Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th September 2026

26th September, 2026.

Right … I’ve finally managed to track something down.

Yes: I’ve finally managed to track down toilet blocks.

Which is what I meant to get on Thursday: but totally forgot about.

Heigh … … … HO!

~≈🚽≈~

As an added extra, there … ?

I managed to find a couple of shops near the station that took PayPal payments: where, in theory, I could pay my rent.

One, the local Post Office branch, wasn’t somewhere I could explore, as I went during at a busy patch.

Another?

Would take the rent payment … but only as cash.

Which is inconvenient: I’d have to take the cash out at my bank — in the High Street — then walk to the Brentwood Station area with a lot of cash, pay at the shop … then walk back to the High Street to pay the rest of the bills, and get my shopping!

I think exploring other options my be an idea.

Including — finally — learning how to pay the rent online!

~≈🏚️≈~

Just as an extra thought … ?

The Tories have plans to prevent benefit seekers spending money on cigarettes and alcohol: by issuing benefits on pre-paid debit cards.

Similar to the cards offered by some charity schemes: that offer supplemental spending money to those in need.

The idea is that you spend the money on stuff you need: rather than on stuff you’re addicted to.

I’m sceptical about the plans.

From personal experience, I know you need to activate the things online: and only so many people I know are comfortable using a computer, a smart phone or online services.

I’m also wondering how you’re supposed to use the card to pay rent with the things.

Again, many would feel uncomfortable using it to pay online.

Or setting up the online scheme that tells the Department of Work and Pensions you want the Housing portion of your Universal Credit to go directly to your landlord.

And, frankly?

I know a few people with substances issues: who, I believe, would sell their cards to their nearest dealer … in return for Gods know what!

Assuming the dealers would take them in preference to cash.

Even on the alcohol and tobacco front, a user would need help to get off their substance of choice: so that the wouldn’t be tempted to use the cards.

As a supplement to paying in cash, these cards are fine.

They let you spend extra money: and use cash for other things.

But as a main source of spending money?

Like I say: I’m sceptical.

~≈£≈~

Oh, just in case you’re interested … ?

Jude’s done another video … !

Feel free to hit the ‘Like’ button … !

~≈👍≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th September 2026

25th September, 2026.

Argh!

I hate shopping!

There’s always two things.

One?

There’s always something you forget.

Two?

There’s always something you realise you’ve forgotten … once you’ve got home!

Argh … !!!!

~≈🧠≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th September 2026

24th September, 2026.

OK … 

I’ve officially got to go back to the High Street, today: unless I can get something at the shops near Brentwood Station.

Yes: I forgot something, yesterday.

Toilet blocks!

Wouldn’t you know it?

~≈🚽≈~

In other news … ?

I was in Brentwood’s Post Office, yesterday: paying my rent, and paying off my BT bill.

And … ?

Managing to ask if they heard what was to happen, once their branch had closed … 

They had no idea … but were able to confirm that no-one — to the best of their knowledge — had put in to open a new Brentwood branch.

That’s a screaming shame.

Even in a time dominated by online payments, people are still going to need those branches.

~≈📮≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd September 2026.

23rd September, 2026.

Wouldn’t you know it?

It’s payday!

Which means I’m going to be going bill paying and shopping, later!

Gosh … the excitement … !

~≈¥≈~

On a more serious note?

There’s a certain amount of worry involved with the shopping and bill paying.

Or, at least, the bill paying aspect of the trip.

I pay my rent, and my internet bill, in the main, High Street, branch of Brentwood Post office: and have done for many years.

It’s convenient: as it means I can make one visit to the High Street, and get most of the stuff I need to do in one trip.

That branch is in the local TG Jones: the former WH Smiths.

A branch of TG Jones that — as it turns out — is to close in early January of 2027.

As, consequently, is the post office.

I’m … 

I think the best way of describing how I feel is to say “I’m not happy about that”.

I’m not happy about that.

For one thing?

The nearest alternative post office is the same sort of distance away: but in the opposite direction.

Given I can’t pay my gas and electricity bills in the High Street?

The closure means I have to walk double the distance to get things done.

Right now?

I can only hope the Post Office finds an alternative, High Street-based, cheap, venue.

That would be helpful to me: and many others in town … 

~≈📮≈~

As a final thought … ?

I first knew about the closure when Brentwood’s Conservative MP, Alex Burghart, announced it through Facebook, a few days ago.

This was rapidly followed by a announcement from Brentwood’s Liberal Democrat controlled council: saying they’re heard nothing.

I grant you: members of different political parties not talking to each other is understandable.

But?

The fact Brentwood’s MP, and Brentwood’s Council, haven’t talked to each other about this?

Is something that has made me angry!

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd September 2026.

22nd September, 2026.

I think we can safely say it’s thumb-twiddling day.

Yes: and in other words?

It’s the day before payday: so I have no actual cash to do anything, beyond going of a nice healthy walk.

Which, given my weight was up 100 grams — about a third of a pound, Mum! — yesterday, is no bad thing!

Heigh ho!

~≈🚶🏻≈~