Wednesday 2nd September 2026

We went to the cricket pitch with Ellie and fairly early as I had a “Phone call” with the doctor (booked three weeks ago. ) You can see that Ellie has given up chasing ducks!

She was very nice  and went through most things that were said before but I did manage to pin her down that she thinks it may be Haemochromatosis which is why she is sending me for another fasting blood test. Haemochromatosis was the original test that she wanted but they have so far refused!! At least she was very honest about it all. So, then I had to ring the surgery to book the test. It is now all AI!!!! It didn’t seem to understand that the doc had just referred me and so we went over and over and over things. Horror of horrors. Now I wait for the surgery to ring me back to book a date.

In the afternoon I went to a new fitness class in Eastry. It is seated as when I did pilates I struggled with my knee which was why I stopped going. It was really good to music and kept on the go for a solid hour. I think I may ache a bit tomorrow!

Tuesday 1st September 2026

The beginning of Meteorological Autumn.  Rather sad summer is over and days are getting shorter.

A trip to Kearsney and although a shorter walk, Ellie still wanted to go in the stream but Mal had to help her out as it was a bit slippy.

It may be autumn but a lovely sunny day later in the morning.

My garden is looking like a jungle. I have let my tomatoes go a bit wild. I have had about 10 kilos off them already and so many more to ripen and eat! This one has taken over my olive tree and I have ten more!!

Unbelievable that all these came from two Piccolo tomatoes.

John at Kent Weather Updates used one of my photos and gave me the credit for it! Better than the BBC, they have never used any of my photos!

A good game from Hammers – they beat Wolves 4-2

Monday 31st August 2026

We walked Ellie over to the large farmers field. We only managed to the edge of it and then we had all the walk back home but she managed two fields, saw lots of dogs and plenty of sniffs but we remember the days we did much much longer walks but now we have to listen to her. But she still enjoys them.

Early afternoon we went to the Duck Race down at The Quay. It always happens August Bank Holiday.

There was also a display of vintage cars .

I loved this Spitfire being looked after by the two dogs!

 

Saturday 29th August 2026

I went into Deal as it is market day but by the time I arrived there, the rain started, so not much fun to hang around. I did manage to find a nice winterish top in one of the shops.

I went into Sainsburys and was amazed  (by their computer programmers!!), the man in front of me bought 30 bottles of wine, all the same but the cashier had to swipe the bottle THIRTY times!! It doesn’t appear to be progress to me, what happened to ‘x 30″?!!

The Hammers game in the afternoon… a draw. Followed by Spurs. An awful game and we are bottom of the table already!

A very moving rendition from Tom Jones in the evening on BGT.

Friday 28th August 2026

I woke up to two really bad blemishes on my face, one which had actually broken. I was so hot yesterday doing jobs indoors and the humidity was so high that I was obviously perspiring and my glasses rubbed! It is sore today and I have to wear old glasses that don’t catch on that area.

A trip to the Viking ship, a walk around for Ellie and then a coffee.

At the moment we are having a battle about our three year old garden furniture. We cover it in the winter but the sun has started parts peeling off. The company even admitted it should last much longer than that  (in an email ie in writing) and then suddenly said it only had a year guarantee and we would have to go back to the manufacturer!! As with all larger purchases, we use credit card as they are jointly and severally liable. BUT trying to get to speak to a person at Barclaycard!!! You have to use the app…….erm no! Eventually we did get through to a person and they have sent us a huge form to fill in. I think most people would give up the effort this all takes but not us!!  Too much shoddy merchandise and no one caring.

Thursday 27th August 2026

What a beautiful morning sky.

They have been threatening heavy rain and storms but nothing happened yesterday but it was all over northern France. I suggested we walked Ellie early and so we were home by 7.30 and then the rain started…good planning on my part!  Mal wanted to wait until later but a good thing we didn’t.

It was still raining when we went into Deal and along with some shopping we had breakfast in Spoons. I have to say the Norman Wisdom In Deal is a  good one and the staff are really lovely. I had the Eggs Benedict and the eggs were perfect!

It was a very humid day which meant it was strain trying to do much.

Later in the evening we watched my “second team” – Luton Town. Rhys and I used to go and watch them when I worked in Luton.  I had my own garage at work and so good to park there and walk down to the ground. We were also there in 1988 when they brought the Littlewoods Cup back after beating Arsenal. Tonight they were playing Chelsea. I have to say they played really well but sadly lost.  A very tense first half as it was 0-0 at half time. If they continue playing the way they did I can see them moving up a division.