Tue 071221 Tested out new PC: Yes, it works! ;-) But, old PC ‘stopped’ working...?!

Around a week back, I went and brought myself a brand new Windows 10 Pro PC from an electronics shop along West Norwood high street; the cost was £130.00...it has a 128 GB SSD/8 GB RAM. I did not test it out when I arrived home, however; as the man inside of the shop already showed me it’s working fine...by opening up multiple web browser windows...pointing out just how ‘fast’ it worked.

——-

However, eventually, Tuesday, I decided to go try it out inside of my own home. I needed to use 5 wires...

1> The power leads (the shop assistant gave me one for free)

2> The internet cable  (I transferred it from the older computer box)

3> The HDMI screen monitor leads (I used my Raspberry PI box lead)

4> Keyboard lead (transferred from old PC)

5> Mouse leads (transferred from old PC)

The new PC works fine. SSD technology...is so much ‘quicker’ than is HDD technology...HDD loads up in minutes/SSD loads in around 5 seconds flat. So, I felt really very pleased, indeed, with my purchase. I also tried opening 50+ web browser streaming video windows...all worked fine...with no lag...amazing.

Eventually, though, I decided to turn the new PC off.

——-

The next day/evening, I decided to turn the new PC back on, again...just to check that it was still working...having never rebooted it before.

I ran into loads of difficulties, no matter how many times I turned ‘on/off’ the new PC...nothing showed upon screen...even though I could see the new PC box lights turning both ‘on and off’.

Eventually, I decided to try plugging the TV end of the HDMI cable into a different free HDMI port; turned the new box on again...and, this time it worked...that is, I could see the Windows 10 Pro Desktop appear on screen. 

The trouble was, try as I might to correct it, the Win 10 Pro GUI would not show on the screen, correctly. The topmost icons seemed to disappear off screen...by only showing the bottom part of the icon. Plus, the Windows Taskbar...would only half way appear...so, you could see the top part/but, not the bottom part. 

I tried changing screen resolution size  from ‘recommended’ size...up to...to largest...all the way down...to smallest; absolutely nothing quite worked. 

I also tried moving the Taskbar to ‘show small icons’...to...’display sidebar at the right side of the screen’...still nothing looked quite right.

Eventually, I got bored of trying to fix the new PC layout; and, just gave up...decided to turn it off...and, then, at least, I could go back to using my old PC.

——-

By far the biggest shock I got Wednesday evening...was when I switched the cables back from the new PC to the old: Keyboard/Mouse/Internet cable. (Didn’t need to change Power chord/or, HDMI chord...as these were already separate.) The old PC, now, refuses to work...?! Instead, I’m getting an error message which says...doesn’t recognise drive...grub error mode> I’m not even sure what the hell is ‘Grub error mode’?!

Thu 090921 Dulwich Picture Gallery art lesson/Norwood picture house cinema: Kung Fu Film: Shang Chi, and, the Legend of the Ten Rings

 Thu 090921 2 x EVENTS: VISITED DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY/NORWOOD PICTURE HOUSE CINEMA

-----

11 AM-12:30 PM DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY

Yesterday, full courtesy of PGTB/Paxton Green Time Bank(local volunteering in the community charity scheme); I had a FREE class at Dulwich Picture Gallery...where we drew/painted a few pictures.

1> Draw using the stems of plants(paints,palettes)

2> Printmaking(glass, rollers, paint)

...as usual, I did my 'own' thing; meaning, instead, of drawing what the rest of the class were doing...trees/flowers...I drew some heads, instead; based on the teachers head...I seem to have forgotten what here name was...will remember -as I wrote it down somewhere- and, update this text, later on.

-----

8 PM NORWOOD PICTUREHOUSE CINEMA, FILM: SHANG CHI, AND, THE LEGEND OF 10 RINGS

During the morning, I had decided to sign in to my Picturehouse online a/c.; and, discovered I have 1 x FREE ticket available to go and watch a film. The film I choose was: SHANG CHI, AND, THE LEGEND OF 10 RINGS.

The movie was great...a mixture of Kung Fu/magic...employing the use of modern day cinema tech CGI graphic effects. Dragons/and, other creatures/-etc.

Generally speaking, though, I prefer it when my Kung Fu films are 'real' as opposed to imaginary; in this case, it was a mix of both.

The film quality was truly top notch...nothing to fault it; so, overall, a very enjoyable experience, indeed.

Wed 040821 Winnie gave me phone call stating Merlene had died, possibly, yesterday.

Wednesday 4th August 2021 10:15 PM GMT This morning I received a phone call from Winnie stating that my first cousin Merlene had died...possibly, yesterday(she wasn't sure).

-(Her brother, Gary, my elder cousin...did not phone me to keep me informed; not exactly too surprisingly...I neither talk to Merlene/nor Gary...finding them far too aggressive for my own taste. I would prefer to live my life as quiet and peaceful as is possible. I don't wish to have continual unnecessary arguments/or, fights.)-

Whenever you get such really bad news...and, it is 'bad' news...whether friend or foe...it's still a 'close' family member...it makes you take in a 'deep breath'...to realise that somebody who you grew up with as a child...; and, knew right throughout your entire lifetime...is, now, completely gone from off the planet...to never be seen/or, heard from ever, again. Honestly, it comes as a bit of a 'shock'...; and, therefore, does take some time to be able to 'sink in'...?!

Nevertheless, I do have to admit...that when she died we were no longer on talking terms, anymore. But, also, I am very deeply grateful to some kind things she had done me in the past. No 'close' relationship is entirely all good/or, all bad; instead, it's more a case of having loads of up's and down's; and, I suppose, that's because no human being is 'perfect'! 

