Tues, Apr 17th

Guess what? I checked the desktop's network settings this morning, changed one option in the IP filtering screen, and presto we had Internet access again. However, this was just as Dawn was going out the door to work. So, she didn't have a chance to do her morning email to Brady. At least we're back on track again.

Mon, Apr 16th

Well today was no better than yesterday. I got to work, and now my email was down at work which meant that I couldn't receive time sheets I needed. Last week, I received all but a couple by the end of the first day's work. This week, I was left needing about 40% still. And, as for the router problem at home, it was still not resolved.

So, when Dawn and I got home from work, I set about trying to solve the problem again. Once again I called BT and ended up talking to a call centre in India. After about three quarters of an hour, of which 30 minutes I was telling the so-called expert what needed to be done, I was finally put through to someone who knew what they were talking about. We spent over half an hour checking and changing settings and finally my laptop could access the Internet. Unfortunately, the desktop couldn't. At this point BT said "Well, your router's okay now. You need to get a computer expert in to look at the desktop." I could have screamed. However, according to Dawn, I had already been shouting!!! Give me strength.

One other footnote. I finished reading Skelling by David Almond. That brings my total to books finished reading this year to 25!

Sun, Apr 15th

A very traumatic day to say the least. It started well, but by tea time I was ready to pull my hair out. First thing I did after we'd had breakfast and a shower was set up a small wireless network so I could transfer data between the two PCs and hopefully use the new backup device and printer connected to the desktop. I copied a month's worth of photos to my laptop, and felt pretty good. By the way, I will be updating the Yahoo site with some new photos in a few days.

After lunch, I watched the Wigan-Spurs game on Sky Sports and this was when it all started to go wrong. I know we did well to get a draw out of the game after falling behind three times. But, we need to be beating these types of teams if we want to challenge for trophies, etc. Dawn in the meantime had her weekly video call with Brady.

Then things turned sour. For some odd reason, probably because of what I had done earlier in the day, we could no longer access the Internet or receive or send emails. I spent what must have been about 2 hours trying to change settings to solve the problem before spending another hour and a half on the phone to a BT call centre somewhere in India. Their solution at the end of the call was to turn the router off for eight hours and check it again in the morning.

Sat, Apr 14th

We left the house early today to have a ride over to PC World in Harlow to get the techies to look at a problem I had with my laptop battery. While there we did our grocery shopping at the local Tesco for a change.

Back at the house, we spent several hours cleaning and moving odds and ends around. Dawn got our bookcase filled with our ornaments and stuff, while I moved the furniture around in the spare room and put our photo albums on the bookcase in there. All the while Tiny kept me company sitting on her wicker chair watching what was going on.

We both felt exhausted from all the hassle, but the place looked a lot better by the time we finished. Unfortunately, we're not even into one tenth of what needs to be done around the house.

Fri, Apr 13th

Dawn had another work at home day as she had to visit our local hospital in Welwyn Garden City for her recent examination results. The good news is that they came back all okay. She can also contact the hospital again within the year if she has a problem, and then after the 12 months will need to contact her GP for a referral. In addition (not best of all, because Dawn's health was best of all), her half a dozen visits to the doctor and hospital over the last three months for consultations and exams did not cost us one penny. Who says that socialised health care sucks?

As for me, I had my best day at my new job since I started. I practised using SQL all day and by the time I left for the day I had resolved a bug in a report that our credit controller was using, and generated a new report that will speed up one of my tasks, too.

One other note is that I finished reading Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. That means that I have now read all 6 in the series this year and can now be one of the many millions eagerly awaiting the finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Thur, Apr 12th

Today was a red letter day for me at work. Jackson, who is not really our IT guy, finally gave me full access to our time and management database called ADEO. This means that I can now start to do my job. Up until now, I have not been able to review or investigate much of the information in the system as the few reports that are there don't really help me. The down side is that I need to learn SQL so that I can start writing reports of my own. But, I've been here before, so it's not going to be a big problem.

Tues, Apr 10th

Today Dawn stayed at home while it was the turn of the painter to work on our living room ceiling. By the time I returned home from the office at lunch, the work was complete and we could start getting back to normal. Our ceiling looked 100% better with the flat ceiling, than the previous artex one.

Tonight we spent a good couple of hours moving furniture around and organising our stuff again. I moved the desktop computer down into the dining area, now that we had moved the table into the living room. We moved a bookcase up to the spare room, and a second next to the television. It really opened the rooms up and made better use of the living room. Now we just need to get our photo albums and ornaments back on the shelves.

Mon, Apr 9th

My last day of my long weekend, and I had to make a special trip to the local Kwik-Fit shop to get a new tyre and have all four wheels' tracking and balance checked. That was over one hundred pounds that we didn't budget for, and didn't really want to have to fork out. At least it's done now, so we can feel somewhat happier that they'll be okay when we head north on our long drive to Scotland in a few weeks.

Back at the house we just took it easy and relaxed. I'm now onto book six in the Harry Potter series. So no doubt I will be one of those eager readers awaiting the release of the final episode when it's released in July. Dawn has been reading a couple of John Grisham books, although at the moment she is reading a biography I bought her for Christmas on Bono.

Sun, Apr 8th

Today I drove over to Dad's in Holloway to pick him and George up and bring him back to our house for dinner. Being as we're still on our South Beach Diet, we had to be creative to avoid piling on the carbs. We did it by having some sweet potato mash, greens and steamed cauliflower with a roast leg of lamb. We did, however, pile on some sugar when we had some chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert.

While Dad was here, I spent a good few hours helping him set up his new laptop. Best of all, I was able to scan in a photo of Mum using his new all-in-one printer, then set it up as his desktop background. The biggest surprise of the day was when he showed me a family tree that my daughter Hayley had done for him a couple of years ago. It seems that my great-great grandparents were married at a local church around the corner from us in Hertingfordbury. We pass St. Mary's church every time we do our weekly grocery shopping and can't wait to check it out now.

The downside of the day was that we got a flat tyre as we arrived back at Dad's flat. Luckily we had a spare one in the boot. However, it now means that we have to get this replaced pretty damn soon.

Fri, Apr 6th

Good Friday and no work for us today. However, it didn't mean that we could spend the whole day in bed. No, I had to be traditional and have hot cross buns for breakfast. And for me, tradition means going to a local bakers and buying some extra fresh buns. Dawn, although she likes hot cross buns, preferred something closer to her original home for breakfast. Yes, she had a nice hot bowl of cheese grits. Plus one of my hot cross buns heated in the oven with a knob of butter.

We then popped upstairs to our spare room and looked at some Scottish cottages on the Internet. Dawn had done all the hard work yesterday doing hours of research on where we can stay when we visit the Highlands later this month to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. It didn't take long for us to agree on a three bedroom cottage with a view of Loch Linnhe. We checked to make sure they would accept Tiny and then emailed confirmation of our booking.

Thur, Apr 5th

Dawn has been spending the last three days enjoying some time away from the office, while I have been slaving away at my desk. However, it hasn't been all fun. On Tuesday she went to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Welwyn Garden City for an ultrasound. It appears to have gone well, but she'll know more next Friday when she goes back for the results.

Then on Wednesday she stayed at home while a couple of builders took down the damaged ceiling boards in the living room and put some new ones up. On Thursday she waited in while a plasterer called by to plaster the whole ceiling. However, we'll have to wait until next week before it's painted.

Sun, Apr 1st

After an uneventful day, we are exhausted after a busy Sunday. Dawn started the day by reading the Sunday Times before completing a couple of emails to her mother and sister. I in the meantime got stuck into reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I'd finished two books last week, making this my 23rd of the year.

