Tuesday, March 31, 2026
urology tasks
Well a long am and lunch at Pembury, with slightly better understanding of my issues.
In reverse order of importance.
. Doctors get the job done, and don't worry about patient's pain. Nurses do a bit of the latter.
. I had a urinary infection, but nobody could tell without the test. One injection should have cured this. A big and rough jab, but bearable. No obvious diagnostic signs.
. I have some sort of blockage or narrowness in the flow in my penis, which should be investigated and solved. Only then will I be able to come off the catheter.
. I was able to pee quite a bit into the cardboard jug, and could clearly hear it.
. Things not helped by loose tummy
M
themes
This is a system object, and basically cannot be removed.
It may be possible to disable some of its functions.
M
catheter
I always wondered what method they would use to remove a catheter. It came as a shock that it was a very sharp tug.
I guess I should be sworn ti secrecy.
It hurt. I truely hope I dont have that again.
Back to drinking the water.
M
Bus to Pembury
Everything went smoothly.
Before 9.30 they dont accept oap card, but do accept visa, just by tapping. No restrictions on distance. Super.
Plenty a school children atound.
M
Where are they
Red volvo now commands the front garden. The fiat is parked, but would have a squeeze getting out.
Where are they?
Roofers came yesterday, and finished a job. No signs.
Maybe taking a medical holiday? Jonathon going in first. Surprised he was allowed to drive?
M
urology
I thought I knew this hospital. But got hopelessly lost, and had to go back to reception. This then worked very well.
Still 40 minutes to go. Better drink more water.
M
Monday, March 30, 2026
tamulosin
anima completely failed on me, and I had to go to the surgery to get a prescription started. I have no idea what the problem is, this time. I thought things had been sorted out. Obviously not.
M
Garden Jobs
Reminded that a year ago, or slightly less, we were contacted to see if we could provide some work for two young boys, as part of some overall activity in the community.
This was huge fun, and a repeat could happen. Watch this space
M
Jonathon ill again?
No sign of him around, despite work being done on the boot room roof. This is very unlike him.
Car is also not around, which is a bit surprising, as he would probably be the last person to drive it.
watch this space?
M
Urology
up rather early tomorrow in order to get to the urology department for 9.30.
I think that I should aim to get to opposite the library before 8.00.
I will need to pay for the fare to Pembury hospital, though this might be maxed out at 3 or 4 pounds. They should take cards, I hope.
I will be wearing my brand new shorts.
M
no peppermint
Hygenists paste was pretty tasteless. Or I have lost a sense of smell. Much better than the strong peppermint.
M
xl
Buying extra pair of gym shorts, so I can wear for Tuesdays urology session. Size is xl
Different colour?
M
tamsolosin
reset alarm clock
It has not reset automatically to the correct hour, after the clocks moved forward.
Will wait and see what happens.
Same with my watch.
M
hygenist finished
No problems. Never nice. A few stops when spray debris lands in very sensitive area and auto reacts with a cough. But totally normal.
I do wonder if the tartar is an evolutionary advantage for normal age hominids, and we are missing a trick here. In old age, different question.
Now for mr couter
M
Sunday, March 29, 2026
young helpers
Given the success last year, wonder if we will have more volunteers this year.
M
coffee capsules
Starting to run out.
I am liath to go back to the nespresso system of irdering. I am sure it was good. But it is over the top in all respects.
I will try waitrose decafe, and hope the platic is recycleable.
M
Anima
Trying anima again.
Seems to work going in with password, which is in the password file. Basically user name and a bit more.
Anima is however not able to do anything useful out of hours. Working after 8.00 mon to fri. Up to 4, i think.
Need to get more Tamsulosin
M
must retry anima
sports shorts
Will get a spare pair on Monday. Sports shop in precinct at far end, top level?
Size is XL
M
front bed
Outside the study, need a lot of weeding.
The clover and grass is rampant.
M
who turns plugs off?
Or maybe I don't switch them on.
