Bee Orchid's articles

No, I’m not talking about the main road near me though it is a tad noisy some mornings, and I swear the dust in this house, which is plentiful, is mainly due to the main road and lack of rain – I’ve never dusted so much in my entire life – I’m talking of neighbours, one household in particular. There are 9 households in my little part of the street. Then there is a break in the road, and the street carries on to the dead end though the numbering system foxes me. At the top of the street is a hou…

Thursday was a good day all round. The Ship’s Dog had a ‘yelp’ free day, my pack mule (the Deckhand) walked with me to the supermarket for a top up shop, and we had a deliciously simple, simply delicious dinner. The house alarm has been sorted. I received one of my due refunds. Tuesday, we took the dog to the vets for a check-up. He was in fine spirits though his pain killers have started to upset his stomach. It’s only 0.3 miles, walking, so we walked him. He was bouncy, and excited, and I d…

This week, the Ship’s Dog had to attend the vet’s clinic. He’s been yelping when he gets up, or lies down, and we gave him a couple of days quiet time and he seemed okay. Friday morning however, he would not settle and kept yelping as if in pain and he was limping. I know from painful (financially speaking) experience how expensive a vet can be out of hours, so phoned them Friday and managed to get an early afternoon appointment. The vet couldn’t find anything obviously wrong, though did concede…

Late in the week I had an appointment to see my GP. Unlike in Wales where I often had a 3-week wait, here, I only had to wait 9 days for a routine appointment. It could have been sooner, however I specified that I wanted to use the surgery within walking distance of my house. I was apprehensive as my GP had a name I can barely pronounce. In the event, she was a lovely Asian woman who spoke perfect English and was easier to understand than quite a few people locally. In fact, my window cleaner (w…

Recently, I filled in an online benefits calculator to see if I’d be eligible for help with my rent, or further council tax deductions. I filled it all in, only to be told I’m paying too much rent, and that I am penalised for that and therefore don’t qualify for any help. Yes, that makes sense; penalise people for having greedy landlords, and greedy estate agents. On the plus side my income, or lack of, does mean that I qualify for help with NHS costs. If I had a partner, they would qualify t…

Friday, I travelled back to South Wales for Mum’s funeral. I’d set the alarm for 5am, woke at 4.30, so got up and got on with it. I was on the road by 5.30, hoping to have a leisurely drive, and be able to fill up with petrol and a coffee once I got to Cardiff (capital city of Wales). My only concern, was maybe being a lone car at that time of day on the motorway. No danger of that! I’d just got onto the motorway and was immediately stuck in traffic. After an hour, I’d gone about 12 miles. It to…

…Having a drive to park on. Parking on the street isn’t so bad, but after having my own drive it can be a pain, and my car has already been scratched, probably deliberately, as it’s on the pavement side that I have a long scratch. We’ve worked out that if we stay home until around 10am, we’re more likely to be able to park outside the house on our return. …Knowing where I am when out and about. I rarely leave the house without the Satnav as I worry I’ll get lost and won’t easily find my way h…

It’s been about 5 weeks since our move, and we’re settling nicely; finding shops, a vet, GP and dental services. We have a new shower which is great, and we’re managing to work the old boiler (not me) at the house too. The rooms, especially upstairs, have ridiculously high ceilings, and I had hoped it would keep the bedrooms cooler, but no. Average night time temps here are 24C, even with the windows open, and my son’s room is even hotter as he has the room on the sunny side of the house. Sp…

Today, I was in touch with my boss from the campus where I used to work. Regular readers will know that I used to work in Education - teacher training (and the hated Psychology area). Apparently, after 5 years of work and bids, the Welsh government has turned down each and every teacher training course that they applied for. Basically, it means that they’ve been axed. There are still courses that need to run on and finish, but no new courses now, and I’m sure, job losses will follow. I checke…

Since my move, I’ve been feeling well and truly gouged, financially speaking. As regular readers know, the removal firm held my goods hostage until I forked out over £200 extra, though I have had half of that back, and my car insurance charged me £20 just to change my address – it takes but a minute on a computer, and there are no paper copies involved, nor postage. I will not be renewing with Lloyds car insurance. The Ship’s Dog is chipped, and the company, Tracer, want almost £20 to change…

Well, it’s Friday again, and we’ve been installed at the new Ship for a little over 2 weeks now. I had hoped to install a plank for those that are ‘naughty’ but I’m having trouble deciding where to place it. Off the galley roof seems like a plan to me though a quick splat onto the concrete may prove to be less satisfying that a dip into the briny now that we’re landlocked. Having said that, there are plenty of canals here so a trip out in the lifeboat to a canal, and a makeshift plank could well…

Ransom – Despite stating that our new home was on a narrow street, and also a one-way street, the removers turned up with an enormous lorry that couldn’t get even close to our new home. Calls were made, and I was informed the removal men would have to go back to base at Pickfords, and rent a smaller lorry for the delivery, making 2 journeys. This was going to cost me an extra £220! I had no choice but to pay, or they would keep all our ‘stuff.’ Man, I was cross. Ultimately, the move took place,…

Good journey up to the Midlands, safely moved in, with a minor hitch with the removal firm holding my 'stuff' to ransom until I paid more money! More of that to follow. The Deckhand chose well (mostly) and I moved him to the new home the same day (Thursday). Man I was shattered. Sunday I had my first good night's sleep in over a week, so that's good. Ship's dog is off his food a little, but he'll be okay. We found a lovely green space to walk him - trees, a path through some woods, and…

This week, as regular readers will know, I’m abandoning Ship, and Wales too. The Deckhand and me will be renting a Ship together in England which will be cheaper for both of us, and more convenient for us too. All is going to plan so far though that hasn’t stopped me from starting to feel quite anxious and I’ve been unable to sleep past 4am for the last 4 days. I’m sure I’ll calm down once the move is over with. I’ve no idea if the phone and therefore broadband has been activated at the new prop…

I wanted rain for the garden, but frankly, it’s now become a drag. We have a dry day, and I start to think my sister could come and take some plants, then it rains again. So far, we’ve had to reschedule twice. She could still visit, however the potted plants would be heavy from the rain, and would muddy her car, so a few dry days are a must. I managed to walk the dog and keep dry this morning, but as I type, it’s hosing it down. Getting tedious now. Thank goodness I already washed the curtains I…

After too many days of hot sunny weather, we’ve had a little rain at last. The forecast is for showers all day, and we had a nice amount first thing, but the garden could use a little more. We’re forecast rain again Friday morning, and thunderstorms on Sunday. Fingers crossed. Obviously, I don’t want rain for the week of the move or the plants may be too heavy, but rain beforehand will be gratefully received. The Ship’s Dog has had his final bath at his usual spa (Pets at Home to you) and he…

It seems I’ve finally lost the plot. I’m not sure if I can blame lack of sleep as I’ve had a few good nights, can’t blame being too busy as things are just ticking over here, maybe my age? LOL. I sent my sister a Birthday card, addressed it to her, and signed it from her. OMG. She thought it was funny, I’m embarrassed about making such a stupid mistake. I’ve also sent a card to my niece, and one to my son for their Birthdays. I just hope I’ve signed those correctly. I’m me, I’m pretty sure I’m n…

The weather has taken quite a turn here; from an average of 22C, we’re now averaging a mere 15C with some winds thrown in for good measure. The Ship has been buffeted daily and walking the Ship’s Dog has been quite a trial with me wrapping up well against the cold and wind. He doesn’t care, he has a lovely fur coat to keep him warm and he seems in good spirits now that the weather has cooled. The Deckhand and I had a quick Skype Friday morning, and he sent me a photo of a nasty looking burn…