Anyway, Dawn then did a load of laundry and hung it up to dry outside (see photo). Then we moved all our photo albums, books, etc and the computer and printer upstairs to the spare room, because we have plasterers coming this week to repair our damaged living room ceiling. Then, if that wasn't enough, I spent a couple of hours in the kitchen making some chili, chocolate- covered strawberries, jelly with celery and pecans, and baking some 'Monster' muffins. Then, when I'd done that, I had to clean the mess on the dining table. That was a task in itself. I'd already chopped up the Christmas tree out back, and moved our damaged fence from the back gate - Don't ask!

Anyway, Dawn then had a video call with Brady with Tiny flying back and forth behind her trying to grab some attention. Once Dawn had finished with Brady, she did another washing load and did the vacuuming. By which time I was ready to crash and settled down in front of the television to watch Spurs versus Reading on Skysports.

Sat, Mar 31st

Today we popped into town to collect Tiny's flea medicine and can report that we are pretty pleased that it cost half as much as it used to in Florida. The brandname is called Frontline. But it does the same thing. Then we dropped into Tesco in Harlow to get some treats for Tiny. This is because we can only get her favourite treats, Salmon sticks, at one store.

Dad's was our next port of call and we stayed there for a while and chatted. He looked a lot better than the last time we saw him. Two weeks ago he spent most of the time in the chair. This week he was up and down like a yo-yo getting books and odds and sods from the box room. We brought some sandwiches with us for lunch and Dad did himself a ham roll, while George had a couple of pork pies.

On the way home we dropped into Morrisons at Enfield to do our weekly grocery shopping before crashing in front of the television.

Fri, Mar 30th

Another quiet week in the White house. In fact, I don't think we did anything except go to work, come home, eat meals, watch television and read. Dawn did have some frustrating moments at work. However, in view of the media coverage of employer lawsuits, we will refrain from commenting here. All we will say is, "Thank God it's Friday."

I on the other hand can feel a little satisfaction in being handed my first payslip on over six months. Let's hope I can survive longer at my new job than I did my old.

I of course called Dad a couple of times, and made arrangements to go see him at the weekend.

Sun, Mar 26th

Why do the weekends pass so quickly? We just don't seem to get enough hours. It didn't help that we lost an hour when the clocks went forward last night, too.

Yesterday we popped into town to run a few errands and get our haircut at 'A Head of Time.' I picked up a couple of books at the Oxfam shop and Dawn a cheap umbrella at Woolworths. Then it was onto Morrisons for the weekly grocery shopping. I called Dad after we ate dinner, and was pleased to hear he was okay.

Today was chore day. Dawn did more laundry and ironing, while I spent a couple of hours in the kitchen doing prep work for this week's meals. Although I did splurge by melting some dark chocolate and covering some strawberries for a delectable dessert for tonight. I finished reading Humble Pie by Gordon Ramsay (my 20th book this year), and Dawn had her weekly video call with Brady. But, like I said, the weekend all went way too fast.

Fri, Mar 23rd

I'm sorry blog watchers. It's been a pretty mundane week in the White house. We both had a pretty hectic work week, and were more than happy to see Friday evening arrive. Unfortunately, the weekend just flies by and it's Monday again.

Our living room ceiling repair hit another snag when the plasterers that came to view the damage informed the builder that the whole ceiling needed to be replaced. As the builder had already surveyed the damage, they knew this wasn't the case. So, it was back to the drawing board with another plasterer and a few weeks more wait.

Dad seems to be doing well. He's getting out and about. He's been to the hospital for more blood tests, done the grocery shopping with George, and even went down Eastcheap on Thursday to pick up some First Day Covers.

Sun, Mar 18th

Yesterday we had a ride into town to run some errands. Dad asked if I could pick him up a photo magazine and coin album in WH Smith. While we were there Dawn picked up a couple of handbags for £10 at the street market, and I picked up a bunch of flowers for Mother's Day. Then it was onto Welwyn Garden City to drop off four bags of cardboard, plastic bottles and glass bottles at the recycle centre. We have our newspapers and aluminium cans collected fortnightly. Grocery shopping at Morrisons followed, then it was home to spend the rest of the day with Tiny. Dawn was also able to catch up with her sister Kelly on the phone in Florida.

Today we had a ride up to see Dad and took him with us to the cemetery to lay some flowers on Mum's grave for Mother's Day. Last year it was pretty memorable as it was the first time in 7 years. However, today it meant that much more as a few weeks ago we didn't know whether Dad would still be with us. Then it was onto the Gatehouse for lunch. For once none of us had the Sunday roast. As we're on the South Beach Diet again, Dawn had the Cesear Salad, and I had the gammon and egg with a salad as a replacement for the normal chips.

When we got home Dawn had her weekly video call with Brady, and heard all about Margaret's memorial service. Margaret was no doubt proud to see (looking down from her better place) th1 100 or so friends and family that turned up, and wonderful spread her church laid on afterwards so that they could spend some time together to pay their respects. She was certainly one wonderful lady, and it was fitting she had such a touching send-off.

Fri, Mar 16th

Today was Red Nose Day 2007. Here in the UK, Comic Relief was launched back in 1985 to raise both awareness of the plight of the suffering in Africa, and the less fortunate here at home. Today it is now an institution where Red Nose Day is celebrated with a seven hour telethon on commercial free BBC television.

At offices and places all over the country, workers do what they can to raise donations. Where I work, it was a dress-down day where your clothing MUST include the colour red. Donations were also collected. I wore a shirt we embroidered with the Braves logo, and donated £10. We collected around £130, and the bosses rounded the donation up to £200.

Then, after watching the scenes broadcast on TV tonight that showed how just £2.50 ($4) could save a child's life by buying a net to prevent malaria, we felt compelled to donate more. Scenes showing towns that had no running water and waste sewage being tipped into streams and rivers where kids played were just too much to bear. Sometimes we take for granted just how fortunate we are to have been born in a developed country. We made another donation online, which thanks to tax relief will be increased by 28p on the pound.

Wed, Mar 14th

A long day at the office for me today, even though it was just a little over half a day. This is because I work flat out while I am there and pace myself for two four-hour segments with a lunch break in the middle. Today, though, I got in at 8.30am and worked through until mid afternoon when I left for my dental appointment.

Which brings me on to a confession, and a couple words of praise. Firstly, I dislike dental surgeries with a vengeance. Anyone who knows me knows just how much. However, with Dawn's inspiration and drive, I have turned my attitude towards dental appointments around and no longer avoid them. It has also helped having a good dentist, too. Now I feel good about going to the dentist; in fact, I have been to the dentist five times since arriving back here last year. Better still, thanks to flossing and using a proxy brush daily, I have a clean bill of health and can look forward to six months between dental appointments.

Mon, Mar 12th

A day of mixed news. We received an email from my brother David in Dublin to let us know that he had got the all clear from his heart surgeon and did not need to go back until next year. He's had a rough eighteen months between having part of his lung removed thanks to cancer, and a heart valve replacement operation. Hopefully, now he can start moving forward again.

Then an hour later Dawn received a call from Brady to let us know that Margaret (Jim's mother) had just passed away. We were saddened to hear the news, as Margaret had meant so much to us. Especially Dawn, as Margaret had been a part of her life for the last 26 years. She was a sweet lady, and never had a bad word for anyone. However, over the last few months her health had deteriorated after she went down with lymphoma. We're glad that her suffering is now over with, and that she is where she should be. A much better place.

