The Day the Whirlwind De-clutters descended on me!

I trust that my good family and friends will enjoy the following and have a few laughs at my expense as I work towards recovery from my breathing problem . . .

I am given understand that there is a TV programme in which two ladies of a few summers and more winters descend on an unsuspecting person to de-clutter their home.  I am told that this is unpleasant viewing for those of a nervous disposition, so I have never watched it, preferring Have I Got News for You, Mock the Week and the Mish Report - all of which make me laugh (often out loud!) at the ludicrous clowns who are trying to govern our wonderful country as they take us even further down the road to destruction and make us the laughing stock of the world! Help!

Yesterday the Whirlwind De-clutters descended on me. Led by the Senior De-clutterer, my glorious daughter-in-law, Danielle Jeffries, all the way from Dorset, and ably assisted by my wonderful daughter, Heather Barrow (if a little reluctant at first, but who soon got into the swing!)  while the third member of the entourage was somewhat to the rear and clearly not wishing to upset the applecart, but ready to carry black sacks when called upon, Graham Jeffries, my faithful eldest son.

First, they attacked the bedroom. Off came any lined embroidered cloths on dressing table and other tops. These were for washing, ironing and putting away with the other similar embroidered cloths by Yvonne and her Mother.  Polished wood is best for keeping dust away - and I do not need dust for my breathing. 

Too many things out on top of dressing table - and into drawers they went (and I am finding things again!). Hats and scarves in a small cabinet into a large drawer in dressing table. Cabinet now surplus to requirements (this went to Dorset with my blessing). Off came a beloved throw over the ottoman (travel metal trunk of shining glow storing spare bed linen) as this was a dust trap. Consigned to black sack.

Next the team dashed to the bathroom. Here all cleaning materials on the floor were found new homes in cupboards and anything that is not needed was sorted. Further some things from the bedroom found better homes here - but let them be nameless! I am now growing a beard to save shaving - and the new beard trimmer is on hand - but in its bag, of course (where else?).

Into the kitchen where major work was undertaken. The worktop has been home to all the things I use almost every day. But that is no longer. Some 80% of these things are now stored in cupboards or the fridge so that the worktop is almost devoid any life whatsoever. I now have so much space to move around it is just amazing. The shelf at the window was full. Not anymore. Just a dish for the cat food spoon, Tomorite (for fertilising the tomatoes - why not!) and a water spray for plants. All cleaning materials to cupboard under the sink where they belong. Clean surfaces with no dust.

Fridge and freezer were emptied and cleaned with vigour and determination, the like which I have not seen since dear Yvonne passed away or Heather brings to the fore when helping me in house and garden (that lass can now plant up anything but especially tomatoes). The freezer now has the middle section with foodstuffs - but not many - as the top section will now be home to six ready meals from Wiltshire Farm Foods. I have reluctantly agreed to try this to save me having to cook while I learn to manage my breathing with the help of the Respiratory Clinic and COPD Community Nurses. First delivery is due on Tuesday. I can’t wait! Bottom section is for frozen fruits which I have for my pudding/sweet/dessert each day.

The gas cooker is to go - to be replaced by tumble drier next to the washing machine. A small electric cooker will go on top of this - just with hot plates to enable me to boil eggs or water. I have a microwave for the prepared meals and toaster. This will happen when there is to be a Family Meeting at my home on 20th July for which Richard and Stine will fly home from Norway and Graham and Danielle wil travel from Dorset to be joined by Heather and Rob  from Chigwell Row. This is a “Sort Dad Out Day”! But they have said they will be kind and they are. 

With George my garden-man coming tomorrow to finish preserving the wooden sheds and summerhouse, and helping to keep the garden tidy, and Daphne, my cleaner coming every Friday, I can keep things going. Socks now has an automatic feeder machine which I am able to load so that it opens twice a day and he is now going to look for it at the right times. I can do the washing - non-iron shirts, handkerchiefs which I boil in stain remover first, tea towels (which are ironed to keep up standards). I do ironing sitting on a stool. Magic!

