It felt almost like a return to normality tonight, as we took the short drive to The Palmichael joining David and Valerie to celebrate a recent birthday. The last time we were there was for Janet’s retirement ‘do’ back in March 2018 and a lot has happened to restaurants since then — especially since Coronavirus restrictions took hold.

One of those ‘happenings’ was a major makeover for this very popular eatery. Not just a lick of paint, but a total re-think. There’s now an ‘upstairs’ area, and as a result, the restaurant looks totally different inside.

Walls have been removed, all the tables and chairs replaced — in fact pretty-much everything has been replaced, even down to the plants! Us locals have always known here to be a very popular place, but it was always a bit of a crush, pre-makeover (part of its charm, but a nightmare for the Servers) to squeeze every customer in! The first lockdown back in March has allowed the owners to pretty-much ‘start again’ with the interior.

And it appears to have worked, allowing a lot more space between the tables whilst giving an increase in total capacity. The somewhat dated look has now given way to a much brighter, lighter and more modern interior. The upstairs area, we’re told, will eventually become a lounge area (post virus), but for now, it’s home to a few more tables to cope with demand.

When we arrived just before 6.45pm, it was already pretty full and that’s how it stayed for the time we were there. The Palmichael has been around in Kettering since 1981 and whilst many other local restaurants have come and gone, this one has not only survived, but now grown too!

Current lockdown rules wouldn’t allow the four of us to share a table, but some quick-thinking by Valerie just after the new restrictions were announced meant that a short phone call later, we’d been given tables next to each other — not a bad compromise given all the other restrictions associated with COVID-19! . We also got to see the new upstairs area too! Fantastic!

The food and service had always ‘punched well above its weight’ (Kettering isn’t really known for high-end culinary experiences!) and tonight proved that some things don’t change. . This was a restaurant at the top of its game, doing what it does best!

Just before 8.30pm, it was over, and we all left with a big smile on our face. The combination of the service, food presentation, and of course, the food itself was nothing short of excellent. All-in-all, a fantastic experience and I’m sure we’re going to be back again before too long!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Return to The Palmichael (2020) appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Today, we bid a sad farewell to Biscuit.

Over the past six months her health had really started to deteriorate and based on our previous experience of owning Persians, by the time they get to 14, they’re suffering.

Biscuit was fourteen-and-a-quarter!

With her sister passing back in August 2017, she had become ‘top-cat’ (literally) here in the years that followed – and was in rude health. It was only really at the start of this year that we started to notice a deterioration.

Long-story-short, in recent months she’d lost the sight in one eye and had an abscess on her face that refused to heal, regularly spouting blood (and yukky ‘stuff’). A course of antibiotics seemed to help a little, but by last weekend, she was stumbling around, walking into things, refusing to jump up (or down).

And to make matters worse, to us, it seemed like she’d now lost her sight in the other eye too. She was completely lethargic, not eating, not drinking and not responding to any petting either. A shadow of her former self and not the Biscuit we remember, it was a real sad sight and some action was required.

So, we made the call to the local Vet and secured a 5.45pm appointment. I guess the weather was appropriate for the situation – it had rained all day and it was very cold. As we took the last walk from the car to her final appointment, the weather deteriorated even further and it felt like a day in darkest November! Truly depressing in every sense!

We were seen more-or-less on time and all credit to the Veterinary Practice – and Paul in particular – in that they talked us through the various options for Biscuit going forward. Ultimately, in both our heads we had already decided that Biscuit had suffered enough. We said our final goodbyes and Biscuit was taken away for her final sleepover.

Biscuit – ‘Villiers Golden Biscuit’
Born: 10 March 2005
Died: 10 June 2019
Lived for: 5206 days
14 years, 3 months, 1 day

It hit us hard – not immediately – but it did hit us! We consoled ourselves in that we’d done the right thing. She’d had a very pampered life and all us humans who were part of her life had enjoyed her company.

Time for both of us to drop-off the radar for a spell, whilst we process all of this.

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post RIP Biscuit appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Black Friday 2017 appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Today, Denis went in for his scheduled NHS stop-over that included a two stents and the rather tongue-twisty rotablation procedure. All being well, he’ll be discharged on Christmas Eve, and so we’ll go to his for Christmas Day, having prepared him a full Christmas Lunch wrapped in foil!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Heaven Stent appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Just occasionally we do ‘posh’ – and tonight was one of those occasions.

