Blog - Ivor’s Daily Gallivant

Ivor’s Daily Gallivant Saturday June 10, 2023 Glorious weather again woke up early after getting to bed at about 11.15 last night and decided to get up before the alarm sounded because I didn’t want to waste time when I could be doing something interesting or useful. Time is too precious a gift to be wasted lying in bed wide awake. Today is the day of The Dragon Boat Races in Hythe Marina. I made a sandwich with grated cheese, tomato and coleslaw and put it in my rucksack ready for the off. And refilled the disposable plastic water bottle I bought with some orange and pineapple squash. Had a shower and felt amazing. My first Port of call was Marcella. One of the fellow inmates said there wasn’t much happening with the Dragon Race. Later on we went to the Marina and sat watching the cruise liners and container ships making their way along Southampton water. I wished; I brought my sketch book with me but like many of my wishes it never came to be. Does anyone fulfil their every desire? If there’s anyone, who does it isn’t me. As I sat, I watched the waves with their constant movement. It was almost mesmerising. A good place to reflect on life…. Nearby a couple of men were fishing and suddenly the tip of one of their rods began to move…. he’d caught something. I learnt later in was a smooth hound which is a variety of small shark. He unhooked it and threw it back. The cotton wool clouds on the far shore looked magical with their shades of subtle pink. I’m glad I got to see them; it was time well spent.

Ivor’s Daily Gallivant Friday June 9, 2023 I still felt a little tired when I woke this morning so treated myself to a few more moments in bed. Oh, the joys of retirement! With a hunger which only a bacon sandwich would satisfy I left the womb-like comfort of my bed and put two slices of bacon in the air fryer and got myself a piece of whole meal bread to go with them unfortunately I’d run out of butter and didn’t feel like the exertion of going to the shop, so managed without. Got in touch with my energy supplier but I’m already in receipt of the full discount I’m entitled to. But they were able to put me on the priority list because of my epilepsy and diabetes. I received an email telling me the postcards to promote my art lottery will be delivered tomorrow. I did some of the tidying in my conservatory and felt a little faint, so checked my blood pressure and it’s within target range. Lunch was a Granny Smith apple and a few green leaves. There had been an article on the news this morning about dangerously high temperatures this weekend which accounted for my faintness. It was another lovely day and before I knew it the morning was over- not much achieved but I was content. I walked rather than running to the Co-op because of the heat and bought some groceries and a small tub of plain KFC ice cream which was freezing cold. By the time I’d got it home it was mostly liquid. Supper was a portion of homemade vegetable crumble washed down with tea followed by two squares of dark chocolate.

Ivor’s Daily Gallivant Thursday June 8, 2023 Unable to sleep at 3.00 am this morning, I got up, had some orange and pineapple squash, looked at my emails from yesterday and made plans for later in the day. I took a portion of chickpea curry out of the freezer so it would be thawed for this evening. One of the last emails I received yesterday was from Clare from October Books. It was a reply to my email about my exhibition and, she promised to look in her pigeonhole for my camera chip and let me know later today that everything was okay. There were two emails about the Cost-of-Living Event in Hythe Library I attended yesterday which although I’d red, and heard about yesterday the information hadn’t sunk in. I went back to bed and slept until a little before my alarm went off. I’m now on the priority list electricity supply because I use my fridge to store insulin. And may be entitled to a discount on my water bill. I emailed Southern Water this morning to find out. I realised I’ve got a dental appointment, this morning so hastily filled out the paperwork online and ran to the bus stop. Dave and Christ were there. Christ looked at me but didn’t know who I was. Sadly, it’s part of her ongoing decline. The bus stopped at Rushingdon Roundabout, and I ran to the dentist in Popes Lane. The dentist suggested I have an appointment with a hygienist which I agreed to. One of my correspondences on messenger has repeated ignored my messages. So, I unsent them and won’t send any more. The Scallywag came round and arranged accommodation for me for our trip to Dartmouth and Exmouth.

