Wed 1st July
A relaxing start to the day. I drank tea instead of coffee. I had slices of sour dough toast which I hope are healthier for me. I put my laptop on to charge. I got in touch with Talktalk to discuss reducing Mum’s landline bill as she doesn’t have broadband. I didn’t get far as Mum needed to be with me to answer security questions.
I got on the bus to EG and went to Spoons where I refilled with tea for a change. Back in Frow at about 14:30, I went to Coop and bought 4 large lager bottles for the price of three. I stored them in the house fridge and relaxed outside until leaving after 15:30.
Around 4pm I was at the Club as it began to fill up ready for the England vs DR Congo knockout game. Busy…Good atmosphere. Some simple snacks were supplied, which meant I didn’t have to cook dinner.
It was touch and go with DRC leading 1:0 from the 7th minute, but England scored twice in the last 15 minutes to win the match. The commentary is tedious though…every pass, every kick of the ball analysed.
It was good timing with finishing my pint and I returned to the house. I took a bottle of beer up to my room and watched 2 episodes of Death in Paradise ,before going to sleep.
Thurs 2nd July.
A no rush morning. Showered; sour dough toast; washed my blue shirt. I chipped away at the excess ice in the top freezer drawer which was stopping it from closing. Elka came. A combination of sun and an iron meant I could rewear the blue shirt.
On the way to the bus stop I stopped at the funeral parlour to say hi to Pippa. The bus was on time. Over an hour and a half to Churchill Square and then I walked down to the beach.
I lay on the beach for about 45 minutes then went to the Pavilion Garden Cafe for a cappuccino. A bit expensive at £4 , but a lovely setting and a young guy singing live. Then to the new Old Stein bus stand to head off to Hollingbury Asda.
I bought some snacks…scotch eggs, spicy chicken (Red Hot) pieces and spicy chorizo slices. I ate one scotch egg then went up the road to Optegra. As I was early and the other person was late, I was seen ahead of schedule. One short consultation, then sitting around and chatting with another patient, followed by the senior specialist.
I finished after 5pm and made my Op appointment at reception, for 21st July. I asked if I could have it sooner if there was a cancellation. I caught the 24 to Churchill square. I went to Spoons nearby for 2 quick ones, then back to the bus stand.
The 18:45 never arrived, so after standing about for over an hour, I caught the last bus..the 19:45. It was nearly 21:30 when I arrived at the house. I ate the second scotch egg and went up to my room. Again, I watched an episode of Death in Paradise before sleeping.
Fri 3rd July
A very lazy day. I weeded. I sunbathed as the weather was getting hotter again. I watched a little bit of tennis on tv. George went out for the whole day. I washed my jeans, and they dried with the hot sun.
I did a little bit of food preparation before going down to the Club. I drank 2 vodkas with ginger beer, then returned to the house to cook my pork loin chops and vegs. I ate that whilst watching a W/Cup football match.
Sat 4th July
I had a long lie in. I met up with Tim Grimble (ex CA work colleague), at the bike shop across the road. He came up from Lindfield with his daughter Alexa. He sorted a couple of things out in the bike shop then we went up the road for a coffee.
We had a great catchup/chat. Then to Cernel bakery where Tim bought a bread, then they went home and I went back to the house. I went to EG for some Sainsbury shopping (incl a nice bottle of red to take to the Phil/Fatima bbq on Sunday) then to Spoons for coffee.
I caught the bus to Frow. Back at the house I did some sunbathing, then showered, then went to the Club after 4pm.
After a couple of single rums, I went back to the house to cook sausages, courgette, broccoli, rice plus salad. I ate it whilst watching football, then went up to my room where I watched Death in Paradise.
Sun 5th July
I went downstairs a bit earlier than usual..08:00. I fed Tinker. Checked out Zoom again, which I might have to use on the 7th. Caught the 10:30 bus into town. The buzzer didn’t work so I got off at the Station Approach stop.
I drank teas this time at Spoons…no adverse reactions as with the coffee. Did my usual playing sudoku and looking at News stories. Martin who used to work behind the Club bar, passed me and said there was passed sell by date sale on Tusker at the off licence…3 bottles for £5.00.
