Divorced and still paying....

Moving house …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:51:00 +0000

Notice …

Dear Reader/s

I will no longer be updating this blog and I recommend that you change your links to the successor from where the same old rubbish (including all of the previously posted ‘Divorced & Still Paying’ ~~rubbish~~ blog and all the new stuff) will continue to be available / churned out.

Now would be a good time to include the new site as a link on your blog:

You link = I link ……..

Love in the US

‘Presently in the process of improving for sale my (UK) house (more likely next year). Once sold I propose to take the necessary steps to join my partner in the US. This blog focuses on the disposal of the UK house and obtaining the necessary US visa/s.’

http://yorkshiretotexas.blogspot.com/

SEH

May 31st 2009

(Thank you!)

Not as much as usual …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Sat, 30 May 2009 21:25:00 +0000

Hi – it’s been a long day, not quite as hot as yesterday, when I was out for too long, in the sun. Didn’t get to sleep until about 0200 (too hot) and up again @ 0700. The new blog is up and running (though I still have to post my first blog post). This, SEH, blog will be updated maybe 2 or 3 times a week and will highlight the developments involving The Elder, #3, The Dog & myself. I fear that the blog will prove (increasingly) less interesting and it might be at risk. Hope you find all this acceptable.

I should be attending at a conference, assembling a week tomorrow but, to date, I still have not received my joining instructions – I hate the slackness caused by the company concerned. Best I leave it until next Tuesday when I will be able to ‘phone up and make a fuss.

Bad news! The 28” TV has, almost, stopped working (not surprised the amount of use it gets from The Elder). The Elder has indicated that she will purchase a new one, to be used here before she departs for greener, more expensive, pastures. For my part I will pay to have the rooftop aerial changed – it will be a black mark when the house is valued if the property is unable to receive digital TV.

Otherwise things are much the same i.e. #3 has been increasingly difficult. I have arranged to visit the US early July for, maybe, two months – invites are now being considered for public appearances (only kidding!).

More later.

PS – Introducing a new profile (the new blog) cascades on to my other blogs (oh!) meaning Homer has been given the elbow.

‘Mad Dogs & Englishmen’ …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Fri, 29 May 2009 23:44:00 +0000

Saturday morning – OK 0018 – let’s pretend it’s still Friday.

It’s been very hot ‘today’, very hot indeed. SEH, typically British, spent all day out in the sun working in the garden – and a good job was done :) This blog post will be short ‘cos I am seriously tired – so much so that, as befits my age, I promptly fell asleep after the evening meal (cooked by myself, of course). Now slightly back in the land of the living it’s time for a quick shower before hitting the sheets again. I suppose what really hacks me off is that, as the sun blazed down, the sweat poured off me, The Dog following me / trying to find some shade, #3 stayed in her room – all day and didn’t lift a finger to help. So bloody selfish.

I ought to mention The Organisation. Last Wednesday evening was the annual meeting when the next ~~mug~~ individual is appointed to ‘The Chair’. I occupied The Chair for the ‘year’ 2007 / 08. 2008 / 09 is my year of ‘Immediate Past Chair’ and now, the system following the usual procedure, I have ‘fallen off’ the list of active players and now may be classed as, simply,: Past Chair (one amongst quite a few others). This means that if I attend future meetings (as I should) I will be merely an attendee with no specific job – lovely! I will be writing to the Secretary advising that my ‘personal circumstances’ – e.g. finance, travel other work (you, Dear Reader, know different), preclude my attending except occasionally (very bloody occasionally). It’s a weight off my mind.

I need to clarify my (blogging) intent:

This blog, SEH etc. will, hereafter, only be subject to occasional blog updates. I want to reduce the dross about my relationship with The Elder et al and, instead (on the new blog), focus on what I do to the house (CS), what’s involved in visiting the US, what’s involved in my efforts to dispose of CS (after next March or so) and what happens with the complying with the various visa issues set by the US immigration system. There’s a bit more to it but that should suffice for the moment. The new blog is a copy of this, SEH, blog both in content & design. The SEH stuff I have included for reference – whether it remains, only time will tell. The new blog is here but, before you go and look, I have made it available to the author only (i.e. me – so there’s nothing to look at) until I have finalised the visitor counter, links and all the other stuff (typically on the right side). Once completed then I will advise you via this, the SEH, blog.

OK, that’s all for ‘today’. Must go get showered – hey! it’s 0040 – hope I don’t disturb #3 – her bedroom is right next to the bathroom!

More later.

In slow time …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:58:00 +0000

Hi again. Hope you found the previous post of interest? Thanks to VofT for the comment. The single comment and very few hits, by others, suggests to me that the blog is lacking something (apart from visitors!). No problem – I have created another blog that focuses on the disposal of CS and, hopefully, my moving (full time) to Texas.

What does this mean? It means, Dear Reader, that the blog will only be updated occasionally I haven’t closed down the blog but I have chosen to pursue, what you have probably, already, worked out and that is getting rid of CS (etc) and moving to the US and I will be developing this.

More later.

Sorrow …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Tue, 26 May 2009 23:07:00 +0000

Monday 2nd February 2009 started like every other day @ Chez WBG’s – waking up (always a good start!), breakfast – the early morning affectionate chat, typically 0600 and beyond, a time of the day when we were close – we enjoyed each others company as we drank our tea / coffee, talked about the day ahead, plans for ‘tomorrow’ and all the other issues that a couple, in love, talk about. All too soon it was time for WBG to go to work – it was a sad event, one amongst many that day (and the next), when I shooed WBG away from the house, off the porch and to her car. Of course there were kisses, hugs and cuddles (as every day be it going to work or returning home), WBG drove away and I was able to, sadly, continue with my packing, tidying and preparing dinner (though, actually, we were to finish off leftovers from yesterday). In the early evening WBG returned, her work completed, we ate, loaded the car and, from my point of view, had a last look at Chez WBG, under the stars, before we set off for the long journey to Dallas. It was time to say goodbye.

We drove for the first few miles with little being said – we were both deep in our own sad thoughts. I knew that I was in love with WBG and I knew that she was in love with me. We both knew that, ahead of us, there was a long period of uncertainty, with our personal, domestic, arrangements to which we had to attend and, already, we were identifying dates for my return. We soon hit the main highway / freeway (whatever) – luckily I was able to read the map and the miles disappeared behind us. We had agreed that we would stay at the Marriott Hotel, in Bedford, the same as we had done when I first arrived (so long ago). We expected to arrive by 2300 or so but our actual arrival was later than that – maybe midnight before we arrived. We checked in and it wasn’t long before we were in bed, in each others arms and …. soon it was light outside / morning. In slow time we were up and about, taking advantage of the free coffee, packing everything away, a sense of deep sadness upon us both – through we tried not to show it.

Departure from Dallas Fort Worth was approx. 1800 and I had to check in at least two hours earlier. The day was bright, the sun was shining, the air was warm and we were ready for checking out. With hours to spare we had decided to go to the movies – a local cinema only charged $0.50 today (Tuesday) and we aimed to go see the latest James Bond movie. We were hungry and, prior to the movie commencing, decided that we would get something to eat – Denny’s of course! Searching on the hotels public use PC we identified the nearest Denny’s when, we discovered, last minute surprise, the standard, all day breakfast was available for free!! Burning rubber we arrived at Denny’s (Airport Freeway) …. and joined the queue.

