Wednesday 19th February

So I woke up in a panic...it was seven twenty and at eight I was supposed to be picking up my neighbour and heading into Kardjali to the Polyclinic.  I moved with a vengeance, washed, dressed, coffee and by ten to eight I was clearing the ice from the windscreen of the Nipper.  I moved it out of the drive, went back in for my Kindle anticipating a couple of hours waiting around and I wasn't disappointed.

I pulled up outside the house and went to knock on the door and she certainly wasn't dressed for the hospital.  Now my problem is that she doesn't speak Bulgarian even though she's lived here all her life and my Turkish leaves a lot to be desired.  I can come up with the appropriate phrases when required but as for keeping a conversation going...no way but she can't even come up with the phrases in Bulgarian.  At this point I was unsure what was happening but her grandson was driving the bread van and heading to the bottom square so I asked him if he could explain what she wanted of me and the next minute she was walking briskly towards us.  He virtually interrogated her, he handed over a bag to her and demanded money from her and off she went to the house and he told me....'ten minutes'.  I loaded her in and off we set and as we were approaching Djebel she started speaking to me, I hadn't a clue so I stopped off at my students mum's shop and asked her to translate so that I knew exactly what was expected of me.  We had to stop at the little hospital in Djebel so that she could get a letter so it didn't cost her anything and then back on the open road Toad.

I dropped her off outside the hospital and managed to find a parking space near enough to the hospital and was hanging around reception since she hadn't waited for me and a man approached me and he knew my face from his village and she's sent him to find me.  I found her on the third floor and she was waiting for an x-ray and then another hour for the results.  The next stop was to see the specialist, she insisted that I went in with her, the assistant started speaking to me in Bulgarian so I asked her to speak slowly, explaining that I was English and her response was that the specialist spoke English and at that point her perked up....this situation was now becoming interesting.  He wrote a prescription for tablets and at this point she kicked off....she wanted an injection and was not a happy bunny.  The were now both as determined as each other put promised an injection after three weeks of tablets and eventually I got her to the chemists and she was still trying to tell me that we needed injection capsules.  This time I bundled her in the car and we headed home but when we got to Djebel she needed to stop at the shop for food and I dropped her off at two and felt absolutely drained.

Coffee, bacon and egg sandwich. sofa and it turned out to be a 'book at an early bedtime' and I was awakened by the telephone at four thirty and had a very yawny conversation.  I lit the fire, no supper required and I've just started on a packet of peanuts..keeping the roughage up.  I'm now building up for the next appointment on the 5th March that the hospital have booked us both in for and my paring shot to the specialist was in Bulgarian....'see you soon'.  LN...Back to Alfred the Great....LN

Thursday 20th February

Seven thirty start and another lazy day for me.  The fire was still in but I didn't bother getting it fully going again, it was damp out but not yet raining.  I stripped the bed and put the quilt cover and bottom sheet into the machine and then suddenly realised that I would probably need the heat from the fire to get it dry since by now it had started to rain.  Fire lit, washing over the banister and everything was working for me.

My painter arrived in the yard at eight thirty to check how I was.  I was on the sofa with the door to the conservatory open so I went to the door and he was on his way to work and stopped off to check that I was OK.  Off he went and I decided that it was probably time that I got dressed and ready for the day...it seemed that it had started without me.  So dressed and back to the book...Pale Horseman....about Alfred the Great...the second of four books so I've got a bit to go yet.  I made a bacon and egg sandwich and then the telephone went and it was the post office in Rogosche letting me know that there was a birthday card for me sitting in her office so I agreed that I would be there by one so it didn't interfere with her two hours for lunch.  So thank you Princess...your card has arrived....and it's displayed with the rest.  

The afternoon was spent in front of the roaring fire and I obviously had my afternoon nap and why not.  After sunny days, the rain is not welcome.  An update on the Fitbit...I asked them if they would pay postage and it looks like they might or at least it's being escalated her end to see if they will.  I think it's a waste of time and money especially if they're going to send me a replacement.  

