Busy busy busy

Hi. Lots to do at the moment, not much time to write. Please call back tomorrow. Thanks.

Radio GaGa

Well after a very confusing phone call from Radio Humberside yesterday, I turned up at the Civic Centre at the arranged time, to be shown to a small studio by a very nice North Lincs Council lady. It seems the facilities in this council building are often used to link people up for interviews. It's like a mini version of a bigger studio, I sat there with headphones on, talking into a microphone to the chappie at Hull. It wasn't the usual Burnsy, it was some bloke called James who was standing in for him. 

I was ready for him with my notes in front of me. He fired off a few questions and I answered as best I could. I wasn't happy with how the interview went, and wasn't happy with what he was asking me. I remember this happening the last time I was on. I get the feeling I am being used for entertainment value, rather than making a useful contribution. It's alright being jovial and cracking jokes, up to a point, but it is a struggle to get the serious message across.

I much prefer to be in the same room as the person I am speaking to, prefer to make eye contact, picking up signals from their body language, it all helps the flow of conversation. There was far too many erm's littering my words, that was because the interview didn't go in the direction I thought it would. Why he asked me about my artwork I do not know, as it had nothing to do with the previous interview from an organiser of an event in Grimsby. My piece was supposed to tie in with what was going on there. 

You can decided for yourself, by listening to it via this link, sorry it might only be available in the UK. Move the slider across to start at 1hr 21 minutes, this is where the lady at the exhibition starts her interview. It wasn't one of my better interviews.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p01d4w88/David_Burns_06_08_2013/

Toodle pip.

Don't get shirty with me.

And here is supermodel Liona, modelling the very latest in Next Fashionwear. This powder blue striped shirt is made from luxury yarns, and is available in all Next stores. But if you don't have access to a store, just look in a car boot sale, where you can probably pick one up for next to nothing. This possibly almost new shirt was discovered amongst a load of tat and was snapped up for the amazing price of 20something pence.

I don't know if I have the heart to cut it up, seems such a waste of a good shirt. I have finished the red border on the patchwork, now I am cutting more patches in random colours for the next border. Do I give this shirt the chop or not. I don't think people wear shirts anymore, they are so old fashioned, and such a pain to wash and iron. Maybe it's time to sacrifice this one.   

So today has been taken up with sewing. First the craft and chat club this morning, then more when I got home. Then cutting more patches. The sunflower plants have taken a bit of a battering in the wind, but they are all still standing. I have lashed them down with a length of rope. I think they have stopped growing, I should think so at nearly eight feet tall. There are now three flowers in bloom.

Both lunch and dinner had courgettes in them today. I fancied pasta tonight. I have some packets of wholemeal pasta bought from the Cash and Carry, at three for £1. I put a small chopped onion in a pan with some broad beans and chunky chopped yellow courgette. Cooked them in a little oil, threw in a teaspoon of veg gravy granules, some dried mixed herbs, and the last drop of tomato ketchup. I don't usually buy ketchup, it was an experiment to see if it could be used instead of tomato puree. At 30p for the Value range it is a lot cheaper than the real thing. I have to say it was fine for me, I will buy some more, though I think it might contain too much sugar. Anyway, I simmered it gently adding a little water, and then added the secret ingredient, a chunk of  Danish Blue cheese. Then just before serving, a dessertspoon of plain yogurt. I must say, it was bloomin lovely. I scoffed the lot. A filling and tasty dinner for at a guess 30p. Bring it on, I'll have more of that.    

I'm going to be on Radio Humberside in the morning. They've asked me to meet the radio car at the Civic Centre in town at 10am, where I will be talking to Burnsy. Not sure what it's about as the researcher wasn't very clear on the phone. Probably about money saving or some such nonsense. As if I know anything about that, I ask you! Think I'll be live at about 10.20.am. I'll put a link to the catch up in tomorrow's post. Better go and do some research on the subject.

Toodle pip.