Playroom has an extension system to join it to the main network. I cannot imagine how it gets switched off.
Will put something in its way
Maybe it is the flashing light that attracts attention.
M
Saturday, March 28, 2026
apple machine repair
Took the leads and machine to the repair shop at the ex-church.
Nice lot and clever. They ranout of time and a tool. Trying again next month.
My repaired lead is fine, and the connection on the machine works. Problem is probably next level down with a failed capacitor or resistor.
M
apps are getting nastier
My feeling is that apps are getting nastier, and more difficult to remove. It is a good thing to get an independent uninstaller as a last resort.
Keep it safe.
M
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Apple Mac machine moving to garage?
The screen was moved down for Jono and Katherine to use, and it seems sensible to join then rather than fight them.
M
occasional sighting of Jonathon
His car does not move, A cycle helmet is sometimes spotted. But basically an amazingly low profile.
Maybe too sedated to attempt much?
M
Trying out fives shorts as pants
My catheter can be uncomfortable, and I am always trying to improve it.
I used to try and restrict movement. But it occurred to me that I might be better doing the opposite. I am using my fives shorts which hang loose and always everything to hang freely.
A success so far..
M
Some updating on Microsoft machine
My automatic update program found a number of updates today.
I have to give it approval to actually do it.
M
windows in the smaller new building.
I spotted the first set of installed windows. They looked good, with a frame matching most of the older Edwardian properties.
Tiling has not yet started but cannot be long now.
M
knickers
M and S supplied me with 5 pairs today. Wonderful service. Could not have been bettered.
And I was able to pay with my Unilever birthday voucher as well.
All discretely wrapped in brown tissue paper.
M
another phone observation
If someone phones us up, while we are talking to someone else, then they are immediately given the various options to leave a message. This seems slightly harsh, but is the correct action. The caller is not told why.
The inference is normally that the line is already engaged, rather than not answering. It would be easy to think something is wrong.
M
phone issues
I thought something was wrong with my bedroom phone, but now I think that it is functioning as it is meant to.
If I picked up an old fashioned phone, while the phones were ringing, then I could not do anything with the modern handsets. I thought something would happen, like me joining the conversation. But actually the control is with the active line. Ie the old phone.
When more than one call could be made, you could open up a new line, but not joining an existing one.
So everything is consistent. One should only pick up the phone you intend to use.
M
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
moth traps
Will need to order another batch.
I noticed that there is a successful capture rate if you put the sticky card behind a pipe going into a radiator. I guess it is combination of heat, and carpet that does it. No need for plastic containers.
So ten will do ten rooms.
M
super fives dinner
fives changes
Seems as if Henry will off load a chunk of his fives tasks to a Russian teacher next year, when he takes up his boarding house headship.
Both are ardent christians.
dusting
Quite a slog. I just hope it is noticable.
Too much to do in one go. Maintenance should be done in lots of little bits.
M
dusting T's bedroom
Going to continue my dusting campaign with her bedroom. I think mostly the furniture and carpet.
M
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
next Tuesday at pembury
I will be going to a 9.30 session at the Pembury hospital Urology department. Hopefully I get a chance to pass the test and have the catheter removed.
Will need to pay for my bus fair as it is before 9 oclock for catching the bus.
M
fives dinner
going to watch the school versus the fives club this evening, followed by a meal, typically held in an local indian restaurant.
M
Monday, March 23, 2026
Scotney castle
went with Jono to the NT place and had a good long walk through mud, slopes and ice house. Then tea and cakes in the stables of the old house. very super.
M
must wash my hair
tiling started
The tile lift was working this am, and tiles appearing stacked on the roof.
I think we will see some big changes soon
Fab
M
just loaded lots of apps
Saturday, March 21, 2026
kitchen cleaning tomorrow
feather duster
Tried to use, with disasterous results. The feathers disintegrated all over the place.
Kept the handle.
M
telephone apps
These dont seem to be much good. Very disappointing.
They try hard to be difficult to get rid of.
