Normal Stuff

It's Sunday and I haven't made a Journal entry for a few days.  I'd say "I have been far too busy to put virtual pen to virtual paper," but, as you will see, there has been plenty of spare time.

Friday, 14th November

The weather was horrendous today. It started out wet, and then got even wetter as the day progressed.  Needless to say, we both did our best to stay indoors.

I have recently made my first draw down from my personal pension, and now need to reclaim the tax that has been deducted. I therefore did some fact finding about the relevant process. It seems that I need to submit a P55 form to HMRC. I have determined how much tax has been paid, but I think I need a few more details from my friendly Financial Advisor before I am in a position to make the claim.

Another indoor job related to my Freestyle Libre blood glucose monitoring app. I had been using these sensors for just over five years to monitor and assist in the management of my diabetes. They are amazing and have transformed the control of my condition.

Well, they did, up until I updated the Android operating system on my Samsung A53 cell phone last week.  For the past week the Freestyle app has not worked properly and it may take seven or eight attempts to take a reading from the sensor that is affixed to my arm.  The app crashes repeatedly and on occasion goes in to a diagnostic mode and does nothing for twenty minutes or more. 

Taking a blood glucose reading has gone from just waving my phone over the sensor on my upper arm, to a frustrating rigmarole of beeps, button pressing and swearing.

An internet search has indicated that the app needs to be updated and there is no indication of when this will occur.  I contacted the Sensor and App provider today and reported the problems I am having. To be fair, they responded positively and advised that they would send a bespoke sensor reader and a spare sensor. The reader will take the place of my phone and will not have the Android O/S upgrade issues I am currently encountering.

This is great, BUT, Abbot diabetes care are not currently able to advise when their app will be updated to work with the new Android operating system.  It seems that after five years I now have to take the backwards step of carrying two devices around with me because the provider has failed to keep their app software current.  Surely it must be cheaper to maintain the app than issue, potentially, tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of bespoke sensor readers to Android users suffering the same problem?

So that was a very soggy Friday. The only other news is that TP arrived late in the evening in preparation for our annual pilgrimage to the National Exhibition Centre for Motorcycle Live.

Saturday, 15th November

As already mentioned, my plan for today was to wander around an exhibition hall at the Birmingham NEC, taking in the latest motorcycle models and associated paraphernalia.

TP and I started the day in a leisurely fashion and eventually headed out at about ten o'clock. We met up with TP's friend, Charlie and had a great time checking out the show.  I had intended to buy a replacement helmet, but didn't get as far as flexing the plastic. I did learn that the Arai Quantic is a lovely fit and that Shark helmets have completely changed their sizing.* 

I either need to find a bargain priced Quantic or commit to spending a tedious day trying on helmets at some "Motorcycle Mega Store."  I decided that I am in no rush as the weather will be far from clement for the next six months.

TP and I arrived home a little after six o'clock. Our timing was perfect, as B&H were coming over for supper and were due at around seven.

We had enough time to tidy ourselves up, before enjoying a boozy evening, featuring a rather fine lasagna, courtesy of 30%.

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* I bought my first Shark lid back in 1995, and was very impressed by the quality, fit and look of the helmet. I have bought size L Shark helmets ever since.  Now I appreciate that it has been a while since my last purchase, hence the need for a new skid lid. Today I learnt that Shark have changed their designs and I can no longer get an L sized helmet on to my head... I'm absolutely certain that my head hasn't grown! 

Sunday, 16th November

After an evening with B&H, Sunday was always going to be a non-event.

They stayed over and, after tea, coffee and chatter, they headed off midway through the morning. TP stayed for lunch before heading home to Cardiff.

30% and I managed a bit of a walk with the dogs, but that was it. 

A lazy day!