Heavens above, 'gemmak' is 3 years old today!
Sometimes it seems to have passed by quickly, other times it seems like a lifetime I have been faffing around here bending your ear with my own personal variety of life's up's and down's. Certainly there has been a fair amount of water go under this particular bridge in those three years, some of it good, some of it bad, sometimes I have loved it and at other times it has felt like a millstone around the proverbial neck!
I had no idea what to expect when I began this malarky and no real idea what I would blog about but somehow I've managed to regurgitate almost 1500 posts in that time, though the content of many of them probably leaves alot to be desired!
What I didn't expect was to make the good friends I have or the loyalty and help they have shown over the years (thank you, you know who you are), I didn't really even anticipate that anyone would read it and nor did I, by any stretch of the imagination, expect it to change my life, which indirectly it did.
So there you have it....three years of gemmak, the good the bad the ugly and the often disastrous........no more I hear you cry!
Saturday, 12 May 2007
Thursday, 10 May 2007
Eureka!
Well it's taken almost four years but finally the brakes on my car are almost fixed!
This has been a very ongoing problem, the car in general is a heap of cr*p, I bought it new and almost from the day the warranty expired bits began to disintegrate and fall off it, if I could possibly afford to change it for another I would but I can't and so I tolerate it'sfreaking annoying lack of quality 'quaint-ness' and count my blessings that I have at least got a car, given that the official receiver tried his damnedest to remove it from me last year!
So, the brakes: for years now they have been 'binding' causing the offside disc to heat up to a point beyond safety and requiring that I stop every 50 miles or so to let them cool off.....very convenient!
Numerous mechanics have tried but failed to diagnose and fix the problem but none could and as a consequence my braking system had been hung together in some form of working by various 'modifications', the main of which was to back the callipers off and hold the bolts in with loctite....hmmm, I know, not entirely satisfactory but it was the best anyone could do until now!
Finally I found a mechanic that really seems to know his stuff and noticed that the hub was very slightly bent, hence the binding. It had been bent it seems when a bearing was replaced 3 years ago by another mechanic but the less said about that the better (grrrr).
Of course one can't have just the hub replaced,that would be way too straightforward, one has instead to purchase and have fitted a whole new leg (how did I know it wasn't going to be cheap?) but at last today the job was done and at a relatively acceptable price. There is still more work to be undertaken, the gear box has 'issues' and one or two other things need attention but after years of driving along almost expecting my brakes to fail at a moments notice, I can heave a small sigh of relief safe now in the knowledge that if I hit the pedal it will actually connect with the brakes and will then disconnect again when I remove my foot from said pedal!
Er.....famous last words?
This has been a very ongoing problem, the car in general is a heap of cr*p, I bought it new and almost from the day the warranty expired bits began to disintegrate and fall off it, if I could possibly afford to change it for another I would but I can't and so I tolerate it's
So, the brakes: for years now they have been 'binding' causing the offside disc to heat up to a point beyond safety and requiring that I stop every 50 miles or so to let them cool off.....very convenient!
Numerous mechanics have tried but failed to diagnose and fix the problem but none could and as a consequence my braking system had been hung together in some form of working by various 'modifications', the main of which was to back the callipers off and hold the bolts in with loctite....hmmm, I know, not entirely satisfactory but it was the best anyone could do until now!
Finally I found a mechanic that really seems to know his stuff and noticed that the hub was very slightly bent, hence the binding. It had been bent it seems when a bearing was replaced 3 years ago by another mechanic but the less said about that the better (grrrr).
Of course one can't have just the hub replaced,that would be way too straightforward, one has instead to purchase and have fitted a whole new leg (how did I know it wasn't going to be cheap?) but at last today the job was done and at a relatively acceptable price. There is still more work to be undertaken, the gear box has 'issues' and one or two other things need attention but after years of driving along almost expecting my brakes to fail at a moments notice, I can heave a small sigh of relief safe now in the knowledge that if I hit the pedal it will actually connect with the brakes and will then disconnect again when I remove my foot from said pedal!
Er.....famous last words?
Wednesday, 9 May 2007
Back where I started?
Isn't it odd how the mind works at times...ok, 'odd' may not be quite the word I'm looking for here, perhaps peculiar or annoying would be more suitable words but which ever it is, I don't much like it!