With DJs and posh frocks on the outside and Sudafed and Strepsils (for Ann and me ) on the inside, we set off for the Royal Opera House to celebrate Roger’s 50th. After our quick change of clothes, we headed for Stevenage station and the luxury of a first-class seat into London. 

It was all a big secret and all Roger knew was that he had to wear black-tie and we’d be heading into London. What he didn’t yet know was that we were heading for the opening night of Tosca. We were also going to treat him to a meal in the ROH’s restaurant (where they serve your meal prior to the opera and continue serving desserts and coffees during the various intervals) – a simple concept, that makes the best use of time.

A view from our table in the restaurant

Another view from our table in the restaurant

Nearly time for curtain-up!

After our meal we headed to our seats, slightly to the right and to the back of the auditorium. If there’s still a recession on, then someone needs to tell the ROH! – the place was packed by 7.30  with not one single empty seat in the house. And with tickets starting at around £100, it was going to be a good night for the accountants!

I wouldn’t put myself down as an opera buff, but I do like a good tune – and of the three acts, the aria in Act II was probably the most memorable. The storyline was pretty similar to most other operas – love, lust, anger, betrayal, blood, power and death –  and you just knew from the moment the Opera began, things weren’t going to turn out well for the main characters. Three hours and three gallons of tears later, both main characters were dead and so was the main bad-guy!

Tosca makes EastEnders look like The One Show! (and you probably won’t see that comment anywhere else on the ‘net!)

And then it was back to reality with a bang as once the curtain was down and the obligatory ‘bravos’ were shouted, everyone then headed for the cloakroom to retrieve their coats. The ROH may be posh, but the retrieval process for the coats looked and felt more like a rugby scrum on a bad day (albeit a very well-dressed bad-day!) – there may have been a queuing system, but it was hard to tell! I didn’t help the process by losing the coat token (only to find later that Jane had it!) Doh!

It was then a quick taxi-ride back to Kings Cross and then onto the train taking us back to Stevenage. The first-class carriage was as cramped as when we travelled in earlier – just 12 seats. The added free entertainment was that two guys and a gal (sensing that no-one would check their tickets) piled into first class and made themselves comfortable. One of the guys was clearly off-his-face, proudly announcing how much he’d drunk to his friends whilst totting up how many burgers he’s had so far that evening (apparently, five!). Call me an old fuddy-duddy (I am), but his language was pretty objectionable – ‘f’ this, woven in with the occasional ‘c’ word – disgusting! (Maybe I should take the train to Tunbridge Wells instead!!!).

Of course, being typically Brits, we tutted – and did nothing!

By now, the bug I’d picked up earlier in the week was winning, and I was feeling pretty rough. It may have been the medication I was on, but I really did have some uncharitable thoughts about our burger-friend including hoping that he could get a part in Tosca –  preferably as one of the main characters!

As soon as we got back to Roger and Jane’s, it was a quick drink and then off to bed, rattling with medication.

It’s been a great night for Roger’s 50th – I just wish I’d been firing on more than one cylinder. The Opera was very enjoyable – although not my personal favourite, it had its moments and more importantly, it had been a night to remember for Roger!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Roger’s 50th – Tosca appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Those that know me, know that I don’t ‘do’ illness – it’s such a waste of time!

Well, I’ve picked up a bug sometime in the past week that has now absolutely crippled me! I’ve got a cough that sounds like I’m on 50 Navy Cut a day; aches and pains all over – arms, legs, head, ears and teeth – and if that’s not enough, last night I had the worst night’s sleep I’ve think I’ve ever had. My head feels like someone has filled it with cotton wool and I’m running a temperature that alternates with the shivers! That croaky voice yesterday was obviously the first sign, but what’s caught me out is that it all seems to have developed so quickly – this time yesterday, I was fine, today I feel worse that awful.

Spookily, Ann seems to have caught the same bug – and we’ve been apart for four days!

None of this is particularly good timing as we have Roger’s 50th Birthday celebration this weekend in London, and we’ve been really looking forward to it – Currently I just want to go to sleep!

