Wednesday, 31 July 2019

Wed 31st July 2019 Collected Metro newspaper/Stayed in...practised building web pages using: CSS/CSS3

I woke up...I can't even remember when...?

I'm actually writing this post on Thursday morning...; when the actual events happened to me just, yesterday, Wednesday.

What I do remember is going down the road to get a Free Metro newspaper from West Norwood train station.

Then, I must have come back in; and, slept.

When I awoke it was already evening...; and, I moved over to the computer to go and...

- complete doing a few job searches online

- then, moved on to studying learning CSS/CSS3 web page building techniques...by using a mixture of various different sources.

-> http://www.skillshare.com
-> http://www.skillsuccess.com
-> http://www.udemy.com
-> http://www.w3schools.com

On the computer I've remained until, now...when it's very early Thursday morning: 01:51 AM.


...Yesterday, Wednesday I started off by building this simple 3 page web site. In the above example, I tried to create 3 buttons...used to switch between each web page. Also, I'm using: text-shadow...which creates reflective shadow effects beneath web page text.

Example code:

h1{text-shadow: 5px 5px 5px black;}

Currently, I'm still working away at building this single web page...


This last example uses something called a: linear-gradient...where you can either specify 2 or more colours to achieve a multi-coloured gradient with.

Example code:

h1{background:linear-gradient(blue,aqua);}

It's amazing how simple the use of CSS3 rules can be, sometimes; I mean, all you need to learn really is just 'one' single line; and, basically, that's it...done!

CONCLUSION

But, of course, there is still the problem of creating a whole entire web page: writing content which appeals to visitors...as well as, having to go pay attention to it's overall design...should things be aligned: left/right/centre; which is the best -or, most appropriate- font to use; or, in the case of building a web site..how to organise code...into separate folders/selecting which particular web page development technologies to use...and, which to leave out...should I just use plain vanilla Javascript/or else, one of it's flavours: JQuery/or, VueJS/or, NodeJS, possibly? Then, there is testing links/and, re-writing/re-designing/having to go upload stuff to check it works properly on the internet...as well as, offline/use of meta tags/and, UI responsiveness...can the page be viewed well at any size/-etc.

In short, web development: writing/designing/testing code...ain't always easy. If it was; then, everybody in the whole wide world would be doing it. You need to have loads of patience...be ready to prepare plans in advance...and, then, later on, have those plans, constantly, 'change'.  I don't think the job of being a web developer is ever truly done...; as there is always more to add, later/or, suddenly, one discovers bugs here and there...which will all need to be 'fixed'.

I'm not a web developer, myself...; just merely an 'amateur'...who plays around at discovering learning a few of the 'basics'.

Monday, 29 July 2019

Tue 30th July 2019 Woke really early 3-4 AM/Used iPad 4 to take selfie photos

3-4 AM WOKE UP REALLY EARLY

After yesterday evening's Krav Maga training...I seem to have come in...went straight to bed, more or less; and, then, fallen fast asleep. That's the reason why I ended up waking really early...at around 3-4 AM.

My internal body clock, by habit, is either set to:

-> sleep late...staying up way past midnight...falling asleep in the morning somewhere between 2-5 AM/then, wake up during the evening somewhere way past midday.

-> sleep early before mid night; and, then, wake up early before 6 AM...which is when I will usually go for a 'quiet' walk around the block...because only at that very early time.../or else, late at night...one finds that there is almost nobody else on the streets apart from yourself. I also find at those times the air is most 'fresh' as there are far less 'moving' automobiles coming along to pollute the air quality.

5:30 AM WENT TO COLLECT A FREE COPY OF METRO NEWSPAPER FROM WEST NORWOOD TRAIN STATION...BROUGHT IPAD 4 ALONG WITH ME TO TAKE PHOTOS

I decided to go out and collect a FREE copy of Metro newspaper from West Norwood train station...taking my iPad 4 along with me...this gave me the opportunity to go and take some photographs, all the time, as I was walking.




I was very deeply worried that the iPad memory would fill up really fast...; but, much to my amazement...I must have taken around 200+ shots...before the iPad finally went and 'locked up' on me; which is when I decided to return back home...and, sort out which particular photos to either keep/or, dump. Of those 200+ shots...only 1 or 2 are worthwhile keeping; the rest are all to dump; then, go and take some more shots another day, instead!




Sunday, 28 July 2019

Mon 29th July 2019 Cat woke me/Paid British Gas/Shopped: CoOp/Iceland/Went Krav-Ruskin Park

6 AM AWOKEN BY MY CAT

The cat came and woke me up...by placing her head next to mine...and, gently stoking me with her whiskers.

Animals, I found, tend to operate pretty much like clockwork...they seem to love sticking to 'fixed' routines; and, really quite naturally.

At 6 AM/6 PM she demands to be fed 'wet' food in packets(Whiskas/or, Felix): meat: chicken/fish: tuna/-etc..

And, for the rest of the day, I just need to leave a plate of 'dry' pellet food out(mostly, Whiskas/Mixed flavours); so that she can go and help herself even at any time she pleases.

6:30 AM SURFED THE WEB/CHECKED EMAIL/-ETC.

Whenever I get onto my home desktop computer, I like to do such things as...

- surf the web (random searches, for anything that quite suddeenly comes to mind)
- check email (read/reply)
- check social media: Facebook
- find stuff to learn about on: YouTube
- etc.

If I'm not, really and truly, careful...I can easily end up surfing all day/night long without hardly any breaks(except going to toilet). I guess it's called having 'internet addiction'...; and, an awful lot of people tend to suffer from this, now-a-days...because an internet connection is available on multiple devices...including on your internet connected TV/internet connected tablet computer...which I tend to use in bed/internet connected mobile phone(currently, I don't have any mobile phone)/and, so on...!

14:20 DID BOTH GAS/ELECTRIC METER READING: GAS £5.00 IN CREDIT/ELECTRIC £365.20 OWING

I went back to sleep for while; it's really not natural for me to wake up at 6 AM; especially, when I tend to go to sleep really 'late' somewhere past 12 midnight...maybe, 2 or 4 AM.

Anyway, when I awoke; I decided to go and check out my bill for British Gas...

http://www.britishgas.co.uk

The gas bill still said I owe them £25.00; so, I went and paid it; thus, leaving a nil balance on the gas.

The electric bill still said I owe them £200.00.

Next, I went and did a meter reading for both both gas/electricity.

Apparently, my Gas bill had been 'estimated'; and, the reading was far too high; thus, the actual gas meter reading I gave was lower than was estimated.

The electric bill on the other hand, after I'd given them a 'new' meter reading...shot straight upwards by £165.20...to make a total of £365.20 owing!

I decided to phone British Gas to speak to them about it on: 0333 202 9802.

I explained that the Gas Cooker had gone down; as the guy who came to fit a 'smart meter' said the cooker was leaking gas...thus, he decided to completely disconnect the cooker from the wall; and, as a form of 'temporary' gas cooker replacement...he gave us a FREE portable electric twin hub cooker appliance to go plug in, and, use to cook on, in future. Thus, instead, of cooking using gas...; we are now cooking our food using electricity...which might account for the increased gas bill.

The girl who I spoke to on the phone agreed with everything I'd gone and said...she told me that the gas was, now, £5.00 in credit; and, the electric bill was, indeed, £365.20 owing. I needed to pay £50.00 today; and, then, a next £50.00 in a fortnights time...as was the previous payment arrangement. I told her I'd gone and lost both gas/electric payments cards; and, I requested she send me a new electric payment card, only; because we aren't really using the gas...so no need for any payment card on that one; she said the new payment card would be with me in 7 days time.


NOTE
:  Today, I went and paid British Gas £65.15 for electric...which leaves a 'round' £300.00 still left to pay on the electricity. (My next electric payment will be for £50.00 in a fortnights time...I think, the girl I spoke to over the phone, earlier, said: 12th August.)


3:30 PM BROUGHT SOME SHOPPING INSIDE THE COOP STORE

I brought...

- 1 x bread costing £0.90p (the previous breads went stale/need to get a brand 'new' fridge; that is, whenever I can afford it?)

- 1 x large orangeade Lucozade costing £1.00 (providing you keep the drink re-fridgerated; then, it helps to cool down a lot, especially, when the weather is hot; and, right now, it's still fairly hot.)


3:45 PM BROUGHT SOME SHOPPING INSIDE OF ICELAND

Inside of the CoOp I was about to buy 4 x small bottles of orangeade Lucozade; but, then, a coloured lady came up to me and said that if I go to Iceland, over the road, I can get 8 x small bottles for just 3.xx. So, I crossed the road; and, went into Iceland...sure enough, the lady was right.

- 1 pack of 8 x small bottles of orangeade Lucozade costing £3.50.


4 PM COLLECTED FREE METRO NEWSPAPER FROM WEST NORWOOD TRAIN STATION

I usually will go and collect a FREE Metro newspaper from West Norwood train station...whenever I awake/-(or, at any other time during the day)-; when I know I've already gotten this task over and done with morning...; then, I don't have to worry about doing it, later on.

Far more often than not, purely for convenience sake/plus, speed...I would ride my bike both down there and back, again. At other times, if I'm feeling strong...or, wishing to get stronger(that is, am willing enough to go and do exercise)...then, instead, of really quite lazily choosing to go bike it...I will try and either walk/run.

Ordinarily, I tend to collect, at least, 3 copies of the Metro newspaper...