The waiting time was about 45 minutes we were told and in fact that’s what it took. In the meantime we sat outside, in the sun, directly under the flight path of aircraft coming in to Dallas Fort Worth – we didn’t say anything – we didn’t need to – we both felt that our minutes together were ticking away. With brave faces we ate our meal, served by a pleasant woman who identified that I was from England – she struggled with my (gruff, manly, Yorkshire) accent and told me that I was a mess – OK – it’s not the first time! With bulging stomachs we departed and made our way to the airport car park. WBG didn’t have any problems parking, I recovered my case etc and we, trying to remain positive, walked over to the airport check in. This was quickly completed and then we were counting down the last minutes (quite a few of them actually). So, what did we do? Well, we walked from one end of the airport to the other and then back again finally deciding to sit down, coincidentally outside the reception gates (from where I had arrived all those weeks ago). We watched others arriving and smiled when we saw passengers arriving, probably from (the frozen) UK, wearing heavy coats, maybe a scarf and quickly removing these as they were met by the warm Texan air. Inevitably our time was drawing to a close and with heavy hearts we stood up and made ready to separate but not before asking another passenger to take our photograph – I treasure the photograph. It was time to say our final goodbye (until my subsequent return).

Standing outside the security barrier we turned to face each other and, the same as when we had first met, our arms went round each other, we looked at each other and, as now, our eyes filled with tears. WBG placed her head on my shoulder and I could feel, nay, I shared the anguish that we both felt. Nothing was said and, eventually, we had to look at each other – red, swollen eyes, tears down cheeks – faces a mess! We said, what lovers throughout time had said, we promised to write, Skype and more (and we have kept to this – email / Skype / telephone calls every single day since that day). With a final, sob, hands through hair, a re-assuring hug, cuddle and a kiss, a deep, affectionate, loving, sincere – what else might I add kiss? We, sadly, separated and I had to face the walk to the security gates – at all times, as I was ‘processed’, WBG & I looked at each other, a wave, throwing a kiss, our sense of anguish becoming more pronounced as the distance between us increased. My heart was thumping and I so wanted to stay or even jump over the barriers and drag WBG away with me. Alas, this was not to be. The airport security staff were very good – I am sure that they often see this and I was not hurried or put under pressure but, sadly, the moment came when, with a last, longing, loving look, a re-assuring wave, blowing a kiss, our eyes filling …. we were apart and out of sight. I really felt for WBG who, in a highly emotional state, had a long drive back to an empty house – how I wish I could have been there to meet her as was the usual. enjoyable, routine

From then on it was a sad walk to the departure gate where we, other UK bound passengers, sat and watched the clock until we were called forward and processed through the gate to the 777. I was on my way back to stress, vindictive people, a messed up house, messed up ex-wife and messed up daughter. It was with abject self pity that I made my way on to the ‘plane. A last look backward in the vain hope that I would see WBG and I was shown to my seat. I was leaving my gorgeous, darling, caring, sensitive and loving WBG.

Arriving at my seat, I sat down, closed my eyes and, silently, wept.

[Footnote: Yesterday, when this blog post was published I had the music / playlist automatically play one of our favourite songs - ‘Time to say Goodbye’. Today, Wednesday, I have disabled the automatic playing of this song – do feel free to click on the title (or any other music that I subsequently add – Peace.]

Flying in to trouble …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Mon, 25 May 2009 21:43:00 +0000

Continuing the US trip … this post describes what happened when my ‘plane touched down @ Heathrow Airport (London UK). In many ways I was very fortunate that I arrived (in London). You might recall that the very day (a couple either side) of my arrival, the UK had experienced the worst weather for years and there was muchus conernus that I would not be departing (US) as planned. The picture shows the situation @ Heathrow Airport. Thankfully long distance flights from the US were not affected though departures (from the US) were running late.

I had checked in, on time, and eventually (after our goodbyes – be sure to visit tomorrow’s blog post), was called into the departure lounge and, subsequently, after a couple of hours delay, after boarding, the ‘plane took off .

I had never felt so sad, as I did then, at any previous time in my life.

You look out of the aircraft window trying to identify places on the ground but, so very quickly, you are in the clouds and that’s your last view of the US – bear in mind, if you will, the flight had departed in the evening and all was dark outside. My heart ached for the lovely woman, WBG, that I had left behind and I was quite choked and struggling to hold it all together. Unlike the outward journey when the ‘plane had been packed, the return journey saw the ‘plane only about 50% occupied. I was fortunate in that I was sat at the window seat, two seats to my right, and I was the only occupant of the row (i.e. no one else was sat next to me). This proved little comfort though I was able to swing my legs out and in to the foot space of the adjoining seat – just as well because the occupant of the seat in front promptly reclined his chair effectively reducing my ‘free space’ by half. Oh well, you pay your money and you take your choice (class of seat). The lights were dimmed and the food was served – within the hour after take off – you almost got the impression the cabin staff wanted to ‘do their duty’ so they could go off and get some sleep – I don’t think we saw any of them from after the meal being served until about two hours before landing (it was a 10 hour flight).

With time difference the US departure of approx 2030 (or whatever it was) and a ten hour flight, the ‘plane should have arrived at about 0600 UK – of course the clocks had to be changed and the ‘plane arrived late morning (UK time). Looking out of the window all you could see was the while blanket of snow with lines, the roads / highways, clearly visible. We prepared for landing and it was a bit un-nerving. The ‘plane touched down (hurrah!), no bumps but very visibly slewed across the runaway before the pilot corrected the approach. You hold your breath (and your anal sphincter) until the ‘plane came to a normal stop. Then you could release your breathe (and your anal sphincter – albeit in a more controlled way – after all, fluffies aside, ‘accidents’ were to be avoided!). Like sheep we collected up our hand luggage, checked, for the umteenth time, that passport, credit cards, money and all the other stuff was firmly secured in a suitable pocket. The doors of the ‘plane opened and the cold, bitterly cold, air rushed in and found all the warm spots on your body. The ‘plane had landed at a runway someway from the arrival terminal and coaches (very basic airport vehicles) were laid on to ferry passengers. I was one of the last on the coach, standing room only, very tired, unwashed, unshaven, hungry and missing WBG more than you could imagine. Clearance through the airport was quickly dealt with and I found myself back in the ‘don’t hassle me chum’ UK.

I was travelling back to CS, btw the roads were clear of snow which was some consolation, though I wasn’t booked on a coach back to downtown UK. I had a voucher and was advised to exchange it for a boarding card at the airport’s coach office / ticket office. I joined the queue and, eventually, was called forward by Godzilla’s sister. I tried to explain my situation but was simply ignored. My arrival in London, months earlier, had been to Victoria Coach Station and that, strictly speaking, was from where my departure should take place. I was at Heathrow and if I went to Victoria Coach Station and joined a coach, it would bring me back to Heathrow before continuing the journey back to the city near CS. Still with me? Godzilla’s sister insisted that I travel to London (at my own expense), board a coach and travel back to CS, via Heathrow (as I have just describe). Thankfully I had an email from the coach company confirming that I could start my journey from Heathrow. I showed this to Godzilla's sister and she begrudgingly provided me the necessary boarding card. I thought ‘here we go – no doubt that we are back in the UK’.

