Who's Who?

Today is a little experimental,as Sheila tried to start a new blog,so this is Graham ,but it may be coming out in Sheila's name,we have Montana's E mail re the Milligan books and wheels are in motion,since writing the above we have compromised and all blogs come from one of us,but the headline says who .
The weather has turned cloudy and its now drizzling rain,3.30 pm and dusk already,watched a match on tv Derby v Blackburn which blacburn won 1.2,after derby missed a penalty,it was a poor game and hopefully the next match at 4pm will be better,Man city v Liverpool.
The Barn Owl has just flown past the window facing south looking for its sunday dinner,and overhead is a flock of birds which I can't identify but there are 2 hundred at least.
The village shop had no paper left so I posted a couple of letters and drove into Mablethorpe.picked one up there and saw one other vehicle! not many holidaymakers with this weather.
Still lots of chocolate being scoffed at the Kansas City Spread,more healthy eating I presume.
thats all for now ,and its almost the end of another year, buona sera a tutti.

Hare today

Today dawned bright and sunny,with a strong wind,no post this morning so maybe they are not working, this afternoon I watched Sheffield United on tv playing at bramall lane,they were not very good,and lost the game 0.1 .
Gina was working today so I listened on the web,she is a bit nasal with the head cold I am alleged to have taken to lancashire,went up to the egg farm on stain lane and spotted a large hare squatting in a wheatfield looking very solitary,an idiotic pheasant came into the road and stopped daring me to run over it,but at the last minute it ran out of the way.
Very interesting little comment by Montana Mike regarding saving money in sales,and discount coupons,it seems if you get enough discounts and sale reductions you get free wine in the USA,which is not the case so his comments must be taken with a pinch of salt.
No sign of any neighbours here on the prairie,so today only seen Sheila all day,I may go up to the village Sunday morning for a paper,and maybe say hello to somebody,though i must confess its no hardship.

363 days to Christmas

Just back from Lancashire,it was persisting with rain until Leeds then sunny periods,and a little cloudy at Little House,It seems that I am being blamed for taking the cold virus to Preston where Andrew ,and Gina are now suffering,and also a Scally friend of theirs (Ithink he's a Scouser but he claims to be from Cheshire)who had dinner with us Christmas Eve,we also visited Moshe and Leena at Waterfoot, their daughter Tanya had the virus ,so this tells me it was already over the pennines,and not my fault at all.
Leena served up Finland style pheasant ,lots of herbs and a degree of marinating,very nice and we have not had a lot of them deposited on the step this year,they have a little Grandaughter so we learned the finnish for grandma,but already forgot it.
Good to know that Montana Mike is not starving,and nice to hear a more truthfull account of Kansas City Life from Mary Sue.
Farmer Joe seems to have had a good time even though he missed Mrs Broccoli,who we expect to be visiting all and sundry now she is mobile.
Watched the film chasing Billie,and noticed Montana was very unfit and gasping for breath,surely this is not the "white kenyan" we remember from the 6 mile race at Skegness?

Merry Christmas

Well here we are in the red rose county or raincounty as unkind yorkshiremen would call it,everybody is out shopping etc. I am looking out at "coronation street"and thinking of sunny little houses on the prairie,even the kitten has gone into hiding,and no sky to watch football,talked to Sonia on the phone and it seems a little snow has fallen in the midwest,hope it clears before we get there,Montana is starving and having to fill up on chocs. and cakes!!
The cold given to us generously by Sam the pom,is being passed along albeit not purposely,hope the neighbours are all having a jolly lincolnshire Christmas,and farmer joe eating lots of cake.
washed down with a little sweet sherry.I think that its very easy to get used to sparsely populated environments,as it all seems too crowded here,and very impersonal,although the locals do understand a good yorkshire accent,which is to their credit.
I have been delegated a role lettering place names for tomorrows Christmas lunch party,which task is complete and now just a little blogging to do,very interesting as I am writing this on the computer but using a big tv screen as a monitor ,thanks to Andrew who is the computer expert. For some reason that bit came out in italic form,but ever resourceful I fathomed out what I had done,intellect will out!They are back now and haranguing about not washing pots and stuff is order of the day,shame they have no space for a dishwasher,they are a boon and many a blokes hands have been rescued from redness by these wonderfull machines.
Thats it for now so Merry Christmas to all and if you want that in politically correct terms Merry Christmas.

Mrs Broccoli passes her driving test

Received the call from Mrs Broccoli,she passed her driving test today at skegness,at the age of 60,and first time of taking it,WELL DONE MRS,SUSAN BROCCOLI. ,that is of course only her stage name,she is a stand up comedienne, it seems all the village ladies have visited to congratulate her,
Montana is on his second mystic healing course of treatment,and so far the results are negative,I am surprised to hear this,his brother Sam the pom has given me and Sheila head colds ,he was snuffling all the time at Sheffield,he probably brought it from the plane.
Bob the Goose Farmer rang today,and fearing the worst I received good news,he had a bloke from Doncaster in for a goose,and told him they would have to round them up,they rounded them up then the bloke said it would have to be killed to be possible to transport it,he then killed all Bobs orders for him as well,great news I dont have to become a goose killer.
Mick called in with Montmorency on their way from a shopping trip in Grimsby,he looks ok after his hip joint replacement,and imbibed a small whisky just to help him along the recuperation road,of course it would be churlish to ask him to drink alone and I was obliged to join him,I am always one for the courteous approach.
During the midwinter solstice celebration(or Christmas as it is sometimes called) there may be events to record but who knows,I am told the shortest day is the 21st of December,which is tomorrow (Friday),so from here on in the days should start to get longer.
Ciao a tutti Buon Natale

Still working

Today we went to louth and on the way back made a detour through the village to see if the L plates had disappeared from Mrs Broccoli's car ,she is taking her test but will not say when,so on occasions we drive past to see if the plates have been removed,she is doing it late in life at 60. so deserves to get through.
Got back to a phone call with more posters to do from a major client,so did them this afternoon,and have to post them off to Milton Keynes tuesday,bit of luck all this work as we would have been struggling a bit to finance our holiday,this due to unforeseen expenditure on a new central heating boiler,and car purchase,a necessity down here as public transport is almost non existant,and without a reliable car life can be difficult.
Sheila visited Gentleman George today to talk to Lady Ann about WI matters but missed her as she was golfing,I think she is pretty good at golf and would probably give Montana Mike a run for his money,and at 70 years of age too.
Early morning call this am for Sheila ,she is requested to attend Lincoln Crown Court for jury service but they needed further info. she is now booked in for next spring.
Phoned Sandra the pom and fooled her with my fake Australian accent for a few seconds but she rumbled me and told me they had the heating on full in Sheffield and were still cold.

Scented Begonias

This weekend we went up to Sheffield and delivered posters and other jobs ,had a glenmorangie with Michael on friday night,and slept very well.
Saturday was a get together of the sisters,two were missing so they were a bit short handed,Sam the Pom came to use Sonia's computer as his was down,and said he was desperate to get home(Australia) as the F............. weather in England is killing him,he looks like a cripple,this is probably why Montana was winning at golf,unfit opposition.
I had an attack of migraine which was almost miraculously cured with a tablet that Gina told me to get the doctor to prescribe,but the side effect was to make me a bit drowsy,but managed to drive home ok.
I have a suspicion that salmon is the culprit as I have attacks the day after eating it,maybe there is something in the stuff they feed farmed salmon.
Tday when we arrived back at the little house on the prairie,Sheila had a present waiting on the doorstep scented begonias from an admirer,all the way from Guernsey.
I have some more posters to do Sunday and Monday and then I hope to call it a day till after Christmas,the pittance of a state pension they pay means its necessary to carry on working to afford a holiday.
Sam the Pom offered me his timeshare in florida but it just came too late as we have booked a place last week ,its the story of my life.
Joseph came and he is looking for work after being made redundant,he will be an asset to any company employing him.
The fire brigade were represented by Muneer and poor old Michael had to go out to coach football,on the football front ,we listened to the derby game between Sheff.U and Barnsley on the car radio during our drive home result 1.0 to Utd.Sheffield wed. lost 2.1 in London,so Ian the expat blade who lives in the village should be a happy man when he gets back from Bramall lane tonight.
Sheila is going to Louth tomorrow to the continental market and a sunny but cold day is forecast so it should be a nice little event,thats about it for now so" arrivederci a tutti."

Darts at the Turks Head

Been too busy to blog,snowed under with poster work,but I managed to find a nice place on redington shores for our holiday,just need to carry on with the posters to help pay for it.
Montana Mike is still obsessed with seeing physicians,and claims one asked him if he was an athlete!!! tonight is darts for Sheila at the Turks Head , both the blokes who usually go are in bed with flue,so I am home alone and have to watch Liverpool play Marseille,there's a penance for you.
Sheila went to see Mick and Peggy ,he is recovering from a hip joint operation,and apparently very well,off for some snap now so goodbye all.

Preston Guild

Back from Preston,once again heavy rain in Lancashire ,once across the pennines none,it always rains when we are in Preston.
Did a couple of little jobs at the Preston house,I would have done more but had to find the Wickes diy , Preston is a breeding ground for speed cameras,so slowly is the word.
I have tons of work to do and all short deadline stuff, otherwise we would have stayed in Preston to help out,the usual surprises when you move into a new house all sorts of jobs need doing.
Still trying to find a holiday rental in Florida but having difficulty,at this rate we could be camping on the beach.