I'm having a bit of a waffle

Well, I've gone and done it again. Bought some cheap clothes from a car boot sale intending to cut them up, I tried them on, and they fit. I specifically went for some cotton items, for the patchwork, but there wasn't any nice colours at the right price. The Rabbit Rescue lady had her usual big pile on a plastic sheet on the ground, I had a rummage through it but no cotton, so I bought the red nightie and the purple top for 50p each. She has put her prices up, usually she is almost giving it away, but at 50p a go I limited my purchase to two pieces. Maybe she is low on stock.

I don't need a nightie, so I will cut the bottom off it and make it into a teeshirt.  

The same thing happened a few weeks ago, I bought some colourful tops to cut up, and now I'm wearing them. It is certainly a cheap way to get some new clothes. I quite like this purple top, It will be nice and snug in the winter underneath my layers.

I had a chat with my sister this morning, she rang me from her mobile, in the caravan. Last Tuesday they became homeless, of no fixed abode, so they have set up camp on a site. They finally sold their bungalow after five years of it being on the market. They have wanted to downsize for ages because they no longer want or need a big garden. Their furniture is in storage, but hopefully it won't be for long because they have found a place they want to buy, and there is no chain involved. As soon as the legal stuff has been done they will move the caravan onto the garden, and live in it while they do the house up. They were lucky to find exactly the type of place they want. I don't think I will be popping round there to paint the fence, ha ha.

Thank you all for your stories about the voluntary work you do, or have done. There was some interesting ideas there. Ceridwen asked for suggestions of what voluntary work she could create for herself. Perhaps a few of you might have some ideas. You don't necessarily have to wait for someone to ask you to do something, you might spot an opportunity where something needs doing. You could offer your services to elderly neighbours who are unable to do their own gardening. Or if someone is not very mobile who lives alone you could do their shopping for them. My friend is a volunteer for the library service. She collects the books and delivers them to people who can't get out. I think they like the company of someone calling every week to see them. Another friend ferries housebound people to and from the hospital for appointments. I like the suggestion that Alison made, helping out with canal boats and steam trains. Sounds good. The YHA are always looking for volunteers to maintain their properties and act as wardens at some of the smaller hostels. I forgot to mention that the voluntary work which takes up most of my time is writing this blog. I do it free of charge :o)

I've been thinking a lot just lately, yes I know, it screws you up, but I try and work things out in my mind. I read things and think, I don't understand that. Apparently I'm supposed to be a poor pensioner who struggles to feed and clothe myself and keep a roof over my head. I am supposed to be having such a hard time, because I can't afford all the nice things that others have. I can't afford the eating out, the boozing, the new clothes, the latest iphone, the latest anything. Life is supposed to be so awful for me because I don't have much disposable income. I can't do this and I can't do that.  Oh dear, poor little me, I'm so sad. I am so confused, why don't I feel like that?

The less I have the more liberated I feel. I don't care that I can't keep up appearances, keep up with the Joneses, can't keep up with anybody really. Does it matter that I have just got the basics, the second hand furniture, second hand clothes, and eat cheap and simple food. I save up my money if I need to buy anything and will not have any credit. My needs are simple, whatever amount of money I have coming in, I will manage on it. I will find a way. The rising cost of living might squeeze every last penny out of me, but they won't squeeze the guts out of me. If my house fell down tomorrow I would live in a caravan in a field, it would not bother me. I have done it before and I would do it again.

I try and tread lightly on this planet, for mankind is destroying it. I am proud that I won't be putting out my general waste bin tomorrow for collection, because there is nothing in it except a small bag of household waste, mainly cat food pouches, and a small bag of dirty cat litter. I have not bought anything where the packaging cannot be recycled. The plastics, cardboard, tins and glass from my food, will be collected next week. I have not bought anything new to replace something that needs throwing away. I make everything I have last longer. The hinges on my toilet seat in the bathroom have broken, I won't be replacing it. All I have to do is remove the seat rather than lift it up. A simple operation which I am now used to, and perfectly adequate for me. It will last a few more years. And I still don't feel hard done by. Oh, and by the way, I had exactly the same meal tonight as I had last night.
Toodle pip.     

My mouse is sick

And a very Good Evening to you, thanks for poppin by, glad to see you, well no, I can't actually see you, but I have a feeling that you might be there, that's if you are not somewhere else. Well I am here, even if nobody else is. If you are not here, you might be along later. After all it is a Saturday night and folks are usually busy whooping it up at a party, or something. I'll get started, catch up later if you are not here.