In my own personal opinion, I suspect, she might have been BiPolar...so, one day, if you went and visited her by knocking at her door...she would be in a good mood...quite happy to receive you, and, let you in...in a very warm and friendly manner...even, offering you food; and, on another day, she would be in a bad mood...not even opening up the door...talking to you, instead, through a top window! Because of her odd ways...I mostly tended to stay the hell away from her as much as is possible, quite frankly.

One time, she even went and told me that both me and my mum don't own the house/flat we were living in; basically, showing us not one single ounce of respect...which, well and truly, disgusted me...to the point that I just decided to keep my distance as far as is possible. 

I recall when I spoke to her over the phone about her daughter, Michelle, having gone and spat in my mum's face at Stockwell Post Office; and, her reply was totally unsympathetic/uncaring...almost as if she were 'proud' of that fact. She seemed to be interested in taking revenge for past wrongs...whether real/or, imagined that my mum might have done to her in the past. Any cousin who is against either me/or, my mum...I do NOT like; and, will stay the hell away from.  

Another time she gave me a phone call...stating that I needed a 'bullet in the head!' Well, what the hell can one expect from a Rastafarian ganga smoker...quite obviously, she must have smoked a bit too much; so, not a lot of her bad behaviours did exactly surprise me. She used to smoke weed as a Rastafarian even when I was a child; though, her own mum was against it.  

Speaking of her mum...she didn't teach her children to have much respect for me, my mum, or, my aunt...and, we 3 were always a single unit. So, it was a case of living with family factions...; and, sometimes, family factions can be, really and truly, bad. (If you read about the history of the Royal Family in England...you will see that they even used to put one another to death; thus, proving whether you have money or not...living with jealous/or, spiteful family can be sheer bitter hell!)

On the other hand, she did give birth to my cousin, Andrew; who I pretty much got along with really well...; up until the last years of his life...when, again, we were not on speaking terms, anymore. I felt hurt about the way his side of the family did treat me/and, my mum...(my aunt had already died...but, the family were jealous that we had inherited her house)...with nil respect, sometimes; so, I actually went and said so...telling him, "we are not  family." After that statement...all conversation and mixing up between us ceased. But, what really should have happened is...; he should have asked the question 'why, do you think that?!' I felt that his uncle, Gary/Merlene's brother...should not have over-stayed inside of my mum's council flat...; we told him he should stay there for only 6 months; and, sure enough, at the end of 6 months...the guy insisted on staying on. In fact, I actually believe he wanted to take over my mum's flat as being his own. -(I cannot believe that neither Merlene/Andrew did not know anything about it; in fact, I'm pretty damned sure, Merlene herself did everything she possibly could to encourage Gary's bad behaviour towards us.)- Again, I was just totally disgusted by their behaviour...; which is why I stayed away from them as far as possible; the more you get deeply entangled with such people...the worse and worse your own life becomes...thus, I decided to keep away. 

It's an odd thing whenever somebody dies...as it brings up some tears...inside of both your mind/heart...; but, those tears are not necessarily all tears of sympathy for when you DID get along/they are also tears of pain...for the times when you did NOT get along. 

As it is, I do very much doubt my family are going to invite me over to the funeral; because that side of the family did not keep in contact with me...; and, nor me, with them. Frankly, I do greatly fear them...I worry they may want to hurt me in some way...; being mean, selfish, greedy...wanting to take all that I got for themselves...and, basically, having absolutely no conscience...; the kind of people who will jump up and down on your grave and laugh! Why would anybody wish to crawl in bed with a potential 'snake'...; rather you just wish to keep a perfectly 'safe' distance, instead.

I wouldn't feel so bad towards them...if I was trying to 'attack' them...or, 'take anything away from them'...but, the truth is, I did not even try...for fear they would kill me, immediately, straight way. So, when you haven't done these kinds of people anything wrong..; and, they are still interested only in attacking you...and, being totally malicious towards you...looking down at you...talking really bad about you...behind your back...even, plotting against you/and, always wanting what's yours...so, you just keep the hell away...to avoid having any further problems, in future. 

CONCLUSION

I respect my cousin, Merlene, was a 'warrior woman'...always, ready and willing, to stand up and fight her ground...for whatever she did believe in; and, will always tend to think of her in that way. May Dear God bless and keep her soul in Heaven...may she long...RIP!

Thanks for all the good things you have done for me and my family; and, I forgive you for all the many wrongs.

Tue 030821 2PM Thames Water man called to install water meter...

2PM Thames Water man, phoned me, first; then, knocked on the door...to inform me that he would be installing a 'water meter' outside.

I really don't know if he did or not...; as I didn't see anybody digging; and, also, when he left the job...I didn't get any further contact...nor any note through the door. So, I think, I will have to phone them in order to confirm...if the job has been done, successfully/or, not.

Sat 080521 NextRecycle representative Riaz came

At around 3 PM I heard a knock on the door; when I opened it up...it was the NextRecycle representative Riaz. 

He had come with his phone to photograph the house.../as well as, to photograph documents as proof that I was in receipt of benefits/proof of address(Council Tax).

He was around 5ft 8 inches...same height as me; and, of stocky build...myself, I am of medium build...so, he was bigger/thicker/rounder.

What I didn't like about him was I felt he was not really too respectful towards poor people; and, basically, looked down at everything he saw as some kind of trash. I ended up having the feeling that I 'hated' him, actually; and, was sorry I'd already given him any of my information at all.

The guy said he would be sending in 2 Romanians who don't speak English too well on Tuesday; and, that it costs his company money for them to come...so, I must decide, immediately, if I want the job done or not. To which I did agree.

The problem is, the current boiler is old...it's been there over 6+ years...and, has remained unserviced; it's also 'rusty'; thus, it's my belief it does need replacing with a new boiler.

The guy said, though, in order of the gas boiler to be replaced; they have to insulated the floor, first. So,...?!