1> One copy for my mum
2> Another copy for myself
3> A final copy to do other things with (practising drawing on/cover up any water leaks/dirt/dust/-etc.)

When I've collected a certain amount of newspapers that I'm not even interested in using, anymore; I will usually bag them up...and, give them to my local 2nd hand shop...who likes to use these as being 'wrapping papers' for buyers from their shop.

6 PM WENT SHOPPING ICELAND

I decided to go shopping in Iceland, again; mainly, because I needed to get the cat a £10.00 pack of 40 pouches of 'wet' food: mixed flavours.

I also brought £1.00 worth of Salmon/Cheese Roulette...just to try out something completely different(didn't really like it when I got back home...too sour/needs to be eaten with something really sweet/or, possibly, meaty...but, certainly, not good to eat on its own, alone).

I also got some fruits...

-> 1 x £10.00 box of cat food containing 40 pouches of 'wet' food: mixed flavours
-> 1 x £1.00 worth of Cream Cheese Roll/Salmon (not nice, alone/too sour; together with sweet biscuit/or, meat, ok)
-> 1 £1.00 x box of cherries
-> 1 £0.75p x box of peaches(or, at least, they look like peaches...might be nectarines/or, something like that)
-> 1 £0.75p x box of plums
-> 1 £1.00 x round tub of popcorn


...and, I believe that was it. I paid for the £10.00 cat food using one debit card; and, paid for the rest using another...the second total was £13.xx.


7 PM WENT KRAV MAGA TRAINING IN RUSKIN PARK

I decided to go to Krav Maga training in Rusking Park...next to Kings College Hospital in Herne Hill.

When I arrived there half an hour 'late', as usual; I saw Remi -and, not Sunnil who I was expecting- as being the teacher.

He showed us 1 knife disarm...by kicking the hand; and, 2 strangle holds from the back; and, also, we did some sparring. I sparred with an 'inexperienced' girl/but, didn't do too well against her...she punched me really hard in the temple/and, also, kicked me in the groin...luckily, I was wearing a groin guard for protection; and, I knew that if it was 'real life' fighting...then, both of those blows would have resulted in TKO/Total Knock Out! So, I really gotta do more training to get in far better shape.




Sun 28th July 2019 TFL refund £8.40/Visited Dulwich Picture Gallery/Beckett House

8 AM AWOKE/FED CAT

I awoke to go feed the cat...; and, also, very quickly went down the road to dump discarded cat food inside of a public bin half way down the road. (I don't want the smelly food contents inside of the home/and, also, inviting flies.)

Normally, I would have emptied the food into a food bin provided by the council; only I don't know where the hell our food bin has gone...?!

CHECKED TFL WEB SITE FOR MY OYSTER CARD BALANCE...WAS OVER-CHARGED

http://www.tfl.gov.uk

Yesterday, I went by train to go and visit seeing my cousins in Kingswood. The normal cost for the journey both there and back is £7.40.

Before I did the trip...I checked at TFL/Transport For London web site what my current Oyster card balance was: £15.00. 

Today, I went and checked online what my current Oyster card balance is...; much to my surprise, it said just: £1.00 left!

This meant they over-charged me; and, I will need to apply for a refund.

PHONED TFL FOR OYSTER CARD REFUND/THEY RE-CREDITED MY OYSTER ACCOUNT £8.40

11 AM I phoned TFL on: 0343 222 1234 (8am-8pm daily).

However, their reply was that their systems are, currently, down...and, therefore, I will need to retry, later.

11:30 AM I phoned TFL, again..; and, this time they decided to refund £8.40 back to my Oyster card.  I just need to go down the road to make a public transport journey...where I touch my card onto the Yellow card receiver machine...and, the refund should be re-credited.


3 PM VISITED DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY

I decided to go and visit Dulwich Picture Gallery during this Sunday weekend. In fact, there was some slightly stale bread...which -after I smelled it- I didn't feel was fit for human consumption/but, it exhibited no signs of mildew, yet; thus, I wanted to use it to feed the ducks. First, I went and visited seeing Belair Park...which is on the same road as is Dulwich Picture Gallery; after feeding the ducks; I, then, continued my journey on to seeing the gallery.

3:30 PM I entered the gallery...showing them my yearly membership pass...then, I went to see the 'latest; prints exhibition, again; which is something I'd already seen before. It was interesting re-visiting the same exhibition...because, to me, it felt like witnessing seeing everything entirely anew...most of which I'd already forgotten seeing.

4 PM A bell was rung to announce the gallery was giving a FREE tour; so, I decided to join in. The lady explained both the history of the gallery itself...being the first public gallery in London...even before the National Gallery; and, she also told us more about quite a few paintings, I think, it was either 4 or 5; including, Murillo/Gainsborough/Canaletto/Poussain/-etc.

4:30 PM The tour had ended; and, I continued to look around...this time not actually going into the exhibition itself...; but, just looking at the main paintings. My idea was to find something to draw...; but, I got carried away just looking...and, maybe, a bit frightened off trying to copy 'masterpieces'...!

5 PM I decided to leave the gallery; and, go ride my bike all the way back home.

6 PM  PHONED ARTIST LIL SULLIVAN TO TELL HER ABOUT MY DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY VISIT

When I arrived back home, I decided to phone artist Lil Sullivan to inform her about my latest visit to Dulwich Picture Gallery; I thought she would be interested because she is a 'printmaker' herself.

Anyway, after trying to explain it all to her over the phone; I decided it might be best to just send her a few email links:

-> http://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

-> https://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/2019/june/cutting-edge-modernist-british-printmaking/

-> https://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/about/news-blog/2019/july/machine-age-modernists-claude-flight-cyril-power-sybil-andrews/

8:30 PM WENT BECKETT HOUSE

I had been promising to go and check out my mum's flat in Stockwell many times; but, unfortunately, I kept on forgetting; don't think I've been there in, maybe, 2 or 3 weeks long.

At the same time, I had to go and get my Oyster card 'refund'...which meant I had to go and use 'public transport' in order to contact my Oyster card onto the yellow card reader.

Thus, I decided to 'kill two birds with one stone' so to speak; and, instead, of riding my bike...took the number 2 bus to Stockwell; then, took a 196 bus all the way back home, again.

At Beckett House I saw a few adverts/and, quite frankly, unimportant letters...all of which I left behind; I took only one letter with me which was my mum's post office card statement...just to prove I went to Beckett House...I could show this to her when I arrived back home.

Saturday, 27 July 2019

Sat 27th July 2019 Missed 11 AM Krav Maga/Posted Thames Water claim form/Train trip to Kingswood

9 AM AWOKE/WHERE HAS MY MUM GONE, I WONDER

I woke up early...thinking to myself where has my mum gone? I couldn't hear no noise in the house. So, I very quickly got up to go and take a look...much to my relief, I found her standing up inside of the kitchen.

It has not been unknown for her to get up and go out...without even telling me where she is going, next...?! I constantly worry about her; with her age being 'infirm'.

MISSED MY 11 AM KRAV MAGA LESSON

Yesterday evening, my former 'sparring partner' Sunnil -who is, now, a Krav Maga teacher himself- phoned me inviting me to go along to West Norwood Leisure Centre to take a FREE class in the morning at 11 AM. I promised him I would because the place is only just 2 streets away.

I tried to get ready on time; but, failed...even getting fully dressed up; however, when I looked at the clock it said: 11:30 AM, already; so, I knew I was going to be really 'late'. In the end, I decided to completely change my mind...and, just go off and do whatever other jobs it was necessary to do.

GOT TO FIND LETTER STATING WHEN IS MY NEXT ST GEORGES HOSPITAL APPOINTMENT

I'm still experiencing the effects of Uveitis (left inflamed red eye)...and, the eye feels sore/blurry. I have not maintained the regular steroid eye drops schedule that the hospital doctors recommended; and, instead, just placed eye drops in the eye...whenever I felt like it...as opposed to doing it at strict time intervals. This also worries me. If I stop taking the eye drops; then, will the Uveitis come back, immediately, straight away...when will it be 'safe' to stop taking these drugs...? I should have returned back to St Georges Hospital in Tooting to do a follow on check up; but, unfortunately, I seem to have mislaid that letter somewhere?

12:30 PM WENT TO POST OFFICE TO DELIVER LETTER TO THAMES WATER

I went down to West Norwood post office...to get a 'certificate of posting'...thus, proving that I had posted a letter to Thames Water company...asking for a bill reduction due to my being 'unemployed'.

When they receive the letter...I really don't know exactly what their response will be...? Will they reduce my bill/or, not...will they demand to see further proof/-etc.

1 PM WENT AND BROUGHT SOME CHIPS

Right besides the Co-Op supermarket store...across the road...is a 'fish and chips' shop; where I went and brought some chips...using a £2.00 coin my mum had given me.

Came back home, and, gave some of the chips to my mum/had the rest for myself.

2:50 PM WENT KINGSWOOD BY TRAIN TO GO VISIT COUSINS

I went to Kingswood by train/and, back to go and visit seeing my cousins. Everybody appears to be doing well, the three children(twins both aged 8/and, eldest son aged 13)/Geoff; that is, apart from Sharon who she was suffering from severe toothache...and, will need to see the dentists, again; phoning them on Monday...; and, in the mean time, taking pain killer drugs, Ibuprofen.

NOTE: I feel asleep at their house, too. Should have been watching the movie.

2:50 PM During my train journey going outwards...