I bought those and caught.the bus back to Frow. I passed the time at the house before heafing slowly to Phil/Fatima for a bbq. I bumped into Imke on Lower Rd. It was good to see her as I hadn’t seen her for a few years.
A lovely bbq..just the 3 of us. Lovely weather. Gin & tonic, a Tusker, and bottle of red wine. A delicious dessert. I walked home to a deserted house. I watched a little bit of football and an episode of Death in Paradise. A good day.
Mon 6th July
An even quieter day. After my sour dough bread breakfast, I caught the bus into town, accompanied by a Ugandan lady I met at the bus stop.
I did some Lidl shopping. I went for Spoons tea and had a nice chat with a local Frow guitarist who I had seen around for many years. I sunbathed at the King’s playing fields.
I got news that my eye op had been brought forward to 10:15 on Friday 10th, so I went back to Spoons and ‘celebrated’ with a pint of beer. In Frow, Nadia drove passed me and invited me to her birthday party at Emerson college on Wednesday.
From J’s I went to the Club, then back to cook sausages, rice and vegs. I watched football; an episode of Death in Paradise; spoke with Judith; went to sleep.
Tues 7th July
Another sunny and warm day ensued. Everyone in the house disappeared up to London. I was waiting at the bus top, when Ming stopped and offered me a lift into EG. She took me all the way to Lidl where I did a really big shop because I was on dinner duty at the house. Basically everything for a Thai chicken curry.
I popped into Spoons for my teas. Then the bus back to Frow. At the house I immediately began some food preparation…peeling and chopping vegs, herbs etc. Judith was defrosting the freezer.
Before leaving for the Club to watch some football, I started cooking the chicken breasts…through to adding the coconut milk. I watched the first half of Argentina vs Egypt then returned to the house.
I prepared roast vegs and a salad and Judith made the rice. The chicken was really delicious, while the vegs were a disaster…horribly overcooked. But it was nice to be cooking again for a group of people. We left some for George and Liam who were due back much later.
Argentina won the match. I washed up and went to my room. Guess what…I watched Death in Paradise!!!…before sleeping.
Wed 8th July
I went downstairs and met Liam. I washed the shirt that Judith said she would mend. I went into town to the field to sunbathe and then to Spoons. I checked on something to do with TCP antiseptic liquid for Roger. Then bus back to Frow.
I had decided to spend Thurs night in Brighton to reduce the travel stress to my 10:15 appointment at Optegra. On the internet I found the Avalon Htl on Upper Rocks Gardens, and I thought the £47 price was very reasonable. And it wasn’t far from where Paul lived, so I could easily make plans to see him.
I charged my phone and sat outside in the hot sun. I ate the leftover vegs from yesterday. I felt guilty at not leaving the vegs for the guys, so put some raw vegs to one side for the guys to cook when they get back in the evening.
I went over to the Club for a couple of pints and a good chat. From there I went through Tablehurst to Emerson for Nadia’s birthday party. I snacked on olives and pizza…choice of non cheese, vegan, vegetarian. It was all very nice, but I only stayed for half an hour. Su, my tenant was there, so I had a chat with her. I must get Stine to arrange to fix peeling rubber seals from the front windows in the flat.
I went back to the house via the Club, arriving at 20:15. Judith was back from a day trip to Brighton. I ate some leftover salad and retired to my room. Of course I watched an episode of D in P..!!
Thurs 9th July
I drank a coffee with a small slice of cake. At 10:10 I went to catch the 10:19 bus. I was looking forward to exploring Brighton. Just after 12:00 I got off near the Open Market.
The fruit/vegetable stall/shop was no longer…replaced by a beer & wine outlet. I had a coffee in my usual café in the corner. Kouzina the Greek restaurant was still there.
My mission from there was to find a shop selling country flags on tooth picks. I went up Lewes Rd to Hobbycraft, but no luck. I caught a bus back and walked through the Lanes, but no luck there either. Up to Churchill square and down North Rd…but nothing. It was getting on for 3pm so I headed to the Avalon Htl.
