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Old 11th April 2020, 15:26   #461
FLYING BANANA
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Cool Picking up tips after watching..................

..................................... Allen at work.
About a month ago my rear garage door, access from garden to garage, basically fell apart. I contacted Allen and he he would have a look. Not in any hurry as I just jammed it shut. Just had to walk round and open the up and over door if I needed anything.
Well naturally with the lockdown the repair to the door was on hold, till today. Having spent most of yesterday clearing out the rubbish and tidying up the garage I thought I would have a go at repairing the door today.

This morning started off badly when Banana refused to start, think she has the hump about the lockdown. So switching to the Bear, oh the noise, I went and collected my repeat prescription and posted off some club shop bits.
Came home and had a coffee before venturing out to the garage. There was wood left over from the breakfast bar build. So with the aid of my electric saw, Val bought me this as a Valentine present back in 1994. And my electric drill, screws and the will power we set about the repair.

Well, it ain’t pretty but now the door opens and closes ok. Well pleased with what I had achieved. Celebrated by getting the washing out on the line, and another cup of coffee. Phoned Matt and picked his brains about Banana. Suspect it’s either the fuel pump, cannot hear it working or it’s the pump relay again. Job for tomorrow then.

On a lighter note my late godsons brother, Roger, is out of hospital and back home with his niece, she had been in isolation as she had the Coronavirus symptoms. But she now has been given the green light, so her partner and baby are all home. Roger is still not up to strength and is still sort of isolating himself in the house. The house belonged to my godson and he had left it in his will to his daughter. A proper old victorian style house. Roger is living in the basement that was once a separate flat, so he has his own kitchen and bathroom. He also has access to the rear garden.

My friend who never made it is unlikely to be buried till September as there is a back log of funerals, no surprise there as some firms who have staff that are ill as well. So I might get to say goodbye yet. I still have not got over the news. But life goes on, even in lockdown.
Been in the house 10 months now. And still lovin’ it.

Thanks for reading and the kind comments..

Keep safe my friends and see you soon.
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

onen hag oll
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Old 17th April 2020, 17:17   #462
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Cool Something I have missed...............

......................... is the friendliness of very special neighbours.

I can remember back in the day when neighbours were like family. In and out of one and others homes. Jobs carried out by neighbours, someone to take the post in when you was on holiday. If someone sadly passed away then the hat was passed around and a lovely spray or wreath of flowers would be from everyone. When my Mum was in hospital, and Dad was still at work, the neighbours rallied round to make sure I was taken in after school, and sometimes fed.

But over the years as people moved away or passed away the homes were bought and then let out. People that moved in were either just renting until they could get on the property market. Or they were people from foreign lands. Things went down hill from there. Front gardens became tips or car parks.
When I pulled up my roots after 68 years I was only on speaking terms with just 3 neighbours.

So when I moved into my rented property in Saltash it came as a shock that most of the neighbours were quite friendly, other than the lady that lived next door. She Rarely spoke to me.
But what a difference now, I have neighbours who will go and get my shopping if needed, offers to do my gardening, offers to get rid of any rubbish.
I have an allocated parking space, which the Bear parks in. The reason I don’t put Banana there because of the troublesome tree.

I have now stopped parking the Bear in there now as the sap and seeds are dropping all over the car. So without asking the lady at no.26 has taken the task on with the council to get the tree either trimmed back or even cut down. It does sway in the high winds and does lean over towards the road. Well, the lady has spoken to the right man at the council and it turns out that where the tree is is on “orphan land”. Land that does not belong to the council or to any of the householders. Which would explain why my back garden is bigger than when the house was first built.

But he will come along and see what state the tree is in. It’s covered in ivy which will kill it at sometime. If it’s thought to be dangerous then the council will trim or remove. However if they think it’s not to bad then it will be down to us to get it taken down. The “orphan” land has no.26, no.13 and me bordering it. No.13 is rented by Bill, so we would have to find out who owns the property to see if they will chip in to get the tree removed.

The same lady from no.26 has told me some of the history of the estate. Once it was just farmland. When the first houses built there was no tarmac down, just a muddy track. There was no school at the end of the road just some old farm buildings. The lady is going to show me photos of what the estate looked like 45 years ago.

When this lockdown finishes I will be buying this lady some flowers just to say Thank You.

I love my neighbours.
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

onen hag oll

Last edited by FLYING BANANA; 17th April 2020 at 17:21.. Reason: Missing words found
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Old 17th April 2020, 18:34   #463
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Might I suggest that you have discovered a new community.

Different to the one that you knew, possibly; but waiting to become equally important to you.