At first, everything went just like clockwork...
1> West Norwood to Norwood Junction
2> Norwood Junction to Purley
3> Purley to Kingswood
...during stage 3...I fell asleep on the train...and, ended up at the last stop which is Tolworth. Had to cross over the tracks...and, take the train back to Kingswood...which, to my surprise, was only just 'one' stop.

9:16 PM During my return train journey home...
1> Kingswood to East Croydon
2> East Croydon to Tulse Hill
...during stage 1...I looked up at the electronic noticeboard; and, didn't see any trains coming message...instead, the message just said...
"Listen for any announcements
or, phone National Rail Enquires on:
03457 48 49 50.
(followed by the current Time)"
I returned back to my cousins...explaining the noticeboard didn't say any trains were coming. So, we checked online at:
http://www.thetrainline.com
...it said the next train is at 9:46 PM.
However, when Geoff checked...by typing into the normal search engine it said a train is coming at 9:16 PM. So, I left...
When I returned back to Kingswood station platform...the message board said the same as already quoted up above. Then, along came a woman who have a mobile phone, I asked her do you know when the next train will be; she confirmed it...9:16 PM. Sure enough, later on, a train announcement did say the next train to London Bridge is coming at 9:16 PM.




Friday, 26 July 2019

Fri 26 July 2019 Phoned Lil...not satisfied with her RedBubble order/Checked bills online/Shopped CoOp

11 AM AWOKE

Woke up somewhere around 11 AM; let the cat in...she refused to come in last night when I went and opened up the backgarden door; as the heat inside was too much -no air conditioning in the house-; so, she seemed to prefer staying inside of the garden where the cool wind blows.

Only at some point, when I was sleeping, it rained...; as I could see the backgarden greenery was wet. The weather people said that the 'heatwave' would eventually result it lengthy rains...and, possibly, even floods.

Anyway, the cat came in really quite eagerly; even though it wasn't raining, anymore; mainly, because she was 'hungry' I've no doubt; the first thing she did when coming in...was head towards where a plate of 'dry' cat food/(dry pellets) has been laid out...and, there she eat her fill. I also gave her some 'wet' cat food/(meat/fish/-etc), to eat afterwards.

The usual feeding routine I have with the cat is...every 6 AM/6 PM...give her pouches of 'wet' cat food; then, in between times, leave out a plate of 'dry' cat food...so that she can go and help herself anytime she pleases.

12:00 PHONED COUSINS

I phoned my cousins in the countryside...they said the kids are now on 6 weeks holiday starting from last week...; which should give me plenty of time to go and visit seeing them at some point in future, hopefully, if I don't forget...before they return back to school.

12:30 PM PHONED ARTIST/TEACHER LIL SULLIVAN EXPLAINING WHY I DIDN'T COME TO CLASS, YESTERDAY

I got a phone call from artist/teacher: Lil Sullivan; she called me...but, when I picked the phone up...it accidentally dropped; our call got cut off completely; this, I had to call her back.

I explained that I didn't come to class during yesterday's 'heatwave' because I preferred to stay in, and, go look after my elderly mum; making sure she has sufficient fluids/-etc.; because I heard that the 'heatwave' can, sometimes, severely affect the vulnerable...meaning, either the very young, such as, children/or else, those who are very old.

REDBUBBLE RETURNS

Lil also mentioned that she'd gone and ordered 3 x folding cards/or, postcards from off RedBubble site -(I'd previously recommended Redbubble site to her)-; but, she said that she wasn't pleased with the printing results...meaning, the cards just didn't look right.

I told her it is possible to return items that you brought and were not satisfied with; you just need to click the 'returns' link found at the bottom of the RedBubble page...and, then, follow the instructions from there: type in email address/order number/-etc. Because she is a stoke victim...therefore, somebody else could try filling in the details for her...if she feels she can't use the computer too well; otherwise, I will happily travel over there to go and help her fill in the returns details myself.

BRITISH GAS/ELECTRIC BILL

http://www.britishgas.co.uk

I went and checked both my British Gas account online.

The Gas said I owe £100.00. Today, I made 2 separate payments towards it: £50 + £25 = £75.00 total. So, the balance left should now say I owe them just £25.00.

The Electric bill said I owe £211.44+. I paid £11.44 of it...leaving a remaining 'round' balance due of: £200.00.

Thus, I now owe £225.00 to British Gas.

THAMES WATER

I went and checked my Thames Water bill online.

They had set up a monthly payment arrangement...; as I couldn't afford to pay the full bill, all at once; together with arrears(unpaid previous bill from last year).

It said they already received this months July payment of £77; and, the next monthly payment will be due the middle of next month August for £50.00.

I also found a Thames Water letter stating I should fill it in and return it...if one is on low income; I think, I will deliver that pre-paid letter to post office, today; though, I'm really not too sure exactly what the outcome is going to be....will they reduce my Thames Water bill/or, not?

OTHER BILLS

Other bills I will need to check are up to date are...

- Council Tax
- Phone/Broadband (TalkTalk)
- Home insurance (HomeServe)
- etc.

5 PM DID SHOPPING AT THE CO-OP

My original intention was to go out to post a Thames Water form that I'd gone and filled in; however, when I was nearing to the Post Office...I suddenly remembered that I'd completely forgotten to bring the letter along with me...?!

I now had 2 choices...either go back home to retrieve the letter/or else, continue my journey towards doing some shopping, instead. I knew that I was already 'late' getting down to the post office...so I figured if I were to cycle all the way home...and, then, back again...by that time the post office would already be shut...so, there was no point.

I went and visited the Co-op supermarket to do some shopping...I brought...

1 x Chocolate cake
1 x Tiramisu cream desert
1 x Chocolate Trifle

I really should have concentrated on buying far more 'healthier' food stuff; however, most unfortunately, I tend to let myself get completely carried away when it comes to nursing a 'sweet tooth'.

6:30 PM MISSED ANOTHER DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY EVENT I ALREADY WENT AND PAID FOR
Unfortunately, I forgot that I had already paid £5.00 to join in at a Dulwich Picture Gallery event called: Paper Patterns; so, that was another £5.00 completely wasted(I forgot to attend a previous event, too, I'm afraid). I have to be really careful about pre-paying for stuff...especially, when my memory is ever so poor. The truth is, I have so many things to do/and, concentrate on, all at once, that it makes it really difficult to remember everything...?! Will have to write it down; and, keep it in a prominent place...so that I can check, regularly, seeing exactly what my timetable will be.

CONCLUSION

I would have gone out much further, today; however, due to lack of funds...I just wasn't tempted to go out any further...as I knew I would wish to spend, spend, spend...on junk food/drinks.../or, indeed, whatever else came my way/-etc.

The truth is I'm totally flat broke...my current account actually says £0.00 balance available; and, the only way I'm managing to pay all of the bills is by taking out 'loans'; needless to say, at some point, one's credit limit is reached; then, you are 'forced' to have to repay it all...; which is when the trouble, really and truly, starts.

For example, my current bank overdraft loan says I owe them 2 grand...don't know where in the hell I'm ever going to find enough money to pay that all back...?! What seems like
being 'roses' judging from the mere surface of things...deep down is actually a nest laid thick with hidden 'thorns'!

Wednesday, 24 July 2019

Thu 25 July 2019 Record heat: 38 degrees/Missed art class: 2PM-5 PM/TV License fully paid until JAN 2021

04:55 AM EARLY MORNING, STILL HOT...AND, QUITE LIKELY, TO GET EVEN HOTTER DURING THE DAY WHENEVER THE SUN COMES UP

Yesterday, I checked the weather report...and, it said that today Thursday 25th July 2019 would be one of the hottest days ever on record...38/39 degrees is the weather prediction.

LATEST WEATHER REPORT:

05:12 AM 21 degrees.
8:40 AM 25 degrees
9:36 AM 30 degrees
13:02 PM 36 degrees
19:14 PM 31 degrees
19:43 PM 30 degrees

THE EFFECTS THAT SUNSHINE HAS ON ME

The sunshine tends to affect my behaviour in either one of two ways...

A> It makes me feel 'up'...; and, therefore, I really can't wait to get around and 'move'....

B> It makes me feel 'down'...; meaning, weak, tired, depressed, drained, dehydrated, confused; then, I feel I just wish to stay in and sleep.

I feel that today, however, quite unlike yesterday when I had no 'strict' going out schedule to follow; today, I will most likely tend to go out a lot...using the sunshine to help boost my energy.

TODAY'S SCHEDULE

I wish to...

1> Go down to my local CoOp supermarket store to stock up with some shopping items
2> Check out my mum's Beckett House flat...to see if there are any important letters to pick up
3> Go to Tate Britain to do some drawing
4> Go to FREE art class Ackerman Medical Health Center 2 PM-5 PM
5> Possibly, go to Aikido at Kingswood House Library 6:30 PM-8:30 PM...that is, if I can afford it(will need to find £20.00 from somewhere, at least)?! 

Then, again, due to the nature of the weather...; and, me feeling really hot, bothered, lazy...I might not go out at all.

LATEST UPDATE

As it is, I only got one task done, and, that was it. Oh well, the rest can wait until another day.

05:19 AM TV LICENSE ALL FULLY PAID UP: 2019-2020

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/

Checked to see if my latest TV License bill has been paid; that is, to see if my last payment went and cleared. Yes, they received the £24.50 I sent; and, now, my balance says: £0.00 owing. The total bill is: £154.50 yearly. I think, I'm covered for this year: 2019...all the way up until...year: 2020; then, I'll have to start making regular monthly payments all over again.