Bed made, cheese and biscuits for supper, the kitchen's closed for tonight.  Very lucky to see so many woodpeckers in the garden this morning, they seemed to be flitting everywhere but not in good shots for the camera.  LN.....Sorry...best I could do...LN

Friday 21st February

Today I was having to head into Kardjali yet again to get my Fitbit into DHL courier office but on the way through Djebel I decided to get the oil changed in the Nipper.  Not only did they do the oil change but also the air filter, checked everything that needed checking and oiled the linkage to the gear box and it felt so much better after they'd given it some attention. I sat in the sun while they were working on it, chatted to the father in law about the weather and the new rules for 'no Turkish Visa for the Brits' when visiting Turkey and off he went and I carried on to Kardjali.

Fitbit had agreed to pay the postage so I'd printed off the despatch documents, I parked up in my usual place and paid over my fee and walked to the DHL office.  The girl I had dealt with before who speaks very good English was surprised when I presented myself at her desk and she thought I'd had a change of mind...after all, we'd gone through the registration process and I'd only balked at the payment.  I handed over the despatch document and her supervisor asked who was paying for it and I replied that I hoped it was Fitbit and it certainly wasn't me.  They found an envelope, inspected what was being put into it, I had to sign the docket and I thanked the assistant for her patience and she thanked me for choosing DHL and managing to sort it out.  I like leaving good vibes in case I have to go there again,

I walked to the Saturday cheapy shop and I've worked out that it's cheaper to buy it at Friday rate that go in again on the Saturday and hope it's still there.  It was fairly busy but next to the door on the first rail there was a long white mohair and other fibre cardigan and I loved it so grabbed it, and just down the rail was another of the same fibres which was a longish dress in a beige colour so I grabbed that as well.  My next selection was a sofa type cushion, I took it to the cash point so that they could weight it, told me the price, intended to put it back then changed my mind.  Total cost for the three items twelve leva....better at half the price but ,,hey it's Friday.

Kaufland for a few items and Lidl for a few more and finally to the supermarket in Djebel for the few things I forgotten.  Home for two thirty, go in a load of logs, lit the fire and got the house warm...it was nice out but I knew the temperature would be dropping later.  I settled on the sofa with a coffee and my book and no...I didn't go to sleep which is a first just lately.  The sun is supposed to be shining tomorrow and I noticed on my garden walk around that there are bulbs coming up and I need to remove some of the weeds so that they have half a chance.  LN....Fingers crossed it's fine.....LN

Saturday 22nd February

Normal morning start and it was a cold one.  My intention to get out there and start some gardening and clearing the flower beds from weeds was put on the back burner...too cold for me and the wind was chill.  I made breakfast to set me up for the day, mushrooms, bacon and eggs with fried bread and I was right, it did.  I went out and filled up the log basket, topped up the log carrier and dragged it into the conservatory and took the household rubbish that needed burning down to the bottom of the garden.  I was surprised that there were only tin cans in the burning container, I must have had a pretty hot fire last time,  The new one had flames leaping from it but I did see the black and pink cat hovering on the lip of the burner later this afternoon so maybe if found something interesting...who can say.

I did some tidying in the conservatory, planted up sunflower seeds and threw some of the others out for the birds.  I was trying to put them in the seed container on the bird table but they kept falling through the sides so I gave up.  I headed into the little house and watered some of the shrubs that were looking a little dry and sad to say that was my work done for the day.

I took to the sofa with the Kindle and settled in to the third book of the series of Alfred the Great and at four decided that it was time to light the fire and it took a while to do it.  The problem is that when it's damp and cloying the chimney gets cold but eventually it burst into life and has been going well all afternoon and evening.  At five my Kindle ran out of battery so I put the boiler on to heat up and at five thirty launched myself into the bath staying there until around seven topping it up as it cooled down, dried myself off and watched the end of the rugby, loaded the fire up yet again and kept the home fires burning.

