What are you doing right now..? (Threads Merged)

[galenkia]

Been talking with my sister Jan about the state of the NHS. As she has been an ICU nurse for about 30 years she knows her stuff. 
 

It’s f***d basically, been run into the ground by the Tory government.

Was also talking about her care for when she gets proper sick.Her friends at work are all gonna look after her. I was gonna quit my job to care for her but she’s sorted it with her friends.

These NHS staff are something special.My sister has been sworn at, spat at , and physically assaulted, as have most of her colleagues.

All these people are just trying to help people, yet some scum abuse them. I know if I ever got hold of anyone who abused Jan I would be doing a life sentence.

[boydeste]

Last night of fishing in France, packed everything that is not needed tonight and loaded into the van.

Started the van up and ran it for 20 minutes at 2000 revs to make sure the battery is well charged. Last thing I need is to be delayed with a flat battery. 

Chill time now playing on the net and watching vids whilst drinking tea. 

Sure my liver will appreciate the rest.

Still 12 hours left to catch a huge fish, but not holding my breath.

[Horizondave]

1 hour ago, Stillearly said:

@Horizondave is it worth speaking to someone at BA , to see if you can change the destination , maybe a rebooking fee ? Worth a go ? 
 

on a plus side the TRL is pretty week at the moment

I will talk with BA as I am an ex staff member, but believe the flight is not refundable although I am hopeful they may allow me to use the amount for another destination if I charm them lol.

I am prepared to go together with my daughter but that is not fair on my wife. I will try to see if I can pick up an early July date but that will mean monitoring the website appointment system pretty continuously and that is a real stress issue for me until the middle of June. 

I know it is peak period in July/August but sometimes a good deal can be bought nearer departure date. I really don't care if it is Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester etc., but I would like to get away, we all need it. I will just hold fire until mid June. 

[Krapow]

2 hours ago, Horizondave said:

Feeling a bit pissed off. After filling in all the forms online and submitting a visa application for Porn to travel to Greece, it now looks like there are no appointments before our holiday departure.

Every date from now till the end of June is full and despite sending an email to the Greek Visa Centre (as per their info on their website if unable to book an appointment online) they are now telling me to keep trying to see if there is a cancellation, yeh right.

The July appointment dates do not come out until middle of June, so do we stress ourselves waiting for that day when they become bookable (won't say an exact date) on the chance we might get a slot or do I start looking at Turkey (no visa needed).

The way I feel right now, I just want to go for Turkey because after talking to the Indian girl at the Greek Visa Centre helpdesk, I realised no begging or shocked attitude is going to change anything. They believe we just wait till the appointments get released and book then. I might do that but not knowing what date they are released is a pain and, even if successful, what date is that appointment going to be in relation to our 24 July departure and getting her passport back by courier.

My investment so far, is a hotel at Gatwick and the flights on British Airways so a loss of about £600, hotel accommodation and taxis can be cancelled easily for no fee.

For now I will check for cancellations on appointments but I am going to start looking at Turkey deals for similar dates.

Pissed off of Neath.

Know exactly how you feel.

We couldn't get an appointment date for a visa to Finland last year before the remaining balance (bulk) of our trip to Lapland had to be paid. I wasn't prepared to chance it on a 'cancellation' and lose out on over £3500 as they trip organiser would say, quite rightly, the visa situation is not their problem. So i got the deposit (£450) transferred to this year. 

It's literally 6months before we're meant to go today, so i'm going to do the online application now, can do it 6 months in advance, then try to get an appointment. Like yours, they only release so many slots in the middle of the month for the following month. And like you i've contacted the Finnish Embassy direct who said just log on and monitor around the middle of the month, try get an appointment. I'm thinking, do you not want tourists, or why only issue some few slots, as VFS told me it's down to how many slots they get given. 

It's a nightmare, and having to think about not wanting to give Sa's Passport over when so close to going to Thailand in July, and Turkey in October. I've decided if i can get an appointment booked in mid July for some time mid August, then i'll do it, as we don't go to Turkey until end of October. All June's appointments will be gone by now, and i wouldn't chance an appointment even start of July incase couldn't get Passport back before we go to Thailand when the schools break up. 