Sun, Mar 11th

On Saturday Dawn drove us to Harlow so we could do a little shopping at PC World. We picked up a wireless network card, and a cheap laptop. We need to be able to move our desktop PC from where it is in the front room when the builders repair our ceiling. And I need a laptop so I can start writing my novel. Then we dropped into town to make a haircut appointment, and pick up some groceries. The afternoon was then spent sorting out our wireless network. I had major problems that even the BT helpdesk couldn't assist me with. They just informed me that our computer was broke and that I should take it in to to be fixed. That proved false, as I was finally able to get the network up and running.

Sunday was a chill out day (sort of). Dawn did the housework while I made some oatmeal muffins. Then she had her weekly video call with Brady, while I watched Spurs draw with Chelsea in the FA Cup on BBC 1. I also called Dad to check on him. He had a quiet weekend, apart from getting a bus down to the grocery store yesterday.

Fri, Mar 9th

Today we celebrate one whole year living back here in England. And both of us are so pleased that we're home. I know in my own heart that deciding to come home when we did was one of the best decisions I have ever made. We still have a long way to go before we can say life is the way we'd like it. But, compared to living in Florida, we can sincerely say we are happy.

On a more mundane level, Dawn took the day off work today to go to the Queen Elizabeth II hospital in Welwyn Garden City to get the results for her tests last month. The good news was that she got the all clear. Unfortunately, they needed to get the syringe out for some more extractions, and want her to come back in a few weeks for an ultrasound. However, this is covered under the NHS and therefore doesn't cost us any more than what we're paying in payroll taxes. If we were still in America and paying for health care through Blue Cross Blue Shield, it would cost us between $1500 and $2000 (in addition to the insurance premiums!).

Dawn also had a ride up to Morrisons to do the weekly grocery shopping. She drove the car on her own again, including ferrying me to and from work, and made the comment "Driving around Hertford is a piece of cake compared to driving in London."

Thur, Mar 8th

I'm getting used to the work routine now. We get up early (around 5am), check emails etc, shower, have breakfast and then I drop Dawn off at the station before going home to spend an hour with Tiny. I then rush around for 10 minutes feeding Tiny, putting on my suit, and then rushing out the door for the 10 minute drive to work. I do four and a half hours at the office, then rush home to feed Tiny, call Dawn and check emails before rushing back to work within the 30 minutes I have for lunch. I then work for four more hours before making the five minute journey to the station to pick Dawn up and go home. Tiny then loves on us before I feed her once more, and then make dinner. Usually, by 7pm Dawn has cleaned the mess I made in the kitchen and we can relax for a couple of hours before going to bed where I read for somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour. Then, it all starts over again.

Tonight Dad called to see how Dawn did at the hospital. Unfortunately her appointment wasn't until Friday. However, even though I called him Wednesday, it gave me a chance to see how he was. He got a bus to and from the grocery store to do some shopping. Then spent the rest of the day resting. He seems to be progressing well. But, it's taking its time, and he is still pretty tired afterwards.

News from Brady wasn't so good. The nursing home where Jim's mother, Margaret, is staying at the moment called Hospice in. Her condition is getting worse daily. It breaks our hearts to hear how she is suffering, and know it is tearing Brady and Jim to pieces to see her in pain. Now, probably due to the drugs she is on, she doesn't know where she is, who anyone is, and probably hasn't a clue what's happening. Our prayers go out to Margaret and all her family.

Tues, Mar 6th

Today we had a little rain in Hertford. Nothing compared to the downpours we experienced in Dunedin. But it still flooded Horns Mill Road. Luckily, I was able to get through it on the way to work. However, a little later, I wouldn't have been. A small river overflowed and the water reached all the way to the Post Office. Here is a photo I took five hours later after it had started to go down.

Mon, Mar 5th

Today we can start eating more fibre and carbs again. After two weeks on the South Beach Diet, I lost ten and a half pounds, and Dawn lost five. Phase Two allows us to introduce whole meal bread and pasta, brown rice, and some fruit. Above you can see the oatmeal muffins I made yesterday and we couldn't wait to get tucked in. They were delicious.

Dad was went to both the Royal Free and Whittington Hospitals today. He has a burning sensation on his leg, so the RFH said to change the dose of his medication. His INR was lower than it should have been, but the nurse at the other hospital said to stay on the current medication and come back in two weeks. He was completely exhausted though. He went by bus between the two, and to and from home. What a difference two weeks can make.

Dawn and I were back at work, and it was hectic for both of us. However, I think Dawn's was far worse than mine.

Sun, Mar 4th

What a weekend. Yesterday we had a ride up to see Dad and Dawn drove all the way there and all the way back. This was the first time that she had ever driven into London, and she did pretty well. She felt a little nervous on some of the narrow roads where it was a tight squeeze to pass, and maneuvering the roundabout at the North Circular. But, I wasn't at all worried and felt that she should be proud of her accomplishment.

As for Dad, he looked well. He didn't get up while we were there. But, we chatted for a couple of hours and he seems to have regained some of the colour and weight in his face that he lost during his stay in the hospital.

Today we stayed at home and did things around the house. I watched Spurs come back twice to beat West Ham in a dramatic style with their third goal of the game to tie the match in the last minute, and their winner in the fifth minute of injury time. It was nail biting at times. But at least we won. That makes it four wins on the spin.

Oh yea, Dawn had her weekly video call with her mum earlier today, and tonight called our niece, Michaela Dixon, to wish her many happy returns for her 9th birthday. She then grabbed to opportunity to chat with her sister Kelly for a little.

Fri, Mar 2nd

I've finally completed a full week at work. My first since the week before last August bank holiday weekend. That, as you can imagine, seems a lifetime ago. All in all, I am pleased with how it went. However, the reasons for my position being created have certainly been very obvious. There has been a lack of controls in many areas. My company also bought out another company and the amalgamated procedures has meant the transition has resulted in many problems.

I've also been in contact with Dad every day. Today was the first day this week that he has stayed home. He had a district nurse call around. Monday, however, he is back to the hospital for another blood test. We plan to go and see him on Saturday.

Dawn has had the week from hell at work. Fortunately she was working from home on Wednesday (when she wasn't at the hospital).

Wed, Feb 28th

Well we're glad this month is over with. It's certainly been an eventful one. Let's hope March is a little less stressful. Just take the last three days for Dad. He went to the hospital on Monday and today, for a blood test and ultrasound, and to his own GP on Tuesday . He's progressing well, though. However, all this running around is making him tired.

I have completed three days at work for the first time in what seems like forever. It's been enjoyable, but at the same time very, very frustrating.

Dawn has also had a couple of crazy days in the office before a work at home day. Well, partly. In the middle of the day she had to go to the QEII hospital in Welwyn for a checkup. This meant that she had possession of the car and had to drop me off at work and collect me in the evening. More relevant is that she had to drive to the hospital on her own. This she accomplished with flying colours, and even reverse parked into one of those tiny sized parking bays. However, she did say that it was strange as hell trying to manoeuvre the tiny two lane roads that only had enough width for one car.

Mon, Feb 26th

Today I finally rejoined the workforce as Cost Controller for a Risk Management company in Hertford. My day went well, but I do feel tired. All the new faces, procedures and objectives. It's certainly another challenge to face again.

And I haven't forgotten it was Tiny's big day too. She did really well. In addition to being pleased to see me and Dawn when we got home tonight, she ate her meals okay, and wasn't sick. Hopefully she'll get used to the new routine and start enjoying the peace with me out of the house.

