Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th June, 2021.

30th June, 2021.

Right: the rat trap is in … as are the gloves.

I’ll be setting that up, later today.

Whilst wearing gloves.   And washing my hands, afterwards.

Obviously.

Once I’ve been to today’s medical appointment: for my annual diabetic eye check.

Hopefully?   The results from that won’t be too bad: although I’m a little concerned.

I’d hate to lose my sight.

~≈👁‍🗨≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-6-2021: The Seychelles.

29th June, 2021.

Right … I’m now the official owner of a rat trap.

With bait, I should add: little octagonal, poisoned, blocks of rat poison.

Which is nice.

But … ?

The few videos I’ve seen, that show you how to handle rat poison … ?

Have the person placing it, wearing gloves to protect themselves.

To make sure the poison doesn’t get on their hands, then get transferred to their mouths.

Could I find any in Sainsbury’s, yesterday?

Could I … ?

Could I, heck … !

I think I’m going to have to have another look … in a different shop … !

~≈🧤≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-6-2021: Elon

28th June, 2021.

You know: there’s a few movies I’d like to see, this year.

Assuming the £20 uplift stays in place.

No Time to Die would be one.

Wonder Woman 1984 was another.

Plus, of course, The Batman.

Having been a lifelong fan, though … ?

The one I want to catch is Dune.

Which has been postponed, again!

Argh!

~≈🏜≈~

Did I mention the rat situation … ?

Damon House has rats, it seems: spotted in at least two neighbouring flats, and hear in two more.

Including mine.

Frankly?

I’ve got a rat trap on order: and reported it to Clarion.

Hopefully, they’ll get something done.

~≈🐀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-6-2021: Yen

27th June, 2021.

Yep: stuff … I’m thinking of doing stuff!

But you’d possibly guessed that, hadn’t you … ?

You know perfectly well that — if I’m using the intro video to tell you I’m going to do stuff? — it’s going to be a quiet day.

One that’s possibly going to involve washing: in the shiny new washing machine.

And marvelling at the fact it’s fast, and quiet … !

Oh, and makes a beeping noise that gets me think of some of the sound effects in The Silurians.

If I ever get the chance, I’ll try and dig that up!

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th June, 2021

26th June, 2021.

Yes: it’s official: stuff is occurring!

For one thing … ?

I got a visit, yesterday: from  our new — albeit temporary — Housing officer.

They’re the officials from a social landlord who deal with tenants at ground level.

The officer?   Was handing out the new front door keys to those who’d not got the two required.   She knocked on my door to check if I needed one: and to see if there were any other issues … 

Oh, boy … !

I THINK I managed to cover everything.

1. Rats.
2. Mailboxes
3. The key for the gas area.
4. And a missing tenant: the chap in Number 3’s not been there for some time.

Hopefully … ?

Something can get done about these things.

Although I have to admit … I forgot to mention the tradesman’s button.

~≈†≈~

If you’re in the UK … ?

You’re possibly aware of the UK’S Health Secretary, Matt Hancock.

He’s the (ahem!) happily married government minister in change of the NHS, and of managing the UK’s response to the COIVD 19 pandemic.

That’s him in the video: kissing his secretary.

After looking outside his office door, to make sure no-one’s coming.

What makes me laugh … ?

Is simply the fact that the BBC say he’s been caught, breeching social distancing rules.

~≈†≈~

Before I forget?

It rained, last night.

And when I say rain … ?

I mean a monsoon … !

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paul Nikolas Nak Downie (@mrcuddy2977)

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-6-2021: The Virginian

25th June, 2021.

Just as a quick question … ?

I’ve just noticed a news item.

You’ll be aware that shots were fired at a Royal Navy ship, patrolling in Ukrainian waters, off the coast of Crimea, a day or two ago.

The patrol’s been defended by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

Apparently?   The Navy was ‘defending our values’ in the area.

I’d like to know what values they were … !

~≈🗡≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve had the new washing Machine delivered and installed.

It’s just finished a load of teatowels, by the sound of things.