-----

Anyway, when  he left...I first phoned my cousin, Sharon...but, no reply. Later on, she called me back stating she was busy; I arranged to call her back at 9 PM.

I also phone my cousin, Millicent, who when I explained the case...they contacted me; I did NOT contact them...; she said it all sounds rather fishy...and, I shouldn't trust them. When I said I'd already gone and revealed certain 'private' details: DOB/NR/Name/Address/-etc.; she told me I need to be very careful, indeed. Finally, I closed the call...stating I will talk to Sharon.

I called Sharon back at 9 PM; and, explained the case...

- These people contacted me through cold calling over the phone; explaining they had got my phone number details from a database -(which is a rather vague explanation)-; but, they did say they have a web site:

https://www.nextrecycle.com

...which also contains social media links to Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn.

That they stated in order to qualify for the FREE floor insulation/and, FREE boiler...which will be government funded...then, I will need to have a home/with wooden floorboards/air bricks/be in reciept of JSA/Job Seeker's Allowance; and, that they will send a representative to see proof...and, I should have the necessary documents available/-etc. So, I let him in; and, let him photograph the property both inside/outside; as well as, photograph the necessary documents.

I further stated...

1> I was having 'bad' dreams

2> I don't trust these people as they are complete and total strangers who I don't even know

3> I'm worried that if anything goes wrong...; then, it will cost me far more to fix it...than, it had cost to let them do the job for FREE. Or, as the old saying goes, "if it ain't broke; then, don't fix it!"

Her response was it all sounds rather dodgy; and, I shouldn't trust them. I should cancel the job, instead, by Monday morning; before anybody turns up. Otherwise, if they do turn up; then, just don't answer the door.

Anyway, Sharon's husband Geoff stated he will go check out their web site...; and, phone me back.

 

Fri 070521 Booked 'new' FREE replacement boiler assessment appointment...

FREE 'NEW' BOILER TO BE INSTALLED

 A cold call company...

https://nextrecycle.co.uk/

...said they are sending a company representative: Riaz, to visit me at home tomorrow evening...in order to see if I qualify for a FREE 'new' replacement boiler.

Over the phone, these people sound Indian; the receptionist sounded like an Indian lady; and, the guy who I spoke to...also, sounded Indian. 

I had spoken to them last week...(don't know where the hell they got my numbe from; when I tried asking them about this...the answer they gave me is really very vague...?!); and, they said they would get back to me, again; and, today, Friday 7th May they did at around 2 PM.

Frankly, because I don't really know who these people are...; therefore, I really don't know if I should actually trust them or not? What if they make the place far worse than it already is...; then, how much would it cost to fix up their mess...especially, when I'm totally flat broke!

What if.../-etc. 

I really don't like inviting complete and total strangers into my home...whether it's to fix stuff/nor, for any other reason.

 

Thu 060521 Missed 'important' job centre advisor phone call, morning.../Shopped Streatham

MISSED JOB CENTRE ADVISOR PHONE CALL, MORNING

Unfortunately, I was asleep when they job centre advisor decided to call me...to which there was no response.

I tried dialling 1471...in order to give them a call back; but, the message said: "You've missed your phone call; but, you really don't need to call us back."

I attempted to call them back, twice; only to receive the same message; after which I decided to leave things there.

The job centre advisor did leave an answer phone message stating...he will call back, again, on the 20th during the morning; and, that call I must NOT miss.

SHOPPED STREATHAM

I did some shopping in Streatham at the Pound store. Didn't buy much...just some peanuts/burgers/sweets/-etc. 

 

Fri 230421 22:08 Concerning events this week...glasses/Sharon visited/Facebook pages/-etc.

Most of these events are recalled...

-----

Wed 210421

I remember, at the beginning of the week, going down the road to do some shopping...; and, running into an Optician...(guy who prescribes glasses). I had spoken to him, before; and, told him I had lost my glasses; need to get a new pair soon. He told me to come for an appointment the next day morning.

-----

Thu 220421

I rang the optician to state that I had forgotten Streatham Job Centre was meaning to give me an very important phone call...for which I needed to stay in...so, I'm not too sure if that phone appointment is likely to conflict with the optician appointment. The optician said, I must ring him back to keep him informed.

Some minutes, later, Streatham job centre phoned me...; and, told me everything was ok benefits-wise...and, I should expect to get another phone call from them around 6th May in the morning.

I phoned back the optician to say the appointment would not be missed.

Nevertheless, I still managed to arrive there late...the appointment was 10:40 PM; and, I arrived closer to 11 PM. They tested my eyes...and, said everything seems to be ok...; but, I will need to have some new lenses.

They said the lenses will be ready in less than a week/or, two; and, the cost would be £50.00 to pick it up.

-----

Fri 230421

My cousin Sharon visited me during this morning at around 10 AM. I told her at the door, she can either choose to come in/or, not...but, I would prefer it if she came in. Unfortunately, as we spoke...I kept having slight coughing fits...not a good sign with Covid-19 around. So, I went and opened up both the back garden door/and, the front door...to make sure that place was properly ventilated...so she would worry less. Anyway, I knew I was not making a good impression on her health wise; so, it might be a while before I ever get invited over there, yet. Still, it was very good of her to call on me; and, nice to see her looking both fit and strong...she has taken up, walking, regularly. Though, she did say there were still some diabetes problems to worry about...related to having high cholesterol readings; for which she was being prescribed some tablets.

She did not stay with me for too very long. She did mention it was Dominic's birthday, soon. Basically, we left the conversation there...as she said she had to visit some other people.  

BUILDING FACEBOOK ART RELATED PAGES

I stayed on the computer all day/night long. Playing poker/and, also, updating my Facebook pages. I'm working on building a new set of Facebook pages called: Paul Ramnora's Artist Series: (artists name goes here). 