LATEST UPDATE
15:15 PM I phoned the TV Licence people in order to discover when my next payments will be due. They answered:

Next due payment of £154.50 is: JAN 21 Next pre-payment plan schedule to start July 2020...so, basically, I don't have to pay anything further...not until when next year July comes.

NOTE: I cannot live without having a TV License...as I need it to watch both TV(which I tend to leave on running all the time: 24 hours non stop)/and, also, so that I can get to use the internet(I need the internet to do serious studying/research).

7 AM WENT DOWN TO MY LOCAL CO OP SUPERMARKET TO DO SOME SHOPPING

I decided to walk down to my local West Norwood CoOp supermarket store to do a quick bout of shopping. Rather than ride my bike, walking would allow me to get more of the 'cool breeze' which is only available on the outside.

I went and brought...

£5.00 5 x Bannanas @ £1.00 each
£7.50 3 x Tiramisu (cream desert) @ £2.50 each
£3.00 3 x bottles of Orange Lucozade £1.00 each
£5.00  worth of top up electricity (for downstairs/where the lights went off)

So, the full cost of shopping was around: £20.50 worth of shopping.

(NOTE: I used a discount card which takes around 10% off. Though, you don't get any discount off electricity.)

I was looking to find my mum; who had gone from the kitchen to outside in the garden..I guess, to get some fresh air in order to cool down. She came back inside of the home...after around 1/2 an hour.

12:12 PM WOKE UP/EXPERIENCED A SMALL STOMACH UPSET

I must have went to sleep somewhere around 10 to 11 AM...anyway, I woke up at 12:12 AM just gone past midday. Had a stomach upset...and, had to go to toilet.

Well, what the hell can you expect when you are eating such things as: biscuits/crips; and, also, taking fizzy drinks, constantly, all the time; at some point, the stomach decides it just can't hold no more.

Having to wash both my body/clothes 4 or 5 times per day, at least.

14:57 PM PHONED LIL SULLIVAN TO EXPLAIN WHY I HADN'T TURNED UP FOR ART CLASS, YET

I decided to phone art teacher, Lil Sullivan, to explain why I hadn't turned up for class, yet.

The temperature here at home is 36 degrees; and, it feels like I'm absolutely 'frying'...as there is no air conditioning here at home.

The person who picked up the mobile phone to answer was a guy...I didn't bother to ask his name...because I could hear Lil in the background talking. I asked how many people turned up for class, today...she answered in the background 1/2/3/4. The guy said there is 'air conditioning' in the building. I answered, I might come.

LATEST UPDATE
The time is now: 17:20/05:20 PM; and, I think it's safe to say I've gone and missed my art class for today; well, nevermind, there will be a next week, hopefully.

If I'm being perfectly honest...I didn't go out...not due to the weather; but, more because I got distracted through spending time on the computer, instead.

Wed 24th July 2019 Stayed in...temperature far too hot to go out...31 degrees at 6:20 PM! Studying VueJS

DIDN'T GO OUT, TODAY/STAYED IN...BEEN FEELING FAR TOO HOT

Not a lot to say here...as I haven't been out.

All day long, I been thinking about going outside...but, the temperature seems to be far too hot.

- I need to get some shopping done at Aldi, Balham/or, Streatham branch.
- I'd also like to pick some stuff up from my local West Norwood CoOp
- I would also like to go out an visit seeing galleries.
- Etc.

Right now, the time is 6:20 PM evening...and, the temperature is: 31 degrees.

I feel constantly 'sweaty'...which is why I'm wearing little else but a pair of boxer briefs/and, t-shirt...and, basically, that's it. I'm having to 'wash' fairly regularly.

Instead, I mostly woke up...lied back in bed watching YouTube on the internet connected TV/or else, moved over to the desktop computer for a while; then, went straight back to sleep.

(I'm trying really quite desperately to catch up on missing sleep...because, otherwise, I tend to feel tired non stop...just not quite fully awake).

I need to keep on taking Steroid Tear Drops, as well; otherwise, the Uveitis(red inflamed condition could come back; though, right now, the left eye remains fairly clear).

10 PM WENT DOWN TO THE MY LOCAL 'FISH & CHIPS' SHOP

I had a £5.00 note available inside of my travel pass wallet; and, I had 2 choices...

- Either pay for the downstairs lighting...the which pay meter had run out completely...meaning there is no light downstairs.

- Or, go and pay for some 'fish and chips', instead.

I decided to opt for go and pay for some 'fish and chips' together with sausage in batter. The total cost was: £5.10p.

I gave my mum some of the chips; and, a bit of fish. Whilst I had the rest for myself.

11 PM COMPUTER PROGRAMMING: LEARNING VUE JS

I did a little bit of catching up, using the desktop computer, learning VueJS at YouTube...

Learn Vue.js - Full Course for Beginners - 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4deVCNJq3qc






Tuesday, 23 July 2019

Tue 23rd July 2019 Missed Central London Works - Green Man appointment. Visited Tate Britain gallery..stayed all day.

9:30 AM MISSED GREEN MAN APPOINTMENT

Central London Works, gave me an appointment last week Friday to go and do training at the Green Man building located on 255 Coldharbour Lane at 9:30 AM.

As usual, I left my house really 'late'...typically, if the appointment time is 9:30 AM; then, I find myself leaving the house at exactly 9:30 AM; meaning, I'm already far too 'late!'

First, I rode my bike as fast as possible over to Shakespeare Road in Brixton...where I discovered that no 255 Shakespeare Road is actually the Evelyn Grace school building(where I used to practice Krav Maga). I was advised that, maybe, I should try next door...which is the Veolia (mis-spelling?) building, instead; they said, they don't know about the appointment, neither.

It was then that I recalled that the case worker, Jaye Harewood, did mention Coldharbour Lane...which is at the bottom of Shakespeare Road. So, I rode my bike over there, instead. I went into another wrong building...and, came out. Finally, I found the building Green Man...located at the cross roads junction. When I went in there...and, mentioned the name: Jaye Harewood, they immediately recognised the name, right away; so, I knew I was in the right place this time.

10 AM I signed in 'late'. However, Jaye wasn't there, yet. So, I was advised to wait for at least 15 minutes long...; and, still no Jaye turned up. Thus, I left. (Forgot if I signed out/or, not; but, at least, there is a record to say that I went to the appointment.)

11 AM WENT CENTRAL LONDON WORKS

My next thought was...Vauxhall isn't too far off from here...in fact, it's just down the road. So, I decided to go and visit the Central London Works building in Vauxhall...where I could actually speak to Jaye...in order to confirm if I had gotten the appointment date/time either right/or, wrong(because I had lost the appointment letter he'd given me)?

When I arrived at Central London Works...; Jaye was not there, neither. Apparently, he was away on holiday. I said to Sandra -(the girl I spoke to)- that next week I also have an appointment to see him; she replied he will be back by then; and she took notes to say I came.

11:30 AM VISITED TATE BRITAIN GALLERY

After visiting Central London Works, I decided instead of going straight back home, again(which would be really 'boring'); why not go over Vauxhall Bridge...and, visit Tate Britain Gallery; even though I didn't bring any drawing materials along with me.

At Tate Britain, I immediately went into the drawing room; where I knew FREE drawing materials were available to try(A3 paper/pencils); so, I used those, instead.

I recall joining in a FREE gallery tour at around 12:00 midday. The lady speaker mostly showed us Old Master art.

I also went and visited both exhibitions...upstairs/downstairs...Frank Bowling/Van Gogh...because I wanted to get FREE booklets concerning both exhibitions.

2:30 PM BROUGHT DRAWING ITEMS FROM UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS BUILDING

Across the road from Tate Britain Gallery...there is the UAL/University of the Arts London building...where they also have a shop that the general public are allowed to enter into to go and buy art materials...so, I walked in there to go take a look.

By the time I came out of the UAL building I had brought myself...

1 x A4 drawing sketchpad
1 x A3 drawing sketchpad
15 x oil pastel chalks costing 0.45p each
1 x UAL bag costing 0.10p
...then, later on, after going and buying myself some refreshments from Sainsburys...located on the other side of Vauxhall Bridge (1 mango drink\1 x orange Lucozade/large crisps/8 x Meringue)...I returned back to the UAL building...and, brought...
15 x oil pastel chalks costing 0.45p each
1 x graphite stick pencil
2 x pencil cases(red/black)

I placed all of the oil pastel chalks into one 'red' pencil case; and, the 'graphite stick', I placed inside of the 'black' pencil case.

3:30 PM RETURNED TO TATE BRITAIN GALLERY UNTIL WHEN CLOSING TIME CAME

Eventually, I returned back to the Tate Britain Gallery...where I stayed up until when closing time came...doing some drawing(drew 1 female standing sculpture...the which drawing I both 'signed/dated', and, left there/and, also, looked at art(John Opie).

6:10 PM EAT/DRANK SOME FOOD AT THE PARK

At the back of Tate Britain Gallery...there is a little park...with gardens/and, benches that people can sit on. I went to sit down there...and, eat/drink for a while...I stayed there for, at least, half an hour long/if not 1 hour; both my eyes/feet were, really and truly, tired(woke up far too early/didn't get enough sleep)...so, I also took a bit of a sleep/rest.

8:20 PM RETURNED BACK HOME

I took the really long way home this time...rather than going back home across Vauxhall Bridge which is what I would normally do...instead, I choose to ride all along the River Thames...up until I reached Chelsea Bridge...then, crossed. This was because I wanted to cool down; and, seeing the River/and, feeling the 'fresh breeze' that comes off the running water helps you to cool down a bit.