It's almost six weeks since Tilly went to her new home and in a kind of perverse way I had been quite proud of myself for how I had coped. The first week or so was hellish, I missed her terribly but gradually I got slightly more used
to her absence. I thought of her still often every day, I checked my mail avidly for news of how she was doing but the sadness lessened a little to a more manageable level.
As the weeks went on the feeling progressed slightly further in a positive manner, I could even see benefits (if I looked really hard) for her in her new lifestyle and for me in one or two practical aspects, though there was never a moment I wouldn't have jumped at the chance to have her back with me had it been possible. I had even managed to look at a few photographs of her and smile as opposed to feeling sad and was considering I might soon be able to cope with visiting her without falling to bits.
And so I thought I was over the worst, onward and upward and all that....and then yesterday happened and for no reason I can fathom it all came rushing back, suddenly out of the blue I missed her dreadfully again, I had nightmares about her for the minimal part of the night I slept at all and then today it feels like I'm back at the start again.....I even found myself driving along a busy 'A' road yesterday afternoon with tears streaming unstoppably down my silly red face at just the thought of her.
Goddamn it....I thought I had a handle on this and it appears I haven't at all, I have no idea why, maybe I'm feeling a little more fragile than usual, maybe this 'up and down' pattern is normal or maybe I'm just 'hormonal' but whatever is it's cause one thing is for sure...I miss her little furry cat-ness terribly again right now.
:o(
It's almost six weeks since Tilly went to her new home and in a kind of perverse way I had been quite proud of myself for how I had coped. The first week or so was hellish, I missed her terribly but gradually I got slightly more used
to her absence. I thought of her still often every day, I checked my mail avidly for news of how she was doing but the sadness lessened a little to a more manageable level.As the weeks went on the feeling progressed slightly further in a positive manner, I could even see benefits (if I looked really hard) for her in her new lifestyle and for me in one or two practical aspects, though there was never a moment I wouldn't have jumped at the chance to have her back with me had it been possible. I had even managed to look at a few photographs of her and smile as opposed to feeling sad and was considering I might soon be able to cope with visiting her without falling to bits.
And so I thought I was over the worst, onward and upward and all that....and then yesterday happened and for no reason I can fathom it all came rushing back, suddenly out of the blue I missed her dreadfully again, I had nightmares about her for the minimal part of the night I slept at all and then today it feels like I'm back at the start again.....I even found myself driving along a busy 'A' road yesterday afternoon with tears streaming unstoppably down my silly red face at just the thought of her.
Goddamn it....I thought I had a handle on this and it appears I haven't at all, I have no idea why, maybe I'm feeling a little more fragile than usual, maybe this 'up and down' pattern is normal or maybe I'm just 'hormonal' but whatever is it's cause one thing is for sure...I miss her little furry cat-ness terribly again right now.
:o(
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Losing the edge!
Call it age, call it a degree of common sense creeping into my psyche rather late on or call it 'losing the edge', whatever it is came as quite a shock to me!
Fletch, he whois lucky enough to have me bringing up the rear is generous enough to allow me to ride pillion oft times, has another new bike (yes, it's a man thing, one is never enough) .
and this bank holiday weekend was a more than suitable time for 'test riding'
'Test riding' commenced on Friday evening and was completed late yesterday (nothing obsessive there I hear you think!) and what I discovered somewhat disappointingly about myself is that I have definitely lost my 'edge'.
A large proportion of my entire adult lifetime has been spent on two wheels held together by a significantly sized engine, I have always loved it, it's something that either gets under your skin or it doesn't.... but once it has it never goes.
In my long gone and not so distant past I was happy to take the risks, loved the rush that motorbike madness provided and was happy to travel at speeds well in excess of %$£*#% mph (nope, I don't dare be any more specific than thaT), grind a knee slider along the tarmac or go the distance on only the back wheel.....I hasten to add that my penchant has been for doing this stuff as a pillion not the rider, I am way to small to have any control over anything worth riding and so I concentrated on becoming the ideal, unnoticeable pillion. I loved the rush, I loved the excitement, maybe even the fear.
But all that has changed, age or common sense has taken over and while Fletch was 'testing' his new machine's capabilities with me parked on the back (as one must to some degree just the once) I found, much to my dismay that I was nervous, that images of what might happen should it all go horribly wrong filled a small corner of my mind and what used to give me a buzz didn't any longer have quite the same effect!