Just finished watching the Voice and remembered that I hadn't done an update....what a day it's been....I've had too much time on my hands.  The weather changed and it really threatened rain but it seems to have gone over.  Greece tomorrow and the forecast is sun and a little cloud...let's hope it's accurate.  LN....Off to the wooden hills...I need my beauty sleep....LN

Sunday 23rd February

I hadn't got enough sleep in me at one this morning and it took until two thirty before I got my head down.  I banged my head on the pillow seven times to set my internal alarm but the clock was early and at six thirty I was ready to face the day.  I managed toast for breakfast and I got the ice off the windscreen and was on the way by eight five.  It was a beautiful morning, the sun was shining, the wind was cold but I was dressed for the weather and radio 1 was belting out some good songs as I made the journey.  I was there for just after eight thirty and apologised tongue in cheek for being late, we were off to Greece after the usual passport check, money check, camera check.  There was only one car in front of us as we arrived at the border and we were soon waved through and heading for the market in Porto Lagos.  There weren't many people around and we thought that because it was a Mardi Gras in Xanthi later, maybe the market wasn't on but it took time for it to warm up.

I checked out the clothes on offer but they really can't compete with my cheapy shops in Kardjali so they stayed on the stalls.  I watched the fishing boats bring in their catch, set up fish shops with scales and carrier bags on the quay and start selling the fish.  The fruit and vegetable stalls were brimming over and I settled for a kilo of pears and I promise that they'll get eaten and not find their way over the wall.  I was tempted by a silver ring but unfortunately they didn't have it in my size.

We carried on to Xanthi and indeed it was the Mardi Gras.  We managed to squeeze the car into a very narrow gap with about two inches at either end and it took three of us to get it out without removing the bumpers from the cars at either end.  Lots of people with children in pushchairs were heading towards the assembly point behind the floats so we walked down to where they were gathering and the atmosphere was terrific.  It was rather like history repeating itself...the children taking part twenty five years ago were there with their own children dressed for fun and frolic....magic.

We came back the old road through the mountains to Zlatograd, stopped for coffee in the old town and stayed for pizza for a late lunch and home for five thirty.  I stopped for a coffee and back to mine for six, fire lit, no need for supper since the pizza was very filling and have had a very relaxing joyful day with friends....and a big thank you to both of you.  It's supposed to be eighteen degrees tomorrow so I might get a day in the garden to demolish those weeds.  LN.....A fabulous late birthday treat.....LN  

Monday 24th February

Seven start, a cold morning but with the promise of higher temperatures later in the day I turned over the half burnt log in the petchka and saved it until tonight.  I emptied the ashes, washed and dressed because it was cold putting on my padded combat trousers.  I'd promised myself a day of gardening but I knew it had to warm up first...no way I was out there and freezing...it's only February.  I thought about breakfast and settled for a mushroom and cream cheese omelette, watching the return of Bill Turnbull on This Morning...it seems Piers has other work to do and this guy made a welcome change.  I was only half watching it though, I cleared the kitchen and washed up and then decided that the book was calling and I settled myself on the sofa.

I'd had quite a busy day yesterday and felt somewhat jaded, not enough for a sleep but the outside temperature kept me inside even though I was itching to make a start on the pots and flower beds. Just lately I find that the sun comes out just after I've lit the fire so I was really trying to delay the inevitable and then the clouds dissipated and ...out it came, the temperature outside shot up to fifteen degrees and inside to twenty two so it was on with the pop=pom hat and out with the garden fork.  

I cleared the pots on the terrace and the old tyres on the gravel heap and I was amazed how many tulips I've got coming up.  I didn't stop there, I attacked the long bed under the little house terrace and the old bonfire pit, had a bonfire with the debris and even the old Christmas tree went on it with a tremendous gush of sparks and bronze needles.  At five I came in, the wind was getting up, tools away and same again tomorrow if the weather is suitable.  I just hate weeds but I suppose they're plants but growing where we don't want them...nothing more than that.