WI party tonight

Just back from Humberside Airport picked up our neighbour farmer joe,he just got back from Canada via Amsterdam.
Recovering from the shingles,and next move is to help sort the preston couple out,bought them a nice Ikea chair with footrest for poppy the kitten.
Mick is out ofBoston hospital with his new hip joint and seems to be recovering well,but he is a Rotherham lad so very stoical and he is well served by his dear wife Peggy.
Tonight is WI party and blokes are invited ,so Ian the expat will be there bragging about the Blades,he will of course sympathise with any Owls fan who may be present,as they lost at home whilst the Blades won away.
They have a new landlord at the Turks Head Pub in the village ,and according to the darts ladies he is a convivial type,which is of course a good thing to be in that business,but it appears the other pub in the village is not so welcoming,apparently the owner there throws people out if he does'nt like the look of them saying,"I'm retired and this is my hobby so I will have who I like in my pub"good news for the Turks Head I would say.
Sheila is busy baking for tonights big event at the village hall it is reputed to be a repast fit for royalty ,so looking forward to seeing this.
Hope my old pal THE SIGNMAN is in good shape and continuing to read my blog,look forward to him starting one.

Don't Fence George In!!

Today I did some posters for Big Geoff the aussie vicar mate of Mel Gibson,and also the sign for Bob the Goose,so if anybody wants a free range goose I can oblige with his phone number.
Spoke to Ian another Sheffield expat who lives in the village,he is rather pleased with his beloved blades after last nights win,he claims they played well on saturday last but could'nt score,the team at Owlerton also won last night,but us Rotherham lads are pretty bouyant at the moment lying third in their league.
Mick of Mick and Montmorency had his hip operation in Boston yesterday so all the best to him,and his missus Peggy.
Gentleman George rang this morning apparently the fence somebody wrecked with their car a week or two ago was newly mended but the next day a young girl wrecked it again claiming she hit an oil patch on the road,George says he inspected it and no oil was in evidence,they drive too fast and lose control but thats youth,us mature drivers are much more cautious!!!!well ...sometimes.
Sheila went out alone in the new car,and is very happy with it,the young lady who sold it us rang today to see if we were happy,its the first time I have not been pressured when buying a car,I think other car dealers could maybe learn a lesson here.

Recuperating

Not up to much at the moment,but steady progress I think,today we go for the new car,just had bob the goose visiting he brought another sign for me,got a big job coming up some time this week,and a job waiting to be done,but giving it a couple of days.
Weather is cold but dry,the forecasters got it wrong and so Sheila did'nt put any washing in.
Had a visit from Jean and Norman on friday ,they have come down to close their van for the winter,they have another car a toyota,it looks like a nice motor,he is recovering from his broken leg,it seems everybody is incapacitated at the moment.
Glad to see the Aussies are blogging now should be interesting,if Sandra writes as much as she talks it could make for lengthy periods of reading! great fun picking out mistakes too.
We just had a strange bird on the tree outside,I think it could have been a woodpecker or a jay,but it flew off before I could get the binoculars.
Gina has had a hold up with the flitting,so it should now go ahead this weekend.
I think that Hennigan bloke should get the England job,and think about the pay off if it all goes wrong,a lot of shopping money for a certain lady!
I watched a couple of games on sky on Sunday and they were ok better than watching England,if they can play like this for their league teams ,why not for England?
Picked up the car...its like an aeroplane cockpit, controls by the score,the young saleslady gave us a lesson on them all,one interesting feature is bluetooth Sheila's phone has this facility so now we have hands free in car phone,also cruise control which will be great when we drive to Preston,lots of motorway driving,it looks like a four wheel drive but it is'nt,6 forward gears and a diesel engine ,Sheila said, "we are going a bit fast" on the way home but I was hardly touching the accelerator...Honest!! anyway we have got some reading to do to fathom out what all the controls do,a nice touch is each front seat has its own temperature control so red hot for me and cold for Sheila,it is great being that bit higher up we can see over the hedgerows, which is safer because we can see cars coming the other way.,fed up with car talk are you? ok! now down to the new blog Sandra and Sam,reading their personal stuff,I think that Montana Mike wrote it,I mean who owns up to reading the Beano,and taking golf lessons from Montana Mike?some chicanery afoot here,there will be a kerfuffle.

England Out

The England game was abysmal and not only because of the result,it was like watching Arsenal play a non league side,England were long balling up to Crouch(who was best player for England)
the Croats played football passed it accurately,in fact just what you expect from professionals,in the end the result was right, and now the guessing starts who to sack who to employ,million dollar payoffs will ensue and the poor old fans will be left in limbo.
My shingles is into day two ,tried to have a lay in bed but cant do it,keep taking the tablets as Milligan would have said.
Weather was wet overnight but the sun is out and washing is on the line,Sheila is busy ironing baskets full.
Montana Mike paid $30 to watch the England game and his instant messaging to me last night was interspersed with ribald language,he was not impressed and the $30 did little to help
Gina has bought furniture for the house but longer tha expected delivery date,thats it for now.

Sick and Tired

Today went to doctors to check on the results of my cortisone injection,unfortunately after feeling below par for a couple of weeks(mild flu symptoms) i have shingles and now taking the tablets,beat that Montana! weather is rainy but on the way back this morning I spotted a heron in a field and lots of cock pheasants, forecast is for snow showers at the weekend.
9.20 am and the sun is trying to break through the clouds Sheila is hoping for some drying weather there are loads of wet things waiting to be hung out.
Our post used to come at 7.30 am but now we have to wait till 10.30,which is a nuisance if you want to get an early start .
Gina is back on the net reading the news we have not been able to listen on line for a couple of weeks I think it must be their website.
Sam and Sandra the Poms are back in England for a visit,and already Montana is missing his brother.
Finished some posters yesterday and painted Bob the Goose's sign,hope I am worked up and just waiting for the cheques.

this is Sheila

I have tried everyway I know to get on to my blog but it's not to be. It refuses to recognise me even though I have been writing a blog for ages. Anyway so now I will have to use graham's.
Went to the W.I. last night. A wonderful talk by a man who has been crippled with arthritis since he was 19. He calculated that he had taken some 39 thousand tablets and had numerous injections etc One day whilst working for the government he was sent to this laboratry where the workers pursuaded him to let them test his blood for food intolerance. Long story short......He was told he was allergic to 3 things. stopped eating them and lo and behold he was cured in 5 days. He was so happy about it that he bought the company and now spends his time lobbying doctors to stop prescribing and start testing instead. He has been given the M.B.E for his services and is retiring next year to set up a charity for research into food allergies. He gave us some amazing case histories and I am totally hooked. Very interesting!!
Gina and Andrew will probably be moving into their new house next Monday. Good init?

Wet and Windy on the prairie

So! the Israelis have done the business for us,now its up to the highly paid overated English footballers , I had to keep turning over from the Russki Israeli game because of the tension,but got the last 5 mins or so ...mighty relief.
Now we have to go through 90 minutes of hopes and fears at Wembley,but its only a game......##
The weather this morning on the Prairie is chucking down with rain,amd our usual gale force winds,I went for a paper into Mablethorpe and its a ghost town,Sexbomb rang yesterday from his castle at Tattershall,and he is off to visit relatives in Norfolk for a few days,then back to the castle next weekend we may meet up in Boston on Saturday .
Bob the goose has had his geese for sale sign stolen,so he asked me to letter a new one,should be an easy one for the cops to solve, there can't be that many geese farms!
Montana Mike is still looking for a new place,and says he will miss his" aussie relos "when they leave on Tuesday, but he has the dubious pleasure of our company in the new year.
I transported 18 wood fence panels from the caravan site to the little house yesterday,a freebie from a Rotherham bloke who had to remove them on the orders of the new site owners,they claim the wood is a fire hazard!!!and if he left them they would take them down and charge him for removing them so worked out well for me.

Help the Aged

Today is a little damp from an overnight frost which clears rapidly due to the salt air,broken cloud and sunny periods but forecast is for rain monday,enough of the weather,we had our bus pass application forms yesterday and needed to attach a photo and return them to Hull,being of a frugal disposition financially,I suggested we print them ourselves on the computer,as we were visiting Louth to the bank,we purchased some cut price photo paper in the market,and after a little trial and error the job was done,my dad always new I was a clever bugger, or so he said.
We have a problem with Sheila's blog it seems she can't get on it,the computer refuses to recognize her password and user name,so if anyone can help let us know,I should say that this is not "colpa di Graham"(Graham's fault translated to English) it may be just the computer fairy playing her tricks again.
Montana Mike is back on the house purchasing trail in Kansas,and is also due for a shootout on the golf links on monday with his dear friend and brother Sam the Pom,harsh words are said to be a rarity on these occasions!during all this it's rumoured that Sandra the Pom wife of the aforementioned Sam,is busy keeping the US telephone companies in business, hard to believe though that is.
I should mention that I helped the aged,that is Gentleman George and his dear Wife I have taken their photo's for their bus pass applications,for which I am not sure thanks will be in order,not entirely flattering, I suppose I could use the artistic licence excuse.
Later today football of some importance takes place in Israel,we need the Israelis to draw or beat Russia to remain in the european qualification chase, Shalom Moshe,thats to my old pal Moshe Jones in Lancashire,if it turns out well I may consider putting out an Israeli flag.
We could be meeting up at Christmas(he supports all religious fesivals that involve booze even though he's an atheist.)
Gina is moving into an expensive residence shortly at Preston North End,so Christmas may be on the cards in Lancashire,pity its not Yorkshire but....
Thats it for now from the little house on the Lincolnshire praire.
COME ON ISRAEL!!!!

it's a draw

Today finished some poster work I started yesterday,need to get it posted off to the customers,all this work just to keep the wolf from the door,but it keeps me out of mischief.
Tonight we are transporting the girls to the Prussian Queen it would be nice if they won but expectations are low.
Saw the barn owl yesterday and the kestrel has just flown away,there must be lots of wild life in the field next to us,its like a bird tesco.
Montana Mike has been displaying his wares to the Lady medics in Kansas City,and now braunging that he is in fine fettle,he's only a bambino yet wait till the ravages of time take their toll,all that organic food is bound to have some effect eventually.
Just back from the darts match and its a draw,Sheila won two of the three games she played,so things are looking up, so a merry journey back home.