Perhaps it's age, perhaps it's a degree less stupidity or perhaps it's just that these days I'm used to the much more sensible/stay alive riding style that Fletch usually adopts.... but whatever it is I think my days of head down and ar*e up tearing up the tarmac are over, I have definitely lost my edge where all that's concerned...... and probably it's a good thing!
Fletch, he who
and this bank holiday weekend was a more than suitable time for 'test riding'
'Test riding' commenced on Friday evening and was completed late yesterday (nothing obsessive there I hear you think!) and what I discovered somewhat disappointingly about myself is that I have definitely lost my 'edge'.
A large proportion of my entire adult lifetime has been spent on two wheels held together by a significantly sized engine, I have always loved it, it's something that either gets under your skin or it doesn't.... but once it has it never goes.
In my long gone and not so distant past I was happy to take the risks, loved the rush that motorbike madness provided and was happy to travel at speeds well in excess of %$£*#% mph (nope, I don't dare be any more specific than thaT), grind a knee slider along the tarmac or go the distance on only the back wheel.....I hasten to add that my penchant has been for doing this stuff as a pillion not the rider, I am way to small to have any control over anything worth riding and so I concentrated on becoming the ideal, unnoticeable pillion. I loved the rush, I loved the excitement, maybe even the fear.
But all that has changed, age or common sense has taken over and while Fletch was 'testing' his new machine's capabilities with me parked on the back (as one must to some degree just the once) I found, much to my dismay that I was nervous, that images of what might happen should it all go horribly wrong filled a small corner of my mind and what used to give me a buzz didn't any longer have quite the same effect!
Perhaps it's age, perhaps it's a degree less stupidity or perhaps it's just that these days I'm used to the much more sensible/stay alive riding style that Fletch usually adopts.... but whatever it is I think my days of head down and ar*e up tearing up the tarmac are over, I have definitely lost my edge where all that's concerned...... and probably it's a good thing!
Thursday, 3 May 2007
Wednesday, 2 May 2007
Captive!
Excerpts from a Dog's Daily Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favourite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favourite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!
Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to convince them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am.
Bastards.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However,I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released -and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...
8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favourite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favourite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!
Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to convince them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am.
Bastards.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However,I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released -and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...
Tuesday, 1 May 2007
I knew I hated the dentist!
And today has only confirmed it!
Today, motivated by pain as opposed to bravery, I was forced to into the dreaded dentists chair for a check up. Last time I was in this position, the one where your head is nearing the floor, your feet are somewhere you have lost track of and your head is seemingly held fast by some invisible brace, it was for an extraction. That had not helped my feeling of anxiety for future visits though in defence of the dentist on that occasion, he was fabulously understanding and gentle.
Today's sadistic b*astard 'minister of oral care' it would seem, is very much opposed to we evil smokers and appeared to do his level best to cause me pain and scare the living daylights out of me!
Now, I accept that smoking is a major contritutary factor to my current dental problems, though even the dental fraternity were unaware of the impact of smoking on peridontal desease until approx. 15 years ago.
As a lay man I think I can be excused for not knowing this information until recently, particularly given that I was unable to be seen by a dentist at all, courtesy of the lack of NHS practitioners, for about half of that 15 year period! I fail therefor to see how poking things into my gums until I shrieked or telling me horrendously frightening stories was designed to help someone like myself' who already has problems with anxiety just trying to make it into the chair. Perhaps I should have encouraged him to scan my notes briefly before he set about scaring me so witless with only the result that I am much more likely never to darken a dentists door again.
The last guy helped me begin to feel I could deal with dentistry, this guy has firmly set me back but it seems I cannot have 'Mr nice dentist' complete the work that 'Mr scary dentist' has begun.
So the upshot of all of this is that smoking has caused my gums to recede badly, hence my otherwise (mostly) healthy teeth keep working loose and having to be removed. The prognosis is not encouraging, I think it unlikely I will see old age with my own teeth unless, and this is the million dollar question, I can quit smoking. Even if I do the damage is not reversible but it will at least not get signifigantly worse with a little luck.
I need two big fillings and one, maybe two extracted and not only am I miffed yet again with myself for ever starting smoking but I am also wondering just how I am going to pluck up the wearwithall to get my body back into the chair so it can be done.