So far, I've added: Picasso, Henri Matisse, Rembrandt, Alice Neel/-etc. There are, literally, 100's and 100's of artists out there...so, it's likely that this series of 'shared' YouTube videos related to each individual artist...once started...may never actually end.

LATEST UPDATE

Actually, Facebook went and 'blocked' me from being able to create any more pages on their site...because they said I had already created far too many of these.

Sun 180421 Recalling my 58th birthday...

- (These events were recalled, afterwards on: Fri 230421; and, was not written on the actual day, itself.)-

-----

The first thing I remember doing on my birthday was to get up and go have a close look inside of the mirror just to see how my face had 'changed'...am I really older or not?

I saw there many white hairs...especially, inside of my beard/but, also, on top of my head. I would say the black hairs do still manage to vastly out-number the grey/white, though...maybe, by around 90%. Nevertheless, white/grey hairs are being intermixed in there everywhere...far too many to go pluck out!

-----

Next, I went and checked out Facebook...to see if anybody was interested in wishing me a Happy Birthday...? As usual, there were loads of birthday wishes...maybe around 10/or, 20+; -(this is because I tend to correspond with Facebook friends nearly each and every single day; and, whenever their birthday arrives...I send them good luck and best wishes); and, I tried my best to reply to everyone speaking on a personal level.

-----

Because, the sun was shining down...and, also, it was Sunday(therefore, not a 'busy' working day/nor, a week day)...I recall phoning up my cousin, Sharon; and, asking if it was ok for me to come over there. Her reply to me was, essentially, no; due to Covid-19(this is in spite of my having had my 1st AstraZenica injection around the beginning of April/the 2nd injection due to be administered in June); but, she did say around May 12th the government are due to lift the ban on people interacting with one another.

So, I just calmly replied. No problem; after all, it's better to be 'safe, than, sorry'...; and, I really don't wish to give anybody a serious illness from which they can't ever recover.

Around 10/20 or so minutes, later on, cousin Sharon phoned me back, again; mentioning, 'Happy Birthday!' I hadn't told her anything...as I wasn't exactly feeling too proud to be aged 58...!

-----

I phoned Millicent and Trevor. At first, Trevor answered the phone...I didn't actually tell him it was my birthday; but, as usual, we had a nice friendly chat. He told me Millicent was out...so, I felt I would just call back, later.

I did call back Millicent; and, told her it was my birthday. She wished me, 'Happy Birthday', of course; and, also, we continued chatting for a bit.

UPDATE: Some days, after...I think, it was Wednesday...both Millicent and Trevor showed up at my front door (though, they did NOT come in...due to Covid-19); they brought me a Birthday card with £20.00 being included inside of it in the form of 2 x £10.00 notes; which I proceeded to store underneath the carpet in case of desperate need.

I gave them a drone...brought from an online auction...as a pack of 10 x drones...to give to Chris.

-----

At first, I had planned to go out and spend the day drawing outside of the Tate Britain museum in Pimlico; but, as the day progressed...and, I 'eat/drunk' more and more...with my stomach really full...and, also, in the heat I felt lazy...so, I didn't feel like travelling, anymore; so, ultimately, I spent a quite and peaceful day inside of the home...which is exactly how I like it.

Oh, and, I also went and did some tidying up...throwing out old food jars/tins dated 2012/2015/-etc.

 

Fri 090421Job search/Visited Streatham job centre. Did some shopping in Aldi. Paid bills: Water Rate

PAID BILLS: WATER RATE

I paid bills...

£35.00 Water Rate/£300.00 still remaining to be paid.

DID SOME ONLINE JOB SEARCHS

I signed into my gov.uk online site...and, did some job searches for the day.

VISITED STREATHAM JOB CENTRE TO EXPLAIN MY CASE...RESULT: BENFITS RESTORED

Because of yesterday's missed phone call; I had to go out to visit Streatham Job Centre in order to explain my case.

I told them I got the phone call...; but, was 'cut off'...and, when I tried phoning them back...it wouldn't let me through.

They took a note of my details...; and, explained my case over the phone to my job centre advisor: Richard; who said everything was ok...and, my benefits would continue as normal. Too, they would contact me on the 22nd of April 2021.

SHOPPED STREATHAM ALDI

As I walked up the road from Streatham Job Centre; I saw on the left hand side Aldi superstore; so, I decided to stop in there to buy some shopping. I brought £30.00+ worth of shopping...which I carried home...by balancing 3 x full bags on either side of my bikes handle bars. Luckily, I got home 'safe'...without the bags splitting/-etc.

Thu 080421 Missed 'important' benefits phone call. Skrill placed block on a/c. Paid bills: Gas/Electric/Council Tax

MISSED 'IMPORTANT' BENEFITS PHONE CALL

The benefit people phoned me, twice. 

-(I completely forgot when it was they were due to phone me, again...?!)-

I missed the first phone call...by just not being there...I was asleep.

The second phone call...I tried to reply to; but, the phone got 'cut off'...; then, when I tried to, repeatedly, phone them back...most frustratingly, I could not get through...?!  

Eventually, I decided to ride my bike all the way down there...in order to explain, that I was in; and, I did here the phone ring; but, when I tried answering it...I couldn't get through.  

They said I should return back home; and, my job centre advisor: Richard, will phone be somewhere between 2 PM - 6 PM. I stayed home...; but, didn't receive any further call.

I decided to go visit them, again, tomorrow...; to go talk about this.

MY SKRILL ACCOUNT/FROZEN

I went and made some further deposits into Skrill...£10.00 at a time.

At first, I had brought 1,010 XLM/(Stellar Lumen) bitcoins...; but, later on, decided to transfer this balance into buying some BTC/Bitcoins, instead.