So there! I had wonderful Father’s Day with cards from the family. Now it is time for some relaxing and sleep!

Take care, good friends

Ron/Dad/Granddad/Great Granddad

Fire!

Family and friends will recall that early last year the electricity here in the Old Homestead blew up, necessitating a complete rewiring, with socket outlets all 15 inches above the floor (to avoid floods, I was told - even upstairs!), the provision of a massive light in the rear garden (which lights up the entire neighbourhood if there is movement) and smoke alarms (one in the kitchen, one in the hall and another on the landing). More of the latter later for no-one explained anything about these . . .

Today I journeyed to Fairlop Waters in the buggy to photograph Jenny in the nature reserve. Read next week’s ILFORD RECORDER when all will be revealed.

And so as I was there, I drove over to the Farm Shop on Forest Road, there to stock up with some fine fresh fruit and other goodies. The seeded bread rolls look good - and tasted even better - and I enjoyed the punnet of Dutch strawberries sitting beside the lake and watching youngsters paddling rafts built of oil drums and spars (just as we used to do when I was Scout Leader hereabouts in the 60s).

Amongst my purchases was a pack of asparagus, a luxury I have learned to enjoy once or twice. And so I decided to have five sprigs and three rashers of bacon for my evening meal. The bacon went in the Ramuska whilst the asparagus was seasoned and placed in the frying pan with a little oil. I stood by to watch.

Suddenly - and without any warning - the smoke alarm in the kitchen sent out the sort of screeching that signalled the world was coming to an end (or that Boris was the new PM). At that point something rather important struck me. No-one had told me how to stop the wretched smoke alarm from blasting out into the neighbourhood the message that Ron was about to incinerate his home.

First, I had the presence of mind to turn off both appliances! Then I waved an ironed tea towel in the air - but it did not reach. Screeeeeeech! Out into the garden to bring a long handled broom. I poked with the handle.Screeeeeeech!  I turned the broom around and gave the smoke alarm a firm brushing. Screeeeeeech!  But then it stopped!

Please someone, tell me how to stop a smoke alarm?

 

Regards

Ron

PS The Asparagus was delicious, of slightly singed at the ends, and the bacon was tasty. A bowl of fruit for dessert. I may have a cake before bed!

Buggy ride .. .

It is a fact that I would not have made a competent driver of motorised transport.  And today proved it! I tried to learn to drive in my early twenties, but could not remember which was the brake and which the accelerator - a common fault, I gather, in those olden times of the 50s among a small percentage of the population (some say by the more intelligent, but I would not dare to repeat such a whimsical statement in public).  But in any case, I wanted to marry and buy a house - so a car was out of the question.

Today I had a telephone consultation with my GP, who has decided that in - addition to using the nebuliser as and when during the day - I am to have two tablets of steroids every day. That should steady me up a bit.

Rejoicing in that news, I set off in the buggy to the pharmacy to collect the prescription and to do some shopping. The forecast said there might be a rain shower - so I took an umbrella just in case. All went well as  I rode merrily along Oaks Lane, Chase Lane, Perryman’s Farm Road and into Aldi. 

Then I crossed Horns Road (at the traffic lights) and entered Britannia Pharmacy to purchase some personal bottles and sprays to ensure that I project a pleasing aroma. Here a spied a young lady stacking shelves, so I asked her where I might find such things. But when I followed her I reversed instead of going ahead and crashed into a display stand - which, fortunately, was robust enough to remain where it had stood since early morning. The young lady laughed. Nothing broken. Driving towards the cash desk, I somehow became immersed in the straps that marked the area where the queue forms - and had to be rescued by the same young lady. Who smiled and laughed again. I think it made her day.