I recall riding through Clapham Common Park...and, lots of people were just lying down in the grass doing 'sunbathing'; and, kids were seen bathing in the outdoors pool.

When I did arrive back home...I used my iPad 4 to open up a 'weather' app.; and, at 8:20 PM evening the weather said: 27 degrees...needless to say, it was a really 'hot' day/night!





Monday, 22 July 2019

Mon 22 July 2019 Phoned: Ingeus, lost 2 next appointment letters?! Paid TV License/Krav Maga, Ruskin Park

5 AM WENT DOWN THE ROAD TO DUMP RUBBISH IN THE TIP

At around 5 AM morning...I had to travel down the road to go and dump rubbish in the Casewick Road tip.

a> Waste papers, carried in a large sized Aldi red bag (left on the tip)
b> Black food bag (left inside of a smaller black road bin)

11 AM PHONED INGEUS TO EXPLAIN THAT I COULDN'T FIND MY NEXT 2 APPOINTMENT LETTERS

Woke up at around 10:30 AM, all the time, wondering to myself...am I 'late' for my next Ingeus appointment, already...?!

So, I went to go and check my back pack/and, also, my coat pockets to find the next 2 appointment letters which was given to me by my Ingeus Case Worker: Jaye Harewood; only discovered that both letters had gone missing, completely?! That left me no other choice but to go and phone Ingeus.

The Ingeus male receptionist I spoke to told me that my next 2 appointment dates are as follows:

1> Tue 23rd Jul 9:30 AM (off site/Brixton)
2> Thu 8th Aug 11 AM (on site/Vauxhall)

I told him to ask Jaye to either email me the appointment letters/or else, phone me here at home...where, if I'm not in, he can leave a message on the answer machine.

12:00 MIDDAY PHONED TV LICENSING/PAID: £24.50 ONLINE

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk

I phoned the TV Licensing people to explain that I checked my online account, regularly, every single week; and, the last time I remember my balance said: £130.00; but, that when I went there, today, the balance said: £24.50 still overdue. They explained that the price of the current TV Licence had gone up in price starting this year April. I think, they said the yearly licence fee now costs: £154.50/(whereas, before it used to cost 125.00+).

I looked into my bank a/c. balance; it said, I had just £39.00 left; then, I went and used that balance to pay £24.50 to TV Licensing; now, my bank balance says I've just got: £14.50 left.

This TV License should cover me all year long.

-(NOTE: Online payments can take up to 48 hours to clear; so, I would need to check my TV License online a/c. again in, at least, 2 days time; to confirm if the balance has been updated or not.)-

CONCLUSION: HAVING TO DEAL WITH AN ENDLESS SERIES OF FINANCIAL BILLS, BILLS, BILLS...LEAVES ME FEELING COMPLETELY HOPELESS, SOMETIMES

Sometimes, I really have to stop dead in my tracks; and, think to myself what the hell am I living for...is it only just to save up money just to pay bills, alone.

I know, I'm not living to please myself too much; that is, not having the sort of lifestyle that I would, really and truly, wish; instead, everyday, all I ever seem to look forwards to is endless struggle, struggle, struggle...how am I going to pay for this/how am I going to pay for that? I don't have enough money to fix this/fix that? The 2 x broken toilets/the leaking bathroom tap/the fallen down plaster in the roof/-etc. Honestly, there is just never enough money coming in to be able to pay for/and, fix everything; and, it really leaves me feeling rather deeply 'sad'; meaning, it leads to endless worrying, worrying, worrying...both inside/outside of the home...the endless worrying never ever stops...?!

6 PM WENT DOWN TO WEST NORWOOD HIGH STREET TO BUY SOME FISH & CHIPS + SAUSAGE IN BATTER

I went down to my local fish and chip shop...only just 2 streets away...and, brought some fish and chips/plus, sausage in batter. The total cost was: £5.10p.

I came back home; and, gave some of the fish and chips to my mum(who is vegetarian); and, ate the rest for myself.

7 PM WENT TO PRACTICE DOING KRAV MAGA IN RUSKIN PARK

Earlier in the day, I got a call from my former training partner; and, now, Krav Maga teacher, Sunnil. He said we could meet up inside of Ruskin Park for a FREE training session. I promised I would be there.

Unfortunately, because I had already eaten; therefore, I didn't think I was actually going to participate; instead, I thought I'd just go along; and, quite politely, sit and watch on the sidelines.

However, when I did turn up, much to my surprise the group was small; consisting of the teacher Sunnil/one other guy(indian, I think)/and, also, two females(one brown/one white).

I was allowed to join in...even though I had arrived there really 'late'...with maybe only 1/2 an hour of class still left to go; (and, even though I didn't bring along any sparring gear...I used some spare gloves, instead).

I didn't get to do any sparring with Sunnil...though, he did show me a little ground work...how to break the guard/how to defend against punches when in guard, and, on your back; but, I did manage to very lightly spar with the other 4. My assessment of my own sparring performance was that it was really pretty dismal...that is, bearing in mind that I'm totally out of shape/and, most definitely, not co-ordinated! Both girls beat me...even though we weren't going too hard at it...I wasn't wearing any groin guard...and, the 'white' girl...kicked me lightly in the balls at least twice; certainly, I felt it...though, not so bad as to stop sparring/or, fall down.  The other 'brown' girl...her kicks and punches also got through...I wasn't happy with that; because had it been a real fight...then, obviously I would have gotten hit, and, really quite heavily. The Indian guy, said he's a chef; didn't really know how to fight properly at all...I asked him if he'd ever done martial arts before; he said, no. We mainly did some boxing together...and, he wasn't really able to touch neither my head/nor, my body...meaning, penetrate through my guard. Nevertheless, he had a try...and, these things can be very hard for complete beginners to do.

It was a friendly group, we were mainly cracking jokes and laughing together.

Afterwards, they all went off to the pub; but, as I myself do hate going into pubs...therefore, I just said goodbye; and, rode off home.

Sunnil didn't like the fact that I just decided to ride off; but, then, he already knows what I'm like...as he always like going to the pub, afterwards...and, that's when I tend to leave; so, therefore, he knew exactly what to expect.

I took the bike trail path...across the road from Ruskin Park...and, leading me from Herne Hill off towards Dulwich; then, from Dulwich off towards West Norwood.









Sunday, 21 July 2019

Sun 21st July 2018 Cut down the front hedge/Chatbots can build web sites/Zazzle.co.uk/Presearch: 500pts

5:30 AM WOKE UP; THEN, WENT OFF  TO GO FEED THE BIRDS

Woke up...decided to go and feed the birds by tossing them some uneaten -therefore, stale- butter/and, ham sandwiches. This meant I rode my bike half-way down the road...to where the tip is located...on Casewick Road; and, threw the bread onto the concrete pavement there.

6 AM CUT DOWN/TRIMMED THE OVERGROWN FRONT HEDGES

When I came back up the road, I decided that the front facing hedges are over-grown; therefore, it's time to take out the pair of hand-held garden sheers, and, trim the hedge down a bit.

I had some difficulty taking off the top of the hedges...as they were over 6 foot high; so, I went and borrowed a chair to go stand on...all the time, hoping to not lose balance and fall...?!

Ultimately, I ended up cutting off a whole lot of branches/leaves...; so, I had to take up 2 x large orange recycle waste bags to go and put the branches/leaves waste in. Next, I had to do 2 separate trips...walking and carrying each bag down the road towards the tip...just one single bag, at a time.

Now, that this job has been done...it should be weeks before I have to go trim the hedge again, hopefully.

I think, it must have been 9 AM/10 AM before I was done. Had to go put my clothes in the 'wash' in order to get any insects off...; as well as, wash my hair.

10 AM UPLOADED MS PAINT DRAWING INTO ZAZZLE.CO.UK

I did a drawing inside of MS Paint of a man drinking from a beer bottle; which I tend decided to upload into:

http://www.zazzle.co.uk

...to go and sell as a drinking mug. Had to wait until later on during the evening, for Zazzle to send me an email confirming that the drawing was ok to use; which, eventually, they did.

7:30 PM AWOKE, ONCE MORE; BUT, DID NOT GO OUT

Yesterday, I had planned to go out and visit art galleries/museums/-etc. However, I still feel extremely lazy/tired/sleepy/generally,  most thoroughly exhausted.

- Maybe, it's heat...right now it's evening...and, the temperature is in double figures: 21 degrees. Normally, I'm used to the temperature saying something like 10 or single figures, instead.

- On top of that, I don't think I'm getting sufficient time to rest/sleep. That is, I'm not getting my full 8 hours non-stop. Instead, my sleep patterns tend to be broken; which, frequently, means as soon as I get up...I just wish to return back to bed.

- My left eye is still recovering from Uveitis(inflammed red eye); and, frankly, I haven't been taking the hospital prescribed steroid eye drops, regularly, enough. Sometimes, I went out all day...without taking any. Thus, my eye still feels sore/inflammed/heavy/blurry, too.

- Unfortunately, I'm still eating far too many of the wrong foods/drinks. I started the day off with a pint mug of tea/followed by loads of sweet biscuits. Eating certain foods/drinks, namely, those which tend to contain too much salt/sugar can sap your energy levels; whereas, eating the right foods will give you increased energy: fruits/and, plenty of plain water.