Very complicated; it took 15 mins to get in.
No reception…modern way. But I wasn’t sent instructions. I had to make a call and eventually I was sent an entry code for the front door and a code for the key box to my room. The front door didn’t work initially because I didn’t put the palm of my hand over the pad, for the keypad to come up. Oh well, eventually I was in..!!
I showered and walked to Paul’s. Surprise, surprise…bro Mike was there to greet me. We walked down the road to a cafe for tea/coffee and cake. We walked over to Queens Park and sat and chatted and watched the swans and ducks.
It wasn’t far from Avalon so I showed them my hotel. They left, and on the way to the pub I stopped at a Coop for a few snacks. At the pub down the road I spoke to a Norwegian couple. I was also ‘attacked’ by a pet parrot in the pub…playfully. I checked out one more pub..Hand In Hand…before returning to the hotel room. No wifi, and I couldn’t get viewable channels on the TV. At least the room felt a bit more comfortable with the window slightly ajar.
At least I wasn’t stressed over what was in store for me the next day.
Fri 10th July
I had a good sleep. The wifi still wasn’t working. I managed to figure out the TV so was able to watch a bit of news before heading for Old Steine and the bus to Optegra. Only a half hour so I was there in plenty of time. I walked around Asda but didn’t have the necessary bag space to buy anything.
I arrived around 09:45 for my 10:15 appointment. I wasn’t operated on until after 12:15. Lots of anaesthetics were put into my eye. The op lasted about 10 minutes; strange being wide awake and looking at 3 bright lights and knowing someone is drilling into your eye.
No discomfort but I sat in reception for half an hour to fully recover. I walked slowly down the road and caught the bus to Churchill square. I walked around the shopping centre because I had over an hour to wait for the 270. The bus left at 14:20 and I arrived in Frow at 16:00.
When I stepped off the bus at the Bram, a lady gave me a smile so I said hello. She was from Mozambique and living on Riverside; we agreed we were neighbours…in terms of country as well.
After unpacking and changing I went to the Club. My eye was fine except for a slight scratchy/irritation on the eyeball. I joked that I needed to stay in the shade and the Club was the nearest shaded area I could find !!
Back at the house I cooked 2 sausages to have with a big salad. The weather was still absolutely lovely. I chatted with Judith.
As I was feeling a bit tired I went upstairs and watched D in P. I kept my ‘patch’ on ..which was the requirement.
I started a headache so I had a pill and the headache went away so I could comfortably fall asleep. It was a bit warm as well…but I slept well.
Sat 11th July
One of those quieter days. I caught the 09:30 bus to EG. I went to Sainsburys to buy cotton wool pads to wipe my eye, and chicken and cauliflower for dinner. Then on to Spoons for my teas. And before catching the bus to Frow, I bought 3 bottles of Tusker that were still on offer.
At the house I washed my blue shirt. I sat in the sun for a short time. I went to the Club briefly. Then to Coop where I bought poppadoms and a veg dish to add to my chicken dinner.
I ate dinner whilst watching the Final of the Ladie’s Wimbledon singles. That was it. Some chat with Judith. The end of another sunny day.
Sun 12th July
Another sunny/ warm day. Relaxed. Bus into EG. I didn’t stay too long as after 12:30 the next bus is not for an hour and a half. Judith went to Roger’s Party in Nutley again. It’s many years since I’ve attended it.
I sat in the garden for a bit, before arriving at the Club before 4pm. There weren’t many people there, possibly fatigue/sore heads after the England vs Norway match the night before. I bought a bottle of red wine from the Coop…I fancied a change.
Back at the house I cooked my last chicken breast to have with vegs and salad. I ate it whilst watching some of the Wimbledon Men’s singles final. I couldn’t be bothered watching it to the end, and went up to my room to watch D in P.
Mon 13th July
Another nice day. I caught the bus into EG. I went for my usual teas. I lay out in the sun at the playing fields. I did a little Aldi shop…chicken breasts and brie.
I went back to Spoons for a Stout beer. I passed by V Express and gave Tina an update on my eye. She suggested phoning Optegra after a week, in the hope of speeding up the process.