Next stop B & Q. I decided to ride round the store to find the items I needed, rather than park outside and push a trolley. I safely navigated where I had to go, but found that the plants I wanted to buy were on the outdoor car park. I started to leave the store - but being Wednesday when B & Q Club Members are afforded 10% discounts, the till area was crowded. 

It was here that I fear I lost my presence of mind!

Reversing, I spotted what I thought were automatic exit barriers. They were not. They were entry barriers. I tried to go through but the barriers were having none of it - and set off screeching alarms. Now what is very odd is that not a single member of staff came over. It was left to a young male shopper to extricate me from the barriers, which were giving my arms a fair battering. I drove out, accompanied  by the alarms making a cacophony of sound that had fellow shoppers standing in awe as they waited for the arrival of the police - who never came.

I parked. Walked to pick up the plants. Back inside I paid. Outside I mounted the buggy and set off. Smiling at all around (for what else do you do?) I was off to Perryman’s Farm Road and Chase Lane at maximum speed (4mph). And here came the rain. Fishing the umbrella from beneath the bananas, grapes and cake (yes, cake!), I set off for home. It was an amusing journey in that passers-by smiled and, in one or two cases, laughed aloud at this old chap careering along with a brolly aloft. I must look into an all-weather canopy for the buggy, although I guess some folk had a tale to tell their friends in the pub this evening. 

Happy Days indeed!

News Release!

A good friend, recently retired, has suggested that I missed a trick with April Fool's Day on Monday. I should have issued a New Release on the following lines:

Breaking News: Buckingham Palace to be re-sited on Fairlop Plain!

News has been released this morning that the iconic palace, Buckingham Palace, is to be re-sited on the green belt of Fairlop Plain. The move will take five years as each brick and stone will be numbered to ensure that the building retains all its much-loved features in the new site. The gardens will be lifted in six metre squares. The whole edifice will be surrounded by a deep moat on which MPs, who are so inclined, will be permitted to float their duck houses.

In addition to the moat, there will be a 20 feet high barbed wire fence. Ivy and flowering clematis will grow on the inside to give royalty a pleasant outlook. The other side will be pretty grim, but what matter!

Said a spokesman: "The moat and barbed wire fence are necessary as a local resident has threatened to lie down in front of the first Royal car and to disrupt any garden parties. It is believed he is a member of the Aldborough Hatch Defence Association (AHDA), an organisation which is now banned under the recently introduced legislation regarding illicit and dangerous gatherings in public places.

"Members of the public are asked to be vigilant and to report any sitings of members of the AHDA, especially Octogenarians. They should not be approached as they may be carrying pitchforks and are easily disturbed."

A spokesman for Redbridge Council welcomed the move of Buckingham Palace to the Borough commenting: "This is just the sort of iconic building we have been looking for on the green belt most of which is just ploughed dirt and earth. Once up, the rest will be concreted over to save time with grass cutting, hedge and tree pruning, and the like.

"We will invite Her Majesty the Queen to the Town Centre on the first Friday of each month when Her Majesty will be autographing photographs of herself with the Leader of the Council - the cash raised going to pay for fact-finding trips to Dubai, Hong Kong, Barbados and other places with similar issues to face to those in Redbridge. These will be of month long duration for obvious reasons (and you can work that out without me explaining!)."

ENDS

All inquiries should be addressed to Father Christmas and the F airies at the Bottom of my Garden

Garden time

There is much afoot in my rear garden! The ranch fence I built 54 years ago finally collapsed in the winter, but the concrete posts are in good heart (although George, who is fixing the fence for me, tells me that they are not in a straight line!). Tmber arrived today, new bolts are in place and it should all take shape tomorrow.

Meantime I have been busy in the greenhouse, potting up Moneymaker Tomato plants for the Community Memorial Garden at St. Peter's and Tumbling Tomatoes for my hanging baskets.

I have also made a start at propagating some salvia - Africa Sky and Hot Lips are my favourites.