I have rather a lot of courgettes, so I'll be eating them every day from now on. I don't mind, I love them. My lunch today was scrambled eggs with a difference. Here's a way to bulk it up and make a full meal. Roughly chop a large onion and some courgettes. In my case it was half a green one and half a yellow one, because they are so big. Cook them in some oil, I use toasted sesame seed oil because I like the nutty flavour. You can use any oil of your choice, butter or margarine if you so wish. Cook slowly over a low heat untill they are soft but not mushy, a little bit crunchy is best.

Then break in two eggs and keep stirring over a low heat, untill the eggs are scrambled. I served it on a slice of wholemeal toast, you could have it with some salad, or couscous, but to be honest, it is so filling you might not need anything else. You could add a little seasoning if you like.

I gave my neighbour two courgettes, handed them over the fence to her in the back garden. She was chuffed to little mintballs, said she hadn't seen a yellow one before, and she would cook them for dinner tomorrow.

I had my usual veg selection for dinner tonight, but I actually had some gravy with it. No I haven't flipped, you know I don't normally have gravy, but my nephew gave me a packet of Bisto Vegetable gravy granules when I visited him last month. He bought them specially for me, but as I didn't stop for dinner he gave me the packet to take home. I put two teaspoons of it in a mug and half filled it with boiling water, as per the instructions on the side. It wasn't too bad at all. This packet will last a long time as I won't be using it on a regular basis. Not even sure if I would buy another one, I can take it or leave it.

Hey, look at my fancy pants, ha ha. I saw these in the Hospice shop yesterday, only £1.50, and was immediately drawn to them. Not that I want to wear them, but the fabric will look good mingled into the patchwork.

Isn't it a fab colour. The label says, Love to Lounge, I think they are meant for around the house, perhaps they are the bottoms of a pair of pyjamas, it would cause quite a stir if I stepped outside in them. I've often thought a jazzy pair of lightweight trousers would be good for walking in when it isn't either hot or cold, wonder if I dare, ha ha. Seems to be the fashion to go out in your pyjamas these days.

I've just realised that the left click on my mouse isn't working, that could have been the problem with uploading pics. I couldn't position the curser in the right place for them to drop into. I can move it along with the keyboard, or I can right click then left click immediately on top of it, and it works. Now I find I can't highlight the text to change it from justify centre to justify left. I hate my text centralised. I want it butted up to the left hand side, not in the chuffin middle. I have got into the habit of typing the words first then moving it across. Bother, I'll have to finish this off on the little computer. Don't go away.

Toodle pip.  

Volunteers needed

The best thing about being retired is the fact that you get to choose what to do with your time. Releasing yourself from the shackles of work is such a liberating experience for most people. I say most people because there are some who absolutely dread the thought of not going to work, for not having a reason to get out of bed in the morning, and having no structure to their lives. So embedded is the work ethic that they cannot see a life after retirement age.

I often thought I would never retire because I loved my work. I could see me going on forever, as long as I could physically climb into a lorry cab, then I would be happy. But towards the end I was becoming disenchanted with it, I no longer enjoyed it, my passion was diminishing at a rate of knots. The 4am starts were becoming a chore, the endless hours of mind numbing motorway miles were pickling my brain, and the petty rules and regulations which were flooding in from all directions were beginning to make me feel like a robot. I was losing my identity, I was no longer a person with a heartbeat and a mind of my own. Something had to give.  

And then I discovered retirement, hooray for getting to the magical age of 60. I will be eternally grateful to my mother and father for having nookies in 1949, well 1948 actually as I was born in the month of May.

I read on a forum about people who are wary about retirement, worried about what they will do with themselves all day when they no longer need to report in to work. There are those who have no idea how they are going to fill the long hours. I would say, best to start thinking about what you like to do before you retire, then you have a back up plan. Someone who does nothing else except go to work each day will find it quite a culture shock when they realise that there is no one to organise the rest of their life for them.

