SAT 290820 BUILDERS DONE...MORE OR LESS

290820 BUILDERS DONE...MORE OR LESS

Unfortunately, I haven't been updating this blog quite as regularly as I should have; therefore, this post is just to fill in some parts that have been missing.

Currently, the builders have...

Removed rubbish waste...a truck came to take it all away...

http://www.jrlwasteremovals.co.uk

- Old cooker (not working) gone
 
- Old leaking toilet gone

- Old leaking bathroom tap/fixtures removed

Also, they built...

- Built a new bathroom

- Built a new toilet

- Changed the Kitchen sink(not installed a new kitchen sink/but, threw away the old rotten low twin cupboard base; and, built an empty wooden base to use with the old kitchen sink, instead).

Altogether, I had to pay them £3,800.00; which is all done.

As usual, I think, I might have paid far too early...; as they haven't returned to complete doing the job...certain gaps here and there need to be filled in; also, there is more rubbish in the front part which needs to be removed(however, I believe I can do that part myself...just use a wheelie bin...down to the tip half way down the road).

The main gist of the job, however, which was to fix the collapsed ceiling.../floor on top...has been all done; so, the house is, now, 'safe'...to walk/live in, again. -Thank God!- Before, I really wasn't sure if I was going to fall through the weakened floor/or, the ceiling might collapse on my head whenever I went downstairs to use the toilet facilities.

GAVE AWAY FOLDER OF KEY HAYES WORK

In a mad moment of gratefulness/generosity...I went and gave away an A4 size black plastic folder containing around 80+ Key Hayes water colour painting on paper art works. Each piece cost me around £14.00 (brought from off eBay)...so, when you do the maths...80 x £14.00 = £1,120.00.

Unfortunately, I tend to be very generous, indeed, to people who do work for me; in fact, far too generous.

Anyway, Zoltan, says his daughter is into art...; and, so, if she appreciates it...all well and good; all I ask is that people do appreciate the artworks I give them.

Somebody once said...you don't actually 'own' art; instead, 'art is something you will, eventually, pass on to others'...you sort of guard/protect/keep it safe while it's in your own personal custody; it is passed on to either family, friends, acquaintances; or, if the art is really good...then, to a main gallery/or else, possibly, even, the National Gallery; at other times, people 'inherit' it; or, it's 'sold' at auction so that the 'highest bidder' can buy.

NOTE: I haven't actually seen the builders in over a week. So, this post is being written, afterwards. They were meant to return; or, at least, one of them, the primary, 'big' Zoltan (not his 'slim' mate rather confusingly, also, called Zoltan); but, I think, he's far too busy to come. Why bother coming, again; when you've already been fully paid...?!

280820 YESTERDAY SHOPPED AT STREATHAM POUND STORE

Yesterday, I went shopping at Streatham pound store.

290820 TODAY, SHOPPED AT WEST NORWOOD ICELAND

Today, I went and did some further shopping at West Norwood Iceland.

WILL NEED TO BUY, AT LEAST, 3 FRIDGES

What I really need to buy is, 3 tall fridge/freezers...(even if it's 2nd hand)...

1 > For the kitchen

2 > For the living room

3> Another for the basement floor 

All of the previous 3 fridges/need replacing, desperately; either they no longer work/or, are really far too old to work most effectively/efficiently.

Then, I should be able to store all of the shopping I need; and, wouldn't need to keep on going down the road to do any more shopping...which is a task I absolutely hate...; having to balance 4 shopping bags on my bikes 2 handle bars...2 full shopping bags on either side...can be extremely awkward...whilst attempting to ride/watch traffic, all at the one same time...rather like practising doing some 'juggling'...?!

 

Fri 140820 Builders continue working...

BUILDERS STILL WORKING

As usual, the builders, Zoltan - medium size fellow to large(main head worker to whom I pay all of the money)/(and, his partner, also called, Zoltan - slim/doesn't speak English too well...mostly talks using his own language, Hungarian) come to work here every day...they said they will stop working on Sunday.