Mackfields* — the local business that I bought it from, and who did the installation — did an amazingly quick, and thorough, job.

Even managing to adjust the feet on the thing: to enable it to stay stable, whilst working.

Something I think contributed to the tragic death of the last machine.

Either way?   I’m grateful: both to them, and to My Mum, who helped pay for the thing.

~≈🧺≈~

Which could prove to be an issue with my spectacles.

An arm came off, yesterday: while I was shopping.

They’re still under warranty: that should cover the cost of repair.

Hopefully … !

~≈👓≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-6-2021: Midsummer.

24th June, 2021.

Yep: I’ve officially had polyps removed.

Which was … um … fun!

Especially when you consider where the camera was, and what the medical team were doing with a … you know … thing!

At any rate … ?

The procedure went well enough: rapid, and relatively painless.

The worst part of it … ?

Was the trip home in the ambulance.

Due to an accident on the A127?

A thirty minute trip home took two hours.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paul Nikolas Nak Downie (@mrcuddy2977)

Hey ho!

~≈‡≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd June, 2021

23rd June, 2021.

Yes: it’s official.

I’m off to hospital for a second colonoscopy.

Frankly?

I’m not looking forward to it.

Especially after having to fast, and having the extremely powerful laxative that goes with it.

But … ?

The sooner it’s done, the better.

~≈🧻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-6-2021: Kristofferson

22nd June, 2021.

Right … 

I’ve just had the last meal I’m going to have until I get home, tomorrow.

I’ve got another colonoscopy, tomorrow: and have to both fast, AND take powerful laxatives.

Starving?   And an artificially induced case of the trots?

Yum … !

~≈🚽≈~

Just so everyone knows … ?

Piers has finally reported on the key situation.

Here’s the report, from the Yellow Advertiser.

I think I’m going to have to have a word with him, though: I didn’t claim to have found someone!

I might have to send him the photo … !

And a copy of the report I sent in to Clarion’s Repair team.

~≈📰≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-6-2021: The Summer Solstice

21st June, 2021.

Yep: I have a busy morning.

Well, a busy morning … for a single man who’s unemployed.

I’ve got a meeting with my Work and Health coach, this morning.

Hopefully?

That won’t go on for too long.

As I’ve got a Zoom meeting for the course the Job Centre’s signed me up to.

At eleven … 

I’d better switch on the laptop the Job Centre got me: just to get the thing updated, before I start …

~≈¶≈~

All that … ?   And today is the last day I’m going to be eating for a while.

I’ve a colonoscopy on Wednesday.

Which means I’m going to be fasting, from 8am, tomorrow.

That, and the laxative?

Means I’ll be having fun … !

~≈¶≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-6-2021: West Virginia.

20th June, 2021.

Yep: it’s official.

I’m slightly knackered.

After managing to finish reviewing a film I saw on Friday.

I have to say, In Fabric’s a very good film to watch.

But, lord!   Finishing a video review, that late … ?

Well … ?

I’m not getting any younger, let’s put it like that.

~≈Â≈~

In Fabric — A Review

18th June, 2021.

OK: you’ve watched the introductory video, haven’t you … ?

I hope so.

If you have, you’ll realise that — at the time I made the thing — I hadn’t made my mind up about what to watch.

Amongst other options?

I had both Lucas’ THX1138, and Besson’s Léon: The Professional.

Something I may catch, another time.

I’ve settled for the Peter Strickland directed Giallo-esque, In Fabric.

Yes: I’m going to bed, and carrying this post on, tomorrow.

But, yes: I think I’ve just seen something amazing … 

~≈👗≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th June, 2021.

19th June, 2021.

Yes: it’s true.

I had the washing machine engineers out, yesterday.

From a local company called Mackfields, so you know.

Their engineers — two of them, I should add — turned up early: and immediately diagnosed the issue.

It’s dead!

Its a dead washing machine: bereft of life, it rests in peace!

They’re coming back on Thursday, at three, to replace it.

Hopefully?

The new one will last a few years … 

~≈Ê≈~

Oh, just as a thought … ?