High Jinks at The Village Hall

So the morning after the Barndance, like being back at school, yes I can remember that far back but don't ask me what I had for dinner last night.
Resounding success from the "laugh at other peoples efforts" point of view,the Dee Dar Bleeders had a good time mixing in with the locals,and a very entertaining night was had by all, the band were very professional and at one point played Billy Connolly's favourite schoolday tune"Step we Gaily" OHHH you had to be there to see us "Jigging" and "Stripping the Willow!"midnight struck as we drove home from the village,luckily it missed us,we meandered on looking at the stars and trying to hold back the adrenalin buzz still circulating.
This morning I went for a paper to the village but all the inhabitants seemed abed and recovering from the strip the willow exertions of last night.
USA note. Montana is gloating on his blog he beat his brother Sam the pom at golf,but only after a draw and play off,so a bit of luck involved I think there,and still house hunting which is obviously taking second place. Me and Ian the Blade (a rabid united fan) are picked as drivers for the WI darts team so a visit to the Prussian Queen pub next week,and I think its a grudge match!!

Barndance Excitement Mounting

Today it was bad news on the housing front from Kansas City,the house they were having is off the market so not a happy time there.
Today I had work to do for a london customer,which I shall post off today,then out with sheila to look at a couple of house signs enquiries,If only people would have regular sizes life would be easier,excitement is building as the barn dance draws close, its on Saturday,I am dusting down my dungarees and straw hat in preparation, and have just played a couple of practice tunes on the Comb and Paper.
We looked up a bird of prey which has appeared next to our place and its a Kestrel according to Bill Oddy,it looks much bigger than the normal hawks we see.
High tides were forecast yesterday with a possibility of coastal flooding ,but we seemed to escape it .

Grimsby Town

Not much to report this week,I watched the liverpool game last night 8.0 they won,tonight is Man U ,report later.
Today we went up to Grimsby for the day with our ex neighbours Alan and Vicky from Sheffield,wandered around the shops and then into Yates's wine lodge for lunch,very cheap and surprisingly good,not always the norm,we came home and they left for their lincolnshire residence trying to get back before dark,as they are all country roads and very little street lighting.
Sonia rang, she is back from USA and regaled Sheila for a while with her exploits over there.

Bonfire and Crispy Duck

Today after fetching a paper I went down to Gentleman George's place ,where he had a big bonfire built up over the year,which we decided to set on fire ,and what a blaze it was,we were like two kids messing around with pitchforks pretending it was a chore,Lady Ann was away shopping so there was no interference at all,we had to break off to go and watch the Arsenal v Man.U game a 2.2 draw which me and Sheila watched and enjoyed,it was a very good game and I think the right result.
Sonia rang from Kansas and had a chat to Sheila,she is packing ready to leave for home,but has left us some winter jackets for our visit.
I think if George is ok I may have offloaded the goose killing job at Christmas,had a gift of a duck which a pal of his shot ,so its crispy duck for sunday lunch tomorrow, Sonia was upset about the duck thinking I had shot it ,but I know she eats crispy duck at the chinese !
Montana Mike is away on business so her and Sandra the Pom have the place to themselves,and will probably be going out for a dinner of some proportions.
Sexbomb is stuck in Alan Towers and not able to come down for one of our ritual Red Lion lunches,his grandkids are poorly,so they have to stay in Sheffield.
I rang up my old protege Shaun today intending to wish his team(Man U) good luck but he had the answering machine on,obviously not wanting to be disturbed,but I shall get all the info about his activities from his dear old mother.

Dart Report

Today we went up to Morrisons Supermarket in Grimsby,its a 45 minute drive each way,nothing in the USA but a long way here,bought lots of stuff then back to the little house.
Watched Sheffield United play Arsenal last night Sheff U were awful and there was some opposition to the manager in the crowd,continuing the sporting theme Sheila WON A GAME at the darts last night and also brought all the village gossip home.
Weather has been good around 16c today which is well above normal for November,had a call this afternoon for some poster work so finished it and I shall send it off Friday.

In the neck of time

Today dawned lovely and sunny,I went on the bike to get a paper,and called in at the goose farm to see Bob,he is not too good and I found him down in the field just sitting around,he asked me to help him to kill the geese in the week before Christmas,but I may have to send in a sicknote,the plan is for him to hold the goose and Hit Man Graham to bring down a lever onto their necks which breaks the neck,sounds awful to me and I shall look for an excuse not to do it.
If there are any volunteers out there I can get them the job.

"Suet Dumplings" in your dreams...

Monday morning and Sheila has got a washday,our weekend lodgers must be the cleanest in the world ,,,,line is full of towels, last night I went in the bedroom and both bedside lights were on ,culprit is poppy the cat,they are touch lights and she fathomed out how to work them during the night on Saturday,all sound asleep then on came the light!!!,this morning a pheasant strolled across the front garden glinting in the sun,they are showy things the Males.
Tonight I am home alone WI again for Sheila,I need to check out the tv guide for football this evening.
It amazes me that betterwear sellers take the trouble to come out looking for us but there it is in the letterbox the catalogue,not only that but the Jehova's have found us twice,on the last occasion Sheila scared them to death by saying we were muslims!! expecting special branch to visit any day now.
Montana Mike was interesting on his blog,his poor old ma was visiting and promised to make stew and dumplings for the whole family,but it seems she unfortunately forgot all about it and was located dozing on the bed,it's a terrible thing this ageing.
I think they should get her to watch the comedy show "Everybody loves Raymond" there is a really nice role model featured in it Maria the mother.
Weather is nice and sunny but cool,it was rubbish all weekend and when Gina and Andy left it turns nice... typical English weather pattern !

Giorno Grigio

This morning waited one hour for doctor at surgery,then had cortisone injection in my shoulder,should take about a week to take effect, so back in 3 weeks to judge results.
Weather awful English grey day no sun just dullness,been to sea with Gina and Andy then visited a garden centre to look at Christmas stuff poor display,so came home to blog about not much,think a drink may be in order,all things in moderation dear Kansas City residents.

"Titled" persons and other suspect tales.

Today fixed a couple of doors that wanted a shaving off they shut ok now,this afternoon went to Gentleman George's to fix his sign to the tree at the end of his drive,work on his extension is going on apace and should nearly be finished.
Sheila heard him and Lady Ann disagreeing in the co op supermarket this morning,It was probably about choice of champagnes,Grand crue or spanish plonk,I think it must have been the servants day off.
Had an e mail from Alan Towers Sheffield this morning with all the latest gossip from the big city,Alan and Lady Victoria are coming down to visit their country residence next week so we shall probably be meeting up for a very expensive lunch.
The weather is cloudy and fresh with a wind from the north sea,George has been on the beach this morning and tried to jump a channel between sandbars,result wet feet Lady Ann is not amused.
Curry is bubbling away on the stove ready for Gina and Andy arriving later today,all manner of delicacies will probably await them,or maybe not.
Montana Mike is complaining a lot on his blog,it seems he inadvertantly sat in Sonia's place on the couch and was severely reprimanded,he was sent to bed at 9.30 for his cheek,and denied access to football on tv.
Lots of bird activity today about a dozen blackbirds on the back garden, blue tits looking at the nest box where they had chicks in spring,and last night hundreds of rooks in flocks swooping over the little house, also saw a wren this morning who I think lives in an old hawthorn next to the dyke, pied wagtails on the path eating bread crumbs,and two ducks crash landing on the larger dyke about 100yards away,this morning out of the kitchen window a cock pheasant strutting around all this wildlife stuff is for Montana Mike's benefit,and all true.
I got it wrong with my football forecast last night Turks 2 Scousers 1 something has gone seriously wrong at Liverpool FC, they were very poor last couple of games and were fortunate in their local derby with Everton.

Scousers to Win.