They arrive 8 AM; and, will usually finish at around: 4 to 5 PM.

So, far they...

- errected scaffolding to hold up collapsed ceiling/knocked down toilet/bathroom wall above

- knocked down the kitchen/bathroom wall above...also, demolished the rotten wooden ceiling joists

- added new wooden ceiling joists/turned off water

- turned water back on/added floorboards to go on top of the joists so that now it's possible to walk inside of the kitchen

- errected bathroom/kitchen wooden frames.../a van came JMLWasteRemoval...and, took away most of of the waste stored outside of the front part of the house; and, also, the old cooker (no longer working)

So far to date, I've paid them the sum of £3,500.00; with £300.00 still left to be paid.

£500.00 was to errect scaffolding/knock down wall.

£3,000.00 is to do the rest: bathroom/toilet.

£300.00 I'm not too sure what that's about...I think, it might be to hire the skip to get rid of the rubbish/rubble. 

In fact, there is still so much more work remaining to do; but, because it will cost thousands...and, I really can't afford that...; therefore, I think, it's just going to have to wait.

Tue 110820 Builders back

Mon 100812 Buliders back...

Thu 060820 Returned home...

11 AM RETURNED HOME FROM KINGSWOOD, SURREY

Coming back on the train from Kingswood; I decided to get off at Norbury station.

I just wanted to try something doing something 'different', I guess; like 'take some much needed exercise' my body is stiff...I can hardly walk/run...and, am extremely low in stamina/-etc.; too, find out just how far away is Norbury tube station from Norbury Park? The answer is they are practically next door to one another; you, simply, come out of the station; and, cross over the road; there right in front of you is the Norbury Park entrance gate. 

I know my way home very well from Norbury Park(having both biked it/walked it, regularly). So, I rode my bike across the park; and, then, over to Streatham Common. 

I saw a guy inside of Streatham Common Park practising tennis 'serves' on his own using a bat with multiple balls inside of his trousers pocket; decided to talk to him...Patrick, was his name; I think he said his age was around 28. Anyway, we chatted about the difference between professional sports people/and, amateur. Eventually, after talking for around 15 minutes of so...I decided it's time to get on home. So, I said goodbye; wished him a nice day; and, just kept on going through the park...until I got to the other side which is...the top of Leigham Court Road.

Let in the cat from the backgarden; fed her; then, let her back out there, again.

Had a drink of hot chocolate/together with some white bread sandwiches: 

- 2 slices of bread -cut into 4's- butter and Nutella chocolate spread

- 2 x slices of bread -cut into 4's- butter and honey spread.

After which I went and took a rest.

Wed 050820.../Paid: Thames Water/British Gas/Council Tax/CashPlus/Went Sharon

9 AM MADE BREAKFAST

Heated up...

- Pizza: Yesterday's left over pizza (inedible/threw away)

- Drinks: Yesterdays hot chocolate (undrinkable/threw away)/replaced with 1 pint of hot water, instead

- Meat: Steak and Kidney pie

- Bread: Buttered French stick loaf(half)/with twin slices of cook ham

- Biscuits: 2 x Chocolate bourbon/2 x ginger 

10 AM PAID BILLS: THAMES WATER/BRITISH GAS/COUNCIL TAX/CASHPLUS

£35.80 Thames Water

£33.00 Council Tax

£30.00 CashPlus

£50.00 British Gas

  --------

£148.80

I did a meter reading, and, the bill said...

£184.60 Electric

£  42.31 Gas

  --------

£226.91

12:30 SPOKE TO TALKTALK ADVISOR/TOLD TO CALL BACK ON: 210820

When I tried signing in to my TalkTalk online a/c.; a message appeared stating that my contract would come to an end of 5th September 2020; after which date I would be charged full price for anytime phone calls.

Using my home phone, I dialled: 100; and, spoke to a TalkTalk advisor, who told me if I call back on: 21st August 2020...I would be able to apply for a 18 months contract that includes half-price (£12/reduced to £6 monthly) discounted anytime calls.

