Since having my flu shot, and getting very wet and chilled, this pirate has been feeling under the weather. Nothing major, and no high temperature, just not feeling great. My ‘pick rate’ in work slumped a little, and I did go to great pains to state I wasn’t feeling so good since having a flu shot. The one day in work I sneezed so hard I had a slight nosebleed for the next few hours (I’m a bleeder). That was fun! I had to keep lowering my mask when nobody was around to… well, you know. The injection site was sore for over 24 hours, and I had some aches and pains. Could just be a cold, again, or the flu shot, who knows? A week later and I still have a sore throat, and I’m cold, though feeling better in myself.

As stated in the comments section of the previous blog, I have managed to evade the 4am start, so far. I’d pulled a face when the supervisor asked about starting that early, and when he stated I didn’t have to do them I jumped on that. We’ve sorted out my schedule for the next few weeks, and this month, I have a huge amount of overtime. I was so relieved at not having a 4am start that I agreed to all their requests for extra work, and it wasn’t until I started to fill out my hours on the house calendar (so me and my son know what hours I’m doing) that I noted I’ll be working 8 days in a row. How the hell did that happen! Lol. I’ll have to be more careful over the New Year and ensure that doesn’t happen again. Granted, the extra money will be very nice, though that’s a lot of days without a break. Good job I ‘only’ work a 6 -hour shift on those days. Some are working an 8-hour day though that’s their choice, not mine. There are 3 days over Christmas when we don’t pick, and New Year’s Day we don’t do it either so those days I’ll be off work. Some are bank holidays; some are days leave I’ll be taking. Nice!

Here, the weather continues to be miserable, wet, and cold, with some freezing fog thrown in for good measure. Man, I hate winter! At least when I’m working, I’m nice and warm and in the dry though for 2 pins, as they say, I’d up-anchor in a heartbeat and sail away to sunnier climes. Oh, apart from this damn virus, that is, though I guess I could anchor off the shore at some sunny paradise and just keep to myself. Sounds good! I have my fingers and toes crossed that we don’t get much, if any, snow here as I’m don’t think we get paid if we don’t make it in and the store is able to open. I’m hoping the ‘urban heat island’ effect will keep snow of any note from settling here; it’s very built up, lots of main roads, and no major hills, unlike my previous locale. Snow can take a hike!

We’ve had some deliveries this week including extra food for the Ship’s Dog, and a sharpening steel for my many knives. Some are none too sharp; that’s a job my ex used to be really good at, so my son has bought me a steel for Christmas. My choice, and it’s the same brand as some of my better quality knives; it was on sale so it’s a good price. We don’t make a big deal at Christmas; nice food, quality time at home, and the exchange of small gifts. We like it that way. I’ve bought him some nice slippers; his choice, and I’ll give him some money too as he rarely wants much, or much of anything I can afford lol. I shall spend a happy hour or so on Christmas Day sharpening my 12 knives, I think, as well as my lovely shiny cleaver (that’s not including steak knives that don’t get much use these days.) Happy times :) I’m easily pleased…

Well, take care, be safe, keep warm if possible.