Not much to report today other than visit to louth bank and kitchen sundry for sheila,bought a paper then called at egg farm but there were none out ,so went back later and bought a dozen.
Weather is cloudy and a little drizzle and same forecast for next few days,just in time for Gina's visit.
Football on sky tonight Liverpool and Besiktas(Turks are featuring a lot lately)the other game is Chelsea and some German side.
Pears are stewing in a Big pan in the kitchen so something is being cooked by Sheila.
Montana Mike looks to be full up at the Kansas City Spread,it good be a noisy place for the next few days.
Spotted the barn owl from the kitchen window this morning so Mrs Farmer Joe can rest easy,she worries about him/her because she spotted a dead one up Stain Lane couple of weeks ago,and he is a tenant in their barn, so I think she has adopted him.
All good interesting news from the wilds of Lincolnshire,not up to Sheffield Shootings standard but preferable, spotted lots of game for sale in Louth so I wonder if Martin our neighbour may be offering us some shortly?

Turkish Delight !!

Well here it is last nights major event at the "Turks Head" pub,Sheila celebrating a hit on the board,it seems the opposition were premier league and so the night was not a great success for the girls at Maltby le Marsh.
I sat in on the event and out of chivalry will not reveal the scores,this shall be left to a participant.
There was a very interesting pub quiz going on in the next room,which kept my interest,the evening was a little bit of a damp squib.
Today we went scrumping in the garden of the lady pictured in the background and came home with lots of apples and pears,who knows what culinary delights involving these freebies will ensue.
Did some posters this morning while Sheila Ironed piles of clothes,usually our "lodger"Susan offers to help in this matter but she is back in Sheffield sorting stuff out.
Settling in for a night of european football after posting the stuff I did today,and delivering Gentleman George's refurbished sign,he was fast asleep in his high seat shackleton,probably dreaming of farming subsidies.
Weather has been nice and sunny warm out of the wind but forecast to go downhill Wednesday,cloudy but no rain forecast.
Bit worried about where Sonia is ,no mention of her from Kansas City,is she lost in a gigantic shopping mall somewhere in America??probably the stuff of her dreams......
Thats it for today.

Sunday on the Prairie

First frost of the year today,I got a picture of it from our lounge window,so now I shall try to insert it in the blog,but it may be a long job.
Read Montana,s blog and very interesting reading,the kansas city spread is still up for grabs,and the Aussies have been visiting again which resulted in much golfing chicanery and visits to the temperance hall.
I am still picking up work and hoping to recover some of the losses recently endured,all the comments doing the rounds re "Groupies" are completely without foundation and malicious rumours.
Living here on the prairie reveals nature as it is everything is killing something to eat,with us as leading figures(humans).
Today Sheila complained that the computer had the date wrong(she thought today was Monday!!!! ) after scolding the poor inanimate computer for a while,she accepted that it was Sunday and the computer had it right after all.
Today I shall be working on Gentleman George's house sign it is in need of some paint and then will be like new,its cast iron and top of the range stuff.
Farmer joe helped out with some left over paint ,all helping each other down on the farm.
I understand Norman is "relaxing" on the couch at home nursing his broken leg,it seems he has a bell to ring for service but the clapper has mysteriously disappeared !
Met up with Peggy of Mick and Montmorency fame,and Mick has been misdiagnosed at Rotherham it is his hip which needs operating on and not his Knee,so he will shortly be having it done at Boston.
Lovely day now the sun is up and it is a cloudless sky though still a bit cool, swept up lots off fallen leaves yesterday,but more to come yet.
Sheila is in demand for a bangers and mash evening,she could be in line for michelin stars at this rate, she is at the moment making a savoury pie for SUNDAY LUNCH.
Going back to Kansas City "WHERE IS SONIA" she has been removed from the blog!the place is going to pot,luckily help is at hand ,and we shall shortly be available to deal with things,I am especially good with the Keggy handed community ,so the spread could yet sell.
Chocolates and wine are not a good mix,dispense with the chocolates and just serve up the wine,then get them to sign up.

Good luck John Smith of Whitefish Montana

Its nice to be missed,I was just shamming to see if anyone reads my blog,it seems I have A loyal reader in Kansas City,there must be very little to do in that neck of the woods,read the extracts from the Whitefish blog,NOW THERES A TOWN!!I did not feel at all upset by the dismal efforts of our overpaid footballers on their Russian travels,overhyped overpaid and big ego's ,the under 21 team are worth watching though,in fact just replace them for the supposed first team,probably do better.
Today managed to cut the grass and hope that its the last cut this year.had a flue jab in a village hall ,very nice young lady vet,I never felt a thing.
Just listened to Gina reading the news,a young lad 16 years old has been shot in the head in Burngreave,I think we made a good move getting out of there.
Weather is sunny but cool about 13c I think today,we spotted lots of pheasants in the fields on the way for our jabs,biggest one was across from the little house,gobbling all the new winter wheat shoots,wonder how long before we are presented with some by our neighbour Martin?
The thing about them is they ARE free range,and yet many people are unwilling to eat them,I think duck would be best but none of them forthcoming.
We have a Hawk hovers outside our window I think there must be lots of mice in the field,which is'nt cultivated,and we have seen the barn owl again,it seems they dont hunt if its raining.
Not seen the weasel for acouple of weeks but I know he is living in the ditch next to the house,they are vicious little things and kill stuff bigger than themselves, but they keep the vermin down so are very welcome.

Dream Dream Dream

Had a night of strange dreams last night,and this morning had a nightmare changing flights I probably shan't sleep tonight worrying over the extra expense.
Tomorrow is Coffee morning at the village hall so a morning of unfettered joy to come,followed by the England international in the afternoon,which brings me to Crystal Palace ,they have given the managers job to Neil Warnock.
Montana Mike is having a torrid time apparently trying to cope with 3 Ladies all ganging up on him,or as he calls them "the three amigos" It seems he is using the situation to gorge on chocolate to make his life bearable,myself I can't see the problem the three are very nice ladies and I had no problem with them in Florida.

Rain,Medieval Cake and TV

Today has been very wet ,it has rained since early morning and at 4.30pm is just showing signs of brightening up.
Went to louth this morning to the bank,called and bought some potatoes and free range eggs now sat at home with the central heating on!
Susan rang from Sheffield to say she has delivered some posters for me,now decided after consulting the customer to chance the post office on wednesday with some posters for London.
Checked up on Gina's flight from Crete and it has just landed at Manchester,always nice if you are not delayed.
Montana Mike is under the cosh at home he is outnumbered 2 to one by the ladies and worse to come when Sonia arrives tonight,watched some u tube attachments and noticed that Sandra the Pom was cooking something but seemed to me the main ingredient was a LARGE glass of white wine firmly clasped in her hand making her reliant on a one handed cooking technique.
Tv at 5pm "everybody loves raymond "for a hour,then the news and soaps possibly lubricated by a little glass of wine.
Watched Waverley heaping muck on the back of a toy horse,,why do kids always walk up slides? thats it folks for today.
One last thing(bit like colombo that) Sheila has made a cake from a Tudor Era recipe 1664 ,which I have just tried and it is very nice,I know Montana would like it.

Post codES????????

Tried to find a postcode to send a parcel of posters but computer says no,contacted the customer and it.s correct ,so much for technology! I shall now have to wait for the strike to end as I cant enter the "non existant" code in an alternative carrier most annoying.
Had a good trip to local market town and had a very nice midday dinner with old neighbours and their relo's Red Lion Spilsby,all for around a fiver including treacle sponge.
Now looking forward to coffee morning at village hall on saturday???
Watched Sheffield United lose on tv and deservedly so,I dont think they are even secure from the drop playing like that,Wenesday lost at home but thats to be expected.

Mi mam sez herry thisen up int bathroom

So montana mike says loads of visitors in KC. we can only boast one our usual holiday guest,who is not too happy with the pool attendant service,but it is off season,weather here is very nice high 60s sunny,tonight all residents and staff of Casa Rosata are going to the village hall for BINGO.I have told Susan that if she wins the big prize(a milk cow) we do'nt have any land here so she has to take it to Sheffield.
I had my yearly shower today but was brusquely told to hurry up as Sheila wanted the bathroom,she has just done her hair and it looks very nice.
The title explains my dilemma in yorkshire dialect.
The post is on strike and I have just sent some posters by mail,I have others to send but it could be 5 days before they are running normal,and me trying to make a few bob to go on holiday !
I hope Sonia leaves us some winter clothes in the Queen Suite for our next visit.
There is a big grudge game of golf this weekend at Kansas City which I would pay money to see(well not pay money but....) it could be spot the cheating if the brothers are playing.
Thats it for now next report after village BINGO>

Utd.v Wed/Wed.v Utd.and a lost Blog

Not been on for a while,but have to report that Curry night was much appreciated by all participants,if anyone is looking for Sheila's blog we are having problems signing in to it,I have been branded culprit for this being the case,but think it could be Bill Gates,or the computer fairy,but it was not me,so if anyone can help let us know.
Watched some you tube videos sent by Montana Mike all about Sheffield united and very amusing they were,unfortunately there was one castigating the other Sheffield team,and I may have "inadvertantly" forwarded them to unwary Wednesday fans,hope they will accept them in the spirit they were sent.
There were some porcine references but I don't think the animals will be offended with the comparisons.
I of course remain neutral in these inter sheffield feuds being a lifelong supporter of Rotherham United and as such being forced to retain a sense of humour.
Weather is pretty good at the moment though this being England some precipitation is in the offing,managed to cut the grass and tidy up the garden ready for winter.
Gina has gone to crete where I am sure the weather is Scorchio!.they rang from manchester airport this morning and so far no delays.

HALLELUYA GOLF ??