I watched the balance going both 'up and down' just like a yo yo...and, all in one single day! Sometimes, it dropped by 10 points/then, the total climbed back up by 7 points/and, so on...

Eventually, I decided I've really had enough of this playing around...£380...went down to become £350.00...so, after losing £30.00...I decided it's time to quit by doing a full withdrawal. Only, then, Skill placed a 'block' on my a/c. stating...I can't do anything without having to provide further 'verification'...?!

My account currently states a balance of £348.50; (none of which it's possible to withdraw/or, do anything else with).

PAID BILLS

I paid some bills...

£100.00 British Gas electricity/Gave new meter reading...£70.00 still remaining to be paid

£100.00 British Gas gas/Gave new meter reading...£317.00 still remaining to be paid

£ 34.00 Council Tax/£310.00 still remaining to be paid 

 

 

Sun 280321 Brought some Bitcoin for the very first time...

BROUGHT SOME BITCOINS FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

I went and brought some bitcoins for the very first time...just in order to find out how it all works...including both: 'buying/selling'.

It's possible to user either Skrill/Neteller app. in order to make both purchases/sales; and, I'm sure, there are many other ways of investing in it, too...such as through the use of wallets/-etc.

YOU DON'T NEED TO BUY A BITCOIN 'WHOLE'/YOU CAN ALSO BUY A 'PART'

What I discovered was...

- You don't have to buy a 'whole' bit coin...so, if say the BTC/BitCoin cost £40,000.00+; you can still invest say: £10.00 in order to buy into it. Of course, your 'buy in' would only amount to something like owning 0.0000000000001%; but, at the same time, you are able to participate in the rewards/losses if the price either moves up/or else, goes down.

If the price drops really low, all of a sudden; then, if your investment amount was low...that could wipe out all of your investment.

If you invested high...and, all of a sudden, the price drops...you should still have, at least, some bit coin money left.

FEES/CHARGES

Rather like investing in certain stock market options...you can choose to both 'buy/sell' your bitcoins, at any point in time...; however, you also need to be fully 'aware' of the costs in fee charges; for example, using the Skrill app.

-> You are charged a fee when you deposit from your own bank a/c.

-> You are charged a fee when you purchase bit coins

-> You are charged a fee when you sell bit coins

-> You are charged a fee when you withdraw funds back into your own bank a/c.

...so,  that all adds up to 4 different sets of fees being charged...with some fees being far higher than others are...such as depositing back into your own bank a/c. is, in fact, the highest fee!

THINKING ABOUT WITHDRAWING EVERYTHING

I might just decided to withdraw all of my money out of bitcoins altogether...; as, frankly, I don't fully understanding the platform/not sure I'm investing money, properly; nor do I trust the price of bitcoin which could, quite suddenly, fall. I heard of people, suddenly, losing say 30% of their investment/-etc. 

I guess, you have to know when to stay with it...as well as, when to drop out. Myself, I'm not that skilled, yet. So, I really feel very deeply 'uncertain' about keeping any money in there. I only ever invested no more than £10.00 at a time.

 

Sat 270321 Been looking at Bitcoin videos...hoping to learn more

BEEN LOOKING AT BIT COIN VIDEOS...IN ORDER TO LEARN MORE

For quite a few days, now, I been looking into 'bitcoin' videos in order to learn more what it's all about.

Fri 270321 Winnie phoned me, again...

6 PM+ WINNED PHONED ME, AGAIN

I got another phone call from Winne; this time she wanted to chat about the builders...; as she wanted a shed built to go inside of her back garden.

I told her the builders had moved off to Wales.

We spoke about many other things...

- My cousin, Andrew (who died)

-etc.

Thu 250321 Winne phoned me evening

6 PM+ WINNIE PHONED

During the evening, I received a phone call from a family friend, Winnie. She just wanted to see how I was doing...we had a long chat.   

I cannot, right now, recall all that we talked about...

- Chronavirus...that I recently got the jab

...and, quite a few other things.

Wed 240321 Bike got stolen in Brixton/Reported it to the police

2 PM-2:40 PM BIKE STOLEN IN BRIXTON

I was standing up in a queue in Brixton...; when I first looked up my bike which I'd chained up to a green post outside of the Beehive pub...was there...though, lying down on the floor(maybe, I didn't chain it up, properly?); and, the next time, I looked up...the bike was completely 'vanished'...?! 

I looked everywhere all around me...; thinking I might see who the perpetrator(s) were...but, saw nobody...

-----

REPORTED BIKE MISSING TO THE POLICE

At first, I tried going down to Brixton police station to report it...; but, they told me I must go home to get the necessary details...bike frame reference nos./-etc.

So, I took the bus home...; and, then, got the details...returned back to Brixton police station...only to be told I must go back home...and, report the missing bike on phone number: 101 (non emergency police line).

I returned home...rang 101...gave them the details...then, was passed on to somebody else...who confirmed some further details; then, was told they would look into it.

-----

NOT TOO HOPEFUL I'M EVER GOING TO GET MY BIKE RETURNED BACK TO ME, AGAIN

Frankly, I'm none too hopeful that I'm ever likely to see my bike, again; after all, on the streets of London, I have lost so many bikes to date...seriously, it must all amount to over 20+...! I never got back a single 'one', yet; whether I reported it or not.

What I do very deeply regret...because, I'm unemployed/broke...therefore, cannot afford to buy a 'new' bike...is I should have brought some insurance...which I did not. If I had done that...I would, at least, have gotten back some money to replace it with a 'new' bike. Well, maybe, next time, I guess...and, especially so if the bike I brought is really expensive...this one was the most expensive I had ever brought in all of my entire life. So, I miss not just the bike...but, also, all of that money.