12:38 PM RECEIVED PHONE CALL FROM SHARON TO COME AND TALK

I received a phone call from my cousin, Sharon; to come over there to talk to both her and her husband about how to fix he house damage. I agreed to come at around 4 PM evening.

5 PM RANG SHARON BACK TO TELL HER I'M STILL COMING

I really wasn't in the mood to go out, today; so, I basically went off to sleep...been feeling extremely tired for some reason; got lots to do/think about...and, too much stress leaves me feeling really 'worn out!'

Anyway, I woke up, again, around 5 PM. I rang Sharon to check if it's still ok for me to come; and, she said, yes. So, I took my back pack with me/and, my bike; and, rode off towards West Norwood train station.

Got the train to Norwood Junction/from Norwood Junction crossed over the platform; then, changed at Purley; from Purley got on the 'Tattenham Corner' train going straight to Kingswood.

6 PM - 7 PM STAYED AT KINGSWOOD UNTIL TOMORROW MORNING

I arrived at Kingswood somewhere between 6PM-7PM. I don't think the trip took that long...because although there were 3 train switch overs to make...the trains came on time...with no problem delays; so, I only had to wait at each platform for a few minutes...up to...twenty minutes.

I spoke to Geoff about the house/and, fixing it...how much is it going to cost; also, we discussed the possibility of selling up/-etc. No final decision was made...; but, we merely had a thoughtful discussion.

The kids wanted me to stay over for the night...so, in order to please them, I decided why not; after all, got nobody waiting for me at home.

I gave both kids 2 separate iPad Air 2/iPad 4...to play with; because if I gave them just 1 x iPad...then, I noticed they would 'fight' as to who should have a turn, next. I also brought along a charger with me; but, didn't really need to use it...as both iPad's were already fully charged up; and, the battery lasts for hours.

Geoff went off to bed somewhere around 11 PM.

And, me and the children stayed downstairs inside of the living room; where we made some makeshift beds up. Those kids did not go to sleep until somewhere around 3 PM morning...as they were using the iPad's...and, also, running around either playing/or else, arguing/-etc.!

9 AM MORNING/LEFT KINGSWOOD

In the morning, we went out for a short bike ride; then, I left to return back home.

Sharon, also counselled me to use the little money I have left very wisely; before it's all completely gone...?!

 

Tue 040820 Shopped/then, went out riding on my bike...

8 AM WENT SHOPPING INSIDE OF THE COOP

First, I decided to dump some 'smelly' waste food rubbish in the public bin half way down the road(can't stand the smell, anymore...the longer you leave it there...the more it smells!).

Afterwards, I went down to the local grocery...where I brought...

-  £1.00 of tomatoes

-  £1.00 of large red peppers

Next, I went and did some shopping inside of West Norwood CoOp superstore. I brought...

- Cat food

- Fruit: 3 x bunch of Bananas/2 box of Peaches 

- Bread: French stick loaf

- Sweets: 4 x Bounty/2 dark chocolate/2 normal .75p each

Came back home; and, left the food inside...unpacked.

10 AM WENT OUT FOR RIDE ON MY BIKE

I went for a quick spin on my bike...going through the back streets of Norwood; eventually, I ended up on the main road...and, went over to Brockwell Park. Going through Brockwell Park...I came out at the nearest entrance to Halfords bike shop in Brixton. I asked if they would fix my bike...pump up the tires/-etc.; but, they said, no. They suggested I try elsewhere to pump up my tires.

-(I was thinking about entering into Curry's which is next door to Halfords; but, there was a queue outside; and, I didn't wish to join them/wait.)-

10:30 AM BRIXTON TOWN HALL/MACDONALDS

I continued my journey by crossing the road...then, going to Brixton Town Hall...where I inquired if they would give me a new birth certificate; they said, no; you have to order it online, instead.

I decided to cross over the road, and, enter into MacDonalds...where I ordered...