Here at Sheila's indian restaurant its all systems go,I am busy doing posters to involve the good citizens of Sheffield in church activities,will this rescue me from the fiery furnace? of course not but I may get the warehouse job and escape the coal shoveling.
I notice Montana Mike is playing golf with a partner he refers to as jc, surely it can't be
THE J.C.!!!!
Here on a more materialistic note the weather is typical English Wind Rain Clouds with patches of lighter grey.
Home alone again Montana,it must be something you are saying to your fellow residents, it pays not to upset waiters and especially cooks as I know only too well from my inebriate ramblings in a certain Kansas City steakhouse.
We are expecting Susan this weekend but so far she has not arrived,I shall have to put extra beer in the fridge ready for when she gets here,luckily she has a dislike of whisky,so my "medication" is safe.
Montana Mike asks if I have flights booked for Fla. but I am trying to save up for a little longer
and I am sure the Dogs will want a little quiet time between Sandra the Pom and Me visiting.

THE TROPHY

After much trial and error and Flippin ecks I have managed to get a photo of THE TROPHY on

to my blog this is the cup Sheila came in with last night from the Charades contest at the WI

She was on a massive adrenalin high and came in brandishing THE TROPHY and BRAUNGIN!

for those not conversant with the Rotherham dialect,that translates as Bragging, its a bit

Wednesdayite if they finally manage to win a game at the 7th attempt of trying.,they

"Braunge".

Its all gearing up for the curry night here lots of coming and going with large pans .

The weather is wintry with a cold north sea onshore wind blowing in rain showers

I shall now attempt to take another photo to put on Sheila's blog,so thats it for now.

EARIWIGGI GO!! EARIWIGGI GO! EARIWIGGI GO!!.

I have no pictures for the darts match,took a couple but they were too dark so words only.
It was a very entertaining for spectators!! Sheila won one and lost one so not a bad result for her first game,the standard of play was not of premiership level but with practice could improve,(lot of practice) one contestant was Mrs. Broccoli who in her formative years in the mining communities of warwickshire was a Javelin thrower!!I am assured this is true,she also drinks eariwiggi coffee,it seems she had a coffee at weightwatchers and in the bottom of the cup was an earwig the warwickshire pronunciation is "eariwiggi" to be said with a brummy accent.
The reserve team were mainly immigrants to the area,and the locals were in the main the first team.
The homesick Sheffielder Doreen tried valiantly as did all of (MY) team,the local BIG HITTERS were really rather serious about it all and later all the ladies devoured chips and sandwiches,including the two weightwatchers Mrs Broccoli and Dee Daa Doreen(the homesick one.
The scores were in the main fairly low and so the Games were rather lengthy,in fact the president of the WI was becoming worried as she promised to be home for 8.30.and it was around 10.45 by this time.
The area around the board was a little pitted toward the end of the evening,causing the Landlord to ask "does anyone know a good plasterer".
Due to the number of low scoring throws the Scorer had to ask for more chalk to be supplied.the average throw would score around 30. but big oaks from little acorns grow, and it gets the girls away from the soaps on telly.
It also gives sarcastic buggers like me the chance to take liberties in my reporting,but as my old pal Moshe Jones would say"its all part of lifes rich tapestry"
The only worry now is repetitive strain injury,so we shall have to find a good physio.
Filed by G. Millson accredited reporter for World Class Coaching Kansas City.
ps Is the cheque in the post?

Weekend of Excitement

Saturday we visited Gentleman George's palatial residence,he had been out and played 4 holes at golf,which was good news as he has'nt been up to golfing for some months,he asked me to saw the top off a tree stump so he can fix a bird table on it ,he presented me with a saw out of the ark,never had oil on the blade,me and Sheila gave it a try but could have had more impact with a nail file,I went home and brought my saw which did the job ok.
His building extension is well on now and will make the stately residence even grander.
Today Sunday went up to the village for a paper and posted a letter,came back and had bacon egg mushrooms and tomatoes!!!(free range eggs) this latter comment for Montana Mike's benefit,but true all the same, 4 hens look as if they have escaped and were enjoying the run of the prairie,came home and cut a privet hedge well back ,breaking off to watch 2 football matches on sky,West Ham v Newcastle good open game which Newcastle won 3.1 but the game was more even than the score suggests.
4pm. watched the Man U v Chelsea game Manchester won 1.0 but the ref spoiled the game by sending off a chelsea player for a yellow card tackle , I think Man U would have shaded it though had he stayed on.
Tomorrow I have to go to the DARTS MATCH at the Turks Head Pub ,I have been made an accredited reporter for World Class Coaching Kansas City, and have to report to Montana Mike on the Match,I think I may take the camera and get pics as well.
Had an instant message conversation with Dave Dawes who was waitng for a delivered bacon sandwich and probably salivating at the prospect ,she likes her grub does Dave.
Now an evening of television viewing is in prospect one can have too much excitement.
Thats it for now.

Wet to Dry

Just arrived back from Gina's at Preston left in torrential rain as we always do massive hold ups on the M62 till we arrived on the yorkshire side of the pennines from there no rain and little traffic,that motorway is not only the highest in Britain its one of the worst to drive on.
We inspected the house they are looking to buy along with Andrews parents,general opinions were it was ok, needs decorating to their tastes but does'nt seem too much wrong,so they need to have a survey done and proceed from there.
Poppy the kitten has twice pinched the little pineapple plant we took she appears not to like pot plants,not into gardening it seems,and yet she has'nt disturbed a basil plant ,it may be the strong scent is something cats don't like.
Thats about it for now Sheilas big day on monday DARTS at the Turk's Head pub!!!

Preston West End

Here at Preston,RAINING well it is Lancashire,Sheila brought a pineapple plant for gina but Poppy the kitten seems to dislike pot plants and has taken it into the other room to play with leaving soil strewn across the floor!Sheila just called from the kitchen,Poppy has done it again,so have repotted it but it may not survive.
We are left to entertain ourselves till Gina comes home around 2.30 from work,trains are trundling past over the road on their way to blackpool,but today it is probably a dismal sight in the rain.
Montana Mike is claiming injury I know he is playing Sam the pom at golf this weekend,is this a tactical ploy or is it an excuse to use in the event of losing?

Weasel have rain !

Today not done much, been to the village garage with La Signora,she has closed the bookings for the curry night,so we went to remove the ad, from the garage,I checked the air on the tyres,then came back to the little house while sheila did the shopping.
sat in the "conservative" and watched a weasel struggling across the grass with a large mouse in its mouth,it might have been a stoat,because it looked about 12 inches long,but I couldn't see if it had a white underbelly.
Its very dry down here and the preparation work for planting is creating clouds of dust,we have avoided it up to now but Gentleman Farmer George looks to be in direct line of fire.
some showers are forecast and the farmers will be happy about that,but not so good for yours truly,who likes hot dry weather.
Watched a programme about the mafioso they caught in Sicily,we know most of the places featured and it set us off wanting to go.
Spring is the best time there lots of wildflowers and greenery which all burns up in the summer. leaving everywhere ochre and black.
Tonight I am home alone and guess what,there is no football on sky tv!!
I think montana mike may have rigged his scales he claims to have lost weight,but is eating loads of organic rubbish????
Visiting Gina for her birthday so cross country drive is in the offing, and viewing of proposed house purchase.
Last night must have been cosa nostra night Sopranos was on ,and it seems that the actor who plays Tony Soprano is not a very nice bloke in real life.

Owls need to Wise Up

Watched the Liverpool game yesterday,I think the manager left out key players to have them fresh for midweek european football,I thought Liverpool were on top most of the game but failed to score,still a draw away is not bad.Rotherham beat Wrexham away and United won at home so Ian who lives in the village will be happy ,he travels up for all the home games,true blade.
Jamie was also there with the two lads,he is indoctrinating them at an early age,only the poor beleagured Wednesdayites not happy this bright sunny Sunday lincolnshire morning.
It was the Mablethorpe Marathon today,but we did'nt go to watch it,went last year to support Muneer but he is injured this year,and its not as good to watch as to take part.
Oh yes for anyone who does'nt know the result of the Preston v Wednesday game
Preston 1 Wed. 0 oh dear......its quite a nice place Preston not least because our Gina lives there.
Spent most of last night looking at flight options in January re Florida/Kansas.how can it be cheaper to fly to Florida and the up from there to Kansas ,than to fly direct to Kansas??
I think car hire has gone up since last year but I suppose a Lincoln town car is a bit big for 2 people,not sure about American models ie which one would be ok for us two,but I am sure that Mike Montana can offer advise on this.
Looks to me as if Sonia has eaten all the chocolate and biscuits orignally destined for Kansas!!