Nice warm sunshine today - more work in the greenhouse tomorrow.

Where have all the ties gone?

I attended a residents' association's coffee morning today. Some dozen or so men were there - and I was the only one wearing a tie. Even the speaker was tie-less.

Sitting on a bus recently in the City of London at lunchtime, I noticed that about 10% of men in suits wore ties.

What is England coming to, I ask myself? I am about to go into the greenhouse and will still be wearing a tie.

I am not a Colonel Blimp nor a right-wing or left-wing bigot. In fact, I am very liberal in my outlook and views - and some say very young for my 86 years.

But this tie-less age is getting me very, very upset. No wonder Tie Rack closed down!

No Booing!

A small colour leaflet dropped through my door today. Headed 'Zumba Fitness', it attracted my immediate attention.

I have no idea what Zumba is, but guess it might be some sort of dance gymnastics. Sub-headings read: 'Pay as you go', 'No contract', 'Classes are just £6'. I was becoming interested, but then two lines hit me between the eyes.

The first read: ' Ladies only' - so that ruled me out.

The second read: 'No Booing Necessary'. Yes, No Booing! What is happening here? Do these Ladies Boo - and if so why? And why is it unnecessary? Surely booing is not very lady-like!

I need some answers or I will not sleep soundly this evening - especially as these sessions are to be held starting this Thursday evening in a hall not a few yards from where I live. I am

Magnificent!

The Spring bulbs throughout St. Peter's Churchyard in Aldborough Hatch, Essex, are just magnificent. Tete a Tete Narcissus (daffodil to you and me), crocus, primula, tulip and wild violets (the latter just appeared over recent years whereas the rest were planted by members and their friends)are in full flower now. Do visit if you are living nearby. More will be planted in the autumn.

Let battle commence!

Having been part of the team that fought off the threat of an all-weather racecourse in Fairlop Waters County Park and the gravel haul road trashing through the Country Park here on the very edge of London’s green belt, and will now see off the descent of the London Markets on Hainault Farm, I am now facing another major battle - against Mr Squirrel (or even Mrs Squirrel for all I know).

Recently sparrows returns to my garden. So I invested in new bird feeders for the front and back, and Chris gave me some special bird seed. The sparrows came back - but then Mr or Mrs Squirrel spotted the chance for some free food. Not only did he (she) take the seed, but he (she) knocked the feeder off the bird table and very nearly smashed it - twice. I have foiled him (her) now - but wiring the feeder onto the table so that he (she) will not be able to take it down. That will teach him (her)!

Watch this space! The sparrows have not returned - yet . . . 

Greenhouse spring cleaned!

Back from two hours in the greenhouse clearing the winter debris. The salvia are looking fine now I have trimmed them back. The Cala Lily bulbs and others are nicely dried off. And I am ready to plant the tomato seeds in the propogator - but that will have to wait for anther day as I am a bit tired now!

Busy busy!

I thought you would like to know that I spoke to the garden-man this morning. He will renew my rear garden ranch fence starting in two weeks’ time. It has not done badly - I built it when Graham was two and he is 55 now! The concrete posts are still as good as new. George will use treated wood from the woodyard in Fairlop. If It goes well, I may get him to do the same in the front - as the palings are getting worn after some 53 years, although I treat it every year.

I have also ordered 2.5 litre of Brintons Patio Magic from WILKO - to be delivered as it is too heavy for me to carry from Ilford! This, I gather, will sort out the patio in the back garden - and does not need brushing. I will do it in sections as Socks would not be allowed out whilst it is doing its work. 

I have also ordered the tomato seeds from Nicky online - these are for the hanging baskets. I will buy seeds for the planters for the new garden at St. Peter’s.

I am off to Ilford shortly - I will be buying a pair of pyjamas at M & S. I realise that I have never ever done this - Yvonne always did my pyjama shopping and two pairs are really getting beyond their use-by date. As Daphne irons my pyjamas I feel I should get a new pair! Such fun!