This is not good, I am not a happy bunny right now...I knew I hated the dentist, as a profession I hasten to add, not the individuals, save for today's terrorist.
I wonder.....just what did he think he would achieve by treating me as he did when on the top of my notes in big red letters it states 'severe dental anxiety'??!!!
Seems somewhat counter-productive to me.
Today, motivated by pain as opposed to bravery, I was forced to into the dreaded dentists chair for a check up. Last time I was in this position, the one where your head is nearing the floor, your feet are somewhere you have lost track of and your head is seemingly held fast by some invisible brace, it was for an extraction. That had not helped my feeling of anxiety for future visits though in defence of the dentist on that occasion, he was fabulously understanding and gentle.
Today's
Now, I accept that smoking is a major contritutary factor to my current dental problems, though even the dental fraternity were unaware of the impact of smoking on peridontal desease until approx. 15 years ago.
As a lay man I think I can be excused for not knowing this information until recently, particularly given that I was unable to be seen by a dentist at all, courtesy of the lack of NHS practitioners, for about half of that 15 year period! I fail therefor to see how poking things into my gums until I shrieked or telling me horrendously frightening stories was designed to help someone like myself' who already has problems with anxiety just trying to make it into the chair. Perhaps I should have encouraged him to scan my notes briefly before he set about scaring me so witless with only the result that I am much more likely never to darken a dentists door again. The last guy helped me begin to feel I could deal with dentistry, this guy has firmly set me back but it seems I cannot have 'Mr nice dentist' complete the work that 'Mr scary dentist' has begun.
So the upshot of all of this is that smoking has caused my gums to recede badly, hence my otherwise (mostly) healthy teeth keep working loose and having to be removed. The prognosis is not encouraging, I think it unlikely I will see old age with my own teeth unless, and this is the million dollar question, I can quit smoking. Even if I do the damage is not reversible but it will at least not get signifigantly worse with a little luck.
I need two big fillings and one, maybe two extracted and not only am I miffed yet again with myself for ever starting smoking but I am also wondering just how I am going to pluck up the wearwithall to get my body back into the chair so it can be done.
This is not good, I am not a happy bunny right now...I knew I hated the dentist, as a profession I hasten to add, not the individuals, save for today's terrorist.
I wonder.....just what did he think he would achieve by treating me as he did when on the top of my notes in big red letters it states 'severe dental anxiety'??!!!
Seems somewhat counter-productive to me.
Sunday, 29 April 2007
Reasons Why Motorcycles.....
.....are better than Men! ;o)
A motorcycle can go for more than one ride in an hour.
Motorcycles never develop spare tires.
Motorcycles last longer.
Motorcycles don't get you pregnant.
A motorcycle doesn't care what time of month it is.
Motorcycles don't have parents.
Your motorcycle will let you know if something is wrong.
You don't have to kick your motorcycle to get it going.
Your motorcycle won't judge your friends.
If your motorcycle smokes you can do something about it.
Motorcycles don't care about how many other motorcycles you have ridden.
When riding, you and your motorcycle both arrive at the same time.
One motorcycle will satisfy you every time.
Your motorcycle won't ogle other motorcycles.
Your motorcycle won't care if you have a poster of your fantasy motorcycle.
If your motorcycle has high mileage, you can just get a new one.
Motorcycles don't care about breast size.
If your motorcycle is misaligned, you don't have to discuss politics to correct it.
You don't have to drink beer before your motorcycle looks appealing.
You can be proud of your motorcycle regardless of the model.
Your motorcycle won't beat you or try to make you feel inferior.
You can ride a motorcycle as long as you want and it won't get limp.
Your parents won't keep in touch with your old motorcycle after you dump it.
Motorcycles always feel like going for a ride when you do.
Motorcycles don't insult you if you are a novice.
Your motorcycle never wants a night out alone with the other motorcycles.
Motorcycles don't make you late.
Your motorcycle won't complain when you use protection.
If your motorcycle doesn't look good, you can paint it or get better parts.
You can't get a disease from a motorcycle.
Your motorcycle won't care if you fake it.
Motorcycles are always ready to stop when you are.
Your motorcycle has a built in vibrator.
Your motorcycle doesn't have to show off in front of other motorcycles.
Your motorcycle won't lie to you.
Your motorcycle doesn't care how heavy you are.
In the morning, your motorcycle won't poke you in the back when it wants to go for a ride.