Before catching the bus back, I bought 3 bottles of Tusker which were still on offer at £5. I did some advance good prep for my chicken breast dinner, before going.off to the Club.
I watched News channels before going to my room and watching an episode of D in P. A good/calm day.
Tues 14rh July
Alan’s Birthday. I sent him a text message.
I caught the bus to the station and caught the 11:05 to Oxted. I used my Senior Railcard for the first time, and the £5.80 return fare was a saving of £3.00.
Graham arrived after 11:30 and we had a good catchup for nearly 2 hours. I got the 13:35 back to EG…only a 20 minute journey. I popped into Spoons for a cheap pint before returning to EG. I did some food prep before going to the Club.
I managed to find the France vs Spain game on my phone, so I watched that in bed.
That was basically it for the day…relaxing.
Wed 15th July
The weather is still fantastic. I needed to be moving, so I got the bus to EG.. I bumped into the Mozambiquan lady again.
I drank 3 quick teas then caught the bus back.
Am wiping my eye area every day in case of any sticky stuff. I washed a shirt which dried quickly in the hot sun. I sat in the sun for a little while before going to the Club. I hardly talked to anybody, as I was figuring out how to create space on my WhatsApp.
Back at the house I cooked sausages for my dinner. I just chilled until the England vs Argentina match started at 8pm. I watched it with Judith. We were winning 1: 0 until the 80th minute, then Argentina scored 2 quick goals, and we were out of the World Cup..very disappointing.
I went to my room and still managed to watch an episode of D in P.
Thurs 16th July
I got up and packed for Eastbourne. After a piece of toast and a coffee, I went to catch the no. 500 at 10:35. Nice weather; nice views from the upper deck; exactly the 1.5 hours as scheduled.
Alan and Karen met me off the bus at Cornfield Garage. We walked to the seafront to organise Mum’s birthday lunch.
We immediately agreed on the Cumberland Htl on the seafront at £15 per head for the Carvery. We found Mike and he agreed with the plan as well.
We went from there to LoCo and on to Ninkaci, spending 3 hours together…lots of chat. Unexpectedly, we had a good conversation along the lines of what happens when we inherit Mum’s house…the specific contents…possibly putting stuff in storage..etc, etc. Well, she is turning 90…
I caught the bus to Old Town. Mum prepared a tasty chicken salad dinner. We chatted and watched TV and I went to bed around 21:30. We managed to get the patch secured over my eye !!
Fri 17th July
I woke and made coffee and had my cereals before Mum came downstairs. I figured out the TV before the arrival of Avril. I had a quick chat with her before going down to Green St for the bus into town.
I asked general questions at NatWest regarding the unauthorised debit of £18 to my account. How can that happen ?? I’d got it resolved anyway beforehand. I had a wander around; I bought a birthday card for Mum.
I ended up at LoCo at 13:30, then Alan joined me. We spent a few hours together before I caught the no. 4 bus to Cherry Garden Rd, from where I had the short walk to Mum’s.
Lots of chat and a nice Tortellini and salad dinner. We sat outside, looking out over Eastbourne and enjoying the fresh air. I had some white wine then went up to my room.
Sat 18th July
I didn’t sleep fantastically well…most probably due to worrying about Mum’s Birthday plans. Anyway, I had rice crispies for breakfast; I packed; we chatted; Avril turned up with Mum’s shopping; after 11:30 I went down the road for the bus into town.
Still nice weather. I wandered around. I checked champagne/cava/proseco prices in Sainsburys. After 13:00 I was in LoCo, and after 14:00 Alan arrived…more discussion re Mum’s birthday.
There were a couple of hiccups surrounding the bus back to Hampden Park…just little delays. I stopped off in Aldi for 2 bottles of Cava, a red wine, and a 4 pack of pear cider ( for Karen).
Alan cooked a nice jerk chicken. The third place England match against France started at 10pm, but I was tired and before half time I went up to bed.
Sun 19th July
What a day in prospect…Mum’s 90th Birthday.