Just after six my time and supper is going to be spicy sausage and onions that's when, or if, I get round to doing it.  LN.....Let the gardening commence....LN

Tuesday 25th February

I reckoned it was a seven start.  I'd put my Fitbit on to charge yesterday and had forgotten to put it on my wrist so hadn't logged steps for yesterday or sleep for last night but at least I found out that the one that's been sent to The Netherlands has at last arrived despite having arrived at Nantes in France and been returned to Leipzig and redirected.  Some half awake or asleep employee has put it in the wrong bin.  I've heard nothing back from Fitbit after my last assault on their help desk but looking at the rest of the complaints I'm not sure that I want the Charge 3 returned to me.  I'll see what my options are when they eventually come back to me.

I was five minutes out on the time..it was just before seven so I went downstairs and made coffee.  I sat in the sun and was surprised that the outside thermometer had registered minus one and the inside temperature was eighteen yet with the sun out it seemed much warmer.  I picked up my book and carried on with it, I've read it before but I was still eager to find out what happens next.  It must have been around seven years ago that I first read it.  I sliced up the spicy sausage that I hadn't had last night...laziness on my part...sliced up a half of one and fried it off and made a sandwich and the one and a half left I sliced, fried them off with onions and cubed beetroot, added the contents of a can of tomatoes and puree and into the slow cooker with it.  I was determined to get supper underway so that I would have it ready instead of having to think about it later.

I went back to my book after I'd tidied the kitchen and it was eleven thirty before I went to get washed and dressed to face the day.  I put the washing away, tried on a skirt that I'd bought about fifteen years ago and it still fit so it might even come out one of these fine days.  I took myself back to the sofa and carried on with my book, it was sunny outside but it was blowing a gale out there.  I'd been out on the balcony to use the windows as a mirror when I'd tried the skirt on and not only was it blowing but it was cold.  More coffee, a couple of sesame seed biscuits and it was three before I went out to start the ball rolling. I loaded up the log carrier. the tub with the starter wood and grabbed the garden fork and spade to attack the garden.  The vegetable garden was calling me and I started weeding it and was surprised how many tulips were coming up.  I'd planted them there because I'd been handed them by D of S and I didn't know the types or colours of any of them....I intend to sort them later and plant them where I want them.  Tools away and I decided to clear the back door of the wood store that leads on to the workshop terrace.  I'd put wheelbarrows etc. in front of the door when I'd gone to England as a deterrent just in case anyone was tempted by a back door entrance.  Not necessary really but I was being extra careful.  

I positioned myself back on the sofa like a homing pigeon and at six I lit the fire.  Back to the book and I finished it.  At six thirty I put supper into a bowl and walked up the stairs and turned on the computer to watch the end of Tipping Point.  I'd added chili to the mix this morning and I was surprised how spicy it was but I managed it but had to have bread to take the edge off it.  Nothing on the agenda for tomorrow.  I have the next book in the series and providing the sun is shining and the wind dies down, I shall be gardening again.  LN....Time to throw another log on....LN

Wednesday 26th February

Really explicit dreams...I was moving furniture for a friend into her new house and it just wouldn't fit so we were sawing it in half.....and let's hope it doesn't come to that.  Coffee, I didn't go back to bed but had electrical stuff buzzing that it was low on battery and I seemed to go around for a time unplugging and plugging and I had to sit at the table with the Kindle on charge to carry on reading my book.  I'm now on the fourth book and Utred is planning to take London and oaths are being broken all over the place.

I couldn't decide on what to do with eggs for breakfast so I settled for buttered bun loaf munching it while I was reading my book.  I went to the kitchen for more coffee, took the cup upstairs while I got washed and dressed, switched on the computer and did my housekeeping and answered a few emails.  The sun was shining but again that wind was cold so I wasn't going out there again.  There's still plenty of the year left.  I did go out to top up the bird table with muesli and a couple of slices of bread and again to chase the cats away.  They've been a bit noisy...the new little ones have come into season and the toms are chasing them everywhere.  Why don't the ones that own cats do something to protect them form delivering new mouths to feed.