Your motorcycle won't shrink when it's cold.
You don't have to cook for your motorcycle.
Your motorcycle can't ride around behind your back.
If your motorcycle is cold you can choke it.
Your motorcycle is always the right size because if it seems too small you can just get a new one.
You can keep photos of your old motorcycles.
Your motorcycle can go for multiple rides.
Motorcycles don't need pick-up lines.
You only have to ride your motorcycle when you want to.
Motorcycles don't snore.
A motorcycle can go for more than one ride in an hour.
Motorcycles never develop spare tires.
Motorcycles last longer.
Motorcycles don't get you pregnant.
A motorcycle doesn't care what time of month it is.
Motorcycles don't have parents.
Your motorcycle will let you know if something is wrong.
You don't have to kick your motorcycle to get it going.
Your motorcycle won't judge your friends.
If your motorcycle smokes you can do something about it.
Motorcycles don't care about how many other motorcycles you have ridden.
When riding, you and your motorcycle both arrive at the same time.
One motorcycle will satisfy you every time.
Your motorcycle won't ogle other motorcycles.
Your motorcycle won't care if you have a poster of your fantasy motorcycle.
If your motorcycle has high mileage, you can just get a new one.
Motorcycles don't care about breast size.
If your motorcycle is misaligned, you don't have to discuss politics to correct it.
You don't have to drink beer before your motorcycle looks appealing.
You can be proud of your motorcycle regardless of the model.
Your motorcycle won't beat you or try to make you feel inferior.
You can ride a motorcycle as long as you want and it won't get limp.
Your parents won't keep in touch with your old motorcycle after you dump it.
Motorcycles always feel like going for a ride when you do.
Motorcycles don't insult you if you are a novice.
Your motorcycle never wants a night out alone with the other motorcycles.
Motorcycles don't make you late.
Your motorcycle won't complain when you use protection.
If your motorcycle doesn't look good, you can paint it or get better parts.
You can't get a disease from a motorcycle.
Your motorcycle won't care if you fake it.
Motorcycles are always ready to stop when you are.
Your motorcycle has a built in vibrator.
Your motorcycle doesn't have to show off in front of other motorcycles.
Your motorcycle won't lie to you.
Your motorcycle doesn't care how heavy you are.
In the morning, your motorcycle won't poke you in the back when it wants to go for a ride.
Your motorcycle won't shrink when it's cold.
You don't have to cook for your motorcycle.
Your motorcycle can't ride around behind your back.
If your motorcycle is cold you can choke it.
Your motorcycle is always the right size because if it seems too small you can just get a new one.
You can keep photos of your old motorcycles.
Your motorcycle can go for multiple rides.
Motorcycles don't need pick-up lines.
You only have to ride your motorcycle when you want to.
Motorcycles don't snore.
Saturday, 28 April 2007
Sitting pretty
She's still there 'my' swan, sitting ontop of her now well used nest, being waited on wing and webbed foot by her man. She seems to be happy for me to get within very close range without becoming in the slightest concerned but given that her chosen site is within feet of road through and industrial estate and only yards from a busy main line rail line it's hardly surprising I don't phase her with my camera and coo-ing!
(Clickable)
(Clickable)
Thursday, 26 April 2007
Some good news at last!
On Tuesday my bankruptcy was formally discharged by the courts almost six months early!!
I received notification when I arrived home from work today.
In reality it makes little difference to my life for the foreseeable future, but psychologically I feel it is one problem finally over and done with ..... which makes quite a considerable difference inside my little head!
Today has been a pretty good day all round in fact one way and another, a pleasant change......more please, or is that being greedy? ;o)
I received notification when I arrived home from work today.
In reality it makes little difference to my life for the foreseeable future, but psychologically I feel it is one problem finally over and done with ..... which makes quite a considerable difference inside my little head!
Today has been a pretty good day all round in fact one way and another, a pleasant change......more please, or is that being greedy? ;o)
Wednesday, 25 April 2007
A view from a white van
The job may be crap but sometimes it has it's benefits.
It's Bluebell time here and they are out in abundance. Perhaps I should have been working but a little 'wander' in these woods was too hard to resist en-route to yet another factory!
(Images clickable)
It's Bluebell time here and they are out in abundance. Perhaps I should have been working but a little 'wander' in these woods was too hard to resist en-route to yet another factory!