We also have some sad news to mention regarding our ex-employer, Dr. Leibrecht. He passed away peacefully Saturday following a short illness. Neither of us will ever forget him. He was Dawn's first boss in England back in 1997, and gave us both jobs when we moved to America in 1999, giving us 7 memorable years in Dunedin. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends, many of whom are our friends too, including Dr. Cathy Eberhart who will now be Schiller's Interim President.

I called Dad this evening and he successfully got to the Whittington Hospital and home again after a blood test on his INR. It was up again, resulting in yet another change to his medication.

Sun, Feb 25th

We had a fairly relaxing weekend following the events of the last six days. It's hard to believe that just a week ago we were up the Royal Free Hospital with Dad after his heart attack. Thankfully he appears to be on the mend. I called him both today and yesterday and he is trying to get back on his feet. He has been moving around the flat to get exercise, having a shave and washing his hair. Mundane activities to most, but to someone who 7 days ago had a heart attack, they are pretty tiring things to do.

Dawn and I, on the other hand, spent most of the time at home doing housework and preparing for my return to the workforce tomorrow. Tiny seems to sense a change in the air, as she has been sick. She hasn't had a good night's sleep since Thursday. We hope she'll be alright tomorrow on her own. I'll try and update the blog tomorrow evening to let you all know how she did. Not to mention how I did!

Fri, Feb 23rd

Today was Dad's first full day at home, and he thoroughly enjoyed his own surroundings. However, he still felt very tired and still has concerns over his bladder problem. Around mid-day a district nurse called around to see him. He did some walking around the flat, but spent most of the day resting. He'll make the most of the weekend resting, and building up his strength, as he has hospital visits on Monday and Wednesday, and will have another visit from the district nurse on Tuesday.

We had a subcontractor call this morning to check for asbestos in our living room ceiling. Our insurance company should have the results early next week and can then schedule in the repairs. I did some grocery shopping, and called my new employers to confirm that I will be at work on Monday. However, I thought that last Friday and look what happened over the weekend. Dawn, on the other hand, was glad to have a couple of days break from work. It's certainly been a long, long week for all of us.

Thurs, Feb 22nd - GREAT NEWS

I called the hospital this morning and got confirmation from the staff nurse that Dad was coming home today. So I drove up to his flat to collect George, and some clothes for him to change into. When we got there and said it was great that he was going home, Dad told me that they hadn't told him yet.

Anyway, I went and saw the nurse and she confirmed that Dad was going home. She was just waiting for a drug to come up from the pharmacy, as he has a chest infection. Then once he was dressed, a doctor stopped us and asked him to get an x-ray done as he left the building. This took an extra hour, but there were no complaints from anyone when we all considered the big picture.

We got back to the flat a little before 4pm. Dad made it up the five flights (and 28 stairs) with little problem. However, he did get a little breathless over the last couple. The bottom line is that he's home. Now he has a long road ahead to recover and get back to normal. But, for that alone, we're all thankful.

Wed, Feb 21st

Today I went to the Royal Free Hospital on my own, as George went to the Whittington for an ECG. He has been getting some chest pains so his doctor wanted to check them out. Dad looked really good, and was really full of beans. Best news of all was that the doctors told him that they hope to send him home tomorrow. We are really pleased that he seems to have made a very quick recovery after his heart attack Sunday. Dad said that Phil had gone up to see him last night, and when I called Phil to give him the good news tonight, Jean told me that Phil had gone again this evening.

Tues, Feb 20th

Good news today. This morning I collected George again and went up the hospital to see Dad, and meet with one of his doctors. The doctor went to great length to describe everything Dad had been through and all that they had done to address his condition. The key points were that all his vital signs are now stable, he is going in the right direction, and that if things continue like this, they hope to have him home by the weekend. Unfortunately, it will take him several months before he is back to full strength. However, with rehabilitation, the doctor doesn't think that this should be a problem.

When we got around to seeing Dad, he looked 100% better than he had done yesterday, and even better than he had when he was in the Whittington. All his monitors and drips had been removed, and they moved him to a ward room to be with four other patients as he didn't need constant monitoring. He sat upright in a chair and talked easily, not labouring as he had been only yesterday. And he didn't look as tired. It was a real relief to see how much he had improved in one day. He certainly gave us a shock at the weekend.

Mon, Feb 19th

This morning I called the hospital first thing and was told that Dad had enjoyed a comfortable night. However, enjoy is definitely not the right word. Then, after dropping Dawn off at the station and popping home for a bit, I dropped into my new employers (it should have been my first day), and told them that I would not be starting today, and asked if I could postpone my start to next Monday. They were completely accommodating and fully appreciated the situation.

I then drove to St Mellitus (my church) and lit some candles and said a prayer before picking George up and heading to the hospital. We then spent the best part of the day with Dad. Phillip and Jean also arrived while we were there, too.

Dad seemed very tired, but told us that he felt fine. We did our best to help him deal with the solitude of being stuck, once again, in a hospital bed. The doctors said that his vital signs were going in the right direction, but as before he is not out of the woods yet.

When I got home I called David to check on how his visit to the doctor had been. He was told that his cancer had not returned; now he needs to see his heart surgeon next week to be given the all clear to start his physical re-hab.

Sun, Feb 18th

This morning I got a phone call from George to say that Dad was in hospital and had had a heart attack. An ambulance had arrived about 2am in the morning to take him. Over the next hour I made several phone calls to the hospital, my brother David in Dublin (Ireland), brother Phillip, and George. The nurse on the telephone said that things didn't look too good, and that it would be best if we were up there.

Dawn and I drove to the hospital collecting George on the way. Phillip and his wife, Jean, arrived shortly after. The news from the doctor was promising, but Dad was still a long way from being out of the woods. We were delighted to see that he had been fully concsious, but he was relying on a pump and cocktail of drugs to keep his heart going. Mid afternoon, they successfully removed the pump. Thankfully his vital signs were still good.

Dawn and I left the hospital late afternoon after the doctor said that he should be okay until they start reducing the drugs (which will be sometime tomorrow). However, how his heart reacts is in God's hands. We were also warned that he could have a second heart attack at any moment, and this time it could be fatal.

We arrived home feeling numb, not knowing what the next few hours, or few days have in store. Needless to say, I plan to contact my new employers in the morning to postpone my start date for a week. I plan to go to the hospital tomorrow, as do Phillip and George.

Fri, Feb 16th

Today I waited in all morning for the locksmith to come and fix the spare room window. For the past two months we have had to keep the door closed because we weren't able to lock the window shut. Thankfully after several days of waiting for the guy to arrive, he solved the problem.

I then drove over to Welwyn Garden City to get an MOT certificate for the car. I had to wait for an hour and a half, but it gave me a chance to read some more of my book. On the way home I dropped into The Frying Pan in Hertford and picked up some fish and chips for our dinner. It was like a last hurrah as we're back on the South Beach Diet on Monday.

Thur, Feb 15th

Dawn was off work sick today (see yesterday's entry). She's had a rough few weeks between a day off due to hospital appointment and licence application, trains broken down on her commute route, and snowbound Hertford. Now she was off sick!

I, on the other hand, had a ride up to Holloway to see Dad and take him to the Whittington Hospital for a blood check and visit to the clinic to assess his latest INR. Again, this INR was all over the show. When he left the hospital last week it was 2.7 and today it was 5.8. They want him to be around 3.5. He has to adjust his tablets and go back again next week to see if he can bring it down.

I have also been on the phone with a window company and a local garage, as we are trying to sort out a window, and get an MOT on our car. Both were a big disappointment as both made appointments only to cancel and re-arrange them for some reason or other.