I’ve painted a big ‘X’ on the front door to keep people way!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Plague! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We’re now both getting over our respective colds, so it was good to be able to get out for some fresh air and catch-up with friends.

First stop was into town and the newly renovated and pedestrianised Market Street. Boy, it’s changed round here since I last looked – in about 2002!!!!! All very impressive. Why Market Street? well, Rosi and Avril have started a business – Upmarket Nails.

When we arrived, they were busy titivating and entertaining the small (but growing) crowd of friends and relations awaiting the official opening. All the gang were there – Tom, Julie, Paul, Karen, John, Trish and Stella and many others. Rosi and Avril had also thoughtfully arranged nibbles courtesy of the very short walk to the Cafe opposite, which we took advantage of after a quick tour round their new establishment. 

The Mayor arrived and after a suitable witty speech declared Upmarket Nails officially open.

We then headed back to the Cafe and sampled some more of the nibbles. It’s a small world and we ran into Bob, who had done a lot of carpentry for us when we first moved in – he’d been heavily involved in building the seating and other storage areas for their new business and it was good to catch-up, as we haven’t seen him for quite a few years.

Then it was off to The Oundle Mill, to meet up with Jane and Mick.

We’d last been there in January and were really impressed with everything on offer. Luckily, nothing had changed and food and service were absolutely superb! It’s quite expensive to eat there (but well worth it!). Definitely a place to visit if you fancy something a little more upmarket and special!

We got home around 10 – stuffed!!!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Nails, Nibbles and Nice Friends appeared first on Steve's Blog.

No! Absolutely not!!! But whatever it is, I’ve got it!

Normally, I can shake off a cold quicker than you can say ‘paracetemol’, but this one is proving really difficult to shift. It started last week with just a tickly throat and there were no associated aches and pains with only a short period where I ran a temperature. I did all the right stuff – drank plenty and took a few tablets, so, ‘good’ I thought, ‘it’s sorted’ – only to find that a day later, I began to lose my voice.

As a result, we had to cancel a number of social events – and that made me feel even worse!

For the days that followed, I was croaking away like like Mr Toad. If that wasn’t enough, I wasn’t sleeping too well either – a perfect combination for being grouchy and croaky at the same time! I’m not a nice person to be around when I’m ill!

The bug’s timing was perfect (NOT!!!) as I was in the middle of designing some new training materials and also trying to plan my speech for a largish presentation this Friday coming.

Motivated? errr, no!

After a serious coughing fit in the middle of the night and popping a few sinus tablets, today was the first day for a while, where I felt it might be on its way out.

My nose still feels like someone’s filled it with cement, and my voice would be a good competitor to Barry White’s, but at least I feel more motivated to do some work.

I HATE being ill – it’s such a waste of time!!!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Man-Flu? appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We are now experts in form filling and completion!

Completed ‘Application for Higher Level of Attendance Allowance’ form (29 pages) – check

Completed ‘Application to Register a Lasting Power of Attorney – Property and Financial’ form (14 pages) – check

Completed ‘Application to Register a Lasting Power of Attorney – Health and Welfare’ form (14 pages) – check

Completed ‘Lasting Power of Attorney Form – Property and Financial’ form (11 pages) – check

Completed ‘Lasting Power of Attorney Form – Health and Welfare’ form (12 pages) – check

Jar of Writers’ Cramp Cream – check

New packet of pens – check

Headache Pills – check

Lie down in a darkened room – check

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Mum’s Progress appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Writing about Mum’s condition is good therapy for me – bear with me!

I’m not normally indecisive – especially with really important stuff, but Mum’s condition has got me scratching my head.

Physically she is in about as best condition as anyone would expect for an 85 year old. With her three stents and her shiny new pacemaker, she’s the Bionic Woman of Biggin Hill! What’s giving us serious concern is her mental faculties.

Even the medical profession are giving us conflicting reports about whether it’s the onset of dementia or not – that hasn’t helped!

Having seen Mum in hospital last Sunday where she was in a reasonably calm, relaxed and generally well state (apart from a rather swollen leg), we were able to have a useful and realistic discussion about what the future holds for her. She knows she’s losing her memory and her health is in decline. As a result, she is 199% certain that she does NOT want to be sent to a ‘home’ – we don’t want to send her to one either, but nevertheless, she’s made it very clear what she’ll do if we attempt to try. Ouch! 

