand Scots are not going to tale hols to suit English needs, and have always noticed the TV planners cared only for English requirements not Scots, and I imagine Wales finds he same.  On the other hand too many places on holiday at the same time leads to crowds, and price increases, however after Brexit there will only be home holidays and no-one will be able to cross the channel, not that they will have the cash to do so anyway!

Disruptive Monday

My routine was severely disrupted this Monday as the new mattress arrived.  
Before seven thirty I had stripped the bed and manhandled the old mattress downstairs, though to be fair it fell down by itself mostly.  Then when dumped by the bins, breathing heavily and using the bins to stay upright, the shopkeeper next door came over with grumbles re folks using his bin (which costs him money) and parking their van thoughtlessly where others park.  It looks like the new folks (from Newcastle way) next door might be trouble.
Having spent money almost immediately afterwards in Sainsburys (I went there specifically to collect the 'Lego' cards some kids are collecting just to be told it ends today!) I then returned to make space for the new mattress coming up the stairs.
The call from Cornells came about ten thirty and the man and his female assistant, a friendly pair, brought the heavy mattress upstairs.  Being gentlemen and understanding the modern woman's views of equality we let her take the heavy end.  Apart from the awkward turnings, the table I thought would not be in the way being in the way and the heavy breathing and beating hearts from at least two of us it was quick and successful. One mistake possibly was my glib remark to her after the beast was settled in place regarding lying on it, I suddenly thought that could be out of place...
His advice to turn the mattress every so often was highly amusing I thought as three of us had struggled with it, anyway that will not be for a year or two said I...
Anyway they left happily enough and drove back to the store.  A good store with a good reputation, since 1981, beds and chairs and friendly service.  No obvious pressure and helpful also.  Bought Saturday delivered Monday as one was in stock, not bad.  I can tell you that it works well as I happened to try it out not long after preparing it, a test that I required also.

Sometimes I wonder how I cope with the banality of daily life!  Today I brought excitement into my life, but not to anyone else's by obtaining my first cheap Christmas present and three cards!  By the end of the month not only will I have finished my shop I will also be begging on the streets for a piece of bread.  Still it will do my figure good...
Christmas shopping in October, my sister, now long passed on, used to buy most of hers in the January sales.  Everything was ready by February in her house.  My list is made up, already someone forgotten, and I am looking at the shops, now swamped with Christmas goods even if the plastic snowmen, fairies and assorted unchristmaslike dross is not yet on show.  

  
While waiting for the van this morning a couple passed by, he pushing a pram she struggling behind, possibly recovering from the child or working on another one.  His face, as well as the disposition on show during our brief meeting, reminded me of those face seen regularly on the Essex Police Twitter feed.  'Have you seen?' accompanied by a photo of one who would not succeed at the eleven plus but has managed to pass off ten thousand pounds worth of white powder somewhere on behalf of another brighter individual.  The faces who appear always seem to me to be of those from a less well educated level of society.  A friend who once served as magistrate and has had many dealings with such confirms this, they also tend to come from families of similar types.  Crime begins in the home.  This left me pondering how long that couple would remain together, what about the child, and what could be done for them, if anything could be done or they would allow things to help them.  Not everyone wishes to be out of the lifestyle they know.  

Satire...

It is almost Christmas and in spite of everything Trump is still in charge.
Near war with North Korea, loss of a senior director every week, at war with FBI because they know about him, friendship with Putin, tweets to upset someone daily indeed hourly and playing golf rather than work.
It is even more surprising no one has tried to shoot him yet in gun rich, shoot first America.  Surely some nutter with a telescopic sight would have tried by now?  Maybe they know he will inwardly collapse soon enough.

Of course my Christmas card list is complete  it is just that I found the need to buy four more cards today as someone appeared who was not there yesterday.  I must be finished now, some have begun to arrive at the destinations thereby inflicting guilt on those who have not yet begun to start their Xmas list.
Good O!