A relaxed morning; I did a bit of weeding in the back garden. We all dressed a bit smarter than usual; I wore my black trousers with a slightly check but mainly white shirt.
We aimed for the 11:40 train; I was a bit earlier at the station as I needed to use the ticket machine, as opposed to buying my ticket online. We arrived at the Cumberland hotel just before midday.
Our table was set up in a room with about 5 others, and we were near a big door leading to the balcony. 1st we sat on armchairs in the Bar area. Alan bought a round of drinks. Mum and John arrived, as did Mike.
After 12:30 we were sat at our table. Then Avril arrived. The paper napkins had ” 90th Birthday ” printed on them. Then we queued for our Carvery….beef, ham, pork and our choice of vegs from a lovely selection. All very delicious.
Around 13:30 I realised I’d forgotten to hook up to the wifi. When I did, we contacted Kenya and Mum briefly video chatted with Helen and Elizabeth. Nobody had seconds of veg, we were all too full. Mum bought a round of drinks and we moved to the lounge area.
Avril left to meet a friend. Alan, Karen and myself walked to the station for the return train. We left Mum, John and Mike to catch a taxi to Hampden Park for the next stage of the festivities.
Karen had bought and set up an Aliice in Wonderland themed stand with little teapots, to put on a selection of little cakes. And there were 90th Birthday banners and “90” decorations. She did a brilliant job, and again Mum was really thrilled.
We toasted with the Cava, and there was lots of chat until about 19:30. Oh, on 4 bits of paper, I had drawn the flags of Greece, Ethiopia, Tanzania and UK to represent aspects/elements/stages of the transition of Mum’s Life. Family origins; birth/early life in Ethiopia;.the interesting move to Tanga across Kenya by bus; schooling in Kenya; meeting Dad through sisal and Evan; the birth of 3 sons; the move to England in 1971. A lot happened in 90 years.
After everyone left by taxi, myself Alan an Karen settled down with a bottle of Cava to watch the World Cup Final. Not a great match, but overall we were glad that Spain beat Argentina 1:0.
What a day. The planning was perfect. Everything went well and Mum was happy and thrilled with her 90th Birthday celebrations.
Mon 20th July
The day after…I washed 2 shirts, a pair of socks and underpants. Alan helped me move some dry branches so that I could continue with some brambles extraction from the lawn. The bus stop around the corner from Winkney is up and running again. I got to town and walked to the seafront in front of Cumberland. I lay on the beach pebbles for 30 minutes. Then I walked down/up the newly paved Terminus road. So, totally pedestrianised now. Only a couple of shops looking derelict these days.
I met Alan at Spoons. I had a couple of pints and caught the no. 8 back H Park. I bought a couple of bits in Aldi and got back to the house just after 17:00. I was on a roll so I washed my blue shirt !!
I took my washing in. Alan and Karen appeared after 18:00. Dinner was Tuna with yellow pepper and lettuce in pitta bread…nice and light. We watched Eastenders followed by something else, then I went up to my room and quickly fell asleep.
Tues 21st July
I caught a bus before 10:00 and stopped off at Phil’s. We chatted, or rather, he chatted. But one bonus was that he gave me a lift up to Mum’s. I thought he might want to see Mum, but he didn’t suggest it, and I thought it might complicate/delay things anyway.
I had a nice chat with Mum for over an hour, with tea and fruit cake, before walking down to catch a bus into town. I just wandered aimlessly, looking at shops. But I did buy a new toothbrush in Boots, before going into LoCo just before 3pm. I was quietly enjoying my beer when Alan and Karen walked in half an hour later. Then Alan saw Butch walking passed, and Karen dragged him in. We ended up having a great time, with some hilarious conversations.
After 5pm, after nipping into Sainsburys for a bottle of red, I caught the no. 8 back, passing Karen along the way; I beat her to the house by 5 minutes. We watched tge news, then Alan returned to make a spicy gammon and rice dinner.
Not long after dinner and Eastenders and a murder documentary, I went up to bed.
Wed 22nd July
No hurry morning, although I still had to pack. Alan made me a fried egg and bacon sandwich. I took the clippers to my hair, with Alan finishing off the bits at the back of my head.