In return, we’ve said one of the ways of ensuring she gets her wish and avoids being ‘put away’ (her words) is to surround her with helpers in her own home. We’ve explained that it’s our intention to arrange for as much professional help and support as she needs. Initially, part of that includes an assessment team going in to see how she’s coping day-to-day. She was up for all our suggestions and agreed to surrender some of her independence to those who are trying to help her. Mum also agreed  take her medicine (something she’d stopped doing); eat more frequently, and finally save time (and the danger of) cooking by having it delivered. So far, so good! and with a sort of plan in place, we waited for her to be discharged.

It all started to go a bit ‘Pete Tong’ when she was discharged earlier than we expected with the ongoing problem of her leg still not resolved. Two further visits back to the hospital left her even more confused (us too!), with still no solution in sight!

Fast-forward to today, and after a visit to her by my brother to get the Power of Attorney forms signed, it seems that everything we agreed with her has fallen by the wayside. She’s not eating, she’s not taking her medicine and she’s told us that she’s not letting the assessment people in if they turn up!

So, the question is, where do we go from here? It’s clear she needs day-to-day help with more or less everything, but she simply won’t agree and do what we think is best for her. Two steps forward and four steps back – I realise now where my stubbornness streak comes from!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Mum’s Progress – Two Steps Forward… appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Heard from the hospital today – they’ve fitted Mum with a heart-pacemaker to accompany the three stents she had fitted a couple of months ago. Hopefully, she’ll be discharged in a day-or-so, then I think I’ll enter her for the London Marathon next year!!

Phew! That was all a bit ‘touch-and-go’ for a moment there!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post The Bionic Woman appeared first on Steve's Blog.

What was going to be a pretty straightforward Saturday: ‘Meet-up-with-Mum, Neil and Debbie-for lunch-and show-off-the-wedding-pics’ rapidly turned into a completely different day!

WEDNESDAY: It all started when Mum rang and announced that she’d tripped over her shopping bag and hurt her back.

FRIDAY: Mum rang to tell me that “because Doctors at her surgery don’t work Fridays” (ehh?), she’s thinking of calling an ambulance so she can get something for her back.

Having suggested she double-checked with the surgery about the doctor situation and recommended she DIDN’T dial 999, the next few hours turned out to be very weird indeed. I called an hour later to see how she was – no answer. Tried again an hour later – guess what? no answer. I eventually left a message with the Housekeeper at her flat, who called me back and said that Mum had called out an ambulance and she’d now been admitted to the local hospital.

Around 2.30pm, I got a call from the hospital, who were concerned that Mum’s blood pressure was ‘sky-high’ and just as worrying, her heart-beat was ‘very, very slow’. Knowing that she’s already on tablets for managing her blood pressure, it all sounded a bit odd – then the Nurse informed me that Mum had calmly announced she’d stopped taking ALL her medication last week (but didn’t tell anyone). As a result, in addition to already being on a shed load of medication, and having three stents fitted, they’re now planning to fit a pacemaker.

We were also told that she’d left home without her mobile, any fresh clothing, nor any toiletries. Neil then took a trip to Mum’s flat in the evening to pick up her medication, only to find it was Mission Impossible as the tablets are spread all over the place.

SATURDAY: So around 9am, we set off for Neil and Debbie’s for a spot of lunch and a picture show. They laid on a great buffet lunch and we had time to have a good long chat about Mum, her state of health and catch up with Alfie and Frankie.

Then it was off to the hospital to find out exactly what’s going on. The Princess Royal is a spacious hospital and very modern – I guess if you are going to be ill, this is the type of hospital to be taken to!

On arrival, I had a long chat with the duty Nurse who confirmed that a pacemaker is on the cards – We concluded that Mum’s slow heart beat may be also be contributing to her general mental confusion because of a lack of oxygen to the brain. That certainly all makes sense, and would explain Mum’s dementia-type behaviour of late.

We left Mum in good spirits – Neil and Debbie will be visiting her tomorrow.

Phew what a rollercoaster of a day! What I find strange is that Mum knows that she’s in poor health and she knows the importance of her medication – so why would she stop? Just look at the anguish she’s caused everyone because she didn’t keep taking her tablets!