- .79p 1 x Small Pepsi Cola and ice 

- .79p 1 x Hash Brown (apparently, it's fish with crumbs/never had it before...wanted to find out what it was; tasted ok, actually)

11 AM I RETURNED BACK TO BROCKWELL PARK

Inside of Brockwell park...I both ate/drunk...also, used the toilet to 'wash' both my hands, first, before eating.

As I walked on by, I watched people doing: cycling/playing football/tennis/walking with their kids/-etc.

I came out at a side entrance...which then led me off to Peabody estate. Took a journey through the railway tracks woods; and, ended up finally at Thurlow Park Road; crossed it...and, went into Thurlow Park Avenue. Eventually, I came out at Norwood High Street(Salvation Army); and, then, gradually made my way back home....going up York Hill; cycling the long way around...Knolly's Road; Valley Road; then, up Wellfield Walk/-etc.

I felt quite happy that I had decided to journey out on my cycle...because it meant I had taken some exercise/and, got some fresh air into my lungs for the day.

11:45 AM RETURNED BACK HOME, AGAIN/UNPACKED SHOPPING/AND, ATE/DRUNK

When I came back home, the first thing I concentrated on was to unpack the shopping...

- put away the cat food, downstairs/(opened the back garden door to let the cat in)

- then, I made a pint of water to drink/also, sipped some Cherry flavoured Pepsi.

- ate 2 x Strawberry flavoured ice cream cones

- ate 1 x dark Bounty/1 x chocolate mousse with cream on top/too, had some chocolate sponge cake

- steamed up a packet of Steak & Kidney pudding

- made egg omlette using ingredients: 2 x eggs, diced tomatoes, diced onions, diced red pepper, pepper, salt 

- etc.

Right now, in terms of food/drink...I really ain't missing anything; because I got more than I can, actually, eat/drink...at least, all in one go. 

-(It would be even better still...if I could buy a large fridge in which to store stuff; so, then, things would not run out so fast. Plus, now-a-days, it's possible to buy frost-free fridges, as well; you can even buy one 2nd hand...if buying it 1st hand proves to be far too costly...£200/as opposed to £400+.)-

6:30 PM PHONED ANNE/SHARON NOT THERE, ANYMORE

Around 6:30 PM I decided to phone my cousin, Anne; in order to inquire if her sister, Sharon, is still staying with her. The answer I got back was, no; she's returned home; missing seeing her kids too much, I guess; although, I remember Sharon said she might stay there for, at least, 4 days...in order to escape the wife and husband strife going on at home.

I also talked to her about other things; such as my mum during her last dying days...not wishing to go into hospital; but, instead, she was 'forced' to go there, anyway...as I really couldn't cope with the terrible thought of my mum dying in bed...with nobody 'skilled' being available to help her. Yet, after only just 1 week of being inside of hospital...my mum died there, anyway; and, I think, she blames me for letting that happen to her. She did not understand that there was no other choice; instead, she died thinking I -the only child/son- did actually betray her against what was her own last wishes.

8 AM I ATE FRUIT: 3 X RIPE PEACHES

I ate some peaches; wanted to eat it before it spoiled...even, though, I only brought the peaches this morning inside of the CoOp. The 3 peaches, when I peeled it, were still fairly ripe...however, they tasted ok.

I also had 1 more strawberry ice cream cone; and, a hot chocolate drink, afterwards.

9:30 AM MADE PIZZA

I decided to take out of the fridge 1 x pizza...thin and crispy barbeque chicken from Iceland costing: £1.00; before it spoils; and, steam cook it.

  

Mon 030820 Food delivered 4:30 PM (approx.)

1 PM FABIENNE PHONED ME TO INFORM ME OF FOOD DELIVERY

Fabienne called me, mainly to inform me about the food delivery today, Monday, during the evening.

She also asked me if I was interested in jellied eels; but, I just told her I can't quite get my mind around it; so, basically, no.