- I should be exercising a hell of a lot more...doing some stretching, at least...just to get the blocked energy flowing, again; but, due to feeling exhaustion...I just haven't been doing hardly any exercise at all. Either I will lay back in bed...read a book/watch TV...or, I will sit on the computer, and, stare at internet pages. This bad behaviour really needs to change.

It's a funny thing exercise...because, at first, your think to yourself I don't want to do it...as it will further leave me being exhausted; however, exactly the opposite tends to be true...exercise increases your overall feelings of both energy/and, strength...and, certainly, doesn't deplete it(not unless you went and over did it completely; but, I'm talking about taking only 'moderate' exercise here....and, thus, remaining in your 'comfort zone').

8:30 PM DISCOVERED THAT IT'S POSSIBLE TO USE CHATBOTS TO CREATE WEB SITES ON AUTO

I opened up a Udemy email...where I clicked a link that led to the following 'preview' videos...telling one all about how it's possible for non-coders to use interactive Chatbots to build web sites, now-a-days.

https://www.udemy.com/artificial-intelligence-website-creation-2018-no-coding/?couponCode=AERARULES

NOTE: The above Udemy course with the coupon, currently, costs: £13.99. (Normal price: £19.99.)

After watching the above 'preview' videos I discovered 2 new site builders...

http://www.bookmark.com
http://www.getweps.com

...basically, you can go to either of the above web sites...and, using interactive 'questions/answers' have the chatbot build you a web site in only just a few minutes.

11 PM REACHED PRESEARCH 500 POINTS MARK

http://www.presearch.com

I had gone and downloaded a special form of search engine which allows one to collect points; and, my total said: 500 points, today. (You are meant to be able to trade: buy/sell points...when they reach a certain specific level; but, I haven't tried doing any of that yet...?)

2:30 AM WOKE UP NEXT DAY FEELING A SLIGHT STOMACH UPSET

Right before I went to bed, somewhere around 10 to 11 AM, I decided to eat 3 bags of crisps.

2 x Small bags of Cheese Puffs
1 x Large bag of Tomato 'triangular' crisps.

I should have known better, not to go and overdo the 'salt' content...; as it was likely to make my stomach feel unwell. I had to wake up somewhat pre-maturely to go and empty my bowels.

Don't really know if I should have included this content here or not; but, I felt it was 'evidence' of my not eating well. Hopefully, this entry will teach me to eat much healthier things/or, at least, use a lot more moderation, in future.

Saturday, 20 July 2019

Sat 20th July 2019 Phoned artist Lil Sullvian to 'update'/NOTES: About work still remaining to do...

2 PM UPDATED ARTIST: LIL SULLIVAN, ABOUT LAST THURSDAY ART SESSION...WHEN ONLY ONE OTHER PERSON TURNED UP

Awoke. Decided to phone through to artist: Lil Sullivan in order to update her on how last Thursday's art session went.

I told her that I arrived there at 2:30 AM...and, nobody had turned up. Then, at 3 PM Lynne turned up...we did some drawing exercises: Blind contour drawing/discussed negative spaces/-etc.; also, practised doing some Origami. Lynne left at 4 PM. I stayed until 4:30 PM waiting for other people to turn up. When nobody arrived I gave up...and, went off to visit Tate Britain, instead.

Lil explained that she did leave me a message on my answer machine saying there would be no class that day...because she had to attend going elsewhere...a stroke conference/or, something like that. I replied, I did get the answer machine message only late.

I offered to do some more work on her web site, today; but, when she inquired of her black Jamaican boyfriend called, Ezra; -(he seems to be a nice enough guy, by the way; never been rude to me...always friendly and polite)-; they seem to have had a child together called, Tida...now a 'youth'. "Ezra, am I busy, today; I want to do my thing..." apparently, he answered, no. So, she said, "I'm busy"; and, I just left it there. Other people have their own schedule...and, are fully entitled to that...just as me I'm fully entitled to having mine...so, I don't feel in any way disrespected.

3 PM  FINISHED UPDATING THIS ONLINE DIARY...WONDERING WHAT TO DO WITH THE REST OF THE DAY...?

Frankly, after all that activity taking place last week, I still feel like sleeping...so, I think, I'll go straight back to sleep. I could go off and visit a gallery...but, that would mean having to go wash/get dressed/and, then, cycle for possibly miles...both all the way there/then, all the way back, again. Not too sure I'm feeling up to it? Today, I might just, simply, 'rest and recover'; then, go out tomorrow on Sunday, instead.

6:30 PM GOTTA CHANGE DIET/BEEN EATING WAY TOO MUCH SWEETS

Woke up, again; still feeling slightly tired. Made a pint mug of tea/and, also, downed a whole entire packet of Jacob's Chocolate digestives...not good for my insides, I know; but, nevertheless, I couldn't quite resist it. It's like one biscuit followed by another...and, so on...; then, before you know it...the whole entire packet of biscuits is all gone...and, you're left with just the 'empty' outer wrapper.

7 PM BEEN TRYING TO STUDY LEARNING MORE ABOUT 'AFFILIATE MARKETING'

Right now, I been listening to 'affiliate marketing' videos on YouTube. I always wanted to learn 'how to make money online'; though, frankly, I never ever did. Sometimes, I can stay there and listen to YouTube videos, all day/night long...on any particular given subject; but, then, at the end of the day, I still feel I didn't actually get up and do absolutely anything to 'change'.

TO DO LIST...

BEEN THINKING ABOUT UPDATING/CREATING WEB SITES FOR ARTIST LIL SULLIVAN

As I've already explained to Lil...basically, there are two different sorts of web sites:-

a> Internal 'private' web site, add pages:
   - contacts/address/phone numbers/timetable/-etc.

b> External 'public' web site, join WordPress
   - add bio/photos: personal pic/artworks

All of this work is being done for Lil entirely for FREE; my own benefits are...

1> I have the opportunity to work using an Apple Mac computer...and, get more familiar with how to use that particular operating system.

2> I learn more about what are my own web site creation skills...are they truly 'professional'/or, not...; and, in what way do those skills still need further updating...?

3> I get to witness seeing how a truly 'professional' artist works/and, also, presents stuff. Both her artworks/and, also, presentation text wise: artist statements are truly top notch.

More sites to register for...

- http://www.deviantart.com
- http://www.etsy.com
https://fineartamerica.com/art/uk
- http://www.pixels.com (NOTE: Same as above: FAA)
- http://www.zazzle.com
- http://www.wordpress.com

GALLERY SHOWS I WOULD LIKE TO GO AND SEE...AT SOME POINT IN FUTURE

1> Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich
2> 198 Gallery, Brixton
3> Gallery near Damien Hurst shop, Vauxhall
4> Tate Britain, Pimlico
5> Tate Modern, Borough.
6> White Cube, London Bridge
7> The Courtauld Institute Gallery, Blackfriars Bridge
8> Saatchi Gallery, Sloane Square.
9> Victoria & Albert Museum, Knightsbriddge.
10> The Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly
11> The Serpentine Gallery, Hyde Park.
12>  The Wallace Collection/behind Oxford street
13> The Barbican Art Gallery, Barbican.
14> Whitechapel Art Gallery, Whitechapel
15> Explore seeing/visiting West End Galleries a lot more

CONCLUSION:  There are many more galleries out there for me to go and explore finding/seeing...it's just that I haven't been going out all that much, regularly, of late; so, I tend to witness seeing far less.

Friday, 19 July 2019

Fri 19th July 2019 Central London Works/Tate Britain/National Portrait Gallery

11 AM CENTRAL LONDON WORKS APPOINTMENT, INGEUS, VAUXHALL

I set the Alexa alarm to wake me up at 10:00 AM; thinking, in one hour, I should be able to get ready for my 11 AM appointment at Central London Works -(Streatham Job Centre sent me there to go find work)-; but, of course, I should have known far better that it takes me, at least, 1 hour/or, more to get ready...even when I'm in a 'rush'; plus, I had the additional problem of having to go find where is my birth certificate to use as ID? Needless to say, I did not find it in time. In fact, when I actually left the house it was already 11:30 AM...half and hour already gone past my appointment time!

When I actually arrived in Vauxhall; the guy I had to speak with, Jaye Harewood...one of the first things he said to me...was we need to arrange a different appointment time...because you are 'late'.

However, when we were sitting down before his desk...he must have changed his mind...because he asked me what ID did I bring...and, I answered: Benefit's letter/Gas Bill/Thames Water Bill/-etc. I also explained that I just couldn't seem to find my Birth Certificate. His reply was, he doesn't need to see my birth certificate. He constantly typed into his computer...my 'updated' details; then, finally, he printed out 2 next appointment letters together with places/times/dates. 

12:30 AM TATE BRITAIN GALLERY

I left the Ingeus building in Vauxhall...and, decided to go and visit seeing Tate Britain Gallery; which is actually opposite to the Ingeus building...just the other side of Vauxhall bridge.

I went to go and see both of the current exhibitions...

1> Frank Bowling...abstract art.

https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/frank-bowling-792
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/bowling-mirror-t13936
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/late/late-tate-britain/passage
https://www.tate.org.uk/research/publications/tate-papers/31/frank-bowling-material-explorations

2> The Ey Exhibtion...Van Gogh and Modern Masters

https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/ey-exhibition-van-gogh-and-britain/members-last-chance-ey

...both of these exhibitions I'd already seen before. However, it was certainly worthwhile going to see them, again.