I showered and went for the 10:56 into Eastbourne, in order to catch the 11:35 no. 500 to Forest Row. It took a bit longer than usual…nearly an hour and 45 minutes…but still a lovely ride on the upper deck.
I went into the house, unpacked and changed and caught the bus half an hour later into EG. I saw Gary Jones in Middle Row having a coffee with a friend Tony from A/Wood; I joined them for a half hour chat. I didn’t do any shopping, just went to Spoons for teas then back to Frow.
I sat in the garden a little bit, then went food shopping in Coop…mince, brie… From there to the Club. I didn’t stay long. I had my mince with rice and vegs, watched some news and went upstairs. I watched an episode of D in P, and felt sleepy after 10pm.
Thurs 23rd July
I ate a toasted slice of sour dough with the recently bought jar of marmite. The sour dough was bought from Tesco for £2.50 as it saved me 25p on the Coop price !!! I caught an early bus into EG, so missed seeing Elke who wasn’t going to be around for the next 3 weeks.
That was it. Teas at Spoons. Bus back to Frow in the early afternoon. I shaved and went to see what was on offer in the Coop…nothing much. At 4:15 I was at the Swan where I was due to meet Phil and his son Tom at 5pm. A young guy at the bar asked if my name was Hugh. Hmm..yes. I studied his face and asked if his parents were David and Carol. Yes, so the Laings. Dudley is 23 years old and I hadn’t seen him for about 15 years. Very pleasant guy, and we had a nice chat in the Swan garden.
Phil & Tom arrived, and we spent a fun hour chatting/joking. I went straight back to the house and had the remainder of the first pack of mince.
I watched the news then went up to my room. Another episode of D in P beckoned, before going to sleep.
Fri 24th July
Anniversary of Dad’s death 8 years ago.
The weather is still good, just that it’s very cloudy. Nice temperature. I was restless as usual, so caught the bus into town. No shopping, straight to Spoons. I find myself taking different side streets so I see different parts of EG.
I had a long chat with Wilkie, then walked slowly to the bus stop and returned to Frow. I sat in the back garden for a short time, then did a little dinner prep, before going to the Club.
A chill day. I got carried away and had 3 pints … Back at the house I opened the 2nd mince packet and cooked it in a larger frying pan so the meat wouldn’t be so ‘clumpy’. Cauliflower and rice and salad and some news catchup, and after 8pm I went to my room.
Sat 25th July
Another slow day. Sour dough toast. I washed my blue shirt. I caught the 500 bus to Lidl and bought chicken thighs, a courgette, tomatoes. Nice weather again, so I lay in the sun for a short time on my way to teas at Spoons.
On the way back to Frow I was on the same bus as Sienna; she looked amazing, considering what she’s been through with cancers. I was criticised for not getting in touch to show any concern… I reminded her about her Dec message telling me to leave her alone to focus on her self healing. She said all I thought about was “Me”. The conversation was degenerating, and I was relieved to reach Frow and say goodbye.
I sat in the back garden in the sun; I prepared some vegs for dinner; I went to the Club. There were the usual nice chats; not many people. I went back via the Coop where I bought some beers.
I had the remainder of the cooked mince while watching the news. There weren’t any programmes I wanted to watch, so I left George watching TV, and went up to my room. I had a fun chat with Joseph in Tvt, and ended up sending him £10. ( 1,500Kes) so could enjoy a few drinks at Rockland..he decided on County and Krest.
I watched D in P, and around 21:30 went to sleep.
Sun 26th July
A cloudy morning. I caught the 10am bus to EG. I spent time in Spoons before deliberately missing the 12:25 bus, whicb forced me to walk down the track to Frow. I think it took over an hour, but the conditions were nice and I’m glad I did it. I felt it helped with any digestion that was required.
I pottered around the house. Did a bit more preparation for my Tax return; and some food prep. I went to the Club. I bought a bottle of Red from Coop. I cooked some chicken breast with cauliflower, courgette and rice.