Have been thinking might just call them, cancel, lose the £450 deposit. Had i knew it would be this hassle i wouldn't have booked it, i thought it would be easy like Spain. But if i can get an appointment booked for a date in August or start of September i'll try it, but if not, just write the £450 off. 

[Horizondave]

27 minutes ago, Krapow said:

Know exactly how you feel.

We couldn't get an appointment date for a visa to Finland last year before the remaining balance (bulk) of our trip to Lapland had to be paid. I wasn't prepared to chance it on a 'cancellation' and lose out on over £3500 as they trip organiser would say, quite rightly, the visa situation is not their problem. So i got the deposit (£450) transferred to this year. 

It's literally 6months before we're meant to go today, so i'm going to do the online application now, can do it 6 months in advance, then try to get an appointment. Like yours, they only release so many slots in the middle of the month for the following month. And like you i've contacted the Finnish Embassy direct who said just log on and monitor around the middle of the month, try get an appointment. I'm thinking, do you not want tourists, or why only issue some few slots, as VFS told me it's down to how many slots they get given. 

It's a nightmare, and having to think about not wanting to give Sa's Passport over when so close to going to Thailand in July, and Turkey in October. I've decided if i can get an appointment booked in mid July for some time mid August, then i'll do it, as we don't go to Turkey until end of October. All June's appointments will be gone by now, and i wouldn't chance an appointment even start of July incase couldn't get Passport back before we go to Thailand when the schools break up. 

Have been thinking might just call them, cancel, lose the £450 deposit. Had i knew it would be this hassle i wouldn't have booked it, i thought it would be easy like Spain. But if i can get an appointment booked for a date in August or start of September i'll try it, but if not, just write the £450 off. 

The whole system is crazy, never thought getting the visa could ruin our holiday. 

Wondering whether I could take a flight to Spain for the night with Porn and Kataleya just to try and get a multi entry visa at the Spanish Visa centre, that would allow travel to Greece without needing to go to the Greek visa centre. 

Haven't got long to sort out but maybe getting to another country, even Paris/Amsterdam etc., for the day may help but what a pain.

I will possibly lose the airfare and a small deposit on a hotel which would knock me for about £650 that I can't get back. I have insurance but I don't think it would cover my situation.

Edit. Just looked and you need to apply at the embassy (visa centre) of the country that you will be spending most time so can't nip to Spain for a day to enable Porn in getting a double entry Schengen visa.

Edited May 26, 2023 by Horizondave

[Krapow]

43 minutes ago, Horizondave said:

The whole system is crazy, never thought getting the visa could ruin our holiday. 

Wondering whether I could take a flight to Spain for the night with Porn and Kataleya just to try and get a multi entry visa at the Spanish Visa centre, that would allow travel to Greece without needing to go to the Greek visa centre. 

Haven't got long to sort out but maybe getting to another country, even Paris/Amsterdam etc., for the day may help but what a pain.

I will possibly lose the airfare and a small deposit on a hotel which would knock me for about £650 that I can't get back. I have insurance but I don't think it would cover my situation.

Edit. Just looked and you need to apply at the embassy (visa centre) of the country that you will be spending most time so can't nip to Spain for a day to enable Porn in getting a double entry Schengen visa.

I've just done the online application form now again. Of course, no slots available for June. I'll log in every day anyway, see if i could get a cancellation (doubtful as there's so few to begin with) and as well because if you don't log onto the application for more than 15 days that's it f***d, have to start the whole thing again. So mostly to get into the habit. 

If i got one for June or one for August, i'd take it. If i can't, f**k it, put it down to experience, as wouldn't take a chance of ruining Thailand or Turkey with no Passport and stress waiting on it. 

When i first encountered this last year i put it down to them just gradually opening up again after Covid, VFS, the offices, the Country, that's what i thought. But it's the same this year ffs. It's like i said, do they not want tourists, or why only give so little that they're booked up near straight away, and why all the cloak and dagger that they won't tell you when they are released. 

I don't even have to do as many documents and hoops to jump through as you, as i use my Irish Passport, so Family Member. But still need to get a fucking appointment 

Can see £450 getting written off. Stressed with it all already 

[Aqualung]

15 minutes ago, Krapow said:

I've just done the online application form now again. Of course, no slots available for June. I'll log in every day anyway, see if i could get a cancellation (doubtful as there's so few to begin with) and as well because if you don't log onto the application for more than 15 days that's it f***d, have to start the whole thing again. So mostly to get into the habit. 