An MOT certificate is required for all cars over three years old. It certifies that the car is road worthy. Without a valid MOT certificate, one can not get road tax certificate. And without a road tax certificate on your car, you can not drive it on the road!

Wed, Feb 14th - Valentine's Day

Both today and yesterday morning I drove to my new work address at 8.30am to check how long it would take me to get to work. I don't want to get to work late next week. I was a little puzzled with how quick it took. Probably because it's half term and the kids are off school. But, at 9 minutes, I'm not complaining if this becomes the norm.

However, today is Valentine's Day, so I'll concentrate on that. Tonight I met Dawn at Hertford North railway station so we could go out for a romantic meal. What Dawn didn't know was that I would be wearing my pin-stripe suit and holding a single red rose. I think it got the evening off to a nice start. We then drove into town and tried a local Indian restaurant called Bollywoods to see if they could squeeze us in without a reservation. We were in luck. However, our luck disappeared as soon as the waiter removed the condiment bowls that accompanied the poppadoms that we had for starters.

We ordered a Tandoori mixed grill dish and immediately wished we were back at Bombay Spice in Palmers Green. Every piece of meat was overcooked. We couldn't even get the chicken breast meat off the bone. The service also went downhill as they repeatedly brought us hot towels to wipe our hands with a dessert menu, and neglected to bring the bill. In fairness to them, they did give us a small complimentary box of chocolates and a rose. However, Dawn said even the chocs weren't that great either. Oh yea, I think they must have overdone a pot of salmon-coloured sauce, as it accompanied everything they brought to the table.

The final footnote was that Dawn woke up at 2.30am feeling the worse for wear, and it wasn't down to the single bottle of Cobra she had with the meal.

Mon, Feb 12th

Once again Dawn was back on the train commuting to work today. Hopefully, she'll be able to see out the whole week this time. Unlike last week, where she only made it into the office twice. I had a ride into town first thing and got my belated haircut before doing a little shopping. I was even able to pick up a Writer's Magazine. I'd been searching for weeks, since I had taken up the baton again to write my book.

This afternoon, I addressed the job situation. Nothing arrived in the mail from either companies that I was waiting to hear from, so I made some calls. By the end of the day I had received confirmation that I had been overlooked by the County and had a start date as Cost Controller with the local risk management company. My months of unemployment will finally come to an end next Monday when I again return to the workforce. Not only will it be an adjustment for me, but Tiny too. She will most certainly be the one most affected.

Sun, Feb 11th

We had a quiet weekend at home in Hertford. Yesterday we headed into town for our haircuts. Only Dawn got hers done, though, as the girl who normally cuts ours was sick. The owner was able to squeeze Dawn in. I'll have to go back Monday. Then we dropped off "My Life" by Bill Clinton at the library. Dawn had finally completed reading the biggest book (nearly 1000 pages) she had ever read. I had given her the hardback for Christmas a few years ago. However, it was too heavy to carry on the train to and from work, so I picked up the paperback version. We had a nice soup and sandwich at the Woolpack for lunch. Dawn had a pint of Kronenberg, while I had a nice hot pot of tea. If you read Dawn's blog, you'll understand why I order tea!

Today Dawn got stuck into our photo albums once again. Celebrations were heard in the street as she finally reached photos that we'd taken on New Years Day. Tiny had me for company on the bed as I read and snoozed with her. After dinner I called Dad to check on him only to find out that he had sprained his ankle. Does it never end?

Fri, Feb 9th

The week came to an end with Dawn enduring a nightmare at work. It was her first day back in the office since Monday and thanks to the problems with the train and snow, she spent the best part of the day re-scheduling appointments.

As for my interview. Well, it wasn't an interview; it was a meeting to discuss the new position and also for them to apologise for the job retraction. They went to great lengths to apologise for retracting the offer, and an hour later offered me the position of Cost Controller. Both the Chairman and Financial Controller said they were deeply impressed with my knowledge, skills and experience, and that they wanted me to be a part of the team. The FC said he would get the offer letter in the mail today, and I could let him know early next week whether I wanted the job.

As for the Hertford County vacancy, they never got back to me.

Thurs, Feb 8th

Well this eventful week just seems to be going from strength to strength. This morning we woke up around 4.30am (as normal) and as predicted saw that it was snowing. However, it had only just started. So there wasn't any real reason to be concerned. However, by the time Dawn normally left the house for the station, things had changed. The picture above shows the scene she was faced as she opened the door. Not surprisingly, after checking her train company's website, Dawn did not travel into work. This meant that she had not been to work two days running due to transport issues. I neglected to mention in yesterday's blog that I had to collect her from the station yesterday (after I had dropped her off) because there was a overhead line problem at Alexandra Palace and no trains were getting to Hertford North from Moorgate.

Better still, this afternoon I had an interview for a job as Information Analyst with Hertford County at County Hall. I decided to walk as it was just around the corner from the house. I think the interview went as well as it could. They said they would let me know by tomorrow whether I got the job. One strange quirk of fate: the guy who interviewed me used to work for the same software company (Briter/LK Global) that provided the accounts system when I was at Bowers.

Wed, Feb 7th

Today was one of a great high, and a disturbing low.

The high was because Dad was finally allowed to leave the four bed ward, where he had been couped up with three other patients that had caught a stomach bug, for the spacious (relatively speaking) three bedroom flat I grew up in. Dawn and I picked George up on our way to the hospital and gave Dad a lift home. He even carried out a plastic bag with all the drugs that he was now on, about a dozen or so. All free, as with the rest of his stay. No hospital bill, no bill for the drugs, no bill from pathology for all the blood tests, and no bill from the doctors that visited him. In fact, he had his HSA form signed so that he could RECEIVE money from his health insurance, and a letter for a district nurse that would visit him at home. Yes, there's no charge for that either.

The disturbing low was a call I returned to the company that had offered me the job as Credit Controller. They retracted the job offer. It seems the person who had quit and worked his notice had started his new job on Monday and had a change of heart. And so did the company that let them go. They gave him his job back. However, all was not lost. They informed me that they had just created an alternative position that they would like me to consider. A meeting to discuss it was arranged for Friday.

Tues, Feb 6th

Well, we had another interesting day today. First we went to the QEII hospital in Welwyn Garden City to try and get Dawn onto an annual mammogram program like she had in the US because of her condition. She left about 90 minutes later with nothing but praise for the NHS. The bad news was that there is no such annual mammogram program. Instead, thanks to Dawn's situation and history, they put her on an open door plan where she can come back any time she has a problem and they will examine her and do whatever is necessary to resolve the problem. Best of all, the so-called waiting list (unlike in the US where Dawn had to wait 2 months last time) is nonexistent, and the service doesn't cost anything. Again, unlike the last time in the US when the hospital and clinics billed us around $1500.

Next port of call was Luton (about a 30 minute drive) so Dawn could apply for her provisional drivers licence. If Dawn was British, she could have gone to a local post office and they would have checked her photo, passport and face and then forwarded the application to Swansea (Wales) for processing .However, because she has an American passport, we had to visit a DVLA centre for them to review the documents before sending them ALL off to Swansea (including the passport). Worst of all is that it will take up to seven weeks for her to get the licence and passport back.

The day didn't get any better from here, either. We called Dad at the hospital from Luton and again he was told that he wouldn't be getting out today. Then, when we got home, I had a message from my new employer to call them. This I did, and was politely informed that they had retracted the job offer because the guy who left last Friday changed his mind and wanted to stay. It wasn't all bad, though. They said they have created a new post that I may be interested in. I now have a meeting scheduled for Friday morning to discuss that avenue.