-----

JOHN  OPIE

https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/opie-portrait-of-the-artist-n01826

I also did some copying at Tate Britain...John Opie, was the artists name, he has a whole 'outside' room devoted to displaying his artworks. I think, I saw about 10 or so paintings...including:

- William Opie (his son - which was the one I tried copying)
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/opie-master-william-opie-n01408

- Amelia Opie (his wife)
(no picture available)

- The artists mother
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/opie-the-artists-mother-n03518

- The school mistress (his mum/with kids)
(no picture available)

- The Peasants Family/(attributed to him)
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/opie-the-peasants-family-n05834

- Mary Wollstonecraft(Mrs William Godwin)
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/opie-mary-wollstonecraft-mrs-william-godwin-n01167

- Mrs S. W. Reynolds
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/opie-mrs-s-w-reynolds-n02877

- A lady in the character of Cressida
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/opie-portrait-of-a-lady-in-the-character-of-cressida-n01026

- Etc.

Here I'm only guessing the names...as the truth is, I forgot...but, after staring at the works for more than a hour or so, I can still see the images inside of my own mind.

-----

GILLIAN AYRES

Another artist, who had a room to their own...was Gillian Ayres, abstract artist. I was totally impressed by seeing her 4 x works...much of it huge. What impressed me was that her work was both interesting...meaning, 'unpredictable'/and, also, 'lively'...meaning, unlike looking at the works of Mark Rothko...which tends to make one feel 'down'...her work, instead, 'lifts one up'...it's emphasis seemed to be on 'light, and, fun'.

-----

MONEY SCULPTURE/VAN GOGH SUNFLOWERS

ROSE-FINN KELCEY

https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain/display/spotlights/rose-finn-kelcey-bureau-de-change-1987

There was one more lying down flat 'money' sculpture I saw...made up of £1000.00 worth of pennies...2p, 1p/-etc.; some of the pennies were new/others medium brown/others dark brown; together they formed a rich layout representing one of Van Gogh sunflowers paintings.

-----

FRANCE-LISE MCGURN

https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/france-lise-mcgurn

I enjoyed walking through the room devoted to artist: France-Lise McGurn, again. In particular, I liked her quick sketchy sort of style; plus, the fact that her work is both on the canvas...and, even spills outside of it by drawing/painting onto the walls/floors/ceilings, as well.

-----

MIKE NELSON/THE ASSET STRIPPERS

https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/mike-nelson

I tried copying one of Mike Nelson abstract construction pieces being displayed -amongst many other such pieces- in the great hall.

-----`

I practised doing some drawing inside of the 'drawing room'. Copied a sculpture...a young Christ flanked by 2 naked ladies. The copies I did I just left there...for others to see; this time I both 'signed/dated' it. It was just one large A3 sheet/folded over in half/with sketches on all pages.

Eventually, Tate Britain closed at 6 PM.

6:30 - VISITED CASS ARTS/MCDONALDS/NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

The thought I had in my mind was to go and join in at the National Portrait Gallery the 'late' evening Friday's drawing session: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.

Next to NPG is a branch of Cass Arts; which is an art supplies chain store. I went in there to go and look around...to see what sort of art materials they got...and, going for which particular prices. I must have stayed in there for around 1/2 an hour long, at least. Didn't buy anything...very expensive when they are not on 'sale'...so, I left empty handed.

When I came out, I noticed I was feeling, really and truly, hungry.

So, leaving my bike chained up outside of The National Portrait Gallery; I walked off towards MacDonalds located at Shaftesbury Avenue (close to Regent Street).

I ordered a drink/and, some fries(chips); then, went downstairs to eat it.

I also went into Wasabi, and, there ordered some fast food: Sushi wraps.

I went into a Soho Chinese food store...and, there ordered some 4 x cakes. £5.20 worth...paying by debit card.

8:30 PM By the time, I had arrived at NPG to start the drawing session...it was already over and done with.

So, instead, I simply walked around looking at the artworks: Paintings/drawings/photos/sculptures/-etc. Eventually, I found a drawing board that nobody was using, anymore/together with a single piece of A3 sized drawing paper...and, drew using that...doing multiple drawings...all being executed one on top of the other...and, using up both sides of the same one paper sheet. I left NPG at closing time...which, I think, is either 9/or, 10 AM.

11 PM CAME HOME

I didn't stop anywhere else to eat. Only stopped a few streets away from home...in order to open up the bag of 4 x cakes I brought inside of the Chinese shop to go and eat 2 of these.

When I did come home, I gave one of the remaining cakes to my mum; and, ate the last 'cream cake' cake for myself.

A good day out...if rather 'expensive'; possibly, I spent £20.00, at least; and, just on buying 'fast' food! Which is why I don't like going out too much...as I have a tendency to want to constantly buy things...food/drink/anything and everything...1st hand/2nd hand goods..and, so on.

I noticed that even though I had brought some food drink inside of my blue rucksack bag. After eating it...

- 1 x bottle of Orangeade Lucozade
- 1 x nutty bar
- 1 x Mars bar
- 2 x Mini Chedder's biscuits
- 1 cheese puffs crisps
- Etc.

I was still feeling 'hungry'. Maybe, it's because I missed eating either breakfast/dinner...didn't have anything to drink, neither...and, instead, left the house on a totally empty stomach.




Thursday, 18 July 2019

Thu 18th July 2019 Signed on/Went art class...me/and, Lynne turned up/Visited Tate Britain/Joined: ICA/Shopped at Balham Aldi

1:30 PM WOKE UP 'LATE' IN THE DAY TO GO AND SIGN ON

Went Streatham Job Centre to go and sign on. Was meant to get there at 1:30 PM. Instead, I left home dead on 1:30 PM...which, of course, really made me worried I was going to get there 'late'. However, when I actually got there....; the sign on person didn't make any fuss...; just asked me...if I'd been doing my job search duties, as usual...to which I replied, yes...done, at least, 50+ job search applications online(they didn't check). Basically, they signed me on...and, just let me go.

2 PM RETURNED BACK HOME TO GO COLLECT MY HAT

I decided to return back home...; because, in my rush to get out the door to make my Job Cenre appointment on time...I forgot to wear my hat. So, I went back home just to get it. Handed my mum today's newspaper: FREE Metro paper I picked up from Streatham Hill tube station.

2:10 PM I left home to ride my bike, as fast as possible, towards Ackerman Medical Health Centre in Vauxhall; knowing I was actually meant to be there at 2 PM, instead.

2:30 HAD A VERY STRANGE ART CLASS; ME, ALONE/WITH ONE OTHER STUDENT...ALSO, BADLY HURT/CUT MY FINGER

I arrived at Ackerman Medical Health Center, Vauxhall only to find that nobody had turned up for the art class...no teacher/no students; instead, it was only just me alone.

No one had put out any tables/chairs...; thus, I had to go and do it myself. Moving the very first table...I managed to crush my finger really hard...when attempting to move the table through one of the doors...and, my finger started bleeding heavily. I had to go and wash the finger; then, dress/bandage it up with a paper towel...; I also had to dry up the drops of blood which were left on the floor(yes, bit of a nightmare; in fact, my finger kept on bleeding all damn day...until when I returned all the way back home which was night time: 11:30 PM).

3 PM One other student turned up...I think, her name was Jane. A slim fairly elderly lady with grey/white hair; I think, she teaches younger children. Anyway, we both discussed artists whose work we love...and, the psychology of creating art(the difference between child/adult art psychology)...too, we practised doing a few drawing exercises...drawing a plastic skull I'd brought. She also practised blind contour drawing of her hand. I did a realistic drawing of my own hand. Too, there were some imaginary drawings. Another exercise we practised was drawing heads upside down.

At one point, she mentioned she was interested in learning to do Origami(who knows, possibly, to go teach it to children/I really didn't ask). I had to explain to her than I'd just gone and hurt my finger...and, it was constantly dripping blood; so, I didn't wish to mess up papers by doing too much folding. Nevertheless, I showed her 3/or, 4 different methods of how to create a square from an oblong; how to produce a paper hat/and, from that paper hat, a boat; and, basically, that was it. She explained that she had to leave at 4 PM.

4 PM I was left all alone in class. This is despite Lil Sullivan saying another artist called: Jane Campbell, was coming to fill in for her at 4 PM; but, neither Lil/nor Jane did turn up...!

4:30 PM I decided to no longer bother waiting for anyone else to turn up; and, just leave early...as I wanted to see the latest Frank Bowling exhibition going on at Tate Britain...which closes at 6 PM on the dot. So, I packed up everything...moved the chair back/tables back; and, just very quickly left.

5 PM VISITED TATE BRITAIN: SAW THE LATEST FRANK BOWLING 'ABSTRACT' EXHIBITION/ALSO, GOT A 'RE-NEWED' TATE MEMBERSHIP CARD...BECAUSE, PREVIOUS ONE HAD EXPIRED

The first thing I did when I visited Tate Britain...was go into the 'drawing room'...and, practise doing some drawing using the FREE paper/pencils provided.

Next, I crossed over rooms to go and visit seeing the latest Frank Bowling -(black artist)- exhibition. I felt a bit shocked when, at first, the door entry guard...told me me Tate membership card had already expired in April 2019; so, she wouldn't let me in to see the show. Instead, I had to go downstairs to speak to membership...they gave me a brand 'new' card; which I took upstairs, again...this time to be let in successfully to she the show.