I watched news on TV then went up to my room to watch D in P. I seem to get tired early these days, especially with no TV programmes to grab my interest.
Mon 27th July
I seem to be doing less and less during the day. Sour dough and coffee breakfast. It was quite sunny, and I went to lie in the field passed the playground and adjoining the track. I was there an hour, then went for a cappuccino at the Bazaar in the village. I started reading the book Mum lent me…Meskel…about Greeks in Ethiopia.
I got bored at the house after doing some food prep, so popped into EG and had a pint of Old Peculiar at Spoons. I didn’t stay long; caught the bus before 4pm and went to the Club.
I cooked 2 large chicken thighs from a packet that George gave me, because he went for some major dental surgery and wouldn’t be able to chew anything solid. I ate my dinner while watching the news, then went to my room and watched 2 episodes of D in P.
Tues 28th July
A gentle day. Still quite sunny and warm.
I walked up to Ashurst Wood. I stopped at 3 houses…Carol, Katherine/Ian, Tom…and nobody was home. I saw Linda’s John who was in A/wood for a haircut. I’ll try again soon.
I caught the bus into EG. I went to Sainsburys for sour dough bread mainly. I went into Spoons and then back to Frow. I went to the Club then back for my chicken thigh dinner. Again, I was tired and went up to my room.
Wed 29th July
A sunnier day in prospect. Alastair came to work on the garden. I took the washing in. I checked that I could access my HMRC tax account…it took just a bit of thought, but worked okay.
After pottering around the house and sitting in the garden , I caught the nearly 14:00 bus to EG. Just before entering Sainsburys, I bumped into Phil Rogers. After a little chat I bought cucumber, courgette and instant coffee. I walked back to Spoons and Daniel was outside. Inside, he had a lunch while I had a pint…price was up from 2:10 to 2:19 (Mon-Wed price). And a good chat…
It was nearly 3pm before I got the return bus. I went to Coop for lagers, then the Club, then the house to cook dinner. After the news, I went up to my room.
Thurs 30th July
I was stressed because my Op date was now the 18th. I emailed Optegra to politely express my disappointment. I sent Mum’s John a Happy birthday message. After a couple of coffees I got the bus into EG. I took the long way around to Spoons…via Kings centre .
I focused on sudoku and messaging…incl Mark. I heard from Richard that he would be in Frow, and just before 2pm I got the bus back to Frow. I bought a cauliflower and spices.
I met up with Richard and Margaret in Chequers for a couple of beers. The Harveys is really not good; Fabio must do something about the quality and price of his products. We went on to the Swan; it was lovely sitting in their garden in the sun with decent beers. A quick hello to Bertie as he passed by.
And so, back to the house to cook chicken breasts and vegs…no rice this time. I was tired, so retired early to my room and watched 2 episodes of D in P.
Fri 31st July
The weather was still amazing. I washed my blue shirt I caught the bus to EG. I was due to meet the Smut Hour Crew at Victoria. I popped into Sainsburys. I was ahead of schedule and caught the 10:36 instead of the 11:06…very enjoyable trip, bringing back memories of journeys to work via Victoria or Charing Cross.
I walked along Victoria St to NatWest to ask if the IBAN no. Tor had sent me was enough to send money over to him. I’m glad I asked, because he still needed to provide me with a SWIFT or BIC code.
Then slowly to the Spoons. I saved a couple of tables, but waited…standing…for half an hour until Sheila arrived.
Of course Dawn and Terry came along, but it was good to see Shereen again after all these years. Lots stories of course, and catching up on everyone’s lives. Shereen became a G’ma a few months ago, and her granddaughter’s name is Hazel !!!
Trespassers on the line at Clapham Junction meant no trains were leaving Victoria. I got talking to a guy also going to EG and we decided to wait it out as the incident had happened nearly 2 hours earlier. It wasn’t too bad in the end…my 2:50 left at 3:50. It was nice chatting with someone on the whole journey.
I got the bus to Frow and immediately went to the Club. I was given an extra pint that I didn’t really want, and ended up having a later dinner than usual. Then the usual routine of going upstairs and watching D in P . A good day..