Mike.
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Old 8th May 2020, 09:00   #464
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Cool Two celebrations today..................

..................................... 8th of May 75 years ago today VE was celebrated. And 11 months ago today I moved into this house. Sometimes I think that time has dragged but other times it seems to whizz by.

I have photos of my mum celebrating VE Day in Fullwell Avenue Barkingside. My late brother and Mum’s sister are there as well. The ladies, children and the few men are all wearing their Sunday best clothes. Food stretched out on the makeshift tables, doors taken from the maisonettes. My Dad was still in the Army and was not going to be demobbed for another year. Threat in the Far East was still possible that he may have sent out to fight the Japanese.

Those days are now long gone, and today we cannot celebrate because of the lockdown. Still I have my flag of the Union up at the windows, only got 4 flags so 2 downstairs and t’other two upstairs. Was going to put them on the cars, but I’ll need to take one of them shopping. Not a great fan of the flags on the cars whilst driving, seen a few come off. I’ll stand at 11am for the silence to to say thank you to gave there all, and to those that have passed all too soon whether in conflicts passed of those that have passed away over the last 8 weeks.

I shall have tea on the lawn, or on the decking at 3pm to listen to the Queen. Might give the tea a miss and have a glass of wine, and the cucumber sarnies will have to be binned. Cucumber repeats on me.
But I will celebrate in my own way.

My neighbours go from strength to strength. Gerry across the road now carts away my garden rubbish once a week. He is a caretaker at a school and takes the garden rubbish to their compost heap. All helps.
I have a mountain of other rubbish that needs taking to the tip but will have to wait till we get the green light to go.
I’m still able to get out and get my shopping and get to the butchers.

Banana has been playing up so any driving has had to be done by the Bear, oh! but the noise.......... Anyway I’ve managed to Getz Banana running again. Taken her on a few local runs, to the butchers mainly although we did have a wee run down to Waterside last week, round trip of 4 miles. She still starts and runs ok. Spoke to Matt who will bring his T4 down once the lockdown lifts and plug the machine in and see what we can find out.
The Bear is running ok although the handbrake is not holding very well. Still the MOT is due next month so that’s another job to be done.

The flowers are all in bloom in the gardens. I’ve planted out two clematis, there was a third but that has since given up. The massive hedge that has been trimmed, twice in the last 6 weeks. And the grass has been cut, gardens weeded. I painted the decking and cleaned out the garage gutter that feeds my water butt.
Be out the front and finally got round to moving the surplus rocks onto the garden, previous owner had left them on a wall. So I have now put them down on the garden to make an edging.

In 1989 I bought my first camcorder and a matching tripod. The camcorders have long since gone but the large tripod is still with me. It had a couple of faults that I lived with over the years till yesterday. I actually fixed it, just needed a Allen key to tighten up. Never thought of that before.
As we had the super moon passing over it was time to use the tripod to support the camera with its large lens.

Got some cracking shots over two nights, I’ve post a few up on the photography page but with overlaid Lancaster bombers, the Bombers Moon. I’ll post up a few of the moon over the next couple of days.

And finally a Roger, my late god sons brother, has finally got the all clear from the virus. He is now able to mix with others on a proper basis. He misses his family back in Brazil but has kept in touch via a video link everyday. He has even schooled his children on a couple of occasions.
We will meet up once the lockdown is lifted, for a beer or two. He wants to come down to me rather than me travelling up. And Richards daughter and baby will be coming down as well. It’s going to be a very emotional reunion.

Well that’s it for now.

Keep safe and we’ll meet again.
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

onen hag oll
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Old 9th May 2020, 06:58   #465
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Cool Well, it not go quite to plan............

............................................ in fact any plan went straight out of the window.
The intention of going shopping was well and truly scuppered.
I had done my washing and intended to go shopping after I had pegged the washing out on the line. Decided that I would wait till after 11am before awaking the Bear from her slumbers.

So I’m out in the garden pegging out the washing when Gerry came over and said that that everyone was going to social distance in the square to pay our respects. And then they was all going to raise a glass to those that had passed. Plus to raise a glass for our wonderful NHS. Well it seemed a good idea, oh! Boy!

So armed with a bottle of wine and a chair to sit on I went into the square. Everyone was out with chairs and tables. As we set up our chairs a chap came round and gave us all a sealed bag contains a Union Jack. At 11am we stood to pay our respects. Then after the two toasts I thought I best leave the shopping till tomorrow.

I was formally introduced to those that lived in the square, plus others that had come from Fairmead Mews. So that was another glass of wine and then when I announced that I had been living in the square for 11 months, well that was another toast. We sat and chatted. I got to meet some amazing people including 2 nurses, 1 doctor and 3 millionaires. Got to hear about businesses that had worked throughout this lockdown. One chap owns a company that builds robotic machines that help surgeons perform delicate operations.