I might seem a bit heartless, but if (and when) I get like this, will someone please shoot me and that’ll prevent me being a pain in the a** to those around me!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Keep Taking the Tablets (Please!) appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Biscuit and Bon Bon – November 2007 (Photo credit: Steve Palmer (UK))

Ann (with Lee) dropped the cats at Patsy’s for their six-weekly wash-n-brush up. The plan was that I’d pick them up a few hours later, as normal – but that didn’t happen. When I woke up this morning, my back was in agony – I could just about walk, and I haven’t suffered like this for a few years. There’s was no reason for it – when I went to bed on Friday night, I was fine, and eight hours later, I was ‘Mr Cripple’. That meant I was unable to get into my car nor relax on the settee… or do very much at al!

So, it was a diet of diclofenic tablets for the rest of the day, and by tea-time, everything was returning to normal. By 8pm, I was ready for our evening walk, with hardly any signs of the problem that I’d woken with – strange!!!!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Cats in/Back out appeared first on Steve's Blog.

After an extended stay at King College Hospital – plus a few ‘false-starts’, (where we thought a solution was on the cards, only to find that ‘others’ were able to jump the queue), Mum seems to have been sorted.

Looks like they’ve done some work on Mum’s arteries and she should be discharged in the next few days – Phew! it’s been a bit nerve-wracking at this end especially when she was first admitted, and she turned into a most un-co-operative patient!
Poor nurses!

Anyway, as they say: ‘job done!’ and the next priority is to get her settled once she’s back at home.

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Mum’s sorted! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

It’s funny how some days just turn out to be ‘a real challenge’ (that’s the polite version)

Lee had a funny turn in the night requiring us to call a doctor and an ambulance, so we were all up at 5am playing doctors and nurses. After a short stay at Kettering’s A and E, I picked her up around lunch-time.

Whilst nursing Lee, Ann felt unwell, almost fainted, and had to go back to bed – four hours later, she was fine and toddled off to work, only to discover there was a security alert at Bedford station resulting in all the trains into and out of London getting screwed-up.

Next! Ann’s boss fell down the stairs at work and was stretchered off to hospital.

However, on a positive note, I was able to get a replacement black knob for our slow-cooker, the old one had melted in the oven on Sunday.

..that’s OK then!

Phew!!! What a day!!!!!!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Black Tuesday? appeared first on Steve's Blog.

I rose early (no, really!) to get on with restoring Julie T’s PC to its former glory. It all went very well, and four hours later everything is now running as it should. I just need to locate her Outlook ‘pst’ email file and the job is done. It’s now better, faster and stronger than its previous incarnation!

Then, off to Lee’s, picking up her medication on the way, followed by checking-out her new microwave to ensure it’s working – it is!

Time check – 9.58am.

Time for lie-down!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Busy, Busy…and it’s only 10am! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

I learned today that John Barry, the famous composer of all the memorable James Bond themes, died on Sunday. We saw him performing in Birmingham many years ago and the whole event was just fantastic! He’ll be sadly missed as the man who made beautiful and memorable music!

Click on the link below and listen to a sample of his work, then let me know the name of the famous TV advert it was associated with. A can of hairspray for the winner (That’s a clue!)!

Click HERE for the music.

Related Articles

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post R.I.P. John Barry appeared first on Steve's Blog.

After being Mr Grumpy most of last week when my back began playing-up on Tuesday, I’m pleased to say it feels like it’s on the mend. Not totally – it’s still a delicate balancing act trying to put my socks on in the morning and press-ups are also off the to-do list for a while (err, were they ever ON?).

Luckily the problem doesn’t seem to have lasted anywhere near as long this time around.

I’m starting to feel mobile again – that’s good news!!!

>>>>>

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post No more Mr Grumpy! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Ibuprofen and diclofenac!

Looks like my back is playing up again. No warning – one minute fine and mobile…next minute, a dull thumping ache across my lower back.

It hasn’t been this bad since 2008… and that went on for ages!!!

Grumpy b****** now!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Back to the… appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Ann’s step-mother, Mae lost her battle against cancer today – Thursday, December 16th, 2010. She had been moved to the Hospice just a week prior, and we’d all been to see her last Saturday.

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post RIP – Mae Gambles appeared first on Steve's Blog.