Mon, Feb 5th

Again I called Dad and George first thing to check on them before I took three black dustbin liners full of cans, cardboard and bottles to our local recycling centre. Then it was on to collect George and another visit with Dad. Yes, he's still in hospital. He's edging closer to going home. However, as he may still be there Wednesday, I called my new employer and asked if I could postpone my start date so I could take him home once he does get the green light. They said it wouldn't be a problem.

Tonight we watched the Super Bowl XLI on the Sky+ box. Well, we fast-forwarded through the five hours to watch the best bits. Like the touchdowns, field goals and extra points, and of course Cirque du Soleil and Prince. However, I couldn't help but notice how AMERICAN it was. Not capitalist, American. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy American football and will always follow the Bucs. But the presentation made me cringe. Firstly, the Lombardi trophy was presented to the owner. No disrespect meant, but I don't think I saw Jim Irsay throw any touchdown passes or catch the ball in the end zone. It would be unthinkable here for Malcolm Glazer to receive the FA Cup in the Royal Box if Manchester United won it. That honour would go to the team captain. You know, the guy on the field who actually led the team to victory?

And what's the idea of a Cadillac for the MVP? Give him a trophy that says he was the best on the field. What does someone who already has expensive wheels and a huge bank account need with another car? Next, I would like to know why God helped the Colts win, and not the Bears? To me, that's a little unfair!! Finally, and I've said this dozens of times before, don't call yourself World Champions. Only American teams played in the NFL, and only 32 teams at that. Oh yea, I still have a soft spot for Dunedin and Florida, though. It's just some of the culture that leaves a funny taste in my mouth.

Sun, Feb 4th

Firstly, I'd like to apologise for the lack of photos recently. However, the good news is that we haven't had any more incidents like the chimney collapsing, fence being blown down, or the shower water pump leaking through the ceiling. Hopefully over the next week or so we'll have some more stuff to interest everyone. I have a new workplace, so that could be appearing soon.

Back to our Sunday, though. Again I called my Dad and brother George a couple of times. Dad seems fine, but is bored stiff. He has refused newspapers and books, so only has the ceiling and the other patients to look at. George has coped fine on his own. But, he too is looking forward to having Dad home for the company.

Breakfast this morning was excellent, as we shared another piece of steak with a fried egg and potato waffle. However, this morning's splurge meant we missed out on lunch. But we did make it up with some roast chicken and roast potatoes for dinner (with stuffing, brussels and gravy).

This afternoon we spent a couple of hours laying on the bed with Tiny. She is really going to miss having me around come Wednesday (when I return to the workforce). I say we. Dawn spent half that time ironing.

I also found time to watch Spurs being humiliated 4-0 by David Beckham's old teammates, and the British arm of the Glazier's empire, Manchester United.

Sat, Feb 3rd

Thankfully I am feeling a little better after a week of little sleep, several three hour return trips to the hospital, three job interviews, and countless phone calls to Dad and George to make sure they were okay. I even received an offer letter in the mail for the position as Credit Controller here in Hertford. My start date is February 7th, and will bring an end to five months of unemployment.

Once we were dressed, we headed into town and did some shopping. We hadn't planned it, but we also picked up something for a special celebratory meal: seven sirloin steaks for £10. Not only did they prove value for money, but when we had a couple for dinner with a baked potato, they tasted excellent.

Back home Dawn had a video call with her mum, Brady, to chat about the events of the last week. Even though they exchange emails every day, they still enjoy catching up with things at the weekend. Especially when they can see each other on the computer screen as well.

As always, I called Dad and George in the morning and evening to see how things were. This evening Dad mentioned that my other brother Phillip and his wife Jean had stopped in to see him with some grapes and drink.

Fri, Thur 2nd

The good news is that I finally made it through the night and found myself asleep next to Dawn in the morning when the alarm clock went off, instead of on the couch like the last four nights.

As for the rest of the day, it was a little tense to say the least. I spent all morning glued to the telephone waiting to see whether I had been offered a job. As it turned out, when I left at lunch time to go and collect my brother George so we could visit Dad, I received a call from someone completely different asking whether I was available for an interview next Thursday. This was the local council, and the position was Information Analyst.

Well, I collected George at Dad's flat and took him up the Whittington. He then went for an ultrasound and blood test while I spent an hour and a half with Dad. He was cheerful considering. His stomach was feeling better, his pulse rate was still down, and he had been taken off the oxygen for the last 24 hours. Unfortunately his INR is still up and down, so he was going to be there all weekend.

I did get a phone call while I was with Dad. However, it was to tell me that I wouldn't be a Financial Controller next time. So I decided to call the other company back and was given the good news that I was being offered the job. However, I would have to wait until I received the letter from them to know the details of the offer.

Thurs, Feb 1

Today again I woke up shortly after midnight and made my way downstairs to avoid waking Dawn. This damn head cold meant that I hadn't had a good night's sleep in four nights. Hardly the best way to prepare me for my trips to the hospital to see Dad, and two job interviews, which were the priority of the day today.

At 9am I had an interview for a Financial Controller vacancy with a energy-saving light distributor here in Hertford. I think it went fairly well. The owner said he would let me know whether I got the job by the weekend.

Then at 11am I had my second interview for the Credit Controller vacancy with the risk management company, also in Hertford. This was more to give the Financial Controller and myself a chance to discuss the role and company in more detail. I was shown the premises before being shown the door and told I would also hear whether I had the job by the weekend. They called me later, but didn't get me on the telephone. I didn't know who it was, as they called me twice without leaving a message, and a third time when they did leave a message but their offices had closed for the day.

Wed, Jan 31

For the third night running Paul woke in the early hours and made his way downstairs so not to wake Dawn with his sniffling. It was only a typical head cold, but the last thing Dawn needed was to be kept awake all night.

Again, Paul made the journey into North London to visit his dad at the Whittington Hospital. However, the news wasn't what they had hoped to hear. Instead of being allowed to go home, Paul's dad had been moved into a side room to quarantine him from other patients, as he had caught a stomach bug that had been making its rounds through the wards. Paul and George had to remove their coats and watches, rinse their hands with alcohol, and then put on a plastic gown and pair of rubber gloves.

There was some good news, though. Paul received a phone call from the company he had an interview with on Monday, and they asked him to come back on Thursday for a second interview.

Tues, Jan 30

Here's the lastest on Paul's dad. When the doctors visited him this morning, they sent him down for another scan to check out his heart. And, of course, more blood tests. This gave everyone reason for concern as he has been in hospital a week now.

However, this evening they got some good news at last. Paul's dad had the heart monitor removed as his heart rate seems to have settled down. Now he just needs his INR to sort itself out, and perhaps he can look forward to going home. One other area of concern not mentioned by the doctors is that he has been stuck in bed for most of the time he has been there. This is not good. Hopefully when Paul goes to see him on Wednesday he can have a word with him about getting some exercise.

Mon, Jan 29

Today Paul went for his 5th interview since quitting his job last August. It was for a position as credit controller in Hertford. The job description, salary and location would be ideal. However, we'll have to wait and see whether he gets it.

Paul then had a ride up to Holloway again to see his dad in the hospital. He stopped at Morrisons in Enfield to pick up some ready made meals for his brother George on the way.

As for Dad, his pulse rate is still higher than the doctors would like, and his INR is too eratic for there to be any chance of him being sent home at the moment. He still says he feels fine. It's just worrying that this is going on so long.

