We are gathered here today..

[dextrous63]

How did you break the news to Dageus that when you peg out, his lifespan will be dramatically reduced? 😬😳

[Raven]

It won't be, whoever goes first will have their ashes kept untill the time when we will both go together.

[dextrous63]

Actually, joking apart, that's a really nice idea.  😊👍

[Michael Rolls]

Michael... Keep your car for as long as you can.. It is your lifeline.. your escape..
Don't be worrying yourself over whether you will outlive your sister.. It can take over your life..
Go and have a drink.. cheers !!!

Michael... Keep your car for as long as you can.. It is your lifeline.. your escape..
Don't be worrying yourself over whether you will outlive your sister.. It can take over your life..
Go and have a drink.. cheers !!!

What a good idea - cheers!

[Cassandra]

Michael... Keep your car for as long as you can.. It is your lifeline.. your escape..
Don't be worrying yourself over whether you will outlive your sister.. It can take over your life..
Go and have a drink.. cheers !!!

My feelings exactly. My father drove right up till his death, he did switch from a large car to a 'Smartcar' a full decade before his passing, which he loved and wished he'd done so many years before. The parking dimensions are so convenient and it has lots of space for a single shopper and excellent vision, it was also very easy to access. I kept it right up until I moved here and really enjoyed driving it. However he lived in the Barbican, in the City of London and utilised the tube a lot as well. When visiting the Home counties I remember him rolling up to many events in it, especially during strikes on the tube and rail. He found the utility of personal transportation became very important. Also there was no road tax, 70 to the gallon and miniscule insurance premiums. Today there would be no ULEZ charges either. He had a 'Blue Badge' - have you one Mike? If not apply for one, its worth a try if you have limited mobility.

He also had one of those 'cellular' wrist worn bracelets connected to a centre and I was the advisory to be called in the event of need by any incident. His one went off if his heart rate changed dramatically, of his BP changed likewise. Perhaps you could try one?

Anyway keep on, if for nothing else to annoy the wretched politicians and their green garbage.

[Diasi]

I walked home.. with Sam all over me and in my mouth..

I was on the verge of one of my tasteless replies but I've thought better of it.

[Scrumpy]

Now why doesn't that surprise me.!!

[Michael Rolls]

don't have a Blue card - remembering the hoops needed to get one for Veronica, I doubt I would qualify

[dextrous63]

don't have a Blue card - remembering the hoops needed to get one for Veronica, I doubt I would qualify

Am trying to get one for my ailing 90 year old MIL.  Talk about jumping through hoops!!

Meanwhile, most disability parking spots remain unused which makes one wonder why they want to make it so hard to get a blue badge!?!

[Cassandra]

don't have a Blue card - remembering the hoops needed to get one for Veronica, I doubt I would qualify

You'd be surprised these days, just get a form (print it off online) and have a go, it can save you a fortune, your age and how remote you are etc etc. Give it a go. bet you get one.

[dextrous63]

Am applying online, on behalf of.

Basically seems ok apart from wanting some documents that will take a bit of time to get hold of.

I'm constantly amazed how, in this day and age of technology, these things aren't already linked via appropriate databases which should make life considerably easier.

[Cassandra]

Am trying to get one for my ailing 90 year old MIL.  Talk about jumping through hoops!!

Meanwhile, most disability parking spots remain unused which makes one wonder why they want to make it so hard to get a blue badge!?!

I got one here Dex within 10 days, but I think the Yanks are far more respectful to older folk. Gen Z in England appear to be very anti Pensioners it seems from what I pick up via the media.

I once took my ex local authority to court re a fragrant breach of my Blue Badge rights. I ended up against a very poor advocate from the Council, who was clearly unprepared in every respect including seeming to be deaf. After just ten minutes the judge caused a wind up and found in my favour. I received considerable damages, which I promptly and publicly passed to an association who specialise in supporting pensioners likewise prosecuted by zealots from private parking firms who administer these frightful practices.

[dextrous63]

It no doubt does indeed help if one is an experienced legal advocate Cass.  The poor council fella was probably scared stiff when he realised he'd come up against a proper professional🤣🤣

In the meantime, I'm trying to see if my MIL can remember where she has stored certain documents such as her marriage certificate or old passport as proof of ID.  She has no idea what her NI number is and pointed me in the direction of a brown envelope which she thought would have it written in there.  Sadly not as it contained some kind of medical card from the 1970's.

In addition to this, I have emailed her GP (who is a lovely fella who said he'd support her application) since the council wants a copy of the letter that explains her degenerative condition which he will have to write, so they can ask him if he agrees with his own diagnosis at some stage and at their leisure.

As said, it's a mystery why all this is necessary as it's all available somewhere already.  One would think that a click of a button would facilitate the whole application process automatically.

She is old, increasingly frail and quite probably in the final few weeks of her life.  She fell over a month ago and fractured a bone in her spine.  Having access to barrier free parking spots would be useful.

[Cassandra]

From memory, he was uselessly arrogant and apparently thought an old codger like me was a walk-over. Fancied himself as Perry Mason I felt. I think he was actually a passed over conveyancer, from what my 'ears' inside the metropolis told me. He broke down very quickly after a few 'wind-ups' and started taking it personally, which was most unwise - but of course most useful.

[dextrous63]

Did you get a friend's rate from him when you sold your house😬