I have always had hobbies, even when working long hours, I always found a little time for myself. I used to take my hobbies with me, sitting in my cab miles from home, addressing all the envelopes to send out the Lady Truckers Club newsletters, all hand written before computers. I used to take some crochet or sewing. I used to write articles for magazines. Give me a pen and paper and I will find something to do with it. I took my bike with me so I could go off on a bike ride once I had parked up for the night. Or just walk around in a new area.

When I was at home I tried to do a bit of voluntary work, but found this hard to fit in with spending most of my time on the road. The Lady Truckers Club was my voluntary work, writing the newsletter, organising the parties and truck show meet ups, and getting the merchandise printed. I also did a stint for the Samaritans, when time allowed, although that was difficult to fit in due to their structured rota. I found it difficult to commit to certain days and times. I used to volunteer my help to my sister, looking after her children when she was juggling three jobs. I like to think my little bit made a difference.

Now That I am fully retired I am able to offer a bit more of my time to volunteering. Striking a balance between enjoying myself and being useful is important to me. Having no structure at all to my daily routine would be time wasted, I could easily become so laid back that I would be horizontal most of the time. This is not an option for me. But by volunteering I need to get organised, I need to manage my time efficiently. I loved my work for the Scrapstore, going around factories and warehouses to collect scrap materials. It's a shame they had to close it. Never mind, always something else to do.

Sometimes it's just a case of looking around and making your own volunteer work. I don't want to have to fit in with others on a rota, I would rather do my own thing. Some people might like to be part of a charity shop team, I have never been any good at teamwork. What I do now suits me fine. I can do the litter picking when I feel like it, usually once or twice a week. I can help with the cat rescue, my role is taking phone calls, fund raising, and help with transport when needed. I can check the local footpaths and tidy up by cutting back the brambles. I have friends in my village who know they can call on me for help with watering up when they go on holiday, or last minute help with dogs.

I am finding loads to do in retirement. Organising my time to include volunteering puts a bit of structure into my life, and the rest of the time I can enjoy myself.  I'm off to finish that fence painting  I started yesterday, then the weekend is mine. Is anyone else volunteering, and what do you do?
Toodle pip.    

Phew, it aint half hot mum :o)

Wow, it's been a hot one today, and I've been out in it, painting a fence. Remember my friend H, that's Helen to me and you, and Pack Leader when we are out walking dogs, ha ha. She has bought a house to rent out, and I have been helping her with the garden. Well she has only gone and found tenants, had the notice up in the window for two days, and Bob's your uncle, the people want to move in on the 19th. She will have to get her finger out, (get on with the job). The radiators have yet to be installed, the shower and bath has to be plumbed in, and the carpets laid. She's got her work cut out and can't afford to take a day off. Anyway, I didn't quite manage to do all the fence and will go back tomorrow to finish off. Then there's the other fence to paint and the garage door needs a coat as well. It's all go now, no slacking.

I haven't done any sewing today, but I have prepared a few more patches. Here are the big squares joined up. The next step is to put a border all the way around it in red. Then it will be a matter of adding more borders to it until I get it to the size I want, but I'm not sure what that is yet.   

The poor sunflowers looked a bit droopy when I got home, they are drinking a lot. First job was to water them, now the leaves have perked up a bit. It rained last night, but the garden soon dries out during the day in this heat.

I've started a new Food Diary today, the link is at the top. Thought I would resurrect it being as food prices are on everyone's mind these days. It's been two weeks since I did a Tesco Shop and I am finding I can get by with buying a few fresh items from wherever I happen to be passing, to top up. I passed Aldi on the way home this afternoon and called in for some fruit and veg. Spent £3.60. I buy on price as always, so whatever is the cheapest and best value is for me. I don't buy oranges because they aren't always sweet, and I don't like faffing around peeling them. I don't buy apples because they are too hard to chew. I bought peaches, grapes and bananas, and broccoli, must have lots of broccoli. I am going to update the diary every time I buy food. I will still be posting about my meals, although you might get bored with that, because they are mainly steamed vegetables. Tonight I had carrots, broad beans, swede, broccoli, courgette, spinach, with a quorn burger. Exciting eh! but delishus.
Toodle pip