The sun is shining and the water feature of trickling away in the back garden. I have had sparrows in the garden recently so have purchased some new feeders - but so far only Mr Squirrel is feeding.

Sparrows are back!

For some three or four years, sparrows have deserted 37 Spearpoint Gardens. A day or so ago I spotted a flight over the front garden and again at the back. So I bought some fat balls and filled one basket - and today the sparrows are back in force. I counted about ten at one stage.

So tomorrow I will take the bus to Romford Market and buy holders, seed and other supplies for back and front.

I took these shots with the new long lens. I must get the tripod out. Such fun!

I trust that Chris-up-the-road will not be too jealous. Sparrows deserted his garden too. I will  send some of mine up!

And whilst I am writing, you may be amused to know that I am buying Milton tablets as though were were no tomorrow. Of all the preparations that I have bought online for keeping my water feature clean, not one off them works. But Milton tablets are the answer. And they are excellent too for keeping mugs and cups fresh and clean.

Spring on 23rd February 2019

Over the past three autumns some 6.000 bulbs have been planted in the grounds by members of St. Peter’s Aldborough Hatch and their friends. This weekend they burst into flower in the warm sunshine - in sharp contrast to this time last year when the ‘Beast from the East’ brought heavy snowfall and bitterly cold weather. Later this year we plan to plant yet more Spring bulbs and to extend the planting to the nearby Shrubberies in Aldborough Road North.

The mystery of the disappearing pillow cases

Two Fridays ago, Daphne, my ever so helpful cleaner, made my bed - I find duvet covers almost impossible to fit and Daphne is happy enough taking on the task every two weeks.

Earlier I had removed the red bedding set, washed it and placed it out for drying and ironing (the pillow cases only - I do not iron duvet covers or bottom fitted sheets, but after drying I fold them with care).

I laid out the purple set - fitted sheet, duvet cover and two pillow cases. But Daphne called me as there were no pillow cases. But I remember laying them on top of the fitted sheet and duvet cover. But Daphne assured me that they were not there. So I found two floral pillow cases and these were duly fitted. Cream with flowers. Not me really, but the devil takes the hindmost . . .

I assumed that the two purple pillow cases must have been left on the bed and covered by the fitted sheet - although I could not feel them. Perhaps they were inside the duvet cover and all would be revealed in two weeks when I stripped the bed for washing.

Today I did just that - but no purple pillow cases were revealed. And I did look very hard. Even under the bed where storage boxes hold lots of goodies and the Christmas lights and decorations.

So where are the two purple pillow cases, I ask myself? Is there a fairy in the house who takes pillow cases? Has Socks purloined them for his safe haven upstairs - which only he can reach at present until I take on the next phase of paper clearing in the office. Have they taken a walk? Can pillow cases walk?

Your guess is as good as mine, but Daphne assures me that they will turn up one day. Meantime, I can feel a visit to Dunelm Mill coming on to replace the two purple pillow cases, for I am unsure if I could take another two weeks with florals! The red and purple sets were purchased when Heather took me to Dunelm shortly after Yvonne passed away as it was considered that the cream and white bedding was a bit too feminine for me.

Any ideas would be much appreciated - or Dunelm Mill here I come!

Spring!

Brilliant sunshine on Friday 15th February as crocus and winter aconites burst into flower in my front garden. And some passersby stop to have a look, whilst others are too busy on their mobiles!

Stunned!

I had a strange experience today. A gentleman, who I have known for some years gave me - uninvited, I would add - his views on BREXIT. He hails from Eastern Europe and is happily married with children born in this country. I have always got on very well with him.

He started by asking how I voted in referendum and I told him I want to remain. Speaking in a strong accent so that I had difficulty in understanding all he was saying, he told me that BREXIT is a MUST and that within two years we will be more prosperous than ever before. I found it especially strange when he told me that immigrants from anywhere should be kept out for evermore! Our borders should be shut and not opened again. Ever!