I got to meet a young lady who at 18 had been accepted into Plymouth University to study in design and something else, think the wine was reaching parts that made me remember. But in between studying she was also designing costumes to be worn on stage in London. Amazing. Her sister plays football for the Cornish county team and wants to play for England.

Well, I looked at my watch and was shocked to see it was now nearly 5pm. Wow! Where had that time gone. I was now feeling hungry, so I made my excuses but was told to come back as the street party was continuing. So I got my washing in and whilst I put that away my dinner was cooking in the oven. Pizza and chips, this was the planned dinner anyway.. washed up and returned to the party armed with another couple of bottles, one for my neighbour Karen and t’other for me.

We was joined by a student nurse and her family along with a few others. The talk got round to the story behind The Flying Banana, I found myself talking about my Val. I was asked did I have a photo to show people of Val, so I went and got my iPad. Well, when they saw the wedding photo I have of Val, the student burst into tears. She thought it was such a beautiful photo but it also reminded her of some the young women that passed away through this virus.
Her husband said that he had been waiting for her to cry, he said that every day when she came home he could see the heartbreak in her eyes. But she never cried but he knew that she was just bottling it all up.

So looks like I have made more new friends, not often I get thanked for making someone cry. Felt a bit ashamed with myself and I did apologise. But they said it was the best thing I could have done. That made me feel better in a way I suppose. A little old lady, Rowena, came and joined us at this stage. She lived further down the Mews. Very thin and frail looking with partial sight. Everyone knew her and she was introduced to me. What an amazing lady she turned out to be. A former Army doctor who had served out in the Falklands and in the Gulf wars. And she sat and drank a pint of Doom Bar before having a large whiskey.

And it was now 10pm and getting chilly. So I bade goodnight to everyone, Rowena was escorted home by the student nurse and her hubby. My face was burning and when I got in and looked in the mirror I found I was sunburnt. On went the after sun lotion. I poured out a large malt and raised it up to those who had fought for our freedom, those that had passed because of this virus and to my Val.

Went to bed feeling so happy on how the day had turned out. Never woke till 7am.

Thanks for reading.

Keep safe, and we’ll meet again.
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

onen hag oll
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Old 9th May 2020, 08:24   #466
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What a lovely day and what a lovely community you seem to have, it's no wonder you are so happy and settled there now. I do have to admit I'm truly envious. Enjoy yourself Bob.
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Old 21st May 2020, 17:16   #467
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Cool Now that was unexpected............

............................................. the kindness of people Is outstanding. Every other month the window cleaners come and do all my windows and it costs me £20. But with the lockdown obviously they have not been around. But has the weather has picked up they arrived yesterday. The back gate was open as I was working in the garden. So they started at the front then onto the side and finally the rear. I popped inside to get the £20. Waited till they finished and handed the money over to the boss, who without blinking gave me £10 back. Why?

He said that times are hard at the moment and that I, being a OAP, might be struggling to make ends meet. He refused to take the tenner back and said I should treat myself. What a wonderful gesture to which I was very thankful. I know I can afford it but still a kind thought.
Ever since the liquid day we had on VE Day my neighbours have become firm friends. Lots of offers of help. Everyone is so cheerful and happy despite these troubled times.

When I moved down from Essex, almost 2 years ago, I brought some potted plants with me, including our friendship rose In a glazed pot which is about 16 years old. Then there was a glazed pot with Lillies in. Another glazed pot has masses of house leeks in along with some crocus in. And finally 5 plastic pots full of strawberries. When I was in the rented house only the friendship rose flowered, even that was a struggle.

But since I have moved the strawberries have gone berserk. I picked some today and they are the biggest I have ever seen. And oh so sweet. The lillies have flowered, and died. The house leeks only flower every few years but are going well. The crocus are getting ready to flower and the friendship rose has 14 buds waiting to flower.
The rest of the garden is in almost full flower.

I have planted out a total of clematis, I have a Passion flower in bud and the ornamental banana plants have massive leaves, so will be flowering in the next couple of months. I have African daisies blooming in the front gardens and gladioli getting ready to flower in all three gardens. Soon the house will be surrounded in full colour.
I’ve mowed the lawn at the back, and mowed out at the front on the orphan land, still waiting to find out about the tree though. But it will come down at some point.