The coach arrived and I was allowed to board. Don’t forget it had travelled from central London and was partly full. What did I find? The British ‘I want two seats for the price of one’ attitude was alive and well. The ‘trick’ is to sit on the aisle seat leaving the window seat vacant effectively providing a sort of ‘table’ for their newspaper. sweets, coat, bag and other hand held essentials. I asked several people if I might occupy the seat and was answered with ‘that’s my husbands seat / that’s my wife’s seat’. I saw one guy, in the aisle seat, with all his papers etc in the window seat and I requested that I might occupy the seat. He became verbally abusive and informed me that he had ‘spread out my important papers’ and could I sit somewhere else? I told him what I thought when, at that moment, another passenger advised me the seat next to the one that they were sitting in was vacant – it was a young woman- I thanked her - she never spoke throughout the journey except to inform me that she was an exchange student – from America. Honestly, what sort of impression does it create?

The coach set off and, along the journey, I ‘phoned The Elder and asked her to meet me at, let’s say 1800 at the coach station. On arrival we all exited – the awkward guy and myself exchanging well meaning looks….

It was raining, bitterly cold and I was glad when The Elder arrived – 25 minutes late.

Back @ CS there was a pile of mail to go through (after an urgent visit to the loo) then it was time to go to bed – about 2230 UK time (or 1630 US) – my body clock was way out of sync and I had been awake for nearly 36 hours. I was irritable, tired and all the other sad stuff. I felt lonely and my heart ached to back in Texas, five and a half thousand miles away, with my darling WBG – it was a different world – I longed to return to it – I will be doing so, soon – how long before it’s permanent?

More later – the departure from WBG’s place – make sure that you have your tissues ready.

Hot stuff …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Mon, 25 May 2009 09:56:00 +0000

Hi – welcome back. First the good news: the ‘problem’, see previous, has been resolved. The problem (affecting others) appears to have been ad-ware, or similar, affecting the reader’s browser. It’s all sorted (thankfully). Other good news: the weather has been glorious – even at this late hour (2245), the temperature in my room is a very pleasing 70’. After a bad day yesterday (and early this morning), The Elder has sought to make peace – you go along with it but it’s happened so often in the past. As for #3, she has spent most of the day in her bed (in her room).

Finally, I just watched (the link is really worth visiting) Susan Boyle (‘Britain’s Got Talent’), competing in the semi finals – a wobbly start to her number but she recovered well – imagine, live TV and she is told ‘millions the world over will be watching you tonight’ – it’s the simple, honest, human characteristics coupled with a voice to die for (emotional power). We wish her well. [This post was written before the viewers voted – subsequently Susan Boyle qualified for the final – how exciting for this pre-senile wizened old Yorkshire man!] I might even ‘phone and vote – mind you, watch the blood pressure, the call costs £0.50 (about $0.33) – just kidding.

OK, back to events in the US – maybe you are waiting for me to wrap this up? Looking back on the outstanding issues I realise that there are three significant issues about which you have not been informed. They are: a visit to Fredericksburg, the departure at Dallas Airport (this will be the last post) and, next, the return to the UK. Let’s crack on with the visit to Fredericksburg. One thing that I haven’t yet done is drive on the US roads – not strictly true – I crossed the public road from WBG’s private road to the area where the garbage bins are stored (across the road). WBG patiently explained the various road signs, the significance of lines across the road and more. Hmmm, when I next visit (sigh …) I must gein some practice – don’t worry, I’ll detail the sites so that you might stay away (for your own protection). I am able to drive on my UK licence without restriction but if I lived there permanently, this privilege is limited to only 30 days before I have to take the driving test – it’s many, many years since I sat my driving test! So, on we progressed, passing LBJ’s place before arriving at Fredericksburg – what a delightful place – first task? Find the public ‘washrooms’ / ‘restrooms’ (loo) – wonderfully clean – a pleasure to stand there and admire the fixtures and fittings (steady on now). The only snag, once we were back 'outside having attended to our personal needs, was that it was a bit chilly and we, WBG and myself (as usual) held hands and life was good. The biggest ‘thrill’ was the visit to ‘Rustlin’ Bob’s’ – I have copied the following from another blog (from where I, with acknowledgements “ borrowed” the pictures):

Rustlin' Rob's was a crazy, but tasty place. Seriously, you could eat enough there to replace an entire meal. They had samples of EVERYTHING in the store. Every room had counters lined with open jars of food and huge baskets of crackers. Most of the products were made locally and there were several unique-to-the-area products such as prickly pear jelly and honey butter in many flavors.

The place was quite busy and we quickly became separated It was a joy to wander round scooping up a few crackers and then pasting on one relish or another. I knew that we wouldn’t be eating much that day (wrong!). The biggest challenge, for myself, arose when, wandering through the store I arrived at the ‘chilli’ section – specifically the ‘adult section’. Here customers had the option to taste the really hot stuff – as I did. Hey! Brits are frightened of no one! Alongside me was this US guy, about my age and we both gave each other ‘that look’ as we scooped the hottest sauce on to a cracker before shoving the (furnace in waiting) in to our mouth. Sheeeesh!! I thought that my throat had dissolved. We, the pair of us, both grew red in the face, sweated and made (quiet) choking type coughs – neither of use sought a drink (to put out the fire) and we both continued looking at the samples praying the other would go away – it didn’t happen and then – ha! The US guy cracked and purchased a bottle of Coke from the, conveniently placed alongside, ‘fridge, drinking it in one go leaving SEH, so hot and flushed, and thinking his underwear was about to melt. At that I wandered out in to the fresh air – the shop staff watching with amusement. Glory be! At the door to the shop was a tray, with Coke bottles (for sale), these I ignored because the said bottles were surrounded by ice cubes – oh joy!! I discreetly reached for the said ice cubes when, to my utter horror, I realised that they were simply decoration – plastic made to look like ice. I lurched out of the shop, for a few minutes, breathing in through my mouth, before venturing back in to the store and applying liberal doses of any of the samples that didn’t include chilli, pepper and the like. I couldn’t imagine anyone buying the stuff – it was expensive – maybe $70 or more for a tiny bottle. As with other events in your life - you live and learn. It was a great day, lovely place, terrific company (of course) and very helpful people. The next big task was to find the shop that made fudge (to die for) – we had a voucher for a free sample – we found the shop and enjoyed a number of free samples, then a visit to a kitchenware shop - Der Küchen Laden (could have stayed there all day!) where we were subject to more free samples – coffee, pretzels (I think it was) and wine; on to a confectionary shop, the Nimitz museum, a shop that made decorative candles (very clever stuff – we watched then being made) then on to a souvenir shop where I nearly purchased a ‘cowboy hat’.

We called it a day though, before setting off home, we called in to an Italian diner (buffet) place where the over consumption of the day was continued and then, I think we went to Wal-Mart.

A really good day. Next, not a good day – departure from the US …

More later …

[Footnote – When I stumbled in to kitchen this morning, I have found, on the kitchen surface a letter from #3 apologising for the way she kept everyone awake at the weekend – that’s nice.]

Problems (various) …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Sun, 24 May 2009 02:49:00 +0000

So, here we are again – trauma resolved, we hope. Many thanks to Mel & Anon - thank you both for your response to my blog appearing (or not) in IE7. The upshot is that the dross will continue. Once again I remind myself that there is more than one event of note, relating to my US visit, and I will provide further details over the next day or so.