If i got one for June or one for August, i'd take it. If i can't, f**k it, put it down to experience, as wouldn't take a chance of ruining Thailand or Turkey with no Passport and stress waiting on it. 

When i first encountered this last year i put it down to them just gradually opening up again after Covid, VFS, the offices, the Country, that's what i thought. But it's the same this year ffs. It's like i said, do they not want tourists, or why only give so little that they're booked up near straight away, and why all the cloak and dagger that they won't tell you when they are released. 

I don't even have to do as many documents and hoops to jump through as you, as i use my Irish Passport, so Family Member. But still need to get a fucking appointment 

Can see £450 getting written off. Stressed with it all already 

I may be wrong Krapow... I'm here living in Sweden and what a nightmare VFS(immigration) are here aswell. 

From what I gather they are still processing many many immigrants from 2015/16.

 

[maipenrai]

Last night I had just been at work for an hour when I received a call from a co-worker who happens to be a rural neighbour of an old friend of mine who has been living together with another old friend for some years now; it wasn't good news, she had passed away suddenly yesterday morning. She was also my accountant for years and I'd last seen her three weeks ago when she did my taxes. I last saw her partner three days ago when he dropped by my home to pick up a tool I'd borrowed from him; we joked and kidded around as usual about life in general and I recall saying to him, "Well, that's life, isn't it? You're flying high in April and shot down in May." 

How I wish I hadn't said those words now...

[Stillearly]

04:45 in taxi on way to the Airport...

[KWA]

8 hours ago, Horizondave said:

Edit. Just looked and you need to apply at the embassy (visa centre) of the country that you will be spending most time so can't nip to Spain for a day to enable Porn in getting a double entry Schengen visa.

I don't know how strict they are now, but the advice used to be to get the easiest one and if questioned just say you changed your plans after the visa was issued.

[Glasseye]

17 hours ago, boydeste said:

Not sure what you mean by dead fish.

The van is great, should of bought one years ago. It is pretty full when two of us travel together, which is most of the time.

I have a large, very high end cooler which is very efficient. Mostly the bait and a weeks supply of food goes in frozen as well as two medical grade ice packs. This keeps everything nice and cool. Often the lakes will have a freezer on site where I can rotate the ice blocks if needed. Also the local supermarkets will sell ice, or give it for free if they have an ice store.

 

Spent beer.

[boydeste]

0630 here, no fish, good kip, just having a cup of tea and eating my porridge. 

Then it's load the van up and head home.

Been a lovely relaxing week lakeside in France.

[Horizondave]

10 hours ago, Krapow said:

I've just done the online application form now again. Of course, no slots available for June. I'll log in every day anyway, see if i could get a cancellation (doubtful as there's so few to begin with) and as well because if you don't log onto the application for more than 15 days that's it f***d, have to start the whole thing again. So mostly to get into the habit. 

If i got one for June or one for August, i'd take it. If i can't, f**k it, put it down to experience, as wouldn't take a chance of ruining Thailand or Turkey with no Passport and stress waiting on it. 

When i first encountered this last year i put it down to them just gradually opening up again after Covid, VFS, the offices, the Country, that's what i thought. But it's the same this year ffs. It's like i said, do they not want tourists, or why only give so little that they're booked up near straight away, and why all the cloak and dagger that they won't tell you when they are released. 

I don't even have to do as many documents and hoops to jump through as you, as i use my Irish Passport, so Family Member. But still need to get a fucking appointment 

Can see £450 getting written off. Stressed with it all already 

I will just look everyday (a few times a day) until the new dates for July are released. As long as they haven't already given out many of those July slots, I hope I should get an appointment but it is just a bloody pain.

It's Brexit you know, they don't like us although it's the other nationals needing a visa.

I won't be going to Greece again with Porn until the ETAS system is in place.

Having thought about it, if we can not organise a visa for Porn, then I will probably go with Kataleya. I don't want to lose about £650 and I have looked at cost of flights and hotels for Turkey and they would probably add another £1000 to monies already invested.