Break a Leg!!if only they had

Not a lot happening,we went to the theatre but I'm not big on musicals so bit boring,dinner was ok .
Looks like preston lily is back on the house purchasing ladder,she sent us some info on the net,it looks good but they have to be seen in reality to judge.
Spent all yesterday afternoon scything the brush from around the fencing about 100yards of it ,but it looks better now and lets air get to the fence.
Farmer George says the rodents are active looking for winter quarters so the rifle is in use,think i got a couple but not sure,as the pilots in world war 2 would say"not a confirmed hit jonny old chap"
Football is on today Portsmouth v Liverpool kick off 12.45,might watch it,if so I will pass comment later,biased of course.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY SUE try and eat loads of non organic stuff,and drink loads of booze!
Graham and Sheila
On a serious note we can't make it for Christmas but are looking into New Year,Today took our car in for mot test minor failure which repair cost loads part not much,these blokes charge mega labour prices.but it means we can get another years motoring before considering buying a new car
We had a nice sit in the park reading and cappucino,while we were waiting for the garage to phone us,it was lovely weather,and mothers and toddlers were enjoying the slides and stuff,the mothers dont yet know about TEENAGERS
The park was flooded during the crazy rain storms we had,but its back in working order now and looks good.
Went for a chat about tomorrows outing to the theatre with our neighbours
gentleman George and Lady Ann,all sorted,Graham is the chauffer!
Yesterday went up to Sheffield to deliver some work,and had lunch at a chinese buffet,Sheila enjoyed it very much,I found it ok but not as good as the Mongolian at Seminole Florida.
We parked up and rode the tram into town,coming back we got on the wrong tram but put it right and finished up back at the car,then two hours drive home with a car load of books,and I mean a car load.

Ladies that Booze!

The Maltby le Marsh "Ladies that Booze" W I darts team,enjoying an alcohol free practice and were caught in the act by yours truly,who did imbibe a small batemans bitter,the lincolnshire beer.

These girls are potential champions in the WI darts league,they just need a little practice.

Well I enjoyed the practice,tons better than watching TV,and far superior entertainment.

On the way back through the village we stopped at the house of the second from right young lady and raided her orchard for plums,pears,apples,and figs but the figs were not quite ready.

Oh the excitement of country life I am sure townies are really jealous,we discussed septic tanks and things of that ilk,its great.

Checked Farmer Joe's spread and bumped into Patrick the tramp,he's been given a brand new fluorescent jacket,it should be loppy in a couple of days ,placing him under threat from manic drivers.

Sunday Special

Finished posters this morning,went for sunday paper before the weekenders flooded the roads into Mablethorpe,there is lots of ploughing in progress at the moment,and I saw a dust devil today,the soil is very dry ,visited the elderly at the caravan site, and received all the latest on who has died of a heart attack,3 this year!!
Had a little shooting practice this afternoon hit the target accurately.but definitely not in the market for a hit job on Montana's dogs.
Nice whisky cake in the glass case,but If Mick is reading this it's all gone,and anyway they are baby sitting for my ex protege in Sheffield.
Loads of e mails from Sexbomb,he is back on line in Alan Towers.
The pepper plant is going great guns and must surely be harvested sooner if not later.
Still not sure where to look for winter escape,Montana says it is expensive in California,I suppose it will have to be Florida again,but last years weather there was poor,though we did have a good time with Gina and Andrew drinking Margarita's,and had a good time with the Montanas in Kansas City,great steaks and good red wine helped a lot to temper the midwest climate,we also were ensconced in the Queen Mother suite which was temporarily unoccupied at the time,and had the two daft dogs to play with if we got bored.
Thats about it for today folks .

England 3 Israel 0

Missed the coffee morning at thevillage hall,had a large order for posters so I had to stay at home and work on them,should finish them Sunday,would be nice to have enough money to retire,travel and see the world.
Bit of a shaggy dog story on montana mike's blog billy is causing a few problems on the house selling front.
Sexbomb has gone back to Alan Towers and correctly forecast the England Israel game score,hope he had a bet on it.
I had big reservations about Heskey playing,but he came up with a good performance,but he did squander a couple of good scoring chances,my tip for the top came good again(Micah Richards) and scored a goal.
its all down to beating the Russians on wednesday now.

Jam on toast

This morning dawned bright and sunny,went on the bike for a paper,took bottles to recycling bins, destroying all evidence of boozing.
Jean and Norman called in at lunchtime on their way to their caravan ate us out of house and home! Norman said something like" jyncfre hfteu nidjh" or at least it sounded like that.
I laid some flag stones in the garden then had a sit in the sun with Sheila Norman and Jean.
Tried the Jam on toast this morning ,very nice,and all the better for being partially free,only the sugar to buy.
Had a fairly big order for some posters today so that should keep me busy over the weekend
YES I shall once again be working on the sabbath,but days off in the week make up for it.
I think Sexbomb is returning to Alan Towers in burngreave today,we would have gone to Boston on Wednesday but I had a rush job of posters ,so we missed out on the all you care to eat chinese buffet which we usually go to wth them.
The Montanas are busy trying to sell the Kansas City spread and it all looks a bit hectic for them at the moment.
That poor Rotherham lad is under the cosh again at high green,regarding the quality of his driving but we can take it us natives of that lovely picturesque town on the River Rother.

Scenic route to Minting

Today after posting letters and collecting a paper,we took the scenic route to the farm at minting to buy some of their own produce lamb and beef,had a little confab with the lady of the farm.
Back to the little house on the prairie to watch tv and thats it for today.

scrumping

Today painted some posters for a london customer,and then went to Louth to pay in a cheque,a real labour of love ,we bought some fruit in the farmers market then back to little house on the prairie.
After a sumptuous repast at lunch time(cheese sandwich) went to our neighbour Gentleman Farmer George,whilst the ladies discussed W I matters and George cut his acres of grassland,
I explored the wood and found some sloes and damsons which I decided required a little scrumping in the end the four of us were involved ,Graham up the ladder and three offering advice,end result was a little job for the two WI stalwarts(JAM but no Jerusalem)
Local paper featured Patrick Mower the actor who is apparently a near neighbour 6 miles is near in the country,he is currently acting in the Emmerdale soap,Sandra the Pom is it seems a big fan of the programme.
Weather has been nice and warm all day very pleasant.
Prospects for the football international on saturday don't look good Heskey is rumoured to be playing...???? not looking good.

EGGYTHUMP

Yesterday Monday little to report,we went up to louth did a little shopping,bumped into Mick and Peggy Rotherham in Wilkinsons,Mick has dipensed with the stick so things are on the up for him,he claims to have squeezed the whisky out of the cake before eating it,(it's a Rotherham thing)
Today tuesday read Sonia's blog and spotted a very interesting Photo of a young fellow who looks absolutely worn out he obviously needed a power nap.
Donations toward sending him on a well earned sunshine holiday would be gratefully accepted,but PLEASE NO COINS.
Cycled to mablethorpe for a paper and took some bottles for recycling ,came back and read the sport page ,on which subject watched a game between Blackpool and Hull on sky last night,hull forward was carried off with a serious looking injury ,not something you like to see happen,lets hope he recovers ok.
I have been "volunteered" for a couple of WI events,they had a committee meeting last night as a result I am commited to attending two events.
Montana has got a new food fad EGGS! it's the future a bit like garlic bread as recommended by Peter kay the lancashire comedian.
Weather today is Sunny but a bit cool,which leads me into hot Sunny places,Gina's trip to Crete is fast approaching for those not able to make the trip,I can recommend a couple of good books based on the Island by ,Nikos Kasantzakis, Zorba the Greek, and The Fratricides, and as usual anyone seeing only the film will say the book was better.
Have been looking at Calfornia as a winter sun destination any information on it would be helpfull.

Football report

This morning I defied the scriptures and did a poster,however I may be excused because it was for a church in Sheffield,pure hypocrisy.
Some people have no scruples where money is involved.
This afternoon I watched Arsenal v Portsmouth,very one sided game ,portsmouth allowed them to play and were outclassed,fancy football but not one Englishman in the Arsenal side!
The second game was Aston Villa vChelsea, Villa were battling the whole game and came out winning 2-0 I was rooting for them and it was a good outcome because it leaves Liverpool up there(everybodys favourite team)I do have a tenuous link to Liverpool our Herbert 's grandmother was Liverpool Irish(for those not in the know Herbert was my dad.)
Montana seems to think I had an alcohol induced hallucination when I described a lady on a white horse riding by the little house,but it was an actual incident,I'm sure Farmer Joe will have seen her too,he does have an eye for the ladies,though in the past they have mainly been female bovines.
Gina is counting the days to her departure for a cretian idyll, Andrew thinks it is an it conference,but he is being culturaly challenged , ruins and stuff for the uneducated reader

Back on the prairie

Here we are back on the prairie,had a nice couple of days at Sonia and Michaels,met up with all the" quiet "sisters and spouses ,also Dino.not seen him for a couple of years,he looks in good shape,and is off to USA for a holiday,got his e mail address so will be in touch .
Tormented Naomi a little bit but not too much as it was her birthday bash,she was a little stingy with the cake though.
Gentleman George has returned a walking stick I loaned him(through the letterbox)!!I suppose he has got himself a gold tipped one with a whisky flask in the handle.
Montana Mike is off the rails he's eating DONUTS!not a good Idea next it will be Beer and stuff,where will it all end?
On a positive note we watched Sheffield Wednesday losing at home,How some of us laughed,others present were not so amused,Dino was particularly amused as he is a Leeds fan,a legacy of when he used to go wth me and Sheila to watch them.
It all seems a little congested up in the big city amazing how soon you get used to a different environment.
A young lady has just gone by on a big white horse,not many of them in Burngreave.