It’s presently 0330 UK – why am I up at this time (you might ask)? Simple answer is that #3 was in the capital (over Saturday). This involved The Elder driving her to the local bus station, at 2345 (Friday) to meet the 0010 coach to London. Poor The Elder, poor The Dog – poor bloody SEH! Everyone wide awake, at 0115 when The Elder returned. So, as the result, a bad day for all during Saturday. But, thankfully, there’s Saturday night / Sunday morning to ‘catch up’. Not so. This time The Elder departed CS @ 0145 (this morning) to meet / greet #3 on her return to the bus station @ 0215. As before, everyone’s now awake and, when they returned, 0300, it was all I could do not to ‘lose it’. In the end I did ‘lose it’ – though in a constructive way (besides, I needed to visit the loo).

Entering ‘the lounge’ (the lights were on), I find #3 wrapped in a duvet, various dishes around her, as she watched TV. In no uncertain terms I demanded that she go to her own room. She declines, The Elder lurches downstairs, The Dog wobbles in to the gathering and Chez S is alive and buzzing. I won’t bore you anymore … You probably wonder why #3 is in ‘the lounge’ rather than her bedroom. Mmmm – seems, as I looked in her bedroom, during the day (and The Elder witnessed / subsequently informed #3 of this, that #3 needs to vacuum out her room in case I have ‘introduced’ anything in to her room. What did I find in her room? Fill in the missing letters: ---ck ---ks.

What to do now (with my self)?

For those disappointed that I removed the link to their blog – never fear, I will sort it out / replace it later (of course, at the same time, you could always add a link to my blog!).

More later.

We have a problem …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Thu, 21 May 2009 20:52:00 +0000

Greetings – it’s been a good day, another good day – you will be pleased to learn that I slept well. The main post content, today, was to have been about my departure from the US (last February).

However, it has come to my attention - coincidentally since I added a number of links to other blogs, now removed, that an error message is popping up – maybe not on the first viewing (opening my ‘blog home page’), but on subsequent viewings – here’s the message:

So, kind reader, if you get this message (or not) AND if you have reloaded the page (and the message appears) then it would be much appreciated if you could leave a comment. Obviously comments will only be possible on the first viewing … but if there are no problems (with subsequent viewings) then comment away!

To be honest, if there’s a problem, I cannot be bothered continuing with the blog and I will be pursuing a separate issue altogether. To keep me updating my ‘SEH’ adventures – well, guess I would appreciate some feedback.

Thanks.

The makings of a good day …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:54:00 +0000

Hi and welcome back. A really good day (The Elder’s birthday – of course I bought her a card) – up late, busy lunchtime / early afternoon and then out, in the sunshine, working in the garden, Lovely stuff. Interesting development from The Elder:

Yesterday it was necessary to sit down (with The Elder), and have a chat about ‘where we are at’, ‘what’s the future timetable’ and all that good stuff. You will recall that The Elder is, I believe, still in possession of a substantial amount of cash – her share of CS (from my ‘buying her out’). Her options, previously, were to either: buy another house, enter in to a buy / share scheme (with a Housing Association) or rent rooms / a whole house. In a philosophical way she explained that she now accepts that she will not be able to buy another house, the Housing Association might (only) consider her to buy a flat / apartment (she doesn’t want this sort of housing), meaning her only choice, which she now accepts is to rent property. She is apprehensive that rent will cause her capital to dwindle, resentful of the fact that she has worked all her life, well except when the kids were small, and has never claimed anything from the State. Her intentions are to make financial arrangement for the kids, spend a lot of the money on items for herself / the kids, maybe a new car and then turn to the local authority and plead homelessness – the financial side of this with immediate effect and the housing side of this wef from next spring. We watch with considerable interest (I wonder what her prospects of local authority accommodation are if I, to all intents and purposes, make her ‘homeless’?) In this respect I will do all I am able to support her with her application.

OK, back to the US trip – two items to tell you about (actually there are three). Today’s rubbish will inform you of the worry I caused WBG @ HEB and our experiencing New Year’s Eve – taking the latter first. As with Christmas, New Year’s Eve was a magical affair – you might recall that I have spent the last dozen New Year’s Eve, on my own, in bed by midnight – quite a sorry state of affairs. Well December 31st 2008 wasn’t like that. In truth it was a quiet evening – the wine was in the ‘fridge, we watched TV, sipping wine and as midnight approached we looked out, across the plains, into the distance as the nearby town greeted the new year – lots of fireworks (were expected, in the town) but, in reality, there was just a few and then it was all over. We had opened a bottle of wine, fizzy wine and we exchanged greetings, a hug, a gentle kiss (actually several kisses), then the wine ‘kicked in’ and suddenly it was the morning – best first of January that I had experienced for a long time – lovely – look forward to more of them.

Frights @ HEB – having previously attended a delightful evening (meal out) with friends we had to get to HEB for shopping etc. Coming out of the store your favourite SEH came over all giddy, chest pains, difficulty in breathing and had to stagger back to the enclosure where the trolleys / carts are returned outside (SEH leaning heavily on the chrome tube barriers). I have to be honest I felt dreadful and it was all I could do to re-assure WBG, who was very concerned for me (minded to call the EMS) – thankfully after a couple of minutes everything returned to normal and we, me in particular, gingerly went back to the car and returned home to Chez WBG. The event, in the car park, was one that I don’t want to repeat or put WBG through again. Frightening stuff.

More later – the return to the UK …

A magic day …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:05:00 +0000

Hi again and many thanks to Mel & VofT for your comments – Mel, I lust for 100’, the nearest I have been to anything like that was when I visited Cyprus and the temperature was in the low 80’s – gorgeous!! Greets to VofT – glad that you liked the Rivercenter Mall, I would like to visit before Christmas – who knows?

Today has been slightly stressful (to put it mildly). The day’s schedule was well organised: walk down to the bank, deposit a cheque and withdraw cash, visit the library and, best bit, get parked up on a bench somewhere and chat, via Skype, with WBG. The fact that the weather wasn’t too good should have set alarm bells ringing. Never mind – the advantage outweighs the disadvantage so I prepared to depart. Crisis! I couldn’t find the cheque. I knew that I had recently tidied my room and shredded a lot of correspondence. I had a sinking feeling that I had shredded my cheque. No option but to empty a bucket of shredded paper and examine every single piece. After an hour of becoming increasingly frustrated I reached the last piece and I was no wiser – not true, at least it appeared that the cheque had not been shredded. What next? Of course – start emptying my room. With the room looking increasingly bare I found the cheque in the most obvious place – under my duvet (I had been hiding it from The Elder). Peace descended but it was too late to go to the bank etc.

On the subject of Christmas and continuing the US adventure, I now detail the penultimate posting – Christmas Day @ Chez WBG. Although WBG’s parents knew of me, we had not met. I suppose there was some comfort in the fact that they were visiting Chez WBG, on Christmas Day, and, in a fashion, I was on ‘home ground’ (not that it mattered).

Having set up the Christmas tree the day before (lovely!), waking up on Christmas Day was sheer delight. I forget how many years that it has been since I shared Christmas greetings, involving such affection, with someone that I love. But – there was work to be done! Downstairs, breakfast and on with the cooking, cleaning round, last minute dusting and so on. The minutes ticked by and the time was reached when WBG’s parents arrived. I let WBG go out to meet & greet and then, after a minute or so, I went out to do the same. I have to confess that I was very nervous but, in truth, WBG’s parents were a delight and within minutes we were all talking away nineteen to the dozen. I was, also, fortunate to meet other members of WBG’s family and the atmosphere was quite enjoyable for all concerned.