M
car is locked
I did more trickle charging, and tried out locking all the doors. Thus proved a success and so have left it locked. There never was anythibg of value antyway.
If the battery runs flat, and interferes with the lock mechanism, then I can still get at the battery to charge it again.
M
large chicken pie with breadcrumbs
I put an amazing amount of the gelled gravy from roasting in the bottom, and it was delicious.
M
hoovering approval
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Urology session
Honda locked
Today tested out the locking systems on the honda. All working fine, and now the car is fully locked on the drive.
I have not managed to undo the boot yet. I need to read a bit more about this.
M
Tiles done
The tiling on the smaller building almost done. Just battens and tiles. No insulation or anything else.
Presumably all insulation and damp prevention is done totally separately inside the void. Makes sense.
M
Printer fine
Works just fine with individual android machines and other standalone machines. Difficulty is probably with the bigger network and microsoft machines.
Need more checking.
M
great imagination
I have started to realise quite how much my imagination ran riot when I was ill. I would then be reasonably logical and persuasive within that framework.
The imagined maths conference was probably my entry into hospital. It included emails, photos, meals, conference, interviews, sleeping arrangements, conference rooms, etc. But stopped after only one day, and it appeared as if the memory of days two and three had been lost. I was until now convinced that this was real. But no. Just a weird interpretation of the emergency entrance into hospital.
M
T
watch time error
In process of getting help to correct the 4 minutes that the watch is behind the correct time.
Unfortunately they seem to be talking about much more recent versions.
M
hoovering
I have started doing one bit of hoovering per day. I quite enjoy it, and T seems pleased with the results.
M
tiles have arrived
The roof tiles for the new house on the corner have arrived. They are french, which slightly surprised me. Not worried at all.
M
Covid report
The initial press comments are rather mild. Doubt if there has been time to digest it yet. I think we will hear much more in a few days.
M
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
trying to correct time on tracker
Gosh how quickly things go out of date, and the owbnership or branding changes.
Trying to correct the time on my wrist band tracker. It is murder to try and find the right company and help.
The device is about 3 minutes slow. It is not obvious how to feed it a correction or a source for such.
Trying a email help service from honor. Lets see how they do. Hope it is not AI.
M
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Tesco clubcard
Must try out my old clubcard, to see if it works still. It certainly did not work at some stage, because of an incompatibility, but I never forced it, and they may have cleared the issue.
M
Found my security pass for Tonbridge
I had a lot of hallucinations when ill, and developed methods of controlling their effects, which consisted of basically three stages to avoid being taken in.
These were
1. Check if any signs of hallucinating, taking some time to review the evidence
2. Assuming no hallucinations, work out what it might mean
3. Develop a possible response and decide whether to activate it.
Now it can all go wrong, but by delaying action through three steps, it is probably much safer. But you may never know.
The emphasis on delay, may give a better impression to third parties, and be if value.
In this case, I probably wrongly guessed that I had put the security neck band in a safe place, whereas in reality I had done nothing. I probably had imagined doing it, to check if it as appropriate, but not done it. I then had used a memory of that false thought.
Anyway now found, thanks to realisation that there is an increased risk of having a good memory of something that never happened.
M
has Jonathon been in care?
I cannot remember if I have seen him this year, before yesterday, that's between living back at home mid Feb and yesterday. Probably not.
I now assume that the visitation of the three grown up children and the odd child, was to welcome him back home.
I wonder what his problem was. He certainly did not look in good shape yesterday. But no obvious weaknesses, to indicate something mechanical in nature. Could be plumbing, mental or bug.
Given my observations that I communicated to Sue last autumn, I would guess mental problems. His half baked mowing yesterday could be confirmation. Basically he abandoned everything a quarter the way through.
M
tiling on main building about to start
Lots of the roof is now ready for the actual tiles, with all the wooden slats in position.and tile stacks already positioned for the start.
It will make a dramatic difference, since it is visible from many angles.
It will make next doors roof look cheap and nasty, which it is.
M
Creed
Allegedly my new doctor's name.