[Horizondave]

2 hours ago, KWA said:

I don't know how strict they are now, but the advice used to be to get the easiest one and if questioned just say you changed your plans after the visa was issued.

Thought about it, but logistically not sound as we only have 8 weeks before we are meant to go to Greece. Organising a side trip elsewhere just isn't practical, we will just try to get an appointment when the July dates are available.

[galenkia]

Loving this weather as all the hot babes are out in their skimpy clothes. Walking round with a semi boner.😂

[AJSP]

10 minutes ago, galenkia said:

Loving this weather as all the hot babes are out in their skimpy clothes. Walking round with a semi boner.😂

Much the same here - it’s Love Saves The Day festival here in Bristol and as it’s taking place at Ashton Court and we live in Clifton all the totty, many bra less , pierced and wearing feck all are heading over the bridge so it’s pervs paradise here in the village….lol 😎

[galenkia]

My new trainers have been rubbing the skin off my heels, never had that problem with trainers before, only boots.

But nurse Jan is on the case. The amount of stuff she has at home, I think she’s been robbing the hospital for decades!.

😂

[forcebwithu]

1 minute ago, galenkia said:

My new trainers have been rubbing the skin off my heels, never had that problem with trainers before, only boots.

But nurse Jan is on the case. The amount of stuff she has at home, I think she’s been robbing the hospital for decades!.

😂

A trick I was taught and use is to wear two pair of socks when out running to prevent blisters.

[galenkia]

6 minutes ago, forcebwithu said:

A trick I was taught and use is to wear two pair of socks when out running to prevent blisters.

I was really surprised as I only walk, and I’ve been wearing adidas trainers for 40 years without this occurring.

[fygjam]

1 hour ago, galenkia said:

My new trainers have been rubbing the skin off my heels, never had that problem with trainers before, only boots.

But nurse Jan is on the case. The amount of stuff she has at home, I think she’s been robbing the hospital for decades!.

😂

1 hour ago, forcebwithu said:

A trick I was taught and use is to wear two pair of socks when out running to prevent blisters.

I always had problems with new footwear of any type blistering my heels. Used to use a band-aid continuous strip. Cut off the length required.

Then I discovered

a couple of puffs in each sock. No more blisters.

 

[galenkia]

The weather is just beautiful, chilling in the park with Jan. I fucking love summer.

[Painter]

Well that was a race officer's nightmare.... wind kept shifting, including a 180° shift mid race, which meant beats became runs and vice versa....

Anyway, they all seemed to enjoy it...

 

[Stillearly]

Had to have an afternoon nap after being up so early ... now flicking between the end of the bundesliga season ⚽ and the time trail in the Giro 🚲

[AJSP]

1 hour ago, galenkia said:

I was really surprised as I only walk, and I’ve been wearing adidas trainers for 40 years without this occurring.

Nike is the way forward 😂😂

[Glasseye]

18 hours ago, maipenrai said:

Last night I had just been at work for an hour when I received a call from a co-worker who happens to be a rural neighbour of an old friend of mine who has been living together with another old friend for some years now; it wasn't good news, she had passed away suddenly yesterday morning. She was also my accountant for years and I'd last seen her three weeks ago when she did my taxes. I last saw her partner three days ago when he dropped by my home to pick up a tool I'd borrowed from him; we joked and kidded around as usual about life in general and I recall saying to him, "Well, that's life, isn't it? You're flying high in April and shot down in May." 

How I wish I hadn't said those words now...

 

Sorry, about your loss.

And try not too feel too bad about saying something which some may consider a bit "improper" for the occasion. We are all capable of doing the same, and often do. 

When confronted with an unexpected loss for some reason there is a sense that words need to be spoken. Perhaps as a form of distraction from the shock of the change while the brain processes the situation.

I do my best not to have anything to say initially. Later I will collect my thoughts and feelings and write something. I may or may not share that writing with another person who was close with the lost loved one.

Following a rash of funerals some years ago (all very dear people to me) I found myself in a very vulnerable time in my life. One of the things I did to help me get through that period was making a decision that I would never attend another funeral or wedding. 

I have my own way of remembering a dear friend or family member. I don't need a group of people standing around saying things that I do not know how to respond.