Christmas dinner was a grand affair – it’s been many a long year since I have sat at a table with ‘family’ and enjoyed a Christmas dinner – there was no falling out, no nasty comments (from the kitchen), no sullen atmosphere as the meal was consumed, no tears – you have to read my previous ramblings to understand. It was all such a change and more – Christmas presents to follow! After dinner we all sat around swapping presents – it was all too much for me (it’s been such a long time since I felt like I did). I received a number of presents the foremost amongst these being a pair of bib overalls – very impressive - I felt and looked like a hillbilly – I was so impressed that I was minded to change my name – the picture might give you a clue. These overalls are destined to be used when the weather improves and I set to working in the garden, here @ CS – roll on the warm weather!

Eventually, as it happens, it was time for everyone to call it a day and, around mid afternoon, the various goodbyes were exchanged, handshakes, polite kisses goodbye (though not in every case!) and WBG and I were left on our own.

It had been a great day, a successful day, an enjoyable day and a milestone being reached day. I don’t think that I will ever forget that day – probably the best Christmas day that I have experienced / enjoyed for many years – a great debt is owed to WBG for, despite my own efforts, there was no doubting that WBG is a seriously organised woman, sensitive, with feelings for everyone and her efforts had made the day the success that it had been.

On reflection there are two events still to present – I will briefly comment on New Year’s Eve and, sadly, the departure from Texas and the return back to the UK – both of these I expect to have written up / posted by the end of the week.

More later.

San Antonio …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Sun, 17 May 2009 21:03:00 +0000

Greetings! Another long Sunday almost over but, my, my – it’s been a good day. Lots of ‘Skyping’ (you mean you don’t use Skype …?!). For all you fans of my adventures in the US (Dec ‘08 – Feb ‘09), brace yourselves – I will be uploading only three more blog posts. Why? Simply because I want to ‘wrap up’ the previous adventure and focus on events leading up to the next (July / August 2009) – oh yes … :)

Moving ahead in time (the following occurred after Christmas about which I still have to write), I would like to detail our trip to San Antonio and, especially, The Riverwalk. Early in the New Year (2009) with my departure (early Feb drawing ever nearer), we continued our schedule of visits. It was early on a Friday evening that we departed Chez WBG and drove, well that is to say WBG drove, the hour or more to San Antonio. Arriving there it was evident that a Friday night visit was a popular event. One thing that struck me was how, in practically any open space, car parking was readily available – something that land / space owners cashed in on for the Friday evening crowds. Prices varied considerably from typically about $8 to $12+. OK, so we drove round trying to identify a space at a reasonable price, did I mention that we drove around and around and around and … you get the idea. Eventually we were able to park in a multi storey car park (on the roof) – the temperature had dropped considerably. Descending to the ground floor we joined the crowds all heading to the Rivercenter Mall (note the US spelling of ‘center’ – see, it’s getting to me). It wasn’t the first time that we had been here. (I expect that you will recall we had previously visited The Alamo?) The ‘big plan’ was to have a trip on one of the river boats – of which there were quite a number. Walking through past all the shops we eventually, somehow, arrived at the end of a huge queue. Thankfully it was moving at a reasonable speed and I held our place whilst WBG went off to join another queue to purchase the tickets, Mmmm the queues were not moving at the same speed! I reached the barrier when I explained to an attendant that WBG had gone to purchase the tickets and, lo and behold!, she was hurrying over – OK said the lady. She left and was replaced by another. The new lady had seen me passed through the barrier and allowed WBG to go straight through and join me. Mmmm, the tickets were not collected.

It was quite exciting getting on to the boat which rapidly filled up and then we cast off. The ‘driver’ did his commentary stuff. I have added a YouTube vid – not the best (we didn’t produce it) but it gives you an idea and is a pleasant memory for us both.

Off went the boat and we, as tourists do, listened attentively and followed the words of the driver as he went through his routine. I have to admit that it was very entertaining, magical almost and, with WBG squashed next to me, I felt (we felt) very close – it was quite romantic and, inevitably, led to thoughts of food – but not for the moment. The boat continued its journey and the driver continued his patter and we continued to watch, like everyone else on board, to soak it all up. The trip soon came to an end and the driver, almost bluntly, informed everyone that tips were permitted to be given (was he doing us a favour in accepting?!). The boat tied up and we alighted but not before the sharp eyed driver saw that WBG was carrying the tickets. The tickets had a tear off top, removed at the barrier (normally) but this had not happened to our tickets. Bother! We hadn’t realised!! We could have gone round again but the driver grabbed the tickets and tore off the counterfoil. Not to worry – we were now very hungry.

There was a ‘Chilli’s’ at the Riverwalk and we steered ourselves towards it. Once again, after we had ordered, I was reminded of the vast difference in burger size when comparing the UK £ and the US $. There is simply no comparison. We were served huge burgers and chips (ha! bet you thought I was going to say ‘fries’). This was accompanied by iced tea. The place was busy and the iced tea was poor - ‘weak’ as we say. WBG, I was very impressed, called over the waitress and it was exchanged (the tea that is). Inevitably this man’s gruff, manly, attractive Yorkshire dialect caught the ear of the waitress and we were informed that another member of staff was from ‘Englandland’. This individual was summoned and he provided a really weird story – he claimed that he was visiting the US from London (UK) and that he was attending university (college) at Oxford (I think it was) – I am sure that you will appreciate that Oxford (or Cambridge) is the university to attend? He made the story almost unbelievable when he informed us that his father was a professor at the university. It was all a bit far fetched and we wondered if he was trying to run a story that he had told his employer? It matters not. Suitably filled up, too much iced tea, serious reservations about ‘holding it all in’ on the long drive back, we arrived back at the car park and set off for home. It was late when we arrived and …. well, that’s enough for today.

More later.

Return to the nest … (briefly) …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Sat, 16 May 2009 22:17:00 +0000

An early, shaky, start saw me preparing for the visit by #2 – a rare treat.

A ‘phone call, last night, revealed that the washing machine, at the property (elsewhere) occupied by #3, had broken down – her accommodation is one room in a shared house - ‘shared’ meaning that the kitchen and bathroom are shared with others (though not at the same time, y’understand). My understanding is that she ‘happily’ pays about £300/$450 per month for this whereas she could occupy CS for £0/$0. She claims that she needs her ‘space’ and who am I to argue. Anyhoo, back to the tale … I had to switch on the water heater not being sure about how much washing would be going through the machine. As it turned out it was three loads, followed by three uses of the tumble dryer, in the meantime she helped herself to items from the ‘fridge and the pantry. How do you react? You don’t – what’s to be discussed? Admit it – in the same circumstances you would do exactly the same.

Otherwise the day has stretched out – as all weekends do – rain, cold then bright sunshine – the weather is more unbalanced than I am.

More later.

‘Stuff’ …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:14:00 +0000

OK, midday and, thankfully, a better night. Sure, I woke up once or twice (before lurching out of bed @ 0530) and, apart from feeling slightly nauseous (the meds), I am getting on with it. Busy morning, somehow, cleaning out the kitchen and re-arranging the contents of the pantry. In the pantry I have defined ‘areas’ – dry foods, sauces, spices etc, tinned foods – divided into vegetables, ‘meat’ and fruit – you get the idea – let me know if you want a really detailed explanation – I won’t provide one but will post links to how you might enjoy life by getting out more.

On the subject of storage there’s still a huge amount of The Elder’s ‘stuff’ to be sorted out pending her departure (next year).