Frankly, I don't know too much about artist Frank Bowling's work; so, I really didn't quite know exactly what to expect...he seems to do a mixture of realist/abstract...I mostly saw 90% 'abstract' works...and, there were multiple rooms full of it....each room representing a particular decade in that artists life. I think, he is 80 years old, now...; and, still working at it. ;-)

6 PM, the gallery announced they are closing down, now; and, so everybody had to leave. I felt lucky because I had already seen everything inside of the exhibition.

7:30 PM JOINED ICA/INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART

I knew I did not wish to go straight back home...so, I decided to go cycling around...eventually, I found myself at the ICA/Institue of Contemporary Art Gallery...near Buckingham Palace/St. James Park. I decided to pay £10.00 to join as a yearly member...which was the 'cheapest' membership option they had(people on benefits/students/old age/-etc)/renewable by DDR. 'Red' membership, the most expensive was £200.00 yearly, instead. And, there was also a middle tier membership, I forgot how much that cost...; but, it's benefits were exactly similar to the 'Blue' membership which I just went and brought.

I stayed inside there for quite a long while...looking at one of their latest exhibitions...which was related to some American girl...who is also schizophrenic, apparently...who writes profusely poetry/prose...things relating to politics/sexuality/depression/worthlessness/self-hate/family hating her/-etc. Her art works were diverse...including books/letters/video/sound tapes/drawings/-etc. Unfortunately, I forgot exactly what was her name...; but, I'll find that out, later on. Anyway, she reminded me in a way of Tracy Emin...only she seemed to have a much harder look on life. I saw her artworks both upstairs/and, downstairs. Got into the exhibition for FREE using my 'new' ICA membership card.

I also looked at their library of books on sale. I love looking through library books...which helps me to discover new artists whose name/work I've never ever heard of/or, seen before. Looking though library/shop books...also, allows me to see more of artists work whose name I do know, as well.

9:30 PM BALHAM, VISITED MCDONALDS/ALSO, SHOPPED AT ALDI

Coming back home, I found myself passing through Balham...where I stopped at McDonalds to buy -(using a £1.99 voucher)- a Big Mac/plus, fries; too, a Chocolate McFlurry ice cream(extra cost).

When I came out of McDonald's with my order...; and, was about to ride off on my bike. I noticed a shop sign saying: Aldi; and, decided to stop to go check that shop out. I ended up buying around  £20.00 worth of food shopping in there. This time, I tried to avoid such things as biscuits/sweets...and, just concentrate on buying food items, instead...especially, fruit: yellow melon/plums/2 x guava pears/tomatoes/1 x cucumber/sweet peppers/potatoes/onions/4 x cream yougart's/1 box of chocolate ice cream lollies/-etc.

I also brought 4 thick bags...and, doubled them...then, balancing these bags on my bike handlebars, I cycled all the say home...going past Tooting Common/Streatham Hill tube station/and, so on. Eventually, I arrived home somewhere around 11:30 PM.








 

Wed 17 July 2019 Gave Geranium Charity shop 4 x 'the kiss' themed drawings/Cat brought in a mouse

I was meant to go and visit artist Lil Sullivan's house in Brixton to go and finish off uploading artworks into web pages I helped her create. However, I woke up 'late' somewhere past midday. I felt really tired through just not getting enough sleep...my left eye is still extremely sore, and, 'blurry'...not been using the hospital recommended eye drops regularly enough; therefore,  I just wasn't in the mood to do any long travelling.

2 PM I cannot recall, now, if it was she who called me...or, if it was vice versa I called her; however, the conversation went...I don't think I'll be able to make it over there, today. First, I'm going down to my local charity shop called: Geranium on West Norwood High Street; where I'm going to offer them 4 of my artworks: A4 sized 'themed' drawing of The Kiss(two people's heads kissing); and, then, I will return back home...when I will call you if I'm coming or not.

GAVE CHARITY SHOP: GERANIUM 4 OF MY ARTWORKS: THE KISS/A4 PAPER/£1.00 WOODEN FRAMES/GLASS ON TOP

2:30 PM First, I went down to the local charity shop called: Geranium; and, delivered them the artworks; each has a label on the back stating: Name/Date/Time/Location/Medium/Original/Print/Signed; is drawn/printed on A4 paper/and, was given inside of a cheap borderless wooden frame with glass on top. They accepted the gifts.

(Most unfortunately, I forgot to take photos before giving the artworks to the charity shop; thus, I can't include any photos here. Sorry! Next time, I will remember to take photos, first; before giving away anything.)

BROUGHT A SET OF 2 WOODEN DOLPHIN SCULPTURES - MADE IN THE PHIL
IPPINES

Next, I went and brought a set of 2 x wooden dolphin sculptures from the same charity shop costing respectively, £4.00 (3 x dolphins)/and, £3.00 (2 x dolphins).



BROUGHT 7 x PAPER BACK BOOKS TO GO AND READ

Finally, I brought 7 paper back books each costing 0.25p...totalling: £1.75p altogether.



 1> The book of the Dog. I'm actually more of a 'cat' person; however, I decided it might be worth giving this book to a friend...who both loves art/and, also, is mad about keeping dogs. The book contains many artworks which are related to depicting dogs. For me, it was worthwhile having a quick glimpse through; but, doubt I'll 'keep' it.


2> The New Cambridge Shakespeare/Anthony and Cleopatra. I really can't state what a huge Shakespeare fan I am...and, from ever since my 'youth'. This volume interested me because it is very clearly marked up/annotated by a scholar/or, student. I wished to study the passages they've gone and highlighted...; as well as, get to re-read this play going from cover to cover, all over again.

3> Penguin Classics: Bram Stoker, Dracula. I always wanted to be able to find time to read through this great classic. Frankly, I doubt I ever will find enough time; but, nevertheless, I choose to buy it, anyway...in the rather vain hope that one day I will find the necessary time to go and read through over 400+ pages showing really small text.

4> How Coca Cola took over the world. I've always been very highly ambitious to succeed big time in life business wise; and, for me, Coca Cola is about as big as it gets to having been successful as a business. So, quite naturally, I wanted to read/understand more. Where did they start from/how did their business both develop and grow.../-etc.

5> Martin Amis, Times Arrow. I always heard this 'famous' name before...didn't even realise they were a writer. However, when I read the books cover/back cover...it said really 'thrilling book'...so, because the book also looks 'short'...165 pages...I figured that even somebody with an ADD/Attention Deficit Disorder mind like mine...might be able to get all the way straight through it; whilst, at the same time, figuring out what 'Martin Amis' is most famous for, I guess...namely, for being 'an author'.

6> Caged Bird/Stories from safe house and Nadia Anjuman's poems. This, again, is a 'short' book to read...looks like less than 100 pages...foreign text on one side/English translated text on the other; (at the back of the book are a few illustrated artworks). I felt deeply fascinated by it...as it tells 'sad stories' about foreign cultures...namely, about how women are repressed/beaten/tortured (married off too young) in Afghanistan. I quote reading from the back cover: "Humanitarian Assistance for the Women and Children of Afghanistan (HAWCA) is a women headed organisation established in January 1999 by a group of youth Afghan women and men."

7> Paulo Coelho, Eleven Minutes. I first heard of this 'famous' author's name just a few days back...when I went and read through the 'artist statement' having been written by my latest art teacher/and, stroke victim: Lil Sullivan. In her statement she had mentioned that she read the Paulo Coelho book: The Alchemist; and, it had somehow changed her life. So, when I saw this book with his name on...I couldn't help but being curious to go learn more. The book front cover describes him as being an 'international best seller'. The back of the book, describes the heroine as being involved in 'prostitution'...'selling her body to survive'. Again, I couldn't help but to feel intrigued...what will she discover walking down this dark path...will she ever find/or, see the light...?

Thus, the total Geranium charity shop bill came to: £4 + £7  (2 x dolphin sculptures) + £1.25 (7 x paperback books) = £8.75.



4:30 PM PHONE LIL SULLIVAN TO SAY I'M DEFINITELY NOT COMING, TODAY

I phoned artist Lil Sullivan to say I'm sure I'm not going there today. I suggested, maybe, tomorrow...which is when the art class will be: 2 PM - 5 PM. We could get together either before the class/or else, afterwards. However, Lil replied that she would not be free that day...as she has quite a few other commitments, instead.

She asked me to set up the art class tomorrow at 2 PM...; as she might be late attending/and, also, she said she would leave at around 4 PM...another artist would fill in for her: Jane Campbell. All of which I agreed to; and, basically, we left the conversation there.

6:30 PM THE CAT WENT AND BROUGHT A MOUSE INTO THE HOUSE; THEN, LET IT GO...I DON'T KNOW WHERE...?!

Unfortunately, I had let one of the food pots get burned; so, the house was filling up with smoke smells; thus, I decided to go open up the windows/including both front door/back door.

Then, thinking all is peace and safety, now; I went back upstairs to finish doing some typing at the computer; I think, I was filling in a Facebook entry.

Next thing I know I heard a loud constant 'squeaking' noise...meaning, the cat had gone and brought in a mouse which she'd found inside of the back garden. Quickly, I ran downstairs onto the first floor landing to see...; which is when the cat let the mouse go...and, it ran off to go and hide in a corner somewhere. I did not manage to find it, again, yet; not sure I ever will.

I hate it when the cat brings in mice...; as they can poison human food; and, contaminate things by pissing constantly everywhere.

However, if the cat is stupid enough to bring these things in...possibly, to give it to me as being an unwanted present...; then, there's really very little I can do to stop that...other than to keep the back garden door quite safely shut.