Ivor’s Daily Gallivant Wednesday June 7, 2023 I had two things planned for today a ‘Teams Meeting about controlling my weight’ which was scheduled for 12 and a Cost-of-Living event that was scheduled from 10 to 12. On my way from the Jones Lane bus stop I met the young lady who I usually see outside her house in Watton Road weeding or painting her fence. We had a few words and I continued my run to the library. Upon arrival I asked about the Cost-of-Living Event and was directed to a set of empty tables and chairs. I introduced myself to a young lady Bea who asked me about how I heated my home, if my loft was insulated and did, I have cavity wall insulation. Lucie Mann was there and she later told me she’d found a volunteer for my garden and would soon organise a large group of people to come and do the clearing. I was given a free bag with a throw blanket, a fleece, a pear of thermal gloves, a neck warmer, a thermal hat and a thermal mug. I thought I’d lost my neck cushion and bought another in J K Mobility but later found I’d left it on the park bench outside the library. I met Ron and Chis Tucker and showed them the sketch I’d tried to do of the Jehovah’s Witnesses I’d done earlier. When it was lunchtime, I decided to try Number 15 for a change and ordered Welsh Rabbit with coffee. The waitress said she’d seen me on the bus earlier. As I waited, I did a sketch of the Amalfi Italian Restaurant on the other side of the precinct. On my way to Hythe Pier bus stop I met Lucy from Marcella and we had a few words.

Ivor’s Daily Gallivant Tuesday June 6, 2023: cure for insomnia and use for disposable bottles. Unable to sleep at almost 3.00am I got up and followed up on a simple way to use empty plastic disposable water bottles. They can be refilled with squash mixing the squash with water in a mixing jug. Deposable can be made to equal reusable. After having that idea, I remembered a way of effectively dealing with insomnia. Have a hot shower. Insomnia cure: have a piping hot shower. I set the timer for 10 minutes to give the boiler time to heat up and settle down to and began todays post. After my shower I went to bed and woke up (not feeling great) at about 8.00am. but my it had worked. I got some sleep. Whilst sat outside Hythe Library having my lunch, Pete Harries who I’d met yesterday doing some stimming at the bus near Boots Holbury. We recognised each other and with a little effort I remembered his name. I bought three somosas and an onion bhaji from the Gerka food stall. And went on to Hythe Library and found out that it will be okay to conduct a ‘Teams’ meeting from there. I needed more milk and yogurt and went to Lidl to get them. On my way some radishes caught my eye and to make up the minimum amount for a card transaction I bought a punnet of cherries. Unfortunately, when I was on the bus home, I realised I’d lost my neck cushion. Callum from Diabetes UK phoned saying because of the travelling involved with being a Diabetic Champion and as I had to use public transport, I wouldn’t be an ideal candidate for the Health Champion Role but because valuable experience getting my blood sugar down to pre-diabetic levels, I could make a contribution in an online role. I said was interested they’ll let me know about my application in the fullness of time. Ate the onion bhaji I bought at Hythe Market today. And had chicken salad as my evening meal. Slept through the evening and realised I’d missed the Waterside Art Group meeting.

Ivor’s Daily Gallivant Monday June 5, 2023: A Day worth sing about. My day started in a usual sort of way. I wasn’t awakened by my alarm because I’d left my iPad in the living room and couldn’t hear it from my bedroom. One of the things I wanted to do was collect the new brush-heads for my electric toothbrush. So, in my customary fashion I ran to the local pharmacy where I’d ordered them. I asked but no joy. I waited at the bus stop and saw a bloke using a trimmer on same weeds without ear protectors, so I went over and suggested it might be a good idea. He replied: ‘Do you know how old I am?’ I said: ‘No’ ‘I’m 92’ he replied. The conversation continued and we introduced ourselves to each other and I told him my age 68. He said at one: ‘You wouldn’t remember The Festival of Britain in 1051’. As I was born in 1955 so I didn’t remember but a Lady who I got into conversation with at one of bus stops near my home Mavis some years ago told me her impression of the USSR stand which had a mock-up of a worker flat and how she wasn’t impressed. Pete Harries had cycled from Wales to see it. It had been his first venture away from home and he has cherished memories of his adventure. I gave him one of the promotional cards for my blog and he noted my name was Ivor. I caught the bus and on the way my friends Ron and Christ Tucker got on, they were on there way to Winchester. Somehow our conversation turned to politics which prompted me to give a rendition of one of my songs: I stole the tune from ‘Wonderful,Wonderful Copenhagen ‘and it goes. Wonderful, Wonderful Richie Sunak He so wonderful And so marvellous Richie Sunack, yeah I don’t think he should go to prison. I don’t think they should throw away the key. ‘Cause he’s wonderful and he’s marvellous. Richie sunack: yeah When I’d finished several of the other passengers applauded and one the way to the door a bloke remarked: ‘You sing well but you don’t look like Elvis Presley’.’ I ran from the Sea City Museum stop round to the Portswood stop. And looked at when the next bus to Portswood to see if the bus on the digital display was going was right for me. Unfortunately, some kindly soul had left a piece of gum on the pavement, which I trod in, so that it stuck to the soul of my trainers. I arrived at October Books my destination and had a pay as you feel vegetarian meal. As I sat I hopefully made a new friend who was named James. And got into conversation with a volunteer lady Syrone who I promised to mention in today’s post. Another task on today ‘to do list’ was to supply October Books with high-definition photos of myself and my paintings. I asked Jonny one of their employees, if Clare who was responsible for the publicity for my exhibition was in and he said no she’s in tomorrow. So I left my camera chip in an envelope with a note on the front about what was inside.