I might add that the same applies to #3 but there’s (now) a lot less of the ‘stuff’ and, if I am honest, there’s also my ‘stuff’. But, Dear Reader, my stuff is 90% contained within my bedroom. Outside the bedroom are items that simply are more at home in the garage – tools, my bike (bicycle) and all the other things that men hang on to on the assumption that they will, because they are ‘experts’ need the decorating tools, garden power tools, electric drill, band saw – you know, all the stuff that men must have – simply because they are men. Just kidding, of course, most of the items that, over the years, I acquired have long since been disposed of (we don’t include The Elder – not yet). Anyhoo, here’s a video of George Carlin, that I found – it’s all about ‘stuff’. I think it’s quite funny, especially the first couple of minutes.

Hope that you are having a good day – hey! It’s Friday!! The weekend!! Good news is that it will soon be Monday (Penguins & polar bears to those of you in the know).

Sleep. glorious sleep … I wish …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:27:00 +0000

Greetings – as you know I was out to ‘The Organisation’, (not my own ‘branch’), last night (quite enjoyable) and on returning back to CS I discovered that The Elder & #3 had fallen out over something – silly SEH made the (stupid) mistake of asking what was the cause? – Silly boy. The Elder rounded on me and suddenly it was time to detail my (many) faults. Time to go to bed. The time was about 2300. I lay in bed watching the clock go round and round and round …. when it got to 0300 I thought that I was going to be awake for the rest of the night. Anyhoo, thankfully, I dozed off and woke (got up) at about 0600. I so wanted to go to bed, during the day, but fought it – else I may not sleep tonight. What a bummer.

I really felt for #3. This afternoon she, unusually, surprised me by being up and about at 1500 or so when she informed me that she was going out. Returning, after about an hour, I saw her in the kitchen with a ‘bloody mouth’ and, when she responded to my ‘are you OK?’, it was obvious that she had attended the dentist and, it appears, required an extraction. I think it’s her first ever extraction (and I don’t even think that she has required any filling). She was quite grey, trying to make light of it (bravado) but my heart went out to her. She declined my offer to be of any assistance. It’s very sad.

No US update – probably tomorrow – thanks for calling.

A hint of wine …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Wed, 13 May 2009 05:48:00 +0000

In bed @ 2300 and out of the same @ 0600 – not bad, not bad at all – except I had devoted 2300 – 2345 to reading a crime novel – murder (ex-wife) – now, don’t even think about it …

I forgot to mention yesterday’s evening meal – The Elder had taken #3 off somewhere and I set to making the culinary creation. Pork steak in fried mushrooms and onions with a ‘sauce’ of my own design. OK, nothing special – the sauce was simply a tin of mushroom soup, added water, lots of pepper, Worcester Sauce,garlic powder (of course) and, er, that’s about it. Oh, I forget – I also added a quite a glug of white wine. On The Elder’s return (complete with #3), the meal was served (mashed potatoes and garden peas – bet you want some!), and it was acutely noticeable that wine, lots of wine, had been added. The Elder said nothing (too busy eating). Eventually I was asked ‘what was the sauce’ – lying through my (remaining) teeth I advised that I had found a ‘flavoured gravy mix’ – ‘oh’, was all she said.

Shortly after, The Elder decided to take out The Dog (for a walk) – she used her car and I fervently hoped that she didn’t have any mishap / get stopped by the Police.

‘Excuse me madam, have you been drinking or taken anything?’

‘No, officer, I have only eaten a pork steak…’.

Out tonight to a local branch of The Organisation – the meeting starts late in the afternoon and goes on until 2230 or so – no alcohol for this SEH.

OK, back to bed and the murder novel. Mmmmm – just found out, while looking for a picture, that it’s the author’s last novel (about ‘Frost’) – not sure now that I want to read it any further, maybe the ‘hero’ gets killed off. Oh well, only one way to find out …

What’s your poison ..?

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Tue, 12 May 2009 21:58:00 +0000

Greetings from downtown UK from where we have had problems with wind.

Still good without the (any) pills though I have to confess that there are certain withdrawal symptoms – on reflection, a sudden discontinuing of the meds isn’t such a bright idea and I may have to wean myself off them. Let’s see how things develop. This morning it was a visit to the local health centre where a nurse enjoyed removing about three fingers worth of my blood. I have to confess to being squeamish and didn’t look as she shoved in to my arm what appeared to be a huge needle – there’s something un-nerving in seeing your life blood being drawn out and it was all I could to avoid passing out – what a wimp!

No news or developments from The Elder except that, yesterday (as I was going to bed), it was necessary that I ask her if she had finished ‘surfing’ (using her laptop in ‘the lounge’). She confirmed that she had and enquired why I asked. I explained the wireless router, in my room, had a number of bright lights, permanently shining bright, and it lit my bedroom up at night. If she had finished surfing (she had) then I would switch off the router (and the lights). This caused much suspicion on her part when she demanded to know, indeed told me, that I was able to ‘track her Internet use’ – honestly, nothing could be further from the truth and this led to a reduction in the quality of communication (between us) and an increase in my blood pressure – another reason why I have returned to 50% of the recommended drug dosage.

I still have to write about the river trip @ San Antonio but that’s on hold for a day or so.

Now, back on 50% of the meds, I sense a groovy feeling developing, time for bed.

Hello world ..!

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Mon, 11 May 2009 05:05:00 +0000

Good morning! Apart from a ‘hint’ of toothache, the world is good. Apart (#2) from waking up & rolling over in the early hours, it was a case of waking, naturally, @ 0500 or so. No rushing to the loo, not at all. It was a case of waking, feeling good and listening to the birds twittering outside (think about that).

No pills, no nothing – I am trying to convince myself that my ‘troubles’, you could say ‘the demon’ is caused by stress. The pills slow you down, make you lethargic (well, they do to me!) and reluctant to get out and be active. I have determined that, today, I will be outside, in the front garden a’weedin’ and a’cuttin’.

First, however, your very own SEH needs to have a good shower and, especially, a shave – not the prettiest view at this moment, though beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

More later – come on the world!!

(Serious footnote – you do realise that the ‘feel good’ factor may be attributable to the few wacky pills and that, over the next few days as the effects wear off, there might be a return to ‘demon control’? Hopefully that won’t happen.)

All change …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Sun, 10 May 2009 21:46:00 +0000

Enough’s enough … Time to take stock of my health / options. The good news is that my Doc. has determined my ECG ‘status’ is not cause for concern. The hospital appointment, last July, didn’t identify anything untoward. My blood pressure, measured using my cheapo (apparently accurate) monitor, doesn’t give for concern so …. apart from the raised blood pressure when I become stressed it might be argued I don’t need the medication. The ‘SAD’ medication is something else. Last night I was in bed and asleep by about 2030. I woke at 0200 or so thinking, ‘not bad – awake, but six hours sleep isn’t bad’ except it wasn’t 0200 or so it was 1200 or so (midnight). I was wide awake until about 0130 then dozed off until 0300 or so. Wide awake until 0430 or so and then dozed off until 0700 or so and then awake all day. ‘Awake’ but walking round like a zombie. Brace yourself, SEH – there might adverse reactions but the tablets have got to stop. Watch this space.

Yesterday it was The Elder’s turn to catch me out. She is clearly stressed / depressed – it’s all to do with her not being able to find alternative accommodation. We entered into discussion (lots of tears from her – I hate to see people upset like this, but, where was my support when I was in the same situation?). I nearly gave in and considered letting her rent CS long term but it’s not the answer, is it? Her argument was that she was very concerned about The Dog and it would be better for him (especially if I went away (‘wherever it is you go’)) and this was a fair point, However, it’s only prolonging the agony and I had to stick fast to the Agreement – there might be a bit of slack after March 2010 but more likely not than likely. Thankfully, this morning, The Elder had brightened up a bit.