In Sheffield

In Sheffield at Sonia's,Mike montana is casting doubts on my mental state,I have just had a two hour driving lesson,and that would challenge anybody.
I think that its really suppressed anger about me sacking him all those years ago.that is clouding his judgement. thats all for now as i am using Sonia's lap top,and its a little different to a pc.

quiet day

Went for a paper and bumped into an old neighbour from Sheffield,they were at their holiday home,had a chat then came home to find the grass being cut on the field to the south of our kitchen window,that will disturb the wild life,it borders on to the dyke so they will all hide away in there.
Love reading the Whitefish police reports especially any related to incidents at casey's bar,keep posting them montana.
Read sonia's blog, and noticed reference to eating out in Sheffield,I think it must have seemed very expensive after the Red lion at Spilsby.
So far no Phenocane arrived but then there was no post at all today,it's a bit unreliable to say the least down here.

too good to be true?

So today read Montana mikes blog, the wondermedicine may not be all it seems!what a thing to do raising the hopes of elderly relatives in this way,we shall have to see if the trials work ,Ithink Sonia will receive hers first knowing the inadequacy of our local postmen so if she starts taking them and lives to tell the tale,yours truly will follow.
We are available to help with moving and stuff in Kansas,as we are always at a loose end,so let us know if our services are required,maybe I could even get some of the real Phenocane?
I was just reading this out for correction,but La signora had gone,talking to myself ,Is that a bad sign,she just came back and said,"who are you talking to?"is this a result of Phenocane deficiency?
Sam the pom must have MASSIVE phone bills,with that shy wife of his. Just kiddin Sandra.
Today must be ailments day,so progress report on the twisted back much better,normally it takes about 3 days,good job I'm a young man I suppose.
I think I will give up on Scything the banks on the dyke,there seems little point, and it is a haven for wild life .I must be getting soft.
Two blue tits were inspecting the nest box yesterday,I wonder if they are looking for winter quarters,surely they dont nest again in autumn? I suppose some knowledgable person out there will tell me.
Gina's pepper plant is in fine fettle and harvesting time draws near,I failed with the outside tomatoes this year,I suppose some you win some you lose ce la vie.for Italian speakers and football hooligans ,che sara sara.
Our thoughts are turning to winter Quarters, it's already getting dark early, Christmas will be bleak here on the east coast,siberian wind and such inclement conditions as prevail.
Is it to be Snowbird country again? the weather at the moment is mostly cloudy with sunny spells 65f. there is a smell of cake from the kitchen,so it could be coffee time,(wish you were here M S &M Montana?)

Webcam and stuff

Went to spilsby yesrerday met up with Alan and Vicky,no market on but we had an expensive lunch at the red lion,cama home and had a wbcam conversation with kansas,the montanas and the aussies were in kansa and we were at this end,after some short conversations the two ladies Sandra and Sonia took over the airways,I did try to interject with odd comments but was overwhelmed by a torrent of words between the two .
Today did some poster work this morning and now just relaxing a bit to rest the back strain.

week end

This weekend Sonia is visiting,weather has been ok,we are going out to spilsby monday for an expensive lunch at the red lion with Sir Alan and Lady Victoria,they are at their lincolnshire country pile for a respite from the City.
I was hoping to contact Montana Mike but he may not be back from the windy city.
Farmer joe stopped for a chat,and when asked if he was taking his dear wife to church,denied it emphatically,and said he was only going for a sunday paper.
Had an e mail from Sandra the pom and I think it was all a made up story.

Glimmer of hope

Looking out of the window at 11.15 am I feel a glimmering of hope,the sun (that elusive planet) appears to be making efforts to penetrate the clouds,I feel a bit like the kids at summer camp in the USA ,the old stan freberg record,"mudder fadder kindly disregard this letter"
Speaking of USA Montana Mike has finally come up trumps the tablets are on their way,and he need not be concerned I shall give them a go , and then its back to humping bales and suchlike exercise.
,I see from MM's blog he has been having a chat to THE CONTENDER,Liam, I wonder if he is still contending? he's lucky I am no longer in contention and the way is clear for him, I have to admit he talks a good fight,and sells a mean curtain.
The peppers are growing away merrily in the "conservative" I have just watered them,It should not be long before we are harvesting the first one, stuffed peppers Gina!
Gentleman George's construction work is going on a pace,the concrete mixer was there at 7.30 am ,looking forward to the topping out ceremony.
Our rabbit supplier should be calling soon with the results of his shooting prowess,we are not hoping for any pigeons for a while,pheasants maybe .
The weather has turned fine and sunny,been out tidying the garden and visiting Gentleman George,he looks ok and his construction job is progressing well.
Sorry to hear Mary Sue is not too good,I think she needs a nice brandy to pick her up,and Sandra should join her,its good for jetlag too.

I never felt more like singin the blues

Well! I am now into a week of snake oil ",and so nothing" as an old canadian friend would say,me and sheila have been to Laceby to morrisons supermarket,up there on the wolds lovely sunshine and then back to here its gale force winds and clouds,22c to 17c all in about 25 miles,
its enough to make you paranoid.
Montana Mike seems not to be aware of my dire financial straights when he glibly advises spending money on holidays,church mice are well off compared.
England were totally without passion for the game against Germany,3 players were worthy of the England shirt,the rest were a waste of space, oh for a Brian Clough, the present manager seems not to be able to inspire his chosen bunch of millionaires.
looking out of the window typing this the sun at last seems to fighting a battle with the clouds,hope the weather improves for Sexbomb when he visits his lincolnshire residence.
I see in comments on other blogs that Sam thePom is resisting all entreaties to become a member of the hypochondriacs club,Good on Yer Mate, a good Aussie that bloke, he's no whingin pom, this homeopathy is a load of crap too,it does'nt work.

Grey is the predominant colour

Grey dayon the prairie again, Mrs montmorency has been in contact by e mail, issuing warnings re mentions on the blog,but if people are so bored they are resorting to reading my blog there can be little hope.
Today it is bleak here on the coast,enlivened only by e mails of a humorous nature ,i have taken to searching the net for last minute getaways but to little avail,there are no holidays available for £12.50p it looks like stoical resolve in the face of the inclement winds from Oslo is the order of the day.
The peppers are still growing away merrily,(this is for Gina's benefit) should soon be harvesting one or two!
Montana mike's claims to be an expert darts player do not ring true,I have no recollection of this alleged prowess, If sam the pom knows better he should reveal all, and for Sandra(SAMS SHEILA) things are at a pretty pass on Emmerdale.
Serious matters must now be addressed tonight is "FRIENDLY" game with Germany, and so I look to our overpaid footballers to come up with some cheer to save the day.
5-1 would be nice again,but I dont believe in fairy stories.
Pathetic performance by the England team no fight at all in them,my day has ended even more grey than it started ,neither turkey nor greece appeal ,and can't afford it anyway,think I might go for a swim in the north sea!

jam pan

It would appear that I am being blamed for a jam spill at the little house on the prairie,I can say that I am not guilty ,and Montan Mike should not try to lay the blame on me,If he were able to see the pile of cardboard boxes full of kitchen equipment he would know why.
Had an email from Italy today which tells the story of a car invented by an Italian engineer and displayed in 2002 at the bologna motor show,try googling Eolo Car for information,its very interesting reading.
The inference is that the big motor companies and oil giants have suppressed production of the vehicle,if you are still interested read up on it on the website.
It is basically a car powered by compressed air.
Today went to the Market town of louth bought some petrol and garden stuff and then back to the rainsodden windlashed cloudblanketed Prairie,theres nothing like the balmy bracing breeze off the north sea.
So the aussies are in Kansas,a word of caution to Sam the Pom,if you go out to dinner in KC do not after a few drinks be tempted into limpwrist actions,Mary Sue Montana will tell you why not.
Under 21's football on tv tonight,I might get to watch that if I'm lucky,looking forward at the moment to "Everybody loves Raymond" on paramount comedy,I just can't cope with all this excitement,
I am not able to help Sonia with importing pictures because I do the purely by accident method, and after , I have no Idea how I did it.
Still taking the tablets and I think they may be working,but it could be wishfull thinking.
Sheila is looking at sunny climes already,owt cheap would do,but after the standards we are used to in USA the european accomodation can leave much to be desired,I suppose we are spoiled now.
Not heard from bob the goose for a few days so I presume he is coping,I have been occupied with stuff so I havent had time to call him.
The capsicum pepper in the conservatory(or glass shed) is romping away and I shall shortly be taking up to date photo's for Gina,which I shall forward by the previously mentioned trial and error method.
Thats all folks!!

home alone

Here I am august and the heating is on,lovely summers day again,windy cold and wet,what more could you desire.
Farmer joe is back and a little present for Graham(liquid refreshment)how did he know what to bring,it was'nt required of him but they are a nice couple and have been in the lovely county of yorkshire,which puts everyone in a good mood.
I see that Sonia is setting trends in the fashion stakes,ORANGE HAIR!!!!!!
Went for a chat with Gentleman George this morning,his wife was golfing so we had a three way conversation as a friend of his came to see him.
Now for the home alone bit,Sheila has gone to the WI so I am home alone frantically searching the channels on sky for a football match,still looking but nothing so far,just my luck,control of the remote and nothing to watch.
Glad the Aussies made it to Kansas ok,things should be nice and quiet at the Montana's kansas residence now that Sandra is there,(only kidding Sandra) make the most of the Queen Mother suite Sandra while you can.
Still taking the Homeopathic tablets I reckon after a week should see some effect or its bin for them, thats it for Monday .

lincolnshire bulletin

Morning bulletin Its raining again,but there are acouple of good games on sky(on paper)


Manchester derby and Liverpool v Chelsea,I am not bothered about who wins the manchester game,but hope Liverpool beat the Russiam Cockneys.I will relay my thoughts on the games either this evening or Monday,


Sheila is making Blackberry Jam with blackberries our neighbour gave us yesterday,so thats her therapy for the day sorted.