Sun, Jan 28

On Saturday, Paul and Dawn had a ride up to Holloway to visit Paul's dad in hospital. On the way they dropped into M&S Food in Hertford and picked up a pizza and ready made meal for Paul's brother George. On the way they also dropped into Comets to pick up a cheap (£4.99!) headset for Dawn to use on her video calls.

At the hospital, Paul, Dawn and George spent a couple of hours chatting. They had all hoped that Paul's dad would have been home by the weekend. But, that never materialised. His pulse rate was pretty high, as was his INR. They all hoped that they would have better news by Monday.

However, on Sunday George called Paul to say their dad had been moved to a different ward. And then later in the day, he was moved a second time. He ended the day in a cardiac ward where they could monitor his heart more closely. His pulse rate had come down slightly, but it was still too high. As was his INR.

On Sunday, Dawn had a couple of video calls with her mum Brady, and a telephone conversation with her sister Kelly, too. As for the headset, it worked a treat. Check out the photo.

Fri, Jan 26

The last couple of days Paul and Dawn have been worried about both Paul's dad in hospital, and his brother George who is now on his own until Paul's dad is released from hospital. Consequently, Paul has been on the phone to George to make sure he is okay, and to the hospital to check on his dad. Friday morning the nurses had hoped he would have been released today, but now it's not going to be before Saturday at the earliest.

Paul also dropped into see his doctor to check his blood pressure. The doctor was happy that it had come down a little, and will be keeping him on the same dose of medication for the next six months now. Paul also mentioned his painful arm/shoulder, so the doctor said he would do a letter of referral for a physio. However, that could take between three and four months for an appointment. The doctor added that he could always go private.

When Paul got home, the builders that fixed the tiled roofs last Friday were working on the chimney. Within a couple of hours the chimney was fixed.

Wed, Jan 24

This morning most of the country woke to snow, and it was no different in Hertford. Paul drew back the curtains to see a layer of snow everywhere. Luckily, it did not disrupt Dawn's train, so she was able to get into work without too much problem.

Today was also Paul's brother George's birthday. However, with their dad in hospital, it made the whole day a little subdued. Paul called the hospital first thing and was told his dad was comfortable, before calling to check on George. Paul then drove up to Holloway to take George out for a birthday lunch. The two went to The Gatehouse in Highgate and spent most of the time talking about their dad.

Then the two drove down to the hospital and dropped into see their dad. He seemed a lot better than they feared he might, and even told them that the doctors told him he should be able to go home in a day or two. Relieved that it wasn't as bad as they feared, they decided to hold off calling their other brothers, Phillip and David, so not to panic them. They could call once everything was okay and their dad was allowed home.

That evening Paul watched (although he wished he hadn't) Spurs throw away a two-goal advantage against Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final. He said he is definitely not going to watch the second leg next week.

Tues, Jan 23

Today Paul went into town to pick up a couple of birthday cards from Clintons and DVDs from Woolworths for his brother George. Then he dropped into the local library to renew the book Dawn had out. She has been reading My Life by Bill Clinton since late last year. But, as she only gets the chance to read the 900+ page book on the way to and from work, it's taking her forever. On the way back to the car, Paul also dropped into the Oxfam book shop and picked up a couple of cheap books, too.

This evening Dawn left work a little earlier than usual as she had a doctors appointment. Unlike her last appointment though, not only did she get in early, but she even got out before her appointment time. Best of all (according to Dawn), it didn't cost a penny!!!

Later this evening, Paul's dad called to say that he had just had a doctor 'round and that an ambulance was on its way to collect him and take him to the Whittington Hospital.

Mon, Jan 22

Back to the normal routine of Dawn commuting to and from Central London to work, and Paul trying to find work. Today Paul applied for five more jobs. All direct to employers, as he has decided to avoid using agents because of their lack of assistance and support.

This morning the builders that the insurance company arranged to look at the front room ceiling surveyed the damage, and informed Paul that they would be replacing about 1/5 of the ceiling, then replastering and decorating the whole ceiling once that's done.

Sun, Jan 21

Dawn stayed at home on Friday and did not go to work. Paul and Dawn set the alarm for 4.30am as usual, but when Dawn checked her train's website she read that there were still major disruptions.

Saturday and Sunday was spent indoors all day. Except for when Paul popped down to the local newsagent to get the Sunday Times. Tiny of course was in heaven to have them both at home. On Saturday, Dawn again had a video call with her mom. It's proving a great success. Especially as it doesn't cost a penny. The image is slightly behind the sound, but it's no major hassle.

On Sunday, Paul called his brother David to see how he was recovering from his heart surgery. It seems that he is really full of confidence after being laid low for the last 15 months with his lung and heart problems.

Fri, Jan 19

Today Dawn stayed home from work after checking the Internet to find out that her train lines were still badly disrupted. After breakfast, the roofer returned and, being good to his word, replaced all the damaged tiles on the two roofs, made the chimney safe, and said that he would carry out the repairs to that by the end of next week. Best of all was that the insurance company said that they would cover the cost (apart from the £75 deductible).

Thur, Jan 18

Spoke too soon yesterday. It was pretty eventful today, and by the time Paul and Dawn had finished their dinner they both had splitting headaches. It started around lunch time. Dawn called Paul as usual to hear the news that another brick had fallen in the high winds that everyone in the UK and Europe were experiencing. Like the one that fell on Boxing Day, this one hit the kitchen roof and smashed through one of the tiles. Little did they know that an hour later over a dozen would follow. One by one they bounced off the main roof into the kitchen roof, smashing more tiles as they came to a standstill.

Paul contacted a roofer who said they would come out immediately and despite wind gusts up to 70mph would make the chimney safe. This proved an impossibility as the wind was almost blowing both the ladder and the roofer over our tall hedge. Even worse, one of the chimney pots then came rolling down the roof towards the roofer. One of Paul's angels must have been on hand as it rolled straight to the roofer and he caught it. It could have knocked him off the top of the ladder, or bounced THROUGH the kitchen roof. By this point, most of the loose bricks had come down, and the wind was beginning to subside. The roofer told Paul he would be back in the morning to make the chimney safe and replace the broken roof tiles. Oh yea, another piece of our fence got blown down, too.

The fun wasn't over there. While Paul was trying to get in touch with the insurance company, Dawn called to say that there were no trains running, and she wouldn't be able to make it home. So Paul dropped everything and drove to Southgate underground station (luckily the tubes were still running). The journey took him an hour. That was a piece of cake, though. After picking Dawn up, it took them two hours to make it home again.

So now you can see why they both had headaches!

Wed, Jan 17

Well the last few days have been pretty uneventful for the Whites. On Sunday, Paul and Dawn spent virtually all day at home with Tiny. Dawn spent a good few hours putting more photos into photo albums, did the weekend chores of ironing and washing, and wrote in her journal. Paul on the otherhand did the dinner, called his dad to see how his brother was doing, and watched Spurs lose 3-2 to Newcastle on Sky Sports.

Monday through today was work as normal for Dawn, while Paul did some odd jobs around the home, contacted DVLA about Dawn's driving licence, searched for work (he even drove to Enfield so he could deliver a CV by hand), wrote in his journal, and of course got the dinners ready and took Dawn to and from the station.

In addition, they also heard that Paul's brother David (who had a heart valve replacement last Thursday) was allowed home today, so that's good news.

Sat, Jan 13

Today Dawn and Brady took a monumental step regarding communication. Well that is a little dramatic, I think. But, it was pretty significant. Today they used a web camera to talk and see each other over the Internet. They had already experimented one way. But today, they went the whole hog. However, it was not without some trials and tribulation. For the first hour and a quarter Dawn could only see Brady. However, they continued at it and eventually got it to work. Best of all is that it doesn't cost anything. No more long distance phone calls.