Had visitors on Tuesday when Matt n Shirley popped in with their “new” wheels. The Trophy Yellow ZTT that was advertised on our sales pages. One owner from new, a lady doctor. Has 195,000 miles on the clock and the plenums have never been cleaned. Matt showed me them. Oh my!!
Social distancing was adhered to, but I still made them tea. They were off to see Allen n Val on there way home.

Banana is still being temperamental in starting but I think I have narrowed the fault, wiring to the camshaft sensor but will wait for the T4 man to bring his machine. So she only goes out on short trips. But the Bear is still going shopping and visiting the garden centres.
I take Banana as far as the butchers, which is about 10 miles round trip. I go the long way round there and back.

Onto further news re Covid-19. News from Barkingside is sad, having lost one good friend, I now have learnt a further 5 ex neighbours have also passed away, one was only in his 30’s and leaves a wife and two children. So very sad. 3 more are still in hospital.
A friend that I used work with phoned me from his home in Italy to say that his wife has been in hospital for the last 11 weeks. She has received the last rites twice but is still hanging on in there. He went on to tell me that there has been over 300 deaths in the region where he lives. That’s frightening.

My late god sons brother Roger is progressing well. He has started up running again and hopes his strength will get better. He wants to meet up with me next month before he flies back to his family in Brazil. As for my god sons ex wife, she is still out on bail. Hoping that that court case happens soon. She apparently is full of regrets, hmmm!!! I don’t believe it. But we will see. Most of the stolen goods have been recovered. And everything has now gone into storage for safe keeping.

Other than that everything is ok down here in the land of the pasty. Many thanks for reading, and keep safe people for we will see one and other again real soon.
Keep safe.
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

onen hag oll
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Old 21st May 2020, 18:27   #468
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You want to cut back on that cider Bob, too many glazed pots!

Nice to know all is good with you, though it's a shame about those who have been lost.
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Old 8th June 2020, 07:46   #469
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Cool The time has certainly flown by...................

........................................ for today marks one year in the New house. Where has that time gone? Only seems like yesterday I had bought this house. Would have celebrated by going for a meal with a few friends and neighbours but that’s on hold for now. I’m still not venturing very far, only going out for essential shopping. Although I did have a run down to Cremyll yesterday with the Bear to blow a few cobwebs out. But I stayed in the car, took a few photo’s, then drove home via Anderton , Millport, Anthony, Sheviot and Doublebois.

The gardens are all in colourful flower, the strawberries are still growing. I don’t think I have ever seen the leaves looking so big. My imitation banana plant leaves are huge, reckon I could shelter underneath from the rain. To think one month ago I got sunburnt and today I’m thinking of putting the heating on. Still my long hair is keeping me warm..
My hay fever has really kicked in this year, which is not good to sneeze at the moment what with this Covid-19. People give you a wide berth. I do have tablets to take which I do take, if I remember. A sneeze reminds me to take one.

Banana is still having hissy fit days but last Friday I took her to Tesco’s in Callington, which is a round trip of 22 miles and she behaved herself. That is the longest trip since February this year. Still not using her as much as I could.
The Bear went for her MOT on the 1st June and she finally came home on the 5th. Passed her MOT ok but the anti-roll bar bushes that were fitted last September had given up the ghost. The garage ordered them on the 1st and they finally turned up on the 4th in the afternoon. Still replaced FOC, so happy with that. Allen was kind enough to give me a lift there and back.

My friend in Italy phoned to tell me that his wife is on the mend from the Covid-19, that’s very good news. He hopes that she will be home by the end of the month. At least now he can go and visit her but with gown and mask on.
My friend Roger, my late godson’s brother, is running up to 12 miles a day as his strength returns. We hope to meet by the end of the month. He hopes to fly home at some point in July. Missing his family big time, although they keep in contact via video link up. He still helps with the schooling as best as he can.

I still have Zed the Ted with me, been here 9 months now. You can catch up with his adventures on his page complete with photos.
I still have my photo editing going, helps to keep me sane. And I’m still experimenting with different recipes in the kitchen, most have been a success but one or two have ended up in the bin. Still the smoke alarm keeps me on my toes.

And finally in 5 days time, the 13th, I will have lived in Cornwall for two years.

So definitely No Going Back......................

Many thanks for reading and the kind comments. Keep safe people and we will all meet up soon.
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

onen hag oll
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Old 12th June 2020, 07:44   #470
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Cool Goodbye Barkingside.......................

...................................... hello Saltash.

2 years ago today I finally yanked up my roots and drove the Bear to Saltash. Stayed the night at Allen and Val’s house. Allen and I had been round to my “new” home in the evening and unloaded the Bear.

We would be back at 08.00 in the morning to meet the removal lorry.

So No Going Back...........................
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

onen hag oll
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