More later.

Sleepy head …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Good evening (night, morning or whatever). Sat here @ 2245 UK time I am waiting for the magic pill to ‘kick in’ – it certainly kicked in last night though only briefly. I woke at about 0300 in a seriously confused state. I won’t bore you with the detail but, suffice to say, it’s been a very, very long day. I have been dozing most of the day - (The Dog has loved it – someone to share his lifestyle!). It’s weird feeling sleepy and almost insensitive to external noise – subconsciously you are able to hear, of course, but it’s almost as if someone is gently holding down your eyelids – it’s lovely – real fluffy clouds stuff! Don’t worry, these side effects quickly wear off.

Many thanks to Mel and VofT for your comments. Emigrate to Texas? Would love to. The procedure, however, is far from simple (apart from having to dispose of CS) – there is muchus paperwork involved. That said, however, I am grateful that you are able to put a word in the correct ear!

Back to today, I have to confess to not doing much at all – there were jobs that needed doing, simple jobs like writing a letter or submitting paperwork to a third party but, in your (happy) dozed or semi-dozed state you sleep or just smile at the PC screen and, in either case, happily listen to the clock on the bedroom wall as it ticks the minutes away.

Tomorrow I promise to write about the boat trip but, for now, my eyes are losing focus and I can feel the fairy dust being sprinkled over me – my bed is calling (again) and I must return to its comforting folds.

Groovy man …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Thu, 07 May 2009 21:10:00 +0000

I guess the two big items from today are:

1. Although I have no prior experience, it feels like I have been ‘stoned’ for most of the day;

2. Another trip to the US might be a possibility.

The last time I was prescribed the (most recent) medication it was an eye opening (except when asleep), experience. Last night / this morning was not quite so ‘shocking’ but significant all the same. As before I felt myself sliding into a deep sleep – no resisting, I was too tired and had a blinding headache. I had attended The Organisation, the previous evening, but returned to CS at the earliest opportunity. I think I was in bed by 2300 or so. Waking @ 0500, probably through habit (but no rushing to the loo), I rolled over to check the time before returning to a deep sleep. The Elder entered my room @ about 0800 (with tea – good girl!). I opened my eyes and heard nothing, having promptly fallen asleep again, until about 0930 when The Elder departed for work.

Thereafter it’s been a struggle to stay awake. A degree of normality was restored when, this afternoon, I was able to ‘phone WBG – isn’t Skype wonderful? Isn’t WBG wonderful? (She is – you’ll just have to believe me.) During our long chat – all for free!, we discussed many things including my next visit to the US – this could be as soon as July – woohoo!

Otherwise the rest of the day has involved just chilling out and drying The Dog – he’s cottoned on, big time, to the fact that he receives a treat if he goes out (‘asks’ to go to the garden for natural reasons). Only thing is that he doesn’t actually do anything except return expecting his treat, which he gets. The fact that it’s tipping down with rain doesn’t bother him – he knows that some silly old sod will attend to his needs.

Tomorrow? You’ll have to wait and see – in the present climate it’s all I can do to remember which day of the week it is.

Pressure …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:37:00 +0000

A regular visit to the Doc has been the second highlight of the day (thus far). First, however, greets go to ‘MarriageMan’ and thank you for the Twitter following. OK, let’s crack on …

The visit to my Doc was simply to ‘pick up’ a repeat prescription. It’s possible to request up to six ‘repeats’ before the Doc, quite rightly!, requires that he / she meets with you. The appointment was made and mid morning saw me arrive at the surgery. You ‘check in’ at reception, are given a ticket and off you go to the waiting room – waiting for your what ever o’clock appointment and which is always running late – hey ho, go with it, there’s no money involved :)

Sat in the waiting room I had arrived well prepared. I would be able to explain the various symptoms, answer any questions and, important to me, compare my cheap ‘Walmart’ blood pressure monitor (‘cuff’ type goes around the arm) with the Doc.’s state of the art gizmo (another cuff etc type). Both instruments are much the same – you wrap the cuff around the arm and press a button – easy. A small pump inflates the cuff, the measurements are recorded and the cuff automatically deflates. I had reservations about the accuracy of my monitor and wanted to compare it with the Doc.’s. Anyhoo, I am sat in the waiting room, the minutes ticking by, when I reach for a leaflet or something from a nearby table. On leaning across to the table, I must have, somehow, pressed the start button on my monitor (the monitor is in a chest high pocket on my jacket). To my dismay I heard the pump whirring and the cuff started to expand! I blushed, beetroot red, as a suspicious whirring noise made everyone look at me (the noise is often (so I am told) heard in bedrooms – but that’s neither here or there). People were looking at me and, especially, at my left, breast, pocket, which had started to swell. In the meantime I am desperately trying to unzip the pocket while, to all intents and purposes I was growing a mono boob – quite a size too! I managed to recover the situation and a calm descended. Then the buzzer went, it was my number and I was glad to get out of the waiting room.

In the surgery it was the usual pleasantness from the Doc. He asked all the usual questions and handed over a repeat prescription – easy so far. I had mentioned the problem sleeping and he ignored me. He measured my blood pressure 160 / 95 … mmm, could be better. I asked if I might compare my cheapo monitor (of course) and the reading was the same – good – shows the cheapo is reasonably accurate.

The Doc. probed me (no Dear, questions and not his finger), and we identified the ‘pain’ / raised blood pressure, arose when I was getting stressed (as I had been a few minutes earlier). I explained the arrangement with the Elder etc and he suggested I break away from this as soon as possible (the sweeping, Texan, landscape with a smiling WBG flashed across my mind). Apparently, it was the Doc’s view, I am suffering from ‘SAD’ – Stress Accelerated Depression – more tablets. Tests next week and wacky pills to help.

Moving on, it’s out tonight (I am rushing!!), to a local branch of The Organisation where, eventually, I suspect that I will eat too much – life does have its advantages.

More later.

Money makes the world …’

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:14:00 +0000

It’s been a strange day – very warm this morning meaning that SEH rolled out the mower and cut the grass around the house – there’s a strange satisfaction in seeing parallel lines and alternate shades of green (yes, the landscape is very green at this time of year). I must have impressed The Elder as she, in a moment of madness, decided to sort out the various boxes and containers that had found themselves in the shed (that she bought and about which I knew nothing until it arrived). So, the day went reasonably well.

I made reference, in a ‘Tweet’ to the increasing number of notifications that other Twitter users were ‘following’ me. The e-mail, from Twitter, gushingly informs you that ‘a name’ is now following you. How exciting! You click on the link where you find a single comment such as ‘I thought I would join a dating club’ and there’s a link – I never click on them. Guess it’s some form of spam.

Having contributed ‘her bit’, The Elder went off to the local shops and returned in rather a panic. I only learned the finer points when she lurched out of the bathroom. It appears that she had purchased a sandwich containing cooked, cold meat and in her opinion ‘ it went straight through’. I used the opportunity, while the house was being force ventilated, to go off to the local bank where an exchange of money occurred – very satisfying. On the way back I thought I would take a picture or two, in keeping with the better blogs. Busy roads especially when the ‘school run’ is ongoing is not the best place to be when taking pictures.