I came home a little stunned . . .

Enough!

I have reached the point where I can no longer keep quiet. I am proud to be British. I am proud to be a European. I voted Remain because I have lived for some 85 years in my country of birth, where the green fields have not seen a war or a battle for decades. I lived through World War II and I would not wish those years on anyone - family, friends and those I am never ever likely to meet.

I have wonderful neighbours in a multi-cultural community. My recent hospital experience would not have been possible without NHS staff from all around the globe. Over the years the Boris types have told lies about the EU which newspapers bandied about as true. Sadly, too many folk read the gutter press and believe every word in print.

l have subscribed to THE NEW EUROPEAN since the first issue - and have some of the early copies in a filing cabinet behind me as I write. Today's front cover - reproduced here - says it all.

Some of my friends who read this will disagree with me. That is their right. I remain a firm European. I did not believe the falsehoods and plain lies that the Leave campaign put about.

I pray that BREXIT (what a horrible word!) will not take place. I also pray that Boris, Rees, David and all the other characters who have lined their pockets at the expense of the public and could not care less if we starve - will go away and leave us alone, chomping on their ill-begotten gains. They belong in the Victorian era of Dickens et al.

I fear for a future led by the BREXITEERS. I pray for the good of our wonderful country and its people.

Tea Towels and such like

I have ironed tea towels and handkerchiefs this Saturday morning - as you do. When I look at some of the former, they bring back memories - for most were purchased by Yvonne or were given to her as presents - although I have bought some replacements over the last four years as well.Standard s have to be maintained.

One tea towel marks the London Olympics - 29th July to 14th August 1948. I would guess that this was not purchased in 1948, for neither Yvonne nor I were into tea towels in that year as we were both 15. Oddly, I recall nothing whatsoever about the 1948 Olympics.

I was at Leyton County HIgh School, rode two buses each way from home, stuttered very badly, but sang in St. Peter's Church Choir (where, on a good Saturday, we would have three weddings at five shillings a time and ten bob if I was to sing a solo - 'I'll walk beside you' and 'Count your blessings' were my sole repertoire. Yes, I could sing, but not speak as speech therapists were not doing business in Ilford at the time).

We had a wireless set (forerunner of radio), but television had not restarted after the war - well, if it had we did not have a TV set in my home in Church Road until 1951 when my father purchased one for £60 - 10% of his annual salary I learned much later. We had the news reels at the cinema - but we did not go there every week - perhaps once a month if we were lucky. The Daily Mirror was the newspaper of choice in my house - I started to read the News Chronicle at about this time - but only once a week when there was a good cycling column for I was a keen cyclist list, Youth Hostelling alone around Essex and Suffolk - and even venturing via the Woolwich Ferry into Kent. I moved up to THE MANCHESTER GUARDIAN on leaving school at 16 in 1949 - now THE GUARDIAN.

But the 1948 Olympics seem to have passed me by for I do not have a single memory of the event.

Other tea towels have stories behind them too - but they will have to wait for another time for I cannot sit about here on a Saturday morning when there are jobs to be done!

I would add that the office carpet is now revealed in all its glory for I have shredded some dozen or so black sacks of old papers over the past three weeks. This is in accordance with my New Year Resolution (at the behest of Heather) to clear my office of old papers. There is still much to be done, but I have made a start. Some papers - like the tea towels - brought back memories, most of which were happy ones. I found the FOG INDEX records - described as "a method of ascertaining the level of readability of a manuscript". No way would that be shredded - indeed I am taking a set of papers to my friend Paul when we meet later today at the theatre. I have a few sets of the papers if you are interested. They are slightly brown on the edges and the paper is brittle but that comes with age. For the papers are dated 1973 when I was General Editor, The Scout Association, and Editor of SCOUTING, the national magazine. Happy Days!