I think Farmer Joe should be back in evidence today so I am now redundant from the crop watering,I dont know how I manage this frantic way of life,it must be sheer willpower keeps me going.



Match report on the Manchester derby,City won it 1- 0 Utd looked not together ,lot of big hitters but failed to score,tremendous effort in defence fromDunne and Micah Richards,what a player that lad is, Sir Alec looked a little irate at the end of the game but the man city fans consoled him with a rendition of their song "Blue Moon"I hope my old neighbour Shaun is not too upset.

Liverpool v Chelsea game was ruined by an outrageous penalty award the ref spoilt it when he gave Chelsea a penalty that was a travesty of a decision,other than that Liverpool shaded the game and should have had the points,Chelsea never looked like scoring and were lucky to get the decision .
Its raining again and dull dreary end to the day.

boring saturday

Saturday morning went for a paper,not much activity on the agricultural front.Gentleman George paid us a visit on his bike,nice to see him out and about again.
Watched football on tv this afternoon,not a great game but on a dull day it passes the time.
I sent a photograph of the lovely capsicum pepper that is thriving in the conservatory to Gina I think she was impressed!!
La Signora made a curry for dinner,Montana Mike would have enjoyed it very much, a lot better than the batchelor diet he is on,I can confirm it was really delicious.
The weather is back to its old tricks this evening raining again but we are ensconced in the little house and glued to the television,exciting times.

snake oil

Today went into Louth and met an old Sri Lankan bloke who does homeopathic stuff,he convinced me I needed rhus tox for my shoulder muscle,I am not entirely convinced but while waitng for the wonder cure from Montana Mike,I am giving it a go,he was a very interesting bloke and among other things was former mayor of Louth,he runs junior football teams and various other activities,as well as a little shop in the main street selling the snake oil remedies,
The Quacks have failed dismally with their orthodox medicines so might as well give this a go,I read up on it on the net,and it seems fairly innocuous and without side effects .
I read montana mike's Dinosaur thing which purports to prove the existance of god, and all the scientists are wrong about the age of dinosaurs etc,it requires a lot of self delusion to accept the specious arguments put forward,I dont know if its the tablets or just my normal strange thought processes but GOD is DOG spelt backwards,is this why dog owners treat their pets like gods?? answers on an e mail to the archbishop of anywhere.
I hope to be able to cut the grass at Little House,but the sky looks as though it has a little precipitation in it.
Big fire on Stain Lane ,a haystack has gone up in flames,It could be foul play,according to
Farmer George,if its straw it's most likely arson,but if its hay it can heat up and self combust.
Never a dull m0ment here in the outback,and the privelige of passing on such pearls of wisdom falls to few in their lifetime, I require no thanks it is enough to be able to assist.
My home town team played Sheffield wednesday last night but lost,it's not the losing but the gloating which will ensue,wednesdayites are known for this,unlike their cross city Blades fans who are much more genial.
It seems that Charlie Windsor and his Mam Betty are big fans of the Homeopathy jaunt,so that fills me with confidence,Charlie is a bit of an oddball and unkind persons may relate him to me.
I am still awaiting the photo of the man from preston monte in his fedora and trendy shades.
I am also aware of the results of Miss Naomi's exams she is welcome to make a comment on the blog if she cares to.Zer Gut Ja?

further notes from the prairie

Here we go again,yesterday was not good,migraine ruined the day,can't seem to narrow down what it is,but ate some cooking chocolate tuesday night,so ???anyway survived the day and watched tv with Sheila,stayed up till midnight watching match of the day.

Today got out of bed late and straight into work on some posters for a customer in London,done them in record time and now for fun and games trying to post them at the village post office.

Reading Montana Mike's blog makes me glad I'm alive,he has got so much going on with Pseudo Medics,on top of which he is all alone and having to cook and stuff.lifes tough in the good old US of A.he will be much better when Sam the Pom and his "sheila " Sandra arrive to entertain him,and they all crack a few tinnies.

Havent heard from Naomi yet waiting for critical comments,but she is busy checking her academic results I suppose.

2days info

Tuesday afternoon,a drop of rain is order of the day,the wheat harvest is on hold ,machines stuck in the fields next to little house on the prairie.
Gentleman Farmer George is having an extension built but very slowly,everybody seems to be on Jamaican time down here,yesterday they cut through his water supply pipe,went home ?and left him without water all night till 9am this morning,luckily we were at hand to help out with clean water to drink.
Visited by Mick and Montmorency yesterday,Sheila promised him a whisky cake in return for some kitchen gadget(which is not being used) so he came round to claim his dues,we had a chat about his son who used to be one of my neighbours in Sheffield,and if he is at a loose end and reading this blog,we were very complimentary about him(his mother was listening).
Gina tried to confuse poor old Graham by introducing a third party into an instant messaging conversation, but yours truly was up to the challenge and had a chat to Dave,an old school friend of Gina's who is on the threshold of becoming a BIG SHOT Lawyer!!
I am reliably informed that a certain preston resident has taken to wearing a straw hat and glasses around the house,look forward to the photo.
Tried to contact Sexbomb on instant messaging but no reply,he is probably out helping to construct the new religious centre near Alan Towers.
Again I have done my duty at Farmer Joe's vis a vis watering the plants.even though it was drizzling with rain,I am never one to shirk my duty.
Also contacted Montana Mike on instant messaging,it would seem to be rather warm at the moment on the plains of Kansas.personal note to MM please send the snake oil asap.
I see Montana Mike has taken up the cudgel again in the great religious debate USA,a dangerous pastime given the proliferation of firearms in that neck of the woods Cowboy Country and all.

Thats my two days info ,more at a later juncture.

sunday

Today Gina and Andy left for lancashire,I went and watered Farmer Joe's crops,we had a spattering of rain this morning,but now its turned sunny,hope it lasts.
Glad to see Naomi is able to connect to the blog and I look forward to "constructive" comments,and please take the car off automatic pilot,I think it knows its own way to meadowhall!

Ploughing is in full swing down here on the prairie the modern day ploughs are massive machines,and can be a little noisy,but it's all part of the rural lifestyle.

Took Gina and Andy to the village hall coffee morning on Saturday,Andy ate all the biscuits! I dont think they were impressed with all the fun and jollity.

I am still assisting Bob the Goose with the heavy stuff till he gets back to normal,the big french geese were a bit annoyed with me on friday,and stuck out their necks in a threatening pose,but it was all bluster luckily.

Mike Montana is away so he is probably storing up all his injuries to regale us with when he returns to Kansas.

more farming

Today went to help Bob the goose,he collapsed yesterday and was taken to the local hospital,he came home the same evening,but needs further tests.result is he is not good on his feet,so I carried some bags of feed into the barn for him.
Did some gardening,and painted the small garage,replaced a lock,and oiled the hinges.
Borage field is now harvested,so ploughing next ,dull and dreary news,but all true!!
Mike Montana must snap out of this feeling sorry for himself,life isNOT a bowl of cherries.
Still no comment fromNaomi/Salome.
Visited by Jean and Norman,on their way to the Karaoke Caravan,now awaiting the arrival of Preston Lilly,and Andy Pandy.(Nearly forgot Poppy Kitten is also visiting.)
Captain Ann is gloating about her runner beans,she has made it a contest,which I am losing!
Coffee morning at the village hall tomorrow,is this the start of a weekend of revelry?

Quiet sort of day

Today very little to report,took some glass bottles for recycling,and bought the paper,after breakfast,cycled to egg farm8mile round trip,enjoyed looking out for rabbits and birds,now a lot of the harvesting is done,the fields are pretty barren ,and its easier to spot wildlife.This afternoon,me and La Signora,went to Beryl the Peril's house ,and I fixed the sign,glad I dont live there,it was reeking of cow muck!!!!!If Naomi can fathom how to get my blog,HELLO!
So another day in the Lincolnshire countryside draws to a sunlit end,and now "the soaps!!!"

haymaking again

Today had to take La Signora to hairdresser,she strained her back,twisting awkwardly,so she was not keen on driving.

We went for a short walk on the sea front,its a lovely day,so we enjoyed that,came home and received a call from Bob the Goose,asking for a hand with 8 large round hay bales,we rigged up a spike on the tractor(a bit heath robinson) which worked well,so we got them stacked near the barn,and I came home to check on La Signora,who seems a little better.



This afternoon I am painting a house sign for Beryl the Peril,a yorkshire immigrant to the area,who is one of the local WI mafia.
Finished the sign,and carried out some work on the old garage,which is now a store shed.
Read the Montana Mike blog,whitefish police log is always good for a laugh,Naomi has passed her driving test,so well done young lady,(I dont think she reads my blog).
Looks like things are moving in Kansas city,I dont know where Montana Mike finds the energy with all that energy sapping heat,!!!!! poor chap.
Weather has been nice again today,lets hope it stays that way.
Thats it ,any earth shattering events will be blogged at a future date.