Several pictures made me smile (or not!). The local filling station caught my eye and made me realise how fortunate you are in the US when it comes to purchasing gasoline. The prices shown are for unleaded and diesel and are in UK currency (£ GB Pound). Applying a conversion rate of £1 = $1.40, unleaded retails at about $1.30 and diesel at about $1.44 – not bad you might say. But, Dear Reader, the price shown is per litre – oh ho! So with 4.55 litres to a gallon you will have already calculated the cost of a gallon unleaded / diesel as $5.95 and $6.55.

So, a 14 gallon fill up? UK (14 x $5.95 or $ 6.55) = $83 or $92. How would you like to be filling up twice a month and spending anywhere between $170 - $200 per month on gas? Sobering thoughts indeed.

Continuing this depressing post, I forgot to mention that, yesterday, The Elder thought that it would be a good idea to have a BBQ. With a pile of meat defrosted, muchus salad, and enough sesame seed buns to feed a soccer team, we set to. Within minutes the weather had changed, the BBQ wouldn’t light and we ended up transporting all the food into CS where the resulting odour caused #3 to storm downstairs, from her sleep, opening every door and complaining bitterly that we were so unfair.

Out tomorrow to another branch of The Organisation – looking forward to it.

The shame of it all … (goes on) …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:05:00 +0000

Sunday (it might as well be, in actual fact it’s Monday), a long day – on the go since 0500 and feeling wrecked this afternoon.

The title? I belong to a number of charitable organisations – nothing special, you pay your dues, attend a couple of meeting 2 – 3 times a year and give, generously, to charity. Nothing special there – a lot of other people do the same. However, one of these organisations has caused a fair degree of grief. It was all to do with payment of dues and, to cut a long story short, I resigned – it was a bit tense and I knew that I had been a bit abrupt with the ‘Leader’. He being older and wiser gave ‘it’ a couple of weeks and asked if we could meet.

Of course I agreed – the meeting was arranged for today. Problem #1 – Location: He suggested we meet in the nearby town and I agreed until I remembered that my car is knacked. Oops – meant I had to explain this – OK, no probs (sez he), I will call round to your place – what!!!!????!!!! Need I say any more? It really makes me sad that for most of my married life I couldn’t bring people / visitors to the house because of the state that it was in. So we divorced, I bought out The Elder and, two years after the sale of the house (to me), what’s changed? Bugger all. It meant that I had to arrange to meet the guy in the town about 1/4 of a mile away and our meeting was discussed in his car. Spineless? No, not really – the days are ticking by and having a blazing row will serve no purpose. The last thing I want is a bitter Elder who leaves me frightened to go out of the house for fear of what she might do within. Looks like I will have to sit tight and let it come and go – as it surely will. The meeting itself was very positive, no ill feelings and I didn’t change my mind (re-join) despite the pressure.

OK, let’s put to bed, coupling the male and female together. Several days have elapsed and I am still no nearer knowing what ‘plumbing fittings’ to buy to fix the new tap on to the existing pipe. I still had to remove the old, split, leaking, tap and for this I needed a wrench or two. It was back to Home Depot, sigh :), where I purchased the necessary wrench (two of them actually). The replacement tap had been purchased previously – the only remaining item was a plug (to screw into the female) in the event there was a problem. The appropriate item was identified and, on the promise that I could return it for a refund if unused, we departed to Chez WBG to sort out the problem.

The task itself was quite easy. The wrench was clamped to the old tap and the other wrench to the male connector (on the pipe). Applying equal, nervous, pressure to the tap and the pipe – hands sort of held at nine and three, pushing the tap one way and holding (applying counter pressure) to the pipe, pressing the other way, the tap ‘gave’ and it was possible to unscrew it. Hurrah!! OK so far. Almost. Of course, with nothing to stop the water it was gushing out of the open ended pipe. Struggling to screw the (female) opening of the new tap on to the (male ended) pipe resulted in water going everywhere – making me look like a wet tee shirt contestant. How we laughed. Anyhoo, it was all sorted out and Chez WBG now has a functioning, non leaking, tap at the side of her house. I felt good (though I was very wet).

Next? I think I will tell you about the river boat cruise….

One last comment about the tap – especially the purchased plug – it had to be designed to connect to the US Standard Pipe Thread (USSP Thread) – we have the British Standard Pipe Thread (BSP Thread). I retained the unused screw in USP Thread plug and brought it back to the UK – the threads – USP & BSP threads are the same … Oh, and the purchased plug was made in China ….

More later.

Hang ‘em high …

stupidexhusband@gmail.com (Tyke) — Sun, 03 May 2009 23:04:00 +0000

Welcome, lots to tell you …

The title? Incredibly, I mean I just don’t believe it, #3 has been summoned (is that the correct word?), to attend for jury service. As we know she spends all and every day in bed until about 1630 (or later) – how is she going to be able to sit through court proceedings that may commence @ 1000? Honestly, assuming that she doesn't fall asleep but, somehow, stays awake, is she really going to be fit to form an opinion? Rumour hath it that she has applied to be excused on the back of receiving medical treatment, arising from pain associated with the surgery to which she was recently exposed (last December actually). We shall see.

Next at about 0730, this morning, the ‘phone rang and a distressed #2 asked if she could speak with her Mother (The Elder)? What?!! Are you kidding – at this hour?? – now, come on, let’s be serious, she did sound upset. It turns out that she had locked herself out of her car within which was her bag, ‘phone (she was using someone else’s ‘phone (she says …mmmm)), keys and other articles used by the modern young woman. She was minded to call the ‘breakdown people’ – a bit like the AAA (we call it the AA or RAC) – I had doubts that they would attend a lock out it not being a breakdown. As it was early Sunday morning, when the ‘demand’ was probably the slightest, she was fortunate in that she received a visit. The guy attending had the car open in seconds = one happy #2. By now The Elder had surfaced and, International Rescue style, was hurrying to meet up with #2 and go through the necessary counselling and associated support (at the nearby shopping centre). Having departed at about 0900, The Elder re-appeared at about 1600 carrying a lot of shopping bags and with a contented look on her face.

Finally, (it’s been an eventful day), I recently mentioned ‘Skype’, that’s right the VoIP ‘phone service. It’s actually very good, very good indeed. One of the (many) features is that users may ‘buy’ a number, in the country of their choice, and others e.g. WBG may dial what is, to them, a ‘local number’ and the call is diverted to SEH either at his PC, with Skype running, or to his mobile ‘phone ) a ‘Skype ‘phone). It’s all very good and useful for people, in love, separated by 5500 miles. I digress. Earlier this evening Skype, on my PC, ‘rang’. I could see that it was the number I had bought from Skype (it’s a Texas landline number). I answered the call, to speak to WBG, but no!! A man, with what I now recognise as the Texan drawl, told me he wanted to speak to his daughter. Without thinking I simply advised him that ‘she is not here’ (I know, I should have said wrong number). He apologised for the inconvenience to which I advised him it was my pleasure. He’s probably wondering where is his daughter? Who was the guy with the Yorkshire accent? Why did the guy say it was a pleasure? What was a pleasure? I would love to be a fly on the wall when his daughter gets home!

As it’s almost midnight (here) we’ll leave the rest of the dross until tomorrow – it’s the ‘May Day’ public holiday, which means lots to eat, drink and generally spend the day sprawled out somewhere – ah, but I have an agenda tomorrow (now today) …

BFN.