I managed to catch the indie Brit flick, In Fabric, last night.

It’s both impressive: and strange.

And has one hell of a soundtrack … !

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-6-2021: Waterloo

18th June, 2021.

Right … I had my surgery call, twice, yesterday.

The first time … ?   Was to let me know my thyroid medication would be increased: and to let me know that the pharmacist should be calling today, at the latest.

The second time … ?   Was to let me know the phone number for the people who carry out the diabetic eye check: I can chase that up, myself.

Except, of course … stuff … !

Given the cost of making calls on my landline?   I’d drag my ageing carcass up Warley Hill — with a discreet piece of paper and a pencil, tucked away — and phone them to make an appointment.

Which I’m happy to do.

Except, of course, it’s raining … heavily.

I’m going to have to find somewhere … dry … !

~≈🌳≈~

I’ve got to confess, I’ve been talking to reporter, Piers Meyler.

About various things.

About the phone coverage in the area.   And about access to the building I live in.

I don’t know when that article will be released: the last I knew, Piers was waiting for a couple of phone calls.

I’m assuming one will be from Clarion Housing: my landlords.

Whatever: I do know it’s something I and my neighbours are looking forward to.

One of my neighbours … ?

Has managed to mention this piece from ITV’s news site.

There’s a similar piece — from the end of May — on the BBC’s site.

Damon House is not the only place having issues … 

~≈🏚≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th June, 2021

17th June, 2021.

Yes: it’s officially.

The day I think going out to get a loaf — or possibly some milk — is a good idea?

It’s raining.

Well … 

At least … it’s rained over night: and threatening more.

All this when you’re expecting a phone call from your GP’s surgery?

Well … 

~≈Ë≈~

Oh … just as a quick thought … ?

Piers, bless him, has had another article published: about the issues we’re having with phone masts in the area.

You can find it, here.

Hopefully?

His piece about the keys will also be published soon.

~≈Ë≈~

Oh, I’ve JUST had the duty doctor from my surgery, phone.   She’s going to get the in-house pharmacist to call me, to discuss my sugar levels.

She’s also upping my thyroid medication: to 150mg a day.

Hopefully, that will help with the weight loss!

~≈Ë≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-6-2021: Sussex Day.

16th June, 2021.

Yes!

I’m now officially boiling washing some t-shirts!

Even as we speak, I’ve got the oven on, with the Official Big Pot happily working away.

Boiling t-shirts that got half done, yesterday: when my washing outright died on me.

Thankfully?

I’m getting some help to pay for an engineer: he’s coming on Friday.

Hopefully?

It’s going to be something cheap … 

~≈🧺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-6-2021: Bilbao

15th June, 2021.

Right … 

Quite what happened there, I don’t know.

But the phone call I was due to have from my GP’s, yesterday?

Has been re-arranged for Thursday.

Quite what’s happening, there, I don’t know.

I do know I’ve got a meeting with my Job Centre case-worker, this afternoon: in person, for once.

That should be good: it’s the first time I’ve met her her in person.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-6-2021: The First Flag

14th June, 2021.

Yes!   I’m expecting a phone call!

Aren’t we always, though?

The one I’m expecting, thought, is about the recent blood tests I’ve had: ones monitoring my diabetes.

Hopefully?

My blood sugar levels will have gone down.

Now … 

Can someone remind me to look up a diabetic eye check?

I think I’m due one … 

~≈👁≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th June, 2021.

13th June, 2021.

I’ve got to admit: it’s looking nice out, at the moment.

Frankly?

Nice enough to be worrying.

Hopefully?

It’s not going to be too hot!

~≈🌞≈~

Did I mention I’ve had a phone call?   From local reporter, Piers Meyler?

He’s working on updates to the stories about the phone mast that went down, last year.

Hopefully … ?

He’ll be able to do something with what I’ve told him.

I do know I’ve emailed him about the rough sleeper I had on my doorstep.

I’ve been chatting with the neighbours: at least two of whom have no front door keys, and are finding it hard to get knew ones from Clarion.