Fri, Jan 12

Dawn's first full working week of 2007 came to an end, and to say she was glad to see it over with is an understatement. In addition to the everyday problems at the office, she also had to go to the doctors and the dentist. Today she was able to get out of the office a little earlier than usual, but a dentist visit isn't really a nice way of calling it a day. Luckily it was just a regular checkup, and as now usual only cost her £15.50. Dawn's immediate thought was that a regular visit to the dentist when we were in Florida usually cost somewhere between $100 and $200.

Today Paul then had his weekly ride up to Holloway to spend some time with his Dad. They spent most of the time talking about Paul's brother David in Dublin. He had a heart surgery on Thursday to replace a leaky valve. Thankfully that seems to have gone well.

Oh yea, Paul applied for several more jobs that appeared in the local newspaper that came out yesterday.

Thur, Jan 11

Well, it was like being back in Florida for Paul today. The UK had been battered with some pretty strong winds over the previous 24 hours (nothing like Charlie or Frances), and this morning two pieces of garden fence got blown down. Could have been worse. At least the insurance surveyor agreed with our damage claims for the leaky shower pump and loose chimney brick. However, he informed Paul that they would have to fork out for the repair of the chimney. Something like wear and tear, he said.

Wed, Jan 10

Well, this week has been difficult for Paul and Dawn. In Dawn's case, she has had three days where everyone is back to work, and she was well and truly up to her eyes with the usual problems. Paul on the other hand has been doing odd jobs around the house, running errands, and applying for jobs. One agency called him to sound him about about a temporary job in Hoddesdon (15-20 minutes drive). However, after discussing the opening, it wasn't what Paul wanted. Paul has already changed his goals as far as where he is looking for work, salary range, and type of work. However, he will not be taking on work where he knows that he is going to be miserable. Especially for 3 months. Three months in which he could be actively looking for work.

Today Dawn did get out of work early, though. Although it wasn't anything to celebrate. She had a doctors appointment at 5.20pm. So, she didn't really get much of a respite from the office. Even worse was that she didn't get seen until gone 6.30pm. That meant that she got home later than if she had left work on time. At least she didn't have to provide a health insurance card. This didn't cost a penny.

Sun, Jan 7

Yesterday, Paul and Dawn headed into town to get their haircut, before doing some errands around town. Then it was back to the house to spend the rest of the weekend with Tiny. In addition to keeping Tiny company, they also caught up on their respective journals. Paul then made some beef stew for dinner, with extra so they could have it again over the next few weeks.

Today, Dawn did plenty of chores around the house before getting back to her journal, with Tiny keeping her company on the bed. Tiny wasn't complaining. She was racked out on the bed in 7th heaven. Paul in the meantime was watching Spurs draw 0-0 with Cardiff City in the FA Cup on Sky.

Fri, Jan 5

Yesterday Paul contacted the insurance company to try and find out when they would be paying a visit to survey the damage from the leaky shower pump and chimney breast brick. After a little confusion, he was called back later in the day and informed they would be around to check out the damage towards the end of next week.

Today he dropped into the Oxfam shop in Hertford to pick up a book he was looking for, then had a ride up to Holloway to see his dad and brother George for a couple of hours. They still had their Christmas decorations up, but told Paul that they would be taking them down later that evening. Paul took down our front door wreath (our last Christmas decoration) that evening, too.

Wed, Jan 3

Today was a sad day for Paul and Dawn. Nothing tragic, or morbid. It was just that after nearly two weeks together, Paul had to drop Dawn off at Hertford North station so she could go back to work, and Paul could continue his search for work. As for Dawn's first day back at the office, it didn't go too bad. Most of the staff were still enjoying an extended Christmas break. Paul on the other hand did a few odd jobs around the house, did some shopping in town, and received a phone call from a company he had applied for a job with late last year. On that occasion, they said that he was over-qualified. This time they wanted to know whether he would be interested in a new vacancy they were going to be advertising. He would have to apply like everyone else would, but it made him feel good that they had thought of him.

Mon, Jan 1

We brought the New Year in standing on the front doorstep straining to hear the chimes of Big Ben from the television. When we were sure enough time had lapsed, both of us, with a glass of Bucks Fizz in hand, (and in Paul's case, a bag with some bread, greens, piece of coal, and a two pound coin) entered the house as "First Footing." Tradition is that it should be a dark-haired stranger. However, over the years this has been relaxed.

Then we (and Tiny) watched an incredible firework display from the London Eye and the River Thames on television. The display, which lasted almost 15 minutes, was the most impressive either of us had ever seen. Even Tiny was glued to the TV set. By 12.30am everyone was in bed and ready to call it a night.

In the morning, Paul's dad called to wish us happy new year. Paul then made our usual new year breakfast of fried bacon with mushrooms in a buttery milk gravy like sauce. It's excellent. But very filling and very fattening. Needless to say, this is a usually once a year event.

Later on Dawn called her sister Kelly to wish her a happy new year. And Paul made the traditional New Year dinner of pork, greens, black eyed peas and cornbread. The latter being made from plain cornmeal, as we can't get the mix over here. Oh yea, Paul added a British twist to the dinner by baking some of his delicious roast potatoes.

Sun, Dec 31

Today, New Year's Eve, we took it easy. No photos for Dawn today. Instead, we did a few things around the house and relaxed. Brady called Dawn mid afternoon. The two talk every weekend, just as Paul and his dad used to when we were living in Florida.

Then we watched the film Sense and Sensibility. Paul had bought the DVD for Dawn last July, but we had to wait to get a DVD player before watching it.

Dawn then had to endure the rest of the day fighting to stay awake, as Paul insisted that the two of them stay awake until midnight to do 'First Footing'. You'll have to wait until the new posting to read all about that.

Sat, Dec 30

Today we drove up to Holloway again, making it the third time in the last eight days. This time it was to pick Paul's dad and brother up and then grab some pie and mash at Manze's in Chapel Street. The we all dropped into Sainsbury so we could pick up a few groceries.

Back at home Dawn again spent a good four plus hours putting photos into albums. At least she is now into the UK batch. Although she still has hundreds to do before she is anywhere near catching up.

Fri, Dec 29

Well the last three days went pretty quietly compared to the mayhem leading up to Christmas and our little accident with the brick on Boxing Day.

On Wednesday we made our way into town to have a wander around and look in the shops. Paul picked up a woolly sweater for £9.99, before we had lunch at the Woolpack. Then it was grocery shopping at Morrisons in Welwyn Garden City. Later back at home Paul edited the Christmas photos so we could get them on our Yahoo website and order copies for the photo albums.

Which brings us nicely to Thursday. Again it was a day spent at home with Tiny. Dawn, for her sins however, spent the best part of it (six hours) putting photos that had been taken back in February and March (at Clearwater Beach and Michaela's birthday party) into albums. She hardly even made a dent in the workload, as she hasn't even touched the ten months of photos that Paul has taken since arriving back in England.

Friday morning Paul visited his doctor to get the results of the tests to check out his liver. The good news is that they showed that all is well, and that he doesn't need to worry about having a fatty liver. The bad news was that he still has high blood pressure. So the doctor doubled his daily dosage and has asked to see him again in a month.

Dawn, on the other hand, attacked the Christmas decorations. Well, she started to take them down, that is. By the end of the day she had taken down the main tree in the living room and all the ornaments and stuff down that was on the ground floor.