Will be trying to get a session with him sometimes.
Main questions are
1. What system would be best for dealing with prescriptions
2. How do we speed up removal of catheter
3. Do we resume the cancer injections
4. Question 1 for my wife
5. What injections should I sign up for, eg Tricia's letter
M
Invited to fives dinner
Not sure of date. Probably this coming Friday.
Will check with Neil about date and ride back.
M
Jonathon in garden
We had not seen him for quite a bit, and had assumed some sort of illness, as Sue was around and busy.
He did look an invalid. He attempted some mowing, which was quickly abandoned, and some clearing of sorts.
Brave but probably frustrating effort.
Theory is that the building work has broken him in some way.
It makes existing garden plan, better for his future neighbours, but pointless for him. He will have high blocks to views both left and right, whuch he has made worse by making them vertical, and the place is not designed well for an up and down view, with sychamore and wide steps, up from large low stone patio. Its basically an expensive mess.
No idea what is wrong with him, and mass visit of family last week adds to question.
M
hoovered
Hoovered the top flight of stairs. Managed, but exhausted.
No other obvious repairs needed.
Get ready for the other section of these stairs.
M
onion
Tried out steaming a little bit of an old onion, as part of a concoction of veg. Rather good.
M
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Spitfire
I can hear one going on its regular paying route. Does not seem long since they had to have an emergency landing in a field.
M
car battery
Meal Worms
I have put out the packet of meal worms tgat J gave me when in Hazel Dean. All around the window sills.
So far no obvious takers, but it can take time.
They look horrid.
M
Bread Making
This is now back working. Not obvious what all the problems were.
Old flour
Old yeast
Failing machine and paddle
Poor recipe
Keep fingers crossed
M
need a GP session
windows
Next door have few if any windows looking out over the building plot. They had opportunities before the current building plans, but did not take them.
It has ended them up with little way of stopping being overlooked by the new buildings.
In particular the tesco building could have had some northern lights, instead of nothing.
No wonder if Jonathon is madly mad.
M
Friday, March 13, 2026
rucksack
I filled my rucksack with all heavy tesco items, and found I had very little else of any weight to carry. No problem walking home. Wonderful.
M
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
taking hedge back to boundary
Why on earth would one do this? I have really no idea. It has no interest other than open space, which is normally boring.
Yet this is repeatedly what J has done to the hedge between them and the building site. It just highlights the thing you want to hide.
He should at least use it to indicate his preferred height.
Being a shared garden amongst the flat owners, it is now more likely to be replaced by solid barrier or fence, which will be even worse. It would be wiser to let it develop as an asset on his side. This might make it more likely to be left, rather than have bad feelings.
No imagination.
M
Hygienist tomorrow for T
bread maker
All is well. Made a super brown wholemeal loaf today. Used Waitrose Canadian wholemeal flour, and standard recipe.
M
still no J
Next door's absence is rather strange. Sue is there and busy. Could be absolutely anything, but one can live in hope.
Arrival of all sons last weekend added to mystery perhaps.
M
T walked back up from Leightens
We took a taxi down there and walked back, with only one stop. This is heroic.
It had been a tough time there, because of the mess they initially made with the earing aids. I am not taking further, but I hope I got them nervous.
M
Bread making
Back to trying to bake a decent loaf. Using Waitrose canadian flour, and normal recipe, and 5 hours.
Fingers crossed
M
urology
Normal cock up, which they admit is in their court. The paper work is stuck because of changes to my formal nhs doctor.
Await this space
M
audiologist
Got very angry with T's man. Pleasant enough, but basically trying to cover up his botch last time.
I am not bothering to take it further.
M
google news
This is a waste of space. I have got rid of it.
I am not sure how I got it in the first place. I hope it does not reappear.
M
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
bloggeroid
This app seems to be a valid choice.
I got worried for a bit, but probably unnecessay
M
Sunday, March 08, 2026
a bad applicaton
I have got caught out by an application that is a pain and very persistent.