Have a look at this video.

Both neighbours without a key?

Are using credit cards to do the same thing.

Despite the the security bar that’s supposed to stop it.

I think there’s a possible story in it.

Whether Piers will … ?   I don’t know.

~≈🗞≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th June, 2021

12th June, 2021.

Right … it’s officially my kid sister Anna’s birthday, today.

So … ?

If you’re anywhere near the restaurant where we’re having a celebratory dinner … ?

Feel free to say hello.

~≈Á≈~

I’ve been into Romford recently: a couple of times.

Mostly … ?

To visit the Romford branch of CeX, to cash in a couple of box sets.

Inevitably, I’ve looked in on Storefront, the local Apple reseller: to see if they’d had one of the new 24” iMacs in.

They did.

They’re an impressive looking thing: it’s another Jonny Ives Design.

And, from what I’ve read?   The M1 chip it’s built around gives it a boost.

I’d imagine if that main chip went, it would be a major engineering job to replace!

There’s pros and cons, as ever.

About my only real issues … ?

Is the external design.

The white bezel about the screen, along side the bright colours … ?

Remind me of the original G3 iMac.

I can’t help but feel that’s something of a step backwards.

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-6-2021: Gene Wilder.

11th June, 2021.

Right … it’s another day … and another dollar.

Or, at least, another dental hygienist visit.

I’m going to be spending half an hour on my back, getting my teeth polished.

Someone’s going to have fun: either me or the hygienists.

I’m just glad I get this for free.

~≈Ì≈~

I have to confess, I woke up this morning with an earworm.

And not the da DA, da DUM blues riff you’d expect after a line like ‘I woke up this morning.’

Nope.   With Heaven 17’s Crushed by the Wheel’s of Industry, banging away at full pelt.

It could’ve been worse: it could have a couple of other tunes, as well!

~≈Ì≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-6-2021: Portugal

10th June, 2021.

Yep: we have a partial solar eclipse, due today.

You know: where the moon blocks out the light of the sun.

I wouldn’t mind catching that: assuming I’m out, and it’s not cloudy.

It’d be the second one visible from Brentwood, in my lifetime.

Here’s hoping.

~≈Ü≈~

For All Mankind — Series 2 Episode 10 — The Grey — A Review

8th June, 2021.

It’s officially official.

It’s getting late.

But I’ve just done two things, TV related, today.

First?   I managed to sell off my blu-ray copy of the Doctor Who Collection Season 10 box set to the Romford branch of CeX: and got what I believe to be a reasonable price for it.

That — effectively — reduces the price I paid for it.

So, no complaints, there, then.

The other bit of TV related stuff?

I’ve finally managed to catch the last episode of For All Mankind’s second season.   I’ll tell you more about that, tomorrow night.

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th June, 2021.

9th June, 2021.

Yes: I’ve got an earworm!

Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s Krisco Kisses.

Why … ?

Well, I don’t know: if I could work that out?   I’d be rich … !

~≈Ë≈~

At any rate … ?

I managed a trip to Romford, yesterday: to trade in a box set at the Romford branch of CeX.

And managed to get a good price for the thing.

Frankly?

That’s all to the good.

Anything that reduces the total cost of ownership is helpful.

~≈Ë≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th June, 2021.

8th June, 2021.

Right … 

I’ve got another box-set I’m going to trade: and will be heading into Romford to sell it.

Which is all good: it’ll get me out in to the sunshine.

And getting some exercise.

In a part of the world that’s mostly flat.

I love where I live.   But it is at the bottom of a hill … 

~≈🏔≈~

Remember, at the end of May, I had a colonoscopy?   One that couldn’t be completed, as the laxative I’d taken, hadn’t been as effective as it could’ve been.

I’m fairly sure I’ve read the instructions wrong, but there you go.

At any rate … ?

I’ve now booked up the second one: needed to clear up the polyps.

That’s in about a week and a half’s time.

The worrying thing … ?

Is the amount of laxative they’ll be sending.

The word ‘yoicks,’ springs to mind!

~≈Ç≈~