(Images clickable)
Tuesday, 24 April 2007
Thief!
So there I was yesterday, out on the white van minding my own business, when suddenly I was confronted by a thief as I served one of my usual customers!
But this was not the kind of obnoxious thief I have been used to in the past, this was not your average smack fuelled shoplifter with pock marked face and equally pock marked behaviour, no, this was a thief of an entirely different kind.
As I was serving this particular lady customer she suddenly shrieked. At first I wasn't sure what all the hoo-ha was about, she just yelled and moved away from my van.....hell, I know it's a wreck but it doesn't usually invoke such a dire response from those who utilise it's services!
This lady customer it transpired, is afraid of birds (uh? must have seen too much Hitchcock) and had noticed a movement in the corner of her eye that upon a second glance was revealed to be a Robin.
This small bird was merrily inside the back of my van, perched upon a heap of sandwiches as large as life, madly trying to peck a way through the packaging and make off with his booty! :o)
And there it stayed, hopping from sandwich to sandwich without a care in the world, having a quick investigate of a bag of crisps and some Twiglets before going back to the matter in hand....that of robin' (groan) me of a sandwich .
So what did I do....what could I do, this is me, 'Mrs stupid about wildlife'(or in this case apparently not quite as wild as it should be....so I tore open a baguette and left said robin enjoying the feast for as long as I could spare to stand there just watching and marvelling at this tiny birds bravery. Yup, I made myself late but no matter, it was worth it......
....and not to miss an opportunity it seems, he was back again today, straight into the van, pecking at his fancy and waiting for me to do the honours and open it again for his delectation!
Amusingly if he carries on in this manner he is going to be in danger of being transported elsewhere in error, he has been in no hurry whatsoever to 'vacate the premises' thus far and on both occasions has required a gentle but persistent 'shoo-ing' away when I needed to leave! :o)
But this was not the kind of obnoxious thief I have been used to in the past, this was not your average smack fuelled shoplifter with pock marked face and equally pock marked behaviour, no, this was a thief of an entirely different kind.
As I was serving this particular lady customer she suddenly shrieked. At first I wasn't sure what all the hoo-ha was about, she just yelled and moved away from my van.....hell, I know it's a wreck but it doesn't usually invoke such a dire response from those who utilise it's services!
This lady customer it transpired, is afraid of birds (uh? must have seen too much Hitchcock) and had noticed a movement in the corner of her eye that upon a second glance was revealed to be a Robin.
This small bird was merrily inside the back of my van, perched upon a heap of sandwiches as large as life, madly trying to peck a way through the packaging and make off with his booty! :o)
And there it stayed, hopping from sandwich to sandwich without a care in the world, having a quick investigate of a bag of crisps and some Twiglets before going back to the matter in hand....that of robin' (groan) me of a sandwich .
So what did I do....what could I do, this is me, 'Mrs stupid about wildlife'(or in this case apparently not quite as wild as it should be....so I tore open a baguette and left said robin enjoying the feast for as long as I could spare to stand there just watching and marvelling at this tiny birds bravery. Yup, I made myself late but no matter, it was worth it......
....and not to miss an opportunity it seems, he was back again today, straight into the van, pecking at his fancy and waiting for me to do the honours and open it again for his delectation!
Amusingly if he carries on in this manner he is going to be in danger of being transported elsewhere in error, he has been in no hurry whatsoever to 'vacate the premises' thus far and on both occasions has required a gentle but persistent 'shoo-ing' away when I needed to leave! :o)
Monday, 23 April 2007
Sunday, 22 April 2007
I've been good!
There is a distinct possibility that any day now I may be discharged from my state of bankruptcy, almost 6 months early.
Apparently I've been good, conducted my affairs since I was declared in the 'manner expected'.....fingers crossed that I have been good enough! I should know any day now.
Ok, so in reality it doesn't make much real difference, it remains on my credit history for 6 years and that's the bit that matters but it's a start and at least I wont have to declare it on every damn official form I fill in any longer.
Apparently I've been good, conducted my affairs since I was declared in the 'manner expected'.....fingers crossed that I have been good enough! I should know any day now.
Ok, so in reality it doesn't make much real difference, it remains on my credit history for 6 years and that's the bit that matters but it's a start and at least I wont have to declare it on every damn official form I fill in any longer.
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