4:30 PM FOOD DELIVERY CAME

Later than last week -(which was when the first food delivery box came at 3:30 PM)-; this time the same lady delivered who's name is, Sue; and, we only had a very brief conversation...she included beans based milk(last time I had to return back the plastic carton of dairy milk).

As usual, there was lots of different food...

- Crips: 2 packets of Curry flavour

- Loose fruit: apples, pears, bannanas, 1 large mango

- Drinks: Orange fruit juice, Peas based milk

- Tins: Beans, Beef broth, Mushy Peas

- Veg: Cabbage, Dried red split lentils, 

- Other: Cheese, Pasta

- Meat: Steam bag: Sausage/bacon and beans, 2 x packets of Slow roasted Chicken bites,

- etc.

I ate the cheese/and, 2 bananas, first.  

Sun 020820 Went shopping.../Got FREE leather chair.../Phoned Trevor

6 AM CLEARED SOME RUBBISH BY TAKING IT DOWN TO THE TIP

When I awoke I decided to clear some rubbish from off the front/back garden taking it down to the tip.

I made multiple trips...travelling both back and forth; sometimes, I walked down to the tip/other times, I took my bike...balancing bags on both sides of the handlebars.

10 AM CLEARED SOME STUFF INSIDE OF THE HOUSE

I also decided to make some much needed 'space' inside of the house by clearing away some stuff out of the downstairs living room quarters.

 

Too, I cleaned up the downstairs sink a bit.

11 AM TOOK 2 CHAIRS OUTSIDE

I took 2 chairs inside of the downstairs living room...; and, placed them outside either side of the garden table.

11:30 AM MOVED 4 WOODEN CHAIRS FROM TIP DOWN TO EMMAEUS

When I went down to the tip...I saw 4 wooden chairs...which actually looked brand 'new'; however, I decided I didn't want them myself...as they had a foam base...and, that meant rain would get inside of it...if I placed these outside of the garden. 

So, instead, I decided to take them down to Emmaeus charity shop...2 at a time.

12 MIDDAY FOUND LEATHER CHAIR OUTSIDE EMMAEUS

Outside of Emmaeus charity shop...I found a leather spinning chair...which was in great condition...except it needed a little bit of cleaning at the back of the seat part.

I decided to take this chair home with me...and, place it inside of the back garden...the rain would give it a good clean.

Also, it would be great fun to spin around on...whenever I'm outside in the garden. 

2 PM WENT SHOPPING IN ICELAND

I decided to do some shopping in Iceland superstore...I brought...

- Meat: Steak & Kidney Pie/Mince and beef pie/1 x box of ham 

- Curry: 1 x Beef curry and rice/1 x Chicken curry and rice

- Drinks: 1 x Mango fruit juice

- Sweets: Miscellaneous

- Ice cream: 4 x chocolate ice cream lollies/2 x boxes of ice cream cones: Mint/Strawberry

- Milk: 2 x packages of Soya Bean Milk

I recall I didn't take my bike along with me to help carry the shopping home. Oh boy, was that a long walk...having to carry up 4 bags with my arms aching...and, my feet refusing to move anything but really REALLY 'slow'.

5:30 PM PHONE TREVOR

I actually phoned to talk to Millicent his wife; but, instead, Trevor answered; he explained that Millicent is suffering from a severe toothache...; and, is currently sleeping.

I updated  him with what's going on inside of the house...Zoltan, the builder, has put up some scaffolding to stop the ceiling falling down; he stopped the bathroom tap cold water leak; and, also,  partly knocked down the bathroom/toilet wall. I also explained that Zoltan said he would make another appointment to see me again on 10th August 2020...to discuss any further building work.

I also explained that Sharon and Geoff don't seem to be getting along as well as before; and, are even contemplating possible divorce. I suggested 'marriage counselling'; but, then, it takes two willing partners to do that.

I also told him that the Council has sent me a letter asking me to pay 'unpaid' rent...to cover the period since my mum died...right up until when the flat was closed shut; the cost of which is £1,000.00 +.