Time for a spring clean. This is on my phone.
M
Samual and Isabel are growing fast
Much to my surprise they have apparently overtaken Katherine,and Grannie.
I think I have mostly seen them sitting recently.
M
Next door
I have not seen Jonathon, next door for a bit. Nor any sign of his car being moved. Plenty of his wife.
M
adding rucksack
Tomorrow I try Waitrose in Tonbridge again, and this time adding my rucksack to the carrying capacity. I think it should be ok since it was the arms that really complained before.
M
Saturday, March 07, 2026
having to rebuild the latest tablet
I somwhow managed to screw up the android system, and had to start again. Do not know what happened.
It was a bit of a mess so no harm really.
M
reducing shopping weight
I was carrying back too much at a time, and having to get my breathe back frequently. This was inefficient.
Now with reduced loads I walk coninuously the whole way back home with no stops. Ok I may have to do some extra journeys, but overall a saving and much more comfortable.
M
charging honda
Had some success in charging the honda battery. All rather smooth, though there are a lot of cables at the front door.
Rain is tge main problem
M
Wednesday, March 04, 2026
pruning the tree in the road
Told a guy putting out cones. I told him that they could use our drive if it helped them. They want to do it's regular prune, something like every 4 years.
M
difficult after power
Of course, I will disagree with my successors at Old Lodge. I have strong opinions on most things. But it makes it slightly difficult to hang around a task that I would not have done.
I can only see walking on to other things as the solution.
I think it was too risky to have a bonfire where we did today. I said I would have put it out. And walked away.
Must be very difficult being an ex-prime minister.
M
Reduced tesco loads
I tried multiple tesco journeys and less purchase weight. This worked very well, and I made the journeys without stopping for breathe.
Ok, there will be more journeys, but it is tge time that is important. It is also heathier to not to over exert oneself.
M
Tuesday, March 03, 2026
Google does not want to find this
I thought I would try to find an entry in this blog. Completely failed. Silly.
M
T's Catheter
I clearly did not do much blogging in the past, and there is no reference to the months when T had a catheter.
M
adventurous
The catheter is often uncomfortable for a variety of reasons. I have tended to just accept it as par for the course.
However I am currently trying to see if I can ease things with things like savlon. So far so good, with absolutely tiny amounts providing lubrication and reduced inflammation
Obviously I am getting fed up with the inconvenience of the things, as I do more walking and playing. I should get called to Pembury any day now. Here's hoping.
M
Jono's cold
Both feeling tired and under par. No doubt caught from J. He is so sociable that he probably will be giving us both welcome future immunity. But it does sometimes make us feel decrepit.
M
South heath birds
I sat listening to the songs and calls.
Tawny owl over the fence was most satisfying. Within striking distance of new box.
Buzzard, linnets. Bullfinch. Gold rest, robin, raven, skylark, blue tit, crow.
Did not see anything.
M
Monday, March 02, 2026
Better understanding of my condition early on
I am beginning to understand my early inability to see myself as having a problem. I was too enthusiastic about my own detailed logic and thoughts. I was not critical enough about not having a good understanding of the general situation.
An example was my bed wetting issue. I spent a lot of effort in avoiding damage etc, but none to the question of needing medical help. No doubt my damp avoidance techniques were good, but that was hardly the point.
On the other hand, nobody asked the question for me, as far as I know, until a chunk later.
My memories of these early phases is very poor, which is another indication of the problem.
M
Aired the car
Lovely day, with a breeze, so perfect drying weather.
Opened all the doors.
Wedged open the carpet hole behind the drivers seat, with a wooden stick.
M
Waitrose Monday
So I went to Waitrose in Tonbridge, and had a good shop.
The journey there was pretty good, and walking from the castle was pretty quick.
It was wonderful being back in a large quality store. I probably bought too many heavy things, which I would regret at the other end.
Very quiet at this time of day. Only one checkout operating, as far as I could see, and no queues.
Bus back fine, getting off at paydens, which gave a flat run back home.
M