I settled back into my book and got really comfortable in the sun listening to music from my old iPod.  I didn't nod off, the book was too interesting and the afternoon drifted away and I lit the fire at four thirty.  It wasn't that it was cold but it's comforting at night.   LN....A really lazy day....LN

Thursday 27th February

Well it was a really silly night last night.  I went down after finishing with the television and decided to read on the sofa by the warmth of the wood burner and I promptly went to sleep with a blanket over me and woke up at four and obviously having had four hours of sleep I wasn't ready to slope off to the bedroom.  I made a coffee and read some more, felt sleepy at five thirty, made it to the bed, tried to get to sleep and absolutely nothing.  I got up again, washed and dressed, the rain started and determined that there was no way that I was having to go out there today but I did go out to feed the rest of the soft blue veined cheese that I'd had for supper, to the blue tits wit a cubed up apple.  They really seemed to like the cheese and they were only eating the crust...I had the inside.

I stuck it out until nine thirty and lit the fire and it's been going all day.  I alternated between Soda Crush and the fourth book in the series and I've just loaded book five of the Saxons Quest.  As for the weather...we've had lashing rain, sun, gale force winds...in fact a lot of everything and a beautiful rainbow to finish it off.  I remembered that I had my student this afternoon after school so I spent an hour or so finding a text that we could study and fortunately I came across a site with a video of the story and questions to answer to go with it.  It worked really well and I'll sort some more out for the next time but look carefully too make sure that they're interesting.

I got to Djebel for four and the boy arrived home from school but he had friends waiting for him and since I hadn't let them know that I was coming he went back out to play and we agreed that he would be back for a quarter to five and he was.  He's getting much more confident with me and speaking English and as I was leaving he asked if we could go to the restaurant for supper one night...and he was actually meaning tonight so I had to make an excuse about supper being ready for me at home but that we definitely would do it another night.

I stopped off for bread and eggs and carried on home.  My fire was still going and I've just pulled the big log forward and put another thumper at the back of it so that should keep me going for a while.  I made supper of hamburgers. chippies and an egg, stuffed to the gills and tonight I'll be tempted to settle on the sofa.  LN...Bed is always best....LN

Friday 28th February

Six thirty start and what a super dawn it was until it faded to a paler version of the same.  The temperature had dropped to minus two and I was surprised when I saw the thermometer....and it took ages to climb today.  The fire was still going from last night and I put a log on but it smoked a bit but didn't amount to anything and I used the logs to get it going tonight.  Again it was reluctant to fire up but with patience and enough firelighters it's now going well.

Today's agenda was twofold.  I had to take the creme I'd promised Zac for her husband's creaking shoulder and neck and two head into Kardjali to get my new cash card. As I started off I saw my painter waiting by the road and he was waiting for a lift into Djebel.  He came in useful, there was a herd of cows on the road and despite tooting the horn the cows  refused to move so he got out of the car and moved them on.  He explained that the road was warm and the fields were cold so they were warming up before they moved on,  I dropped him off in Djebel, delivered the Deep Heat and carried on to Kardjali parking up in my usual place.  I handed over my card in the bank, the lady went off with it, came back with the new one and I asked her where the old one was.  She'd already disposed of it and I was surprised at this and said that I thought it was for me to do it not her....ah well.  She processed the new card in the system, requested my passport and my residency card and then I had to sign for it.  It's lucky that I had enough money on me...it wasn't going to be active for another three hours and unfortunately I have to use another pin number as issued...and another ah well...it's taken me a year to remember the one that I use now.  

I carried on to my cheapy shop and found a pair of sheepskin knee high boots that need cleaning but at twelve leva they are a steel and so war.  They're not UGs but EMU..not heard of them but must Google it.  I headed back to Djebel mainly because I couldn't face Lidl or Kaufland and stopped off at the supermarket and bought a chicken for tonight and I can smell it cooking.  A couple of jacket potatoes went into the oven with it and they're ready too.  LN.....Kitchen calls.....LN