7 PM AWARE OF MORE CLEANING UP WORK STILL TO BE DONE

All the time, I'm constantly aware than I need to clean up the broken bits and pieces of the knocked down brick wall that are still left inside of the house. I just been feeling far too lazy to do it...; possibly, I'll do it, later on.

Sat 010820 Drew in the backgarden...

2 PM WOKE UP - DECIDED TO DO SOME DRAWING OUTSIDE IN THE GARDEN

When I awoke...I decided to place outside of the garden...a table/chair/mirror...and, then, practice doing some drawing there...

1> I created 3 x self-portraits(1 x graphite stick drawing, I gave away to Emmaeus Charity shop for FREE; another drawing I did using red ink...stored it inside of a black plastic folder; the final drawing was doing using graphite stick on A5 advertisement card...which I also stored away inside of the black plastic folder...in which I store most of my self-portraits)

2> I also drew a plastic skull(1 x skull drawing I decided to frame...it was done using a mixture of graphite stick/and, red pen...on A4 white typing/copier paper; I placed it into a 'poundshop' white A3 sized frame; then, stuck it on the wall.

Fri 310720 Moved rubble from front of the house...

5 AM WOKE UP EARLY TO REMOVE BROKEN BRICKS RUBBLE FROM THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE

The first thing I did when I awoke was to remove the broken bricks rubble from the front part of the house.  This process involved me making several trips on my bike...with both handlebars carrying bags filled with brick rubble...down to the public tip which is half-way down the road. I recall the empty public tip...was almost half way full with brick rubble.

Eventually, I removed it all...; and, then, came back in to go fall asleep, again.

NOTE: There is still broken brick rubble inside of the house...on the floor where the bathroom/toilet is; but, most of the whole/or, half-whole bricks have been removed; and, all that's left to remove is lots of broken brick chips.

 

Thu 300720 Zoltan, the builder came...installed scaffolding/knocked down wall

9 AM VISIT FROM ZOLTAN THE BUILDER

My cousin's husband, Geoff, recommended Zoltan the builder to come and fix the problems I'm having with the house. 

1> The downstairs ceiling plaster fell off/thus, exposing the wooden beams up above; and, because their is a constant water leak...the, wooden beams ended up rotting away...thus, at any moment, the ceiling could completely collapse.

2> The wall above the collapsed roof...lying in between both the bathroom/toilet...has completely detached itself away from the inside doors/and, also, away from the above ceiling. In other words, because the ceiling below is weak...this caused the above wall to sink.

When Zoltan came he took a look; and, explained the living situation is extremely dangerous; and, in fact, the ceiling could collapse at any time. His suggested solution was he would come back at around 1 PM evening...and, install some scaffolding to hold up the ceiling. As well as, knock down the above wall. The cost would be £500.00; to which I agreed.

10 AM WENT TO BANK AND WITHDREW £500.00 TO PAY ZOLTAN THE BUILDER

I went over to Brixton to withdraw £500.00 from the bank in order to pay Zoltan the builder, later.

12 Midday EAMMAEUS CHARITY SHOP/BROUGHT SOME ITEMS

I believe, I stopped at 2 x Emmaeus charity shops...and, brought some items:-

1> Fashion hollow sculpture woman £5.00

2> A hand £5.00

3> A portable mirror £10.00

2 PM ZOLTAN THE BUILDER RETURNED WITH SCAFFOLDING EQUIPMENT

When Zoltan the builder came back; he brought with him some scaffolding equipment which he promptly installed downstairs; in order to hold up the ceiling.

Next, the worked on knocking down the upstairs bathroom/toilet wall. He knocked down 3/4's of it...; but, left 1/4 still there...because that part is attached to central heating/and, other wires/-etc.

I told Zoltan I would clean up the mess myself before he started work.

I paid him an extra £50.00; in order to make him feel that all of his helpful work is much appreciated.

I think, he left somewhere around 5/or, 6 PM evening.

NOTE: Zoltan, said he would return back on the 10th August 2020 in order to discuss doing any further building work.