£350.00 Carrera, Subway Two, Black

£160.00 2 x £80 each heavy duty bike chain locks

£ 80.00 3 year bike care plan (labour/not parts)

=

£590.00 Total

Thus, constituting a massive financial loss to me.  The most expensive bike I ever brought before cost just £200.00 in range, instead; and, this bike had cost me 3 times that sum! 

-----

GOOD LESSONS

What I did learn when I went and brought myself a £350.00 Carrera bike...is the 'quality' is that much higher...in terms of ride quality; and, also,...

- the bike tends to break down so much less

- it runs pretty much 'puncture' free

- when in good order; it moved fairly 'fast'

I believe I owned that bike for around 2 or so years; and, as far as I'm concerned having had that experience was, really and truly, worth it. Meaning, I would like to replace it with the same exact model that I really 'loved' riding...far more than any other bike I'd experienced having before. 

I'm thinking of going to Brixton; then, paying for it using monthly instalments. However, it may take some time to save up to get all of the other accessory gear...such as bike locks/bike warranty/-etc.

-----

BAD LESSONS

Looking back, now, I can see where, in a way, my loosing the bike was really all due to my own fault.

I was totally negligent...

1> I knew the bike had fallen down flat onto the floor...; this would make it, instantly, noticeable to anyone passing by...including, 'bike thieves'.

However, I had chained up bikes before...which had fallen onto the floor...but, because they were chained up...I just left it there like that...and, there was no problem...it was still there when  I returned.

2> I had two heavy Kryptonite bike chain locks...and, I should have tried chaining up both wheels...as well as, the frame. Unfortunately, I got really 'lazy'...and, instead, just used just one chain, alone, tying up the bike to the 'thick' lamp post...and, around the top of the bike frame.

Had I bothered with chaining up both wheels...or, even, a single wheel; then, even if it had not been properly chained to the lamp post...nobody could easily ride off with it...as both wheels simply wouldn't turn. If one wheel was locked...then, they would have to slowly walk off with it...but, using only 'one' wheel to move it. Thus, it was a really big mistake to leave both wheels unchained...massive mistake, actually...through just not having enough time/patience.

3> There were proper bike stands over across the road; but, me, being in such a dreadful hurry...I didn't bother to even think about using those.

After all, previously, I had chained my bike to the very same lamp post...and, it was never stolen, yet.

4> I had read about buying bike insurance...; but, for some reason, decided I just couldn't afford it...; instead, I wanted to save that money to go and do something else. 

Buying insurance, always seems a little bit mad...when nothing is going wrong; it's only when things go wrong...that's when you have the very deepest regret that you did NOT get any proper insurance.

CONCLUSION

Make no mistake about it, I really miss my bike...;  I miss loosing all of my money invested in it even more; and, the whole idea of having to start up saving to get another bike...honestly, makes me feel a bit 'sick'...what if the next bike gets stolen, as well(gotta buy some insurance, like it or not)?!

 

 

Monday 220321 Choronavirus 1st Jab of 2...

8:15 AM WENT FOR 1ST CHORONAVIRUS PREVENTION JAB

Early morning, I rode my bike down to Streatham, Westbury Chemist...where I was given my 1st Choronavirus prevention jab.

There was only slight pain experienced...; but, the process was really quick, and, all over and done with really soon.

They gave me a piece of paper recording...

- what batch number I had the anti-virus from

- the name of the anti-virus: AstraZenica

...and, there was space to record having taken the 2nd jab, as well; which won't be until June 13th.

 

 

Sun 210321 Completed Census online/Made Chornavirus jab(s) appointment, also, online

COMPLETED DOING THE UK CENSUS ONLINE

I filled in the UK Census online; which was very important...otherwise, I could get fined.

APPLIED FOR 2 X CHORONAVIRUS PREVENTION JABS

After completing the census online; I decided why not apply for the Chornavirus prevention jab online, too. When I went there it said, I need to take 2 jabs...and, not just merely one...which I accepted.

Originally, I wanted both jabs to be administered in the same 'one' place: Streatham, Westbury Chemist; however, it wouldn't allow me to book that...; therefore, I was forced to book to take the 2nd jab elsewhere: Robson Road, West Norwood.

Mon 220221 Cat brought a dead mouse into the bedroom...!

00.05 AM STILL STUDYING AT DUOLINGO.COM/LEADERBOARD POSITION: 1ST

- https://www.duolingo.com

So far to date, and, for each of the last 14 days, I've maintained my topmost position on the studying leader board of 1st place.

NOTE: I had signed up for a FREE 14 day trial of Duolingo; and, today, that FREE trial period ends; so, that means they are about to charge my card £12.00 monthly; so, I'm going to have to make sure that there are sufficient funds in my a/c. to cover that.

02:30 AM CAT BROUGHT A DEAD RAT INTO THE BEDROOM

I forgot to close the backgarden door; and, then, all of a sudden, my cat came up to the side of the bed; but, I really wasn't too sure what it was she was trying to tell me; so, I simply 'ignored' her...; and, continued studying French at Duolingo web site...using my iPad.

It was only, later on, when I got up somewhere around 6 AM...that I looked down to see the cat had brought in a 'gift' of a dead mouse straight up to my bedside!

Quickly, I wrapped the dead mouse in a sheet of newspaper; and, then, walking to the front door threw both the newspaper sheet/and, the mouse out onto the street pavement.

What a really weird way to start off the day...!

  

Sun 210221 Around mid-day Sharon phoned me...

12:00 MIDDAY, SHARON PHONED

Some time around midday my cousin, Sharon phoned; I guess, it was to thank me for the kids presents. 

However, I was studying hard on Duolingo...; and, was feeling about as tired as hell; so, I didn't bother sticking around to talk to her long.

I just told her make sure Geoff gets his bereavement card; and, basically, left the conversation there...sort of hanging in the air. I did, of course, explain that I'm feeling extremely tired; so, I would try and phone her back, later on.

