Good morning Mick and all GN'S on a very dark but still morning. Literally cannot see a thing outside not even the shadow of the tree, but quiet, so no sound of rain or wind right now.
Still have the rear garden cordoned off as roof has tiles missing . Doesnt affect me so much of course being ground floor, but spoke to upstairs neighbour, who said that the people who came to do a temporary job say that all the tiles are rubbish and it needs a new roof. I think it is a trusted firm, not a cowboy one, so the owners will not be happy about that. They are not having a good start to their year with my bathroom stuff to begin with. There are 18 flats altogether here so on two levels like a house size so that means that they have 9 roofs to look at , as as far as i can see, the complete set of flats were built at the same time. So we shall see what happens, but he has rain coming in through the roof and buckets etc catching it so they have to do something.
I am not physically in a good shape. Usual pain in back etc but today my knees are giving me hell and woke me up about 4am, and now my hands are in the same union and every move I make is painful, but just have to hope that it wears off a bit and that the painkillers will kick in soon.
However , mentally am in a better place and beginning to plan how to get round etc, for which I thank all kind GN's comments , which were a great comfort and help to me.
So yesterday , again a mixed bag. I had sent the "yellow peril" mobility scooter off to be sorted out. The man had a real job to get it to his van as it is a large size and because it wouldnt even start it had to be brute strength. He said he would check out the problems, ring me with the findings and then assuming I agreed to it sort it and give it a service and return , hopefully that evening or the next day. Well the storm was so bad they did not even open the shop, so it was yesterday before it came back. He rang me , and even he said are you sitting down when I asked the price! £588 !!! I needed 2 new batteries, a new charger and the service. Somewhat of a shock, but right now I desperately need it to have some chance to get around, so had to pay it on credit for now and will sort it out at the bank in the week. So very much a mixed feeling! Glad to be able to get around but ooh the cost!
So that is partly why I am struggling today. fortunately it was dry but windy yesterday, and it is weeks since I was out on it , so had o find gloves and suitable clothes etc but then was able to go to the market on it, and to various shops.
It was a positive feeling to be out at last and on my own terms, not having to wait for taxis or ask for help from friends etc. My independance is very important to me. However , though it is quite well sprung, the potholes and cobbles etc did not help my back at all, and of course back to the total mix on the market. Lots of helpful stall holders, and thoughtful pedestrians but the usual totally selfish set who walk 3 abreast and never look at other peoples needs, the morons who park their cars half on the pavement so that I cannot get by and there is no lower kerb so have to retrace my steps for ages to be able to get across the street etc. So anyway am now back into yellow peril mode, and left it charging last night and will see how it goes today.
Love my sunday radio, so much radio 3, and 4 Desert Island Discs (Which annoying I keep forgetting the new time0 Private Passions with the lovely voice of Micheal Berkeley, Gardeners Question Time etc. pick of the week .
So plodding on with more sorting out things.
Anyone doing the Big Garden Bird Watch? I have done it for many years but will have to see how I feel a bit later on. Couldnt manage to sit out the way I am at the moment. Have a good day everyone and if you are taking part what is the most exciting bird you saw today?? (It will have to get a blooming lot lighter to see any bird right now!)