Ivor’s Daily Gallivant Sunday June 4, 2023 Woke up before my alarm sounded but stayed in bed until it to ensure I took my morning medication. I took the char-grilled chicken which I bought in Galego (The Portuguese Supermarket in Southampton) yesterday out of the freezer for my evening meal. I went to Marcella and for a change we went for a walk down Shore Road. As we were walking back along Store Road, we spotted a lady in an evening dress walking pass the Sea Scouts Hut. She left the road and made her way to the shingle bank. One of the service users suspicious of what she be doing went and followed her. The lady staff member called the police and the lady in the ball dress got into the sea. The service user lady and the staff member lady managed to persuade the lady in the ball dress to come out of the sea. Which was followed by the staff member lady having a long conversation with the ball dress lady. All appeared to be good, and we went back to Marcella. It looked like a suicide had been averted. When I got home I cooked the Portuguese lemon chicken and had a shower.All the walking had been quite an exertion and I had a hot shower to soothe my aching bones.

Ivor’s Daily Gallivant Saturday June 3, 2023 Got up nice and early. I wasn’t sure want I wanted to do today. It would have been easy to spend the day cleaning and tidying my bungalow but being the way, I am out of the question. I was feeling lonely and didn’t know what to do so I googled things to do in Southampton and found a two-hour historical guided walk in Wincher and tried to book a place on it, but the site wouldn’t accept my card number despite me trying to input three times. Which was annoying. I went to Marcella, and it was closed for a staff meeting. So, as I now knew where it was I caught the first bus going into Southampton intending to stop off at The Soul Café, which and meet a few friends. The bus I caught was an 8 not a 9 which meant it didn’t stop off at Diben Purlieu and I couldn’t go to The Soul Café. (Glaucoma has a lot to answer for) When I got to Southampton this time it was easy to find the Portuguese Supermarket which turned out to be smaller than I expected. I asked the shop keeper to recommend something, and he suggested Char-grilled chicken. After that I went on to the Art House where I bought a bowl of potato and celiac soup. Got the 9 back to Hythe and on the way to Marcella met Janet (the Lady I met last Tuesday) in the car park. I only realised who she was when I was laying down in the evening later coming home.

Ivor’s Daily Gallivant Friday June 2, 2023 Up bright and early after sleeping well. Had an egg for breakfast. Made a ‘To Do List’ and the first thing I did was phone Boots about my repeat prescriptions. The Pharmacist had to check my nomad pack so I could pick them up in twenty minutes. Checked my eye hospital appointment. Ran to the Pharmacy where I collected my repeat prescription and the Co-op where I bought a canister of milk and some cut priced apples which saved time and helps keep me fit. Made a chickpea curry and put two portions in the freezer.