Somewhere around 6 PM I did phone her back; but, there was no reply.

Sat 20021 Visited Sharon late night to drop off kids birthday presents

SAT 200221 VISITED SHARON LATE NIGHT TO DROP OFF KIDS PRESENTS

I was meant to have gone and visited Sharon, yesterday; but, most unfortunately, with ADD/Attention Deficit Disorder getting the better of me...therefore, I went and left it far too 'late'.

So, instead, I made up my mind to go and visit them, today; and, drop off their birthday presents which should have been delivered, yesterday.

I left home somewhere around 7 PM; and, with 3 trains to catch...the journey was extremely slow...I think, I actually arrived there somewhere around 8:30 PM.

West Norwood -> Norwood Junction -> Purley -> Kingswood

The first station I had to wait 15-20 minutes long...the 2nd station I had to wait about 20 minutes up to 1/2 an hour...and, the 3rd station another wait time of 20 minutes. Not to mention long train journey's in between stations.

When I eventually arrived, I rang the bell...; but, didn't bother to go inside of the house...; instead, I just simply said, here are your presents...but, now, I have to leave before the last train comes. I only got to speak with the 2 youngest children; not the adults/nor the teenage boy.

The truth is, I had been coughing a bit...; and, didn't wish to give any of the family Choronavirus entirely by accident...; that's the real reason why I didn't bother going inside of the home.

I brought 3 cards...each of which I signed up. 

- Bereavement card the dad (who had just recently lost his mother)

- 2 birthday cards for the twins

...I also included some presents: toys/box of chocolates/peanuts/-etc. Oh, and, a Alexa device(I had given them this device before; but, when I got home it wouldn't work...; so, I decided to return it back to them...I think, it wasn't properly de-registered from their a/c.).

9 PM THE RETURN TRAIN JOURNEY HOME

My original intention was to get off at Tulse Hill train station. However, when the train arrived along the platform; I found I could not get off...because I was in carriage number 8...and, the station announcement said..."this station has a short platform/make sure you are in the right carriage to leave"...; because, I had travelled on my bike...it wasn't easy to rush to get out of the adjoining next train carriage, instead; so, I simply wait for the next train platform to come along which was North Dulwich.

I knew which way to ride from North Dulwich to get back home...turn left at the entrance...passing through West Dulwich...and, then, over to Tulse Hill/West Norwood.

-----

I noticed there are many 'teenagers' on the streets/and, also, using public transport during the late evening. I think, this is because Covid-19 doesn't affect the young as much as it does older people. I'm not too sure if the parents either let their teenage children out.../or, if they sneak out themselves without having their parents permission. I can certainly see where it's possible for teenagers to get into an awful lot of trouble on the streets...with their carefree, couldn't care less sensibility...and, also, willingness to try and experiment with attempting to do 'new' things.

For example, whilst sitting on the train, a couple of teenage girls came up and asked if I could light their cigarette. I told them, "no, I don't smoke." When they came and asked me a 2nd time, I replied:  "You look a bit young to be smoking." One of the young girls reply to me was: "F*** off!" I decided it's best to totally ignore her; after all, I used to be a teenager with a highly rebellious streak myself.

Fri 190221 Was meant to visit Sharon-left if too late! Brought 'fish and chips' + chicken

FRI 190221 WAS MEANT TO VISIT, SHARON; BUT, LEFT IT FAR TOO 'LATE'

I was meant to go and visit Sharon; in order to deliver to the two twins their birthday presents. However, due to ADD/Attention Deficit Disorder...I actually went and left it far too 'late' to travel there.

I decided to switch plans; and, just visit them tomorrow. I made a phone call to explain as much.

BROUGHT FISH & CHIPS/-ETC.

I found a £20.00 note; and, decided since it's been so very long since I've gone and eaten 'fish and chips'...; why not do so, tonight.

I rode my bike down the road...; and, across the street...where I ordered...

- 1 x fish and chips

- 1 x sausage in batter

- 1 x pattie (I think, it was vegetable)

- 1 x whole chicken (costing £7.50)

- 2 x onions (I think, the guy might have forgotten to include the onions/not sure if he charged me for that or not...?!)

...I recall there wasn't too much change left out of £20.00 something like £1.50.

BACK HOME/HAD SOME PROPER DINNER

When I arrived home...I used the microwave to heat up everything except the chicken...which I decided to leave for eating later.

First, I had 'fish and chips'; followed by 'sausage in batter'; followed by pattie...by which time my stomach was quite full enough to go off to bed.  

The chicken  I eat the next day; in bits and pieces...first, I had the 2 x chicken legs/next, I had 2 x chicken wings/and, the main body of the chicken I left to eat last. 

 

Wed 170221 Part paid: gas/electricty; too, part paid: TV License/Internet

Today, I went and paid...

£  50.00 electric 

£100.00 gas

£  31.50 (internet/phone)

£  10.00 tv license (still have to pay a further £145.50)

£  36.77 (loan/£450.00 still remaining to pay off)

----------

£228.27 Total

----------

     1

The total I now owe on both the gas/electricity is...

£100.00 electricity

£200.00 gas

----------

£300.00 still owing 

----------

(...this is the 'overdue' amount; I might have to make a phone call in order to arrange a payment plan...; before they start sending me 'red' reminder letters; or else, choose to cut off my gas/electric supply completely.)

Furthermore, both the Water Rate/Council Tax bills are coming soon. 

Frankly, having to cope with all of these endless bills is driving me totally and completely mad; I just don't have enough money...?!

On top of it all, the house roof is leaking in, at least, 4 different places...which would mean I have to pay builders to put up whole house scaffolding to go and fix the roofing. This I cannot afford to do at the moment; so, for now I just have to learn to live with the leaking...and, it can all just simply wait to be fixed, at some point, later on. 

 

Fri 280121 Visited Brixton/Brockwell Park/West Norwood GPO/-etc. Black guy accused me of stealing my own bike...?!

THU 270121 YESTERDAY, SENT TO BRITISH GAS MY LATEST METER READING FOR BOTH GAS/ELECTRICITY

£375+ Gas 

£180+ Electric 

------

£555+ Total balance

I knew, then, I would have to go and make an urgent withdrawal, soon.

FRI 280121 

2:30 PM VISITED BRIXTON TO MAKE AN  URGENT WITHDRAWAL

I woke up 'late'...knowing from yesterday that I had to go down to Brixton to make a withdrawal; so many bills need paying.

I arrived in Brixton just before 3 PM...and, made the necessary withdrawal.

3:30 PM BROCKWELL PARK

I decided to ride through Brockwell Park on the way back home. In  there I saw a tall white guy practicing doing some boxing...; he had tied up a small bouncy 'top and bottom' bag...by tying up some string to both the top wood/concrete floor; and, was practicing hitting it. 

With some caution I dismounted my bike, and, slowly moved in closer...you never quite know how a stranger will react when you interrupt their training. Luckily, for me, the guy was very friendly...I said to him, "I wondered how you managed to tie up the bag like that...as I want to tie one up myself at home." He explained that he had used a 'bent nail' on the floor/and, so on. 

I really wanted to ask him if it was ok for me to have a go playing on the boxing equipment, too; but, in a Covid 19 time...I felt that might be pushing my luck too far, possibly. So, I simply thanked him, and, very quickly left. In fact, what I really wanted to do was to ask him if we could engage in a bout of 'light' sparring...; but, again, with a complete stranger -he did look in some shape- you never quite know exactly how good they are/nor how aggressive their sparring is likely to be. Some people tend to lose their temper really quite quickly and easily. Basically, I decided to leave it there...thinking to myself...maybe, I will see him another day; then, we can talk further.

4 PM BROUGHT SOME COCONUT SHY FROM THE JAMAICAN TULSE HILL SHOP/(NEAR TO GREGGS CAKE SHOP)

 I walked into the Jamaican shop near to Greggs just above Tulse Hill. I ordered 6 Coconut Shy's. The woman server told me what I was pointing at was not Coconut Shy; so, I said if she could give me 5 Coconut Shy's and 1 of the other things. In all I paid her £10.00.

When I arrived back home...much to my surprise she had packed 5 x Coconut icing cakes & 1 x Coconut Shy. Well, the truth is, I like to eat both...so, I didn't bother to return back anything.

4:15 PM BROUGHT 4 x BAGS OF RICE FROM THE HALAL SHOP

A little bit more up the road is a Halal grocery store where I often go to buy food. This time I decided to order 4 x bags of 'easy cook' rice costing £1.99 each.

4:30 PM WENT TO WEST NORWOOD POST OFFICE TO MAKE A DEPOSIT ONTO MY CARD

I walked into West Norwood post office...where I made a deposit onto my card. (Will need to use that deposit to make certain payments due at the end of the month.)

5 PM BROUGHT 2 X BOXES OF CHICKEN WINGS AND CHIPS (FROM THE SHOP OPPOSITE WEST NORWOOD TRAIN STATION) 

I brought 2 x boxes of Chicken Wings and chips from the shop across the road from West Norwood train station for £3.00 each. I would have brought just 1 box, alone; only the minimum payment by card is £4.00/thus, I felt force to buy 2, instead.

STRANGE INCIDENT, BLACK GUY ACCUSED ME OF STEALING HIS BIKE

As I was waiting from my box of Chicken Wings & Chips to be made up. Before I walked into the shop, I noticed some black boys looking at me rather strangely from across the road...they look at everyone strangely attempting to 'intimidate' them, I guess...to see who will be afraid or not...I decided to just totally 'ignore' them. 

All of a sudden, a black boy...judging from his accent, I would say of African descent...of slim build/aged somewhere around 20-30, possibly. About my same height...slightly less...5ft 6 to 7 inches. (I really should have taken much more careful note of his details...such as clothes he was wearing...was he wearing a scarf/head wear/trousers/coat/foot wear/-etc.; but, the truth is, I just didn't want to know...or, engage with him...nevermind, even look at him.)

He asked me, how long have you had your bike for? I told him a year or two. He next responded that somebody had stolen his bike...and, my bike looked exactly like his. I looked him straight in the eye, and, told him really quite honestly, "I never stole anybody's bike in my entire life." I said, "I had brought my bike legitimately from Brixton Halfords bike shop. The cost was £350.00; and, I had traded in another bike to receive a discount."

After which he picked up his mobile phone...and, proceeded to show me a photo of a similar 'Carrera' named bike; only that one was 'blue'; so, I told him my bike is 'black'; his response to that was, 'bikes can be painted over." 

Realising that this guy was not going to quit...I immediately got fed up...and, told him, repeatedly, "Call the police! Call the police!" His reply to that was, there was no need to get the police involved. 

Finally, I said, "I don't have to talk to you. I don't even know you!" 

After which I took my Chicken Wings and Chips and left.

At that point, the guy seem to shut up; and, left me alone.

What's really weird about these incidents is, you never quite know how it's going to end; the guy could be mentally ill.../or, just a gang member looking for a fight...once it starts off, all of the rest of his friends can join in. The other aspect is...you really don't know if this 'younger' guy will be a good fighter or not/or, what his level of fighting ability/experience is...will he draw out a weapon such as a  knife/(or, will his friends)....it's very difficult to tell. Only, afterwards, can you be 100% certain about what's going to happen, next...; otherwise, it's simply 'touch and go', and, basically, living by a hair's breath.

I walked back home...all the time being really careful to keep on looking backwards...to see if I was being followed all the way home; but, I didn't see anyone.