Ivor’s Daily Gallivant Thursday June 1, 2023 Today was when I had an appointment to review the state of my mental health with my GP. It was a nice sunny day and I thought it would be nice to explore the new Portuguese Supermarket in Southampton. So, I took the bus into Southampton and got off at the Bargate and looked at a map of the town centre for Commercial Road. A Jehovah’s Witness saw I was struggling and came to my assistance. It turned out that commercial road was too far away for me to get to and get to my GP appointment on time. So, I took the bus back to Blackfield and bought a face mask in the Pharmacy there. Next, I ran to the GP arriving just in time for my appointment. I free endorphin rush. I felt amazing. There were several other people ahead of me so I needn’t have rushed but what the heck I felt so good. The appointment went splendidly and afterwards I ran home, sent a few messages off. And all was well.

Ivor’s Daily Gallivant Wednesday May 31, 2023 It was very early in the morning when I got up unable to sleep 3.00. Having a combination of insomnia and epilepsy is far from ideal. Because lack of sleep will trigger a seizure. I’m not sure when I last slept…. After writing that I went to bed but didn’t sleep. It’s now 7.21 and I’ve decided to have a piping hot shower which may make me sleep. It’s worked in the past. So, boiler on and fingers crossed…. I set my timer for 10 minutes which is the time it takes to warm up. After my shower l went to bed. Sher the weight management lady phoned. While I was still in bed, I took my weight it had gone down from obese to overweight which is an improvement, which is pleasing. Still tired I slept for a long time and awoke sometime in the night. My body clock continues to be out of sync.

Ivory’s Daily Gallivant Tuesday May 30, 2023: the ongoing urine sample saga. Started the day bright and early by taking a urine sample in readiness for a nurse's appointment later on in the morning. I have shaky hands, and taking the sample wasn’t easy. But I managed and without any spillage. (A formidable accomplishment under the circumstances) But there was now a lovely sunny day to put good use of I thought cleaning the loo would be a good plan which would be conducive to my conducive to good health. But being the adventurous thrill-seeking hedonistic ne’er-do-well, I am decided against it. My mobile rang with a text message saying my appointment had been cancelled. When you’re got an underfunded health service these things happen. This is entirely in keeping with the pile of manure of a corrupt and incompetent government that currently rules this sceptre’d isle. A government I would never under any circumstances take exception to or find offensive -of course. Wonderful and marvellous Government if you ask me. May they rule for the rest of eternity. [Sorry, that was a bit of an outburst.] In seriousness the matter in hand was to get a urine sample tube. I toyed with the thought of taking it to the surgery and handing it in to be analysed ahead of the rest of my examination. But decided I would be making a nuisance of myself. They wouldn’t have cancelled today's appointment without a very good reason-I imagine they were very busy. I also imagine that urine samples have a limited shelf life. In Hythe I met a nice young lady (Janet) who I briefly got into conversation with and when called her young lady seemed amused. (I must admit to a possible bit of shenanigans with people’s ages much like many of the other residents of Holbury.) (We’re a wicked bunch on the quiet us Holiday folk and I know from experience when I’m called Young Man (I’m 68) I like it.) The best thing to do would be get another sample tube and I thought the easiest way to do that was ask for one at my local Pharmacy. Which I did but they were out of stock. There’s a branch of Boots in Hythe and I thought it best to phone them to check rather than going on the off chance. They had one in stock, and I asked for it to be reserved. I caught the next bus and bought the urine tube and whilst in Boots I remembered I’d been given my ice pack to a friend with a bad back. I have a strained neck which is literally a pain in the neck, and using an ice pack is an incredibly effective way to treat it that’s recommended on the NHS website. So, I bought another ice pack. Now I’m really to give myself a bit of tender loving care the next time I need it. I got to the bus stop and decided to go into Southampton and sort out my bank account. I wanted two things first to open another current account for my Direct Debits so I would .be able to see how much I had left to spend in the other account. And second open a savings account so that any money left over would be slightly inflation proofed. As a retailer puts it every penny counts. I checked if it was possible but because used a doubt management charity less than six years ago, I’m not eligible to open a second current account. However, I could open a savings account. It’s normal for me to have a little money over at the end of the month and if I stashed it away in a savings account it would make it less vulnerable to inflation. It’s getting late and I need to get to bed. I would have liked to have written more and apologise for promising some people they would be included. But as an epileptic I must get my proper sleep ration or I might have a fit. If you enjoyed my blog and think your friends would like it too, please tell them about it or let me know.

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